Wow Three Days Have Past

Since my last blog entry. It's been a busy and hectic week both at home and the office.

Monday started out with a mid morning visit to neurologist for a regularly scheduled visit, which as expected did not got as well that I would have like. The neurological exam's showed increasing progression of the MS, plus I have been noticing some cognitive changes in the last few months, mostly with reading and speaking. For the latter I am seeing a neurological psychologist in early January for a six hour test.

On Tuesday morning, I got a phone call from my home care that administers my IV on a monthly basis, that the doctor want me to another dose of solu-medrol...which I had just a week and half early. We scheduled it for the next day, Wednesday. He got there around 1530 or so, and started doing his thing, and a couple of hours later it was done.

The whole time the IV was running, I had brought some work from the office that needed to be done by the end of the day. So I logged in to the office and worked diligently despite being connected to an IV. I had to make a phone call to our San Francisco office to iron a few of the last minute details, but in the end, due some things that needed to be reviewed, the invoice had to wait until yesterday, first thing to get done.

Yesterday was just a hectic day here in the office. We are getting to our busy time of year, where everything needs to be done an hour ago, instead of yesterday. Its the norm for this time of year, so its not something that unusual, just a little added flapdoodleness that comes with this time of year.

Not much going on this afternoon after I leave at noon today. Have a couple of small errands to run. Then pick the kids up from the bus, and get the final preparations ready for the girl to go on a camping trip for the entire weekend.

and so it goes

--gfo

Eagles 28 Patriots 31

Well in what expected to be massacre turned out to be a damn good football game. Even though the Eagles were bested by the Patriots, and the Pat's remain undefeated, the Eagles made them earn a victory.

Backup QB AJ Feeley save for his game starting and ending interceptions played a remarkable game, and WR receiver Greg Lewis came up big once again versus the Patriots.

Feeley used eight different receivers (27/42, 345 yards 3 TD/Int) and Coach Reid dialed up some gadget plays and called an aggressive offensive game.

I would be remiss without saying the defense line and linebackers did a hell of a job yesterday, even though Brady was 34/54, 380 yards, he only threw one touchdown, he was sacked three times. The secondary gets a C-, that got burned a few times, but they all earned their money yesterday, breaking up passes and keeping the Patriot's receivers gains to very little as they were often tackled at the point of impact with the ball.

Curious to know why the Jabar Gaffney touchdown at the end of the first half was not reviewed. It was definitely a review-able play, and looked like it could have gone either way. But there wasn't even a look by the booth.

Overall I was very impressed with the way the Eagles came out and played yesterday, and even more so that it was without McNabb. Sure AJ had three interceptions, but his passes were on target, and not at the receivers feet or twenty feet over their heads. Pay attention Donovan, AJ just taught you a big lesson last night.

It would have been nice if the Eagles pulled a win out, and sure the Patriot's faithful and bandwagon jumpers are still pumping their chests about how good their team is, but I am sure the before that chest pumping, they had a major case of angina.

and lastly, since we will probably hear it all week on sports radio, I start early...Donovan who? Give the keys to the ship to Feeley.

It was also nice not seeing D-Mac's smug smile on the sideline every ten seconds.

--gfo

The Red Hat Has Been Placed

Well Sharon Hill native John Patrick Foley is now officially a Roman Catholic Cardinal, as he received his red hat today at ceremonies at the Vatican.

Cardinal Foley will be returning to Philadelphia for masses at the Cathedral Basilica of St's. Peter and Paul, on 13^th of December and two days later at our parish.

Congratulations Cardinal Foley, and continued best wishes from a very proud parish

--gfo

The Latest On Gas

Its been awhile since I have posted a gas price update. As of today we are at 3.019. With the winter season coming up, I don't expect prices to be dropping anytime soon, especially since the price for a barrel of oil was at my last glance over $100.00/barrell.

and I have oil heat too...its gonna be an expensive winter

--gfo

McNabb Out

It was officially announced earlier today that Donovan McNabb will be inactive for tomorrow's predicted slaughter versus the undefeated New England Patriots. Backup QB AJ Feeley will be starting and depending on how the game is going, we may see rookie QB Kevin Kolb as well.

