Cutting the Cord: How I finally did it

For the last 10 years (10 years and 10 days to be exact), I've had a cable and internet provider at my house; from Comcast (now xfinity) to RCN and now Verizon FiOS. I've paid large amounts of cash out to these three companies with varying levels of service usage - at times being away from the house so much within a month that I literally could have suspended service for that month and saved the money. Since the beginning of this year I've toyed with the idea of "cutting the cord", the new trend in not only cost savings but also convenience for customers. I did tons and tons of research before finally deciding to pull the trigger. I decided that the best course of action was to do the following:

1. Completely turn off cable service
2. Increase the internet speed to a usable level for home and work activities
3. Create a solution that minimized contract obligations
4. Create a solution that required minimal effort to use
5. Create a solution that maximized my service value and my savings

Taking a step back, here is a breakdown of my monthly costs for services as of January 1, 2016:

$271.24 per month on services that I barely used (with the exception of the internet that, because I work from home 100%, I used quite frequently). $3254.88 per year! That had to stop. Looking at my setup prior to any changes, you'll see everything (TV, Internet, and Phone) was dependent on Verizon:

The most expensive component of that was the cable. Researching OTA (Over the Air) HD options, I came across the Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna, which has a 60 mile range for pulling in OTA signals in clear HD. Once mounted (details to follow), I was able to pull in 77 HD channels (only 7 channels were blank or offline) from my house just outside of Philadelphia, PA! Through the rest of my research on signal loss, I figured that I would need to amplify the signal to transmit it throughout the house. Although it came with an amplifier, I purchased two amplifiers (2-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV HDTV Amplifier Splitter Signal Booster and 8-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV HDTV Amplifier Splitter Signal Booster) for a total of $220.73. The antenna is an outdoor antenna that can also be mounted in the attic, which is where I mounted it. The cable connections start in my basement three levels down, so the 2-Port splitter was mounted in the attic to boost the signal going to the basement, and the 8-Port splitter was located in the basement to boost the signal going back throughout the house:

Attic Setup: Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna, 2-Port Amplifier, Cable jack to basement and power supply for the 2-Port Amplifier

Basement Setup: 8-Port Amplifier

(Note: Out of its normal place in order to take the picture)

A few things to note:

• I will be moving my office up to the finished attic and mounting a TV on the wall, which will use the now unused 2nd port on the amp.
• The amps are powered using normal coaxial cables (the wires you use to connect to cable boxes, TVs, etc.).
• It's important to label the wires in your house so that you know which cable wire goes to which room. I did this prior to disconnecting the Verizon service by turning on all of the TVs and then disconnecting each wire to see where the cable stopped working at. For the rooms without TVs I plugged in my internet router and noted whether the coax cable light was on. Then I disconnected a cable until the light went off. Then reconfirmed it came back on when the wire was plugged in.
• I tested the quality of the signal by removing the amplifiers from the connection. With just the attic amplifier no signal was received. The distance was too great to get a quality signal from the attic, into the basement and back throughout the house. With just the basement amplifier I received signals, but not at many channels were found (50+).

Now that the setup for OTA HD channels was done, I had to look at possibilities for other non-OTA HD channels. Through my research I came across SlingTV. Sling offers a $20 package (Sling Orange) with 30 channels, a $25 package (Sling Blue) with 45 channels and a $40 package (Sling Orange + Blue) with 50 channels:

Also, because I love to watch my sports, Sling has an add-on package, Sports Extra, for $10 per month:

RedZone Channel! Yay!!!

Depending on your viewing style Sling has a number of packages for you to add on. Sling works on a number of devices. I've viewed Sling on my FireTV, iPhone and Windows-based computer (you can view on 3 simultaneous devices at a time with the Sling Blue package, only 1 device with the Orange package):

So here is my new setup:

OTA HD and SlingTV supply TV service (note: internet is require for SlingTV) and Verizon supplies the internet (upgraded from 75/75 to 100/100 speed) and phone (I need to fax).

So, let's get down to brass tax; how much does all this cost and how much does doing all of this actually save me? If you look at the data below you'll see that by the end of next year I will have saved $1000!:

Net Standard: The difference between the costs for that month versus the cost I was paying monthly on January 1, 2016.
Net Savings: The rolling difference between the total costs I would be paying since January 1, 2016 if I had changed nothing and the total cost paid through that month with the changes.

A few notes:

• September was the month I purchased the equipment for the cut the cord initiative.
• October is the month I started the subscription to SlingTV. They were running a special where you would get a discounted Apple TV (the latest one) if you prepaid for 3 month of service. Because of that I do not have to pay for Sling in November and December, so my costs drop way low those two months before leveling out to it's normal level for all of 2017.
• I won’t be actually saving money (compared to if I did not change anything) until February of 2017 because of the equipment I purchased and the prepay package; but those are the upfront costs of cutting the cord.

