Cleveland is burning

So it was a tough day for my favorite town yesterday.

The Indians put a cap on a horrific season by firing Eric Wedge. Then they told him to finish out the season?

Eric Mangini continues to show that he can’t manage and doesn’t have a plan for the Cleveland Browns by giving the starting job to Derek Anderson, and then telling him not to turn the ball over.

Delonte West hasn’t shown up for camp yet and people are starting to get worried. The Cavs will be hurting badly if he’s gone for any reason.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the lineup that a lame-duck Wedge will put on the field against Boston this weekend.

Barack on campus

Last month it was well documented that the University of Notre Dame invited President Barack Obama to speak at their graduation commencement ceremony on May 17th. Presidential commencement speeches happen every year, but this year it was a little different.  This year, President Obama said yes, and religion that the University rests its laurels on spoke up, and spoke up indeed.

Several prominent Catholic spokespeople have cried out against the invite of the president.  Most speaking to the fact that Mr. Obama’s political platform doesn’t correlate with that of the conservative view of the Catholic religion and Notre Dame.  That his views on abortion and stem cell research set the wrong example for the graduating students.  Some are even asking that the Domers recognition as a Catholic university get revoked.

While I can see the point that the good folks of the Catholic faith are trying to make, I think that perhaps they should take a step back on this one.  Yes, its true, the conservative views and President Obama’s do not match up. However, he’s still the President of the United States of America and you need to respect that.  I’m sure that he’s not going to stand up there and stump about the rights and wrongs of abortion, he could, but he won’t.  One would imagine that he’ll talk about being open to new ideas and breaking through barriers, just as he’s trying to do in politics, and has already done with race.  I think that this is much to do about nothing.

Some students have come out and said they are excited about Obama’s speech as its not everyday you get to see the President.  That they are more worried that the protesters will make a spectacle of the day, rather then have it be part of a showcase of their day, of their hard work, and tears for the extremely important accomplishment they have achieved.  In the student newspaper it was 70/30 for the President.  In letters from the alumni, it was about 50/50 some Notre Dame websites reported.

I think the bottom line is that this could end up to be a black spot on catholicism and its politics, rather then the University of Notre Dame.  Now, I’m catholic, and a huge Notre Dame fan, so I feel comfortable commenting on both.  Catholicism has always been under fire for sometimes being too old fashioned and not “catching up with the times.”  While some diocese are more progressive then others, it still causes people to be critical at some level.  As people are to all religions.  I can appreciate the fact that they are standing up for the basis of morals that Catholics believe in, I just think there might have been a more eloquent way of doing it.

Either way, Notre Dame has not desided to rescind the invite as of now, and it still seems to be business as usual for the commencement speech.  Maybe, those alumni dollars could be a little bit less for next year though.

What to watch while LOST is on a 2 week break

What are we gonna do?  In my humble opinion, the best show on T.V. is LOST.  LOST will be going on a 2 week vacation and leaving me at a loss for what to watch on television as we all wait for March Madness.  Don’t worry, Frank-ly Sports is here to help.

Monday:

The Untouchables 6pm AMC-”It’s the Chicago Way.”  Don’t be a d-bag, DVR it if you have to, but just watch it.

Castle 10pm on ABC-whitty novel writer teams up with city cop to help with research of his next novel.  Nathan Fillion seems to be  a pretty funny guy, as I heard him on the radio stumping for the show today.  It doesn’t look as serious as Law & Order, but people need laughs these days.

Conference Tournaments on ESPN-The Southern, Colonial, West Coast, and Metro-Atlantic conferences are looking to get their tickets punched

Tuesday

World Baseball Classic on ESPN 6pm-If you really need a baseball fix, go for it.  I have had  alot of fun watching the Asian teams go at it, there really are some great players there.  The Dominican Republic and Cuban teams are loaded with talent.

Wednesday

American Idol-This show has really fallen off for me, but people tell me that this has been really close so far, but is taking way to long.  Go ahead and get girlie and indulge.

Big East Tournament 2nd round game-ESPN has it on both networks.  This is the best conference in college hoops. It could give you the edge in your office pool

Jurassic Park III on TNT-C’mon, friggin’ dinosaurs are awesome!

Thursday

Lakers vs. Spurs 8 pm on TNT-Kobe is making an MVP statement, and the beat up Spurs are riding a Tony Parker wave.  Either way, its sure to be a good one.

