Just returned back from a FANTASTIC weekend in New York with my wife. A few thoughts:
Rarely have I encountered a more overrated pizza joint than Lombardi's on Spring St in New York's SoHo. If one were to rank tri-state pizza joints, the first six would easily reside in the New Haven area. Even the pizza place along Arden Ave. in Staten Island is better.
Sadly, Ground Zero today resembles an orderly construction site. Interestingly, pamphleteers around the site demanding a re-investigation of the 9/11 Commission. Far-fetched but interesting.
Here's the golden rule regarding souveniers: Two of shit is shit. If a vendor really wanted to screw you, he'd give you the third one for free. How many NYC emblazoned Statues of Liberty does one truly need?
If you have the means, I highly recommend taking in an opera at Lincoln Center. A grand hall built in the 1950s, the Metropolitan Opera House is the Yankee Stadium of opera halls. All the great ones played here...
The famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel was actually the merging of two New York hotels built by the dynastic Astors. Hence the hyphen.
Waiting for a seat at any crowded restaurant, I have two words: What Recession?
If you're taking the train into NYC from Connecticut, avoid doing it the day of a Yankee day game.
I don't know what it is but there's something about a well-played saxophone in the Subway that really gets to me.
How star-crossed are hockey's Rangers? Before Saturday's victory, it had been almost 70 years before the Rangers won a playoff game 1-0.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Rangers Getting Routed
Have you ever walked up to a roulette table and witnessed a sick run of reds or blacks? So you put your money and instantly the run ends? That's the case with tonight's Rangers game. It's 3-0 Washington in the third period. What happened? Playing on the road in Washington, the Rangers rode brilliant goaltending and clutch scoring to take a 2-0 lead in the playoff series...So what changed playing at the Garden? The answer is simple: I tuned in. Either that or they began running around in their own end and taking too many penalties against Ovechkin & Co. Without support,even King Henrik can seem like a jester. I guess it was too much to ask to take a 3-0 lead.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
What I've Learned--the No Context Version
Some nights it's choosing between blogging, watching sports or sleeping. Sports has been winning lately.
NBC's John Madden retires. It was time.
The Yankees should fire Joe Girardi like the Corleones got rid of Pauley..."Grab the connolis, drop the gun."
I've been watching baseball for 30 years. This Yankee bullpen, save for Mariano, is probably the worst version I've seen. Even during the Stump Merrill years, the bullpen of Steve Howe, John Habyan and Steve Farr, was the strength of the team.
Although two starts does not a Cy Young make, I have to admit: I was wrong about A.J. Burnett.
Are they still playing the college basketball playoffs?
It's hard to believe that pirates still exist outside of Pittsburgh. But that captain proved courageous...That's the guy we all should emulate. He and that Sullenberger fellow--you know the Hudson River pilot.
CBS's Masters Leader Board went seven screens deep on Sunday apparently trying to fool casual golf fans that Tiger still had a chance. While we're on the subject, don't you just hate the hushed tones and reverence thrown at the feet of Augusta National? Come on people. It's a golf course. Nothing more.
The Washington Capitals are scary offensively with their sharp breakout passes and fancy stick-handling. Alex Ovechkin is just a great hockey player--although I can live without his hysterionics everytime the Capitals score. Enough Alex. Act like you been there before.
Jose Theodore's soft goals last night are bound to stay with him at least the rest of this playoff series. Surrendering those soft-goals in the playoffs? They have a way of staying with you like luggage. Go ask Detroit netminder Chris Osgood who tarnished his reputation after surrendering bad playoff goals.
Rangers color-man Joe Micheletti sure sounded awfully prescient when he said that the Capitals power play corps might get tired if they continued to log the full two minutes each power play. Sure enough, on his third period goal, Brandon Dubinsky went by his man who at this moment in time is stil looking for his jock.
Visit the new Yankee Stadium? I'd love to...after BHO approves me for bailout funds.
NBC's John Madden retires. It was time.
The Yankees should fire Joe Girardi like the Corleones got rid of Pauley..."Grab the connolis, drop the gun."
I've been watching baseball for 30 years. This Yankee bullpen, save for Mariano, is probably the worst version I've seen. Even during the Stump Merrill years, the bullpen of Steve Howe, John Habyan and Steve Farr, was the strength of the team.
Although two starts does not a Cy Young make, I have to admit: I was wrong about A.J. Burnett.
Are they still playing the college basketball playoffs?
It's hard to believe that pirates still exist outside of Pittsburgh. But that captain proved courageous...That's the guy we all should emulate. He and that Sullenberger fellow--you know the Hudson River pilot.
CBS's Masters Leader Board went seven screens deep on Sunday apparently trying to fool casual golf fans that Tiger still had a chance. While we're on the subject, don't you just hate the hushed tones and reverence thrown at the feet of Augusta National? Come on people. It's a golf course. Nothing more.
The Washington Capitals are scary offensively with their sharp breakout passes and fancy stick-handling. Alex Ovechkin is just a great hockey player--although I can live without his hysterionics everytime the Capitals score. Enough Alex. Act like you been there before.
