Last night, The Philadelphia Phillies clinched their World Series title beating the Tampa Bay Rays. The game was started in the sixth inning last night because of the weather conditions two nights ago. This raised a lot of eyebrows because the game was stopped and not continued until two days later, meaning their had to be a layoff. The Phillies, who were thought to lose the momentum, got off with a great start from pinch hitter Geoff Jenkins who led off the inning with a double. Jimmy Rollins then bunted him over to third, and Jason Werth hit an "excuse me" pop fly single to center then just fell in off the second basemen. This was Philadelphia's first world title since 1983.
The momentum was to have thought to be shifted to the Rays. They had just tied the game, Cole Hamels, Philly's best pitcher was out of the game, and their three-four hitters were just starting to warm up. The Phillies however, stayed confident and shut the door as Brad Lidge got his 48 save in 48 chances, which is astonishing. A guy who had been questioned if you could come up in the big spot, showed everyone what he was made of.
This year's World Series was the least watched series in a number of years. Their ratings were horrible and people, to be honest didn't really care all that much. The past year's we've watched two major cities who love their baseball go at it in New York and Boston. Tampa Bay couldn't even get their own fans to fill the ball park let alone get the rest of the country to watch. I thought it was exciting at least seeing a team come from last to first in just a year, showing what a true team is about, coming together and winning as a whole. The Phillies were just a better team at this and executed.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Construction
Yes. when I came to this school I knew that they were making some improvements. Building a new education building, re-doing Fitz, and just making the overall campus better. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it was going to get this bad. I thought at least I could sleep at night, or walk to my class without taking a detour. In my opinion its disgusting to see this campus under construction and to just see this campus that can really be beautiful, just be torn apart.
The worst I guess in my opinion has been the work done outside of Randall, and my building, Clarke. What the he;ll are they doing out their, they're just a giant gap in the street and it looks the same every single day, the hole size, the bulldozer, the workers. The worst part is it wakes me up every morning at 7 when my earliest class starts at 930. to make all of this worse to top it off, Clarke hall had no water for two days from about 9-4. What? So I pay all this money to go here and i cant even wash my hands or take a shower when i need to. It's embarrassing to this college and to my other friends who go here to say I didn't have water in my building today as my friends look at me in disbelief.
My point is really, that some of these changes are not needed. What is the matter with the front of Randall? Unless there is a pipe ready to blow the building up and needs to be fixed I'm fine with that, but if its just to make it look "prettier" that's horrible.
The worst I guess in my opinion has been the work done outside of Randall, and my building, Clarke. What the he;ll are they doing out their, they're just a giant gap in the street and it looks the same every single day, the hole size, the bulldozer, the workers. The worst part is it wakes me up every morning at 7 when my earliest class starts at 930. to make all of this worse to top it off, Clarke hall had no water for two days from about 9-4. What? So I pay all this money to go here and i cant even wash my hands or take a shower when i need to. It's embarrassing to this college and to my other friends who go here to say I didn't have water in my building today as my friends look at me in disbelief.
My point is really, that some of these changes are not needed. What is the matter with the front of Randall? Unless there is a pipe ready to blow the building up and needs to be fixed I'm fine with that, but if its just to make it look "prettier" that's horrible.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
What a Surprise
Well that's great. A game where the Jets should have won easily, lost in an embarrassing defeat. The Raiders. I laugh when I hear that team's name because they are so miserable. They win what like 2 games a year if their lucky. Somehow the Jets managed to lose to them this past Sunday making their playoff chances slimmer and slimmer.
It is one thing to lose a game, and another to lose it doing stupid things. Brett Farve throwing interceptions, even though you knew he does this when he came here. Just stupid passes inside the 10 yard line, forcing throws just giving the ball away. Yes, I have been happy with Farve and his arm throwing deep balls like it is nothing, but why are we forcing touchdowns when we can just take the three points? He's a veteran who I thought knew better then this, actually using his head on the field.
