Friday, November 21, 2008

You can call me Al

**UPDATE of Update**

According to Alan Han of Newsday, "The Knicks, Warriors and Clippers are talking about a three-way deal that would involve Jamal Crawford, Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins being sent in a cap-space clearing move that would bring in Tim Thomas, Cuttino Mobley and Al Harrington.
The contracts on all three incoming players expire in 2010.
Trying to confirm this now."

**UPDATE** Well things are moving fast. Now we are hearing it would be Al for Jamal Crawford. While I like Crawford I think that this move still works out well. Crawford's contract runs though to 2011. The main purpose of these moves is to get under the cap for King James. Moving Jamal is one way of doing that (Knicks will have to move one or two more contracts). I guess Walsh has a plan after all. And I am sure that the final deal will have more players or picks included.

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2008/11/itll_be_harring.html

Donnie "The Prep" Walsh, is about to make his first big move (besides hiring D'Antoni) as head case..i mean head man in charge of the NY Knickerbockers. Rumor is that Al Harrington (formerly of St. Patrick's H.S. in NJ) will be joining the "7 sec or less" offense as soon as today. The deal would most likely be for Malik Rose, but I am holding out hope the Warriors will have a brain cramp and take Eddie "I eat rice and" Curry off of NY's hands. We can only wait until the press conference, but as a whole, this deal would make the Knicks a much better team without ruining the 2010 cape space (Harrington has two years left on his contract). Nice first move for the ex-Fordham Prepster.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/11212008/sports/knicks/walsh_cuts_a_deal_for_an_old_favorite_139971.htm

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Week 11

Oh those NFL referees! Because of them, bettors lost approx 65 million in winnings, and my picks went from 10-6 to 9-7. Nine wins still isn’t too bad but 10 would have been great. I will have to factor in terrible officiating from here on out due to the travesty in Pittsburg. What else did we learn from week 10? Let’s take a look:

The Eagles are terrible. They have an overrated coach. An overrated (and flat out stupid) QB. What’s that Donovan? You didn’t know a game could end in a tie? How long have you been playing this sport? Pathetic.
San Francisco is putting a lot of energy out there on the field. Win or not, they don’t want to see Coach Mike’s fat ass.
Why on earth did the Jets corners back off Moss on the last play of regulation? All day they where hitting Moss in the mouth and jamming him at the line. Then the game is in the balance and you let one of the best WR in the game to run free? Uh…What?!
The NFL refs will single handedly blow the outcome of one or more games each week.

Now, moving on to week 11.

THURSDAY NIGHT

STEELERS (-10.5) vs. Bengals
The Pick: Cincy always comes to play vs. the Steelers. They have lost some close games this year and battled good teams to the end. I don’t think they have the fire power to win this week but I expect them to cover a big spread. You don’t know what you will get from Big Ben. Take the Bengals away from home this week.

SUNDAY

Giants (-3) vs. CARDINALS
The Pick: Yes Arizona has a crazy passing attack. And yes Warner is a leading MVP candidate (with Brees) this year. But it will be hard for him to score while standing on the sidelines. The Giants put up 207 rushing yards vs. the best rushing defense last week. I predict another 200+ yard game vs. a weaker Arizona defense (even if Brandon “Earth” Jacobs sits out this week). The Giants can rush 4 and still get to Warner which will help them defend the pass, and Kurt still holds onto the ball a bit long. Until someone stops this vaunted rushing attack bet the Giants.

TITANS (-5) vs. Jets
The Pick: Each week this Jets team is gaining more and more confident. I honestly thought they would loose last week in overtime, even after they won the coin flip. The overtime drive showed what having a great QB and leader can do. The Titans are 10-0 and deserve that record, but I still am not sold on them being the best team in the NFL. Too many times they just squeak by lesser opponents. Jenkins is a man-child in the middle and can disrupt the pass or the run. They have to loose someday and this is as good a week as ever. Take the Jets.

BROWNS (-3) vs. Texans
The Pick: With each week I watch Quinn play the more I think this kid will be a star. Has the Arm strength and the brains to go along with it. Romeo should have switched to him earlier as there is no doubt he is their QB of the future. The Texans have fallen on hard times coming close in many games but not being able to finish it off. They wont this week either. Take the Browns.

