- A classic Super Bowl should play out this Sunday. A high-octane offense in Kansas City vs a rock solid defense of San Francisco. There are so many fascinating storylines to Super Bowl 54, such as...
* Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Will he win his first Super Bowl? Will he have time-management issues again? Will Reid be carried off the field by his players if they win?
* With Tom Brady set to leave New England, will Patriots fans finally get theirs by watching young QB ( and ex- Patriot) Jimmy Garopolo win a championship ?
* Will SF great rookie defensive end Joey Bosa have a field day against Kansas City's average offensive line? Will the Niners pressure outstanding KC QB Patrick Maholmes into making mistakes? Will the blazing-fast Chief receivers out-run Richard Sherman and the rest of the excellent 49ers secondary?
* Who will have the best commercial? I love the new Geiko ad featuring Pinochhio going on a blind date. Of course, many will involve food. The supermarkets will be packed on Sunday! Hoagie shops and pizza parlors will be in the black. And folks will bitch about going to work on Monday.
* I never watch much of the pre-game, all-day stuff. It's the same old stories, only different teams: the heartwarming, comeback tales; the grizzled old veterans' final big game; the celebrated rookie's first big game; and the fluff pieces for the casual football fans.
I can see this game going either way. So does Vegas, as the line hasn't changed since it opened Kansas City -- 1 1/2 points. I predicted the Chiefs would finally win a Super bowl before the playoffs began. But the Niners are a 13 win with tremendous coaching, speed and enthusiasm.
I'll pick a winner in San Francisco, 24 Kansas City 20, but I really like the under as a bet. The line is 54, so even a score like 27-24 would be a winner.
I think SF runs the ball, eats up clock and keeps the ball out of Mahomes' hands. It may take a while for Mahomes to figure out the Niner defense. So I don't think there will be too many early scores. So I'm taking the under.
************************************************************************
How can the Sixers be taken seriously to win a championship anytime soon when they don't play hard every night, refuse to expend the effort to play good defense, and continue to employ a loser coach? Witness their most recent disturbing loss, last night in Atlanta to the 12-win Hawks. Atlanta is the worst team in the East, yet the 76ers managed to lose by 10 points. It's a big defeat, as the club is on a road trip leading up to the All-Star game.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN???
The sudden death of Kobe Bryant on Sunday brought to mind the question..where were you when xhocking events happened. Here are mine..
* Kobe's death- We were just leaving the King of Prussia mall when I noticed the reactions on Twitter. I went to ESPN.com and read the sad news.
* JFK assassination- I was home from school when are 12:30 pm. On November 22, 1963, I saw the Special Bulletin notice on TV and heard the news from Walter Cronkite. My Mom was hanging clothes outside and when she came in I told her the news.
* Jim O'Brien's slydiving death- I was in my backyard, listening to the Eagles' game on the radio when I heard the news and switched over the KYW Newsrado to hear the details.
* Princess Diana's fatal car crash- I missed the initial reports, as I didn't turn on my TV until later that Friday evening and CNN had the details.
* Jerome Brown's death- I learned about the tragic death of the Eagles' great defensive tackle while listening to WIP Sportsradio in my bedroom.
* The Challenger Disaster- I was coming out of a class at West Chester University when someone told me about the Challenger explosion.
* 9/11- I was at work, talking to a resident's family member on the phone when she mention "a plane crashing into a building in New York."
* Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon- My family was taking a cross-country trip to California and we were in a motel in El Paso Texas the night of July 20, 1969.
* Richard Nixon resigns- I was with my uncle at Brandywine Raceway, on a beautiful summer evening in August, watching the ponies.
Monday, January 27, 2020
RIP KOBE BRYANT
Memories of the late, great Kobe Bryant..
* Being a Sixers fan, hated Kobe's talent, especially when he cut the heart out of the 76ers, feared him on the basketball court, yet grew to admire and appreciate his greatness. He truly was one of the greatest of all time.
* It was Fate that it was foggy yesterday morning in Los Angeles, Fate that Kobe got on that helicopter with his 13-year-old daughter and 7 other souls. They were all destined to tragically meet their Fate...
* Few people in the world are recognized only by a single name. Amazing to hear all the tributes from around the world. Basketball is a universal sport. People in China, Europe, Russia..all know Kobe. The world mourns.
* The reason we hated Kobe was because we felt he was born to be a Sixer. His father was a Sixer. But Kobe grew up idolizing the Lakers. How bad does Charlotte feel, drafting Kobe then trading him away to the Lakers?
* Just like when JFK died, the Challenger disaster, John Lennon's murder, and 9/11, I'll always remember where I was when I heard the news of Kobe's death.It's a moment that will live forever. And so will he, frozen in time at age 41,never growing old. So be it for his daughter Gigi, who was robbed of a lifetime. So sad.
* Kobe had problems in his life, as we all do. He wasn't a saint, and Bob Costas pointed that out last night on CNN. Sometimes when people die, especially so suddenly, they tend to be canonized by the media. Costas, rightly or wrongly, mentioned Kobe's faults, especially the alleged rape care about 15 years ago. Maybe Costas shouldn't have touched that situation on the day Bryant died, but it is part of his life.
* Give Kobe credit for turning his life around. He became a devoted dad to his four daughters, and a coach for Gigi's girl's basketball team. They were traveling to one of his games when the crash happened.
* From all accounts, it wasn't helicopter failure. It was human failure that caused the accident. Apparently it was extremely foggy around LA yesterday morning.for some reason the copter was allowed to take-off and fly ( maybe at Bryant's insistence?) and the pilot became disoriented and literally flew into the hillside.
* RIP Black Mamba
* Being a Sixers fan, hated Kobe's talent, especially when he cut the heart out of the 76ers, feared him on the basketball court, yet grew to admire and appreciate his greatness. He truly was one of the greatest of all time.
* It was Fate that it was foggy yesterday morning in Los Angeles, Fate that Kobe got on that helicopter with his 13-year-old daughter and 7 other souls. They were all destined to tragically meet their Fate...
* Few people in the world are recognized only by a single name. Amazing to hear all the tributes from around the world. Basketball is a universal sport. People in China, Europe, Russia..all know Kobe. The world mourns.
* The reason we hated Kobe was because we felt he was born to be a Sixer. His father was a Sixer. But Kobe grew up idolizing the Lakers. How bad does Charlotte feel, drafting Kobe then trading him away to the Lakers?
* Just like when JFK died, the Challenger disaster, John Lennon's murder, and 9/11, I'll always remember where I was when I heard the news of Kobe's death.It's a moment that will live forever. And so will he, frozen in time at age 41,never growing old. So be it for his daughter Gigi, who was robbed of a lifetime. So sad.
* Kobe had problems in his life, as we all do. He wasn't a saint, and Bob Costas pointed that out last night on CNN. Sometimes when people die, especially so suddenly, they tend to be canonized by the media. Costas, rightly or wrongly, mentioned Kobe's faults, especially the alleged rape care about 15 years ago. Maybe Costas shouldn't have touched that situation on the day Bryant died, but it is part of his life.
* Give Kobe credit for turning his life around. He became a devoted dad to his four daughters, and a coach for Gigi's girl's basketball team. They were traveling to one of his games when the crash happened.
* From all accounts, it wasn't helicopter failure. It was human failure that caused the accident. Apparently it was extremely foggy around LA yesterday morning.for some reason the copter was allowed to take-off and fly ( maybe at Bryant's insistence?) and the pilot became disoriented and literally flew into the hillside.
* RIP Black Mamba
Sunday, January 26, 2020
book- parking
(Place on page 335, after para 5..Better safe..)
It's sad that I continue to see people take advantage of handicapped parking places. Too often Holly and I are at the supermarket or mall and can't find a parking spot designated for handicapped folks. The special spaces, close to the building, are taken instead by able-bodied drivers. This makes it bad for everyone, as people with real disabilities, who need the spots, are shut-out and must deal with a longer journey to their destination. Awareness is the answer, and hopefully those who don't care about the law or the inconvenience to others, must change or deal with the consequences if caught.
It's sad that I continue to see people take advantage of handicapped parking places. Too often Holly and I are at the supermarket or mall and can't find a parking spot designated for handicapped folks. The special spaces, close to the building, are taken instead by able-bodied drivers. This makes it bad for everyone, as people with real disabilities, who need the spots, are shut-out and must deal with a longer journey to their destination. Awareness is the answer, and hopefully those who don't care about the law or the inconvenience to others, must change or deal with the consequences if caught.
Friday, January 24, 2020
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, SIXERS, FLYERS, NFL
This and that from the Sports world..
