I think I want to try this...

This is from Sunday's New York Post article on Johan Santana.

He also keeps his old friends near. They gather at the house (in Venezuela) for card games and accompany him to his favorite hamburger stand, Huevos Hamburguesa, where he will order a heart-stopping stack of a beef patty, eggs, pork, bacon and chicken on a bun.

One question. No cheese?

Second and third periods

7:01 I didn't really think Scott Gomez would play for the Rangers tonight, but he is. I have to believe his ribs will hamper his ability to shoot and skate though. The Devils are really starting to control this game. The Rangers have not had a power play opportunity yet and the Devils are on their second. Brian Gionta had a good shot, but doinked it off the crossbar.

7:05 The Rangers power play will go to work now. After struggling so much over the last 20 games, it's time for them to convert... And they do! At 5:21 of the second, Gomez finds Brendan Shanahan, who goes to the front of the net and lifts the puck over Brodeur's shoulder. The PP works! Career goal #650 for Shanahan. 1-0 Rangers.

7:09 Lundqvist stones the Devils on a 2-on-1. 12:21 left.

7:16 Elias scores. 1-1.

7:29 Tight game, as usually happens when these two play each other. Of course, sopcast has crapped out on me so all I have is the radio... Backman sucks. Stop passing the puck into the middle. 2-1 New Jersey.

7:55 Wow, Backman gives the puck away to Parise leading to a Devils goal, and then early in the third, the Rangers score another power play goal! And who did it? Backman! Unbelievable. Gomez and Chris Drury with two power play assists apiece. And the energy is picking up. The Garden is alive. A little scuffling in front of the net...

8:06 Rangers on the PP again. 12 minutes left. Backman drew the penalty! No luck this time.

8:11 Back and forth both teams go. Eight minutes are left and I don't see this game ending in 60 minutes of regulation. And since I only have the radio, I can't see it either.

8:16 Oh man! Ryan Callahan, my favorite Ranger, gets stopped on a breakaway!

8:21 NIGEL! NIGEL! NIGEL! Dawes crashes into Brodeur and it was a close call, but he scores! After further review, it counts! Yes! 3:06 left. Play some defense Blueshirts!

8:27 1:44 left, Devils take a time out and the Rangers are looking to make it 7-0 against New Jersey this year. New Jersey does not score a lot of goals, the Rangers d has to show they can hold off an opponent in a big spot. Championship caliber teams will do this.

8:31 Game over! Rangers win 3-2 and tie New Jersey for fifth place in the East. Home and home against Pittsburgh this weekend.

Disgraceful move by the Mets

Well, I am home and it's snowing again. Right now, Rangers and Devils are scoreless in the first period. I have a few things on my mind. So I'm going to track the game as I type. And let me start with this. We are 4 days from Opening Day of the 2008 baseball season. And I am again, one disgusted Mets fan. They announced today they have placed Ruben Gotay on waivers. And from all indications, it's to open up a roster spot for veteran journeyman Fernando Tatis.

What do the Mets have against Gotay? He had so many clutch hits last year, batted .318 against righties, and gave energy to a team that always seemed to be going through the motions last year. He reminded me of what Melvin Mora or Timo Perez used to do. Clearly, they don't like Gotay's defense, they admit this. OK, so they don't like a 25 year old kid's defense, but they'll go ahead and re-sign 32-year-old Luis Castillo to a 4-year deal, who is coming off arthroscopic surgery on BOTH KNEES?! How mobile can we expect him to be now, let alone when he's 36?

"I thought I did a good job last year," Gotay told multiple news outlets this morning. "I didn't deserve this." Damn right Ruben, you didn't.

First period over, 0-0. Pretty even.

Now Omar has a history of signing "his guys." Sometimes it has worked well (Endy Chavez). But he had Tatis in Montreal five years ago, which I think was the last time Tatis was in the major leagues. And I also know Tatis is a confirmed steroid user, another kind of player Omar a has a history of signing (Guillermo Mota). The Mets need power off the bench, no doubt and they need someone who can hit left handed pitching. And if Gotay had to be traded to land Xavier Nady from Pittsburgh or Brandon Inge from Detroit, I'd understand. But I cannot understand how Omar can justify trading for a washed up 33 year old, who had one good season in 1999, when he was probably juicing.

Gonna be a long year, baby.

Easter 08

This Easter kind of snuck up on me, yet, I'm as excited about this one as I've been about this day in a few years. And I don't have any huge plans for Sunday. Now onto the life and times.

1) I was buying laundry detergent today. Now I mean this very seriously. What is the root of detergent? I mean there's deodorize, decompose, deconstruct. With those words, you get a feel of what the "de" is doing. Now thin about this word. De-terg-ent. What does that mean?