Here is a chart that shows the services cost:

Note the bumps in cost in September and October and the drop for November and December before leveling out in 2017.

Here is a chart that shows the Total Monthly Costs, the Net Costs and Net Savings:

So there it is. This is how I cut the cord and will save $1000 by the end of next year; $1200 annually. A few notes:

• SlingTV is a month to month service that can be stopped anytime. I can go totally OTA HD and save another $53 per month just by cutting that service.
• SlingTV's Sports Extra package can be removed anytime saving $10 per month.
• For certain series on HBO and Starz that we watch, HBO and Starz can be added to the Sling account for $15 and $9 per month, respectively; with the ability to stop them anytime.
• The Verizon internet/phone package price is locked for two years.

I'd love to hear other stories and compare how others cut the cord and compare savings. Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and your story on cutting the cord!

How I Lost 15 Pounds (of mostly fat) in 100 Days

So as my last vacation approached, I decided that I wanted to have a nice "beach body"; not that I didn't have one, but I just wanted it tighter if you will. On June 28th, I began my workout and diet plan. It involved a diet filled with energy boosting smoothies, healthy yet smaller meals, an increase in water intake, a running program and an ab/total body workout. Yes, not a single weight was lifted the entire 100 days. I'm a pretty strong guy already and can run very fast (could probably clock a 4.4 40 right now), but I wanted to focus on being more lean and increase muscle later. I had no idea what to expect, as a result or with my performance, because I am built for speed, not distance. "I don't do distance" I remember saying to myself when I first got the bright idea to incorporate running into my workout program. I had done mini races before; The Harrisburg Mile, The In and Out (starts at the Art Museum). But in each of those, I had the same problem; I practically sprinted from the start line, led about half of the race and burned out at the end. I'll admit, I don't (didn't) know how to run for distance. Playing receiver and corner/safety for about 20 years involved many short bursts of acceleration. I wasn't equipped, mentally to pace myself while running. That all changed, and changed fast. I'll break down the plan that I had in two areas - Workout and Diet.

My Workout Program

My workout used an app on my phone (RunKeeper) for the running program, and two popular commercial workout programs (P90X - "Ab Ripper X" and T25 "Speed 2.0") I did, back to back, on the running program off days.

For the running program, you can find specifics on the RunKeeper website.. A high level description of the running programs is you are running every other day with a day break in between. Running is primarily made up of steady running (i.e. 5 minutes warm up followed by 45 minutes of steady running), interval running (i.e. 5 minute warm up followed by repeating the following 15 times - Fast running for 30 seconds, Slow running or walking for 2:30) and rarely a Fartlek run (Combine periods of near maximum effort with recovery, using your own ability to determine how long each period is). Here are a few maps of the runs I did on Day 1, 6 and 14:

Day 1 (3.45 Miles in 35 Minutes)

Day 6 (4.71 Mines in 45 Minutes)

Day 14 (5.64 Miles in 50 Minutes)

Distance and Time for Days 1,6 and 14

As you can see, my time per mile got better over the course of the program a full minute per mile. As I learned to control my body, I was able to get more distance with a more regulated use of energy. Now that didn't mean I sweat or worked any less:

After my run on Day 14. Poor shirt...

Granted this was helped by the timing of when I ran - the summer months. I worked out a lot of sweat (which is why water intake was so key to my success). On my running off days, I did the P90X Ab Ripper X workout, followed immediately by the T25 Speed 2.0 workout - yes, back to back! Needless to say, every day I shed via sweat and energy usage. You have to maintain discipline; meaning skipping a day here an there due to unforeseen circumstances is one thing. Missing a workout because you can't push yourself is another.

My Diet

If you've had the pleasure of dining or having a good time with me over the years, you know I love my medium / medium-rare steak, cheese steaks, muscles, wings, crab cakes and of course great beer, wine and scotch. You also know I can consume with the great ones in one sitting. However, to accomplish what I wanted, I had to make some changes to how and how much I ate. Below is a typical diet, but it varied occasionally:

Typical Diet throughout the workout

As you can see, I went with light meals to get my body used to burning off as much fat reserves as it had, while not adding much fat in. The Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars took a LOT of getting used to. Warning: They are dry! Very dry! But you get used to them and I love eating them now. But be forewarned. The yogurt I typically ate was Greek Yogurt from Chobani or Fage. The choice is yours. The cucumber I sliced evenly and dashed with salt (an old childhood favorite of mine). For the dinner the only things added would be something like peppers, garlic, mushrooms or broccoli.What you're really wondering is what's in the smoothie? Well I think this is the secret to all of the energy I had, despite consuming less and working out more. Here are a few smoothies I would make:

Smoothie 1:
- Raw Spinach (handful)
- Fresh Strawberries (handful)
- Frozen Mixed Berry Fruit (handful)
- Yogurt (full container)
- Peanut Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Cranberry Juice (arbitrary, depending on your thickness preference)
- Dash of Cinnamon