Bills (-3) vs. CHIEFS
The Pick: I bet Buffalo is nauseas this week. Not only do they loose on a 56 yard field goal, they have to then listen to “Wide Right” for an entire week. Scott Norwood where are you? When your QB throws 3 picks in the 1st quarter and you only give up 3 points you have to eventually win that game. That being said, they will cover against the Chiefs. The overall talent just isn’t there. Circle the wagons and take the Bills.

DOLPHINS (-2) vs. Patriots
The Pick: Think Bill Belicheat will be unprepared for the Wildcat offense? I don’t think so. Cassel is playing well and the Pats will be pissed they lost by such a large margin in their first meeting. I think the Wildcat offense gets stopped here. Take the Pats down in Miami.

COWBOYS (-10.5) vs. 49ers
The Pick: The ‘Boys didn’t show me much last week (either did the Skins). Romo looked like a guy who hadn’t played in 4 weeks and the rust will still be there. Roy Williams has done nothing since coming over, but Bam Bam Barber can run with anyone. Boys will get up early on the 9ers and Bam Bam will run the rest of the clock out. But it wont be by 10 ½ points. The 9ers are playing an energized game since witnessing a full moon. They will be competitive and keep it close. Take the 9ers to cover in the loss.

Buccaneers (-8.5) vs. LIONS
The Pick: Detroit is now in the “hey we have a chance at the first pick” mode. I have a feeling players will start quitting (haven’t they already?) if they get down early. The Bucs will be without their starting RB but Dunn is more than capable of running against the joke of the jungle. Take the Bucs.

RAVENS (-1.5) vs. Eagles
The Pick: I would not want to be McNabb or Westbrook in this game. The Ravens are pissed and they will let the Eagles know it. Ray Lewis may kill someone (a good friend once said after seeing Ray Lewis do his dance prior to their Super Bowl win, “He DEFENITLY killed that guy”). Also, the Eagles are just a poorly coached team. Bad decisions by Reid have littered their last two games. HOW DO YOU TIE THE BENGALS??? Take the Ravens at home and I don’t think it will be close.
**SIDE BET** Over/Under on the Ravens’ D injuring someone is at 2 quarters. Take the under. It will probably be on the first series.

Bears (-8.5) vs. RAMS
The Pick: I have no idea how this line is 8.5. Oh wait, yes I do, the Rams are TERRIBLE. The 49ers blew them out and it could have been even more lopsided. The Rams D makes every offense they play look like the Pats O from last year. Take the Bears here on the road.

JAGUARS (-2.5) vs. Vikings
The Pick: Is there a more disappointing team in the NFL this year. Many “experts” picked the Jags to go to the AFC Championship game or more. Problem is they also picked the Vikings to do the same in the NFC. Pick the Vikings to win outright as they are the better of the overrated teams.

FALCONS (-1) vs. Panthers
The Pick: As much as I think Matty Ice is going to be a Pro-bowler, fact is, he is still a rookie and the Panthers have a good D. However, the Panthers really haven’t beaten anyone of note yet. This is a tough pick (as noted by the 1 point spread) so I will go with experience over talent. Take the Panthers but take the over too.

BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders
The Pick: Is there a more inconsistent team in the NFL right now than the Wild Horses? One week they look like legit SB contenders. The next, they look as bad as, well, the Raiders. Even at home I think 9.5 points is too much. Take the Raiders.

Redskins (-3.5) vs. SEAHAWKS
The Pick: The Skins must be sighing in relief that the get to play the Seagulls this week. After a few weeks of lackluster performances the Redskins will come alive against a poor poor team. Mike Holmgren is a “dead man walking” and his team knows it. Take the Skins.

CHARGERS (-3) vs. Colts
The Pick: LT isn’t what he once was. And either is Rivers. Peyton is. Nuff said. Take the Colts.

MONDAY NIGHT

SAINTS (-2.5) vs. Packers
The Pick: This should be a great Monday night game. Ryan Grant is running on all cylinders. The Pack defense is score points at a rapid rate too. But the Saints are Aints no more. They have the leading MVP contender in Brees. Three good WRs. And a workable running game. Take the Saints at home and be sure to watch. This should be an exciting game.

HOME TEAMS IN CAPS
Spread taken from NY Post 11/19/08

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thanks for the Hospitality

I have been asked by a few people to post a story that happened to me just around a year ago. And since I am a man of the people, I will give ‘em what they want.

A year ago last October I was in a very good friend’s wedding. The venue was in Jersey about an hour and a half away from lower West Chester. I decided it would be easy enough to leave around 1pm and get down there to relax a bit before the 5pm rehearsal. What I didn’t factor in was the torrential downpour that would last the entire day washing away my easy drive.

