Injured Firefighter Update

It is with deep regret that one of the firefighter's injured in the fire succumbed to his injuries.

He was a member of a fire company that I had the pleasure of putting out fires with for many years.

He was only 19 years old.

May he rest in peace.

--gfo

An Exciting Weekend In Store

for those of us in the Philly area. The Phillies are now tied with the New York Mets for the division and are one game behind the San Diego Padres for the sole wild card berth. It would be nice to see the Phillies win the division all out, but if they sneak in via the wild card that would be cool with me.

The Phillies haven't made the playoffs since their 1993 World Series appearance against the Toronto Blue Jays. This is a much different team than that, ergo the current pitching staff has a been lackluster at best. Despite injuries to key players, throughout the year, this team of young, aggressive, and motivated players finds ways to win, often grinding games out in the waning moments.

Would be nice if they could wrap it up by tomorrow night.

The tiebreaker scenarios that I have heard are truly amazing, and its very well possible that the Phillies may have to play to play-in games just to get to the playoffs.

Let's hope the Mets continue their downward spiral, and the upward swing that has been with Phillies these past months goes on. This town desperately needs this, and everyone is excited,

--gfo

Thoughts and Prayers

Go out to members of the Sharon Hill Fire and Police Departments as they were injured battling a blaze late last night. Sharon Hill has been my home for over 12 years, and I have been a member of one its sister fire company's for over 21 years.

Incidents like these should remind all of us how dangerous firefighting is, and the fact that the firefighters that were injured, are/were volunteers.

Hopefully the injuries aren't too serious and the young men recover.

--gfo

Behold The Power of Chicken

Its amazing the kind of meal you can create with what one pound of chicken breast (or boobs as I like to call them), and assorted ingredients which are readily at your disposal. A little bit of this, and that and presto, you have an ambrosial meal.

Last night I had some time to tinker with dinner as we had no where to be, so time was working against us. I pulled out the chicken from the freezer, and popped it in the microwave, and while it was defrosting, started ruminating as to what to make. Shake and Bake was out since we didn't have any. Then I saw a box of Bisquick, looked on the back of the package and saw something interesting.

As usual when I cook, I modify the ingredients to tweak it a little, and use the recipe as more of a guideline, but for the most part, most of my chicken meals are ad-hoc.

So, I added a mélange of ingredients, and for good measure sprinkled some cheese on top, since if all else fails, the cheese will make the meal.

I added some twice baked potatoes (pre-made), and frozen corn, and presto the meal was done.

I had no idea what to call it, or even if I would remember how to make it again, but the members of my dining party were quite impressed with the meal, and we managed to get through sans any complaints about what we were/were not having.

A rare sit down lackadaisical dinner, with no interruptions, or deadlines, a rare but enjoyable occasion.

--gfo

The 75th Anniversary Team

As I alluded to in my previous blog entry, the Eagles are celebrating the 75^th season. Yesterday the team wore throwback jersey's, and prior to the game the team announced its 75^th anniversary team.

Here they are:

Offense:

• Quarterback: Donovan McNabb
• Running Back: Steve Van Buren
• Full Back: Keith Byars
• Tight End: Pete Phios
• Wide Receivers: Harold Carmichael and Tommy McDonald
• Left Tackle: William (Tra) Thomas
• Left Guard: Wade Key
• Center: Chuck Bednarik
• Right Guard: Shawn Andrews
• Right Tackle: John Runyan

Defense:

• Stong Safety: Andre Waters
• Free Safety: Brian Dawkins
• Cornerbacks: Eric Allen and Toy Vincent
• Outside Linebackers: Seth Joyner and Alex Wojciechowicz
• Middle Linebacker: Chuck Bednarik
• Defensive Ends: Reggie White and Clyde Simmons
• Defensive Tackles: Jerome Brown and Charlie Johnson

Special Teams/Head Coach:

• Kicker: David Akers
• Punter: Sean Landetta
• Special Teamer: Vince Papale
• Kickoff Returner: Timmy Brown
• Punt Returner: Brian Westbrook
• Coach: Andy Reid

With a few exceptions I have seen most of these players play, I am sure there could be some disputes amongst the older folks out there, but the game is so much different now than it was then. Most impressive of all is the fact that Chuck Bednarik made it as both center and middle linebacker.