Can't say that I am surprised by this move, given McNabb's injury, the fact the Feeley took most of the snaps with the first team this week, and most importantly, that the Eagles are expected to get killed. I heard one commentator refer to it as the Boston Massacre.

I don't expect to stay up for the whole game since it starts at 2015. Hopefully Feeley can at least keep it competitive and not too embarrassing.

--gfo

iPod Music Library Update

I spent most of this evening adding some more songs to iTunes, and specifically organizing playlist by decade. It took me about three hours to go through my library and update the songs that were missing years, plus in doing so, I also updated other relative information as needed.

Here is my breakdown:

• 1960's and older: 23 songs
• 1970's: 272 songs
• 1980's: 348 songs
• 1990's: 571 songs
• 2000's: 235 songs

The artist that I have the most of are, The Allman Brothers Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton.

I was actually surprised that my 90's number was as high as it was. Granted some of those are greatest hits albums or compilations that were released during that decade. I thought for sure most of my music would be from the 70's and 80's. That being said. The Allman Brothers, and Eric Clapton box set's counted as 90's and 80's respectively, even though most of their songs were from the 70's, so the there is some skewed numbers right there.

As of my last sync I still have 21.60 GB of space left, with 1425 songs, about five pod cast, and all of my pictures from my hard drive, (almost 800 MB). Its amazing how much music you can get on this thing, and I have barely touched my memory. I don't think I will ever fill this thing up. I even have most of my CD collection on my hard drive and subsequently my iPod.

--gfo

Black Friday

Surprisingly my Mrs was up early, and went out and got the first of our Christmas shopping done. She wasn't planning on going out, but was up, and decided to give it a shot. She told me that if she does this again in the future, she will definitely go out with a list.

She also told me the stores she was at were absolutely nuts. I never understood the fascination with getting up and out before 0600 to get to the stores. Yeah there maybe good sales, but the rudeness of the season seems to far outweigh the benefits.

I try to most of my shopping online, anyways. The only person I have to shop for is her.

Guess I am a scrooge.

--gfo

Happy Thanksgiving

We all have a lot to be thankful for, so let's take the time and thank those that are near and dear to our hearts.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend

--gfo

Back In The Saddle

Well the ride last night turned out to be better than expected. Managed to spin out 15 miles, although it was a slower than what I would have liked. I felt good, and probably pushed it harder than I should have.

Felt good to at least have a good ride, and I feel some redemption for my debacle of ride Sunday night.

--gfo

Eagles/Patriots

Talk about what looks to be a boring game, and the way that the Patriots are playing, the Eagles look like they have no prayer to win Sunday in Foxboro.

QB Donovan McNabb, is nursing an ankle and now a thumb injury is day to day. Personally I don't think he is going to play. If I were Andy Reid, I'd sit McNabb, and let A.J. Feeley start the game, and if the game gets really out of hand, bring in rookie Kevin Kolb to get him some experience.

The over/under I believe is 70 and the line is 22 points.

My hope is that the Eagles at least make it somewhat competitive, and not as boring as the last couple of Patriots game .

--gfo

Trying It Again Tonight

After a very disappointing cycling ride last night, only managed, 4.34 miles, (average for me is 13+). I plan to hop back on the bike tonight, and hopefully manage at least ten miles, 13 would be ideal. I could tell right away that it wasn't going to be a good ride. My legs felt heavy, and I felt tired right from the get go. Sometimes it just takes a few minutes for me to get loose and get my legs ready, but yesterday morning the old legs weren't having any parts of it.

That was the shortest distance I have ever ridden, since I have been riding the bike. Even my average speed was well below par for me. Sometimes if I preserve, I can at least get eight to ten miles out of my self, but it just wasn't happening yesterday morning.

