Three for the Books
The three Ivy Leaguers to win the Heidmman Trophy:
Year Winner School
1936 Larry Kelley Yale
1937 Clint Frank Yale
1951 Dick Kazmaier Peinceton
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Monday, December 3, 2018
NFL REVIEW- WEEK 12
Wrapping up the NFL after Week 12 heading into the huge Monday Night match-up between the Eagles and Redskins..
Cowboys over Saints-
Dallas played a great game, even though New Orleans didn't show up. The Saints played like a road team on a short week. Maybe Jerry Jones was right after all when he traded a first-round pick ( which should be in the 20s next spring) for wide receiver Amari Cooper. Getting the speedy Cooper ( who is also only 24 years-old) has opened up the Dallas offense and allowed running back Zeke Elliot to emerge. Thanks to the Eagles the Cowboys breathe new life.They face Philly again next Sunday night while New Orleans stay on the road at Tampa Bay.
Ravens over Falcons-
My point spread winner this week. Other than Jacksonville has there been a more disappointing team than Atlanta? Once Super bowl contenders they have slipped to dregs in a tough division. Meanwhile Baltimore hangs in AFC North, thanks to a Pittsburgh loss last night. The Ravens travel to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for a big game while the Falcons play out the string at floundering, frozen Green Bay.
Broncos over Bengals-
Is Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis going to be fired or resigning before the season ends? The Bengals, off to a fast start and talking playoffs, are back to being the lowly Bengals. Denver has an up-and-coming squad, stuck in AFC West with surging Kansas City and the Chargers. Cincy goes west to face the Chargers while the Broncos go to San Francisco. With upcoming games against the Browns and Raiders, Denver still has wild card dreams.
Rams over Lions-
Los Angeles becomes the first NFL team to clinch their division. hopefully they aren't quite as motivated when they face the birds in two weeks. At 11-1, the rams are in control of home field advantage thru-out the NFC playoffs.Detroit remains an inconsistent mess.LA goes to frigid Soldier Field in Chicago next week for a possible playoff preview with the Bears.The Lions hit the road for the Arizona desert.
Cardinals over Packers-
This stunner was the first time a Cardinals team won in green Bay since 1949. The Packer loss cost head coach Mike McCarthy his job. To only have 4 wins and get upset by Arizona at Lambeau Field is a disgrace. Green Bays hosts the falcons next week while Arizona goes home to host Detroit.
Seahawks over 49ers-
Seattle continues it's late-season playoff push while San Fran plans for next year. The Seahawks have the next 3 of 4 in Seattle, including another big contest vs Minnesota next week.
Dolphins over Bills-
Who cares?
Giants over Bears-
Gotta wonder what would happen if the giants held on to beat the Eagles last week. They would be on a 4-game winning streak, with possible playoff hopes.Chicago was lucky that the vikings lost yesterday. In fact, every team in NFC North lost. Chicago hosts the hot Rams next week while the G-men play a division game vs Washington. go Giants!
Buccaneers over Panthers-
What has happened to Carolina? They still have two games left with the Saints but they continue to lose ground in NFC South. The Bucs play for next season. Carolina goes to frosty Cleveland next week while Tampa hosts the Saints.
Jaguars over Colts-
A 6-0,ugly game. Indianapolis had playoff hopes, and still does, but getting shut-out in lowly Jacksonville doesn't help. The Colts go to Houston and face a Texan team that has won 9 game sin a row. The Jags go to Tennessee.
Texans over Browns-
Houston threats to run away with AFC South and will be a dangerous playoff team. The Browns build for the future.
Titans over Jets-
Tennessee keeps it's slim post-season hopes alive while the Jets prepare to fire head coach Todd Bowles.
Chiefs over Raiders-
Oakland becomes the first NFL to be eliminated form the playoffs. The Chiefs roll after the Hunt incident. KC has a tough schedule down the stretch to secure home field advantage over new England.
Patriots over Vikings-
Give New England credit. 9-3 record again. Always consistent. In the hunt for home field advantage. Minnesota is taking a nose-dive and giving the NFC North to the Bears. Minnesota goes to Seattle next week. The final game of the season is Chicago at Minnesota. How huge is that? The Pasts hit the road with games at Miami and Pittsburgh the next two weeks.
Chargers over Steelers-
LA scored 23 consecutive points in the second half to beat Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. The Chargers will make the playoffs and could be a dangerous team to face. They have Cincinnati at home next week before facing the Chiefs in Kansas City. Pittsburgh goes to Oakland before playing the patriots and Saints back-to-back.
