My thoughts on current sports news..
EAGLES- Releasing Josh Huff was a surprise, but the Eagles had to show some strength and do it. Life at the Nova care Center has been a circus, and the team had to take charge and send a message, especially to the younger players, that there's a price to pay if you are a "dumbass."
Ir didn't hurt that Huff was a Chip Kelly guy and expendable.
Yes, they may miss him a bit as a kick returner. But huff never did fulfill his potential as a receiver. He turned out to be yet another busted Kelly draft pick.
The Eagles will fill Huff's position by Sunday's game with the Giants. Realistically, the wide receiver corps will not get a much-needed overall until the off-season. Could they do any worse by adding someone on the practice squad or the waiver wire?
Most of all, the Eagles needed to show someone was in charge by making this move. They had to find out more info regarding Huff's arrest, may know he may be in store for jail-time, and decided to cut their losses now.
It was nice to see Howie Roseman do his job and step up today, making himself available to the press. I didn't expect owner Jeffrey Lurie make an appearance-he rarely does during the season- so it was important the front office didn't let Coach Pederson take the bullet as the Sixers did recently with their coach .
PHILLIES- Now that the World Series is over, the Phils can begin to make some moves. The first was hiring former player/announcer Matt Stairs to be their new hitting coach. He can relate to the players and should do a good job, especially with some many younger kids on the horizon.
Who will fill Stair's spot in the broadcasting booth? Rex Hudler was a candidate for the job a few years ago. Why not hire Ben Davis full-time? Do you really need a third voice in the booth?Build a good rapport between Davis and Tom McCarthy, ala Harry and Richie or Scott and Larry on the radio.
I noticed the Phillies play 16 or their last 19 games at home next season. Hopefully these home games matter in September.The world champion Chicago Cubs invade Philadelphia late in August for a weekend series.
Speaking of the Cubs, they deserved to win their first world championship in 108 years. They built their team the right way, first by reconstructing thrir farm system- Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, for example, and then signing key free agents and making key trades. Cub fans suffered for a long time . I can relate, remembering how I felt when the Phillies won their 1st championship in 1980.Aside form the Ryne Sandburg years in the 80s and 90s, I remember the great Cub players of the 60s- Ernie Banks, Ron Santo. Ferguson Jenkins. Great players, Hall of Fame players, but they just could never get over the hump. There were no divisional playoffs or wild cards back then. Win the National League and move on to the World Series or not.In the 60s, it was either the Dodgers, Cardinals, or Giants who dominated, with teams like the Pirates and Mets upsetting the league in certain years.
Good to see the Cubbies finally get their due. What's scary is that Chicago can easily win more championships in the years ahead, as their core group is young, healthy and talented. It will be interesting to see how their front office supplements their young stars in the seasons ahead. Staying in contention is often harder to achieve than getting there in the first place. Free agency, injuries, complacency all could derail a Cubs return trip to the Fall Classic.
As far as the Cleveland Indians are concerned, they now take the dubious mantle of being the longest franchise -69 years- to go with a championship in baseball. The Indians only have to blame themselves, being up 3 games to 1 and losing the last two games in Cleveland.They are still a young team and will be back, and I wouldn't be surprised if they do what the Cubs do and make the playoffs next year.
However, there is a long history of the loser in the World Series, Super Bowl or other championship series, not only not get back to the big series/game, but may times will not even reach the playoffs the following year. It takes so much to make it through a long, grueling season, achieve success, overcome adversity. You get so far, climbing that mountain, with momentum on your side, then you have to start all over, without a championship It takes a lot out of a team, both physically and psychologically. And you have to be lucky to avoid injuries. There is a certain amount of luck involved in a magical season as well.\
So, much has to go right , not only to win a championship, but to get back to the playoffs. We will see if the Indians have what it takes to get that far again.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
IN THE NEWS-APPLE, HOUSING
The latest in the news, thanks to Disability Scoop and the Arizona Daily Star..
As tech-giant Apple rolls out its newest products, the company is placing a special emphasis on people with disabilities.
Apple kicked off an event last week to unveil its latest line-up of MacBook Pros and other new offerings with a video showcasing the unique ways that people with disabilities use their products.
The brief clip shows individuals with physical and developmental disabilities using technology to overcome basic challenges- from speaking to learning, engaging with others and taking photographs.
One of those featured, Sady Paulson, has cerebral palsy and edited the video using an accessibility tool called Switch Control. Paulson is heard speaking through her computer.
"My love for technology is more than just a passion; it gives me access to my world," Paulson said. "I need help in some areas, but assistive technology enables me to communicate with my loved ones and pursue my career."
Apple used the event to debut a new accessibility website highlighting various built-in options on the company's devices and how people are applying these features in their lives.
"Our teams work so incredibly hard to make all of our products accessible to everyone," Apple CEO Tim Cook said. "It's incredibly humbling to see the amazing things people do with our products everyday."
*******************************************************************************
Housing Development Looks To Fill Gap For Adults With Disabilities
A south-side Tucson, Arizona housing community aims to fill a void for adults with developmental disabilities and their aging parents, offering supportive services to both in an affordable, single-family home environment.