Friday

Dirty Jobs-always entertaining, always disgusting, always enriching.

ACC tournament on ESPN 2-I’m probably going to watch a little to find out who else can win in this conference that isn’t named North Carolina

Ultimate dude Christmas list…Take notes ladies

Tis’ the season to be merry, and we hear at Frank-lySports want to do everything in our power to help that.  This time, we are reaching out to our female readers(we might have two), to help them with last minute holiday gifts they can provide for their special someone.  There is probably no chance that any of these are cheap, but hey, its the thought that counts.

Also, I’d like to give a special thanks to the highly intelligent, multi-faceted, control group that helped to brainstorm ideas for the list.  Truly a talented group.

1. Super Bowl tickets-If your beau doesn’t want to go to this game, you should probably kick his ass to the curb anyway.

2.Paid admission to his favorite sports team fantasy camp-Odds are he didn’t play, was to fat, to slow, to white, or quit because of you, so give the guy a chance to live his dream.

3. NCAA Final Four tickets-see explanation to reason one…And yes ladies we are serious about that.

4. Season tickets to his favorite college/pro/minor league team-Just another great way for you to spend time(and money) with each other. They even have half season packages for most teams. Don’t buy the cheap seats either, he didn’t go cheap on your ring did he?

5.Plan a Sports-a-holic trip-Hit a multi-city, or multi-game weekend in a city you both have never been to. Check out the Phoenix Suns and Coyotes in the same week, or a college bowl game and hoops game.  He’ll never forget it and he’ll tell all of his friends.  Great way to break up those bromances ladies.

6. 40+ inch TV, hooked up complete with sports package-NFL Sunday ticket, NASCAR, NBA ticket etc(break up may immediately follow)

7. Panoramic view of his favorite stadium-good for over the fire place in your living room(don’t think he won’t suggest it), office, study, or man cave.

8. Autograph memorabilia of favorite player-personalized-Again with the brownie points.

9. Sports movie collection-There are certain movies that men must have and must watch.  Suggestions: Varsity Blues, The Program, Mighty Ducks, The Natural, Field of Dreams, Friday Night Lights, Hoosiers, Rocky, Tin Cup, Little Giants…Its a big list.

10. Favorite team/player jersey-Accessorize your man for game day, you’ll get tons of “brownie points” for that one.

All we are trying to do here is make you the best wife/girlfriend/friend with benefit/stalker that you can be.  At a minimum, this gives you tons of ammo for all the crappy gifts he’s about to give you.  For crying out loud, make us a list already!

Happy Holidays!

Hello China!

Finally, I’m back to grace the pages of Frankly Sports.  Things have really been busy.  My apologies to my faithful readers who have been deprived of my witty expertise and whimsical writing.  I will see what I can serve up for you here.

The Olympics have been underway for a week so far, and damn have they been impressive.  The opening ceremonies were done with the type of precision that took your breath away.  From  drummers counting down the time, to pyrotechnics(some fake, some real), singing, dancing, Tai Chi and of course the torch, the Chinese dressed to impress and showcased Beijing.  I’m not sure if I can pinpoint my favorite spot, but the torch lighting was pretty remarkable.  Even with the uneasy moment of when they lowered the torch bearer into a diagonal position, and I swear he was going to fall to his death.  I think the reconstruction of the birds nest by people dressed in suits that light up.  No doubt it was impressive.  I think that the parade of nations was more interesting then I can ever remember.  With the trying and complex global structure of the world these days, listening to Bob Costas and Matt Lauer explain the detail of each country and how sport plays a roll in their life.  For some, how sport rescued them from their lives.  I was glad that the U.S. didn’t get booed, that was a tense moment for some reason.

So far Beijing has proven to give us some great moments.  Its sure to leave us with plenty more.  Here is a quick list of my favorites thus far:

1. Michael Phelps-That Visa commercial is wrong, the guy is a fish…Why do they even have the events, just give him a fist full of golds, and let him go play guitar hero all day.

2. Mens 4×100 freestyle relay team wins gold-especially after all the trash talk by the Frenchies, that epic last 50 m will go down in history.  Lezak was flying.

3. Mens All-around gymnastics finals-The U.S. men were left for dead in this competition with the Hamm brothers out, but they rallied around a “have fun, no regrets” mantra and were able to get a bronze  medal

4. President Bush-Dubbya was everywhere the first few days, and for once, he really looked like he was having fun. The man loves everything about sports, and I was happy to see him enjoying himself.  The footage of him getting a lesson from Misty May-Treanor was priceless.