I went 1-1 against the spread, now 16-11 on the season.
Cowboys over Saints-
Dallas played a great game, even though New Orleans didn't show up. The Saints played like a road team on a short week. Maybe Jerry Jones was right after all when he traded a first-round pick ( which should be in the 20s next spring) for wide receiver Amari Cooper. Getting the speedy Cooper ( who is also only 24 years-old) has opened up the Dallas offense and allowed running back Zeke Elliot to emerge. Thanks to the Eagles the Cowboys breathe new life.They face Philly again next Sunday night while New Orleans stay on the road at Tampa Bay.
Ravens over Falcons-
My point spread winner this week. Other than Jacksonville has there been a more disappointing team than Atlanta? Once Super bowl contenders they have slipped to dregs in a tough division. Meanwhile Baltimore hangs in AFC North, thanks to a Pittsburgh loss last night. The Ravens travel to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for a big game while the Falcons play out the string at floundering, frozen Green Bay.
Broncos over Bengals-
Is Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis going to be fired or resigning before the season ends? The Bengals, off to a fast start and talking playoffs, are back to being the lowly Bengals. Denver has an up-and-coming squad, stuck in AFC West with surging Kansas City and the Chargers. Cincy goes west to face the Chargers while the Broncos go to San Francisco. With upcoming games against the Browns and Raiders, Denver still has wild card dreams.
Rams over Lions-
Los Angeles becomes the first NFL team to clinch their division. hopefully they aren't quite as motivated when they face the birds in two weeks. At 11-1, the rams are in control of home field advantage thru-out the NFC playoffs.Detroit remains an inconsistent mess.LA goes to frigid Soldier Field in Chicago next week for a possible playoff preview with the Bears.The Lions hit the road for the Arizona desert.
Cardinals over Packers-
This stunner was the first time a Cardinals team won in green Bay since 1949. The Packer loss cost head coach Mike McCarthy his job. To only have 4 wins and get upset by Arizona at Lambeau Field is a disgrace. Green Bays hosts the falcons next week while Arizona goes home to host Detroit.
Seahawks over 49ers-
Seattle continues it's late-season playoff push while San Fran plans for next year. The Seahawks have the next 3 of 4 in Seattle, including another big contest vs Minnesota next week.
Dolphins over Bills-
Who cares?
Giants over Bears-
Gotta wonder what would happen if the giants held on to beat the Eagles last week. They would be on a 4-game winning streak, with possible playoff hopes.Chicago was lucky that the vikings lost yesterday. In fact, every team in NFC North lost. Chicago hosts the hot Rams next week while the G-men play a division game vs Washington. go Giants!
Buccaneers over Panthers-
What has happened to Carolina? They still have two games left with the Saints but they continue to lose ground in NFC South. The Bucs play for next season. Carolina goes to frosty Cleveland next week while Tampa hosts the Saints.
Jaguars over Colts-
A 6-0,ugly game. Indianapolis had playoff hopes, and still does, but getting shut-out in lowly Jacksonville doesn't help. The Colts go to Houston and face a Texan team that has won 9 game sin a row. The Jags go to Tennessee.
Texans over Browns-
Houston threats to run away with AFC South and will be a dangerous playoff team. The Browns build for the future.
Titans over Jets-
Tennessee keeps it's slim post-season hopes alive while the Jets prepare to fire head coach Todd Bowles.
Chiefs over Raiders-
Oakland becomes the first NFL to be eliminated form the playoffs. The Chiefs roll after the Hunt incident. KC has a tough schedule down the stretch to secure home field advantage over new England.
Patriots over Vikings-
Give New England credit. 9-3 record again. Always consistent. In the hunt for home field advantage. Minnesota is taking a nose-dive and giving the NFC North to the Bears. Minnesota goes to Seattle next week. The final game of the season is Chicago at Minnesota. How huge is that? The Pasts hit the road with games at Miami and Pittsburgh the next two weeks.
Chargers over Steelers-
LA scored 23 consecutive points in the second half to beat Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. The Chargers will make the playoffs and could be a dangerous team to face. They have Cincinnati at home next week before facing the Chiefs in Kansas City. Pittsburgh goes to Oakland before playing the patriots and Saints back-to-back.
