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.

Best and Worst of 2009

During one of my daydreams this morning I started to replay my 2009 in my head. I decided to try to come up with a top 5 best and worst things that happened this year for me. I thought long and hard about what highlighted, both good and bad, my 2009. I came up with 6 good things and 4 bad things; and the 4th bad thing is a stretch. I can honestly say that 2009 was full of many, many good times, few awkward moments, and even fewer bad moments. I've gained friends, met wonderful and sometimes amazing people and have a renewed sense of individuality that I haven't had in many years.

2010 (my 2010 outlook will be coming soon) looks to be a year of transition for me. As the life of a bachelor plays out, you come to notice that the very few down, unplanned moments of my life feel empty at times. At times, companionship is the missing piece to complete happiness. While not necessarily a requirement the personal connection, or bond, with another person is unrivaled when compared to similar possibilities of sharing with another person; I'm talking about love. My philosophy has always been, and most recently reinforced, that "Love will find you. There really isn't a need to go looking for it." But just as romance is about the possibility of love, the possibility of love is not without the opportunity for romance. Which is probably why I meet people seemingly everywhere I go. Not that there is an active search for love, but that there is always a willingness for opportunity. 2010 will be a year of opportunity. But that's a topic for another day. Without further delay, my best and worst moments of 2009!

Top 4 Worst Moments of 2009

4. A Misplace Step
When relationships end sometimes things are returned, personal possessions reclaimed and each person goes there own separate ways. This is not typically how things play out with me. I remain friends, or at least special day (birthdays & holidays) social with every ex I've had since college. It's just how things seems to be. One particular item from my last relationship was misplaced. In my "I haven't seen it in a few months" frantic search in my attic, I took a step between the beams and placed a perfect hole through my bedroom ceiling, sending a crack shooting in multiple directions. No, I still haven't found it or fixed the ceiling yet. 2010...2010...

3. Ice Water in the Face
There comes a moment in your life when it seems like nothing can go wrong; your bank account looks obese, your personal life is flying high and your professional life is buzzing. You've got nothing to complain about. And then one fateful night your perfect little world stops spinning (or maybe it was spinning too much). And suddenly you find yourself doing something you rarely do (or at least it rarely negatively impacts your life), make a mistake. For the most part, my actions are deliberate and controlled, my reactions reserved and my world relatively peaceful. Every so often I find that I lose track of the Enjoyment of Life / Out of Control ratio and it gets too close to a 1:1 ratio; which is not good. On this night not only did I make a mistake, that actually was something I look at as a positive, that ratio was so bad that I didn't even realize it until days later.

2. A Farewell Concert
We all know that death is simply apart of life. I've have the unfortunate claim to having attended more funerals in my life than years alive. It's not a good life stat to have. This year one of my cousins, Lil Bobby, passed as a result of brain cancer. He kept it from just about everyone until the impact of having it was too obvious to hide. During what otherwise was a routine good day I received a text from one of my cousins telling me that he had been rushed to the hospital and subsequently transported to a hospice; and we all know what that means. By the time I arrived at the hospice all of my family had already left. For the next few hours I spent at the bedside of my heavily sedated cousin, a cousin who had seen me go from a young kid to a grown man, talking to him and eventually just sitting there playing the "Relax" playlist on my iPhone silent and listening. As I left I told him that everything was going to be ok and that I was happy to have had the moments we had together; and also to tell his father, who passed a few years ago, I said hello. It would turn out that I would be the last person to see him. Less than 12 hours later, he passed away. I decided not to attend his funeral. The effects of cancer had taken enough of a toll on him to where he weighed less than 100 pounds. Post mortem changes were not something I was interested in seeing. At the time of the start of his funeral, I closed my eyes and had a moment of recalling the good memories we had. That was a better way to remember him to me.

1. 45 Minutes of Nothing
The day for me was like many other days since I started taking Septa to work; early rise, a little less than 2 hour commute and an arrival at work at 8:56. At 8:58 that day my world stopped. I received a call from my aunt telling me that my uncle, someone I talk to practically every day, was in the hospital because he had discomfort in his back and chest around 4 that morning. Less than two days before, he along with a good number of my family had all been at my house for a Labor Day BBQ and great times. Less than 48 hours ago there was no indication that this day was coming. As I listened on the phone, it took about 10 minutes before I realized that this wasn't a typical trip to the ER. Ten minutes in I realized that at that very moment my uncle was not alive. That moment, or minute, in time would be one of 45 minutes that my uncle would be technically dead. ER doctors and nurses performed an amazing feat to not only stabilize him to fly him to a different hospital for emergency surgery, but to not give up. 45 minutes is a long time for anything; running on a treadmill, walking in the cold, good (or bad) sex, waiting for food when you're hungry. 45 minutes and 7, yes 7, shocks later he was stable and on a life saving helicopter ride. For me my world stopped but for my uncle, for 45 minutes, his world ceased to exist. The recovery and the medical treatment to get him back to his feisty self can only be described as amazing. There are things I didn't know you could do to the human body that I now know you can do. As this was the worst event for me in 2009, the outcome was probably the best.