Normally, I would get real discourage, and typically more disgusted with myself, but I seemed to take it all in good stride yesterday. Kind of shaking it off to a short night of sleep, due to having to get up earlier than normal to take my oldest to a girl scout function.

Although, the inconsistencies have been more prevalent of late, and I don't know if its a matter of timing, or part of what is ailing me. Yesterday morning, I seem to feel fine, I had been up for almost two hours before heading downstairs, so in thinking about it, the ride should not have been a problem.

Let's see how tonight goes, and maybe I will crank out a nice ride...

--gfo

My Favorite Work Week Of The Year

Thanksgiving week, since we only have to work Monday through Wednesday, and have a nice four day break.

Will be nice to lounge around for four days and not think about work

--gfo

Eagles 17 Dolphins 7

Well it wasn't pretty, especially the first ½, but the Eagles managed to come up with a win today here in a rainy Philadelphia. QB Donovan McNabb had to leave the game midway through the second half and was out for the remainder of the game. Early reports indicate an ankle injury. Backup Quarterback, A.J. Feeley, did a pretty good job filling in for the remainder of the game, completing 13/19 passes for 116 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. McNabb however had one of the shittiest games he has had in a long time, completing 3/13 passes, for 34 yards, and throwing two costly interception, both in the red zone, and no where near any green jersey's.

The star of today's game however was running back Brian Westbrook, who, had a career game today. Rusihing the ball 32 times for, 148 yards, although his receiving game was way off today, catching only one pass for zero yards.

Major props need to go out to the defenses who played a heck of a game, allowing no touchdowns, and holding the Dolphins offense to just under 200 yards of net offense, and keeping newly promoted quarterback John Beck to 109 yards, on 9/22 in passing.

The Eagles special teams were the big goats today, giving up the only touchdown, on a second quarter 87 yard punt return by Ted Ginn, which was probably the only spark the Dolphins showed today.

Should be interesting to see how this McNabb injury plays out. They travel to New England next week for a Sunday night showdown, against of the as of this post, are still undefeated.

Although it was an ugly win, it gets the Eagles to .500, and still keeps their slim playoff chance alive.

McNabb's injury was probably the spark the Eagles needed to get their momentum on.

--gfo

All Done

Steroid treatment started around 1300 my time, and finished around 1430ish. Me and the Fluff dosed off on the sofa. Kids walked home from school by themselves.

Now I have to deal with this God awful taste in my mouth for the next twelve hours or so.

--gfo

Steroid Day

Well, its that time of the month again, steroid day, and boy do I need it. My back has been bothering me all week, with the occasional bonus of shooting pain down my right leg. I have actually had to take darvocet in the evening to alleviate the pain, so I could at least get some sleep.

So I am hoping that the steroid treatment helps with the discomfort.

--gfo

Letter To The Editor

A few weeks ago, during the final days of the Philadelphia Mayoral election, now Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter published a full page ad, basically blaming President Bush for all that is wrong in Philadelphia.

So that afternoon, 02 November, I fired off an email to the Philadelphia Daily News, and received a call later that day that it would be published. The election came and went and the letter went unpublished. Checking on line as I do every morning, I found that my letter was finally published.

My point was that this city has been run by the Democratic machine for many generations, and to me, the local problems, are not a national issue but a local one. If you want to bring party politics into it, perhaps, they need to look into the mirror.

Here is the letter...

--gfo

Police Shooting Updates

According to WPVI TV here in Philadelphia, both officers were treated and released from local hospitals. They also believe they have a suspect in custody,

Good to read that the officers are okay, and there injuries were not serious.

Boy this city is getting worse by the day

--gfo

Two More Cops Shot

Here in Philadelphia. The story is still developing, from these initial reports, at least one of the injured officers do not appear to have life threatening injuries.

More to come

--gfo

Guess That Was A Bad Idea

I noticed the oil was a little low in my car, so I stopped at Auto Zone and picked up a couple of quarts. When I got home, I started to add them. The way my funnel is, I usually end up spilling a little bit on the manifold. After I added my second quart, all of the sudden I noticed a small fire. I quick ran up and grabbed the extinguisher, with the boy's assistance, ran back down stairs and with a quick squirt the fire was out. Lucky for me, there was no damage to the car and it still runs.