- The odds are out and the Phillies are 18-1 odds this season to win the World Series. The over/under for wins is 85 1/2 I'll take the over. New manager Joe Girardi should rise them from mediocrity and is at least worth a few wins. If the club stays free from injury they will also go up in victories. But the bullpen needs work. And who wins games in the starting rotation, other than Nola and newly-acquired Wheeler? Who hits lead-off? Who plays second and third base?
The Yankees and Dodgers are favorites to meet in the World Series. Out of the top 7 teams listed with the lowest odds, 4 are from the National League East. The Phils are in the toughest division in Baseball. Any of those four teams, Phillies, Braves, Nationals and Mets, could win the division and go deep into the playoffs, as Washington showed last season.
A good bet is Atlanta at 11-1. The Braves are primed to finally break out of their post-season funk and do well in the playoffs. They have added Cole Hamels to their rotation, Marchell Ozuna to their line-up and have drastically improved their bullpen. With the NL Central on the decline, the dodgers treading water in NL West, the Braves may break through in 2020, that's if they hold back the Mets, Phillies and Nationals in NL East.
- Joel Embiid made the NBA All-Star team as a starter but may not play due to injury. He is still on the shelf with his hand injury. The team also lost guard Josh Richardson for a few weeks with a hamstring issue. Meanwhile no deals have been made to improve the squad. Coach Brett Brown continues to walk on thin ice. Ben Simmons is wildly inconsistent. They play the surging LA Lakers tomorrow night in South Philadelphia.
- The story of Flyers' mascot Gritty punched a young fan is over-blown. There is no video footage of the incident, only a nice family photo taken with the furry orange mascot at the time of the alleged assault. The father was on WIP Sports Radio this morning claiming he has not sued the Flyers or Comcast, or even the guy wearing the Gritty outfit. I'm not sure what this family wants, other than publicity.
- Antonio Brown needs mental health help. He is out on bail after a recent incident of throwing a rock at a truck driver. Apparently, the erratic Brown failed to pay the moving van driver, and when the drivers threatened to leave brown's home without unloading the furniture, brown got pissed and allegedly threw the rock.Good thing the Eagles didn't sign the crazy ex-Steelers wide-out during the season, no matter how bad they needed a receiver.
- NY Giants Eli Manning retired after spending his entire career ( 16 seasons ) with New York. Manning will forever be known for being MVP of two Super Bowls. But he was an average quarterback at best and his win-loss record confirms that ( 116-116) Early in his career, he surprised the Eagles often, winning at the Linc when it was tough to win at the Linc. Especially under late defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, the Birds beat manning more times than not. You had to blitz Manning, make him move his feet and run out of the pocket.Manning never was at his best on the run.
I don't think Manning is a Hall of Fame QB, but playing in the Big Apple can't hurt .
- Speaking of which, former Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter deserved his Hall of Fame election. He was only one vote shy of an unanimous election. Meanwhile, Larry Walker got in as well. The ex-Expo and Rockie won three batting titles and won numerous Gold Gloves for his play in right field. Walker also had a rocket arm. He will enter the Hall as a Rockie.
- The odds are out and the Phillies are 18-1 odds this season to win the World Series. The over/under for wins is 85 1/2 I'll take the over. New manager Joe Girardi should rise them from mediocrity and is at least worth a few wins. If the club stays free from injury they will also go up in victories. But the bullpen needs work. And who wins games in the starting rotation, other than Nola and newly-acquired Wheeler? Who hits lead-off? Who plays second and third base?
The Yankees and Dodgers are favorites to meet in the World Series. Out of the top 7 teams listed with the lowest odds, 4 are from the National League East. The Phils are in the toughest division in Baseball. Any of those four teams, Phillies, Braves, Nationals and Mets, could win the division and go deep into the playoffs, as Washington showed last season.
A good bet is Atlanta at 11-1. The Braves are primed to finally break out of their post-season funk and do well in the playoffs. They have added Cole Hamels to their rotation, Marchell Ozuna to their line-up and have drastically improved their bullpen. With the NL Central on the decline, the dodgers treading water in NL West, the Braves may break through in 2020, that's if they hold back the Mets, Phillies and Nationals in NL East.
- Joel Embiid made the NBA All-Star team as a starter but may not play due to injury. He is still on the shelf with his hand injury. The team also lost guard Josh Richardson for a few weeks with a hamstring issue. Meanwhile no deals have been made to improve the squad. Coach Brett Brown continues to walk on thin ice. Ben Simmons is wildly inconsistent. They play the surging LA Lakers tomorrow night in South Philadelphia.
- The story of Flyers' mascot Gritty punched a young fan is over-blown. There is no video footage of the incident, only a nice family photo taken with the furry orange mascot at the time of the alleged assault. The father was on WIP Sports Radio this morning claiming he has not sued the Flyers or Comcast, or even the guy wearing the Gritty outfit. I'm not sure what this family wants, other than publicity.
- Antonio Brown needs mental health help. He is out on bail after a recent incident of throwing a rock at a truck driver. Apparently, the erratic Brown failed to pay the moving van driver, and when the drivers threatened to leave brown's home without unloading the furniture, brown got pissed and allegedly threw the rock.Good thing the Eagles didn't sign the crazy ex-Steelers wide-out during the season, no matter how bad they needed a receiver.
- NY Giants Eli Manning retired after spending his entire career ( 16 seasons ) with New York. Manning will forever be known for being MVP of two Super Bowls. But he was an average quarterback at best and his win-loss record confirms that ( 116-116) Early in his career, he surprised the Eagles often, winning at the Linc when it was tough to win at the Linc. Especially under late defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, the Birds beat manning more times than not. You had to blitz Manning, make him move his feet and run out of the pocket.Manning never was at his best on the run.
I don't think Manning is a Hall of Fame QB, but playing in the Big Apple can't hurt .
- Speaking of which, former Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter deserved his Hall of Fame election. He was only one vote shy of an unanimous election. Meanwhile, Larry Walker got in as well. The ex-Expo and Rockie won three batting titles and won numerous Gold Gloves for his play in right field. Walker also had a rocket arm. He will enter the Hall as a Rockie.
Monday, January 20, 2020
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- NFL PLAYOFFS, BASEBALL
- So it's Kansas City vs San Francisco in Super Bowl 54 in less than two weeks. Should be an exciting game- a high-octane powered offense in the Chiefs against a young and fast defense in the 49ers. KC opened as a close 1 1/2 point favorites. I'm sure that line will move before kickoff. Right now I would still put my money on KC. They are a team of destiny and I think Coach Andy Reid will finally win a Super Bowl.
Nice to see him hoist the AFC Champions trophy as the packed Chief fans in Arrowhead yelled "Andy! Andy!"
Too bad Andy couldn't get it done in Philly, but it would've felt worse if the Eagles didn't win it all in 2017. So I'm glad for Reid and hope he wins.
For the Niners, they went from a 4-win team last season to a 13-win club in 2019. Again, a team with home field advantage wins, especially in the championship game. So important to get a first round playoff bye and that home field advantage.
Give Tennessee credit for coming a long way. They won at New England, at Baltimore but couldn't quite do it in Kansas City, one of the toughest places for a road team to play.
It will be interesting to see who plays quarterback for the titans at the start of next season. It's gotta be Ryan Tannahill after his second half of the season and playoff run.
For green Bay, they simply got run over in San Francisco. Aaron Rodgers tries to rally the packers in the second half but the Niners had no let up.
Still, a 13-win season is nothing to sneeze at for the Pack, who again aforce in the NFC.
The Eagles will travel to San Francisco next season. Hopefully it's very evident on GM Howie Rossman that his Birds must address speed in the upcoming draft. Speed kills in sports. The Eagles need at least two flat-out burners at wide receiver. Speed in the secondary should also be a priority this draft. Philly may have as many as 10 selections total this April, enough to add both starters and depth to the current roster.
**********************************************************************
Fallout remains over the cheating scandal in Baseball. Too bad the Astros don't visit Philadelphia this summer. Instead, the Phillies travel to Houston. Astro players need to get heavily booed in every Major League stadium.
It's disgusting to watch the arrogant, smug Houston players in recent interviews. They won't acknowledge doing anything wrong, even though their franchise has been rightfully vilified.
Nice to see him hoist the AFC Champions trophy as the packed Chief fans in Arrowhead yelled "Andy! Andy!"
Too bad Andy couldn't get it done in Philly, but it would've felt worse if the Eagles didn't win it all in 2017. So I'm glad for Reid and hope he wins.