Jose Theodore's soft goals last night are bound to stay with him at least the rest of this playoff series. Surrendering those soft-goals in the playoffs? They have a way of staying with you like luggage. Go ask Detroit netminder Chris Osgood who tarnished his reputation after surrendering bad playoff goals.
Rangers color-man Joe Micheletti sure sounded awfully prescient when he said that the Capitals power play corps might get tired if they continued to log the full two minutes each power play. Sure enough, on his third period goal, Brandon Dubinsky went by his man who at this moment in time is stil looking for his jock.
Visit the new Yankee Stadium? I'd love to...after BHO approves me for bailout funds.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
It took one inning of one baseball game...
The Yankees are back. That's the good news. The bad news? They brought last year's bullpen with them. I know. It's one game. One awful, excruciating game where the starter sucked and the bullpen was even worse. And manager Girardi in all his wisdom was hell-bent on running out the entire bullpen. How else can you explain why Girardi had Edwar Ramirez up and throwing as Marte was luckily getting the last out. And what the hell happened to Marte? Guy was worse than John Edwards during the debate. Yankees are in trouble when the lefty Marte can't get lefties out.
Still it's one game. The only Yankee on notice should be Girardi.
Elsewhere in New York sports, the Rangers got a big win in regulation against Montreal and likely did enough to secure a playoff spot. They can get as high as sixth. The eighth spot likely draws top-seeded Boston.
Still it's one game. The only Yankee on notice should be Girardi.
Elsewhere in New York sports, the Rangers got a big win in regulation against Montreal and likely did enough to secure a playoff spot. They can get as high as sixth. The eighth spot likely draws top-seeded Boston.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Live Blogging: Rangers vs. Canadiens in OT
The New York Rangers gave up the tying goal and settled for overtime in Montreal against the Canadiens in Montreal. There was a time when OT and the Rangers usually meant a loss. Having already gained a point, the Rangers are as close to tenth place as they are to fourth. It's that tight. Nearly two minutes into OT, the Rangers had their chances, most notably on new arrival Nik Antropov.
Good to see Alex Kovalev has not changed. He still thinks he can beat the entire defense on his way to the net. Former Ranger Matheiu Schneider just had a shot from the point. Good save Lundqvist. Drury had one last point shot that Canadien goalie Carey Price turned away easily as time ran down. Now the shootout: edge Rangers
Canadiens: Kostytsen: missed with a wrister up high
Rangers Naslund: Great fake on the forehand and put it in on the backhand
Canadiens: Kovalev: Great goal scorer's goal on the backhand. Tucked it under the crossbar
Rangers: Antropov: Faked, delayed, and scored stick side
Canadiens: Markov: Goal
Rangers: Drury scored with a wrister that Carey Price missed. Game over...
BTW, the usually steady Sam Rosen seemed confused during the shoot-out: He called a Rangers victory after the Antropov goal not realizing that the Canadiens had a skater remaining. Big win by the Blueshirts though...
Good to see Alex Kovalev has not changed. He still thinks he can beat the entire defense on his way to the net. Former Ranger Matheiu Schneider just had a shot from the point. Good save Lundqvist. Drury had one last point shot that Canadien goalie Carey Price turned away easily as time ran down. Now the shootout: edge Rangers
Canadiens: Kostytsen: missed with a wrister up high
Rangers Naslund: Great fake on the forehand and put it in on the backhand
Canadiens: Kovalev: Great goal scorer's goal on the backhand. Tucked it under the crossbar
Rangers: Antropov: Faked, delayed, and scored stick side
Canadiens: Markov: Goal
Rangers: Drury scored with a wrister that Carey Price missed. Game over...
BTW, the usually steady Sam Rosen seemed confused during the shoot-out: He called a Rangers victory after the Antropov goal not realizing that the Canadiens had a skater remaining. Big win by the Blueshirts though...
Coming Soon: BHO and a Media Outlet Near You
Don't look now but President Obama is coming to a media outlet near you. Tomorrow, he'll be the first sitting president to appear in late night. He'll go on Jay Leno. Safe choice. I've said it many times, give me a choice I'll always take David Letterman. But BHO is is own man.
Obama has also has agreed to sit down with "60 Minutes" and Steve Kroft for an interview that will air Sunday (Thank you Howard Kurtz for the scoop). Kroft who gets all the great intervies will no doubt ask him about the economy, the AIG bonuses, the vetting of his cabinet, and the like. Many of you will recall Kroft interviewed BHO and Mrs BHO shortly after the nomination.
You can't blame BHO for playing to his strengths but someone close to His Almighty might remind him that he's no longer campaigning. Yo Barack, you got the job. Now it's time to govern. Stay the hell in D.C.
Obama has also has agreed to sit down with "60 Minutes" and Steve Kroft for an interview that will air Sunday (Thank you Howard Kurtz for the scoop). Kroft who gets all the great intervies will no doubt ask him about the economy, the AIG bonuses, the vetting of his cabinet, and the like. Many of you will recall Kroft interviewed BHO and Mrs BHO shortly after the nomination.