5.Dalhauser/Rogers upset-US Mens top team Dalhauser and Rogers were upset in the rain to Lithuania.  That turned the focus even more towards the pool play.

6.Redeam Team does us proud-Kobe, LeBron and D-Wade have been humiliating people, and all is right with the world as we thrash teams by 30 points. We are 3-0, have disposed of China and avenged a loss from 4 years ago to Greece.

Slowly the shift goes from the pool and the gym to the track and hoops.  I’m most excited for the mens 100m dash.  Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay will be the headliners as three of the fastest men  on the planet.  Lets hope that the hype of the race is worth it.  Bolt is the latest Jamaican to break the world record, and is making headlines in the track world daily.  Get your popcorn ready for this one, its gonna be good.

The USA basketball team has successfully gotten on the comeback trail, and is on the fast track to the gold medal game. Dwayne Wade has been leading the way with 19 per, but LeBron James’ defense has been on display as of late.  The women have been business as usual, going 3-0 and upping their Olympic streak to 28 games.

I could go on forever about this. There are so many more medals to be one and lost, so many more moments that will be isolated in time forever, and I plan on watching every minute of it.

Top 10 Sports Games of All-Time

I miss my Playstation.  This got me thinking about creating a list of games that I loved.  Not just that, but the iconic games that made sports gamers everywhere waste countless hours indoors perfecting them all.

So, here goes…I’m expecting lots of comments on this one.

1.  Tecmo SuperBowl-I remember when I beat my friend Dan with Chrisitain Okoye by breaking the tackle of three guys on his 10 yard line and walked into the endzone.  He preceded to throw the controller and storm out.  How about a little Bo Jackson?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PBvOxicz-0

2. Madden 2004-Great audibles, and the first to use “Playmaker” technology…Michael Vick was ridiculous in this game

3.Blades of Steal-First hockey game with “real” fighting. You could really mess cats up in it

4. Mario Kart-You know that somehow Mario would get on this list

5. Mike Tyson’s Punchout-Tyson was impossible, but I think the second Piston Honda was also challenging. I loved kicking Glass Joe’s ass though.

6. Duck Hunt-Damn that laughing dog

7. NHLPA Hockey 94-Made famous in the movie Swingers…The wrap around was unstoppable, and you could, “Make little Wayne’s head bleed.”

8. NCAA Football2005-First to have the home field advantage, and my college roomies and I logged a ridiculous amount of time playing and not studying.

9. John Elway Football-way underrated

10.Excite Bike-You could build your own tracks and it was the first break through for MotorCross

 

Now, I refuse to believe that the gamers out there won’t have some responses out there.  What are some of your favorites?

Best week ever to be a Dude?

Like most people, I typically gauge my week on how productive I am at work, at home, and socially.  How we tie it together and live our lives can be effected by poor performances in any of those arenas. But every now and again, there are other outside forces that have an impact on your life that can also help or hurt your outlook.  For instance, if you get sick(or in my case have an allergy infection), hurt yourself, go out on a date, get an A on a paper, a promotion at work, go 3-for-3 in softball that night, or you pull of dinner for your family of 4 successfully again, they all hang desperately on a thread and can quickly ruin your psyche instantly. This week however, for sports fans and guys everywhere, the stars have aligned and the big man upstairs is pulling out all of the stops.  This could be one of “THE BEST WEEKS EVER TO BE A GUY.”  Why is that you ask?  I’ll tell you.  Here’s a Sunday to Sunday look at stuff.

Sunday 13th-(Yes I know its gone and went, but you didn’t know it was going to kick off your great week)

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Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic from sunny Sylvania, OH.  Ok, so it was sunny most of the time, but this is a great golf tournament, that gets some airtime on the DUECE, and displays some of the top women in the world. Now, there are a few big names that weren’t there this year, but they’ll be back.  It started off with a course record by Paula Creamer, shooting a 60.  Creamer went wire-to-wire in the victory, but the tournament has some great golf, on a great course.  Put on your list of things next year to go see, or make sure to TiVo or watch.

Next, the XM Radio Futures game.  I really like this concept for MLB.  In an effort to showcase some of the minor league stars at every level, MLBcame up with the idea of a USA vs. The World for a futures game.  This gives the hardcore fans a nice look at whats going on at the farm level, and allows you to peek into the future of your team.  Indians fans, LaPortwas 1-3 with a walk.  Anyway, the USA team lost 3-0, but the game was very competitive, and these guys love to play.  Its always under-hyped, but is still a nice event.