For the Niners, they went from a 4-win team last season to a 13-win club in 2019. Again, a team with home field advantage wins, especially in the championship game. So important to get a first round playoff bye and that home field advantage.
Give Tennessee credit for coming a long way. They won at New England, at Baltimore but couldn't quite do it in Kansas City, one of the toughest places for a road team to play.
It will be interesting to see who plays quarterback for the titans at the start of next season. It's gotta be Ryan Tannahill after his second half of the season and playoff run.
For green Bay, they simply got run over in San Francisco. Aaron Rodgers tries to rally the packers in the second half but the Niners had no let up.
Still, a 13-win season is nothing to sneeze at for the Pack, who again aforce in the NFC.
The Eagles will travel to San Francisco next season. Hopefully it's very evident on GM Howie Rossman that his Birds must address speed in the upcoming draft. Speed kills in sports. The Eagles need at least two flat-out burners at wide receiver. Speed in the secondary should also be a priority this draft. Philly may have as many as 10 selections total this April, enough to add both starters and depth to the current roster.
**********************************************************************
Fallout remains over the cheating scandal in Baseball. Too bad the Astros don't visit Philadelphia this summer. Instead, the Phillies travel to Houston. Astro players need to get heavily booed in every Major League stadium.
It's disgusting to watch the arrogant, smug Houston players in recent interviews. They won't acknowledge doing anything wrong, even though their franchise has been rightfully vilified.
Sunday, January 19, 2020
book- Hope quote
(Place in front of book, on separate book, after Table of Contents and right before Chapter 1)
" A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you've lost everything, there is hope." - Geraldine Solon
" We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
" To the sick, while there is life there is hope." - Cicero
" Hope never abandons you, you abandon it." - George Weinberg
" A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you've lost everything, there is hope." - Geraldine Solon
" We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
" To the sick, while there is life there is hope." - Cicero
" Hope never abandons you, you abandon it." - George Weinberg
Saturday, January 18, 2020
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES. BASEBALL NFL PLAYOFFS
- Weeks after the fact, fans are still talking about the Jadavian Clowney hit on Carson Wentz in the playoffs. Jon Ronyun, former great offensive tackle with the Eagles, who is now working for the NFL and assessing questionable hits and calls, was on the Morning Show with Angelo Cataldi this week. He was questioned why no fine or ban was levied against Clowney. Runyon tried to defend his position by saying the hit on Wentz was "not intentional."
That's bull. Clowney clearly lowered his head to deliver the blow that resulted in Wentz' concussion. Sure, Wentz needs to learn to slide, feet first. But whether Wentz was still in the air or not, the hit occurred and Clowney should've gotten some sort of suspension.
- Speaking of evilness in sports, the big news is the Houston Astros cheating scandal, something that will be remembered years from now. Although the Houston organization was fined for $ 5 million by Major League Baseball ( peanuts to the Astros), had their first and second round draft picks taken away for the next two years, and both their manager and general manager were fired, there should be more punishment.
Nothing happened to the players involved. Carlos Beltran, who was hired as the new Mets manger, was let go this week for his part in the scandal. What about stripping Houston of it's World Series title? Or at least add an asterisk to the record book. Regardless, their championship will always be tainted.
The real loser, other than Baseball and the fans ( who can we trust anymore?), are the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers lost in 2017 and 2018 to both cheating teams, the Astros and Red Sox.
- Since I think the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid will win the Super Bow, of course I will pick them to win the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. And since I think the Super Bowl will be a rematch of SB One between KC and Green Bay, I'll take the packers to win in San Francisco tomorrow.
Chiefs 24
Titans 14
Packers 20
49ers 17
That's bull. Clowney clearly lowered his head to deliver the blow that resulted in Wentz' concussion. Sure, Wentz needs to learn to slide, feet first. But whether Wentz was still in the air or not, the hit occurred and Clowney should've gotten some sort of suspension.
- Speaking of evilness in sports, the big news is the Houston Astros cheating scandal, something that will be remembered years from now. Although the Houston organization was fined for $ 5 million by Major League Baseball ( peanuts to the Astros), had their first and second round draft picks taken away for the next two years, and both their manager and general manager were fired, there should be more punishment.
Nothing happened to the players involved. Carlos Beltran, who was hired as the new Mets manger, was let go this week for his part in the scandal. What about stripping Houston of it's World Series title? Or at least add an asterisk to the record book. Regardless, their championship will always be tainted.
The real loser, other than Baseball and the fans ( who can we trust anymore?), are the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers lost in 2017 and 2018 to both cheating teams, the Astros and Red Sox.
- Since I think the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid will win the Super Bow, of course I will pick them to win the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. And since I think the Super Bowl will be a rematch of SB One between KC and Green Bay, I'll take the packers to win in San Francisco tomorrow.
Chiefs 24
Titans 14
Packers 20
49ers 17
Thursday, January 16, 2020
book- gift shop
( Place on page 77 after para 7 "I had a purpose..")
Staff would drift into the Gift Shop daily to buy small items such as gum or greeting cards. Normally they would run in, make their purchase or browse a bit, then leave. Then there was Fred.
Fred wasn't his real name. To be honest, I forget his real name. I call him Fred because he had the squirrely face and the pompadour brown hair of Liberace, and the tank-like body of Fred Flinstone. He was a friendly guy, and when I started working in the Gift Shop he was nice enough to drop by and introduce himself. Fred happened to be the Director of Nursing at the time.
We had a sofa in the middle of the Gift Shop, why I'm not sure. I suppose it was for residents who may visit and shop and then need to sit for a few moments before going on their way. Fred would stop in every day to chat, often plopping himself on the couch and resting. He would sit and ask how I liked my job or about my life, such as hobbies and activities, you know, normal stuff. It all seemed so innocent.
Of course, I was pretty naive back then and I enjoyed the company during dead times in the store. Fred wanted to be friends and I looked forward to his visits and our chats.
Fred was probably in his fifties and had a wife and adult children. We talked about his family but he mainly wanted to know everything about me. It was nice to have someone so interested in my life, and as a nurse, I thought he may have been fascinated with my condition, since I was a rare breed and countless doctors and nurses gazed at my legs over the years. To them, it was a learning experience; to Fred, it was something totally different.
He started hanging around the Gift Shop more and more, for longer and longer, until even I had to wonder, "Doesn't his guy have a job and an office ?" I noticed he hung out with me in the Gift Shop much longer on Saturdays, when the usual staff wasn't around and a skeleton crew manned the day shift.
Fred asked me to visit his office sometime, as he had all kinds of plants that he took care of ( I was into plants back then as well). But I didn't have the time. I was more interested in spending my required time in the store, locking up, then visiting residents for the remainder of the day.
He noticed how I would blush and turn red when a pretty female nurse or aide would come into the store.He started asking me if I had a girlfriend or if I ever had sex, topics like that which made me feel uncomfortable. He noticed I would get flustered by the subject and backed off. But he increasingly started asking me more intimate questions every time he visited. I began to sense this guy was a real weirdo but I kept quiet.
One time he asked if I had noticed the new private duty female nurse working down the hall. I said yes, I did meet her and she seemed very nice. He asked if I thought she was attractive and I was honest to admit that yes, she was very attractive. Fred then proceeded to tell me everything about her, including her age and that she was single with no boyfriend.
"I have her phone number," he informed me. "I could get you a date with her."
I didn't like the direction this was going. Wasn't all that information supposed to be confidential? Still, I was pretty stupid and said I would think about it. How could I call a girl I barely knew? Wouldn't she know how I got her number?
Fred said not to worry. He could arrange things. Plus he already talked to the nurse and she was agreeable to a "date" and thought I was "cute." My self-confidence soared but still, something just didn't seem right.
The next weekend as soon as Fred stopped by he excitedly sat down and asked if he could shut the Gift Shop door for a few minutes, as he wanted to tell me about the "date" he had set up between me and the private duty nurse. I didn't see any harm. I was still a mere volunteer while this guy was an important Director of Nursing. He was helping me to get laid, so even though the whole thing seemed strange ( ya think?) I said okay.
So, the arrangements were set and he had her phone number with him. But first I had to do something in return. He wanted to touch my private parts.
An icy chill came over me, but instead of being scared, I immediately shouted "What's wrong with you, man?"
I never seen someone turn so white so fast in my life. His face looked like a beached whale. He probably thought I was this passive little guy who would do anything he wanted. Fred was surprised I wasn't a half-wit after all.