Smoothie 2:
- Fresh Strawberries (handful)
- Fresh Blueberries (handful)
- Yogurt (full container)
- 1/2 Fresh Avocado
- Peanut Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Grapefruit Juice (arbitrary, depending on your thickness preference)
- Dash of Cinnamon

Smoothie 3:
- Raw Kale (handful)
- 1 banana
- Fresh Strawberries (handful)
- Fresh Blueberries (handful)
- Yogurt (full container)
- Peanut Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Orange Juice (arbitrary, depending on your thickness preference)
- Dash of Cinnamon

You notice that the common ingredients are strawberries, yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon. They all have different benefits from energy to digestive aiding, which is why they were in every smoothie. Now, I don't want to give the impression that I was a diet and workout saint. I wasn't. I had wine, scotch, and liquor, but I absolutely gave up beer and my liquor combinations replaced coke with ginger ale (a practice I kept). And I did skip 3 workouts due to travel in the middle of my plan. But it's important to stick to whatever your plan is as much as possible.

Hopefully this plan and diet will aide someone else to shed some fat and pounds that they are looking to get rid of. If you can train yourself to run for distance, endure the workouts on the running off days and stomach the diet you'll find that you have more energy, stamina (yep!) and a better body. I can't count the times that someone has said to me that past month, "You've lost weight?" - yes they question their own eyes. And I simply reply, "Yes, intentionally." The next phase is to gain 5-7 pounds back through weight lifting (muscle). Feel free to comment with questions, comments or your experience if you try this plan (or your variety of it). Good luck to us all!

The Best and Worst of 2012

Although I skipped this in 2011, I wanted to renew this annual posting this year and blogging again in general. 2012 was a very transitional year for me; and a year with lessons and losses. Here's hoping for a 2013 full of positiveness and progress. Without further ado, The Best and Worst of 2012...

Worst of 2012

#3: Do Unto Others...
I try to assume that the good in people drives the actions made by people. I also still believe in the goodness in humanity despite the many, many times I have been disappointed by reality. That believe, rather that trust, is stronger for the people in my life that I care about. So it was with great shock and surprise when two people I talked about and proudly presented as my "best friends" treated someone I cared about, and me, in a manner that was equally as biased as it was insensitive. Frankly the actions (and in-actions) were cowardly and disrespectful, to be blunt. I didn't expect much from the person who was essentially the stranger in the incident, but I expected a lot more integrity and adult-like behavior from those who weren't strangers. Those who know about the situation have chalked it up to everything from jealousy to immaturity. I simply say that life goes on.

#2: In The Blink of An Eye
It is a sound and an image that I will never forget. It is a night that I will vividly remember for a long, long time. After a fund raiser with brothers from my fraternity, some of us were standing outside doing what we do; chatting it up and sharing a laugh. Three teens walked past us, full of life, and proceeded to cross a 6 lane grass-divided road. I watched as they ran from the sidewalk to the grass median. I then, for a split second, glanced away. In that moment I heard a sound that I will never forget. I turned back in time to see the body of one of the teens come to rest on the road. My instinct was to run across that same road to her side, along with one of my other frat brothers. I knew immediately that this young innocent soul was in a grave condition. Whether at the scene, in route to or at the hospital, the young teen unfortunately passed away that night. I had a hard time sleeping for a few days after that as I'm sure her friends and family did and may still do. May she Rest In Peace.

#1: #44 Forever
If I thought about it, I could list out the number of people I've met in my life who are genuinely good people; always looking out for others, always laughing and enjoying life, and are generally a great friend. That describes Walt Tidman. I've known Walt for about 10 years, since we began playing on the same flag football team. Despite us not playing on the same team, we kept in contact; especially when I lived closer to Northeast Philly and the suburbs. Since I moved south of the city we hadn't hung out much, but we still talked outside of football. He had a memorable laugh that was unmistakable. During the September month, when I had three weddings to attend in 5 weeks, I was unable to play in any games for our team. The weekend of the 2nd wedding, I was in North Carolina just finishing up a bite to eat before getting ready for the wedding, when my phone rings. It was Walt. I answered the phone jokingly saying, "You know I can't play this weekend. I'm in North Carolina.". He replied as he always did when I told him I couldn't play because of my traveling, "You're an asshole.", and then he'd let out one of his laughs. But then he said, "I know man. I was just seeing how you were doing.". We talked for about 10 minutes or so and then I would see him at our next game. I couldn't have imagined that would be the last time I would see him alive. A little while later, just 4 days after the unfortunate incident noted in the #2 Worst Moment of 2012 above, he would pass away after collapsing on the field where he did what he loved to do; play football on Sundays. It wasn't a text I expected to get from him that Monday morning, which turned out to be from his wife. I expected to hear how the team did the day before, but instead I read words that instantly shot tears down my face. He always greeted me with the biggest hug and laugh. I learned from a few who knew him better than I did that he always talked about me with such high regard and thought so highly of me. Even today is sends chills through me and brings tears to my eyes just thinking about that. It's something I never knew, nor did I need to know for us to be friends. He was a special man and a good friend. Carrying his casket was one of the most heart wrenching things I've ever had to do, because it felt like I was doing something so premature; so unreal. I'll never forget his youngest daughter saying, "Goodnight Daddy..." at the grave site  In that moment, my ability to compose myself was completely defeated. I'll miss my friend; his laugh, him rumbling on a football field and his unique way of jokingly calling me an asshole.

