Ya Gotta Go Joe . ..

This weekend marks the new fall season of college football. I must admit I'm not a huge fan. Why? Well - I have never lived in big college football towns or even regions. I have family who lives in the south and let me tell you - more important than what one does for a living is 'who do you root for?' I also have some moral problems with these teenagers/young twenty-somethings being used to make SO much money yet if they are taken out to dinner by a booster they can lose their scholarship. Bottom line is that for many college football players, their stay in college is merely a 'minor league football' career. They don't attend class or really even care about their education. So why do we pretend like they must be saints or priests? Let's give them a paycheck and a contract and a set of fair terms and conditions. It would be more honest. All that said, you just can't be a sports fan, especially an NFL fan and not know a few things about college football. Heck, I even watch it sometimes and kind of follow a few teams. This brings me to today's post. Joe. Sure, most of you already know what I'm talking about but for those of you who don't I'm talking about Joe Paterno. Joe Paterno is 84 years old and still the head coach of the Penn State football team. Joe is not just a coach, he's an institution. "JoePa" as he's known has held the position of head coach since 1966. This is outstanding. This is unreal. This is beyond commendable. This is also now starting to be a little crazy. During the pre-season this year, Joe was knocked over by a player careening off the field and broke his hip. There was some talk he wouldn't even be on the sideline for the opening game of the season. Nowadays when you hear Joe give a press conference he has the tell-tale slurred words of an old man. I've never met Joe or seen a Penn State football game. I've never particularly cared about how Penn State does year after year, but at his age, I'm not even sure Joe should be driving a CAR never mind leading this team. By hanging on and not graciously stepping down he is no doubt creating a terrible position for the university, students and his colleagues. Will he hang on SO long that his removal (forcibly or otherwise) become pitiable or hostile? Will he be defiant? Will he begin losing his faithful coaching staff who have held on in the expectation of taking the reins of this wagon? Will he begin losing recruits who are unsure about how long or whether JoePa will be their coach? It seems to me that the right and gracious thing to do would be to announce a departure, and do it soon. Don't force the university to do it. Don't believe that you are the same man at 84 than when you were 39, or shoot even 69! Refusing to acknowledge that an end is both near and coming is selfish and irresponsible to the "empire" you spent your life building. It's time to go Joe. It's up to do to lead the transition gracefully. Looking at these last couple years makes me want to thank Seinfeld for taking his own show off the air before it became a sad shell of its former self. JoePa could learn something from that.

Pirates are back to .500

And 5.5 games back from first place.

I really did want to buy a Pirates T-shirt this year . . .but I'm not just gonna give away my money. You boys gotta EARN it!

Come ON!

The Emotional Trade

We are now in the throes of normal August-ness. Baseball is heating up and Football is back in camp. Much of the news in the 'Burgh, ironically has been about baseball which is kind of nice. But as the Steelers have come back to camp there is once again controversy about the James Harrison article recently published in Men's Journal. Stirred into this pot of controversy are the remarks Rashard Mendenhall made via twitter over the summer about Osama Bin Laden. Oddly, not many people are talking about Hines Ward's DUI, but it's not far from MY mind.

Whenever the news breaks of one of these kinds of "happenings" off season part of me just groans and rolls my eyes. And of course, this years crop of shenanigans makes me think of the major drama last year of Ben's late night dalliances with a college girl in a bar bathroom. Duly noted, of course this year he's a little altar boy. Fresh from his summer wedding and now he's being princely in re-working his deal to help the Steelers stay under the salary cap. What a guy.

At times like this, I find it interesting that disgusted fans, at least in Pittsburgh - want them traded. Public was outraged last summer with Ben. Repeated calls made to radio stations and conversations over my own dinner table were akin to "I'd rather lose than win with him". Similarly with James Harrison and Rashard - "This is going to cause trouble in the locker room. Trade him". Or - "This guy's an idiot, trade him". (Still not sure how Hines has managed to keep his name generally out of this . . .I mean he could have KILLED a person, that's certainly a far greater offense than running your mouth on twitter). Even toward the end of the NHL season when Matt Cooke was banned for the 1st round of the playoffs for hockey thuggery, all over town people wanted him traded for repeatedly playing stupidly and putting the team in harms' way.