He started apologizing profusely, saying he was sorry over and over again, that he "didn't mean it that way." and pleaded that I not tell anyone.He never threatened me or made me feel guilty, like I was the pervert. he just kept apologizing and suggested that we forget the whole idea. Maybe he thought I would reconsider when I had time to ponder the missed chance of having a date with the pretty nurse down the hall.
Truth is, after he opened the door and scurried out, I was shocked at my own spunk. I was scared to death but wouldn't let Fred the Predator know that. Now I wondered what to do. I could either forget the whole thing and go on with life or report Fred. But who would ever believe me? I was just this new volunteer, a young guy in a wheelchair, looking for a way to spend my time in a nursing home.He was an adult male, married and with a family, probably a respected person in his community.
I didn't tell anyone about Fred. But the more I pondered it, the more I became angry. The fact I was a volunteer and had a disability shouldn't matter. What did I have to lose? At first I did feel guilty about getting Fred in trouble. But then I wasn't the pervert. Damn Fred for putting me in this situation. And if he hit on a guy like me, who knows what he was doing to other staff members, or worse, to the helpless, innocent residents.
There was an older nurse who also worked weekends, generally every other week when Fred was off. Her name was Mrs. Hoover, but everyone called her Mrs. H. She was pretty cool with the staff. She was an assistant to the director and had also been a fixture at the nursing home for many years. Mrs. H. liked to joke and always had a smile on her face. But she always let everyone know who was boss. Staff respected her and felt at ease going to her with problems. She was a "nurse's nurse"- gentle and kind, a professional in every way, someone who would take her nurses and aides under her wing and teach and counsel, not humiliate . Yet when she had to be tough behind closed doors, she was.
I often wondered why Mrs. H. wasn't the Director of Nursing, but she would shrug that suggestion off as "facility politics,' and claimed she was "happy doing what I'm doing."
If anyone would understand it would be Mrs. H. So I made an appointment to see her in the Nursing office after I closed shop one Saturday.
I told her everything. She listened intently, occasionally taking a drag from her cigarette ( back in the early 80s it was okay to smoke, even in the Nursing office. Funny how so many nurses and doctors I worked with over the years smoked, even though they would tell you never to smoke).
Apparently there had been some other complaints about Fred and his aggressive behavior towards staff. I sighed, relieved that I wasn't the only one who thought Fred was a problem. There wasn't enough proof to get him fired, but the evidence was building. I'm glad Mrs. H. seemed to believe me. In fact, I could see her face getting redder as I told my story. I could tell she was pissed that her Director of Nursing was trying to hit on anyone at work, let alone someone in my situation.
"Don't worry, " she assured me through clenched teeth as I departed, 'I'll take care of it."
From then on I would see Fred passing by the Gift Shop, but he didn't stop by anymore. He barely waved hello, and he seemed to always be in a hurry whenever he bumped into me in the halls. With time I heard through the grapevine that he had resigned. Who knows if it was voluntary or forced. The important thing was Fred was gone forever.
Years later I heard he was no longer working and that his wife, also a nurse, was taking care of him at home for an unspecified illness.I never wished anyone ill-will or bad luck. But in the case of Fred, he probably got what was coming to him.
Staff would drift into the Gift Shop daily to buy small items such as gum or greeting cards. Normally they would run in, make their purchase or browse a bit, then leave. Then there was Fred.
Fred wasn't his real name. To be honest, I forget his real name. I call him Fred because he had the squirrely face and the pompadour brown hair of Liberace, and the tank-like body of Fred Flinstone. He was a friendly guy, and when I started working in the Gift Shop he was nice enough to drop by and introduce himself. Fred happened to be the Director of Nursing at the time.
We had a sofa in the middle of the Gift Shop, why I'm not sure. I suppose it was for residents who may visit and shop and then need to sit for a few moments before going on their way. Fred would stop in every day to chat, often plopping himself on the couch and resting. He would sit and ask how I liked my job or about my life, such as hobbies and activities, you know, normal stuff. It all seemed so innocent.
Of course, I was pretty naive back then and I enjoyed the company during dead times in the store. Fred wanted to be friends and I looked forward to his visits and our chats.
Fred was probably in his fifties and had a wife and adult children. We talked about his family but he mainly wanted to know everything about me. It was nice to have someone so interested in my life, and as a nurse, I thought he may have been fascinated with my condition, since I was a rare breed and countless doctors and nurses gazed at my legs over the years. To them, it was a learning experience; to Fred, it was something totally different.
He started hanging around the Gift Shop more and more, for longer and longer, until even I had to wonder, "Doesn't his guy have a job and an office ?" I noticed he hung out with me in the Gift Shop much longer on Saturdays, when the usual staff wasn't around and a skeleton crew manned the day shift.
Fred asked me to visit his office sometime, as he had all kinds of plants that he took care of ( I was into plants back then as well). But I didn't have the time. I was more interested in spending my required time in the store, locking up, then visiting residents for the remainder of the day.
He noticed how I would blush and turn red when a pretty female nurse or aide would come into the store.He started asking me if I had a girlfriend or if I ever had sex, topics like that which made me feel uncomfortable. He noticed I would get flustered by the subject and backed off. But he increasingly started asking me more intimate questions every time he visited. I began to sense this guy was a real weirdo but I kept quiet.
One time he asked if I had noticed the new private duty female nurse working down the hall. I said yes, I did meet her and she seemed very nice. He asked if I thought she was attractive and I was honest to admit that yes, she was very attractive. Fred then proceeded to tell me everything about her, including her age and that she was single with no boyfriend.
"I have her phone number," he informed me. "I could get you a date with her."
I didn't like the direction this was going. Wasn't all that information supposed to be confidential? Still, I was pretty stupid and said I would think about it. How could I call a girl I barely knew? Wouldn't she know how I got her number?
Fred said not to worry. He could arrange things. Plus he already talked to the nurse and she was agreeable to a "date" and thought I was "cute." My self-confidence soared but still, something just didn't seem right.
The next weekend as soon as Fred stopped by he excitedly sat down and asked if he could shut the Gift Shop door for a few minutes, as he wanted to tell me about the "date" he had set up between me and the private duty nurse. I didn't see any harm. I was still a mere volunteer while this guy was an important Director of Nursing. He was helping me to get laid, so even though the whole thing seemed strange ( ya think?) I said okay.
So, the arrangements were set and he had her phone number with him. But first I had to do something in return. He wanted to touch my private parts.
An icy chill came over me, but instead of being scared, I immediately shouted "What's wrong with you, man?"
I never seen someone turn so white so fast in my life. His face looked like a beached whale. He probably thought I was this passive little guy who would do anything he wanted. Fred was surprised I wasn't a half-wit after all.
He started apologizing profusely, saying he was sorry over and over again, that he "didn't mean it that way." and pleaded that I not tell anyone.He never threatened me or made me feel guilty, like I was the pervert. he just kept apologizing and suggested that we forget the whole idea. Maybe he thought I would reconsider when I had time to ponder the missed chance of having a date with the pretty nurse down the hall.
Truth is, after he opened the door and scurried out, I was shocked at my own spunk. I was scared to death but wouldn't let Fred the Predator know that. Now I wondered what to do. I could either forget the whole thing and go on with life or report Fred. But who would ever believe me? I was just this new volunteer, a young guy in a wheelchair, looking for a way to spend my time in a nursing home.He was an adult male, married and with a family, probably a respected person in his community.
I didn't tell anyone about Fred. But the more I pondered it, the more I became angry. The fact I was a volunteer and had a disability shouldn't matter. What did I have to lose? At first I did feel guilty about getting Fred in trouble. But then I wasn't the pervert. Damn Fred for putting me in this situation. And if he hit on a guy like me, who knows what he was doing to other staff members, or worse, to the helpless, innocent residents.
There was an older nurse who also worked weekends, generally every other week when Fred was off. Her name was Mrs. Hoover, but everyone called her Mrs. H. She was pretty cool with the staff. She was an assistant to the director and had also been a fixture at the nursing home for many years. Mrs. H. liked to joke and always had a smile on her face. But she always let everyone know who was boss. Staff respected her and felt at ease going to her with problems. She was a "nurse's nurse"- gentle and kind, a professional in every way, someone who would take her nurses and aides under her wing and teach and counsel, not humiliate . Yet when she had to be tough behind closed doors, she was.
I often wondered why Mrs. H. wasn't the Director of Nursing, but she would shrug that suggestion off as "facility politics,' and claimed she was "happy doing what I'm doing."
If anyone would understand it would be Mrs. H. So I made an appointment to see her in the Nursing office after I closed shop one Saturday.