Top 5 Best Moments of 2009 (and 1 honorable mention)

Honorable Mention: Myrtle Beach

For the past two years my golf club has gone to Myrtle Beach for a few days of golf and good times. This year was full of tons of laughter, great golf and lots of clubbin. I can't wait for this years trip.

5. Labor of love
One thing I love to do from spring to fall is barbecue. Labor Day, my family came over to eat some good food, have some good fun and share many, many laughs. It was also the first time I had seen my youngest brother since he was a toddler. It was an amazing day. The only downside was losing a water fight with my little cousins after dominating them early. They decided to get smart and turn off the water supply to the hose. I was left defenseless; it was a massacre after that. To say I was exhausted after all that cooking and fun would be an understatement.

4. Chillin Weekend
If you know me, then you know that once Labor Day passes it's hit and miss (usually miss) trying to plan anything with me on the weekends before December. I'm simply all over the place, from Penn State games to Navy games to Phillies games to vacations; I'm a tough guy to get a hold of. Two weekends ago one of my best friends came down (or over) to hang out for the weekend. Friday night would be a trip to the Sixers game. He surprised me with court side seats to watch one of my favorite players of all time, Allen Iverson (I call him AI) up close. A bonus would be DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin sitting right in front of us most of the game. Saturday would be the Army-Navy game. From the 8am tailgate to passing out watching Blood and Bone it was a day full of good times and good fun. New and Old friends joined us for the tailgate and game and back at my place for more food and good times. The cap would be the Villanova-Temple game Sunday afternoon. As if we couldn't have a better weekend, we got to watch Temple shoot the lights out and upset a then undefeated Nova team. Eric and I have seen many games, had many tailgates and plenty of good times before this weekend. But this weekend sits easily among the best experiences we've had together.

3. Favrelujah!
A second trip to Minnesota this year would be the second installment of the Big 10 Tour that myself and my best friend Julie started last year. This year timed perfectly as we saw the Wisconsin Badgers - Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday after a surprisingly great "tailgate" at a local bar and then stayed for the Monday Night Packers - Vikings game. We even squeezed in a Christening on Sunday. But we had so much fun the entire weekend, and you couldn't ask for better company especially on Saturday LOL. I look forward to Wisconsin next year and the 5th quarter :-)

2. It's Your Birthabirthary, yeah...
I've been to Aruba before. The last time was over a year ago. I've been to Atlanta before. I was eight. It was undoubtedly the best 10 day period of 2009 for me, yet its just the 2nd best moment of the year; 2.7% of my year and yet only #2. But man was it an awesome 10 days. First Aruba provided daily laughter, great food, amazing sun, well made drinks, my typical one night of meal-skipping-inebriation and, what is becoming a frequent part of my travelling, a bobcat attack. But the best part has to be the on camera display of my lack of easy humiliation. That's right, karaoke. It started with "Fergalicious", moved on to "Stand By Your Man", then "My Heart Will Go On", mixed in some "Rump Shaker" and was capped off with "Anniversary" by Tony! Toni! Toné!. A few bars into the song I was reminded that this was about an anniversary, so I changed the word to "Birthabirthary" and walked about the bar singing with the other people whose birthday it was in addition to my best friend Julie. Gotta love tequila :-)....I flew from Aruba to Atlanta to meet up with my best friend Darren for our yearly Eagles Road Trip, and also to get together with my cousin who lives there. To say that the weekend was amazing is minimizing how much fun my cousin and I had and also Darren and I had. I don't think I was asleep before 4 any night I was there because my cousin has to be one of the few people I know who can party like I like to do; all night. And the game against the Falcons, ha! That was an emotional and amazing sight. I cried. I literally cried because that building was so full of emotion for the return of Vick. The love in that place was abundant and intentional. And the Eagles won, which is always a good thing. It was just 10 days out of the 365 1/4 days that made up my 2009. But these 10 days are days I will never forget.