I went 1-1 against the spread, now 16-11 on the season.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- DECEMBER 3
Greyhound Perfection
On this date in 2003, the Moravian woman'sbasketball team, coached by future Hall of Faner Mary Beth Spirk, set an NCAA record by connecting on all 35 free-throw attempts in a 61-53 Commonwealth Conference victory vs Susquehanna University. The Greyhounds were 15 of 15 at the stripe in the first half and 20 of 20 in the second half.
On this date in 2003, the Moravian woman'sbasketball team, coached by future Hall of Faner Mary Beth Spirk, set an NCAA record by connecting on all 35 free-throw attempts in a 61-53 Commonwealth Conference victory vs Susquehanna University. The Greyhounds were 15 of 15 at the stripe in the first half and 20 of 20 in the second half.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, PHILLIES, SIXERS
- Must-win tonight at the Linc as the Eagles face the Washington Redskins. A victory sets up huge game in Dallas next Sunday night. With stunning Packer loss, a wild card berth is also in the picture. Winning the NFC East is better, as it comes with a home playoff game.
A wild card spot is tougher because of losses to Carolina and Minnesota. A tie-breaker situation would not favor the birds in either one of those scenarios.
Darren Sproles should play tonight. He should help the offense by giving Carson Wentz yet another weapon out of the backfield on screens and short passes. Equally as big, Sproles should help the punt return game , which has been non-existent since Sproles got hurt.
Getting off to a fast start is key and hasn't happened often this season. Limiting turnovers and penalties is big as well. Getting pressure on Redskin QB Colt McCoy will force mistakes. Stopping Adrien Peterson on the ground and making Washington throw the ball will help the Eagles tonight.
I picked Eagles 24-13 as the Birds go 6-6 and keep hope alive to defend their Super Bowl title.
- The Phillies are close to making a major trade with Seattle. The Phils will get shortstop Jean Segura while the mariners take losers J.P. Crawford and Carlos Santana. If true, it would be a coup for general manager Matt Klentak. I am very critical of Klentak but would praise him if he makes this happen. Santana was a free agent mistake last season. Addition by subtraction when you remove him form the roster. Crawford was over-rated and was never really going to be the everyday shortstop for {hiladelphia.
Segura is a .300 hitter who is above-average playing defense. He can bat lead-off or second. he is in the prime of his career, only 28-years-old.
Signing Manny Machado would mean Machado has agreed to play third base where he excels. The deal signals the start of an exciting off-season for the Phils. Advantage Phillies. Is Bryce Harper also in the cards?Is Franco, Herrera and Hernandez also on the move? What about a lefty starter or southpaw reliever?
- The Sixers won again at home on Sunday night, torching the Memphis Grizzlies. They have only lost one game so far at home this season, a shocker to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jimmy Butler has been a wonder for the 76ers. not only on the court, including a pair of last-second victories on final shots, but off the court as well, He has bet Ben Simmons to improve his defense. Butler has emerged as a mentor, a motivator and a leader to the younger players on the team. The Sixers need to do all they can to re-sign Butler after the season.
A wild card spot is tougher because of losses to Carolina and Minnesota. A tie-breaker situation would not favor the birds in either one of those scenarios.
Darren Sproles should play tonight. He should help the offense by giving Carson Wentz yet another weapon out of the backfield on screens and short passes. Equally as big, Sproles should help the punt return game , which has been non-existent since Sproles got hurt.
Getting off to a fast start is key and hasn't happened often this season. Limiting turnovers and penalties is big as well. Getting pressure on Redskin QB Colt McCoy will force mistakes. Stopping Adrien Peterson on the ground and making Washington throw the ball will help the Eagles tonight.
I picked Eagles 24-13 as the Birds go 6-6 and keep hope alive to defend their Super Bowl title.
- The Phillies are close to making a major trade with Seattle. The Phils will get shortstop Jean Segura while the mariners take losers J.P. Crawford and Carlos Santana. If true, it would be a coup for general manager Matt Klentak. I am very critical of Klentak but would praise him if he makes this happen. Santana was a free agent mistake last season. Addition by subtraction when you remove him form the roster. Crawford was over-rated and was never really going to be the everyday shortstop for {hiladelphia.
Segura is a .300 hitter who is above-average playing defense. He can bat lead-off or second. he is in the prime of his career, only 28-years-old.
Signing Manny Machado would mean Machado has agreed to play third base where he excels. The deal signals the start of an exciting off-season for the Phils. Advantage Phillies. Is Bryce Harper also in the cards?Is Franco, Herrera and Hernandez also on the move? What about a lefty starter or southpaw reliever?