I told her everything. She listened intently, occasionally taking a drag from her cigarette ( back in the early 80s it was okay to smoke, even in the Nursing office. Funny how so many nurses and doctors I worked with over the years smoked, even though they would tell you never to smoke).
Apparently there had been some other complaints about Fred and his aggressive behavior towards staff. I sighed, relieved that I wasn't the only one who thought Fred was a problem. There wasn't enough proof to get him fired, but the evidence was building. I'm glad Mrs. H. seemed to believe me. In fact, I could see her face getting redder as I told my story. I could tell she was pissed that her Director of Nursing was trying to hit on anyone at work, let alone someone in my situation.
"Don't worry, " she assured me through clenched teeth as I departed, 'I'll take care of it."
From then on I would see Fred passing by the Gift Shop, but he didn't stop by anymore. He barely waved hello, and he seemed to always be in a hurry whenever he bumped into me in the halls. With time I heard through the grapevine that he had resigned. Who knows if it was voluntary or forced. The important thing was Fred was gone forever.
Years later I heard he was no longer working and that his wife, also a nurse, was taking care of him at home for an unspecified illness.I never wished anyone ill-will or bad luck. But in the case of Fred, he probably got what was coming to him.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
JEOPARDY GOAT WRAP-UP
It only took 4 nights and the greatest player of all-time in Jeopardy was determined. Ken Jennings wrapped up the title-plus a $ 1 million reward, for winning the prime time tournament last night. The thrilling event was a ratings winner as well. Jennings won 3 matches, while James Holzhouse won 1, and Brad Rutter was shut out.
Jennings was dominate again last night, getting off to an early lead and cruising the rest of the way. Jennings not only showed a lightning quick buzzer and incredible recall and knowledge, but extraordinary guts as he went all-in on several Daily doubles and Final Jeopardys through out the tourney. Tuesday night was no different.
The only curious move was when he risked nothing on the final Jeopardy of the second match. If James had bet everything ( and he did0 and he answered correctly ( he didn't) Holzhouser would've won Match 2. Instead it was Jennings won walked away with the Greatest of All Time trophy and title.
There good-natured jabs were refreshing ( professional sports should take note). The congratulations also seemed genuine. After all, both Holzhouser and Rutter walked away with an additional $ 250,000 in their bank accounts, nothing to sneeze at.
Jennings was like a machine, answering categories even he amazed himself at knowing. Holzhouser seemed more confident in his responses. Rutter was just along for the ride. He could never get going in the four total matches, often missing the crucial Daily Doubles, especially when he bet it all.
Each night there was a sweet and sentimental gesture to host Alex Trebek, the courageous, long-time Jeopardy host who is battling stave IV pancreatic cancer. Rutter paid tribute to Trebek o the final show last night, saying "I'm going to miss you, Alex."
I'm sure ABC will try to revive the tournament somehow soon. Maybe with different champions. Or maybe have a rematch between these three ultimate champs, maybe this time for a $ 5 million prize? Whatever, it won't be the same as this original, brilliant event.
Hopefully ABC doesn't dilute this ratings bonanza by airing a less-than championship format with less-then champion players.
Perhaps a one-to-one slug fest just between Jennings and Holzhouser?
Whatever, it was a great four nights of TV. I just wished it had lasted a few nights longer.
Jennings was dominate again last night, getting off to an early lead and cruising the rest of the way. Jennings not only showed a lightning quick buzzer and incredible recall and knowledge, but extraordinary guts as he went all-in on several Daily doubles and Final Jeopardys through out the tourney. Tuesday night was no different.
The only curious move was when he risked nothing on the final Jeopardy of the second match. If James had bet everything ( and he did0 and he answered correctly ( he didn't) Holzhouser would've won Match 2. Instead it was Jennings won walked away with the Greatest of All Time trophy and title.
There good-natured jabs were refreshing ( professional sports should take note). The congratulations also seemed genuine. After all, both Holzhouser and Rutter walked away with an additional $ 250,000 in their bank accounts, nothing to sneeze at.
Jennings was like a machine, answering categories even he amazed himself at knowing. Holzhouser seemed more confident in his responses. Rutter was just along for the ride. He could never get going in the four total matches, often missing the crucial Daily Doubles, especially when he bet it all.
Each night there was a sweet and sentimental gesture to host Alex Trebek, the courageous, long-time Jeopardy host who is battling stave IV pancreatic cancer. Rutter paid tribute to Trebek o the final show last night, saying "I'm going to miss you, Alex."
I'm sure ABC will try to revive the tournament somehow soon. Maybe with different champions. Or maybe have a rematch between these three ultimate champs, maybe this time for a $ 5 million prize? Whatever, it won't be the same as this original, brilliant event.
Hopefully ABC doesn't dilute this ratings bonanza by airing a less-than championship format with less-then champion players.
Perhaps a one-to-one slug fest just between Jennings and Holzhouser?
Whatever, it was a great four nights of TV. I just wished it had lasted a few nights longer.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
book- easter eggs
(Place on page 55 after para 8 "it wasn't for me..")
My enthusiasm for art wasn't wasted. I became the 'family artist." Every year I was counted on to design and color our annual Easter eggs. I painstakingly etched personal hard-boiled eggs for all family members, complete with names, logos and crafty decorations. I was pretty proud of myself, and if I failed to color Easter eggs one year, they would actually be missed. Hardly anyone ever ate the eggs ior took them home. They were just there, on the Easter dinner table. It soon became a modest family tradition, encouraged by Mom, that Greg paints the Easter eggs.
I even made an annual "Memorial Egg," in homor of the deceased family members. The rggs were symbols of simplier times in the 70s and 80s.
40 years later, Holly was cleaning out the basement and found two cardboard boxes full of musty, dusty Easter eggs. My mother, God bless her soul, secretly kept my finest art work all those years. Somehow the eggs survived. Those memories, once as faded as the colors on those time-worn eggs, became vivid and vibrant again, proof once again how much Mom really loved me.
My enthusiasm for art wasn't wasted. I became the 'family artist." Every year I was counted on to design and color our annual Easter eggs. I painstakingly etched personal hard-boiled eggs for all family members, complete with names, logos and crafty decorations. I was pretty proud of myself, and if I failed to color Easter eggs one year, they would actually be missed. Hardly anyone ever ate the eggs ior took them home. They were just there, on the Easter dinner table. It soon became a modest family tradition, encouraged by Mom, that Greg paints the Easter eggs.
I even made an annual "Memorial Egg," in homor of the deceased family members. The rggs were symbols of simplier times in the 70s and 80s.
40 years later, Holly was cleaning out the basement and found two cardboard boxes full of musty, dusty Easter eggs. My mother, God bless her soul, secretly kept my finest art work all those years. Somehow the eggs survived. Those memories, once as faded as the colors on those time-worn eggs, became vivid and vibrant again, proof once again how much Mom really loved me.
Monday, January 13, 2020
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- NFL PLAYOFFS
A review of the NFL playoff games this past weekend..
Tennessee over Baltimore-
A surprise, as the Ravens choked last year in the post-season and once again imploded at home. Dominating Baltimore had the perfect situation: a playoff game at home, with New England out of the playoffs, against a titans team that squeaked into the post-season. Now the Ravens must regroup for next year and the Titans move onto to the AFC Championship Game. Is Tennessee QB Ryan Tannehill this year's Nick Foles?
Green Bay over Seattle-
The Packers beat the Seahawks for the ninth straight time in Green Bay. Give Seattle credit for being road warriors all season but they were due to lose . Their defense is a shell of itself. Russell Wilson is great and put the Seahawks on his back. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers remains the wily old veteran who wasn't going to let the Pack lose that game, especially at Lambeau Field. Despicable guys like Pete Carroll and Javdaveon Clowney are going home while Green Bay goes to San Francisco next weekend.
San Francisco over Minnesota-
Many thought Kirk Cousins and the Vikings would upset the 49ers and move on but no. There's a reason why the Niners ruled in NFC West. A remarkable turn-around by the San Fran staff. Minnesota needs to win their division and get home field advantage in the future. Away from a dame they just aren't the same team.
Kansas City over Houston-
What a wild and wacky football game in KC! The Chiefs were down 24-0 to a Texan team that had no chance to win by oddsmakers. Would it be yet another playoff choke-job by an Andy Reid coached squad? Then Houston Head Coach Bill O'Brien decided to ruin his own momentum. First he changed his mind near the Kansas City 20 yard line and decided to kick a field goal to make it 24-0. Fourth down and one ad at first Housron was going for it, to score a touchdown, go up by 4 TDs, and break the Chiefs. Instead O'Brien did the conservative ( and maybe smart) thing and kicked the field goal. But KC has an explosive offense. You not give them any sign of life, especially at noisy Arrowhead. Then Houston started turning the ball over and dropping passes, ala the Chiefs in the first quarter.