1. Brotherly Love
A day of fun with siblings is always a good thing. A day of fun with siblings who had not all been together in the same place at the same time in almost 20 years is a great thing. A Friday late in the summer, my sister and my two younger brothers, with my nephew, all headed to Great Adventure in Jersey for a day of sibling (and nephew) fun. You just can't imagine the feelings that rush through you when it hits you that you are sharing a moment that you couldn't image happening a year ago. Although the skies opened late that afternoon and sent us running for cover and cut short our amusement, we all had a great time hanging out together and later eating pizza at my place. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say a joyful smile is a never ending story.

Here's to a great conclusion to 2009 and an amazing 2010, not only for me but for all of my friends (near and far) and family....

Top 10 Instant Replay Needs

Instant Replay, a game changer in the NFL; avoided by simply going no huddle and running any play you can think of. A necessary part of football with so many bodies flying around and the impossibility of seeing everything. It works in the NFL because its use it intended to fix the ultimate wrongs; mistakes that can change the outcome of the game. But what about other sports? What about parts of our lives where instant replay could be of great use? Here's my top 10 areas where instant replay should find a way to be implemented:

10. Down goes streaker!!! Down goes streaker!!!

Ever go to a game and suddenly your eyes are drawn to someone who had finally decided that now was the moment to run on the field. I understand the draw; in most states its only a misdemeanor - and really it should be on everyone's sports bucket list, right? But what is deserving of replay all the time is when the streaker is taken out by the security or a player who just stuck his shoulder out and just plants the guy (its usually a guy). The streaker is never some 345 pound guy who's agile. It's always some shirtless 140 pounder who zig zags his way for a few minutes until the inevitable "bam!" happens and the guy just gets rocked off his feet.

9. What goes around...

There are times that I advocate beating the crap out of children, be it publicly or privately; sometimes they simply deserve it. Especially when you see that one mean f*** who is blatantly disrespectful to their parents or picks on other kids. I love when the parent just has enough and snatches the kid so hard you thought you actually saw a trail of that kids life behind him for a second. Then the kid just gets it, and the tears start flowing. Its that face the kid makes just as he/she realizes that they are about to get jacked up that I love. And then the defeated, I just got my ass whooped, look on their face afterwards....ahhhhhh justice.

8. Walking used to be easy...

Ever just walk into something? A wall, a glass door (damn you Windex!) or better yet a screen door? I used to have a screen door on my back door to my house; the sliding kind. Not anymore, because people kept walking into it. I don't know how it happened so many times, but people would actually walk full stride into it. I thought about pinning a sign saying, "Screen in place!" so that it would stop, but the door got damaged before I could (yes by someone walking into it LOL). I remember having a conversation with someone through the door and they heard their cell ring. So they went running inside, right into the screen door. Oh I replay that one in my head sometimes just to see their face - the utter shock and temporary confusion about what to do next LOL

7. Watch your step!

Ok, so this may be the meanest of the top 10. Have you ever seen someone running across the street and just as they are about to jump up on the curb, gravity exerts its powerful influence, rendering the height they lifted their leg lacking of the required height necessary. What following is a symphony of chaos as they futilely try to stay upright: whoa-hoa-hoa-whhhoooaaa splat! Papers go flying, cell phones crashing, and they attempt to become gymnastically inclined by rolling into the fall only to make it worse. You, try your hardest to maintain calmness only to blow snot into your hand from trying not to laugh...

6. I swear officer! I swear!

Who hasn't been pulled over for running a light and tried telling the cop, "It was yellow when I went into the intersection"? Wouldn't it be nice if there was a frame by frame replay you could do, from your viewpoint, looking at the light? Obviously I'm not talking about the red light cameras at some intersections. I'm talking mini cameras mounted to your car. That way you can go, "see! it was yellow!". The obvious downside is if the replay is upheld and you did run it LOL.

5. Boom-Boom-POW!

Now I may lose half of my audience on this one, but there is something about a woman with strong legs and a serious power walk that just puts me in a trance. I'm talking the hips are rockin like a little man is sitting on her shoulders counting out a beat (1-2-3! 1-2-3! 1-2-3!) and another little man is closely following her just tapping each cheek, on that same beat, so that they ripple just enough and her shoulders flow like a see-saw revealing just a shadow of what you're missing by staring at her ass. It's like when Jeniffer Lopez walked to the door to let in Michael Keaton in "Out of Sight". Tear drop....tear drop...

4. You're outta here!

This probably happens 700 - 800 times a year. A runner slides into or runs to a base and is called out or safe and TV replay shows the opposite to be true. They introduced replays for home runs, why not the same for close plays at the plate at least, or all bases. If it can change the game, replay it.