I set out on my trip relaxed and in a good mood. Three hours later I was screaming at the traffic as though I was Samir Nagheenanajar on my way to work at Initech. I called up my buddy and explained the situation. There was no way I would make the rehearsal on time. However, since I was just in my sister’s wedding I basically knew what to do. “Bride or groom? Here is your program. Here is your seat. See you later”

What many of you who have heard this story before don’t know is that while on the highway I almost missed a crucial left at a fork in the road. Swerving from the middle lane to the far left I cut off some guy in a minivan. He proceeded to stop and we caught eyes glaring at each other. The next thing I know he was rear-ended as I sped off on the right path. Hey, I was in a rush, and to be honest, who stops in the middle of a highway. I had no time for remorse (if your reading this, minivan guy, it wasn’t me it was my evil twin. Plus you needed a new car anyway).

It’s not 5pm and I am about 20min away from the groom’s college friend’s house that I was staying at. He hopped on the phone to give me directions:

Me: Ok I am going over the bridge, where is your house.

Friend: Make a left at the light then come to a stop sign. Its 104 and there is an Acura (can’t remember exact car) in the driveway and key is under the doormat.

Me: Done. Ok I will take a quick shower and call you back for directions to the restaurant.

Following the directions I came to a neighborhood where all the houses looked exactly the same. It’s a beach town. I didn’t expect anything less. And they were actually quit nice. The problem was that it was pouring still, not well lit, and I couldn’t see 20 feet in front of my face. I pulled into the driveway, grabbed my gear and PRESTO! The key was right were he said it would be.

Quickly moving up the stairs I jumped in the shower for maybe 5 min. The shower was actually kick ass and if I had more time it would have been a 20-25 min ordeal. As I toweled off the following interaction takes place.

Voice: Hello?!?!

Me: Hey sorry I will be out in a minute.

Voice: Who are you looking for?

Me: I am here for the rehearsal. Sorry I am super late. Traffic was a nightmare.

Voice: What?

Me: The wedding this weekend! I am late for the rehearsal.

Voice: I think you have the wrong house.

Me: Ummm…..What?! (Ok I was officially agitated) Isn’t this 104?

Voice: No this is 118.

Oh crap! I cannot believe I am in the wrong house. I wasn’t pissed that it was actually showering in some random person’s house. It was more the fact that I really didn’t have time to deal with the situation.

Voice: How did you get in here?

Me: My friend said the key was under his doormat. Your key was under there. What kind of town is this where everyone keeps their key under their mats?!

As I apologized over and over I contemplated two things: 1) do I just grab my stuff and get the hell out or 2) do I finish getting ready and put on my suit. I chose to just get the hell out. Grabbing my stuff and walking down the stair I see who the voice belongs to. About a 70 year old man with a gruff look on his face.

Old Man: The key?

Me: Here you go, sorry, this is actually my towel. Nice place. Can you tell me where 104 is?

As I walked out of the house I wondered if I should tip him, but figured that since the cops hadn’t been called yet and he didn’t mace me I wouldn’t press my luck.

I finally arrived at the restaurant and was automatically credited with an instant classic. In retrospect it was probably a blessing since that night I had to sit at a table with all of the bride’s family. Talk about an ice breaker. For the rest of the weekend I was known as, “Oh, JP…wait…you’re the guy….” Yup, I am the guy who showered in a random’s house.

Giambino-More

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the White Sox will receive two minor leaguers and one big-league reserve from the Yankees for Nick Swisher and Kanekoa Texeira.

If ESPN is correct, Jeff Marquez is one of the minor leaguers. We're guessing the major league reserve in Wilson Betemit. Hopefully for the White Sox, the other prospect is better than Marquez, who is shaping up as nothing more than a middle reliever. But this could be a great deal for the Yankees regardless. Nov. 13 - 4:07 pm et
Source: FOXSports.com

"The End"

Most of you in the finance world have more than likely read this article yesterday which appeared on Portfolio.com by Michael Lewis. For those of you who haven’t I strongly advise you check it out. “Good solid read,” added Mmmmmkay (one of my loyal contributors) who informed me of the piece.

http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/national-news/portfolio/2008/11/11/The-End-of-Wall-Streets-Boom?tid=true

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Oh My Marte!