O'Brien stupidly decided to try a punt fake at his own 40 yard line and up 24-7. The attempted run by stopped short by a few inches and KC was set up for their comeback.
KC won, 51-31 Patrick Mahones played great and the chiefs rolled. Now they look like a team of destiny. How cab Tennessee beat them at Arrowhead next Sunday when the Texans had them beat and let them off the hook?
It should be a fun Sunday when the Packers travel to meet the 49ers and the Chiefs host the Titans for the right to go to the Super Bowl.
Tennessee over Baltimore-
A surprise, as the Ravens choked last year in the post-season and once again imploded at home. Dominating Baltimore had the perfect situation: a playoff game at home, with New England out of the playoffs, against a titans team that squeaked into the post-season. Now the Ravens must regroup for next year and the Titans move onto to the AFC Championship Game. Is Tennessee QB Ryan Tannehill this year's Nick Foles?
Green Bay over Seattle-
The Packers beat the Seahawks for the ninth straight time in Green Bay. Give Seattle credit for being road warriors all season but they were due to lose . Their defense is a shell of itself. Russell Wilson is great and put the Seahawks on his back. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers remains the wily old veteran who wasn't going to let the Pack lose that game, especially at Lambeau Field. Despicable guys like Pete Carroll and Javdaveon Clowney are going home while Green Bay goes to San Francisco next weekend.
San Francisco over Minnesota-
Many thought Kirk Cousins and the Vikings would upset the 49ers and move on but no. There's a reason why the Niners ruled in NFC West. A remarkable turn-around by the San Fran staff. Minnesota needs to win their division and get home field advantage in the future. Away from a dame they just aren't the same team.
Kansas City over Houston-
What a wild and wacky football game in KC! The Chiefs were down 24-0 to a Texan team that had no chance to win by oddsmakers. Would it be yet another playoff choke-job by an Andy Reid coached squad? Then Houston Head Coach Bill O'Brien decided to ruin his own momentum. First he changed his mind near the Kansas City 20 yard line and decided to kick a field goal to make it 24-0. Fourth down and one ad at first Housron was going for it, to score a touchdown, go up by 4 TDs, and break the Chiefs. Instead O'Brien did the conservative ( and maybe smart) thing and kicked the field goal. But KC has an explosive offense. You not give them any sign of life, especially at noisy Arrowhead. Then Houston started turning the ball over and dropping passes, ala the Chiefs in the first quarter.
O'Brien stupidly decided to try a punt fake at his own 40 yard line and up 24-7. The attempted run by stopped short by a few inches and KC was set up for their comeback.
KC won, 51-31 Patrick Mahones played great and the chiefs rolled. Now they look like a team of destiny. How cab Tennessee beat them at Arrowhead next Sunday when the Texans had them beat and let them off the hook?
It should be a fun Sunday when the Packers travel to meet the 49ers and the Chiefs host the Titans for the right to go to the Super Bowl.
Sunday, January 12, 2020
book- phillies
(Place on page 15, after 2nd paragraph).
As much as we wanted our Phillies and Eagles to finally win a championship, there was always next season. There was always hope in the spring or fall. A new baseball or football season gave me more reason to keep fighting and hang in there. As disappointed as we were when our Philly teams finished in last place, and as impossible it seemed to win a World Series, the frustrating defeats faded into renewed hope each year, hope which kept my dreams alive and made me fight to live even more.
As much as we wanted our Phillies and Eagles to finally win a championship, there was always next season. There was always hope in the spring or fall. A new baseball or football season gave me more reason to keep fighting and hang in there. As disappointed as we were when our Philly teams finished in last place, and as impossible it seemed to win a World Series, the frustrating defeats faded into renewed hope each year, hope which kept my dreams alive and made me fight to live even more.
Friday, January 10, 2020
JEOPARDY-ALL-TIME GREATEST
I have been looking forward to the Jeopardy All-Time Greatest tournament since they announced it late in 2019. The big match-up between the best Jeopardy players- Ken Jennings ( who has the longest winning streak-74 games), Brad Rutter ( who has won the money money, over $ 4 million), and James Holzhouser ( who has set over 20 Jeopardy records, including most money in one show. So, naturally, I have been watching the tourney intensely since the first match on Tuesday night.
The format is whoever wins three matches takes the $ 1 million grand prize and the title of Jeopardy Greatest of All-Time. Each hour long show ( starting at 8 pm on ABC) consists of two Jeopardy games. The combined total points of each game wins the match.
So far, Jennings has won two matches, Holzhouser one, and Rutter has been shut-out. If Jennings wins tonight he takes the tournament.
Jennings is like a machine. No wonder he won so many games in a row. It's been 15 years since his streak, but he hasn't lost a thing. He is still quick on the buzzer too.
Jennings made a bold move last night, betting all of his over 25,000 points in Game 1 of Final Jeopardy and getting the answer correct. Ahead by 24,000 points, the night was pretty much a formality. Overall, Holzhouser did start Game 2 by winning 5,000 straight points and found a Daily double. but he missed the answer, a rare occurrence on a daily double for him. His method of winning has been to find Daily Doubles and bet as much as he can to out-distance his opponents.
Rutter has found Daily Doubles each night but he has also missed each night on questions, falling to zero and needing to constantly catch-up.
I'm amazed, not only at the knowledge displayed but also by their quickness. They are lightning fast on the buzzer, but also in their answers. That impresses me most of all.
holly and i did answer one question a piece last night that none of the champions got- something to be proud of!
Alex Trebek, battling Stage IV pancreatic cancer, is doing his usual excellent job hosting the event. I'm sure ABC would prefer that Holzhouser wins tonight to tie the tourney at two wins apiece between he and Jennings, with suspense building over the weekend. Or will Rutter finally break through with a win? Or will Jennings close things out tonight?
The ratings are awesome. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime show. When will three champs like this ever be together? They have a great chemistry together and with Trebek (Holzhouser paid tribute to Trebek in one of his Final Jeopardy answers).
Even if Rutter doesn't win he earned my respect by writing something about The Eagles winning the 2017 Super Bowl. Rutter is from Lancaster, Pa., and is obviously an Eagles fan. He closed his Final Jeopardy answer by muttering 'Go Birds!"
Thursday, January 9, 2020
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES. PHILLIES
- Fallout remains from the Carson Wentz concussion in last Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. Yesterday Eagles' Head Coach Doug Pederson and General Manager Howie Roseman had an end-of-the-season news conference.Both were surprisingly cool when asked about the dirty hit by Seattle's Clowney on Wentz, which changed the entire playoff game. Both seemed to have attitudes of "Carson was a runner, so anything."
Probably both Pederson and Roseman were told, either by the NFL or by team owner Jeffrey Lurie, to restrain themselves from fueling the intense fire by the media and fans after the hit. Both talked about not wanting to dwell on the past, as both were looking forward to moving on.
Regardless, the refs blew it by not correctly calling the play and penalizing Clowney. NBC blew it by not acknowledging the late hit. And the league blew it by not fining or suspending Clowney since the game.
I feel as most Eagle fans do- frustrated and angry. I vowed not to watch the playoff games this weekend, still hurt that Philly won't be in Green bay this Sunday instead of Seattle. But when push comes to shove and it's game time, I'm a sports fan and will probably watch some of it.
The league got what they wanted- a Russell Wilson vs Aaron Rodgers match-up. The Seahawks are an incredible 8-1 on the road this season. Winning under harsh conditions in Green Bay will be a huge challenge.
Here are my picks for the weekend games:
Green Bay 24 Seattle 13
San Francisco 31 Minnesota 24
Baltimore 28 Tennessee 17
Kansas City 20 Houston 13
***********************************************************************
- Only 33 days til spring training. The Phillies haven't done much since their flurry of activity before Christmas, when they signed Zach Wheeler and Didi Gregorious. The bullpen hasn't been addressed, and quality relievers have come off the free agent board. GM Matt Klentek is gambling again, hoping the bullpen gets healthy.
If the bullpen fails early in the spring, maybe then ( or perhaps at the July trade deadline), look for the Phils to exceed the luxury tax and bolster the 'pen. Til then, Klentek is putting his job on the line.
There is still time to make trades before the season begins in late March. But Klentek isn't much of a dealer. The Phillies are not a division-winning club, as constituted now. In fact, they may still be a 4th place team in the NL East.