3. How the hell did I get here...?

We've all had one of those nights where we wake up the next day thankful that we made it home. We've also had mornings where we woke up next to someone who didn't have the benefit of beer goggles anymore or had a voicemail from a friend saying how much of an ass we were the night before. Wouldn't it be nice if you could replay those nights to see if maybe the beast you woke up next to slipped you a mickey or if you really told your best friends fiance that he slept with someone else two weeks before when you were all hanging out? Or even better, how the liquid confidence got you that hottie you've been lusting after for months. File that one under, "Yeah, there's a captain in me too".

2. Oh my god!

Remember "What Women Want", staring Mel Gibson as the guy who can hear the thoughts of women (by the way I'd jump off a bridge, slitting my throat on the way down, if I could actually hear the insanity running through the mind of all women LOL)? There was a scene with Marisa Tomei (hottie!) where they have this amazing sex (in fact, she just keeps saying "Amazing!" after they are done) because he can hear how she wants it and where from her thoughts. Hopefully some of you have had mind shattering sex at least once, but preferably more than once. Wouldn't it be great to replay that instantly - and no I'm not talking about video taping it, although to each their own ;-). I know people who know me must be surprised that this is number 2, but it can't always be about the sexual experience with me :-P

1. Uncontrollable...

We all have those cherished moments when something happens so unexpected with family, friends, partners, etc; unexpected hilarious moments. One such moment happened with my dad this past weekend. I have never, ever seen my dad laugh uncontrollable. Ever. We were playing Taboo (great game if you've never played) and he was giving the clues to myself and my cousin (guys versus girls game). The word was snacks and so he said, "potato chips", over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again until time expired. Once we realized it was snacks, he said, "That's the only snack I eat!" and we all started cracking up. For some reason the more seconds that past, the funnier it got until we laughed uncontrollable for about 3 minutes. You have to know my dad to understand why uncontrollable laughter is just not something that he does. I get my laid back, controlled persona mainly from him. That's my number one reason to have replays in life. That's a moment that will replay in my head forever.

NBA Playoffs recap...

I like what's happening in this years playoffs. A great first round series with the Baby Bulls, the boring Spurs booted from the tournament and Ron Artest making Kobe miserable LOL

To me it comes down to this:

1. Houston is physical, in your face and, oh yeah, they actually can shoot.
2. Boston doesn't need home court to win a series. They lose it. They take it back. They win. (see '08)
3. When the Nuggets play defense, no team in the NBA can beat them. Their offense is that good.
4. The worst team in the playoffs right now is the Mavericks. I actually think Atlanta could beat them.
5. No series the rest of the way will be even close to as good as the Celts-Bulls series. We can only hope for a Cavs-Lakers or Cavs-Nuggets final. The story for the Celts getting there would be great, but they would probably get swept this year. And who cares about the other teams really? LOL
6. I'm beginning to get bored with Dwight "Superman" Howard. At least Shaq has a jump hook and Yao has a step back jumper. How can "Superman" be one-dimensional? Doesn't that violate the rules of using a comic book name as an alias???
7. How is it that Eddie House can constantly get open looks at 3-pointers? I mean seriously. How many times can this guy come off the bench toss in 3's like he is tossing me a volley ball at a pool?
8. Is Dirk not the biggest wuss you have ever seen? I mean comeon!!! Grow some already. Take a charge! Give a charge! Knock somebody on their ass! SOMETHING! If I see one more fade away in the paint I'm going to toss my glass at the wall. How does a 7-footer fade away ten feet from the basket. Man up!!
9. Kobe just annoys me. You're good. We get it. But unlike MJ, you can be shut down and completely taken out of the game with the right person guarding you. And unlike MJ, your 50 points can actually be meaningless in a blowout loss.....and, well lets leave the past in the past.
10. Why couldn't the Bulls-Celts series be the Eastern Conference Finals and the West be the Nuggets and Lakers....damn.

My all-time Eagles

If you are a true (yeah I bolded true) Eagles fan - I mean you found yourself crying when you saw NFL Countdown break in with the story that Reggie White had passed, you remember where you were when Jerome Brown was killed, you remember (and still feel a sting) what was going on when Randall's season was ended with a vicious shot to the knee and effectively ended a promising season, you've yelled at the tv in vain hoping that a running play would be called or you've stared blankly at the tv after the first round pick was announced - a real NestEgg, you probably have a list of your all-time favorite Eagles; either because they were great at how they played or you felt bad that they didn't win the big one here. Well, today I am presenting my all-time Eagles starters. Now this is based on putting the best football team on the field; without considering favorites.

