Vote On My Poll

Blogger has a poll feature that you can add to your blogs. Since we are on the brink of football season, I'd thought I would try the poll element out but asking my visitors to vote on who will win the NFC East, perhaps one of the most competitive division in the NFL.

So let the voting begin. This poll will be open until 1300 on the 9^th, which is when the Eagles officially begin their season.

--gfo

Eagles 11 Jets 13

In the 2007 Eagles preseason finale, which most if not all of the starters didn't play, the Jet's won 13-11 as time expired on a 35 yard Mike Nugent field goal .

I managed to catch the whole game, even though it was a boring as I expected it to be. Second string QB AJ Feeley left the game earlier, after being sacked three times, as it turned out he broke a bone in his left hand but is expected to be ready for the opening game against Green Bay on September 9^th. Rookie QB Kevin Kolb did a copacetic job finishing the game with 220 yards completing 22 of 33 passes, with one touchdown, which was a beautiful throw, and on the subsequent two point conversion threw a perfect strike to rookie RB, Nate Ilaoa for a successful conversion.

Kolb has been impressive and shows good skills and confidence while he is behind center, he will be interesting to watch in the future

Rookie's Tony Hunt, RB and TE Brent Celek, once again showed me that the should be a part of this team with outstanding performances, albeit against second and third string defenses.

So the preseason is now over. The Eagles need to cut 22 players by Sunday, then its on to the regular season.

Bring it on.

--gfo

Interesting Poll Numbers

From the website Real Clear Politics:

President Bush's Job Approval Rating:

Approve: 32.6%, Disapprove: 61.5%

Congressional Job Approval Rating:

Approve: 22.2%, Disapprove: 67.7%

Numbers are for the period of 08/01 through 08/22/2007.

So much for the new Democratic Congress coming and making big changes, they rate lower than the President, and almost everyone hates him.

As for my new Congressman, Joe Sestak (D-7), I haven't heard much out of him, and I think I have gotten once piece of mail from since he has been elected. I really miss Congressman Weldon.

Let's hope the voter's remember this come next year.

--gfo

Polictial Ads?

So the Mrs. and I are watching TV last night, (Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune), and during that hour, I think I saw at least five commercials, asking us to call our Congressman, to support, health care, and the war in Iraq. These ad’s appeared to be 527 related so they aren’t related to any candidate, but I am wondering why they are showing up now. I understand the importance of both issues, but the timing has me befuddled. There is no national election, nor is there any really pending legislation…at least that I know of.

I didn’t catch who the ads were paid for by, but am real curious as to the motivation.

--gfo

Back To Work For The Mrs

After 2+ months off, the Mrs returned to school today for a week of in services. The children go back next Wednesday.

They seemed to have a nice summer, despite the fervid temperatures, and curve thrown at them by my MS diagnosis.

So its back to the grind for all of us, which means, settling back into methodical regime of homework, making lunches, earlier bed times (and wake up calls), and juggling fall sports into the interlocking of our days and nights.

I am sure it will take some getting used to, at least for the ¾ of us, the ¼ representing yours truly, who spent a better part of the spring and summer awakening at 0415ish in the morning, but has since readjusted his wake up time to a later 0515ish.

No sympathy for the weary from yours truly

--gfo

Eagles 13 Steelers 27

In what was supposed to be a dress rehearsal for the regular looked more like a circus sideshow, the Eagles lost to the Steelers 27-13. From the get go, the hapless Eagles looked like the intention of the game was to miss tackles, not get the other players down. I caught most of the first ½ and lasted to the 3^rd quarter before I called it a night, as it was getting late.

The one bright spot was rookie quarterback Kevin Kolb's performance (26/37, 242 yards, 1 touchdown), which was much better than Donovan McNabb's lame performance (5/11, 60 yards). McNabb often looked like a deer in headlights last night, read the same old Donny Mac, taking sacking instead of throwing it away, scrambling around, throwing balls off target and trying to squeeze a ball in between coverage.

I was also pretty impressed with rookie running back, Tony Hunt's performance, and believe he will make the team, as well as Australian Rules punter Sav(erio) Rocca, who made some pretty impressive punts, and continues to perform well.