2) Willow Creek had an excellent service. The production and sets were much more laid back than in previous years and I appreciate that. There was certainly no loss in the impact. Bill Hybels discussed various icons such as God's love vs. human acceptance (something I can relate to), a grater purpose, the need for inner cleansing, and basic questions to life. It was one of the best messages I've heard him give.

3) Happy 20th birthday to Outback Steakhouse. I had the mixed grill of steak, scallops, and shrimp. It was excellent, but even after that, a grilled shrimp appetizer, salad, bread, rice, and spinach, I was still hungry. I'm sorry, but I could go for more than 2 shrimp, 2 scallops, and 4 oz of sirloin. Then again, I felt a little guilty when in church, they addressed hunger in the message.

4) My NCAA brackets blow this year. Am I about to watch UCLA and Pittsburgh lose?

5) Why do I have a brutal feeling about the fate of my Mets this year. I'm thinking 85 wins, 3rd place in the NL East. As great as the starting pitching is (when healthy!!!!), I just do not like our lineup.

6) Thank you God, that Scott Gomez is not seriously injured, and will not miss extensive playing time.

7) I just finished a bio on Frank Sinatra. OK read, but too many mafia stories for my liking. I would have liked to have read more about the music and the Rat Pack gang.

8) Now it's onto The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, best known for the Pink Panther movies. I'm only 20 pages into it and I already have a few huge issues. One, the author jumps around in the course of Sellers' life. He doesn't go in chronological order, he connects issues from Sellers' youth and adulthood from the start so it's hard to follow. Also, to understand this book, the reader has to watch almost every TV show and movie Sellers ever made. Worst of all, the author references himself way too often. For example, he writes "I concluded..." or "I cannot be convinced...". It's like he's trying to make himself the star of the book. I'm going to push through this, but this writer is not making easy.

Transition

One hour away from fantasy draft #2. And I'm alone at work, nothing really is going on tonight. So a few things.

1) Last week, a few of my friends and I started talking about dreams we'd been having. What they were, how vivid they were, what they mean. I'd never had that kind of conversation before. I always thought dreams were basically subconscious thoughts that didn't deserve that much attention. And last night, I had one of the scariest, most vivid, and realistic dreams of my life. I rarely remember my dreams, but I was actually convinced this one was real.

2) It's strange how the world seems just a little different when that extra daylight kicks in.

3) Earth to Warner Brothers! Please make some more Whose Line DVD sets!

4) The documentary section on "Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen" may be the best doc I have seen in some time.

5) One month ago, I thought Eliot Spitzer was the coolest politician I'd ever seen. How things change so suddenly. And does the entire front page of the New York Post really have to profile the whore he was with?

6) Lee Strobel just wrote a new book called "The Case for the Real Jesus." I'm very excited to check this one out.

7) What will happen first: the cost of gasoline dropping below $3.00 a gallon or the cost of a postage stamp dropping one cent?

8) I just tried the broccoli cheese soup from Original Soup Man. I never thought anyone could make that kind of soup as well as Popeye's in Lake Geneva. This comes darn close.

9) When I leave this night job in June, things will be very different. How, I don't know. I just hope I can find some way to make it good.

10) Let's Go Rangers!!!

Song pick: "No Such Thing" John Mayer

This blows

Brian is going home

First of all, I love snow. Now with the lying out of the way...

The good thing is Brian is home from the hospital as of late this afternoon. The only pain he has is from the five staples in his stomach, which will be removed on Thursday. He's able to go to the bathroom on his own now and will be able to eat solid food tomorrow. The doc told him he could eat anything he wants, but it has to be moderate. If he vomits, everything inside him that was sealed will be re-opened. And if he has any pain in the next two days, he has to contact the hospital immediately.

Danielle is back at school and I can't imagine where her state of mind is right now. So here's what we know right now. Brian and Susan will visit the hospital on Thursday where they will get the results of his radiology treatments. Though I know God is present and active and what he plans to have happen will happen, I admit I am still afraid of what could happen. I plan to call him tomorrow and we'll see what happens.

Why couldn't I be out of here?

This was the worst weekend for me to not be in New York. I have constantly been reminded of my failures and how I have been betrayed and what dicks people can truly be.

Volleyball is a joke. The league is competitive, don't get me wrong. From 1-4, I can almost say that anyone can bet anyone. But we should be better than we are. And the main reason why we're not better is me. I take responsibility. I have no ability to put a spike down this year. Kim probably thinks I'm absolutely worthless. Today, we played an amazing match against our former captain's new team. I could have cared less. I always put my team ahead of myself. But I can't do it anymore. I feel like such a hindrance. And damn it, I'm working out as hard as I ever have. Maybe I should get back to fried chicken and cheeseburgers every night. I don't know what the hell to do anymore.