Overall what a great list it is, and to me it brought back a lot of great memories of some phenomenal players both past and present

--gfo

Eagles 56 Lions 21

In a second ½ that was not as exciting as the first, the Philadelphia Eagles bested the Detroit Lions 56-21. The 56 points was the most points scored by the Eagles under Coach Reid, and tied a club record from way back in 1953. In a game that produced over 500 yards of total offense, including 381 passing yards, nearly 150 yards rushing, the touchdowns were split evenly, 4 receiving and 4 rushing touchdowns. Kevin Curtis set a career high with 11 receptions for 221 yards and three touchdowns, to lead all Eagles receivers. Brian Westbrook finished the game with 110 yards on 14 touches and two touchdowns, and 5 receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown.

Donovan McNabb played as flawless a game as I have seen him play in a long time, in fact he had a perfect QB rating of 158.3. Despite all the outside distractions, with his HBO interview that was shown last week, and his poor performance in the last two games, McNabb came out like he had something to prove, and prove he did.

The offensive line was amazing, allowing only 3 sacks (1 against McNabb and two again rookie QB Kevin Kolb who came in a mop up role late in the third quarter), and opened up a lot of holes for the running backs and gave McNabb lots of time to pass the ball and find open receivers. Best of all his passes were on target, and he didn't kill any worms today.

This Sunday the Eagles wore throwback jersey's that were the teams first Jersey's from thier inaugural season in 1933 (see picture above). Even the Linc was repainted in the nostalgic yellow and blue. While certainly not my first choice, they are certainly different, and the team performed almost perfectly today. I wonder if the throwbacks will make another appearance this year, hell if they play like this in them, I'd keep wearing them

The defense, even though they held the Lions to 21 points, allowed Detroit QB Jon Kitna to throw for a career high 446 yards, although they did only allow 39 yards rushing. They did however sack Kitna 9 times, and held the Lions to zero points in the second half. The secondary was missing Dawkins and Sheppard, and their absence was most noted in the amount of passing yards given up.

Overall it was a well executed and highly emotional game, with a lot of excitement and some much needed confidence to the team and fans. Let's hope this momentum continues in to next week as the Eagles travel up the New Jersey turnpike to play the New York Giants.

--gfo

picture courtesy of CBS sportsline

What a Wild First Half

Here in Philadelphia. The offense has finally shown some life, and McNabb, Curits and Westbrook are having an excellent game. With the score, 42-21 this has the making of a wild an exciting game.

Westbrook is having one of the best games I have ever seen from him so far. His stats through the first ½ are, 98 yards receiving on 3 catches, with one touchdown, and 102 yards rushing on 11 carries with two touchdowns. McNabb is 14/15 for 332 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Kevin Curtis is leading all receiver's with 9 catches, for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns.

I think the Eagles should keep wearing the throwback uniforms, even though they aren't the most appealing.

Let's hope the momentum carries through the remainder of the game, and the birds attain a much needed win.

--gfo

iPod Update

Well I have had the iPod for a little over three weeks now, and I must say, I really like it. What I like most is podcasting. There are so many interesting podcast's out there, that its hard to choose what to listen too. I mostly listen to auto related, and local sport radio podcast's both which appeal to me the most. I also subscribe to any interesting podcast from the Pritzker Military Library, which features interviews with medal of honor winners as well as authors, historians, and military members who have written both fiction and non-fiction books.

The medal of honor interviews are very intriguing, and very informative. What amazes me is the humility of these men, but when you read about there actions, they are breath taking, and truly show the courage of the common person when thrust into what seems like a helpless situations.

I am sure as I find more and more things to listen too, I will enjoy the iPod more and more. I have 22 GB's of space, lots of room.

--gfo

Looking For The First Win

For the Fighting Irish and Eagles. Both teams have yet to win a game this year. The Eagles probably have the best chance as they are favored to win against the Detroit Lions. The Irish are double digit dogs, against Michigan State.

At least the Phillie's are putting on a good show for the last part of the season, and making a valiant run for the post season. With a lot of help from the Mets whom are imploding, and have lost their last seven games to the Phillie's, the Phil's are bringing some much needed excited to this beleaguered sports town, so desperate for a winner.

For Eagles and Irish fans, it could be a long fall, but for Phillie's fans, we are hoping for a longer fall.

--gfo

Steroids: Round 3

Well it took four attempts to find a good vein, but the home care nurse finally got the IV started. Normally he get's it on the first try get's the IV running and is on his way, normally a fifteen-twenty visit. Today he was here for almost 45 minutes. Lucky for me, I have a pretty high pain tolerance, and was able to tolerate the multiple sticks needed to secure the IV.