It's official. Yankees sign Damaso Marte to 3-year deal.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081112&content_id=3676014&vkey=pr_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy&partnerId=rss_nyy

Heeeeeere Picky Picky

For all you degenerate gamblers out there, I have decided to post my weekly NFL picks. Most weeks the post will occur on Wed. due to the NFL running a game on Thurs on the NFL Network which no one seems to get anyway. Credentials? I don’t' need no stinkin' credentials. Ok let's get to it.

Week 10
PATS (-4) vs. Jets
The Pick: J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS. Farve seems to be more comfortable each week in the Jets offense and this will be a revenge game for them with first place in the division on the line. (If your going to the game get your galoshes out and take the under - Thanks Jameson)

GIANTS (-6.5) vs. Ravens
The Pick: G-men. Ride the high as long as you can. The Boys in Blue are on a season long roll and Flacco will be on his back-o all day long.

FALCONS (-5.5) vs. Broncos
The Pick: Hot-lanta. Simply put, the Broncos D is terrible. Broncos are 5-4 in a terrible division and the Falcons are 6-3 in a good one.

DOLPHINS (-10.5) vs. Raiders
The Pick: If this was the Raiderettes vs. the Miami cheerleaders (what are they called - the blow holes?) I would be all over the Raiders, but its not. This line scares the hell out of me though, but the Raiders haven't scored a touchdown in three weeks. I am betting against the silver and black until they cover. Take the Dolphins.

COLTS (-8.5) vs. Texans
The Pick: The line moved a full point since it opened at 9.5. Whats that tell me? That Joe Public is betting the Texans will cover. Meaning I will bet the opposite. Take the Colts who are on a roll and at home.

Titans (-3) vs. JAGUARS
The Pick: The Titans have to loose at some point...don't they? And usually I like home dogs. But this isn't the week they loose. My worst case scenario is Titans win in OT and if that’s the case they still push. Take them this week.

PACKERS (OFF) vs. Bears
The Pick: Um, basically a pick 'em game with Grossman possibly starting? Even if Orton starts he won’t be 100%. Take the Pack at home and watch money Lambeau Leap into your bank account.

Eagles (-9) vs. BENGALS
The Pick: Eagles are a good team. Just not a good enough team in their division (0-3). As long as Andy Reid doesn't screw up the play calling (uh, same run same side twice in a row on third and fourth down last week, nice one Andy) the Eagles should beat up on the lesser team.
*Side Bet* Take the under on years until Andy's sons go back to jail for probation violation. It doesn’t matter what the total is, just take the under.

Saints (-5.5) vs. CHIEFS
The Pick: "We play to win the game." They sure do, problem is the Chiefs aren't good enough on any level to win. Their best player is busy smashing the drink he just bought over a females head. Smooth move brotha. Their coach (Jose Valentine look-a-like) is just terrible. There is no way to gloss it over. Take the Saints.

PANTHERS (-14) vs. Lions
The Pick: I won't even waste my breath. If the line was 21 I would still take the Black Kittens. Panthers AND the over (39.5; they may score 40pts on their own).

BUCCANEERS (-3.5) vs. Vikings
The Pick: I am not sold on the Bucs or the Vikings. Bucs get to drive their broke down Cadillac again but it won’t matter. In order to win on the road you have to run the ball well. I am following all day AP. Take the Vikings.

49ERS (-6) vs. Rams
The Pick: Ugh! I have to pick this one? OK. Simple. Take the 49ers for this reason alone. If they don't win Mike Singletary might threaten to streak naked through the homes of all of them, except Vernon Davis, because we all know that Mike doesn’t want anyone who can't take a good streaking to be on his team. Take the 49ers and pretend your watching a high school game.

Cardinals (-3) vs. SEAHAWKS
The Pick: The Cardinals should have lost last week to the San Francisco Treats and Seabirds are an even worse team. Take Zona as my LOCK of the week.

STEELERS (-4.5) vs. Chargers
The Pick: The steel curtain has resembled more of a sheer nightgown recently. Big Ben’s clock as been rung too many times that I am not sure he knows he is in the NFL and not back at Miami of OH. I will take the Bolts here and hope LT has a big day.

Cowgirls (OFF) vs. REDSKINS
The Pick: From -2.5 to off? Hmmmmmmm. Here is the deal. If this wasn't Romo's first game back I would say take the Romosexuals and be on your way. But it is. So I am banking on a good outing from Portis and at least one pick by Hall. Take the Skins.

Monday Night
BILLS (-5) vs. Browns
The Pick: Love the moxy this Brady Quinn has. Bills can't get out of their own way recently and the Browns are getting closer. Take the Browns call it a week.

