Eagles 24 Falcons 17

In a game that only a few minutes into it had no impact on the playoff picture, the Eagles got by the Atlanta Falcons 24-17. Once the Detroit Lions beat the Dallas Cowboys, Coach Andy Reid pulled most of the first team players and allowed the second team the play the remainder of the game. Third String Quarterback A.J. Feeley, had a great game, completing, 22 of 33 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie Wide Receiver Hank Baskett led all receivers with 7 receptions for 177 yards, including one 89 yard touchdown. The much revered running game was a no show today, only 43 yards on 17 carries.

The second string defense played a strong game, and even took Michael Vick out of the game early in the third quarter. Backup QB Matt Schaub played well as Vick's replacement, and based on his performance (15/21, 175 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT) he may get himself a starting job next year with another team.

Coach Reid made a smart decision pulling his starters early, and giving some of the younger players some playing time. Most impressive for me was third year DB Joselio Hanson who played an excellent game. His role should be expanded more in the coming years with the Eagles.

The Eagles will host the New York Giants here at the Linc, next Sunday afternoon, at 430. Fox will carry the game

Nice job by the Eagles today, they played very well in a game where they didn't need to play hard, and turned in a great game.

Fly Eagles Fly, on the road to victory....

--gfo

Thank You Detroit

With their victory over the Cowboys today 39-31, the Eagles clinched the NFC East for the fourth time in the last five years. The Eagles are playing the Falcons right now with mostly the second team players.

Detroit 3-13 played a great game, the Cowboys finish up the season at 9-7, and second place in the NFC East.

Next up for the Eagles, the New York Giants here in Philly next Sunday at 4:00 PM

--gfo

2006 Year In Review

Well it was  a tough year for me overall.  Fitness wise my cycling mileage was down from my 2005 totals.  In 2005 I rode over 2600 miles.  In 2006, I managed only 2,171.42.  Not too bad considering I took almost three months off due to some uncertainty with the MS.  Those three months not withstanding I probably would have exceeded my 2005 totals, considering that I average over 225 miles per month.  I did manage to have over a 300 mile month, in November, 341.20.  I rode almost over day that month, only missing four days.

 

I mentioned above the possibility of an MS diagnosis.  Early in the year I started experiencing severe back pain, and went to my GP, who referred me to a Physiatrist.  During the physiatrist visit he noticed some strange neurological stuff, and sent me to a Neurologist over at Lankenau Hospital.  He ran a battery of test, save for an MRI (because of my defibrillator I can't get one), and so far everything has been inconclusive.  He then sent me down to a MS specialist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.  I have seen him twice, and he has ordered some more tests and has started me on some medication.   I see him again in March 2007. 

 

The latter part of the year was even tougher, I basically had a nervous breakdown, and have been out of work since 08 December 2006.  I am currently in a partial hospitalization program, and plan on returning to work full time in the latter part of January

 

The kids are doing great, Michael made his first confession, and will make his first communion in the Spring of 2007.  Kim is in fifth grade, and is doing well

 

Jen graduated from St Joseph's University with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and had started teaching at Chester Community Charter School in Chester.

 

Hopefully 2007 will be a better year, and that I can get a definitive diagnosis on whether or not I have MS or not

 

Best wishes to all

 

--gfo

Happy New Year

From my family to yours, I wish you a happy and healthy 2007.


--gfo

Rocky Balboa

The Mrs and I saw the sixth installment in the Rocky series last night, Rocky Balboa. Throughout the movie Rocky is mourning his wife Adrian who has died, and is interacting with his now grown son. In lieu of boxing he is operating a restaurant named Adrian's. After an ESPN news clip, creates a virtual boxing between the Rocky in his prime and the current heavyweight champ Mason "The Line" Dixon, and has Rocky knocking him out. The current champs handlers challenge Rocky to an exhibition match versus Dixon. Rocky trains and the match ensues.

Also during the movie Rocky befriends a young woman and her son, and a somewhat romance appears to be blossoming, although its never really developed.

The move is only a little over 98 minutes, and is filled with many flashbacks of old Rocky clips, and Adrian.