It has been my impression that people in Pittsburgh have prided themselves on not having the big ego super star (jerk) players. (So, bye bye Plaxico, no thanks Randy Moss, no WAY Terrell Owens). Teams around here only want to make the news for being awesome at sports - not who the athletes are dating or how famous they are. After all, that kind of attention tends to be followed by trouble; unless you're Derek Jeter. So this pride in teams constructed around athletes who are just good at their jobs, are suddenly in the news for something other than sports then suddenly everyone wants them traded. I must admit I count myself among these people - especially with Matt Cooke.

I can't help but wonder, is this common everywhere or just in Pittsburgh?
And more importantly, isn't all forgiven if the team wins? Truthfully?

As I sit here in a hotel room watching the All Star game I wonder - does it matter? Do any of the All Star games really mean anything?

I mean sure - home field advantage is at stake in baseball. But most of these guys won't play in the World Series and I don't suspect that's a big motivator for these guys. I am sure this is more personal for them.

But at least there's SOMETHING at stake. I personally think the NFL All Star game is beyond stupid.

But what about you? What do you think? Are there any All Star games that really mean anything?

Do you watch because it matters or because there's nothing else on??


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:All Star matters

"I'm not a Yankee fan by any stretch, but I do like Derek Jeter".

No no - don't be mislead by the title; I AM a Yankee Fan. That quote however, was heard this morning on the radio. I live outside the NY market and therefore am subject to insidious Yankee hatred. You know what I'm talking about "Of course Yankees have the most World Series wins, they just buy championships". Blah blah . . .I always respond in my head "You would be thrilled if your team did the same".

Anyway - Derek Jeter's 3000th Hit over the weekend was the subject of much discussion, facebook activity, tweets and sports talk radio chatter regardless of where you live I suspect. Obviously this was a huge accomplishment. He's one of 28 men who've crossed this particular line, but he is the FIRST Yankee to do so. Even the most ardent Yankee haters (or dislikers) have to respect Derek Jeter.


Coincidentally - in the days leading up to his 3000th hit I read an article comparing A-Rod and Jeter and how Jeter is the consummate professional, the true Yankee. This article contended that A-Rod defrauded the Yankees into that massive contract, selling them on years of steriod induced performance which has never quite gelled in NY. A-Rod worked the system, lied and cheated his way into stardom, and Jeter, he's just the opposite. Sure, we've only ever seen him in pinstripes, which helps see him as the "true Yankee". But as I see it, Jeter is not boastful, he's not obsessed with turning himself into a brand (hear that LeBRON!), he embodies the celebrity of NYC and the Yankees without diving into unseemly relationships and off the field antics. The man has never had a whiff of scandal around him. And the best - he's been a key player in championship seasons, and stepped up when the moment needed him to. In a city that revels in power, celebrity, money and the Yankees - he could have taken a very different path all these years and lived a very "good" life. But he has chosen to play his game well and earn every ounce of respect he's being given. Even by Yankee Haters.

Age is cruel and no - he's not having an All Star season, despite this past weekend's achievement. But moments like that - being only the second person to achieve 3000 hits on an HR AND being the only Yankee to do so at all, makes him an All Star even if he's only having an average year.

Derek Jeter makes me still have hope for professional athletes, even amid the Tiger Woods', the Pacman Jones', the Cam Newtons' who care far more about their brand, their payday and themselves than the blessing it is to be where they are.

Congratulations Mr. Jeter.

(PS - WATCH THE US WOMEN's WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL ON WEDS AM. And if you haven't seen the highlights from yesterday's win over Brazil - go spend the time. It's worth it! They were amazing!!!!!!!!!!)

Final Wimbledon Thoughts . . .

Ok, I'll make this brief, because well - there's not that much more to say.
The big 'hub bub' made at Wimbledon about women grunting kind of infuriates me. Am I to understand that we would like our top female athletes to be superior, worthy of winning, fierce and strong worthy champions, but we'd like them to do so silently??

I cannot recall the last time we asked male athletes to behave this way. Does Miss Sharapova sound a bit "silly"?? Sure, I'll give you that. After a long match, it's kind of funny. But would I want her quiet especially if it tempered her game?? no!! no THANK YOU. Was I super looking forward to a Sharapova v. Azarenka final? Umm, no, I admit it would probably going to be an event best watched on mute. But how dare I sit here and tell them they should be more quiet!!??

Sorry y'all, if you don't want women making any noise while they compete then perhaps you should start watching a card tournament.

Oh and congrats to the winners. It was a great tournament and got me sufficiently excited for the U.S. Open!!

I love Wimbledon

I have always liked watching tennis, especially these big Grand Slam tournaments, but Wimbledon is special to me.