The way the Jets lost was also a disgrace. Down by three, they got the ball on about the 2 yard line and actually made it into pretty decent field position. Enough where it was a long shot for a field goal, but still a shot. The first attempt was missed off the upright, but a time out was called thank god. The second attempt was actually made! Jay Feely of all people making a 52 yard field goal, I thought to myself this is it this is the motivation we need. No, no it isn't as I watch the Jets pitiful defense try to stop the Raiders but can't even do that as they kick a game winning field goal. It's tough being a Jet fan.
It is one thing to lose a game, and another to lose it doing stupid things. Brett Farve throwing interceptions, even though you knew he does this when he came here. Just stupid passes inside the 10 yard line, forcing throws just giving the ball away. Yes, I have been happy with Farve and his arm throwing deep balls like it is nothing, but why are we forcing touchdowns when we can just take the three points? He's a veteran who I thought knew better then this, actually using his head on the field.
The way the Jets lost was also a disgrace. Down by three, they got the ball on about the 2 yard line and actually made it into pretty decent field position. Enough where it was a long shot for a field goal, but still a shot. The first attempt was missed off the upright, but a time out was called thank god. The second attempt was actually made! Jay Feely of all people making a 52 yard field goal, I thought to myself this is it this is the motivation we need. No, no it isn't as I watch the Jets pitiful defense try to stop the Raiders but can't even do that as they kick a game winning field goal. It's tough being a Jet fan.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
World Series
So this year's fall classic is featuring two teams that probably nobody cares about. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies. Even though my beloved Yankees didn't make the playoffs this year which was heart breaking, I don't mind these two teams all that much. The Phillies, beat the Mets out once again for another first place finish eliminating them from the post season, and the Rays beat the Red Sox from making another appearance in the World Series thank god.
It is actually a really good match-up with Philadelphia's power hitting lineup against the Rays pitching and defense, but the Rays have shown some pop coming into the playoffs. Players like Evan Longaria and BJ Upton were disgusting hitting home runs like they were on Que. The amazing thing is though, is that these players are only 24 years old and only going to get better. Their is even the new "closer" in Price who is younger then these two players and just dominating hitters. The Rays are a team to be reckoned with and the Phillies should not take them lightly.
Overall, I guess I cant be to down on this year's World Series. It should be an interesting match-up with lots of ups and downs. Both teams do the little and fundamental things right and that's what wins games. We are about to see some great baseball be played in the next week or so.
It is actually a really good match-up with Philadelphia's power hitting lineup against the Rays pitching and defense, but the Rays have shown some pop coming into the playoffs. Players like Evan Longaria and BJ Upton were disgusting hitting home runs like they were on Que. The amazing thing is though, is that these players are only 24 years old and only going to get better. Their is even the new "closer" in Price who is younger then these two players and just dominating hitters. The Rays are a team to be reckoned with and the Phillies should not take them lightly.
Overall, I guess I cant be to down on this year's World Series. It should be an interesting match-up with lots of ups and downs. Both teams do the little and fundamental things right and that's what wins games. We are about to see some great baseball be played in the next week or so.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Down Fall of ESPN
I know Eric wrote about this a few weeks ago but I have really started to notice it lately. ESPN is really getting out of control. I mean it is getting obnoxious at times. I put it on for an hour, and hear the same story about 2,000 times. I don't need to know every little tedious detail about the sport or team, just give me the facts and highlights and that's all i need.
Two examples that really stick out in my mind are actually both on the Cowboys. How many times has anyone heard this story: Pacman Jones is suspended for allegedly beating up his body guard, and " Tony Romo broke his pinkie finger and will try to play." OK. Thank you ESPN we got that now on to the next thing. In the next scene however, their is an interview on how Romo will deal with this near death experience apprently and then the commissioner talks about how hes dealing with Pacman Jones which in my opnion, this guy must have something mentally wrong with him after being suspended a year and then comes back after being reinstated and does this. How many chances are we going too give this guy? Your getting paid millions to play a game, yet he cant get his behavior under control. I just don't understand it but that's besides the point.