Burt Young who is Adrian's older brother reprises his role and does it as well as he did in the other movies.

There is even a cameo by Mike Tyson.

I always like seeing movies that are filmed in Philadelphia, since I have lived in this area my whole life, and I know a lot of the areas where the scenes where shot.

Stallone is now 60 is still in amazing shape, and looks great. Although he looks a little slower in some of the fight scenes, he still has the incredible strength that he was known for

If you are a fan of the Rocky movies, check this out, it shows a mature Rocky, one who returned to his humble beginnings, and never forgot where he came from.

--gfo

Goodbye Saddam

It was announced earlier today that form Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was executed today. Hopefully this will bring some closure to the thousands of Iraqi's whom Saddam inflicted so much pain and suffering on, and bring the entire nation of Iraq together and become one again, and begin to live together in peace.

I believe justice was served here, and it was by his own citizens, democracy in action, a small step but a very important one.

--gfo

RIP President Ford

The only man who was never elected to Presidency, and came to power at a time when this nation was in dire need. He was also the oldest person to live who had ever served as President, at 93 years of age. President Ford served this nation well, if only briefly. A World War II Navy veteran who served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Monterey (CV-26) he went on the serve in the US House of Representatives for twenty five years, before being appointed Vice President after Spiro Agnew resigned. After President Nixon resigned on 09 August 1974, Ford ascended to the Presidency thus becoming the first person to attain the office without ever being elected and also the first under the 25th amendment.

He survived two assassination attempts (although the intended assassins missed) and was comically mocked for stumbling, most notably by Saturday Night Lives Chevy Chase

Although he lost a narrow victory for his own term in 1976 he led the country well in a time of such turmoil, and he helped restore pride in this great nation.

--gfo

Eagles 23 Cowboys 7

Jeff Garcia and Brian Westbrook made this Christmas a very merry one for Philadelphia Eagles fans, with a 23-7 win over the Cowboys, in a prime time match up in Texas Stadium. With this win, the Birds, clinch a playoff berth, and are in a good position to win the NFC East.

Westbrook led the offense with 122 yards on 26 carries, although he was shut down on his receiving, getting only two catches for six yards.

Jeff Garcia had another well executed game, completing 15 of 23 passes with one touchdown and one interception.

The lone Dallas score came on a Terrell Owens 14 yard touchdown reception from the new NFL golden boy Tony Romo. Props to Owens and Romo on that play, it was an excellent drive and touchdown. Although that was probably the only part of the game where Owens showed up, he seemed to have greasy fingers today.

Big props to the Eagles defense for allowing only 225 yards of total offense for the Cowboys, 83 yards of rushing, and holding Romo to 142 yards, 14 completions on 29 attempts, and picking him off twice. Romo was sacked three times for -24 yards. It was nice to see the defensive line get to Romo and put pressure on him.

With a win over Atlanta next week, the Eagles win the NFC East. Who would have though that a few weeks ago.

The Eagles have won four straight, including the last three on the road against division opponents. Looking at the schedule in the beginning of the year most of us thought those three straight games would be tough to win.

Jeff Garcia needs to be re-signed for another year, and if he keeps up these winning ways, #5 better look out, McNabb may have a tough time getting his job back.

This was a great game, well executed, and well coached. The Eagles running game was finely tuned today, and the defense, played an excellent game

Thanks fellas, you made a lot of people in the Philly area's Christmas very merry indeed.


--gfo

Merry Christmas 2006

From my family to yours, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New Year.

--gfo

The Rematch

Christmas Night, 5 PM (local time), Eagles and Dallas, This is a big game for the birds, not only because they are playing Dallas, in Dallas, but an Eagles win, gets them a playoff berth, and a chance to win the NFC East with a win over Atlanta next week. Dallas already has a playoff berth, but will win the NFC East with a win.

Who would have thought a few weeks ago, with McNabb being lost for the season that the Eagles. The last time these two teams met here in Philly, on October 8, the Eagles won 38-24 . The game secured in the final minutes by an interception returned for a TD by Cornerback Lito Sheppard

That was a different Dallas team, Drew Deadslow was the QB, and now Pro Bowl QB Tony Romo has the reigns and has been doing amazing things for the 'boys.