"This is a wonderful option that has not been available in the past," said Dan Ranierim CEO of La Fronera Arizona. The behavioral-health provider's affordable-housing division operates the Sunnyside Pointe affordable-housing development.
The latest stage of the development is Sunnyside Pointe Villas II. it offers 92 single-family rental homes- both one- and two-bedroom units- open to low-income residents over age 55 and adults with developmental disabilities. Villas II is just one stage of Sunnyside Pointe, a 34-acre subdivision that will ultimately include more than 250 homes.
For Ranieri, the Villas II project has a personal component: He and his wife are guardians to her 69-year-old cousin who has a developmental disability. Ranieri said he was struck by the lack of truly supportive, community-based options for his relative, who lived with his mother until her death a few years ago. Ranieri set out to create a place where adults with disabilities could live as independently as possible and have the option to live with their parents of guardian, who could also receive supportive services.
"That was the inspiration for it," he said. "The plan was to create a community where you could have older adults with cognitive disabilities living with seniors, because the types of supportive services they need are very similar."
Currently, the best option for adults with disabilities is living in existing apartment complex and getting some in-home supportive services. That style of apartment living can be isolating for residents, who might not interact much with their neighbors.
Villas II homes have garages, patios and backyards. The community has on-site vocational training, a 3,150-square-foot community center, still under construction,and daily chances to interact with neighbors. residents are provided with vocational training and in-home support services at a range of intensity levels.
"It's nice to live in a place where there's a community where you fit in, you feel safe, you feel supported, " Ranieri said.
Villas II will also have a coffee shop and mini-market where residents can do job training, and some will ultimately transition to competitive employment in the community. That's the goal- to give residents a chance to do real-time work, make money, then get a job they aspire to out in the community.
Decades ago, children with developmental disabilities rarely received early interventions. They often stayed at home indefinitely with their families or live din institutions. Since the late 1970s, attitudes have evolved dramatically about integrating those with disabilities into educational and work settings.
:Most people now who have a developmental disability or autism are successfully mainstreamed,' Ranieri said.
"That's a great thing. The problem is, you have this cohort of adults who grew up before that mainstream movement went into effect. We started Sunnyside Pointe with the hope of integrating these adults with cognitive disabilities into a senior community."
Even for older adults, rehabilitative and vocational services can make a big difference in their abilities. Some are in their 70s, grew up in an institution and have made great strides working with the community. They are able to grow and become independent.
Villas II homes are energy-efficient and have modifications such as muted wall colors and quiet appliances to help residents with sensory sensitivity, which is common for people who have autism.
The housing's allowable rents are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will likely range from $314 to $535 for a one-bedroom unit and #381 to $646 for two bedrooms.
As tech-giant Apple rolls out its newest products, the company is placing a special emphasis on people with disabilities.
Apple kicked off an event last week to unveil its latest line-up of MacBook Pros and other new offerings with a video showcasing the unique ways that people with disabilities use their products.
The brief clip shows individuals with physical and developmental disabilities using technology to overcome basic challenges- from speaking to learning, engaging with others and taking photographs.
One of those featured, Sady Paulson, has cerebral palsy and edited the video using an accessibility tool called Switch Control. Paulson is heard speaking through her computer.
"My love for technology is more than just a passion; it gives me access to my world," Paulson said. "I need help in some areas, but assistive technology enables me to communicate with my loved ones and pursue my career."
Apple used the event to debut a new accessibility website highlighting various built-in options on the company's devices and how people are applying these features in their lives.
"Our teams work so incredibly hard to make all of our products accessible to everyone," Apple CEO Tim Cook said. "It's incredibly humbling to see the amazing things people do with our products everyday."
*******************************************************************************
Housing Development Looks To Fill Gap For Adults With Disabilities
A south-side Tucson, Arizona housing community aims to fill a void for adults with developmental disabilities and their aging parents, offering supportive services to both in an affordable, single-family home environment.
"This is a wonderful option that has not been available in the past," said Dan Ranierim CEO of La Fronera Arizona. The behavioral-health provider's affordable-housing division operates the Sunnyside Pointe affordable-housing development.
The latest stage of the development is Sunnyside Pointe Villas II. it offers 92 single-family rental homes- both one- and two-bedroom units- open to low-income residents over age 55 and adults with developmental disabilities. Villas II is just one stage of Sunnyside Pointe, a 34-acre subdivision that will ultimately include more than 250 homes.
For Ranieri, the Villas II project has a personal component: He and his wife are guardians to her 69-year-old cousin who has a developmental disability. Ranieri said he was struck by the lack of truly supportive, community-based options for his relative, who lived with his mother until her death a few years ago. Ranieri set out to create a place where adults with disabilities could live as independently as possible and have the option to live with their parents of guardian, who could also receive supportive services.
"That was the inspiration for it," he said. "The plan was to create a community where you could have older adults with cognitive disabilities living with seniors, because the types of supportive services they need are very similar."
Currently, the best option for adults with disabilities is living in existing apartment complex and getting some in-home supportive services. That style of apartment living can be isolating for residents, who might not interact much with their neighbors.
Villas II homes have garages, patios and backyards. The community has on-site vocational training, a 3,150-square-foot community center, still under construction,and daily chances to interact with neighbors. residents are provided with vocational training and in-home support services at a range of intensity levels.