All in all ESPN used to be one of my favorite channels. When I was a little kid I would watch the same Sportscenter maybe up to 5 times just because I loved watching the highlights and who won the game because it was to late for me to stay up at night. It has just turned ridiculous in that they are becoming obsessed with the sport and concentrating on one topic. Take it down a notch ESPN.
Two examples that really stick out in my mind are actually both on the Cowboys. How many times has anyone heard this story: Pacman Jones is suspended for allegedly beating up his body guard, and " Tony Romo broke his pinkie finger and will try to play." OK. Thank you ESPN we got that now on to the next thing. In the next scene however, their is an interview on how Romo will deal with this near death experience apprently and then the commissioner talks about how hes dealing with Pacman Jones which in my opnion, this guy must have something mentally wrong with him after being suspended a year and then comes back after being reinstated and does this. How many chances are we going too give this guy? Your getting paid millions to play a game, yet he cant get his behavior under control. I just don't understand it but that's besides the point.
All in all ESPN used to be one of my favorite channels. When I was a little kid I would watch the same Sportscenter maybe up to 5 times just because I loved watching the highlights and who won the game because it was to late for me to stay up at night. It has just turned ridiculous in that they are becoming obsessed with the sport and concentrating on one topic. Take it down a notch ESPN.
The Rays!
Wow. Who would have ever thought that the Tampa Bay Rays would come not only in first place, but possibly be going to the World Series, depending on the game tonight. Just think. A team that came in last place for ten consecutive years. TEN YEARS! Including last season having the worst record in all of baseball. It is really mind blowing and some what confusing seeing this team just pummel the baseball with a bunch of no names.
Now don't get me wrong I am a die hard Yankee fan through it all. I know that the Rays are in the same division I know that. The only difference is and the reason why I'm rooting for them is so that Boston can't make another appearance in the World Series. I like these kind of stories the "no names" of baseball bond together and make a run. To see players who played on those 10 losing seasons actually get a taste of post season play.
I think I have the answer to all of these questions. Over the last ten years of losing, the Rays get a top notch first round pick every season. They develop and flourish to be the team they are now, which seems to be a bunch of all-stars the way they're hitting the ball. Along with a few great trades, (A thank you to the Mets for trading Scott Kazmir, really Steve Phillips tremendous job) it all has just fit the pieces of the puzzle to form a great team with great chemistry.
Overall, I am happy for this team, to see them make a run like this. My hope for this year's World Series is to see them play the Dodgers just because of my love for Joe Torre, and how I can now enjoy Manny Ramirez play baseball. My only fear is that I do not want to see this Rays team come in first place the next 10 years. Every player is in their mid- 20's early 30's and that would really suck watching the Yankees come in second or even possibly third for a bunch of years.
Now don't get me wrong I am a die hard Yankee fan through it all. I know that the Rays are in the same division I know that. The only difference is and the reason why I'm rooting for them is so that Boston can't make another appearance in the World Series. I like these kind of stories the "no names" of baseball bond together and make a run. To see players who played on those 10 losing seasons actually get a taste of post season play.
I think I have the answer to all of these questions. Over the last ten years of losing, the Rays get a top notch first round pick every season. They develop and flourish to be the team they are now, which seems to be a bunch of all-stars the way they're hitting the ball. Along with a few great trades, (A thank you to the Mets for trading Scott Kazmir, really Steve Phillips tremendous job) it all has just fit the pieces of the puzzle to form a great team with great chemistry.