- The Sixers won again at home on Sunday night, torching the Memphis Grizzlies. They have only lost one game so far at home this season, a shocker to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jimmy Butler has been a wonder for the 76ers. not only on the court, including a pair of last-second victories on final shots, but off the court as well, He has bet Ben Simmons to improve his defense. Butler has emerged as a mentor, a motivator and a leader to the younger players on the team. The Sixers need to do all they can to re-sign Butler after the season.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
IN THE NEWS-MTV DOCUMENTING DISABILITY ACTIVIST'S JOURNEY TO SPACE
From Disability Scoop..
A 28-year-old with a disability is headed to space and MTV plans to chronicle the voyage.
The cable network said this week that it will follow Eddie Ndopu as he works with an aerospace company to prepare for and make the flight.
Ndopu is from South Africa and has spinal muscular atrophy. He is expected to be the first person with a physical disability to travel into space, MTV said.
Diagnosed at birth, Ndopu was predicted to live just five years. Nearly three decades later, however, he has a master's degree in public policy from Oxford University and works to champion the rights of young people with disabilities around the globe.
Ndopu intends to deliver a message to the U.N. General Assembly from space "on behalf of young people everywhere who have ever felt excluded by society," according to MTV.
Production on the untitled project is slated to begin next year.
A 28-year-old with a disability is headed to space and MTV plans to chronicle the voyage.
The cable network said this week that it will follow Eddie Ndopu as he works with an aerospace company to prepare for and make the flight.
Ndopu is from South Africa and has spinal muscular atrophy. He is expected to be the first person with a physical disability to travel into space, MTV said.
Diagnosed at birth, Ndopu was predicted to live just five years. Nearly three decades later, however, he has a master's degree in public policy from Oxford University and works to champion the rights of young people with disabilities around the globe.
Ndopu intends to deliver a message to the U.N. General Assembly from space "on behalf of young people everywhere who have ever felt excluded by society," according to MTV.
Production on the untitled project is slated to begin next year.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
IN MY LIFE- PRESIDENT BUSH, CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
- Our 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, died last night in Houston. He passed 8 months after his wife, Barbara. I'm not very political, but I will forever be grateful to President Bush. It was on his watch that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed and passed. The ADA law has helped people with disabilities get a fair shake regarding employment. The law also has made our world much more accessible.
Whenever you see a ramp leading into a movie theater or restaurant, or use a handicapped parking space, think of President Bush. The law has made a difference in my life. As a kid it was much more difficult to get around in society. Steps led to everywhere. Buildings were inaccessible. A free society really wasn't "free" for someone in a wheelchair.
I was not a fan of either President Bush or their policies but I will never forget what the elder Bush did to improve the quality of life for those individuals with disabilities.
Rest in Peace, H. R........
- Whatever happened to tinsel? Remember the shiny, silver strands you used to toss on Christmas trees? Look around- do you see tinsel on your Christmas tree? At the mall? On public Christmas trees?
We used to top off our Christmas tree with tinsel. You were supposed to gently place tinsel on each branch, tossing it with care. The cat would try and eat the tinsel off the tree. If you wanted to save it for next Christmas it was a job gathering it after the holidays were over.
I remember the classic Christmas episode of The Honeymooners. Norton throwing the tinsel on Kramden's tree in Ralph's apartment, hurling the strands from behind his back or under his legs.
Why has tinsel disappeared? Is it an environment thing? Or has tinsel, like hula hoops, simply had it's day?
Speaking of Christmas decorations, we always had a real tree when I was a kid. I loved the scene of evergreen or balsam fir, the sweet, piny smell. For a long time now we have been setting up a more convenient, cleaner, less-hassle artificial tree with fiber-optic lights. It looks nice but it isn't memorable like a living tree.
No chance of the lights shorting-out. No dry pine needles falling and leaving a bare tree. No leafy branches. Not as much fun.
One of my para transit drivers had the right idea, getting the best of both worlds. He would put up an artificial tree but missed the scent of pine.So he went to places where they sold real trees and asked for loose branches which had fallen. he would carefully place the branches under the artificial tree or on window sills nearby.
I don't miss the price of a live tree. Long ago a good sized tree cost maybe $15-$25, Not anymore. Average price of a tree now is anywhere from $ 80-$ 100. I don't miss the sadness of dragging the dried tree to the curb after the holidays were over. And I didn't miss trying to untangle and attach the manywires and fix the lights.