Sometimes, I just don't fit in anywhere except when I'm alone. Oh, and it's nice to know Main and Franklin at 5 pm misses me... Screw them too.

I don't get it

Well, I was supposed to fly to New York this morning to see my father. For months, we planned to go to the Rangers-Panthers game at MSG Sunday night with my uncle Brian. My uncle is a Rangers season ticket holder, and he mailed me the tickets in December, for whatever reason. Last week, everything changed. I was standing in the library in the bio section when my phone buzzed. It's my father and he's in hysterics. I rarely, if ever, hear him in such an emotional state. He told me Brian has colon cancer. So the plan became Dad and I going alone. Well, throw in the foot of snow that has halted any means of travel in the northeast this week. So much for that.

Then on Friday, around 3:45, I'm working on my past due cash and I feel my phone go off again. It's Mom. She told me when the doctors operated on him, they found that the cancer had spread through Brian's liver. He was intensive care last night, though he was moved to a regular room today. Dad saw him and he looked ok. He didn't have a fever or any infections, but was in pain from where the doctors had cut him open. And he hasn't eaten solid food in almost a week, so he's lost a lot of weight. Apparently, he's going through another series of tests today. When these results come in about 5-7 days, they'll know exactly what Brian is facing and what kind of treatment they can try.

I'm just numb now. I don't speak to Brian once a week or once a month but we'd been e-mailing more often. I have as much respect for him as anyone in my family. He's smart, witty, upbeat, energetic, and the kind of glue that brings people together. He has that X-factor.

More than that, I worry for his family. Of course for Susan, his wife. But especially for Danielle, his daughter, my cousin at Cornell. They have a very tight relationship and I've heard she is doing absolutely terribly at this point. She's very quiet to begin with, I shudder to think what she will do if he goes this way.

And Dad. To think, he could lose both his parents and his only sibling inside a 2.5 year period.

Right now, I'm looking for any optimism. I've spent time on my knees, the Bible, inside dark, empty churches, in group settings with people I trust. All I can do his pray and support the family.

Finally getting around to it

I have no idea why I waited this long to post. That Super Bowl last Sunday night was as good a football game as I have ever watched. I always felt the Giants would be competitive with the Patriots. I honestly knew they had the ability to win. But in the end, I didn't see it happening. Yet in the end, the Giants are the World Champions, 17-14 over the almighty New England Patriots. A few notes on this game.

1) Whoever becomes the next President should hire Steve Spagnuolo has the secretary of defense. To hold that team to 14 points is amazing. The only defense in the world that Spagnuolo could probably not turn around is the Knicks.

2) Nobody can seem to come up with a name for Eli Manning's escape from the Patriot pass rush, pass down the middle of the field, and David Tyree's remarkable catch. Radio programs have devoted themselves to it, as have TV programs, newspapers, websites. I propose Giant Miracles. It's snappy. It's descriptive. It refers directly to the play.

3) How good it felt to see Tom Brady get knocked on his backside 19 times! Thank you Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Fred Robbins, Kawika Mitchell, and certainly, Jay Alford for that last sack.

4) A lot of people hate Eli Manning because he forced the trade from San Diego to the Giants when he was drafted. Even the people who hate have to respect him after what he did in this playoff run. He completed 61 percent of his passes, threw six TD's, and one interception (which was not his fault).

5) Michael Strahan can be seen as obnoxious. He's outspoken, no doubt about it. But he is a character and I appreciate he is willing to speak freely. His "Stomp you out" chant at City Hall was one of the most entertaining things I have ever seen.

Moving on...

6) Johan Santana has been introduced as a Met. I can't wait. And I just scored tickets for two games at Shea Stadium in July against the Cardinals.

7) Bret Hart's autobiography is an excellent book. In fact, as far as sports books go, I may call it the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.

8) I'm amazed Mitt Romney dropped out of the race before Mike Huckabee. I'm still hoping for McCain vs Obama. I like Huckabee but the only way he could be elected President is if the south secedes from the North again.

9) Something about Wednesdays and snow in this town. The last three Wednesdays have brought on horrific storms. This is the one time I'm glad I don't have to drive my old Honda, which stopped on ice about as well as a snowmobile.

10) Singer Tom Jones just insured his chest hair for 7 million dollars. Uh, Tom, that is unusual.

My car needs a Gatorade

I planned to write 5 days ago. I just haven't had the interest lately.