I should add that this all occurred my garage. We have quite a lot of smoke, and the house still smells a lot like burnt oil. So It could have been a real disaster.

Guess my fire training and ability not to panic in a crisis averted what could have been disastrous.

--gfo

Hard To Believe

That Thanksgiving is a little more than a week away, and that means Christmas is coming up too.

Boy this year is flying by

--gfo

Eagles 33 Redskins 25

In a game that was a nail biter until the end the Eagles prevailed over division rival Washington Redskins, in memorable fashion. Running Back Brian Westbrook proved once again how invaluable he is to this team, accounting for three touchdowns, two in the air, and one on the ground. He also put up big offensive numbers; 100 yards rushing on twenty carries, and was the teams leading receiver with five catches for 83 yards, including a 57 yarder for a touchdown, that was all finesse, with some great blocking from the offensive line.

This win brings the Eagles to 4-5 for the season, and gives them a much needed win against a division opponent, as they have lost three games against division rivals so far this season.

QB Donovan McNabb, played a heck of a game, completing 20 of 28 passes for 251 yards, and four touchdowns. Most of his incompletion's were what McNabb is best known for, over the receivers heads, into the ground, or trying to force a pass into coverage that he should have thrown away. His good play however, was almost overshadowed by his fumble after the Eagles had themselves recovered a fumble only the play before. It was the subsequent offensive series that the Eagles defense really showed their stuff.

I would be doing the Eagles defense a huge disservice if I did not give them their props for they stubbornness on a late fourth quarter red zone drive that held the Redskins to only a field goal.

The Redskins had the momentum most of the game, then the Eagles offensive came out of its slump and put up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Next up for the Eagles is the 0-9 Miami Dolphins come to the Linc. If the Eagles win that game it would take them to .500 on the season.

Overall it was a very well played game. Both the offense and defense played well above average, and looked like the Philadelphia Eagles we all know and love. This victory should keep the bandwagon at least ¾ full. I know I am still on.

-gfo

A Salute To Our Veterans

On this this country salutes all of our Veteran's, and thanks them all for their service to this great nation. We would not be the nation we are today without their sacrifices. So if you see a veteran today, thank him or her.

--gfo

Welcome Home Scum Bag

Cop Killer John Lewis arrived back in Philadelphia yesterday, and is beginning the process of going through the legal system.

Let's hope justice is swift, and expeditious. My hope is that he spends the rest of his natural life in jail, and never tastes freedom ever again.

--gfo

On Local Politics

Well on the local home front, in what was the first bitterly contested race for seats on borough council and tax collector, the democrats actually fielded some viable candidates, and were able to go out and campaign. All democratic candidates won, not overwhelmingly, but they managed to sweep their way into what has been a long standing Republican borough.

This campaign was pretty issue based, and toward the end but sides got nasty and personal. Although I don't/didn't agree with the democratic platform, and the didn't get my vote, based on that, there is still a 4-3 republican majority on council, so the democrats will probably have a hard moving their agenda forward. The remaining four seats, including the mayor's seat will be on the ballot in two years.

So the next two years should be interesting. Let's see if the newly elected councilors will do what's in the best interest for the borough, or the party. Hopefully its the former. The republicans have kept taxes low, and its known that democrats like to tax and spend. The borough has been a great place to live, and I hope for the residents sake that it stays that way.

--gfo

Rest Easy Officer Cassidy

Philadelphia Police Officer Charles Cassidy was laid to rest today, after 25 years of service to the City of Philadelphia. He leaves behind a wife, and three children.

Thousands of people turned out for the funeral mass which was held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City Philadelphia

Its no consolation, but at least on the day he was buried, his killer is safely off the street, and will soon be back here in Philadelphia, where the wheels of justice will start turning. He waived his extradition hearing in Miami. He is expected to be back in town Friday. Attached to his wrist will be Officer Cassidy's handcuffs.