You can't blame BHO for playing to his strengths but someone close to His Almighty might remind him that he's no longer campaigning. Yo Barack, you got the job. Now it's time to govern. Stay the hell in D.C.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
10 Things You Didn't Know About Baseball Memorabilia
Seen, discussed or overheard at the National Card Show in Fort Washington, PA...
10.) Should you be lucky enough to find a mint condition 1952 Topps Andy Pafko (Card #1)keep it close. Because almost none exist. The reason? Back in the day, kids would keep their cards together with a rubber band with Pafko's #1 on top. Either this really did happen or this is the most common misconception in the hobby.
9.) All of the certified Joe DiMaggio signed baseballs? They're genuine. No problems there. However, in what has to be the most creepy and low-rent money-grabs of all time are the baseballs signed--and released into circulation--by the Yankee Clipper on his death bed. Dubbed "death bed" DiMaggio balls, you'd have to have some set yourself to shell out money for these.
Cain/Palin bumper stickers. Seems the gun-folk are thrilled with BHO. Inside the card show featured Punter Sean Landeta (the long-time Giant wearing an Eagles cap) an 80-year-old Robin Roberts and softball queen Jennie Finch. Walking the aisles in near anonymity: famed 1970's hockey goon Dave "the Hammer" Schultz. And we're in Philadelphia and no one recognizes him. Another good reason to wear a helmet: No one recognizes you.
5.) The 1914 Cracker Jack find that we reported last year fetched an unbelievable amount of money...more than $150,000. Separate from that auction, a 1914 "Cracker Jack" Joe Jackson was graded a 10 out of 10. One dealer told me, that once that's gone, you'll never seen another in better condition. Today's grading system of cards takes the guesswork out of a card's value...Much like buying a diamond, baseball cards carry color, cut and clarity as well.
4.) Sadly, baseball cards in the 1980s are virtually worthless save for a few cards. Those were my salad days. By 1981, Topps was no longer the only game in town and rival card companies such as Fleer and Donruss entered the market and produced set after set after set to the point where you can longer keep track of the sets.
3.) Two collectors thus far have completed the massive 6,661 Yankee Stadium Legacy series from Upper Deck—the card company carried over last season’s games to the 2009 set as well.
2.) Not baseball related but I saw some cashed bank checks from Moe Howard, Curly Howard, and Larry Fine—The Three Stooges.
1.) Quick Story: Going back to DiMaggio. He had few friends and mostly kept to himself, expect apparently when there was appearance money involved. A long-time business partner of DiMaggio’s got wind of Carl Yastrzemski’s charity event. DiMaggio was asked to attend but declined the invite. The business partner said, “Joe, it’s for charity.” To which DiMaggio motioned to his heart as if to explain, “Charity begins at home.” Now we can remember him as “The Yankee Gypper.”
10.) Should you be lucky enough to find a mint condition 1952 Topps Andy Pafko (Card #1)keep it close. Because almost none exist. The reason? Back in the day, kids would keep their cards together with a rubber band with Pafko's #1 on top. Either this really did happen or this is the most common misconception in the hobby.
9.) All of the certified Joe DiMaggio signed baseballs? They're genuine. No problems there. However, in what has to be the most creepy and low-rent money-grabs of all time are the baseballs signed--and released into circulation--by the Yankee Clipper on his death bed. Dubbed "death bed" DiMaggio balls, you'd have to have some set yourself to shell out money for these.
Cain/Palin bumper stickers. Seems the gun-folk are thrilled with BHO. Inside the card show featured Punter Sean Landeta (the long-time Giant wearing an Eagles cap) an 80-year-old Robin Roberts and softball queen Jennie Finch. Walking the aisles in near anonymity: famed 1970's hockey goon Dave "the Hammer" Schultz. And we're in Philadelphia and no one recognizes him. Another good reason to wear a helmet: No one recognizes you.
5.) The 1914 Cracker Jack find that we reported last year fetched an unbelievable amount of money...more than $150,000. Separate from that auction, a 1914 "Cracker Jack" Joe Jackson was graded a 10 out of 10. One dealer told me, that once that's gone, you'll never seen another in better condition. Today's grading system of cards takes the guesswork out of a card's value...Much like buying a diamond, baseball cards carry color, cut and clarity as well.
4.) Sadly, baseball cards in the 1980s are virtually worthless save for a few cards. Those were my salad days. By 1981, Topps was no longer the only game in town and rival card companies such as Fleer and Donruss entered the market and produced set after set after set to the point where you can longer keep track of the sets.
3.) Two collectors thus far have completed the massive 6,661 Yankee Stadium Legacy series from Upper Deck—the card company carried over last season’s games to the 2009 set as well.
2.) Not baseball related but I saw some cashed bank checks from Moe Howard, Curly Howard, and Larry Fine—The Three Stooges.
1.) Quick Story: Going back to DiMaggio. He had few friends and mostly kept to himself, expect apparently when there was appearance money involved. A long-time business partner of DiMaggio’s got wind of Carl Yastrzemski’s charity event. DiMaggio was asked to attend but declined the invite. The business partner said, “Joe, it’s for charity.” To which DiMaggio motioned to his heart as if to explain, “Charity begins at home.” Now we can remember him as “The Yankee Gypper.”
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