Even though the temperatures are on the mild side, I am very sweaty and no matter how much I drink, I can't seem to get cool. I also have the bitter metallic after taste that I have had after anterior infusions the last couple of months.

Overall, I think the treatments are helping, but they seem to only help for about three weeks. Usually the week I am due for my IV therapy, I notice an exacerbation of the MS symptoms, specifically spasticity in my legs, and arms, and some general weakness and fatigue. I see the neurologist in about six weeks so I will mention it to him when I visit with him,

As for the my general feeling overall. I am still having some rough periods in dealing with the emotional as well as the physical demands of the disease. Its the mental part that seems to be be the toughest part. Having another chronic disease and being as young as I am (39), really gets me down, but I have some good friends and a loving spouse that are sympathetic, and supportive, which are a tremendous help.

The physical parts seem to be going better than they were. As stated above, I think the steroids are helping with the corporeal symptoms, which is nice, as I takes the worry out of falling, losing my balance, etc. The medication regiment at this point seems to be the right combo. Having the physical part of the disease at least being managed at this point is good for my self confidence, and helps with my self esteem. Although, I still am being careful when ascending and descending stairs and walking in general.

I am still able to work, albeit I cut my hours down to 40, instead of the 50+ that I had been. Things at work have slowed down a little bit and things are calming down with the recent conversion. There are still some bugs that are being worked out, but overall the system is working well.

So that's the latest on the MS front.

--gfo

On O.J.'s Arrest

He seems to be smiling a lot since his arrest, on robbery charges.

One of his friends is saying that OJ was setup.

Of course he was setup, the same people who set him for the murders of his wife and friend.

Wonder if he pulls the race card again.

Let's see how this plays out

--gfo

Eagles 12 Redskins 20

An abysmal performance last night on national television as the Eagles fail to score a touchdown in an embarrassing loss.

QB Donovan McNabb looked like crap, and although he was 60% (28/46) for 240 yards, he threw 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. His consistency as has been a problem for most of his career is his under throwing, overthrowing, throwing the balls in the ground. Another problem is receivers not getting open. The Eagles have two good receivers, they need to start making plays. Tight End LJ Smith, needs to be sat, as his injury is definitely affecting his play.

I shut the game off last night, mid 3^rd quarter as it was getting late, and the game was even uglier.

The only bright spot was Brian Westbrook's performance (surprise, surprise) 96 yards rushing on 17 attempts, as well as 66 receiving yards on 8 catches. The other bright spot, was Kicker David Aker's consistency.

A lot of things need to be fixed, perhaps a QB change albeit temporarily, and maybe go back to the running game, as that seems to be working.

--gfo

Cat 5 Mice 0

In the last week, our big boned has killed three mice and two others died after I moved them outside. We have had a rodent problem for about a month, and we have been waiting for the cat to step up a little bit here. He has. One was outside, and the others were in the house, three in the last 24 hours. We think we may have a nest in the pipes somewhere, or in the basement. The last three mice, it appears the cat brought upstairs and played with them, or smothered them. One was DOA, one last night was still alive, but died when I put him outside. The one I found earlier today, was being played with by the cat, and appeared to be near death. The cat looked pissed off that I took his toy from him.

Now the cat is resting comfortably in the dining room, he has certainly earned his keep in the last week.

--gfo

Four Days

Since my last blog entry. Not a whole lot to post about. I had two cardiology appointments in the last four days. One was with the doctor and the other was a ¼ly defibrillator checkup. Both visits went fine. I found out that I need to keep myself better hydrated especially in the summer.

I am home today with the boy, who is sick. The weather here has been beautiful, nice and cool, in fact the last couple of nights we have had no air conditioner or fans on at night, and we actually need jackets when we go out in the morning.

The Phillies took three games from the Mets this past weekend and are still in the hunt for the division and/or wild card The Eagles play their home opener tonight, and hopefully will have their heads out of their asses and really stick it to the Redskins tonight.

That's it for now, more to come later.

--gfo

On Belichick and Cheating

So Belichick got caught, and the NFL is debating on what to do with him. I have a few questions. He has a lot of proteges out there...are they doing the same thing? Has a can of worms been opened? Is this a common practice amongst the coaches and teams?

I am sure as this story develops more things will come out. My suggestion is that, New England, be disqualified from the post season, and Belichick suspended for a couple of games, and subsequently fined.

Commissioner Goodell seems to have a set of balls, and has been tough on the rogue players out there, let's see if that trend carries over to coach and owners.