Home Team in CAPS.

***This is for gambling purposes only. If my pick is wrong I will not cover your debt. Sorry but your thumbs will heal eventually***

Personal ATM

My parents were in the market for a new refrigerator. Ever searching for the best deal out there, my mother schlepped to various appliance stores in hopes of locating the perfect refrigerator but only at the perfect price. She traveled far and wide making stops at the usual suspects; Sears, Best Buy, PC Richards (where is Crazy Eddie when you need him, oh right…he was jailed for fraud).

Virtually every store mentioned that the price of the fridge would be cheaper if you bought it online. Seemed like a simple enough procedure; pay less and have it delivered to the house. My mother asked me for some help.

A few things you should know about my parents and computers. My mother once declared that she didn’t know how to surf the internet because she “never even used a type writer” and my father thinks that computers should last forever because, as he put it, “it’s not like a car or T.V., there are no tubes in it.” Basically whenever my parents sit in front of the monitor, their brains compress and they stare at the screen with a blank look on their faces similar to that of a retarded kid staring at a Ferris wheel for the very first time.

But I digress.

So here I am on the PC Richards website. I select the fridge they want. Place it in the shopping cart and proceed to check out in order to find the sale price. The process was going surprisingly smooth. Right up until I hear the following:

Me: Ok, we are about to check out and the price is right there mom.

Mom: Oh great, that is cheaper than in the store.

Dad: Wait! So you mean all we have to do is swipe our credit card in the computer and we’re done?

*Blank stare from me to my father due to his amazing comment*

Me (Sarcastically): Yeah Dad. And our computer doubles as an ATM machine.

Dad: Wait, really? How?

Mom: Eddie, be serious. Who would fill it with money?

Yup these are my parents.

Post Script: Everyone’s mom or dad has inevitably made ridiculous statements or were features of odd conversations. I encourage you all to visit the site “Top That Mom.”
www.topthatmom.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

No son of mine is gonna play any foos-ball

"Feel these balls. They're slick."

Thats right. Everyone knows you cant play foosball with a slick ball. Or a warped table. Yet the majority of us couldn't tell the difference. Mostly because the majority playing foos are half in the bag with one eye closed remembering Paulie's advice to "hit the one in the middle." Foosball is the game you play at the pub while you wait for the beer-pong table to open up.

Ah, but we all underestimate Vegas. Yes. Vegas. Where big money tournaments are conducted for everything from poker to rock, paper, scissors.

The link below is an inside look at the professsional world of Foosball. The highs and lows. The glitz, glammor, girls and gut busting upsets. Some of you may have read this already since I know you all slack at work and read every ESPN article posted each day. But for you other hard workers - have a good read. And I will see you at the tables.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hruby/081110

First and Last Time

Ok. Let's get this over with. Now I can tell you that I absolutely cannot stand talking about politics. There is a reason your local watering holes have rules stating "no politics, no religion." I have found that many people are, how I say this delicately...stubborn, when it comes to both of those subjects. Not all, just many. And its not that they are wrong in their view, but I learned recently (at the expense of a huge argument due to lack of communication and understanding) that it is O.K. not to agree, it’s just not o.k. not to listen.

Anywho...moving on.

The recent election was indeed historical. As were the democratic primaries. While I do not agree on certain ideas of the newly elected president, the fact that this country has come such a long way in such a relatively short period of time is a sight to see. And once again the American people have shown that their voices can be heard loud and clear.

Now that there has been change (even if you voted for it or not), it is up to the American people to continue voicing their opinions. We cannot be a nation of "well I voted it’s now up to them" inhabitants. The United States is currently in a very critical time of its existence: Wall St. vs. Main St. (ugh a topic for another day), blood vs. oil, right vs. left, giants vs. eagles (oops wrong post).

As a US citizen, I fully back out president elect. I hope that he does succeed. And I hope he does do right by the American people. I will still debate the issues I believe in. The United States is supposed to be a world power. A leader for democracy and freedom. A financial power. A country others can look up to. The time is now to stand behind one man, be it the man you chose or not, and march this country forward.

"Allow myself to introduce....myself."

I guess I slept in that Saturday everyone began blogging.

Well I finally caught up. I am here to spit some knowledge to all of you who want to read it. It may be wise, it may be naive, it may be profound, but above all things, its me.

So sit back. Enjoy (or don't enjoy). Comment, argue, agree, vent.

"And awaaaaaaaay we go!"