For one - I've actually been. In summer 2002, while I was living in London, I went for a day with a friend of mine. It wasn't a particularly nice weather day so we spent a lot of the day racing the rain. We we were poor graduate students so we didn't pay for fancy seats. We had the equivalent of "grounds" pass where you could experience the whole thing and get into any court that had General Admissions seats. We did get to see Martina Navratalova in a mixed doubles match, and Anna Kournekova in a doubles match as well. It was pretty fun!

Secondly - after my baby was born in 2009, I spent the first two weeks of her life watching Wimbledon at all hours of the day. Melanie Oudin was the big story that year coming out of no where as a little Cinderella.

Finally - back in 1999 my family was getting together for a reunion and I was staying at my grandma's apartment, on her couch. As a result I ended up getting up very early in the morning when she got up. I remember sitting on her couch, eating grape nuts with blueberries and watching Wimbledon. I can't precisely remember who we watched but those were the Sampras/Agassi days.

Bottom line is, if you're new to tennis watching - I'd say give this a try . . .it can be tense and super exciting. And if you happen to find it totally NOT exciting, it makes for a really great sport to nap with.

All this said, I admit I was actually watching the Pirates/Red Sox game yesterday afternoon and NOT watching Wimbledon. GASP! Too bad the Red Sox couldn't have been swept right out of town . . .but as Meatloaf says, 2 outta 3 ain't bad!

YAWWWWWWWWWWWWN - The blog is awakened.

Ok, it's been about 7 months - I have received no requests begging for my thoughtful quips on the wide world of sports (is that term trademarked ABC?) however I thought - hey someone might be happy to see content return here. So let's wake the sleeping blog and see what happens.

So after 7 months where to begin?
- a summary of why Cam Newton is as corrupt as a politician? Or his new "brother from another mother", Terrell Pryor?
- Lance Armstrong looking as guilty as all get out while being the ONLY person (besides his lawyer) claiming his innocence? (Seriously - does ANYONE think he's not a cheater?? I'm not kidding - please, if you truly think he's innocent - defend the guy. I wanna hear your thoughts!)
- the NFL negotiations?
- My utter joy (and schadenfreude) over LeBron "Wish I Was As Good As Jordan" James LOSING the NBA Championship???
- Tiger Woods apparently sucks at golf unless he's cheating on his wife?
- FIFA . . . .oh FIFA. The scandals??

All too much to cover. There's no point in going backwards, so let's go forward.

I declare:
If the Pittsburgh Pirates end the season AT or ABOVE .500, I will buy a pirates t-shirt.

2022 World Cup

I know I've missed a few big stories lately - but all that pesky full-time job, family, holiday business tends to get in the way. But as I find myself travelling for work and sitting in a hotel room today, I am able to catch up on blogging!!

So - the firing of Brad Childress? Nope. The cutting of Jeff Reed? Nope. The bitch-slap Richard Seymour laid down on Ben Roethlisberger? Nope. Today my attention turns to the World Cup and the US bid to host in 2022.

I think it would be AWESOME to host the World Cup. For one, I have never understood why the sport of soccer loses its appeal despite the fact that I suspect more boys and girls grow up having played soccer than almost any other sport. I get that pursuing it as a professional loses some appeal in this country because there is nowhere near the amount of money or fame as other sports offer, but you'd think as a spectator more people would enjoy watching the professional sport of their youth.

Back in 2002 I lived abroad during the World Cup and got totally engulfed in the soccermania! It was thrilling - and I am quite sure with a bigger stage in the U.S - Soccer could be just as exciting as other pro sports. Of course that will take time and hosting the Cup would be an awesome step.
I assure you this - if US Hosts, I will GO!!!!

And, we won't have vuvzela's!

The announcement is in 9 days kids. Fingers crossed!!!!

Uhh . . .

something tells me the Steelers might be coming down a couple notches on the Power Rankings after the total egg they just laied tonight.

Oh Yuk.

Ok - the power rankings are back out. Good news - Steelers are still number 2. Bad news - the dreaded Ravens are number 1!!!!!!!!

Here's why I am not concerned however.
1. they ARE number two - they could be number 22 or worse, 32! It's merely because of who number one is that stings.
2. In my 5 yrs of being intimately aware of the Steelers (a fan by marriage, you see) I find they have ALWAYS done better when the glare of the spotlight wasn't solely focused on them. They do better when people are looking elsewhere!

What should you DO!?!?