And without further ado:

OFFENSE

QB: Donovan McNabb - This one seems obvious. I don't remember Jaws on the field, but even if I would have seen him play more I doubt that he would trump DMac. It's a shame that he carried this team for half of his career with very little offensive help. If he could have gotten talent around him during his prime who knows. But he will retire, as an Eagle or not, as the best quarterback in team history. The Eagles didn't learn the lesson of wasting talent as was the case with the QB of honorable mention.
Honorable Mention - Randall Cunningham

RB: Brian Westbrook - What can you not ask this guy to do? Block, catch, run, return punts, return kicks - Go Score!!! He is the big cog spinning the other offensive mini-cogs on the Eagles right now. As he goes, so goes the offense; although a certain rookie receiver is starting to spin some on his own too. BWest is the most explosive back since a little lightening bolt named Charlie Garner. It seems like he's beginning to wear down from all the use the Eagles are getting out of him. He in the first player I remember making teams fear the screen.
Honorable Mention - Duce Staley

FB: Keith Byars - I still remember this beast lifting Pepper Johnson off his feet and sending him flying 5 yards through the air, seven months after being Pepper's best man in his wedding, leading the way for Randall who was coming around the corner. Then the Eagles called timeout to watch the replay several times on the scoreboard. Keith was one of those players who did everything before BWest wore the mean green. He'd throw a pass, make a crushing block, turn a bad pass into a first down and flat out ran over people. He was also one of my favorite players because you knew he never, ever gave up on a game.
Honorable Mention - Cecil Martin

WR: Terrel (TO) Owens - As controversal as this Eagle was, I'd have him back in as long as it takes to sign my name. Even today he commands double teams, or at least rolled coverage. Without him, the Birds don't get to the SuperBowl; if you doubt that you've either got an agenda or you don't know football. TO has me issues, granted. But you can't deny the skill TO has.

WR: Fred Barnett - Not many people will remember Freddy, or his 95-yard TD catch from Randall Cunningham his rookie season (after Randall danced in the endzone, made Bruce Smith loose his jock strap and fired a rocket 60 yards in the air) or his sure hands and clutch play. He was Randall's safetly valve; his big play target and was a great professional. He had high hopes and 3 (2 and 1 50 yards short) 1000 yard seasons before injuries did him in.
Honorable Mention - Mike Quick, Calvin Williams, Donte Stallworth

TE: Chad Lewis - When DMac had nothing early in his career, he had Chad to look to. Chad was a tough blocking, sure catching, hard nosed tight end who - because what other options were there - drew double coverage and still abused defenses when the game play allowed it. It can be argued that if he didn't get hurt in the NFC Championship game, and LJ Blah didn't have to play, our offense would have been much different.
Honorable Mention - Keith Jackson

Offensive Tackles: Jon Runyan & Tra Thomas - Mean, hardhitting tackles.
Offensive Guards: Jermaine Mayberry & John Welbourn - Physical tough guys.
Center: Raleigh McKenzie - A beast back in Randall's day.

DEFENSE

DE: Reggie White - Is there a need to elaborate on this one. Reggie was and it still the best defensive end to ever bless an Eagles jersey. Letting him leave was a travestry then and is still to this day. His club move destroyed linemen.

DE: Clyde Simmons - Mr. Consistent. Clyde would seal a play back to the linebackers or crush 3rd down hope with a timely sack. Granted, he benefitted from the pressure caused from the other side, but he was still a beast.

DT: Jerome Brown - His loss to the Eagles was devastating. He was the heart and soul of that Gang Green defense. The middle was a scary area for offenses to run when he roamed the area. No bigger loss was felt to that team than his death in the off-season.

DT: Darwin Walker - This may suprise many. But I think he was underrated on bad Eagles teams. You rarely found him in a bad spot and he came up with timely play after timely play.
Honorable Mention - Mike Golic

LB: Byron Evans - Ohh this was a mean mother-shut my mouth. He might have been the hardest hitting linebacker on the gang green defense. On top of his hitting, he could cover with the best of them.

LB: Jeremiah Trotter - Here's another one that should have stayed with the Eagles. Free Agency sent this man temporarily packing to Washington where his best assets weren't used. He's a big hitter, not a cover guy. But he smashed many a running back.

LB: Seth Joyner - The silent leader, smashing heads and taking names. He was a run stuffing, tight end locking down linebacker. He was a smart player who you rarely found lost in space.
Honorable Mention - William Thomas

CB: Eric Allen - In my opinion the best corner I've ever seen play in an Eagles uniform. He is the reason I wanted to play corner; because he embodied what a skilled player who studied his opponent looks like playing the game.