I watched a little bit of the funeral mass while I was at the office, as the Archdiocese streamed it through their website, it was very moving.

May God bless his family.

--gfo

A Killer Caught

The suspect wanted in connection with the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy has been captured without incident in Miami, Florida.

Let's hope there is a quick and expeditious trial and this killer spends the rest of his natural life behind bars without ever tasting freedom again, in fact I'd like him to spend 23 hours a day in a cell with no contact with anyone else, and let him think about what he did, and the lives he's so adversely affected.

Good to see that he captured without incident, and that no one else was injured.

--gfo

Election Day 2007

Well even though its an off year, and turn will most likely be suckier than normal, today is election. Time for those that give a shit to let their voices be heard.

I am proud to say, that since I have been eligible to vote I have only missed one election, and that was a primary, due to the birth of my oldest daughter. I have never missed a general election.

Some pretty competitive local races that are being closely watched, especially in my hometown, where a lot of mudslinging has occurred.

Its sad that voter turnout in the country is as abysmal as it is. I would bet good money that a lot of folks that complain the loudest don't vote. Its one of the foundations of this country, and its what makes our government what it is today. Also its probably the only day the politicians truly care about their constituents, since their livelihood is on the line, ergo what they really want is your vote.

I generally don't vote the party line. I stick to the candidates and the issues. I ignore all the negative bullshit that they say about each other and let the issues vet themselves out. To me, its only about the issues, the stuff doesn't matter.

If you don't vote, don't bitch.

--gfo

City's Most Wanted

Here is the punk that is wanted in connection with the shooting death of Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy. His name is John Lewis, a 21 year old black male. Numerous raids have been carried out based on leads, and information received from citizens. So far this jerk is still on the street, and I hope that he has enough sense to turn himself in, or gets caught and taken off the street, and never tastes freedom ever again.

--gfo

Eagles 17 Cowboys 38

In another embarrassing showing on national TV, the Eagles in grand style got their asses kicked by the Dallas Cowboys 38-17. Another piss poor performance by QB Donovan McNabb, while on the other side of the field, Tony Romo had a near perfect game completing 20 of 25 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Terrell Owens still showed the nation that he is still a player, catch ten passes for 174 yards and one touchdown.

For the first time in a long time, I am chagrined about being an Eagles fan. I understand that there are ebbs and flows in the National Football League, but this teams lack of performance, save for a few players, mostly Brian Westbrook, who in my opinion is having a pro bowl year, and most of all execution on the field is less than stellar and very inconsistent.

As much as I hate to point fingers, I am going to start with head coach Andy Reid. His off the field problems with his family are very public, in fact there was quite amount of time dedicated to it last night, have to be a contributing factor to this teams performance of late. I also blame management for letting two marquee receivers like Owens and Stallworth leave the city and go on to greater things elsewhere. The lack of the team to pick up quality receivers is showing, and it also doesn't help when you have a quarterback who either throws it to the ground or in the 200 level of the stadium.

Since the season is pretty much all but over, I think its time to bring in quarterbacks Feeley and Kolb, and let them get some repetitions. The Eagles are now 3-5, have lost three games to division opponents and are going have a few tough games coming up. I doubt the Eagles will even be a .500 team this year, maybe 7-9 at best.

The shot's of the fan's in the stands last night pretty much sum's up a lot of how the town is feeling. We are such huge supporters of this team, but I for one would like to see some effort out there.

--gfo

The Cardinal Is Coming

It was announced yesterday in our church bulletin that Cardinal-Designate John Patrick Foley, will be celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving at our parish (the parish where he was born, and attended grade school) on 15 December at 1700.

This is a great honor for our parish, as we honor and welcome one of our own, and native son.

The planning has begun, and it should be an exciting time for our parish.

