It Was Fun While It Lasted

The Phillies dropped the third game of best of five series to the Colorado Rockies 2-1, which means the Phillies are now eliminated from the playoffs, and end what was one of the most exciting baseball season's this town has seen in a long time.

It was a shame that the Phil's couldn't have at least won one game. This is the same team that showed so much offensive prowess this year, yet once in the playoffs the bat's were lifeless, and the pitching mediocre.

I hope the Phillies management goes out and gets some better pitching in the off season, it seemed to be the missing component throughout the season, although the lack of hitting and scoring in the playoffs, raises a lot of questions as well.

On an unrelated note, Notre Dame won its first game of the year, upsetting UCLA 20-6, and one other thing we can count on this weekend is the the Philadelphia Eagles will not win or lose this weekend as they have a much needed bye week.

So thanks goes out to the Phillies for an exciting season, wish it could have kept going, but the baseball God's seemed to have not been on our side this year. So another year goes by without a championship here in the city of brotherly love, as the famous saying goes, there's always next year.

--gfo

Alarm 286 Is Now Complete

Farewell Firefighter Michael Reagan

May you rest in eternal peace

--gfo

Well That Game Sucked Too

The Phillies dropped another one to the Rockies, at least the hit the ball today.

Once Matsui hit that Grand Slam in the 4^th, you could feel that what momentum the Phil's had at that point had left, and listening on the radio, it was absolute silence.

Now its out to Colorado where they have to win both games, or they get there golf clubs out.

Even if they lose the series, I'd like to see win at least one game in Colorado, if anything to save face.

They only that sucks about the games being out there, is that they are on so late, 2130. So its gonna be a late night tomorrow night.

--gfo

A Great Place To Work

Our firm was named one of the best places to work by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation. We are in the top 50, in the medium sized company (50-250 employees) category.

I agree this is a great place to work, great benefits, flexible schedules, and most importantly good money.

Nice for the firm to recognized for truly being a great place to work.

--gfo

Well That Game Sucked

Many analyst were expecting a high score series, someone forgot to Phillies that means, you need to score runs, hit the ball, and most importantly not strike out. After the 4-2 loss yesterday, folks aren't panicking yet. Hopefully the bat's wake up today.

I caught some of the game on the radio on the way home, and finished watching the game. These 1500 start times suck, and my radio reception in the office is horrible. So I use CBS sportsline's live update to keep track of the game

and I was wondering if Charlie Manuel took offensive coaching tip from Andy Reid

--gfo

The Town Is Buzzing

For the first post season playoff game for the Philadelphia Phillies in 14 years and the first at Citizens Bank Park. First pitch is a little after 1500 (right coast time).

Not sure if I will be able to pick up the game with my radio, if not, I will probably have a live update screen on until I leave for the day.

It's an exciting time here in Philly, let's hope the momentum continues

--gfo

Eagles 3 Giants 16

The question on my and I am sure every other Eagles fan's, is which team is going to show up and play. After a record setting performance last week against Detroit, and looking like a Superbowl contender, the Eagles looked like a bunch of 7-8 year olds on the field last night, and QB Donovan McNabb, spent so much time on his back after being sacked 12 times he looked like a cheap hooker, than an All-Pro quarterback by games end.

McNabb after having a perfect 158.3 passer rating last week, managed only a 61.0, was 15/31 for 138 yards. Granted his receivers didn't help him either, by dropping the ball, or not getting off the line, but he did go back to his trademark worm killing which never helps his cause

It also doesn't help when you commit 15 penalties for 132 yards, which was almost as much offense as the Eagles put up.

The Eagles had five starters out with injuries last night (Dawkins, Westbrook, Sheppard, Thomas, and Smith). It was obvious that this team missed the sure hands and feet of Brian Westbrook, although Correll Buckhalter performed admirably in Westbrook's absence gaining 103 yards on the ground on 17 carries, and catching 4 balls for 35 yards, not Westbrook type numbers but a good effort in what otherwise was a pis poor offensive day.

Going into the bye week the team better get their heads together and out of their asses. They are in serious trouble and the bye is probably coming at a good time, since it obvious the team needs to regroup.

I am not calling for Andy Reid's head yet, but if the team keeps showing this kind of inconsistency on a weekly basis, maybe a changing of the guard is needed.

We'll see.

--gfo

Phillies National League East Champs

In exciting fashion yesterday afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies, with a little help from the Florida Marlins, clinched the National League East division, with a 6-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. Florida helped by spanking the Mets 8-1.

This will be the Phillies first playoff appearance since the 1993 world series, and with the way the Eagles have been playing lately, this town really needs a team to root for.

Its very exciting to have a team in the post-season, let's hope the party keeps going.

Best of luck.

--gfo

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