--gfo

The Revolving Door

of the Philadelphia Eagles now has Reno Mahe returning punts after the debacle this past Sunday. J.R. Reed was released to make room Mahe. Why the Eagles didn't give recently released Jeremy Bloom a call as he proved he could at least catch the ball still leaves me scratching my head and a lot of other fans as well.

So for now the Eagles put a band aid on something that needs a cast, will it work, it remains to be seen.

I love this team, but often wonder about some of the decisions that they make...although they know more than I do about personnel, signing a guy who has been out of football, as opposed to a guy who was in camp and game tested strikes me as odd.

--gfo

Lest We Forget

That over four thousand Americans perished when this nation was viciously attacked by radical Islamic terrorist.

While they may have won that day, they have not and will not break the American spirit and way of life.

The fight is far from over, and probably will never end, but everyday that we are not attacked is a victory against this intransigent group of killers bent on disrupting the American way of life.

So let's not forget the fallen, and continue our resolve, for if we do, the terrorist win

--gfo

On Rugby

Friday night, I was at my buddy's house enjoying some adult beverages, and he happened to have a Rugby game on TV. This was my first time ever watching a game, and was very intrigued at how fast the game is, and most of how physical, and they do most of the hitting sans the pad's and safety equipment that adorn American football players.

My buddy happened to play rugby for a number of years and was very gracious in explaining the game to me, and provide excellent color commentary as to what the rules were, and what the different strategies are.

All I can say is wow, those rugby player's are amazing athletes.

--gfo

Eagles 13 Packers 16

Describing the special teams play of the Philadelphia Eagles as disastrous would be one one of the understatements of the year. A few words come to mind; catastrophic, cataclysmal, or dreadful. But the word(s) that stick out most for me, are suck and ass, collectively as suck ass.

Sure the finger can be pointed at a few players and some bonehead decisions but overall those faux pas cost the Eagles the game yesterday.

The Eagles defense contained the run very well, and held Brett Favre to under 175 yards passing. The offense looked shaky although versatile running back Brian Westbrook had a good game, with 85 yards rushing on attempts, and 46 yards receiving on 6 catches. Quarterback Donovan McNabb, looked like his old self yesterday, and showed no signs of any complications from his ACL injury nine months ago.

Another bright spot, was second year wide receiver Jason Avant, who caught the only Eagles touchdown, on a beautiful second effort that got him (well the ball) over the goal line. He finished the game with 54 reception yards on 3 catches. Starting wide receivers Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis were less than stellar yesterday.

I am sure coach Reid and specifically new special teams coach Rory Segrest will be pushing the special teams real hard this week, especially since they have an extra day of practice with the next game being on a Monday.

Get it together boys, you won't be making the trip to Arizona in 2008 if you continue to play like this.

--gfo

So Far, Not Too Bad

At halftime of the Eagles/Packers game the score is 10-10. A blunder on special teams coast the birds seven points, but the Eagles fought back and tied the game. Westbrook looks great as usual, and is having a good game. McNabb has been pretty effective so far, and it looks like the knee isn't giving him any trouble at all.

Let's hope the offense shows some more signs of life, and the defense gets down and dirty, and the Eagles dominate the second half of this game.

--gfo

A New Ipod

Well this past Friday, I finally joined the Ipod generation and bought myself one. So far I really like it. Podcast are pretty cool, I need to look more into them, so far they seem pretty neat. I love having all of my music with me. I have almost 1200 songs (a little over 4 gigs). I also put all of my pictures on the Ipod, which are really neat.

I just ordered a transmitter for my car, so I can listen to my tunes in the car, which will be neat.

Of course right after I bought this, Apple comes out with some new models, and prices, that would have given me more options, and better prices. For now, I am real excited about my new toy, and look forward to years of enjoyment.

--gfo

The First Day of School

For the kiddies today, albeit a ½ day. Starting tomorrow they have full days. Hard to believe they are in third and sixth grade now.

They got their new school bags and lunch bags, and I am sure by now their minds are thirsting for knowledge, (they probably would much rather be in bed at 0800 in the morning though)

Time it does fly by.

--gfo

Good For Pedestrians

Bad for tourists. Philadelphia taxi operators are planning a 48 hour strike to protest the installation of GPS and credit card machines with their brethren in New York City. The Philly cab's have had the devices for a while and there are some problems being ironed out, but ultimately it should provide faster more convenient service to the consumer.

On my way into the office this morning a little after 0600, I only saw one cab, normally I see more than that.

I will be going out for coffee in a little bit, let's see if the taxi's are out there or not.