"It's nice to live in a place where there's a community where you fit in, you feel safe, you feel supported, " Ranieri said.
Villas II will also have a coffee shop and mini-market where residents can do job training, and some will ultimately transition to competitive employment in the community. That's the goal- to give residents a chance to do real-time work, make money, then get a job they aspire to out in the community.
Decades ago, children with developmental disabilities rarely received early interventions. They often stayed at home indefinitely with their families or live din institutions. Since the late 1970s, attitudes have evolved dramatically about integrating those with disabilities into educational and work settings.
:Most people now who have a developmental disability or autism are successfully mainstreamed,' Ranieri said.
"That's a great thing. The problem is, you have this cohort of adults who grew up before that mainstream movement went into effect. We started Sunnyside Pointe with the hope of integrating these adults with cognitive disabilities into a senior community."
Even for older adults, rehabilitative and vocational services can make a big difference in their abilities. Some are in their 70s, grew up in an institution and have made great strides working with the community. They are able to grow and become independent.
Villas II homes are energy-efficient and have modifications such as muted wall colors and quiet appliances to help residents with sensory sensitivity, which is common for people who have autism.
The housing's allowable rents are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will likely range from $314 to $535 for a one-bedroom unit and #381 to $646 for two bedrooms.
SPOTLIGHT- Vol. 4
More helpful community agencies in the area, thanks to the Help Book..
Abilatools, Inc.
504 Heather Road
Exton, PA. 18341
Phone- (610) 594- 7021
Web- www.abilatools.com
Business Hours- 24/7
Services- Rescuing viable, durable medical equipment and redistributing them to people in need. Helping disabled, elderly and recovering patients find the tools and services they need. Connecting people with different types of disabilities to each other and their community.
Guidelines- All ages in need of medical equipment.
Fees- Donations gratefully accepted.
Areas Served- Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater Delaware Valley Chapter
30 S. 17th Street, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
Phone- (800) 344-4867
Web- www.nmss.org
Business Hours- Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Services- Limited financial assistance such as personal care supplies, home healthcare and home modifications. We also provide employment services, self-help groups and educational programs.
Guidelines- People living with MS and their families.
Fees- Call for information.
Areas Served- Greater Delaware Valley area.
Abilatools, Inc.
504 Heather Road
Exton, PA. 18341
Phone- (610) 594- 7021
Web- www.abilatools.com
Business Hours- 24/7
Services- Rescuing viable, durable medical equipment and redistributing them to people in need. Helping disabled, elderly and recovering patients find the tools and services they need. Connecting people with different types of disabilities to each other and their community.
Guidelines- All ages in need of medical equipment.
Fees- Donations gratefully accepted.
Areas Served- Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater Delaware Valley Chapter
30 S. 17th Street, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
Phone- (800) 344-4867
Web- www.nmss.org
Business Hours- Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Services- Limited financial assistance such as personal care supplies, home healthcare and home modifications. We also provide employment services, self-help groups and educational programs.
Guidelines- People living with MS and their families.
Fees- Call for information.
Areas Served- Greater Delaware Valley area.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
IN THE NEWS- SERVICE DOG AT SUPREME COURT
Thanks to Disability Scoop for this latest news..
Wonder the goldendoodle reached the peak of the U.S. judicial system on Monday, Oct. 31 with a U.S. Supreme Court case potentially crucial to disability rights.
Few lawyers, let alone canines, ever snag a bone this big.
Now semi-retired as a service dog, Wonder's work for a young Michigan girl with cerebral palsy set in motion the legal proceedings that culminated in an hour's worth of mostly technical oral argument Monday morning. Facing some poignant facts, justices stuck closely to the dry, but significant basics.
Even so, while Wonder waited on the plaza outside the court, several justices seemed sympathetic to the family that once relied on him, and skeptical about the school board on the other side.
"I'm so confused by your position," Justice Sonia Sotomayor told the school board' attorney. "I'm so horribly confused."
Wonder is not the first dog to reach the Supreme Court.
In 2013, a Florida-based drug-sniffing dog named Aldo anchored a decision in which the court upheld a sniff search of a suspect's car. That same year, the court struck down a front-door sniffing search conducted by a Miami-Dade Police department chocolate Labrador named Franky.
Ina 2005 case that began in LaSalle County, Ill., the court upheld a sniffing search during a traffic stop by a drug-detection dog named Pet.
Wonder provided a different kind of service for Ehlena Fry, who is now 12 and who is identified in court proceedings as E.F. Ehlena and her parents were in the courtroom Monday for the hour long oral argument.
In 2009, when she was 5 years old, Ehlena obtained Wonder with the help of community fundraising. The dog helped her in a number of ways, from retrieving dropped items and helping her balance when she used her walker to opening and closing doors.
School district officials in Jackson County, Mich., eventually blocked Wonder from accompanying Ehlena, citing the potential for distractions to other students, among other reasons. The family subsequently home-schooled Ehlena, and later moved to nearby Washtenaw County, where she and Wonder were both permitted to attend.
The specific question facing the eight justicess was whether Ehlena's family first had to exhaust administrative remedies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act before they filed federal suit under the separate Americans with Disabilities Act.