Best of 2012

#3: The Body is Truly a Machine
This could have easily been the honorable mention for Worst Moment of 2012, but it is also the #3 Best Moment of 2012. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love football; I love watching it, I love attending games and mostly, I love playing games. So when I had my first opportunity to play in a shore football tournament around the 4th of July, I decided to do it. I expected to be a little tired afterward, but I didn't anticipate getting just 2 hours sleep the night before, driving over 2 hours and then playing 5 games. When I say I was exhausted, I mean I was exhausted. I got home, showered and promptly crashed. While this doesn't sound like a great day, it actually was for me. I was able to play pretty well and survive. Although we lost in the Championship game, it was fun and my girl got to finally see me play.

#2: Oh Cancun
A much needed break from things was needed when Cancun came around. My girlfriend and I spent a few days in Cancun getting some sun, sharing some laughs, touring the ruins, getting some crappy service.....and growing closer all at the same time. We came back from that vacation with renewed energy for our relationship and a more positive outlook on it. Despite a not always good time in Cancun, we had a good time together and I'm looking forward to the trips we take in the future.

#1 You Go Girls!
While this post is supposed to be about me, and it pretty much is, it's also about my most and least favorite experiences throughout the year. Both my sister and my girlfriend have successful organizations/companies (www.womenstillstanding.org and www.teresesydonna.com, respectively). My sister held two Cigar & Stilettos events this year and my girlfriend had 3 fashion shows that I attended, which were all successful. I am extremely happy for both of them and proud of their successes! Experiencing their unique success was the best moment(s) of my 2012. I look forward to more success for them in the future.

Honorable Mention:
All the Boys: Having dinner with my brothers and my cousin Jamir and then also walking around a mall with my testosterone laced brothers, nephew and cousin was hilarious! We have to do that again!
Navy-Army: It's always a blast when my brothers from other mothers Eric, Darren and I get together. This years Navy-Army game was no exception. We had a blast and Navy won! We then went back to my place, had cigars, drank a little and watched the Heisman broadcast. A great time with great friends.

I look forward to more fun and happy times in 2013, my 35th year :-)

The Paradox called Love

I haven't posted in a long, long time, but I felt the need to share this thought I found on love, compatibility and understanding oneself. Thoughts?

"In this entire world, there might be 5 potentially compatible mates for each of us. So part of finding the right person is being the right person (for them).

Out of those 5 potentials we might love one more than any other, which then presents a different dilemma. Did we truly love the first one? Then of course we start to second guess ourselves and everything goes pear shaped. That can't be any better than the original predicament.

It just seems so paradoxical sometimes.

A different perspective (some call it a paradigm shift).

In mature love relationships, we know (after doing deep meaningful soul searching) that love is a gift that we have to offer, and we negotiate with a potential partner to have this love returned, and to grow together as a couple. Thus, my present theory that people don't fall in love, they grow in love. To me there is a significant difference. Falling in love (as a concept) is different in that people 'outgrow' certain types of relationships. In the beginning, she says she is falling in love with you, and when it is over, she says she has outgrown the relationship. She says she doesn't need you any more. They have confused dependency needs with romantic love. So, in reflection, when she originally said she was falling in love with you, I would hear her saying she needs you. And that's not a bad thing, it is like any other experience, an opportunity to learn about ourselves and to grow as a person.

Every relationship we have brings us back to ourselves, it gives us this chance to learn more about ourselves and to grow as a person. That gives us an awareness that we, in fact, have more to offer our next potential partner. But of course, we are still on a quest to find that 'one true love'.

One philosopher said when we discover our one true love, it's like we have discovered ourselves. The first person we see in a relationship, is ourselves, reflected in our one true love, and they see themselves in us. In Greek Mythology, this is the story of the Androgynes.

There needs to be congruency and people should resolve issues before they can honestly hope to have a meaningful relationship. Make yourself as transparent as possible in relationships if you truly hope to find true love."

I think the author (with a few adjustments on my own) hits the nail on the head; especially about falling in love.

Best and Worst of 2010

Much like last year, as the year wound down, I began to think about the things - good and bad - that happened this year. This year was hectic for me with tons of travelling, many early am drives into the sunrise and thousands of laughs shared (and volumes of alcohol consumed). I can honestly say that, by far, I travelled more this year than any one year in my life. But I'm happy to say I've met so many wonderful and equally entertaining people hopping all over this country and I have memories that I wont soon forget.