Should be a great game, hopefully the Eagles can go into Texas stadium and continue the roll that they have been on, and beat Dallas, in their house. The Eagles have the talent and the desire to win, let's hope the momentum keeps up.

Would be a great present for a lot of Eagles fans...especially this one


--gfo

An Early Christmas Present

After approximately 40 years of faithful service, the Astroturf (as I liked to call it) was pulled up and replaced with brand new Paris Blue (kinda like a light baby bluish) carpeting, from Empire Today. It was just over 73 square yards of carpeting. We had the whole downstairs, the steps and the upstairs hallway done.

It took the two installers over 12 hours to rip up the old then out down the new padding and carpets. These two guys busted their asses, and really did an amazing job. They even helped me move some of the bigger furniture back to where it was. As bonus they took all the old carpet and what was left of the old padding with them and will dispose of them for us. They also left us a couple of extra pieces in case we need it. Their workmanship was superior, and both were very gentle with everything they touched

We were both very pleased with the install and the price, and would recommend Empire to anyone. The sales rep came out Tuesday, and the installers were here yesterday.

This was a Christmas gift to both of us, and we will get many years of good use out of it. It looks great

Now we need to get all the stuff we moved back in order, and find some of the stuff that is now missing. Most importantly, the TV, etc, and the computer are hooked back up, and all items survived the temporary relocation.

As an aside to all this, we had to do a major cleanup, and ended throwing out over ten bags of trash, (and some toys), so the house is now less cluttered, and much neater.

Once I get some pictures taken, I will show it off, probably after Christmas.


--gfo

Eagles 36 Giants 22

Well the Eagles pulled out an impressive win over the Giants today, 36-22. What a great game, the defense had a much improved, very impressive game. The Eagles sealed the win with a 22 point fourth quarter, including a 19 yard interception return for a touchdown, with 2:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, by second year defensive end, Trent Cole that assured the Eagles victory by putting the birds up by 14.

The Brian's led the way today on both defense and offense, Brian Dawkins led the defense with 11 unassisted and 1 assisted tackle, plus an interception and two forced fumbles. Brian Westbrook had over 125 yards in offense (97 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns, and 40 yards receiving). Westbrook now has over a thousand yards rushing for the year, the first Eagles RB to do that since Duce Staley in 2002.

Overall this was a well executed, well planned, and well performed game by everyone.

Rookie linebacker, Omar Gaither had an impressive game, having eight unassisted and two assisted tackles as well as sacking Giants QB Eli Manning thereby recording his first NFL sack.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia was impressive as well competing 19 of 28 passes for 237 yards, one touchdown and his first interception of the year. One of the more interesting plays of the game was when he drew an unsportsmanlike/taunting penalty after he spike the ball at a Giants defender after Garcia got a first down. Even though it cost the Eagles 15 yards, and he threw his interception on the following play, the Eagles took control and never looked back after that series.

The Eagles improve to 8-6, and are in a great position to get into the playoffs, in fact if they beat Dallas and Atlanta in the next two weeks, the Eagles will win the NFC East.

That makes the Christmas night game in Dallas very important, not only to keep the playoff hopes alive but to win the NFC East outright.

Things are looking good here in Philly

--gfo

The Christmas Tree

Is finally up. This year we decided to go with an artificial one, as they are less of a hassle, and easier to clean up. We found a real nice one at Wal-Mart for a pretty good price. We also picked up some more decorations and other goodies. It was a lot of fun.

Took us about 15 minutes to get it all together, and another ½ hour to get the lights on and decorations on. Of course the first decoration that went on was the Eagles logo that is near the top of the tree. We have amassed a lot of decorations over the years, especially from the kids, and its neat revisiting them every year, to see how their artistic talents have gotten better over the years.

Now the house looks a lot like Christmas. We still have some shopping to do, but the bulk of it is done.