The family is seeking emotional damages.
The state of Illinois, as well as groups including Psychiatric Service Dog Partners Inc. in South Carolina, sided with Ehlena in saying her federal lawsuit could proceed.
The National School Boards Association is backing the Michigan school board, warning against lawsuits that would "harm more than help". One way or another, many could be affected. Some 6 million students nationwide are covered by programs established under the IDEA.
The court seemed divided about the issue; potentially, along unusual lines.
While Justice Elena Kagan sounded skeptical of the school board's position, her fellow liberal Justice Stephen Breyer warned of the consequences of letting more lawsuits proceed.
Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. suggested concerns from both sides, cautioning that opening the door to more lawsuits might give families "a lot more leverage" against school districts, but he also raised questions that seemed sympathetic to the family.
Justice Clarence Thomas, in keeping with his standard practice, was the only justice not to speak or ask a question during the argument. A ruling is expected by the end of June.
Wonder the goldendoodle reached the peak of the U.S. judicial system on Monday, Oct. 31 with a U.S. Supreme Court case potentially crucial to disability rights.
Few lawyers, let alone canines, ever snag a bone this big.
Now semi-retired as a service dog, Wonder's work for a young Michigan girl with cerebral palsy set in motion the legal proceedings that culminated in an hour's worth of mostly technical oral argument Monday morning. Facing some poignant facts, justices stuck closely to the dry, but significant basics.
Even so, while Wonder waited on the plaza outside the court, several justices seemed sympathetic to the family that once relied on him, and skeptical about the school board on the other side.
"I'm so confused by your position," Justice Sonia Sotomayor told the school board' attorney. "I'm so horribly confused."
Wonder is not the first dog to reach the Supreme Court.
In 2013, a Florida-based drug-sniffing dog named Aldo anchored a decision in which the court upheld a sniff search of a suspect's car. That same year, the court struck down a front-door sniffing search conducted by a Miami-Dade Police department chocolate Labrador named Franky.
Ina 2005 case that began in LaSalle County, Ill., the court upheld a sniffing search during a traffic stop by a drug-detection dog named Pet.
Wonder provided a different kind of service for Ehlena Fry, who is now 12 and who is identified in court proceedings as E.F. Ehlena and her parents were in the courtroom Monday for the hour long oral argument.
In 2009, when she was 5 years old, Ehlena obtained Wonder with the help of community fundraising. The dog helped her in a number of ways, from retrieving dropped items and helping her balance when she used her walker to opening and closing doors.
School district officials in Jackson County, Mich., eventually blocked Wonder from accompanying Ehlena, citing the potential for distractions to other students, among other reasons. The family subsequently home-schooled Ehlena, and later moved to nearby Washtenaw County, where she and Wonder were both permitted to attend.
The specific question facing the eight justicess was whether Ehlena's family first had to exhaust administrative remedies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act before they filed federal suit under the separate Americans with Disabilities Act.
The family is seeking emotional damages.
The state of Illinois, as well as groups including Psychiatric Service Dog Partners Inc. in South Carolina, sided with Ehlena in saying her federal lawsuit could proceed.
The National School Boards Association is backing the Michigan school board, warning against lawsuits that would "harm more than help". One way or another, many could be affected. Some 6 million students nationwide are covered by programs established under the IDEA.
The court seemed divided about the issue; potentially, along unusual lines.
While Justice Elena Kagan sounded skeptical of the school board's position, her fellow liberal Justice Stephen Breyer warned of the consequences of letting more lawsuits proceed.
Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. suggested concerns from both sides, cautioning that opening the door to more lawsuits might give families "a lot more leverage" against school districts, but he also raised questions that seemed sympathetic to the family.
Justice Clarence Thomas, in keeping with his standard practice, was the only justice not to speak or ask a question during the argument. A ruling is expected by the end of June.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- Vol.3
My humble opinion on the current state of Philly sports..and more..
EAGLES- I lost all respect for Doug Pederson. He choked during the Dallas loss last Sunday night. He coached not to lose, lost his aggressiveness and withered under the hot spotlight of a big , nationally televised game. What made it worse was AFTER the game. He won't admit that he was dead wrong regarding the terrible play call and the field goal he didn't attempt with 6 minutes left in the game.
He claims he has "confidence" in his players, yet he didn't trust his kicker- who had earlier made a 55 yard field goal and has not missed a kick since opening week-to try a 53 yard field goal to ice the game. Instead, he mumbled something stupid about "playing for field position" and letting his defense stop Dallas.
If you go up by 10 points with 6 minutes left, field position wouldn't matter and the defense has even more of a cushion.
More than the moronic decisions he made- suddenly reverting to rookie coach mode in the heat of a big contest- why not be a man and admit :I was wrong" and move on? It would be refreshing to see a coach to admit he screwed up instead of saying "We have to execute better".
Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry both got big contracts in the off season. Notice when a lot of players get paid, they suddenly stop producing? Curry has gone invisible and Cox has made little or no positive impact on the team during this current bad stretch. Players aren't as hungry after getting paid, and whether they are trying as hard or not, the results suggest they aren't producing.