If they do go out on strike, or whatever its called, at least it will be safer to drive and walk the streets of Philadelphia albeit for a short time,

--gfo

2.679

Guess with the holiday weekend a slight increase in gas prices was expected. I an sure after months of falling prices a minimal increase is not that bad.

--gfo

Nice Truck

The US Military has put into service a new vehicle called MRAP's (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected). The goal of these new trucks is to cut down on casualties brought on by IED's or other homemade bombs. The Humvees even the up armored one's just aren't providing enough protection for our fighting men and women.

At a cost of over $500,000.00 a piece they will provide troops in battle with a new tool to help combat IED and ambush's with its V-shaped hull that will disperse the bomb blast ergo saving more lives. They are also going to be able fight back with various weapons systems being installed.

Weighing slightly over 26 tons. They are powered by a big 330 HP Cat diesel engine and are 6x6 wheeled vehicles. The transport variant will carry at least 10 fully equipped soldiers and have a crew of two. From what I am reading there are going to be different variants for the multi purposes that the military has, and I am sure the common solider in the field will find other uses for them as well. With a top speed of 65 MPH, they can get in and out of trouble in a hurry and have an operational range of close to 600 miles

These new vehicles are being sent to Afghanistan and Iraq continuously, but I say may them a priority and get as many as possible where the are needed the most, to protect the most precious cargo of them all...the solider.

--gfo

photo courtesy of Reuters

Last Summer Hurrah

Well since today is traditionally the last day of summer, we went out in grand style. We spent the afternoon at my wife's grandmother's house where there is a nice in ground pool, and lots of family. Although the water was a little on the cold side, it was nice and refreshing after sitting out in the sun for awhile. Scrabble is a very popular game there, and I played two games, even though I am not that good of a player, I enjoy the challenge.

After an afternoon of sun, swimming, and scrabble, we had a nice barbecue.

A nice relaxing afternoon.

--gfo

Happy Labor Day

We owe a lot to the American workers, all of whom are the backbone of this country. They have gotten us through wars, thrived in peace, persevered during depressions, and continue to produce quality products and support this great nation.

To all the American workers out there, thank you, and enjoy your day off.

--gfo

Weekend Cleaning

This weekend was clean up weekend at the Cappy Estate. This morning and afternoon, we spent a good couple of hours picking up, throwing out, and various other chores that often get overlooked in busy household. Even the kid's pitched in. The boy cleaned up his room, which included, mopping his floor. The girl cleaned her room and the bathroom.

Yesterday, I hand washed my car, and this morning, I took the Sante Fe to the full service wash and it done for the Mrs, since had her car out school shopping with the kids.

The only thing left to do is to put the laundry away...four baskets worth. In that mess is a great assemblage of unmatched socks, most of which will probably become dust rags.

The boy and I did get some time to work on his pitching. He has some work to do on his control, but he is getting the hang of it. I think if we work a little bit each day, he will get the hang of it, and he may have a shot nice spring at trying it out for real.

--gfo

Simply Amazing

How much crap can accumulate under the computer desk. The last time we cleaned under there was when when got new carpets in mid December. Almost everything behind and/or under the desk was crap and we threw it all out. The most interesting thing was the candy cane.

One good thing that came of this project was that I got to untangle all of the wires from all the different peripherals we have.

It looks a lot nicer now

--gfo

Wow, September 1st Already

Hard to believe its the first of September already. Boy this year is flying by, pretty soon (probably within the next couple of weeks) the stores will be putting the Christmas decorations and displays out.

The kid's start school on Wednesday, so its back to books, and homework for the next nine months for those guys, and for us as well. Both will be playing sports through the fall and winter, so will be busy people at night as well

--gfo

The 53 Man Roster

In a surprise (to me) move the Eagles cut, PR/KR Jeremy Bloom, the former Olympic skier who played two years of college football while also skiing. Also among the cuts was veteran punter Dirk Johnson, who lost his job to Australian rules player Sav Rocca, in what was the most interesting competition this preseason.

It was not a surprise that the Eagles, keep rookie TE Brent Celek, and rookie RB Tony Hunt. Although both probably won't see a lot of action during the regular season, both performed well enough during the preseason to get roster spots. It will be neat to see these two fine young players develop and become contributors to the team in the future.

I am sure Dirk will pick up a job somewhere this season, as he is a consistent punter, and holder, and still has a lot of boom left in his leg.

So the roster has been set, its time for some football (and the second guessing as well)

--gfo