The Gunslinger is out of bullets....

Just weighing in on the whole Brett Favre saga, since the remaining free world has done their bit already... While the media circus has been fun to watch, I think it's totally insane that there is even any debate about what should happen to Brett. I'm very glad that GB decided not to bow to his repeated whims (again) and reinstate him as starting QB again. I fully understand being allowed to change your mind. But Brett's selfishness over the past 3-4 years has completely stripped him of any respect I used to have for him. He basically kept GB hostage, not knowing which way to turn in the draft, nor which way to develop the team. His "final" declaration that he was retiring should have been a complete breath of fresh air for the team this past season. But he couldn't even stay retired, and now you have essentially an average (yes, he's average at this point in his career - perhaps way above average in dumb interceptions though) QB who is trying to once again hijack Green Bay, forcing them to deal him based mostly on his terms. It's too bad GB doesn't have a provision where they could just tell him to F off and not have to pay him at all, and also MAKE him stay retired. I really hope Brett latches onto an NFC team (probably the Bucs at this point) and goes like 1-15, throwing many more of those wonderfully stupid interceptions that he's known for. Yes, I know, it was fun rooting for him after his father died, and his wife got the bad news, and for his child-like way of playing the game (whatever that meant), but enough is enough. He certainly could have handled this better IMHO. His glory days are over. I agree he could probably function as a decent QB in this league (at least better than some of the schlubs that are starting QB's now), but his attitude and blatant disregard for his soon to be former team has just completely turned me off.

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ACL - lost and found

Well, yes it's been over a year. I had abandoned this a long time ago, but while I'm here, I'm posting. Just had surgery to correct torn meniscus cartilage in my knee from a hockey injury about 4 years ago. It was originally assumed my ACL was toast as well. Fortunately, the surgeon poked around enough and found it. Slightly stretched, but definitely attached. So for now, the big surgery and LONG recovery has been averted. Two more weeks of therapy and it's off to running again.

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Has it really been that long?

I can't believe it's been 5 months since I wrote in here. Bikescag was right - I think I DID lose my keyboard, lol.

Much goings on. Just returned from a wonderful 17 day vacation to Myrtle Beach and as a bachelor for 8 days around home. Also got to spend a cool day/eve with Hapdog and friends in Lancaster. Always great to catch up with good friends. I deperately needed the time to destress and reset my internal clock. But as always, it's good to be back after a time away. Although it would also be nice to eventually change my latitude permanently...

Looking forward to another nice WARM weekend. It's amazing how warm and sunny it has been around here lately. Beach weather HO! And HO weather, for that matter ;)

more to come...

s42

Everything old is new again...

Well, first off Happy New Year to everyone. 2007 is officially here (along with many hangovers), and 2006 is officially put to bed.

The new year celebration typically sets off a string of good intentions as people use it as a jumping off point to look ahead to self-improvement endeavors. It also is a good time to look back to the year that was and remember all of the good (and not so good) things that have transpired. In addition, it's poignant to remember all of our friends, family, and other notables that have passed on to whatever (if any) afterlife you believe in.

I tend to look at 2007 as a potential crossroads year in my life. I've let my physical conditioning slip over the past 2 months, and I have to decide if I want to return to being the overweight slug of 4 years ago, or the sleek marathon-trained person of 2005-06 (I'm leaning toward the latter, although the former can be so much more fun!). I also face the imminent departure of one of my colleagues, which will reduce our staffing by 25 percent, and force me to either shrink back into the worker-bee mentality, or take the reins and take on more responsibilities and a subsequent leadership role in my department.

Many new challenges and opportunities away. Make the most of your 2007. Life on this rock is very finite...

s42

The Month Drifts By...

Quick update in the past month:

Flyers get some life then die off again.
Sixers get progressively worse and attempt to trade best player.
Eagles actually (don't laugh) control own playoff destiny, and with some help, could capture the 2 seed and a first round bye.

My father goes back into hospital for yet more vascular surgery.
Global warming sinks in for first half (and more) of December (and beneficially cuts my gas bill in 1/2 from this time last year).
My coworker takes a position in Dallas and will be leaving in three weeks, effectively leaving us shorthanded again. (but good for him b/c he's getting into a better situation).

Otherwise, status quo. I hope everyone that believes is joyously preparing for Christmas and the wonders of the season.

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Ugggh....A tribute to Philly Sports

Again. Stymied again. This is getting a bit ridiculous. Flyers start to show some life and then get pounded 6-1. Sixers start 3-0, then lose 3 straight and settle into the mediocre at best team that they really are. Eagles start 4-1 (should have been 5-0), then lose 3 straight, but rebound with a nice win last week....then get POUNDED by a 2-7 Titans team. And, oh yeah, D-Mac tears his ACL and is out for the season. Can you say 5-11??? And phinally, the Phillies. The year of the big free agent. Soriano is rumored to be close to ours. Then the word comes out. He's going to the Cubs. So much for that.

Like the You Tube clip says... "Hey...we still have Rocky!"

Go Mr. Balboa...

s42

"..it's been a long, long time....(hasn't it?)..."

Ahh, the Genesis reunion news is in. Looks like the states will be getting 20 dates after a 20 date "large stadium" tour of Europe. The European tour will conclude with a free concert at THE COLOSSEUM in Italy! How cool is that!? The press conference was pretty enlightening, and other interesting tidbits have been filtering in from band members as the day went on. So far it has been confirmed that Darryl and Chester will tour with the band as in the past (from 77-78 on). Also, there are currently NO plans for new material. While this may change after the tour, it isn't in the cards as of now. Tony stated that this tour will not be all about the Genesis hits, but rather to point out that the band had another very complex side to it. They plan to play music from 1973 to 1992 era and most likely will be heavy on songs that weren't radio favorites - making this tour all the more appealing to true fans. (2 songs I've heard thrown around as on the set list are Squonk and Domino - Darryl said he was given a list of 22-24) It seems that all indications are this is a 40 date encounter, and may very well be the final chapter in the band's very storied and successful history. 130 million albums sold can't be wrong. I'd love to see any of the new bands even think of attaining that goal. The numbers are staggering. The press conference also noted that over 14 MILLION tickets were sold to Genesis shows over the years. Truly incredible.

Rumors are still persisting that Peter Gabriel may very well be involved in the end of the tour (US leg), or in a separate 2008 tour, although this was not clearly defined at the press conference today. Either way, it proves to be a very amazing show, and I'm sure tickets will be nearly impossible to come by if you miss the day of the sale. There seems to be a presale component available to forum members, so I'm seriously looking into that avenue. Otherwise it's sell the house time for sure!

One final nugget: ALL of the previous albums will be re-released in 2007 in the surround 5.1 mode, with a double disc DVD including video from the time period (concert footage?) and all B-sides and extra material. It seems as though they are really going to throw out the kitchen sink. And I guess sadly, with good reason. Although many older bands are starting to have regular comebacks, I don't think Genesis plans to be a dinosaur band and stick around until the members can barely walk on the stage, let alone perform at the high level they are accustomed to. They are all 55-56 now, and realistically this is probably their swan song. I'm pulling for them to come out on top and ride off with all business finished...triumphant. Sweet closure for the fans, as well...

s42