There is still hope in this Eagles season. True, the loss to the Cowboys may have significantly hurt their chance to win the NFC East. I only see Dallas 3 more games at the most, which would put them at a 12-4 record. The Birds would have to lose only 1 more game this year to tie that record (plus beat Dallas in the final regular season game in Philadelphia). But I do see a path to the wild card and the playoffs. Two teams fighting for a wild card spot are Green bay and Atlanta, and both come to the Linc for November games. Plus road game against Cincinnati and Baltimore now don't look as daunting as before. So there is hope. Still, the loss to the Cowboys hurts and will conytinue to sting as the season moves on.
Let's hope GM Howie Roseman makes a deal for a wide receiver before today's 4:00 trade deadline. As noted before, the current batch of wide-outs suck.They drop too many passes and can't get separation to get open. At the very least, The Eagles should promoted WR Paul Turner from the practice squad. He almost made the team from training camp. He led all receivers in catches during the pre-season. He's not fast, but he can catch the ball.
Finally, a theme I've been talking about, even on WIP radio with Steve Trevelise on Friday nights. We need weapons. Chip Kelly let Jackson, McCoy and Maclin go, and didn't replace the talent. Chip, as we can see now, destroyed the franchise. He was a bad coach ( his offense sure is taking off in San Francisco!), poor personnel judge (bad drafts and free agents signings) and awful General Manager. Other than that, he was OK.
PHILLIES- All is quiet until after the World Series. Then comes the General Manager meetings followed by the annual Winter Meetings.That's the time we will see trades and free agent signings. I don't expect the Phils to do much in the off- season, especially free agent-wise, but it's always an interesting time, and gives one hope to look forward to spring training in February.
FLYERS- I was at the Flyers game last Saturday night vs. their dreaded rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. One thing was clear- the Flyers need more consistent goal tending. A true number one, solid goalie would be nice, and until that happens, the club may make the playoffs again, and continue to build with new, young talent. But without a real standout goalie, like all Stanley Cup contender have, the Flyers will go home early.
SIXERS- The 76ers need outside shooting, plain and simple. The excitement has waned since Ben Simmons got hurt in training camp, and the Sixers are again off to a poor start. I wouldn't call this another tank season, but I think the team will continue to lose-this time not on purpose but just because they aren't good enough. The rebuilding process continues, and another year of poor play may also result in a new coach with fresh ideas. Even with more talent, the Sixers need a new positive outlook, not the old, negative losers mentality which grinds you down-psychologically- over time.
AROUND SPORTS- Game 6 of the World Series is tonight. The Cubs need to win two in a row to win their first championship in 108 years. Cleveland is at home and is playing too well. So, it may be yet another season in Chicago of chasing the dream. At least they did get over the hump and made the World Series. A little more fine-tuning and the Cubbies may finally be world champs. But to win 103 games and have to start over is a chore. That's why so many losing teams in the World Series, Super Bowl, etc. don't get back to the big game the year after. You struggle all year to get there, can't get over the hump, then have to repeat the task?
EAGLES- I lost all respect for Doug Pederson. He choked during the Dallas loss last Sunday night. He coached not to lose, lost his aggressiveness and withered under the hot spotlight of a big , nationally televised game. What made it worse was AFTER the game. He won't admit that he was dead wrong regarding the terrible play call and the field goal he didn't attempt with 6 minutes left in the game.
He claims he has "confidence" in his players, yet he didn't trust his kicker- who had earlier made a 55 yard field goal and has not missed a kick since opening week-to try a 53 yard field goal to ice the game. Instead, he mumbled something stupid about "playing for field position" and letting his defense stop Dallas.
If you go up by 10 points with 6 minutes left, field position wouldn't matter and the defense has even more of a cushion.
More than the moronic decisions he made- suddenly reverting to rookie coach mode in the heat of a big contest- why not be a man and admit :I was wrong" and move on? It would be refreshing to see a coach to admit he screwed up instead of saying "We have to execute better".
Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry both got big contracts in the off season. Notice when a lot of players get paid, they suddenly stop producing? Curry has gone invisible and Cox has made little or no positive impact on the team during this current bad stretch. Players aren't as hungry after getting paid, and whether they are trying as hard or not, the results suggest they aren't producing.
There is still hope in this Eagles season. True, the loss to the Cowboys may have significantly hurt their chance to win the NFC East. I only see Dallas 3 more games at the most, which would put them at a 12-4 record. The Birds would have to lose only 1 more game this year to tie that record (plus beat Dallas in the final regular season game in Philadelphia). But I do see a path to the wild card and the playoffs. Two teams fighting for a wild card spot are Green bay and Atlanta, and both come to the Linc for November games. Plus road game against Cincinnati and Baltimore now don't look as daunting as before. So there is hope. Still, the loss to the Cowboys hurts and will conytinue to sting as the season moves on.
Let's hope GM Howie Roseman makes a deal for a wide receiver before today's 4:00 trade deadline. As noted before, the current batch of wide-outs suck.They drop too many passes and can't get separation to get open. At the very least, The Eagles should promoted WR Paul Turner from the practice squad. He almost made the team from training camp. He led all receivers in catches during the pre-season. He's not fast, but he can catch the ball.