Shut up.
That's what you should do.

Just check your ego - which is no doubt every bit as large as your massive frame - at the door.
Don't declare your greatness - earn it.

Until then. . . Shut up.



I'm reposting this from it's original post because this video - which was not made by Jordan and apparently made by a fan - hs surfaced. While this may not be Nike or Jordan made, the words and sentiment sure do fit.

As I said in the original post - you gotta earn your greatness.

Consol Energy Center

I had the opportunity last week to go to the new Consol Energy Center to see a comedian. Sure - it wasn't a hockey game but it got me in the doors for the first time.

I have had the opportunity to see the new Meadowlands Arena and have been in newer stadiums and arenas - but this was the newest complex/arena I have been to. It was gorgeous inside. The most important thing in all reality is that there's lots of stalls in the ladies rooms. I was happy to see plentiful commodes and it was all very clean and accessible without a lot of lines.

Our seats for the show were pretty awesome and not likely the kind of seats we could afford if it were a hockey game. That said, getting ALL the way down to our seats and ALL the way back up for snacks and ladies rooms was quite a haul - but good for the quads.

I had one pretty big complaint, however.
As the DD the night of our visit I was happy to be having soda - UNTIL I get to the front of the fairly long snack line to see that the soda vendor at the brand new arena is RC???!!! What is this, 1986??

You mean to tell me you couldn't get Coke or Pepsi????? Are you freaking KIDDING ME??? Luckily they had Snapple to quench my thirst but come ON Consol . . . you spend $321M on a new arena and can't pony up a few bucks for a proper soda vendor contract? That's just plain old crazy-town.

Another Week - Another Controversy

I really wish the Steelers would go back to just being the team that quietly won football games while everyone else was busy talking about the Pats, Colts, Cowboys and Chargers. Sadly however, another week comes and goes and the Steelers are once again at the center of some controversy.

I won't summarize for those who don't know - as I suspect you probably DO know if you're checking in a sports blog. But both last week's issues with the 'hard hits' and this weeks shenanigans with the touchdown-fumble-recovery question makes me wonder, why does the NFL not do a better job commenting on these issues?

It seems to me last week was spent in a whirl of questions about new rules relating to penalizing hard hits with heftier fines and suspensions. This week now every major sports outlet has a different take on the Gene Steratore call. Some articles calling it a missed call, blown call, a consipiracy and some calling it the correct call. One article today even from an "Ex NFL exec" says it was correct.

It seems to me if the NFL had some kind of weekly press conference to answer some of these questions, it would go far to help stop the rumors, clarify gray areas and in general make people understand that the NFL isn't a shady operation making up rules as it goes, lead by a man with a God complex. There - my two cents. Get your PR folks together with the press on Wednesdays to answer the week's questions.

Once again, I solve the world's problems.

Other miscellaneous thoughts
1. the Vikings v Packers game was AWESOME. Great game - tight contest. Glad the Pack won.
2. I didn't see most of the Giants v Cowboys last night but finally now perhaps everyone will stop claiming them Superbowl champs. Tony's injury is devastating for them, that's for sure.
3. I really want to get excited about the World Series, but I'm not. I know it's clearly due in large part to the Yanks not being in it. I think too though that Pittsburgh being such a FOOTBALL and HOCKEY city - there just isn't excitement for baseball at all. As far as the 'burgh is concerned, baseball season ends when NFL preseason begins. I can see why but it's a bummer. If I have to pick a team though, I'm going with SF.

On Violence . . .

Ok - so this post has been days in coming . . .you'll learn good Extra Point readers that I have a job so getting to the posts isn't really ever breaking news. But I'm pretty sure you know I have no press credentials so I probably won't ever have breaking news - just something to say about recent news.

In any event - some pretty news worthy things went down in football last weekend. Here are the events as I see them.
1. There was a terrible tragedy in New Jersey and an RU football player was forever changed by an injury which rendered him paralyzed at the neck down.
2. The NFL had three games in which there were major hard hits (well 3 games as of Monday - apparently a few more by Friday)

Here's how I see it . . .had that horrible tragedy NOT happened on Saturday, the sensitivity Sunday would not have been as heightened, but always in the light of such a sad terrible tragedy are we ever more aware and vigilant. Remember a few years ago when there was that fire in an over crowded Rhode Island nightclub? Well about two weeks later, I was out at some bars in a town in NJ that was never ever ever more STRICT on the headcount in their bar. Anyway - the terrible events of Saturday created a more pointed lens Sunday.