CB: Troy Vincent - Classy and crafty. Troy could come up and take out a running back trying to get the edge or smack a receiver that though he had a routine catch; causing an incompletion. He was from the Eric Allen mold of corners who you could depend on to shut down half of the field.

SS: Andre Waters - You want to make a receiver nervous about coming across the field? You want to make a quarterback think twice about leaving the comforts of his pocket and scrambling? You just want someone who doesn't give to craps about his body? Andre was the man. He hit harder than anybody I have ever seen his size and at his position. I remember when he took on Craig "Ironhead" Heyward in the hole and planted him. Sick hitter. Sick!

FS: Brian Dawkins - My all-time favorite Eagle. He bleeds green, burns from the passion of Philly and , oh yeah, plays some serious football. I can rattle off hundreds of plays that BDawk has made in his career, but it goes without saying that he is the best ever to play that position as a Bird. I had hoped that somehow the Eagles would have gotten him a ring, but it wasn't the case.
Honorable Mention - Bobby Taylor

SPECIAL TEAMS

P: Jeff Feagles - Who did it better. Great leg and is one of the best at the coffin corner kick.
K: David Akers - The most accurate and beloved kicker in Eagles history.
KR/PR: Brian Mitchell - Was a solid threat everytime he touched the ball.

My list is based on my Philadelphia Eagles viewing timeframe; basically from 1988 on.
Feedback is welcome but these are my birds so you better be coming correct!!

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!

A cleansing does the body good

There comes a time (or many times) in an adult life when you find that you may be more like the runaway train then a steady locomotive. It's not so much that you aren't enjoying life; quite the contrary. You're enjoying all aspects of life, from the things you do professionally, to the delicate balance that is your personal life - ultimately you're happy. But sometimes the groove you find yourself in, although you're happy, threatens to run you into the ground if left unchecked; the pace simply can't be maintained longterm.

Snapshot the last month for me. Most nights after work I settle in with a light, healthy dinner and a glass or two of cabernet. In addition to that daily routine I found myself eating massive amounts of sushi (not necessarily a bad thing) and consuming lots of alcohol. In the last month, assuming 30 days, I can confidently say I had been to a bar, restaurant, club and/or event at least 23 of those days; and on those days if I slept 6 hours, that was a good sleep. Needless to say my healthy eating, working out and vitamins were most likely being equalized by the lack of sleep and partying. The derailment came about 10 days ago when after a night of drinking Long Islands from about 7:00 PM to 2:30 AM and finding an after hours party courtesy of some people I met that night, I got about 3 hours of sleep. The next day I sat in bed and ordered pizza for breakfast. That night, I met a friend of mine for her friends birthday, mainly because I had cancelled on her so many times I felt compelled to go; not to mention it was close to my house so I could just go home if I was bored. Typically, I ordered a LI. But this time upon taking the initial sip, I realized I couldn't consume anymore alcohol. I sent it back and ordered a water. That's when I knew; I need to take it down a notch for a little while.

So I decided to detox for 7 days (turned out to be 8); no alcohol of anykind. I also decided to do a natural body cleanse. I can't describe how hard it is to go to bars and order water over and over, but I was proud of myself for seeing the detox through. With everything I have coming up in the next few months (travel, running races, golf), I wanted to make sure that I was as healthy as I could be. So I set out to clean out my system and to help me I chose a product, "Detox7 Dietary Supplement", made by Northwest Natural Products. I've never done a detox using a product before so I didn't know what to expect, but I assumed that I would spend a lot of time in the bathroom. That was not the case. This is not a laxative in any way. Instead, steadily through the 7 days I acquired a tolerable taste for water (I hate the taste of water) and my energy level steadily increased. During the seven days each morning you are instructed to take a fiber powder with water and then follow it up with a cup of water. An increasing number of detox caplets are required in the morning and also at night to aide in the detoxification process.

Along with the detox I maintained my healthy diet and continued to take my multivitamins in the morning and at night along with my semi-daily workouts. Breakfast consisted of a banana, a WaWa bowl of mixed fruit and a (non-high fructose corn syrup containing) fruit juice. For lunch I would have a salad and/or a wrap and for dinner a lite meal (salad or boneless skinless breast with veggies). In the end, the one thing I've taken from this is that it's ok to have fun and party, but my biggest issue was lack of sleep and water consumption; two things I have no problem going without. During my detox I shot my best round of golf ever. There must be something to this water thing...