Finally, a theme I've been talking about, even on WIP radio with Steve Trevelise on Friday nights. We need weapons. Chip Kelly let Jackson, McCoy and Maclin go, and didn't replace the talent. Chip, as we can see now, destroyed the franchise. He was a bad coach ( his offense sure is taking off in San Francisco!), poor personnel judge (bad drafts and free agents signings) and awful General Manager. Other than that, he was OK.
PHILLIES- All is quiet until after the World Series. Then comes the General Manager meetings followed by the annual Winter Meetings.That's the time we will see trades and free agent signings. I don't expect the Phils to do much in the off- season, especially free agent-wise, but it's always an interesting time, and gives one hope to look forward to spring training in February.
FLYERS- I was at the Flyers game last Saturday night vs. their dreaded rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. One thing was clear- the Flyers need more consistent goal tending. A true number one, solid goalie would be nice, and until that happens, the club may make the playoffs again, and continue to build with new, young talent. But without a real standout goalie, like all Stanley Cup contender have, the Flyers will go home early.
SIXERS- The 76ers need outside shooting, plain and simple. The excitement has waned since Ben Simmons got hurt in training camp, and the Sixers are again off to a poor start. I wouldn't call this another tank season, but I think the team will continue to lose-this time not on purpose but just because they aren't good enough. The rebuilding process continues, and another year of poor play may also result in a new coach with fresh ideas. Even with more talent, the Sixers need a new positive outlook, not the old, negative losers mentality which grinds you down-psychologically- over time.
AROUND SPORTS- Game 6 of the World Series is tonight. The Cubs need to win two in a row to win their first championship in 108 years. Cleveland is at home and is playing too well. So, it may be yet another season in Chicago of chasing the dream. At least they did get over the hump and made the World Series. A little more fine-tuning and the Cubbies may finally be world champs. But to win 103 games and have to start over is a chore. That's why so many losing teams in the World Series, Super Bowl, etc. don't get back to the big game the year after. You struggle all year to get there, can't get over the hump, then have to repeat the task?
Monday, October 31, 2016
IN THE NEWS-SS BENEFITS
Could Social Security Beneficiaries see an extra payment in 2017? This article is from Disability Scoop...
Top Senate Democrats want Congress to approve a one-time $581 emergency payment for the more than 65 million retirees, veterans and Americans with disabilities who receive Social Security payments.
The payments would help those who were denied a cost-of-living adjustment in 2016 and who are set to receive an average raise of $5 a month- or 0.3 percent- in 2017. It would increase the average monthly payment from $1,355 to $1,360 per month.
Those receiving Supplemental Security Income are set to gain even less- the maximum federal benefit for individuals will rise just $2 to $735 per month.
Lawmakers said this amount is "woefully inadequate for seniors to keep up with the ever-increasing costs of everyday life", and that Congress needs to help "make up for their lost dollars."
Senate Democrats pushed the plan, called the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act, last year without luck.
Now it's part of the post-election agenda that Democratic leaders will pursue if they win enough seats Nov. 8 to take control of the Senate next year.
The $581 payment would represent a 3.9 percent increase for Social Security recipients, equal to the same percentage raise that most business executives received the previous year. It has been proposed that the payments be made as refundable tax credits.
Democrats want to pay for the legislation by changing a law that allows corporations to write off executive bonuses as a business expense for performance pay.
Congress approved a one-time $250 payment for Social Security recipients in 2009 to help them get through the recession.
The extra $581 would be equal to three months of groceries for most seniors, veterans and people with disabilities and that the emergency payment could also help them pay for out-of-pocket expenses for the prescription drugs they receive under medicare.
Top Senate Democrats want Congress to approve a one-time $581 emergency payment for the more than 65 million retirees, veterans and Americans with disabilities who receive Social Security payments.
The payments would help those who were denied a cost-of-living adjustment in 2016 and who are set to receive an average raise of $5 a month- or 0.3 percent- in 2017. It would increase the average monthly payment from $1,355 to $1,360 per month.
Those receiving Supplemental Security Income are set to gain even less- the maximum federal benefit for individuals will rise just $2 to $735 per month.
Lawmakers said this amount is "woefully inadequate for seniors to keep up with the ever-increasing costs of everyday life", and that Congress needs to help "make up for their lost dollars."
Senate Democrats pushed the plan, called the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act, last year without luck.
Now it's part of the post-election agenda that Democratic leaders will pursue if they win enough seats Nov. 8 to take control of the Senate next year.
The $581 payment would represent a 3.9 percent increase for Social Security recipients, equal to the same percentage raise that most business executives received the previous year. It has been proposed that the payments be made as refundable tax credits.
Democrats want to pay for the legislation by changing a law that allows corporations to write off executive bonuses as a business expense for performance pay.
Congress approved a one-time $250 payment for Social Security recipients in 2009 to help them get through the recession.
The extra $581 would be equal to three months of groceries for most seniors, veterans and people with disabilities and that the emergency payment could also help them pay for out-of-pocket expenses for the prescription drugs they receive under medicare.
CHIRPING BIRDS-Week 8
Dissection of last night's Eagles brutal loss to the Cowboys..