Regardless of why - the lens was sharp and the punishments were handed out by the NFL joyfully. I am of three thoughts here...

1. I understand the people that say things like "well - you know what you were signing up for. You're in the NFL. You get hit hard. You might get a concussion, that's just the name of the game". ok. I see that point. But immediately I think that driving a car is inherently dangerous and you would NEVER tell the victim of a deadly accident that 'they knew what they were signing up for'. As a society we adopt new regulations to use car seats, wear seat belts, build cars with airbags because we DON'T want to die on the highway. It still might happen but we never stop striving to stop it. So to say that these players 'get what they deserve' is just plain heartless. RIGHT as soon as I say that I think about the civilian contractors serving in war areas . . .they get massive salaries, often at no tax because they are willing to sacrifice and work in these dangerous areas. It's called hazard pay. If THEY get shot in a war zone, you kind of DO say 'you knew what you were signing up for'. Like a contractor in a warzone, these professional athletes make MILES more money then most of us could ever dream. This IS what they signed up for. Their skill will make them rich and famous. Big reward comes with big risk.

2. In more than one of these cases - there was NO penalty thrown in the game or even on further review considered to have been an illegal hit. YET they are considered in retrospect are 'flagrant'. So - if they WERE legal - then WHY IS THERE A FINE? If they were illegal and weren't called - then WHY DO THE REFS PAY NO PENALTY!!?? I just dont understand how something that happens in the game which is illegal NOT being called is a price for the player to pay. Or if something that IS legal still being penalized means the rules aren't right. But to START enforcing a rule without notice or agreement in the middle of the season all of a sudden - it's like finding out half way through a 5k race that it's actually a Marathon. you simply cannot change the rules half way through. Fine, NFL - you want stricter rules? FINE but change them officially and fairly and make it well known before the season starts.

3. Sure - sometimes the league steps in and makes a statement when a player has been out of line. They step in with a 5k or 10k fine. Sometimes even a 20k fine. But 50k??? 75k???? Are you KIDDING ME? Wait now I tell myself. For players making many millions of dolalrs a year 50k might sting but it's not detrimental. It's the same amount Dez Bryant had to pay in dinner a few weeks ago. Maybe I'm a bit of a cynic - but it seems to me that the league is putting on a show here. 50-75k is the kind of money that makes Joe Q Citizen stand up and take notice because for most of us it's all or most of our annual salary. Not our friends in the NFL however. If the NFL REALLY wanted to make a change and make players more safe they would take REAL action like force the 'concussion proof' helmets. Shoot - force the players to play with NO helmets! (pretty sure you'd be a lot more careful with your noggin if you had nothing protecting it). My darling husband even suggested implementing a 'fair catch' rule all throughout the game so any receiver could protect themselves. This therefore negates the 'defenseless receiver' BS. Or the NFL could suspend people? Or fine them 1M dollars...bottom line is the NFL put on a show. It won't stop concussions and to at ALL pretend a 50k fine will do anything is crazy.

I'm glad James Harrison got over his big old bruised ego and he goes back to playng his game.
I hope the NFL stops changing the name of the game in mid-stream.
I hope the hard hits don't stop - afterall, what would they put in the Renegade video if they do!!??

oh - one last thought here - I'm bummed the Yanks won't be in the World Series. Here's hoping the Giants get the job done of my Philly fan friends on facebook will be relentless and I can think of nothing more barfy than a Philly fan gloating.

I like a good competition . . .

Really, I do. It's fun to see new and different teams rise to the top of their field all the time.
That said of course, Yankees should always be in the post season. I mean really - is there anything better than baking an apple pie while watching the YANKEES play baseball in October?
Let me answer that for you.

No. There is not.

Now - with that out of the way.The NFL this year is proving to have a pretty exciting season. I was saying this afternoon that you just don't feel like the Patriots and Colts of years past are really the same as the Pats and Colts of '10. And even the Steelers who continue to top the ESPN Power Rankings - there hangs in the air a feeling that just about anything could happen, be it Superbowl Championship or 10 straight losses. I think nothing would surprise us with the Steelers this year.