Last years edition of this now annual post, I gave my outlook for this year. It was more centered on the companionship that sometimes was lacking in my life. I remarked, "Not that there is an active search for love, there is always a willingness for opportunity." I think the year I had provided me with a willingness, but not necessarily a commitment to opportunities; with perhaps one situation which went terribly wrong - we'll discuss later.

So here I am looking forward to 2011. What's my outlook? Mostly I see more time spent at home. I spent a lot of time away from home and therefore didn't do the things I love to do with any regularity and consistency; such as cooking, housework and spending time with some of my closest friends and my family. I also see me looking towards my future; whether it be relationships I have now that either need to be removed or solidified, investments I have or need to make, or better decision making I need to have. My motto for 2011 is going to be: "Work Hard. Play Harder. Live Smarter". As "The Year of Jabaar" (my 33rd birthday) approaches, I feel that I need to get more mature in certain parts of my life - Develop the sky hook. Don't always take the easy and comfortable path and simply dunk the ball. One thing for certain, 2011 is going to be another fun year and I'm looking forward to all it has to offer!

Without any further delay, my best and worst moments of 2010!

Top 4 Worst Moments of 2010

4. All Good Things...
The final episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation was named "All Good Things"; symbolic of the the end of another Star Trek series. For almost a decade, through my adolescence, millions of fans tuned in to watch Captain Picard, Ryker, Worf, Data and others travel the galaxy seeking out "new life and new civilizations", each week. "The Trusty Grill" reminds me of that series. Every tailgate for almost a decade the "Grill-to-Go" grill packed up in the trunk of my car and make tailgating memories that many will never forget. From ice cold cooking in Pittsburgh, to sizzling in the rain at Penn State, to a parking lot in St. Louis and finally the last grill 15 minutes away at the Linc in Philly, the grill has never failed to lite, and remains one of the most durable and rewarding purchases of my life. Next year I'm upgrading to a new grill; it's time. But the next grill has a long, long time and a lot to prove before it will ever be considered truly an upgrade.

3. The hardest hit is the one you don't see coming
I have, unfortunately, had the unpleasant pleasure of living through many disappointments in my life. If you've known me long enough and have gotten to know the core of who I am, and more importantly, why I am who I am today, you've heard the story of one or many of those disappointments. This year I would experience another disappointment in the form of losing someone I once considered my best friend, confidant, and even my future. Whether due to my lack of proper communication or their misinterpretation (one would say that the only words misunderstood are the ones not properly communicated) a conversation where I intended to open myself up to the possibilities of a future turned into a misunderstanding. Following that unfortunate conversation true feelings would be revealed causing my switch to be flipped - if you know about my switch, you understand it triggers a very sharp cut away from my life. A disappointing end to something that at one point was a great thing.

2. All Alone
During the time I lived with my Dad, I lived in a house full of men with varying personalities. When I say that I've absorbed some of the traits from that house would be an understatement. From learning how to talk to women, to how to drink liquor, to living a humble, respectful life, the lessons I learned in that house are deeply within me. Over the years the men in that house have passed on, one by one. They were all my great uncles; my fathers uncles from a litter of 13 brothers and sisters. This year, a different house because my dad had moved, left just my dad and my great uncle Johnny. I could see that Johnny was there more every time I visited my dad. He was a walker and loved his "handle" of liquor, so he would walk from south Philly to center city almost daily to go to his favorite liquor store - as store where he made friends over the years. But over the course of about a month leg pains led to blood clots which led to hospitalization. At first there was treatment and the hope that he was going to be fine. Then I spoke to my dad and I could hear Johnny in the background sounding normal-ish (he was sober which sounded slightly off from his normal self lol). That very next day he would pass. It would be then that my dad would tell me the reason he was up and talking is because the doctors had decided there was nothing more they could do and they gave him weeks to live. He lasted one day. When I visit my dad, he is definitely missed.

1. 4 days and 4 nights
It's a bit of a running joke now; "I heard you lost 15 pounds?". It's true. This year I lost 15 pounds....in 4 days. I've gotten strep throat before; many times in fact. But never strep and another virus at the same time. For 4 horrible, and secretly scary days (I'm not one to ask for help or go to the hospital for that matter unless forced) my body fought off arguable the worst sickness I've ever had in my life. I sweat profusely in my sleep and could only eat yogurt and apple sauce and could barely get any liquids down my throat. When it was all said and done I had shed 15 pounds and was back down to my college football playing weight days. If there is a positive, I lost virtually all fat from my abdomen - great for a 6-pack. However, I would not recommend this as a diet for anyone.