Monday 14th-All-Star Home Run Derby. (8:00 on ESPN) How can you not love the derby.  Yes it takes a little long, but no baseball fan can turn it off.  Chics love the long ball, and so do sports guys.  Its an interesting mix of hitters this year, a lot of young guys that aren’t your traditional power hitting studs.  Here’s the roster:  Grady Sizemore of the Indians, Evan Longoria of the Brewers, Josh Hamilton of the Rangers, Justin Morneau of the Twins, Chase Utely of the Phillies, Lance Berkman of the Astros, Ryan Braun from the Brewers and Dan Uggla of the Marlins will showcase the bright young stars of the league as they swing for the fences at Yankee Stadium.  I’m rooting for Sizemore to win it, being a Tribe fan, but my pick is Hamilton.  That dude can mash, and its the kind of season for this great story.  One downside, the Chris Berman, Back, back, back, gone, gets a little old…

Tuesday 14th-Ok sports gamers, this is officially Christmas time!  NCAA Football 2009’s release date is today.  For those of you that have already pre-ordered it, I expect a post on here telling us all about it.  Check it out on www.easports.comto see how  sick it really is.  If your like me at all, buying this game is good and bad.  Good, because it finally puts you in the driver seat of taking your favorite team to the promise land, as well as countless hours beating your boys in grudge matches.  Bad because you will probably be in the doghouse for all of the time you’ll log in front of the television.  Quick news flash, your wife, girlfriend, mom and sister, don’t reallywant to know your stats of your previous game.  Either way, this is a holiday in dude-world, so get the game, buy some pizza’s, invite your boys over, send the wife out shopping and drinking with her friends, and get your game on.

79th Annual Major League Baseball All-Star game is tonight!  At 8 p.m. at the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium, the American League and National League will tangle under the evening skies of New York.  Fitting that New York should have the all-star game there considering it is the last year for the old stadium.  I’m sure that Fox will do a great tribute to the “House that Ruth built” and shame on them if they don’t.

Wednesday 16th-First and foremost, its my buddy Zac’s birthday.  Happy birthday to Zac, and I’ll ask all of my Frank-ly sports faithfuls to drink one for BoDog. Enjoy buddy! That alone is worth celebrating for everyone.

Thrusday 17th-Baseball is back today, and the race for the pennant is officially ON.  Either that or your team has thrown up its white flag, and your rebuilding process is ON.  Can Anaheim get out of their funk and get it going again?  Will the Rays keep it up and bump Boston or New York out of the play-offs? Will Bonds end up back in the game? Can Chipper Jones hit .400?  Will the Indians make it respectable? Can CC Sabathia bring the gusto that the Brewers need get them a championship?  Who knows, but we’ll find out quickly.

Friday 18th-The Dark Knight Opens Today.  This is a day that comic book fans, and guys everywhere have been waiting for.  Ever since the smash hit Batman Begins came out and gave us the tingles again for Batsy, we’ve been waiting.  This time Joker is back and better then every.  People will go to see Batman, Alfred, the tumbler, but most of all the late HeathLedger.  Ledger’s unfortunate deathwill bring people to the theatre.  People will come to see Heath, remember his work, and see how he captured the Joker. Overall, I’m expecting good things out of the movie that has been touted by some experts as “the best Batman movie ever.”  So clear your schedule, make a date, and save your popcorn money for your trip back to Gotham City.

Saturday 19th-The Open. Its the weekend right?  So how about at little golf.  The British Open from Royal Birkdale.  There won’t be any Tiger Woods, so the field is wide open.  Phil Mickelson has been overseas for weeks hoping to get acclimated to the euro courses.  Hopefully he ditched is “5 wedges, no drive” strategy.

Sunday 20th-Well, even God had a day for rest.  By Sunday you’ll be out of food and underwear, so get in the car get the house loaded up again, and maybe do it without asking your wife  or girlfriend for permission, besides, you did make her watch 3 years worth of awesome dude stuff in 7 days…

GOOD LUCK, your gonna need it…

Happy Birthday Dave!