1) This isn't the most I've ever driven in one weekend. But I must have set a personal record for hour long drives with 8 in a 48 hour span. Airport and back twice, Chicago Ridge and back, then to Wheaton to Geneva to then home, and finally, West Chicago to Wheaton to home. I swear by Sunday morning, I heard my car say "Man, I'm out."

2) ROH was awesome again last Saturday. One word: TEAMWORK!!!!

3) I'm halfway through reading Bret Hart's book. Top notch. This is a must read.

4) I painted my bedroom. I like the sea-esque blue. It feels very different and it's cool.

5) Volleyball did not get off to a good start. When Eli comes back, things will be better. But I seriously hope Andy never comes back. The man is 6'2'', and cannot jump. To quote someone else, he couldn't spike a drink.

6) The St. Charles Daily Herald office is closing this spring. I do think my time here is over. I'm not willing to drive 30 minutes ewach night. Even with a proposed raise, it will barely cover my gasoline expenses. So the question is what can I do with that extra time.

7) A 92 year-old blind amateur golfer just hit his first hole-in-one. If I hadn't hit one before, I would hate this guy.

8) Took 90 minutes to drive home last night from work.

9) JOHAN! JOHAN! JOHAN! But with what's going on right now, I can't bring myself to celebrate.

10) When do Mets tickets go on sale? It can't come soon enough.

Song pick: "Last of the Singing Cowboys" Marshall Tucker Band. I really identify with the character in this song, except I can't sing a lick.

3 brat night

Well, I learned one thing today. Three bratwursts will fill you up! Let's Go Giants!


Next weekend will be awesome! Ring of Honor on Saturday and Come Thirsty, volleyball, and Ghengis Grill on Sunday. Doesn't get much better than that.

Amazing

Congratulations to the Giants for winning one of the greatest football games I have ever seen. I watched the first half at home and the second half at Tara's house with Come Thirsty. I have not seen a Giants team play together like this since their Super Bowl year of 1990. Man, when Lawrence Tynes missed those two field goals, all I could think was Doug Freakin' Brien! But he made the 47-yarder two minutes into overtime and that was it. 23-20. Now it's on to the Super Bowl against those scumbags from Foxboro.

Now, in contrast to that, we have the Rangers. No heart, no desire, no unity. Another loss to Boston, something needs to be done. A trade, a firing, something dramatic to wake these Pinocchios up from the lull that they play in.

Off Facebook post

As I've become aware of a few things this week, I've come to a couple of conclusions.

1) I'm already sick of cold weather.
2) Swimming in a pool when you're on vacation is easy. Doing it competitively takes a lot of work. And after the way my eyes were burning after 5 minutes on Monday, I have to buy some goggles.
3) It amazes me how many single couples live together. I know at least 6 right now at work. About 5 million couples do that in the US right now. And I heard today that 90 percent of those couples never get married. And of the ones who do, they're twice as likely to divorce. Coincidence? Could be.
4) This NFL season has been boring, almost as boring as the typical college football bowl season.
5) That said, Brandon Jacobs' TD celebration of slamming the ball into the play clock and the resulting bang was one of the greatest I've ever seen.
6) Frontera makes the best jarred salsas.
7) I really wish I had the NHL Network.
8) Now I know what really went down. And here's the deal. If you're going to string me along and then deceive me, do it to my face. Don't do it over the phone. And definitely don't do it through a mass e-mail at 10:00 at night on a Wednesday. That is a tramp with a capital T.

What am I thinking?!

I am the only human being in the world who would in the same day:

1) Commit to doing his first mini-triathalon
2) Eating a slice of leftover Paula Deen's bacon cheeseburger meat loaf and lyonnaise potatoes and drink a pair of beers at 11 pm.

I'm not proud of it, but I haven't eaten in 8 hours and it was either that meat loaf (which I will never eat again BTW) or plain tortilla chips. Besides, I'm starting my training tomorrow morning, it's still technically Friday night. A few other things.

1) I cannot dance, at least not when a video game is involved.
2) Cherry Coke is back in the vending machines at work! No more zero calorie diet Cokes! Yes!
3) The only thing more annoying than someone promising to call you and not doing it? A person promising they'll facebook you and not doing it.
4) Is there a board game out there that doesn't take over an hour to figure out how to play?
5) Can the Rangers beat anyone in the Western Conference?
6) How has fantasy golf already begun again?


NFL playoff predictions:
First Round
Giants over Bucs
Seahawks over Redskins
Chargers over Titans
Jaguars over Steelers

Second Round
Cowboys over Giants
Packers over Seahawks
Patriots over Jaguars
Colts over Chargers

Conference Championships
Packers over Cowboys
Colts over Patriots (thank you God!)

Super Bowl
Colts over Packers