Top 5 Best Moments of 2010 (and 2 honorable mentions)

Honorable Mention #2: Boston Trip
Two of my best friends, Don & Julie, and I went up to Boston to attend a Sports Analytics conference. From the never ending alarm clock, to strip blackjack (not with my best friends lol) there were many laughs and memories from that weekend.

Honorable Mention #1: We call it, "The Speedo"
If you know anything about me, you know that you won't find my picture anywhere near the word "embarrass" in the dictionary. Agreeing each year to do something(s) for my best friend Julie's birthday, I agreed to wear a speedo. Little did they (or I) know that I would enjoy it so much. Yes, it felt unexpectedly good. Yes I got to walk around Aruba with basically underwear on. But the best thing about wearing them was the reaction of the people as I walked around the resort or floated around the lazy river. It may just become a sunny beach weather normal for me ;-)

5. Window Seat
I've been to a few concerts in my life, and want to get to more. I heard that Erykah Badu was going to be at the Tower earlier this year and marked the date tickets were going on sale. I stalked a computer and bought tickets as soon as they went on sale, scoring 2nd row tickets. My best friend Darren and I went to the concert (He loves her so much he would probably kill someone if she asked him too lol). The concert and opening acts were amazing! Towards the end of the concert Badu came down off of the stage and walked around and danced mere feet from us in our section. I definitely will be going to her concerts in the future.

4. If I Have My Way
My sister and I have been very close since we were conscious of each other. I love my sister more than anything. She's my motivation to do good in this life. But despite the fact that we live 10 minutes from each other, we can go stretches where we don't see each other; and we hardly hang out, socially, together. So when I had an extra ticket for the Chrisette Michele concert, she was the first person I thought of. Despite spending so much time talking and laughing at dinner and missing the opening of the concert, we had one of those great brother-sister moments that I cherish. I look forward to more in 2011.

3a & 3b. THIS is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I love football - love it and miss playing it. I also love watching it live. With all of the trips I had this year for football games, two stood out as at the top of the list not only for the games, but also the fun and memories I have.
3a - #1 Ohio State @ Wisconsin and Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers: This Saturday, Sunday combo of games featured a game where #1 OSU lost to Wisconsin after one of the best pre-game experiences of my life and a visit to Lambeau field in Green Bay. Even though the Packers lost, this was a great weekend of fun!
3b - Georgia - Florida Game -aka- "The Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party": I could end this by stating that I, with very little help, went through half a bottle of 1800 Tequila (about 325ml) in about 3 hours lol. It is truly one of the most amazing college football sites to see. It truly is a ginormous cocktail party with some of the funniest and craziest people I have ever had the pleasure of being around. A ridiculously good time.

2. And Another One Bites the Dust
"The Crew" as I call us consist of 4 of my closest and best friends; TCarew, A1, Nitty and Discooooo Dave...just go with it lol. When the crew started we were all unmarried and some single. Over the years Nitty, then A1 and finally this year, TCarew tied the knot; leaving me as the sole unmarried crewman in the bunch. So with a wedding comes the Bachelor Party and the Wedding. If I have to compare how much fun I had I would rate the Bachelor Party a 9.9 and the Wedding a 10....out of 5. It's always good to see what love produces and my boy TCarew definitely deserves the beautiful and loving wife he has. Those two events were off the hook fun!

1. Say it Ain't a No-No!
My brotha from another motha Eric and I have seen some things over the year, both sports and non-sports related. We saw the Phillies win the World Series together. We saw Larry Fitzgerald play and much more. But in the playoffs this year we got to see something that only some thousands can say they saw live-in person. We saw Doc Halladay throw a playoff no-hitter! It's a moment much like watching the final strike in the World Series a few years ago, but different. The Phillies may very well win the World Series next year, but a no-no in the playoffs may never happen again; or at least wont happen for a very long time. In the list of many, many memories Eric and I have together, this one is pretty high up there.

Here's to a great 33 for me, a relaxing conclusion to 2010 and an amazing 2011, not just for me but for all my friends and family (near and far).....

Tough Love Vol. I - Issue I

This is the introductory issue of Tough Love. Periodically I'll voice my opinion on an issue as if I had a sit down with a person or a group and cleared the air about a hot and/or troubling topic. I invite comments and only ask for respectful conversation at all times. Your perception is that of a fly on the wall in the room. Agree, disagree, or simply fly away...

Today, we sit down with President Obama...

Mr. President, I'm not going to tell you how to do your job because I'm not ignorant enough to think that somehow, despite less information, I know more than you know. Howeva (channelling my inner Stephen A. Smith), I'd implore you to consider the following through the remaining 3 or 7 years you have as President of these United States:

I'm a genuinely nice guy. People tell me that I am nice and I believe that I, sometimes unfortunately, try to always consider the needs of others with and even at times ahead of my own. I get it. It's good to be the nice person, the one who has and extends the olive branch. It warms the heart and restores the beliefs of many who simply feel that humanity has lost the human side. So I say what I am about to say with hesitation and concern for the action it represents.