Everyone has a person that has been intsturmental in their development.  The fancy business books would call them a mentor, most people call them friends, little kids call them heroes, mine goes by a different name, David.  My cousin, turns 33 today, and I wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday.  Usually I’d call him on the phone, send a card and write an email, but since I now have the ability to  plaster it all over the World Wide Wasteland, I will.  So here’s a little bit as to why Dave is important to me, and how he’s always been there.  Yes this could probably get sappy.

You were always there encouraging me, even when I didn’t have the skill or ability to hang with the older people. You would always pick me in a basketball game, touch football game, or board game as your teammate.  Then you would bust your ass to make sure that we didn’t lose as to not disappoint me, but mostly yourself.  Thank you.

There was never any hesitation on your part to let me stay up and watch movies, or play video games.  This had to do with the fact that you were an only child, but I’m pretty sure you felt cool having a little guy look up to you.  At no point did it ever get destructive, I loved the late night Taco Bell runs, that I would beg my mom to let me go on with you and your boys.  I would always appreciate how often you would come to our house to chill.  I’m sure there were reasons with that, perhaps that you weren’t comfortable in you own skin there at times, and Drummond Street became a little bit of a shelter.  You know that my sister and I couldn’t wait until you’d show up, so that we could fight for your attention. Thank you.

You still let me bore you with baseball talk, even though you don’t really care.  You do it because you know I love it and it makes me happy.  Thank you.

I could always depend on getting at least one email from you a week in college.  Most of them with Browns talk, but a little bit with a big brother ton to make sure I was doing ok, and that I wasn’t becoming an idiot.  During that time, I really think you stop looking at me as a little kid, and more of a peer.  Which is something that I’ve always fought for in our family, since I’m one of the youngest.  Thank you.

You and Chris ruined my unbeaten streak in NBA Jam, because you wanted to make sure you both at triple doubles.  That one stung a little, and I’m sure there is a lesson to learn about that, but I was 109-0 man…Thanks, I guess.

You told me about fantasy football/basekteball/sports-You taught me the importance of properly scouting out players for any form of fantasy draft that I play in.  For some reason, I do it evey year, and I only win the Non-money leagues, but its something that has driven my passion for sports, and gives us something else to talk about and have fun with. Thanks.

You once gave me a Senior picture from high school that read like this: 1) Always listen to Rush 2) Always play baseketball 3) Don’t eat the yellow snow…Words to live by my man, words to live by.  Thanks.

Dave has always been there to talk about “big” stuff in my life.  He’s done most of it, so he never hesitates to dive into a problem and give me his opinion.  As a 20 year old it was great to have someone else do the heavy lifting for me, but you’ve made me a better decision maker because of it, and I appreciate that.  I hope that someday I can help you with an issue or problem.  Thanks.

 You introduced me to Dave Matthews Band.  As well as an assortment of other amazing bands.  Even though my sister always takes credit for it, I’m pretty sure that I bought the Under the Table and Dreaming cd before she did, and have seen them in concert more times.  I’m not even sure if you like them anymore, but I own every cd for a reason, and your behind it.  Thanks.

In the family Olympics, you made sure I was in an event, even though I was like 7 years old, that I had a shot at winning.  I’m fairly sure that you and Uncle Tom made everyone let me win, but either way it meant a lot.  Thanks.

Remember when I taught you how to pitch-You actually did fairly well.

Best man at my wedding. Thanks.

The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that I have a lot to thank you for.  I hope that on your birthday you get the time to do what you like the most, and realize how many people care about you. If I could change anything it would be that we all got to see each other more, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work out that way.  Your wife Shannon is great, and I can’t wait to meet Katherine.  Your an old fart, but I love you anyway.

Mentor, friend, confidant, hero and brother…Thanks.

Happy Birthday!

Fletch is BAAAACCKK…And here are his rants….

Quick Editors Note:  Congratulations is in order to my brother in arms, life and blogging, Fletch, who is back from his new marriage and honeymoon…Please wish him the best, or give him a heads up on the worst…

 

It’s been several weeks since I last submitted something to this fine blog as I’ve spent those weeks planning a wedding, having a wedding, and then going on a honeymoon. Something happened during the week that led up to the May 24 wedding date and the week following that has me rethinking a huge portion of my life. During that two week span I watched a grand total of ONE sporting event. It was Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and although my Penguins lost, I stewed in the disappointment for only a few minutes before I went back to enjoying the beach with my new wife. It was nice to separate myself from the mess that is the Cleveland Indians and my absolute disgust at the NBA. I didn’t even watch Sportscenter for those two weeks, and I felt great. I love sports, but after my self-imposed exile I realized that I might be able to survive without the constant heartache and disappointment that they seem to give me. So, I am announcing here and now that I am moving to a beach community and allowing my ulcers and nerves a chance to rest…at least until football season.