I know its only preseason, but the Eagles have some work to do if they are to be a Superbowl contender this year. Over running plays on defense, missing tackles, on defense, and not playing smart offense will not win you big games this year. The Eagles are playing a first place schedule this year, so they have a lot of tough games ahead of them this year.

This is the last we will see of the Eagles starters until the regular season, as Coach Reid indicated that the starters will not be playing this Thursday night in the preseason finale against the New York Jets.

--gfo

Well I Didn't Win

I usually only get interested in the powerball drawing when it gets over 150 million. Last nights drawing was over 200 million, so I bought a ten dollar ticket, I never expect to win, but I figure I could at least try. So for the time being we are still just middle class working stiffs.

--gfo

2.659

After nearly two weeks of no changes in gas prices. Gas has dropped 4¢ in the last two days. Given the fact that hurricanes did some damage to some Mexican refineries, I figured the prices would go up slightly. Weird thing is that Thursday night I filled up the Mrs.'s car, at 2.679 then next day the price dropped, to 2.659. I filled my car up today at the lower price.

I would expect that with Labor Day weekend coming that we won't see any more price drops until after then.

--gfo

Goodbye Trot

In a surprise announcement earlier today, the Philadelphia Eagles released venerable linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter. The Eagles known not to be very friendly to players once they hit the 30 year old mark, cut Trot in favor of two younger, quicker middle linebackers Omar Gaither and Stewart Bradley.

Trotter who is a four time pro bowler played with tenacity and ferociousness and was beloved by the fans here in Philly, and he will be sorely missed. His presence in the middle of line was a key to Eagles defensive success over the past years.

I am sure he will be picked up by another team, and play out his remaining years with the same vigor that made him so successful.

As for the decision to let him go, well I can't say that I am surprised. As I stated above, the Eagles are known to be leery of keeping players beyond their 30's. As much as I see the point of keeping fresh young talent on the team, I always feel its good to keep veteran's around like Trotter to mentor younger players. Trotter may not be as fast as he once was but he is still a force to reckoned with, as the Eagles may soon found out.

Trotter will be missed in this city, and I hope for him that his career continues on.

Thanks for the memories JT.

--gfo

This Past Weekend

We spent at the Jersey shore. Yesterday was a wash as it rained all day, but we had a nice afternoon on the beach Saturday. The boy and I dug a huge foxhole, and the girl and I, along with a couple of our uncles were getting some great body surfing in the Margate ocean, which was made better by the water being so rough.

A nice relaxing weekend with the family

--gfo

Eagles 27 Panthers 10

In dramatic fashion the Philadelphia Eagles showed for an entire game in front of their home crowd and pounded on the Carolina Panthers 27-10. The game marked the first time in nine months that Donovan McNabb was under center in a game situation, and although he only played a couple of series, he was 6/9 for 138 yards before he was pulled out to let AJ Feeley and Kevin Kolb take over and finish out the game.

I must say that McNabb looked as sharp as ever, even this was a preseason game, it was nice to see how he performed in game situations, and even how he bounced back after getting hit a few times. Rookie QB Kevin Kolb is starting to look like he is getting the hang of things and was effective in his mop up role in the second half.

Most impressive for me, for the second week in a row was rookie tight end Brent Celek, who again caught four passes, had some great blocks. I hope the Eagles keep him, from what I have seen from him so far, he has been the best performing rookie this preseason.

It was nice to see the Eagles come out and dominate, after being owned last Monday by the Ravens. Whatever Coach Reid said to the boys must have worked.

Keep up the good work guys...looking good so far.

--gfo

Not Much Going On

lately, so there hasn't been much to blog about.

For once in my life I don't have a whole lot to say

McNabb is scheduled to play tonight against Carolina. Not sure if I will be able to catch the game or not, but it will be interesting to see how he does in his first real (well if you can call preseason real) game. I'd like to see him get buried once or twice just to see how he handles it.

--gfo

Halfway Through August

and the work week, boy this week, month, and year are flying by.

Hard to believe that in a few short weeks the summer will be unofficially over, school will be starting, and most importantly football season starts.