Screw them!

Screw the Republicans!

Screw the Democrats!

Screw the Independents!

Screw them all!!!!...

Putting myself in your shoes, I would do what I believe is right for this country. Former President Bush did it, former President Clinton did it and many before him. They all faced scrutiny, resistance - and much like today - blatant sabotage. If it were me, I'd rather be hated for standing up for my beliefs and my good heart than be loved for compromise and giving into what I believe is wrong. There are many in this country (as proved and recorded in history as votes) who believe in what you ran on - changing that district and putting faith back into the American people that their elected representatives are actually doing, without prejudice or malice, what's best for them; that their government is doing what's best for them and that their President is, most of all, doing what's best for them. There comes a time when so-called bi-partisanship needs to be called what it is and agendas made public. Enough with trying to work with people based on false assurances of support and genuine cooperation. As the old saying goes, "if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself".

Mr. President, I'd rather not one single piece of legislation gets passed during your administration if that means that every single corrupt, pocket lining snake in DC is outed for everyone to see. That, Mr. President, will change Washington. Make everyone accountable starting with you, down to the ultimate scum - the lobbyists. Expose the backhanded bargaining, the zeros in the bank accounts, the fancy dinners and other voting-inspiring-perks. I'd rather clean up Washington over the next three (or seven) years and get nothing done if it means our future, our children, will have a government that is truly "of the people by the people and for the people".

Now I know, I'm asking for not just change; but ginormous change. I'm asking you personally to make a magnitude of enemies, here and abroad. I'm asking you to do what I don't have the power to do. I would have not a moment of hesitation doing this myself, but ironically this exceeds my pay grade. I had a choice on who I thought could do this, and I chose you over "the other guy" because I shared many of your beliefs. But I have to say Mr. President, I'm disappointed in you.

I'm disappointed in the fact that it appears that you want to let the process of change happen naturally instead of making change happen. You want to walk plank by newly laid plank across that bridge instead of leading America over the bridge that you built. You want help for a one man job. Let me stress that; this is a one man job. And it saddens and concerns me because I wonder if you have what it takes to make the sacrifice that's needed to pull this country out of the black hole that is that small district to the south of me.....the ultimate sacrifice I'm referring to, is you. And what I am referring to is the other you; the antithesis of your public image needs to become who you are. Compromise and blind-eyes wont work. No longer can you act on your beliefs that if you show those in D.C. that you are truly trying to do what's best, they - on both sides of the aisle - will experience an epiphany and suddenly realize what's bringing this country down; their own actions. With all due respect, that's not going to happen! What it will take is a non negotiable bull-like leader who exposes those who are deceitful, who line their pockets, who simply say "No" because they are merely cattle following the herd, who don't have the interests of the people as their #1, #2 and #3 priority in Washington. That sacrifice, Mr. President, will make enemies out of friends and bring forth even more hatred from those who already hate you. But in order to really bring about change, change you must.....

5 facts to support why the Eagles offensive philosophy needs to change if they are to ever win it all

Now to some of you, this may sound like a broken record that has been crazy-glued back together and broken again a few dozen times. It's understandable that some people believe that a pass happy offense that devalues the running game can win the super bowl; the crown jewel, and to this point the one thing that has escaped all Eagles teams to date, of the NFL. Actually, no it's not understandable. Its downright insane that with all the evidence year after year after year after year that in order to win the big game your team needs to be able to run and control the ball when it matters, people still insist that it's ok if the Eagles simply don't have one; or at least have a threatening one.

So, here are five facts, statistically backed, that support the argument that a running game is essential:

1. Last 10 Super Bowl Winners
- 2008: Steelers (9th) – Eagles 17th
- 2007: Giants (8th) – Eagles 20th
- 2006: Colts (18th) – Eagles 27th
- 2005: Steelers (1st) – Eagles 30th
- 2004: Patriots (5th) – Eagles 31st
- 2003: Patriots (12th) – Eagles 25th
- 2002: Buccs (23rd) – Eagles 5th
- 2001: Patriots (8th) – Eagles 23rd
- 2000: Ravens (5th) – Eagles 24th
- 1999: Rams (15th) – Eagles 19th

Look at the exceptions to being a top 15 rushing attempt team. In 2006 Peyton Manning chose to pass. He gets two running plays and a pass play to decide from every play. However, he used the running game in the second half of the SB to put it away. Peyton chose to pass, but the Colts could run the ball. In 2002 it didn’t matter what the offense did. All Brad Johnson was asked to do is not lose the game. The Buccs Defense was insane. Hence the reason we lost to them that year in the playoffs. Also, notice that we finished 5th that year. That was the year Donovan was hurt in the Arizona game and we were forced to go with Koy (until he broke his arm) and AJ Feeley.