Doug Pederson isn't ready for prime time. He choked in the fourth quarter. He actually coached pretty well early in the game. Going to a no-huddle offense seemed to invigorate the Birds. But then the fourth quarter was a nightmare. ...see below.
The early indication of Coach Perderson is that he crumbles under pressure in key situations. Not only did he melt-down last night during crunch-time, we forget that he and Andy Reid mismanaged the clock late in the Kansas City Chiefs playoff loss last season. He "turtled-up" and seemed to play not to lose instead of playing to win He admitted during his post-game news conference that he needs to "stay aggressive". Funny, because early in the season, his aggressiveness was a refreshing aspect of his coaching . Why get scared in another nationally-televised game? That's not the time to play conservatively. Step on the gas and keep the Cowboys down when you have your foot on their throat.
Early in the very first quarter Perderson showed his conservative side by settled for an earl field goal instead of going for a 4th and 1 call deep in Cowboy territory. early in the year, Pederson took successful chances which snowballed the Eagles momentum. Last night he played scared.
I've written before in this blog how the Eagle receivers just aren't good enough. They drop too many passes. They can't get separation from the defensive backs. They lack breakaway speed. Yet Coach Pederson doesn't think the team needs better wide outs . Hopefully GM Howie Roseman is on the phone and swings a deal for Torry Smith or Ashun Jeffery before tomorrow's trade deadline. Teams are playing 8 in the box and daring the Eagles to throw deep passes. Instead, the Eagles are playing a dink and dunk offense ( witness Carson Wentz throwing 32 completions last night for only 202 yards).Why? Because the receivers aren't good enough to go deep. Keeping the opposing defense honest by attempting to throw long would be nice and open up the short game. But right now, the Eagles just don't have a guy who can go deep, hence the really annoying behind the line of scrimmage swing passes.
DeSean Jackson, where are you?
Zak Ertz, where are you?
Not trying to kick a makable 53 yard field goal with 6 minutes to go- to put the Eagles up 10 points- was a mistake, especially since kicker Caleb Sturgis booted a 55 yard FG earlier in the game. Perderson's explanation was cloudy, saying field position came in to play. Again, he choked and succumbed to the late pressure.
The play before the non-attempted field goal didn't make sense. A botched swing pass to Darrin Sproles for a 6 yard loss. The stupid play call made a 46 yard field goal into a 53 yard field goal and scared Perderson off a potential game-sealing 3 points.
Pederson's many mistakes weer all blamed on "execution". He didn't blame himself for the bad judgement, a trait not seen earlier in the year. Perderon seemed like an honest, straight-up guy, yet last night, without naming names, Pederson threw his players under the bus instead of having confidence in his players.
Putting RB Wendell Smallwood into the game in the fourth quarter was stupid as well, especially with Sproles having a great game. Ryan Matthews' two fumbles in key situations earlier in the year may have been a factor in Pederson's decision to play Smallwood at the time. Smallwood fumbled, and the Cowboys had momentum to begin their comeback.
Jalen Mills screwed up again,this time on the punt coverage team, as he did not contain the Dallas punter from taking a fake punt 30 yards. Dallas cashed in for a field goal when the Eagles should have gotten the ball back with no points allowed.
Pederson again played not to lose when he let the Cowboys run the clock out in regulation time. Dallas had third down and 25 yards to go at their own 10 yard line with approximately 25 seconds to go. Philadelphia had two timeouts left. Why not use one, force the Cowboys to punt, and hope for a Sproles punt return to set up a game-winning field goal? What have you got to lose? Instead, the Eagles lose the coin toss in overtime and never get the ball back.
WR Nelson Agholor needs to be traded or released, if not immediately then after the season. He continues to drop passes every game. He can't block. Last night on a key 3rd down play early he came up short before the 1st down marker. Then he cops an attitude after the game. He is a bust, another chip Kelly failure. Hopefully he will be in a trade package to Kelly and the 49ers for Torry Smith .
Wentz played an OK game, despite the drops and bad play-calling. But again, Wentz had the ball in his hands to win or seal the game, and he failed to take the team down the field in the final two minutes, as he failed in the Washington and Detriot games.
Next up is the Giants at New York on Sunday afternoon. An eagle loss and they drop to 4-4 with 3 division losses. Win and the team hangs in there. Dallas plays at Cleveland next week versus the winless Browns. The Cowboys are in good shape now, not only to win the NFC East, but in the playoff picture. A lot can happen, and there is a lot of season yet to play but Dallas should go 7-2 next week. We said it may only take 9 wins to capture the NFC East crown. That would give Dallas home field advantage in the playoffs. a first round bye is also within reach, which would mean the Cowboys would only be have to win games to reach the Super Bowl.
A winnable game last night may come back to haunt the Eagles and haunt the fans forever if Dallas does go far in the playoffs.
Despite the devastating loss, there is still hope. The Eagles played a good team tough on the road. I am reminded that this season overall is still a rebuilding process. To be blunt, the Eagles need more talent, and right now, the Cowboys are simply the better team.
I got through week 8 of the WIP Last Fan Standing contest, as Denver beat San Diego. Eight weeks in a row I've picked a winner, yet I'm only halfway to winning the championship ring.