My Mom had priceless Christmas ornaments, balls and trinkets her mother and grandmother brought with them from Czechoslovakia. Beautiful, delicate and intricate ornaments of all colors and sizes. Unique things to put on the tree. Like Easter eggs in spring, the Polish and Slovak people were masters at glass-blowing and making the unusual ornaments.
Outside, we have a reindeer and snowman all-lit. We never were ones for over-doing the Christmas lights outside but just enough to be festive. Funny, we would always pick a night to pile into the station wagon and drive around the area, looking at Christmas lights.
My oldest brother Jim and his wife Marion made a beautiful manger set that Mom proudly displayed in front of our tree each holiday season. The living room was a wonder between Thanksgiving and New year's, with numerous stuffed elves, Santas, angels and reindeer. Walking into the living room was like time travelling to a much simpler time. The most special memory was how Mom loved decorating. It was so much work, both decorating and un-decorating, but she looked forward to it every year.
I think of her fondly when I decorate now. Maybe next year we will get a small, live tree and recall what it was like being a kid again and filling my senses with the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas long ago.
Whenever you see a ramp leading into a movie theater or restaurant, or use a handicapped parking space, think of President Bush. The law has made a difference in my life. As a kid it was much more difficult to get around in society. Steps led to everywhere. Buildings were inaccessible. A free society really wasn't "free" for someone in a wheelchair.
I was not a fan of either President Bush or their policies but I will never forget what the elder Bush did to improve the quality of life for those individuals with disabilities.
Rest in Peace, H. R........
- Whatever happened to tinsel? Remember the shiny, silver strands you used to toss on Christmas trees? Look around- do you see tinsel on your Christmas tree? At the mall? On public Christmas trees?
We used to top off our Christmas tree with tinsel. You were supposed to gently place tinsel on each branch, tossing it with care. The cat would try and eat the tinsel off the tree. If you wanted to save it for next Christmas it was a job gathering it after the holidays were over.
I remember the classic Christmas episode of The Honeymooners. Norton throwing the tinsel on Kramden's tree in Ralph's apartment, hurling the strands from behind his back or under his legs.
Why has tinsel disappeared? Is it an environment thing? Or has tinsel, like hula hoops, simply had it's day?
Speaking of Christmas decorations, we always had a real tree when I was a kid. I loved the scene of evergreen or balsam fir, the sweet, piny smell. For a long time now we have been setting up a more convenient, cleaner, less-hassle artificial tree with fiber-optic lights. It looks nice but it isn't memorable like a living tree.
No chance of the lights shorting-out. No dry pine needles falling and leaving a bare tree. No leafy branches. Not as much fun.
One of my para transit drivers had the right idea, getting the best of both worlds. He would put up an artificial tree but missed the scent of pine.So he went to places where they sold real trees and asked for loose branches which had fallen. he would carefully place the branches under the artificial tree or on window sills nearby.
I don't miss the price of a live tree. Long ago a good sized tree cost maybe $15-$25, Not anymore. Average price of a tree now is anywhere from $ 80-$ 100. I don't miss the sadness of dragging the dried tree to the curb after the holidays were over. And I didn't miss trying to untangle and attach the manywires and fix the lights.
My Mom had priceless Christmas ornaments, balls and trinkets her mother and grandmother brought with them from Czechoslovakia. Beautiful, delicate and intricate ornaments of all colors and sizes. Unique things to put on the tree. Like Easter eggs in spring, the Polish and Slovak people were masters at glass-blowing and making the unusual ornaments.
Outside, we have a reindeer and snowman all-lit. We never were ones for over-doing the Christmas lights outside but just enough to be festive. Funny, we would always pick a night to pile into the station wagon and drive around the area, looking at Christmas lights.
My oldest brother Jim and his wife Marion made a beautiful manger set that Mom proudly displayed in front of our tree each holiday season. The living room was a wonder between Thanksgiving and New year's, with numerous stuffed elves, Santas, angels and reindeer. Walking into the living room was like time travelling to a much simpler time. The most special memory was how Mom loved decorating. It was so much work, both decorating and un-decorating, but she looked forward to it every year.
I think of her fondly when I decorate now. Maybe next year we will get a small, live tree and recall what it was like being a kid again and filling my senses with the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas long ago.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- DECEMBER 1
"Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect."
- Vince Lombardi
- Vince Lombardi
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