Its good to be home

--gfo

December Weather

Once again the weather here is unseasonable. Today's high is expected to hit 60°, tomorrow its expected to hit 64°. The outlook for the following days is in the upper 40's and low to mid 50's. Certainly not December type weather, and certainly not very Christmassy.

The early prediction for Christmas is that its going to be wet, not snow, but rain, and in the 40's.

I'm not complaining, the warmer weather is nice and rain is certainly better than snow. As long as this warmer weather keeps up, we will see less of the oil man this winter.

and at 2.31⁹ a gallon, that's not really a bad thing

--gfo

Eagles 21 Redskins 19

Well this is a little late, but the Eagles squeaked out a win in Washington, and it certainly was a nail biter. The Eagles really dominated in the first half and I thought they were going to coast to an easy victory, but the defense fell apart yet again allowing over 200 yards of rushing. The defense did however pick off rookie quarterback Jason Campbell twice, returning one for a touchdown.

Jeff Garcia had an okay game completing 15/23 passes for 164 yards and two touchdown. Brian Westbrook again was the star of the game, accounting for over 125 yards of offense (88 rushing, 38 receiving). He is certainly becoming the go to guy on this team.

Next up the Giants on Sunday at the Meadowlands, which should be an interesting game. The Eagles playoff hopes are still alive, in fact if they win out, (Dallas and Atlanta) they will win the NFC East, but first we need to get past the Giants


...and most importantly, stop the run


--gfo

25 Years Ago Tomorrow

09 December 1981, Philadelphia Police Officer, (4699) Daniel Faulkner was brutally murdered by Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Lest we forget that Jamal was tried and convicted and his case has been appealed many times and the guilty verdict has been sustained, each and every time, despite the numerous people who insist he is innocent.

Here are some myths about the case. Click on the myth link above to see the real truth.

Here are the facts

Rest in Peace Danny.

--gfo

65 Years Ago

The day that will forever live in infamy, Pearl Harbor Hawaii was attacked with a total loss of life numbering over 2,000.

The US only lost one battleship, USS Arizona (BB-39). The California (BB-44) and West Virginia (BB-48) which were also sunk, were both, raised, repaired and lived to fight again. The Oklahoma (BB-37) which capsized was righted and raised and never returned to service. Many other ships were light to severely damaged but all returned to service before the wars end.

None of the carriers which were the real target of the attach, were not in port at the time of the attack. As it turned out the Carriers were the saving grace and contributed immensely to the Pacific war effort.

A lot of blame was passed around and the two highest ranking officers, Admiral Kimmel and General Short were demoted and retired in disgrace which was to be expected, but the bureaucracy of the Roosevelt Administration is as much to blame as well.

To the Japaneses' credit this was a well planned, well executed attack. The Imperial Navy's lack of follow up attacks, and the fact that the American carriers were at sea are often questioned.

As the Japanese soon found out and as quoted by Admiral Yamamoto, it did wake up a sleeping giant. Americans came together as a country, put all differences aside, and got together to defeat the enemies of the nation and the world. The world could not match the industrial power. The amount of equipment produced, the number of men and women in uniform, the ability to support wars on two fronts thousands of miles from the States, could not be matched. A sleeping giant was awakened indeed.

It took over four years, and over 400,000 American lives but the US and its allies beat back the Axis powers and the world was at peace.

I believe the lesson to be learned from the Pearl Harbor attacks and the subsequent war effort is that this nation, can come together in good times and bad putting differences aside and work towards common goals.

We have been at peace with Japan and Germany now for over sixty year, they are both now allies, and commerce partners. We helped rebuild the countries who were once our enemies, and now both have thriving economies and democracy's.

The men and woman of that generation, the greatest generation are to be saluted for their efforts, bravery and devotion, to life, liberty and country.

One of these days I would like to go to Pearl Harbor and pay my personal respects, and visit this amazing place of history

Thank you, and Rest in Peace to the men and women who gave their lives in service of this country, and to all those who have served, and who are currently serving, God bless you all

--gfo

Brrrrr

Well we finally have November type weather here in the city of brotherly love. I just got back from Starbucks and boy is it windy out. The temperature is in the mid 40's, but the wind is gusting into the 50 MPH range, so much so that it almost blew me over a few times. A sharp contrast to the 60-70° temperatures we were having only a week or so ago.