If the Phils finish with an underachieving 81-81 record or less, especially if they miss the playoffs again, look for big changes in the front office next off-season.
Probably both Pederson and Roseman were told, either by the NFL or by team owner Jeffrey Lurie, to restrain themselves from fueling the intense fire by the media and fans after the hit. Both talked about not wanting to dwell on the past, as both were looking forward to moving on.
Regardless, the refs blew it by not correctly calling the play and penalizing Clowney. NBC blew it by not acknowledging the late hit. And the league blew it by not fining or suspending Clowney since the game.
I feel as most Eagle fans do- frustrated and angry. I vowed not to watch the playoff games this weekend, still hurt that Philly won't be in Green bay this Sunday instead of Seattle. But when push comes to shove and it's game time, I'm a sports fan and will probably watch some of it.
The league got what they wanted- a Russell Wilson vs Aaron Rodgers match-up. The Seahawks are an incredible 8-1 on the road this season. Winning under harsh conditions in Green Bay will be a huge challenge.
Here are my picks for the weekend games:
Green Bay 24 Seattle 13
San Francisco 31 Minnesota 24
Baltimore 28 Tennessee 17
Kansas City 20 Houston 13
***********************************************************************
- Only 33 days til spring training. The Phillies haven't done much since their flurry of activity before Christmas, when they signed Zach Wheeler and Didi Gregorious. The bullpen hasn't been addressed, and quality relievers have come off the free agent board. GM Matt Klentek is gambling again, hoping the bullpen gets healthy.
If the bullpen fails early in the spring, maybe then ( or perhaps at the July trade deadline), look for the Phils to exceed the luxury tax and bolster the 'pen. Til then, Klentek is putting his job on the line.
There is still time to make trades before the season begins in late March. But Klentek isn't much of a dealer. The Phillies are not a division-winning club, as constituted now. In fact, they may still be a 4th place team in the NL East.
If the Phils finish with an underachieving 81-81 record or less, especially if they miss the playoffs again, look for big changes in the front office next off-season.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
book- special thanks
( Place in front of book)
Special Thanks
To Ray Didinger, Joe Canuso, and Jodi Orgill Brown for their tremendous friendship, guidance and encouragement.
To Holly, for her unwavering love and support, and for her help proofreading and editing the manuscript.
Special Thanks
To Ray Didinger, Joe Canuso, and Jodi Orgill Brown for their tremendous friendship, guidance and encouragement.
To Holly, for her unwavering love and support, and for her help proofreading and editing the manuscript.
Monday, January 6, 2020
book-travel
(Place on page 326, in place of recent delete section)
Traveling can be a challenge. Hotels that claim to have ADA accessible rooms aren't always as promised. Often the bathrooms are inaccessible, with toilets and showers difficult to use. Even simple things like a mirror ,too high to look into for shaving or grooming, may seem trivial to most people but important to yours truly.
Easily the most frequent challenge I still encounter in my travels is an inaccessible bed. They must be a certain height to adhere to ADA regulations. I have found beds and mattresses that are "ADA acceptable" but just because they meet certain measurements doesn't mean they are functional.
I've had hotels that needed to lower the bed or remove the mattress altogether. We once journeyed to Pittsburgh to see the Phillies play, and we booked an "ADA approved" room for the weekend, only to find it really wasn't. Since the maintenance workers at the hotel could n't successfully lower my bed, I ended up sleeping in my wheelchair that weekend. Not a good thing.
The same thing happened outside of Coopertown, New York after visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame. It makes one only consider day trips and discourages booking overnight trips.
So, accessibility doesn't always mean ramps and cut-curbs. There are still challenges in the world, even 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed.
Traveling can be a challenge. Hotels that claim to have ADA accessible rooms aren't always as promised. Often the bathrooms are inaccessible, with toilets and showers difficult to use. Even simple things like a mirror ,too high to look into for shaving or grooming, may seem trivial to most people but important to yours truly.
Easily the most frequent challenge I still encounter in my travels is an inaccessible bed. They must be a certain height to adhere to ADA regulations. I have found beds and mattresses that are "ADA acceptable" but just because they meet certain measurements doesn't mean they are functional.
I've had hotels that needed to lower the bed or remove the mattress altogether. We once journeyed to Pittsburgh to see the Phillies play, and we booked an "ADA approved" room for the weekend, only to find it really wasn't. Since the maintenance workers at the hotel could n't successfully lower my bed, I ended up sleeping in my wheelchair that weekend. Not a good thing.
The same thing happened outside of Coopertown, New York after visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame. It makes one only consider day trips and discourages booking overnight trips.
So, accessibility doesn't always mean ramps and cut-curbs. There are still challenges in the world, even 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES
My thoughts on the Eagles' season-ending loss to Seattle, 17-9..
- I was at the game. The fans knew of DT Clowney's late hit on QB Carson Wentz and booed him every time Clowney's name was announced. It's a disgrace he wasn't flagged for the spear. Clowey clearly lowered his head to contact Wentz' helmet, thus banging his head into the hard ground. Wentz suffered a concussion from the blow.
The refs missed at least two other Settle penalties against the Birds. In one, a Seahawk defender had his arms wrapped around TE Dallas Goddard as he was attempting to catch a pass. In another, a Seattle secondary player pushed Greg Ward out of bounds after a catch- a really late hit for unnecessary roughness.
Yet, this same crew called a late hit against the Birds against QB Russell Wilson inside the Philadelphia five yard line. The head referee, Shawn Smith, is in his second year. Why give such an inexperienced guy a big playoff game like this?
- Apparently NBC either ignored the Wentz concussion or missed it completely. Michele Tufoya, the sideline reporter was clueless and giddy when she interviewed Clowney after the game. Giggling, she never asked him about the late hit on Wentz.
We all know that Cris Collingsworth has an agenda against the Eagles after his Tom Brady and the Patriots lost the 2017 Super Bowl.
_ I agree with Ray Didinger that with a healthy Wentz, the Birds would've won the game and moved on to Green Bay next Sunday. The Seahawks will get stomped on in Green Bay. Seems like the NFL wanted a Russell Wilson vs Aaron Rodgers showdown. It's not sour grapes to say the refs greatly effected the outcome of the game.
- Maybe because of the playoffs..?? Pre-game introductions by the Eagles were limited. Usually they introduced individually the offense or defensive. We git neither. Nor did we get fireworks before the game and at kickoff. The league is trying to take all the fun out of their games.
- Circle the Seattle game on the calender when the schedule comes out in April. If Clowney is still on the Seahawks, the Eagles should seriously think of targeting Clowney with something like a chop-block. If not him, then take a cheap shot at Wilson.
You hate for your team to play dirty. But if that's what the NFL wants, by all means.
It was cold and windy at the Linc but not as harsh as the New England game I was at on November 17th.
The Eagles really need to upgrade stuff once inside the gates. Other than food trucks, the WIP booth, the Lite beer tent, and the Pro Shop, there really isn't much to do once inside the grounds.
- I say the Eagles overall had a successful season. Were they Super bowl contenders starting the season? Yes. But due to injuries they went from a 5-7 squad with little hopes to having a playoff game. They played with former practice squad players and gave it a good run. They have work to do in the off-season, including getting younger and faster, but Carson Wentz came into his own and is a building block for years to come.
Shame for Wentz, to finally make it to a post-season game, only to be taken away because of a cheap shot by a dirty player. Now the "what ifs' will linger from the Wentz haters until next year, when hopefully Wentz and the Eagles get another shot at glory.
The Eagles will have to play against the odds, as no team since 2003-04 has won the NFC East in consecutive years.
Like last year, 3 of 4 winners in the Wild Card Weekend were road teams. Too many were influenced by officials, never a good thing for professional football.
- I was at the game. The fans knew of DT Clowney's late hit on QB Carson Wentz and booed him every time Clowney's name was announced. It's a disgrace he wasn't flagged for the spear. Clowey clearly lowered his head to contact Wentz' helmet, thus banging his head into the hard ground. Wentz suffered a concussion from the blow.
The refs missed at least two other Settle penalties against the Birds. In one, a Seahawk defender had his arms wrapped around TE Dallas Goddard as he was attempting to catch a pass. In another, a Seattle secondary player pushed Greg Ward out of bounds after a catch- a really late hit for unnecessary roughness.
Yet, this same crew called a late hit against the Birds against QB Russell Wilson inside the Philadelphia five yard line. The head referee, Shawn Smith, is in his second year. Why give such an inexperienced guy a big playoff game like this?
- Apparently NBC either ignored the Wentz concussion or missed it completely. Michele Tufoya, the sideline reporter was clueless and giddy when she interviewed Clowney after the game. Giggling, she never asked him about the late hit on Wentz.
