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

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