Also to look forward too is our Phillies to see if they can at least get a wild card berth, else win the division outright. Would be great for this town and this team of excellent talent (save for the pitching staff) if they got into the postseason after coming oh so close the last couple of years.

Of course the fall means cooler weather, which will be most welcome by this overheated city, maybe it will cool some of the tempers down of the natives and they will stop shooting each other.

Just some thoughts for the day.

--gfo

Baltimore 29 Eagles 3

Well the first preseason game is in the book, and what a disaster it was. The first team defense look crappy during the Ravens first drive, allowing a touchdown, along with a 90+ yard drive.

HB Ryan Moats left the game in the third quarter with a fractured ankle, the third player in as many to suffer a serious injury at M&T Bank stadium.

I was very impressed with rookie TE Brent Celek, who caught four balls for 59 yards, hopefully he makes the team, and hopefully he continues to progress through the preseason.

I watched the first three quarters of the game, and ended up going to sleep.

It was nice to see McNabb on the sideline even though he didn't dress for the game, he is always a great asset to the team on the sideline

Next up Carolina Friday night

--gfo

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Yeah I know its a preseason game, but its been seven long months since the Eagles last played a game. Will be nice to see the boys out on the field tonight. Look forward to seeing how the new players do, as well as the veterans. Donovan McNabb will not be playing tonight, which is probably a good idea.


E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES

--gfo

Well I'm Back

In the office, and its not as bad as I thought it would. It helped that I spent an hour or so last night, going through and deleting my emails, and responding to the one's that I could, that made the morning go much quicker and allowed me to get right to work on thing.

So far not to bad...I am sure that will change though

--gfo

Finally

A break from the high temperatures and humidity. Currently its 82° here with 38% humidity. The windows have been open for the last two days in the house, and last night we had only the fan on in our room. The ten day forecast is pretty much the same as today, with slight variations in the temp/humidity but overall its looks to be pretty bearable as opposed to the oppressive heat we have had over the last month.

Looks like the dog days of summer have been temporarily tamed hopefully for good

--gfo

2.699

and its still falling.

Wow, this has been an interesting last month with the gas prices...and I am not complaining

--gfo

A Change of Plans

Even though the weather was looking undesireable, we decided to go tubing which has become a family tradition for the last five years. We had period of about ten minutes where there was a light rain, but other than that the day was mostly overcast. The boy and I got a raft, and the Mrs and the girl got tubes.

The Delaware River was a foot higher than normal so the river was running quicker than normal.

A very nice day, in the middle of the river, no phones, computer, and with my family, couldn't get much better than that.

--gfo

Last Day of Vacation

and today we were planning on going tubing, but it looks like the weather is going to be uncooperative, so we will probably end up going to the Aquarium in Camden, NJ. I also stop by and see the USS New Jersey (BB-62) which is docked nearby and take some pictures.

Overall it was nice to get out of the office, for a week, I did relax a little bit, although I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked. Yesterday was the only day that I slept well at all, until noon. This morning I was up before 0600.

Still have a couple more days of to chill before returning to the grind Monday morning.

--gfo

2.729

Is the latest gas price. That figures, as earlier in the day, I filled up the Sante Fe at 2.759.

Nice that the price are dropping more consistently now.

When I was in Southern Chester County yesterday, I saw one station that was as low as 2.699

--gfo

Happy Birthday To My Mrs

of almost 14 years, as she celebrates another year.

We had an enjoyable day, made a nice steak dinner, corn on the cob, and french fries. I also bought her nice bouquet of roses as well.

For dessert we had a bakery made cheesecake.

Will relax for the rest of the night.

--gfo

No Power (Update)

We got power back an hour after it went out, and have had no problems since.

This was the hottest day of the year, so we got real lucky that is was out as brief as it was.

Speaking of hot weather, as I am typing this, its 93° and its almost 2200 at night.

Bleh

--gfo

No power

I am no my mobile phone now. Power has been out for over thirty minutes and boy its hot in the house now. Hopefully not for much longer. --gfo

#756*

Well now now that Barry Bond's has cheated his way past Hank Aaron as the all time home run leader, maybe everyone will shut up about it, and move on to different things. Then for the good of baseball, Barry Bonds should retire at the end of this year, and fade away into oblivion to never be hear from again.

and I hope for the good of baseball that they put a huge * next to his final tally, as it certainly belongs there. and one other thing, keep him out of the hall fame

--gfo

Another Phillies Game

On Sunday afternoon my MIL called and asked us if we us if we'd like to go to the Phillies game last night. We said sure. Our daughter was staying with a friend, and our son had a friend over for the day, so we took the friend with us.