Can I live without sports? Absolutely not! So, here are a few random thoughts from the week since I’ve returned to normality.

 

The NBA

Not since the Lakers and Pacers played in the Finals back in 1999-2000 have I had so little interest in who won the championship. Back then, and even now, I dislike both teams so much that no matter who wins I will still feel a sense of dissatisfaction with the outcome. Back then it was Reggie Miller and Shaq that caused me such displeasure, and now it is the Kobe v. the “Big Three” DREAM matchup that is causing me as much comfort as a hemorrhoid. This is exactly what the NBA wanted to have happen. David Stern could be heard the night Boston clinched over the Pistons jumping around his home declaring himself a genius for saving the league. Thank God for him, because the last thing anyone wanted to see was another brilliant performance by the San Antonio Spurs over a far inferior team. Ratings will go through the roof with the reinvention of one of the greatest sports rivalries of all time. Unfortunately, there is no Magic and no Bird. There is no matchup between the two premier dynasties of the time. It is simply the best player in the game leading his team up against a team that has bought and paid for a championship. The idea behind this “Dream” Final is lost because there is no history between these teams and their players just between the uniforms they are wearing. Magic v. Bird was historic, Kobe v. Garnett will never be as important to the history of the game or as memorable.

 

NBA Part II, Paul Pierce

For the love of God, if I hear Paul Pierce refereed to as a brave, courageous hero one more time I may never watch another NBA game for the rest of my life. His performance in Game 1 deserves a Tony Award, not the praise of every media outlet in the country as Willis Reed-esque. I say Tony Award because an Oscar doesn’t quite fit the stage performance of this modern day Messiah. Pierce was so convincing in his overacted drama queen roll in Game 1 that he may be taking over for Nathan Lane in “The Producers” come next year. He and the media have painted this picture of a man who’s leg was ready to fall off, just to staple it together and come back into the game to save the Celtics. The truth is, he was never that hurt. Sure, the initial pain had to be both excruciating and terrifying. But I can’t believe for one second that this injury was season threatening the way he bounced back onto the court after 1:05. That’s right, one minute and five seconds after he left the court, he was back. I believe it hurt, and that he felt discomfort, but the way he thrived and rolled around on the court you’d have thought he’d been shot. No season ending injury fixes itself in the matter of 65 seconds. He overreacted, and every sportswriter in the building blew it out of proportion. We need to reserve words like bravery, courage, and hero to men and women who actually deserve it. The man who saves a child from a burning building but gives his own is courageous and brave. Not someone who plays a kid’s game for a living. He had a great performance…and that’s it.

 

            Cleveland Indians

            What the… What…what happened? I left for my honeymoon and they were in bad shape, but what it the hell happened since then. I turned on a game and saw a kid pitching that I’ve never heard of. Jake Westbrook was activated from the DL just to be put back on it and Fausto is also on the DL. There are so many times when a team has high expectations on them, and it seems like everything goes wrong. They can’t hit, their pitching is good, but the pitchers are falling apart, and their strengths have become giant weaknesses. I don’t have any solution of what to do, but something needs to change. Mark Shapiro and Eric Wedge promised the people of Cleveland a contender by 2005, and they gave us one. I think it is important for these men to understand that the people of Cleveland don’t want a one-year wonder. They want to contend every year. Shapiro is giving money to our young nucleus, but they have become just as big a problem as everything else has. I would hate to think that by locking these young guys up would ultimately handcuff the team for many many years. They still over 100 or so games to go, and in the MLB, especially this year, who knows what can happen. But I hate to think this is another example of the Cleveland curse biting the fans of such a great city on the butt…. again.

 

Congrats!