Frankly - this year has turned into a huge surprise for lots of teams.
- Cowboys cannot win a game. Or - ahem - have only one ONE game
- Packers were touted early for being definite contenders and are suddenly forgettable after a couple injuries
- Despite all the star power, the Bengles are NOT having the season they expected they would
- The Jets are turning into a better team than I think a lot of people might have guessed at the start of the season
- The Vikings are turning into a much worse team than I think a lot of people might have guessed at the start of the season
- The glow of the Chargers has dimmed and it just doesn't seem it's clicking
- Finally the Redskins appear to have the makings of a solid team - despite all the Haynesworth drama
- The Eagles have TWO awesome quarterbacks that apparently can be interchanged!!?? (Careful Kolb and Vick - they turn on the qb's there - even if you're good)!

Don't get me wrong - I want the Steelers to win the Superbowl. I imagine it will be much like seeing the Yankees win the World Series while living in NY, but MAN it's fun to approach every Sunday with the sense that all games matter. All teams matter (well, maybe not for Detroit, SF or Cleveland - but hang in there. Someone's gotta lose), and the race to the ring is really up for grabs.

THIS is why having a championship decided by games and records, not votes and favorites - makes the NFL better than college football. Sure - a practical person would say the Lions should aim for last to get the first draft pick...but truly at this point ANYTHING can happen. In college - you lose twice and you're done. Forget it.
Not in the pro's baby. Anyone can get that ring. And that couldn't be any truer than it is this year.

Forgive me - it's been a bit . . .

I haven't posted this week - I have been distracted by life things . . .job things . . .and the Chilean Mine Rescue

So you know, the Steelers are still number 1 in the power rankings. Sadly #'s 2 and 3 are also AFC teams. Booo. This makes my hopes for attending the Steelers v. Jets game in December all the more exciting all of a sudden. Who would have guessed back in August when I placed my ticket wishlist!!?? We shall see what happens Sunday, but I'm pretty sure if Ben doesn't win Sunday #7 jerseys will be burned in effigy. This town's patience is short.

Other things that remain:

• Brett Favre is a pig, like Tiger.
• Yankees rule and begin their quest for AL supremacy tomorrow night.
• If the Penguins don't start winning at home there will be a riot in Pittsburgh.

A Case of Same Old, Same Old

Today the fine world of football is a case of two stories that seem awfully familiar.

Brett Favre has "apologized" to his current teammates for being a distraction. That distraction my friends is because allegations have surfaced that he inappropriately texted, voicemailed and naked pic'ed a super hot employee of the New York Jets when he was their QB. This former Maxim and Playboy model has not made the allegation - and somehow clips of his voicemails have made the news. In addition a massage therapist employed by the team has come forward saying he was texting her as well. In summary, he was trying to get into this hot girls pants.

Mr. Favre - you should have learned from Jerry Seinfeld and quit while you were ahead. All you've done in the last three years is beat up your reputation, turned many of your former die hard fans against you and now you've apparently grotesquely embarrassed yourself, violated the trust your wife had in you, and made yourself look like an aging former 'once-was'.
Welcome to club, says Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger and Kobe Bryant (while we're at it, Elliot Spitzer says Welcome to you too).

Brett - you're gross.

Next on my list today is the DALLAS COWBOYS. I don't know if I could guess how many years now the Dallas Cowboys have been pre-ordained Superbowl contenders. Let's just say, this year was one of them. Again. And here they are now at 1-3 and I can't help but wonder WHY!!!!?????
Isn't the definition of insane doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting a different outcome? Why oh why sporting pundits - does this team earn your respect when they've not yet earned it! It's kind of like paying a rookie who's never taken an NFL snap many millions of dollars over the promise of what they might achieve.

I have always disliked this team. I take issue with them being called America's Team. I am an American and they are NOT my team. It's been a while since they actually were contenders. Until they actually make the Superbowl - how about we go ahead and stop waving the magic wand in ther direction.

Cowboys - you're overrated.

October is awesome

I love October. . .

• the weather has started to turn so it's cooler at night but the sun still feels warm
• sometimes you want a sweater
• harvest time means awesome baking/cooking options
• Football is in full swing
• Baseball is in the playoffs
• Hockey is getting starts
• (I officially don't care about the NBA)
  
  I have made my signature apple pie in honor of my beloved Yankees and look forward to making another as they make it to the World Series.
  
  Ok, this was more about food than sports, but something I feel like sharing!

No football in 2011?

I honestly cannot tell you what this news does to my spirit . . . no I WILL tell you - it CRUSHES MY SPIRIT.

I am trying to find some good info on both sides and what the sticking points are but here's a nice thought from Jimmy Johnson.

Well said sir. Well said.

Jimmy Johnson: “Everyone will lose money” in a work stoppage