What started off bad, Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer served up a first pitch home run, turned out to be an exciting offensive showing by the Phillies, who ended up winning 11-1. Ryan Howard had two booming home runs, and the rest of the Phillies had hot bats (well save for the stiff Pat Burrell) as well, which was kind of ironic because it was one of the hottest nights of the year, here in the city of brotherly love.

We had a real nice time, and saw a very exciting game.

--gfo

Not A Bad Idea

Nissan Motor Company is testing out ways to combat drunk driving. The ideas while still in the conceptual stage are being tested in Japan. The prototype will disable the vehicle it the car determines you have had too much too drink.

This is done by odor sensors in the gearshift, measuring perspiration levels of alcohol, facial recognition software (see photo above), and finally has a system that sets off an alarm in driving becomes to erratic.

The system is currently being tested in Japan.

While I am sure there are ways around the system, it a positive step forward by the automakers to try and lower this growing problem. Of course ultimately the responsibility lies with the driver, but too many times, they make the wrong decision.

I applaud Nissan, for their efforts, and hope that other automakers follow on.

Photo courtesy of speedtv.com © 08/03/2007

--gfo

First Day of Vacation

and I was up at 0700ish this morning. After trying in vain to get back to sleep, I finally gave up and came downstairss.

I did manage to get a bike ride in despite the brutally hot weather. My last two bike rides I had to cut short due to the heat, and feeling overheated. I like to go at least 13 miles, which I was able to do this morning, but I probably pushed a little too hard.

I know I need to be careful in this heat, but my ego once again overruled the physical, and I pedaled on.

Something I need to work on.

--gfo

2.799

And still falling

--gfo

On Swimming

Today, I was at my wife's grandmothers pool, which during the summer has been a hang out for most of her family for a very long time.

It has been so hot here lately, that jumping into pool was like jumping into a warm bath. Although it felt good, it wasn't very refreshing.

Had a nice time playing with the kids, and mastering the cannonball and can openers dives which we have been working on for years.

After a few hours in the pool, we had a nice barbecued dinner

What a nice afternoon

--gfo

Boys Night In ( A Five Themed)

The wife and daughter went out earlier tonight for a girls night out...not sure what that means, and I am afraid to ask, so its just me and the boy home tonight. Its to hot to do anything outside. After mass, the girls left and the boy and I went to the local Five Below to pick some little things, then went to Five Guys a regional burger chain for burger and fries. Now we have the Phillies/Brewers game on and will chill out in the AC and watch some baseball.

--gfo

Guess I needed the sleep

I just got up a ½ hour ago (noon). Went to bed around 2330 last night woke up a few times, but went right back to sleep. I heard the kids fighting and much to my surprise when I looked at the clock it was 1159.

Boy that felt good

--gfo

A Few More Hours

to go before I am out of here for a week, hopefully this morning goes fast.

--gfo

New Layout

I decided to add some color and upgrade the blog, after having the same style (read boring) for the last few years.

Let me know what you think.

--gfo

Enough Already

of this freaking heat and humidity. The ten day forecast isn't showing much promise either.

I am even sweating sitting still.

nothing further needs to be said about this

--gfo

On Work

Boy, its never been so busy here in the office, as it has been in the last couple of months. I am vacation next week, and there is no way in hell that I am going to get everything done that needs doing prior to my leaving tomorrow at noon.

Nobody can really help me either, as they are as busy as I am, so a lot of work and then some will be waiting for me when I get back.

As much as I dread coming back from a weeks vacation to a hoard of work, the respite couldn't come at more convenient time, as I am so tired, and burned out that some time away from the office should do me good.

Hopefully I will catch up some much needed sleep too

--gfo

2.819

The latest gas price, when I drove by the station last night.

Looks good, and I hope the down subjacency continues

--gfo