More to come

--gfo

Prime Time And Nationwide

What is usually the biggest home game of the year on the Philadelphia Eagles, the much abhorred Dallas Cowboys come to town in a prime time game. The cowboys are now 6-1 and have been on a roll since the beginning of the year, and the Eagles are still trying to right the ship that is listing badly to port, must win this game to even up their record to 4-4 and keep their tenuous playoff hopes alive, since they have already lost to two division opponents, (Giants and Redskins).

A win over the Cowboys would electrify this city, especially a prime time game. Terrell Owens makes his second return to Philly since his departure two years ago, and continues to run his mouth, but also back it up...that being said, I still wish he was here.

QB Tony Romo, is making his first start since signing a multi year contract extension, so let's see if he can perform up to his contract, for our sake, let's hope he spends a lot of time on his back, or at least seeing a lot of the Eagles linemen and linebackers in his face.

Free Safety Brian Dawkins is also expected to return to action tonight, if anything the defense gets back a veteran leader and motivator. Lets hope that b-dawk makes his presence felt and hammers a few of the Cowboys into the ground. That being said, his replacement Quintin Mikell has been phenomenal in Dawkins absence, and show good promise as a starter in the near future.

It should be an exciting game, and I am looking forward to watching it.

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

--gfo

The Soccer Season Is Now Over

The boy and his team concluded their season this morning with an annual that the youth club participates in. They lost their first game 3-1, and won their second game 2-1. To advance to the semifinals, they needed too either win both of their games, or have scored more goals, as that the latter was the tiebreaker, which ended up being the case, and they didn't score enough goals to advance.

He played goalie both games, and made some great saves. In the first game, he let up a soft goal that went right through his hands, and he was a little upset about. In the second game, the only game came on a great shot. Other than those goals he made some great saves and was quite proud of how dirty he got.

He really has improved since last year, and playing goal seems to be his niche. He had a great coach who never yelled at the kids and made sure that all the kids got equal playing time, and most of all had fun.

While he and the rest of the team are disappointed that they didn't get to move on to the next round, they played their hearts out, despite very cold and windy weather, and slightly muddy conditions.

I am really glad that he enjoys soccer and baseball so much and is getting better each year he plays, but most of all, what I am most proud of is his sportsmanship. He always is very polite to other players even those on the other team, and most importantly is respectful to the coaches and listens to them intently as he gets instruction.

He is learning a lot of good long term life skills, and having fun doing something he really enjoys.

and even in losing, him and his teammates were gracious losers. A life lesson that is so important.

--gfo

An Uplanned Day Off

Was in the office for a little over an hour this morning, when the phone rang, and the Mrs asks me if I there was any chance that I could come home as our oldest was sick, and my Mrs had used a lot sick time already this year, since things are kind of slow in the office I came home.

Got him a little after 0800, and tinkered around a little, then decided to go for a little indoor bike ride.

This would normally have been a ½ day for me anyway, so I am not using a whole lot of time, and I get almost a full day off.

--gfo

A Real Pain In The Ass

It was disclosed earlier this week that Philadelphia Eagles starting right tackle Jon Runyan, has a fractured tail bone. Despite the injury he played the entire game although he has not been practicing.

A twelve year veteran, he has started 185 straight games, inclusive of the Vikings game this past Sunday, was quoted as saying, not playing was never an option.

In an era where professional athletes sit themselves for the often minor injuries, some of which most of us have never heard of, and still collect fat paychecks, Runyan goes out and plays, despite what must be extremely painful.

I have always like his attitude and style on the field, but this goes above and beyond. In my mind he is a true warrior, and deserves respect.

I look forward to him starting game 186 Sunday night.

--gfo

RIP Officer Charles Cassidy

Philadelphia Police Officer Charles Cassidy succumbed to injuries sustained yesterday when he brutally shot by a coward robber.

Cassidy a 25 year veteran, who was making a routine business check, and happened upon a robbery, when he was shot.

A massive manhunt is underway, and the perpetrator is still on the loose. Hopefully this piece of shit will be caught on has enough sense to turn himself in. We need thugs like this off the street.

Officer Cassidy leaves behind a wife and three children.

--gfo