2. Rushing Attempts

So lets look at the rank for the final four teams with a chance to make it to the Superbowl:

Jets (1st)

Saints (t-7th)

Vikings (9th)

Colts (31st)

EAGLES (28th)

I argue that the Colts have a system and quarterback in place that gets them wins against virtually every bad and average team and most good teams. Also they're defense gets teams off of the field. But the overriding thing (that I'll prove later) is that the Colts get more quality possessions (i.e. they run on thirds and short to get the first down) and extend drives where the Eagles don't because they pass so much. 3 of the 4 teams remaining are in the top 10 just ATTEMPTING to run the ball.

3. Time Of Possession

The old adage is "you can't score if you don't have the ball". This is one of the biggest areas the Eagles don't see eye to eye with facts on. They are like the one juror who insists the opposite of every other juror despite overwhelming evidence. Again, take the final four teams in the playoffs this year and look at the time of possession rankings.:

Vikings (4th)

Jets (7th)

Saints (11th)

Colts (31st)

EAGLES (28th)

Now, some may say, "Well look at the Colts. They don't need the ball much." That would be a shallow and small picture way of looking at the Colts. I looked at the two best passing defenses (yards/game) they faced this year -Tennessee (2nd), Seattle (3rd) - and the two closest games they had this year which happened to be against the 2nd and 3rd worst passing defenses they faced this year -Baltimore (24th) & New England (21st) respectively. Looking at the Seattle and Tennessee games that occurred weeks 4 and 5, respectively you will find that the Colts, against 2 of the top three passing defenses in the league won easily. If you focus on the time of possession rankings of these two teams, they finished 32nd (last) and 25th respectively. Against the Seahawks the Colts ran 22 times averaging 3.5 yards and against the Titans 21 times for 4.3 yards; losing the TOP battle both games by 3 and 7 minutes respectively. Imagine if the Colts had the Eagles philosophy and passed more? That's insane! Against the 24th and 21st passing defenses the Colts only won by 2 and 1 point respectively. Why? Look at the average rushing attempts ranking of the two teams (t-7th and 10th respectively). The Ravens attempted 31 rushes and won the TOP battle by 5 minutes, where the Patriots attempted 28 rushes and won the TOP battle by a whopping 10 minutes.

Bottom line, you can be the best passing team ever, but if you don't have the ball, you can't score.

4. Take This Away

Just because you get a lot of turnovers, it doesn't mean you do a lot with it. Of the four finalist this year, here is the turnover +/- rankings:

Saints +11 (3rd)

Vikings +6 (9th)

Colts +2 (14th)

Jets +1 (17th)

EAGLES +15 (2nd)

Yay!!! The Eagles are better than all four finalist for the Superbowl this year!! Whoo Hooo!! Oh wait, so why aren't we one of the four finalists then? Well consider this; the Eagles had more passing touchdowns than only the Jets and less rushing touchdowns than each of the four finalists. Also, only the Jets had fewer extra points made and the Eagles had more field goals made than all four teams despite leading the four in the turnover margin. So what does that mean? It equates to quality drives. You can get all the turnovers you want but the other teams scores touchdowns while if the Eagles scored at all, they were more likely to kick a field goal. 13-0 and 21-0 are completely different games. If you don't get quality drives, you aren't going to score. Quality drives start with my last point.

5. Can't stay on the field

You can argue that if a defense can't get off of the field, they aren't going to be very successful. Well the same can be said for an offense that can't stay on the field. The 3rd down conversion percentage and ranking of the final four teams is as follows:

Colts 49% (1st)

Vikings 45% (5th)

Saints 45% (6th)

Jets 37% (20th)

EAGLES 36% (23rd)

These are the teams that the Eagles are better than - Lions, Seahawks, Browns, Buccs, Rams, 49ers, Raiders, Chiefs and, dead last, the Bills. See any commonality here? Not a single playoff team below the Eagles and other than the Jets, the other three teams are in the top 6. If you are pass happy to the point where you pass more than any team on 3rd and 1 and have that horrendous conversion percentage, guess what? You're aren't going to win games that matter.

Here is my suggestion to Andy Reid. I don't care who your quarterback is (because the quarterback isn't the problem - the philosophy is) run the ball 7-9 times more a game and improve the defensive line so that you don't have to blitz to get pressure and you will win the Superbowl. The linebackers are young (once you retire Trot - sorry bro but you can't cover me right now and we need someone that can be on the field in any situation at middle linebacker) and the secondary, with the addition of a quality nickle back (please cut Hanson. Please!) the defense will return to its dominating glory.

To recap:

1. Offensive Philosophy - Run More

2. Offensive Philosophy - Run More

3. Improve the Defensive Line

4. Middle Linebacker

5. Nickle back

While it's great to be the "Gold Standard" at something, I want to remind you that the most coveted trophy in professional football is made of sterling silver; and its worth a whole heck of a lot more to the city of Philadelphia.