Speaking of Starbucks, they have the best hot chocolate I have ever had, and on a day like today is it every so good. I got it extra hot, so it would survive the five block walk back to the office. I also got some apple and cheese slice to go along with it so, if ever so briefly, I am in a blissful state.

Its beginning to feel and look a lot like Christmas.

--gfo

Eagles 27 Panthers 24

Well the Eagles squeaked out a win  last night in a blustery and cold city of brotherly love last night.   I had only made it to about the middle of third quarter when I was just too tired and fell asleep.  Right before I fell asleep, Dontè Stallworth caught a 30 yard touchdown from Jeff Garcia, that tied the game.

 

Jeff Garcia had a great game, 21/39, 312 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions.  Brian Westbrook again had over 100 yards of offense, (56 receiving, and 68 rushing), but to me was very ineffective as a running back last night.  Good see Garcia have such a good game, he still has some zip in his arm, and shows that he is still to be regarded as a threat.  Great off season acquisition by the Eagles

 

From what I saw the defense looked much improved over the few weeks performances, allowing only 108 rushing yards, and holding Jake Delhomme to 269 passing yards, albeit 3 for touchdowns, but picking him off twice.  It was great to see the defense come out with some fire after lackluster performances the last few weeks.  Sure there were some missed tackles, but there was also a lot of the hard hitting that  Eagles have been known for so many years.  Stopping the run which has been such a problem lately was a big key.  The linebackers and defensive line played great.

 

The punters were busy in the first half, I believe there were eleven punts just in the first half, overall there were 14 in the whole game

 

The Eagles are now 6-6, and technically still in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot.  The next three weeks are going to be tough, three road games against conference opponents.  Next week in Washington, the week after in New York, and Christmas Day in Dallas.  

 

If the Eagles are to make to playoffs then they must win at least two of those three games, and also beat Atlanta here on New Years Eve.  I think it doable.  I think they beat the Redskins and the Giants, but lose a close one in Dallas, and come home and beat the Falcons and finish 9-7.  I'd be happy with them making the playoffs.

 

Nice game fellas, keep up the good work

 

 

--gfo

Army Navy 2006

Well another Army Navy game is in the books with the Navy squeaking out a win this year 26-14

This is usually the one college game I always try and watch every year, although this year I saw parts of almost all the Notre Dame games. Since I am from the Philly area most of the games are played here, so its always nice to see our city get the national spotlight in this tradition filled contest. The game was played at Lincoln Financial Field home of the Philadelphia Eagles. One of these years, I'd like to actually get to a game and be a part of this great rivalry

Navy leads the series 51-49-7

I was expecting the Navy to blow out the Army, heck the point spread was giving Army 23 points, but the Black Knights kept this one close and made it an interesting game. I have always been a big fan of the Navy's option offense even though I am an Army fan.

In a few short months all of these men will be commissioned 2^nd Lieutenants or Ensigns and begin careers as military officers. What a better foundation to teach leadership, teamwork, and dedication than on the football field.

Well done men, and although I was rooting for the Army, it turned out to be an exciting game.

--gfo

The Christmas Lights

Went up yesterday, a day earlier than planned. When I picked the kids up from school yesterday, they asked me to if we could. I still have to have to put the outdoor one's up, it was raining last night, so I opted not to do it. Its sunny and cold today so I will put them out later this afternoon. The outdoor ones are the big C7 and C9 lights, so I have to be real careful putting them up otherwise they break very easily.

My daughter put all the decorations and stockings up. The boy put one thumbtack in one strand of lights and got bored and decided to play with his matchboxes.

It took me about 1½ hours to get all the lights up, most of that time was untangling them. Every year when I take them down, I think I have them nice and neat, and every year it takes me awhile to untangle them.

We still need to get our tree and decorate that. We will get that in a week or so, but at least our lights are up

So, that job is done, some of the shopping is started, and its finally cold here in the Philly area, so its beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas.


--gfo