Overall, I am happy for this team, to see them make a run like this. My hope for this year's World Series is to see them play the Dodgers just because of my love for Joe Torre, and how I can now enjoy Manny Ramirez play baseball. My only fear is that I do not want to see this Rays team come in first place the next 10 years. Every player is in their mid- 20's early 30's and that would really suck watching the Yankees come in second or even possibly third for a bunch of years.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
street hockey
I'm not the biggest fan of hockey, but I do enjoy playing. My friend signed me u p for the street hockey league in the field house and I was pretty psyched to play. Only problem was...we had 4 guys against 7. We got our ass kicked pretty good but it was fun at least just moving, passing, shooting. i even threw on the pads for a big and played goal, which is really hard since all those pads are so shitty and give you no equipment. Or how the helmets were just worn by the team before us and still had sweat in them, or the ball felt like it was made of Plato and you couldn't even move it. It was still i guess in a way "fun" to fool around. I would make a lot of improvements to the game to make it better so that the games would be a lot more enjoyable.
First off, can we please clean the helmets. I know I know theirs nothing like putting on a helmet fresh with someone else's body sweat all over it. ( I wore a bandanna i don't care how foolish i looked i was not about to put on of those things on without it.) Its just personal hygiene and how in the middle of the game i could just feel how dirty they were and how disgusted I was. Or maybe change to wearing goggles instead of a helmet. How many times does a person actually get hit in the face? and if you do, your wearing goggles to protect your eyes.
The other thing was, the ball would be shot or cleared to the complete opposite side of the court, and it would just disappear going under the net that came down from the ceiling. I know theirs not a lot you can do about that but place mats under it, but maybe you can switch the arrangement of the court meaning turn the court the long way instead of short with lots of space under neath. This would limit the possibilities of losing the ball every five minutes.
All and all hockey is a pretty fun game to watch and play. I have never really been a hard core fan, or grew up on it but I always enjoyed it no matter what kind of hockey I played. Street, roller, or ice. I will say one thing though it is one hell of a workout because I couldn't catch my breath for a good 5 minutes after the quarter was over.
First off, can we please clean the helmets. I know I know theirs nothing like putting on a helmet fresh with someone else's body sweat all over it. ( I wore a bandanna i don't care how foolish i looked i was not about to put on of those things on without it.) Its just personal hygiene and how in the middle of the game i could just feel how dirty they were and how disgusted I was. Or maybe change to wearing goggles instead of a helmet. How many times does a person actually get hit in the face? and if you do, your wearing goggles to protect your eyes.
The other thing was, the ball would be shot or cleared to the complete opposite side of the court, and it would just disappear going under the net that came down from the ceiling. I know theirs not a lot you can do about that but place mats under it, but maybe you can switch the arrangement of the court meaning turn the court the long way instead of short with lots of space under neath. This would limit the possibilities of losing the ball every five minutes.
All and all hockey is a pretty fun game to watch and play. I have never really been a hard core fan, or grew up on it but I always enjoyed it no matter what kind of hockey I played. Street, roller, or ice. I will say one thing though it is one hell of a workout because I couldn't catch my breath for a good 5 minutes after the quarter was over.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
the highs and lows of football
The NFL, is always is full of surprises. Every year a new team comes out of no where to lead the division and in some cases like the Patriots, go undefeated. The Giants, who are the defending champions of football, are undefeated despite the retirement of Michael Strahan and the injury to Osi. Still they have a dominant defense and a well balanced offense. The surprises are the teams like the Titans, who are without their starting quarterback Vince Young and throw out the ageless wonder Kerry Collins who still gets the job done. Even the Bills! Where did the Buffalo Bills come from suffering their first loss this past weekend. With players I have never heard winning football games and giving their fans something to finally cheer about.
Their are also the teams that no one even thought would win more then two games this season. The Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons. The Miami Dolphins sometimes looked like a middle school team at times, but with the addition of ex- Jet Chad Pennington and Bill Parcells running the team it is obvious they were going to be improved. I just didn't think that this year they would be better already. That just shows you how much coaching and management can do to a team that was absolutely miserable last season and has the possibility to win maybe 8 games this season in my opinion.