My sex bucket list

So, my best friend Julie and I were talking and decided that we would do a list of people we would have sex with if our tiny little worlds were under our complete, dictatorial, control. Here is my top 10 list:

1. Jessica Alba
It was way back in the day that a show, "Dark Angel", premiered and I took a liking to the female star of the show; one Jessica Alba. Her career has turned her into a bonafide hottie; and I in turn have turned into a stalker-recessed. To me, Jessica is like an beautifully aged glass of Cabernet; bold, yet stunningly beautiful.

2. Janet Jackson
While Janet may not be the number one Diva in the business anymore, she is still one of the baddest women on the planet. I still get the urge to YouTube the "Lonely" video just to see her rip her shirt open during the bridge. Her voice, coupled with a candle and some baby oil can destroy a bedroom in a matter of hours. She may very well be the sexiest woman alive in my mind.

3. Halle Berry
What can you say about Halle. She's gorgeous. She might have been #2 but the potentially "crazy" factor made her my number 3. From 'Boomerang' to 'Swordfish', she's just hot every time you see her.

4. Kate Beckinsale
She is ridiculously sexy in the 'Underworld' movies. Her accent adds another level of hotness to her and her physical shape and, bluntly, firm body put her in the top 5.

5. Paura Patton
You might remember her in the movie 'Deja Vu' with Denzel. She has that classy, yet freaky, look to her. She almost seems too innocent to be a bad girl. Yet, you can see a level of passion come through with her acting that just makes you want to find a secluded island somewhere to see her in her comfort zone. From top to bottom, she's gorgeous.

6. Adriana Lima
This Brazilian bombshell first caught my eye in a Victoria Secret commercial a few years ago. Her amazing eyes and stunning body are only enhanced by the sexy flow of the accent-saturated words that present themselves when she speaks. Intelligence goes a long way to sexiness to me, and she hasn't shown any lack of intelligence - she's smokin'!

7. Jessica Biel
Now some may go, "Wh Wh What?!?". This goes to my attraction to a physically strong woman who can still rock a tight skirt or put a hurtin on a dress. Jessica does both. Her role in 'Stealth' required that she get a little muscle going. Her "brick house" in the waterfall scene blew me away and her big smile is massively inviting. Adam Sandler felt the set of her best features in 'I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry'.

8. P!nk
The punk rock, yet equally classy cutie with the powerful voice and beautiful curves has been a long, long time favorite of mine. I could easily have made Pink #3 or #4, and I only attribute this low ranking to lack of seeing her recently (other than when I look at her on her application on my iPhone LOL). She takes risks, but looks just as sexy covered in mud as she does with a skirt and black boots. She's short and compact with a toned body and a great smile. As they say, "I love me some pink!"

9. Megan Fox
She's a newcomer for me and she bumped out the longest running crush I've had (Alyssa Milano, since I was a teenager). While not the most intelligent appearing, she is a stunning beauty. 'Transformers' was her coming out party and she definitely heated it up. But its the pics and footage that I've seen of her since that movie that's allowed her to crack my top 10.

10. Christina Milian
She has a lot of what I think makes a woman hott; caramel brown smooth skin, thickness where it matters, cuteness and a beautiful smile. She struts like a woman who knows what sexiness looks like. One other thing I like is naturally curly hair, which she has plenty of, and a very seductive voice. Her latest video shows off all her assets.

Honorable Mention:
11. Alyssa Milano - Have had a huge crush on her for a long, long time.
12. Kerry Washington - 'I think I love my wife' was just hott. She's moving up.
13. Ciara - Probably surprising to many that as much as I drool over her, that she didn't make it. But compared to the others on this list, babygirl can only get a mention.

The David Rating

There are conversations in your life that transcend complexity and deceit, invoke deep thought and tough decisions or inspires awareness and reflection. Sometimes a simple question spawns a conference of ideas - goals, hopes, dreams and innate possibilities - previously dismissed or unnoticed. Life is full of varying relationships (depth, intensity, intimacy, influence, etc.) which serve to guide you from your earthly beginning to your earthly end.

Relationships are the offspring of your makeup, who and what you are, and constantly push and pull you off the main road to draw the life shape that will hang in the hearts and minds of those you touch once you are gone. The picture of you they see comes from the impact you have on their life; the relationship you and that person shared. But more specifically, the picture is based off the relationship expectation versus the outcome (weighted by how much a discrepancy between the two means to them) of the relationship. In other words, if I believe you are marriage material and you turn out to be a better friend, how important I feel it is that you are my friend will determine if I see our relationship as a failure. If it were wife or nothing, not reaching that marriage level will have a bigger negative view than if I was ok with us being great friends.