The big winners of the past few weeks have been the NHL and the Detroit Red Wings. As much as it pains me to say this, I applaud the Wings and their Stanley Cup win. I am a big hockey fan, and have followed the Pittsburgh Penguins for many years. I was so excited to see them in the finals again, and even though they lost, I was so proud of the team that was days from being relocated and torn apart making a push for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Now, during football season the city of Pittsburgh can bite my…you know. But as a resident of the “Rust Belt” it was nice to see the boys from Pittsburgh making it to the championship game against incredible in-house odds. I was so impressed with the way the series went. This matchup was the best Stanley Cup in many years, because it had everything a fan could want. Non-stop action and incredible individual performances made this must watch television. I’ve said all along that the NHL is one of the most fun sporting events to watch and attend. They have fallen on hard times in the past ten years, but with the right people in place, this could be a launching pad for the league to get back to where it was in the mid-90’s. It isn’t very often that the NHL outdoes the NBA, but this year it did and it gives all hockey fans something to look forward to next season.

 

Airport scene…

I spend a lot of time in airports for work. In fact I’m in an airport writing this now. This allows me to see a lot of scenes that are straight out of a Hallmark movie.  Grandparents hugging their grandchildren for the first time, the frustration of a delayed of cancelled flight, good customer service, bad customer service, family reunions, honeymooners, vacations, jet setters, and for the past five or so years, Armed forces members coming and going.  All of them show you the complicated dynamic that we all have with each other, and each encounter that I witness allows me learn a little more about us as people.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not spying on people from afar, or stalking cute old ladies, these all typically happen while I’m waiting, or on my way out the door of the airport.

Most recently, my travels took me to Baltimore Washington Airport in Maryland.  As I came off the jetway, and headed for the foodcourt to take advantage of my 45 minutes that I had between flights, I heard an announcement come over the loudspeaker.  The MC told the waiting crowd that coming down the jetway were a group of men that are second to none, and admired by many.  It was a plane full of World War II veterans.  The man on the microphone asked that stand up and give them a warm welcome, out of respect for their sacrafices.  Being someone tha loves history, I placed my order at Quizno’s as fast as I could in order to get a seat to help pay respect for the Greatest Generation.  I paid the cashier, and moved to the left to watch my sandwich pass through the little oven, when the clapping started.  Three gates worth of people, as well as 100 or so lunch breakers, roared with applause as the first group of WWII vets unloaded from the flight.  “Geez, where is this freakin’ sandwich I thought.”  As it came through the oven, I guy walks up to the male cashier, both worked for the airport, and said,”Dude, I thought they were somebody famous, their just a bunch of old dudes that fought in the war..”  I would have paid for a picture of the look on my face when I heard this clown say that, and then precede to cap it off with a high five, dap and a giggle from his retard friend.  Some war?  Is that really what some people think.  How about the most important war in the history of the planet, that saved all of us?  It took everything in my power not to say something to this guy.  Instead, I quickly composed myself and found a perch near the action.

There were probably about 20 or 30 men in total, most of them past their prime, all of them smiling as the applause hit them.  I started to think about how often I say that life sucks, or that things couldn’t be worse.  The reflection drew me to focus on these men and their sense of duty, pride, and sacrafice.  We are talking about 20-30 men, that at age of 18-19 were asked to go save the world.  Wow, that is powerful stuff.  At age 19, I was wondering if I should drop my English Lit calls at BGSU, and trying to find the next house party to go to so that I could get drunk.  These guys were marching through Europe, fighting Nazi’s.  I would have crapped my pants, and probably still would, if I had to stare down a Panzar unit, or Luftwaffa air raid.  It seemed like the perfect thing for people to see as we approach the 4th of July.

Yet still, someone always has to ruin the party.  Shit brick in the Quizno’s line, doesn’t even realize that without these men, he might not have a job, might not live in Baltimore, might not even exist if these men hadn’t decided to give up their youth for the greater good.  How selfish have we all become, that we can’t stop in our busy day to give some props to the people that really need it.  They did.  Now,  I didn’t really let shit brick rain on the parade too much.  I stood and clapped as loudly as I could for these great men.  Who I’m sure would have never asked for any type of recognition at all.  What I would have liked to have done is grabbed shit brick by his ears, dropped him at him at the feet of the WWII vets, and encouraged them to beat the idiocy out of him.

So I’m going to urge everyone to do a few things.  As we all prepare for the 4th, planning our family get togethers, BBQ’s, golf outings, and vacations, take a moment to soak up the time, and say a little thank you to all of the heroes that have come and gone.  As well as all of the heroes that continue to fight for the freedom and liberties that make this country great.  I would encourage you to take sometime and visit your local library and pick out a book about WWI or WWII and take the time to read it.  While it may not be for everyone, it should be appreciate by all.

Thanks to all of you that protect us daily…