The team that has made me look twice is the Atlanta Falcons. Last season their quarterback, Michael Vick is sent to jail. The leader, the engineer of that whole offense gone for about two years for jail time. Just when they are picking themselves up and getting back on their feet they suffer another loss. Their head coach quits in the middle of the season! That is just embarrassing seeing how football is never about quitting and never giving up yet a coach can just walk out on a locker room full of players. The self esteem of that team must have been lower then dirt and it is great to watch them with a new rookie quarterback in Matt Ryan and see them succeed.
Football is always full of surprises and you never now what team is going to pop up at any given time or who is going to beat who. On any given Sunday a team can just explode and beat you. Maybe this is the year the Jets do that....?
Their are also the teams that no one even thought would win more then two games this season. The Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons. The Miami Dolphins sometimes looked like a middle school team at times, but with the addition of ex- Jet Chad Pennington and Bill Parcells running the team it is obvious they were going to be improved. I just didn't think that this year they would be better already. That just shows you how much coaching and management can do to a team that was absolutely miserable last season and has the possibility to win maybe 8 games this season in my opinion.
The team that has made me look twice is the Atlanta Falcons. Last season their quarterback, Michael Vick is sent to jail. The leader, the engineer of that whole offense gone for about two years for jail time. Just when they are picking themselves up and getting back on their feet they suffer another loss. Their head coach quits in the middle of the season! That is just embarrassing seeing how football is never about quitting and never giving up yet a coach can just walk out on a locker room full of players. The self esteem of that team must have been lower then dirt and it is great to watch them with a new rookie quarterback in Matt Ryan and see them succeed.
Football is always full of surprises and you never now what team is going to pop up at any given time or who is going to beat who. On any given Sunday a team can just explode and beat you. Maybe this is the year the Jets do that....?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Good to be home
I went home this past weekend and I have to say i was good to be back. I live on long island so the weather was still fairly warm and I was out with a t-shirt and shorts. I haven't been back in over a month, and yes I was sad to leave Cortland because I have been enjoying myself, but I was looking forward to seeing all my old friends. Something I didn't expect was that when I first walked into my house it was a little strange. Thing were out of place, my room was actually clean, and my parents had bought a few new things to add to the house.
I got home on Thursday night, that was a night to see my family and visit my grandfather, who hasn't been doing all that well, in the hospital. On Friday, a bunch of my friends and I played wiffle ball, a sport that is such a great pick up game. You can buy the equipment from any local drug store/ convenience store. You need a plastic bat and a plastic ball which cost about 3 dollars all together. Such a great sport to play when it is warm out, and even better when it's played at the beach or on any summer afternoon.
Yes, being home was kind of like a mini vacation for me, just getting away from my room and forgetting about school work but I am happy to be back. I do enjoy the freedom have here and not my parents telling me what my daily plans should entail, or whats going on for the day and how I should approach things. I couldn't believe it, bu the semester is about halfway over an thanksgiving I'm sure will come up quick. For now, I'm still enjoying my time at school.
I got home on Thursday night, that was a night to see my family and visit my grandfather, who hasn't been doing all that well, in the hospital. On Friday, a bunch of my friends and I played wiffle ball, a sport that is such a great pick up game. You can buy the equipment from any local drug store/ convenience store. You need a plastic bat and a plastic ball which cost about 3 dollars all together. Such a great sport to play when it is warm out, and even better when it's played at the beach or on any summer afternoon.
Yes, being home was kind of like a mini vacation for me, just getting away from my room and forgetting about school work but I am happy to be back. I do enjoy the freedom have here and not my parents telling me what my daily plans should entail, or whats going on for the day and how I should approach things. I couldn't believe it, bu the semester is about halfway over an thanksgiving I'm sure will come up quick. For now, I'm still enjoying my time at school.
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