Doug Pederson isn't ready for prime time. He choked in the fourth quarter. He actually coached pretty well early in the game. Going to a no-huddle offense seemed to invigorate the Birds. But then the fourth quarter was a nightmare. ...see below.
The early indication of Coach Perderson is that he crumbles under pressure in key situations. Not only did he melt-down last night during crunch-time, we forget that he and Andy Reid mismanaged the clock late in the Kansas City Chiefs playoff loss last season. He "turtled-up" and seemed to play not to lose instead of playing to win He admitted during his post-game news conference that he needs to "stay aggressive". Funny, because early in the season, his aggressiveness was a refreshing aspect of his coaching . Why get scared in another nationally-televised game? That's not the time to play conservatively. Step on the gas and keep the Cowboys down when you have your foot on their throat.
Early in the very first quarter Perderson showed his conservative side by settled for an earl field goal instead of going for a 4th and 1 call deep in Cowboy territory. early in the year, Pederson took successful chances which snowballed the Eagles momentum. Last night he played scared.
I've written before in this blog how the Eagle receivers just aren't good enough. They drop too many passes. They can't get separation from the defensive backs. They lack breakaway speed. Yet Coach Pederson doesn't think the team needs better wide outs . Hopefully GM Howie Roseman is on the phone and swings a deal for Torry Smith or Ashun Jeffery before tomorrow's trade deadline. Teams are playing 8 in the box and daring the Eagles to throw deep passes. Instead, the Eagles are playing a dink and dunk offense ( witness Carson Wentz throwing 32 completions last night for only 202 yards).Why? Because the receivers aren't good enough to go deep. Keeping the opposing defense honest by attempting to throw long would be nice and open up the short game. But right now, the Eagles just don't have a guy who can go deep, hence the really annoying behind the line of scrimmage swing passes.
DeSean Jackson, where are you?
Zak Ertz, where are you?
Not trying to kick a makable 53 yard field goal with 6 minutes to go- to put the Eagles up 10 points- was a mistake, especially since kicker Caleb Sturgis booted a 55 yard FG earlier in the game. Perderson's explanation was cloudy, saying field position came in to play. Again, he choked and succumbed to the late pressure.
The play before the non-attempted field goal didn't make sense. A botched swing pass to Darrin Sproles for a 6 yard loss. The stupid play call made a 46 yard field goal into a 53 yard field goal and scared Perderson off a potential game-sealing 3 points.
Pederson's many mistakes weer all blamed on "execution". He didn't blame himself for the bad judgement, a trait not seen earlier in the year. Perderon seemed like an honest, straight-up guy, yet last night, without naming names, Pederson threw his players under the bus instead of having confidence in his players.
Putting RB Wendell Smallwood into the game in the fourth quarter was stupid as well, especially with Sproles having a great game. Ryan Matthews' two fumbles in key situations earlier in the year may have been a factor in Pederson's decision to play Smallwood at the time. Smallwood fumbled, and the Cowboys had momentum to begin their comeback.
Jalen Mills screwed up again,this time on the punt coverage team, as he did not contain the Dallas punter from taking a fake punt 30 yards. Dallas cashed in for a field goal when the Eagles should have gotten the ball back with no points allowed.
Pederson again played not to lose when he let the Cowboys run the clock out in regulation time. Dallas had third down and 25 yards to go at their own 10 yard line with approximately 25 seconds to go. Philadelphia had two timeouts left. Why not use one, force the Cowboys to punt, and hope for a Sproles punt return to set up a game-winning field goal? What have you got to lose? Instead, the Eagles lose the coin toss in overtime and never get the ball back.
WR Nelson Agholor needs to be traded or released, if not immediately then after the season. He continues to drop passes every game. He can't block. Last night on a key 3rd down play early he came up short before the 1st down marker. Then he cops an attitude after the game. He is a bust, another chip Kelly failure. Hopefully he will be in a trade package to Kelly and the 49ers for Torry Smith .
Wentz played an OK game, despite the drops and bad play-calling. But again, Wentz had the ball in his hands to win or seal the game, and he failed to take the team down the field in the final two minutes, as he failed in the Washington and Detriot games.
Next up is the Giants at New York on Sunday afternoon. An eagle loss and they drop to 4-4 with 3 division losses. Win and the team hangs in there. Dallas plays at Cleveland next week versus the winless Browns. The Cowboys are in good shape now, not only to win the NFC East, but in the playoff picture. A lot can happen, and there is a lot of season yet to play but Dallas should go 7-2 next week. We said it may only take 9 wins to capture the NFC East crown. That would give Dallas home field advantage in the playoffs. a first round bye is also within reach, which would mean the Cowboys would only be have to win games to reach the Super Bowl.
A winnable game last night may come back to haunt the Eagles and haunt the fans forever if Dallas does go far in the playoffs.
Despite the devastating loss, there is still hope. The Eagles played a good team tough on the road. I am reminded that this season overall is still a rebuilding process. To be blunt, the Eagles need more talent, and right now, the Cowboys are simply the better team.
I got through week 8 of the WIP Last Fan Standing contest, as Denver beat San Diego. Eight weeks in a row I've picked a winner, yet I'm only halfway to winning the championship ring.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)