We all know that Cris Collingsworth has an agenda against the Eagles after his Tom Brady and the Patriots lost the 2017 Super Bowl.
_ I agree with Ray Didinger that with a healthy Wentz, the Birds would've won the game and moved on to Green Bay next Sunday. The Seahawks will get stomped on in Green Bay. Seems like the NFL wanted a Russell Wilson vs Aaron Rodgers showdown. It's not sour grapes to say the refs greatly effected the outcome of the game.
- Maybe because of the playoffs..?? Pre-game introductions by the Eagles were limited. Usually they introduced individually the offense or defensive. We git neither. Nor did we get fireworks before the game and at kickoff. The league is trying to take all the fun out of their games.
- Circle the Seattle game on the calender when the schedule comes out in April. If Clowney is still on the Seahawks, the Eagles should seriously think of targeting Clowney with something like a chop-block. If not him, then take a cheap shot at Wilson.
You hate for your team to play dirty. But if that's what the NFL wants, by all means.
It was cold and windy at the Linc but not as harsh as the New England game I was at on November 17th.
The Eagles really need to upgrade stuff once inside the gates. Other than food trucks, the WIP booth, the Lite beer tent, and the Pro Shop, there really isn't much to do once inside the grounds.
- I say the Eagles overall had a successful season. Were they Super bowl contenders starting the season? Yes. But due to injuries they went from a 5-7 squad with little hopes to having a playoff game. They played with former practice squad players and gave it a good run. They have work to do in the off-season, including getting younger and faster, but Carson Wentz came into his own and is a building block for years to come.
Shame for Wentz, to finally make it to a post-season game, only to be taken away because of a cheap shot by a dirty player. Now the "what ifs' will linger from the Wentz haters until next year, when hopefully Wentz and the Eagles get another shot at glory.
The Eagles will have to play against the odds, as no team since 2003-04 has won the NFC East in consecutive years.
Like last year, 3 of 4 winners in the Wild Card Weekend were road teams. Too many were influenced by officials, never a good thing for professional football.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, SIXERS
- Countdown to an Eagles home playoff game! The Linc will be going crazy with 66,000 screaming fans as the Birds take on the Seattle Seahawks at 4:40. Forecast for the weather is partly cloudy, windy and cold. Wind chills around freezing.
The last playoff game I attended was the 2017 NFC Championship Game vs Minnesota. It's been a weird, yet wonderful season. The Eagles were a favorite team out of the NFC to make it to the Super Bowl. But due to injuries and inconsistent play, the Birds had to win their last 4 games to win the division and secure a home playoff game.
Even if the Eagles lose tomorrow, I say it was still a successful season. Getting into the playoffs, with a home game, is a success, no matter how you do it.
Looks like right tackle Lane Johnson won't play against the Seahawks. Word is he will play next week in San Francisco if the Eagles win on Sunday. So will wide receiver DeSean Jackson. So, beating Seattle not only advance the Birds in the NFC playoffs, they get healthier as time goes on.
This is Carson's Wentz first post-season game. Hard to believe since it seems like Wentz has been around forever. After a mid-season funk, Wentz is playing very well, and is in the process of stepping out of the shadow of Nick Foles. He is making those around him better, the sign of a good quarterback.
Hopefully the injuries don't finally break the camel's back, but Wentz has lifted up the squad, and despite key players being hurt, hungry young, faster players have emerged.
- My picks for the playoff games today..
Bills 17 Texans 14
Patriots 34 Titans 17
****************************************************************
The Sixers lost their 4th game in a row last night to the Rockets in Houston. So what is their problem? Are they immature? Yes. Do they need a new coach? Yes. Brett Brown, since the tanking days, has a losing mentality which fit perfectly with the organization.
The real problem is simple: the roster. They lack outside shooting. They are not as good of a team as they were last season. Losing Jimmy Butler was key. Giving max money contracts to Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris was a mistake. Neither are superstars. Plus, after tanking for years and collecting an assortment of high draft picks, the organization missed on too many picks ( Fultz, Noel, Okafer), picks that should be helping the 76ers now.
Meanwhile, what happens to Simmons and Joel Embiid? Do they stay together if the season is a disappointment? Time will tell.
I have the Sixers making the playoffs but not getting far. Major chances will then occur over next summer. And this woeful franchise will need to start all over again.
The last playoff game I attended was the 2017 NFC Championship Game vs Minnesota. It's been a weird, yet wonderful season. The Eagles were a favorite team out of the NFC to make it to the Super Bowl. But due to injuries and inconsistent play, the Birds had to win their last 4 games to win the division and secure a home playoff game.
Even if the Eagles lose tomorrow, I say it was still a successful season. Getting into the playoffs, with a home game, is a success, no matter how you do it.
Looks like right tackle Lane Johnson won't play against the Seahawks. Word is he will play next week in San Francisco if the Eagles win on Sunday. So will wide receiver DeSean Jackson. So, beating Seattle not only advance the Birds in the NFC playoffs, they get healthier as time goes on.
This is Carson's Wentz first post-season game. Hard to believe since it seems like Wentz has been around forever. After a mid-season funk, Wentz is playing very well, and is in the process of stepping out of the shadow of Nick Foles. He is making those around him better, the sign of a good quarterback.
Hopefully the injuries don't finally break the camel's back, but Wentz has lifted up the squad, and despite key players being hurt, hungry young, faster players have emerged.
- My picks for the playoff games today..
Bills 17 Texans 14
Patriots 34 Titans 17
****************************************************************
The Sixers lost their 4th game in a row last night to the Rockets in Houston. So what is their problem? Are they immature? Yes. Do they need a new coach? Yes. Brett Brown, since the tanking days, has a losing mentality which fit perfectly with the organization.
The real problem is simple: the roster. They lack outside shooting. They are not as good of a team as they were last season. Losing Jimmy Butler was key. Giving max money contracts to Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris was a mistake. Neither are superstars. Plus, after tanking for years and collecting an assortment of high draft picks, the organization missed on too many picks ( Fultz, Noel, Okafer), picks that should be helping the 76ers now.
Meanwhile, what happens to Simmons and Joel Embiid? Do they stay together if the season is a disappointment? Time will tell.
I have the Sixers making the playoffs but not getting far. Major chances will then occur over next summer. And this woeful franchise will need to start all over again.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
book- perm
(Place on page 76,new para. after "Who knew?")
Easily the most stupid thing I did during this time, and possibly ever, was getting a perm. I really looked up to my brother Pat, who was a little more than two years older. Pat was a good athlete and was a good-looking guy. He had all the best rock albums and dressed cool for the time. When he got braces on his teeth, I wanted braces on my teeth. When he got a perm, I wanted to get a perm.
Guys getting perms was the weird style at the time. Maybe it looked good on some men. Mom tried to talk me out of it. I did have nice hair but it was straight and boring. I wanted to be like everyone else.
Once again, I should've listened to Mom. I looked ridiculous the moment I looked at myself in the mirror. A combination of Shirley Temple, Richard Simmons, and a chia pet.
It was dear old Uncle Henry who told me the honest truth. "You look awful," he said bluntly.
It took a few haircuts to cut the curl out and I was back to myself. Lesson learned. It's not always good to try and be someone else. Thank goodness no photo exists as proof of my stupidity. Only the awful memories of my curls.
Easily the most stupid thing I did during this time, and possibly ever, was getting a perm. I really looked up to my brother Pat, who was a little more than two years older. Pat was a good athlete and was a good-looking guy. He had all the best rock albums and dressed cool for the time. When he got braces on his teeth, I wanted braces on my teeth. When he got a perm, I wanted to get a perm.
Guys getting perms was the weird style at the time. Maybe it looked good on some men. Mom tried to talk me out of it. I did have nice hair but it was straight and boring. I wanted to be like everyone else.
Once again, I should've listened to Mom. I looked ridiculous the moment I looked at myself in the mirror. A combination of Shirley Temple, Richard Simmons, and a chia pet.
It was dear old Uncle Henry who told me the honest truth. "You look awful," he said bluntly.
It took a few haircuts to cut the curl out and I was back to myself. Lesson learned. It's not always good to try and be someone else. Thank goodness no photo exists as proof of my stupidity. Only the awful memories of my curls.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
book- Katie
(Place on page 322, para 6 after line " ..young, too.")
And like most good things in our lives, we found this tiny, furry , fluffball of love where else- the Internet.
And like most good things in our lives, we found this tiny, furry , fluffball of love where else- the Internet.
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