I had a conversation today where a buddy of mine asked me what the "David Experience" was. In my twisted and overactive mind, I ran with the idea of describing that experience. But I took it a step further and described my experience in "The David Rating"; a listing of relationship levels that I think adequately describes how I perceive the flow of relationships. They are as follows:

• Buddy: Involves occasional conversation and the sharing of personal experiences, along with infrequent public outings (happy hours, etc). No intimacy is shared.


• Friends & Family: Involves all of the Buddy level, but with more frequent conversations and public and private get togethers. No intimacy is shared.


• Certificate: The lowest level of intimacy in The David Rating, but only on a private level. Communication is infrequent between each get together and personal connections are limited.


• Bronze: The lowest level of personal connection, but a connection nonetheless. Intimacy is more personal and contact is more frequent. Communication is more cyclical, but also more frequent. Public outings are minimal but may occur; although private encounters are the overwhelming majority.


• Silver: The best non-committal / intimate level. Intimacy is more intense and highly personal. Communication is frequent, and public and personal outings are discretionary. Extended encounters are voluntary and frequently occur. Dates, meals, massages and other extras are included random times and are sometimes done on request.


• Gold: Includes all Silver amenities with the added level of an exclusive experience, limited to just one person. In many ways, this level can be interpreted as a "relationship"; and includes all perks of being in a relationship.


• Platinum: Includes the Gold level for the rest of your life, or unless the agreement is terminated (i.e. divorce).

I ask the following questions of any two people in any relationship (answer individually and without the other person knowing the answer until you reveal together. Swapping answer sheets may be a good idea):

1. What level would you consider your relationship to be at right now?


2. Based on everything you know about the other person what level do you honestly foresee or want your relationship to top at?


3. With regard to question #2, would you be ok with your relationship staying at the current level and not moving to the level you chose in #2 (assuming the level was higher than the level chosen for question #1)?


4. If the level you chose for #1 was higher than the other person, how would you feel?


5. If the level you chose for #2 was higher than the other person, how would you feel?

Optional Additional Questions:

1. When you met the other person what level were you honestly looking for?


2. If the relationship with the other person were to dissolve, what level would you be looking for in future relationships?


3. What is the highest level a prior relationship ended at?


4. What is the lowest level a prior relationship ended at, that you wanted to go higher?

I think a lot about relationships in life and the footprint that is left on those I come across. While this post it directed at (in my case) opposite sex relationships, the idea of relationship accountability - treating people fairly and always being honest - should never be lost; regardless of what type of relationship it is.

I just had to say it...

Are you kidding me? I mean are you seriously kidding me?!?!? The Bush cat dies and it is a top 5 bullet item on news websites??? In an IM with my best friend Gerri, I had a little mini-rant:

"That CAN'T be one of the top 5 news bulletins with Israel and the economy and the auto makers and jobs and Obama and the NFL and the car accident on 95 this morning and the new school in Arizona and the random fact that birds flap their wings 200 times a minute or the fact that I ran out of toothpaste this
morning...get my point yet? LOL"

I really, really don't like watching or reading the news. The media is right down there with plucking my pubic hair and listening to a cat in heat as the worst possible things that I can be stuck doing 24 hours straight.

Mazatlan, Mexico

It's been a while since I've posted anything so I figured it was time to crack my fingers and get to work. I, along with six others, recently took an 8 day vacation to Mazatlan, Mexico to celebrate my best friends 40th birthday. It was a much needed getaway from work and beautiful change of scenery. Here are the Good, Bad and Ugly from my vacation:

• Good: Pool volleyball can never be played too much. Its weird that I seem to always find a way to play either beach or pool volleyball on every vacation...Unexpected all-inclusive vacations are pleasant surprises...Beautiful golf course on the resort...Great weather.
• Bad: The only negative on the entire trip was an unfortunate, and racial-appearing motivated, incident in the breakfast buffet we ate at almost every day. Long story short, a no tanktop policy apparently only applied to me despite a number of other, non-black, men and women wearing tanktops. Very unfortunate.
• Ugly: Ugly would have to be the first night in Mexico where, after drinking Tequila and Tanqueray on the flight from Philly to Phoenix, I consumed an entire bottle of cabernet on the flight from Phoenix to Mazatlan. Once in Mazatlan (after tipping each stewardist $20) I consumed an unknown number of margaritas and then tried to teach a 4 year old boy how to say f**k. After asking a few times, "are we going to sleep", my friends left me on a beach chair by the pool where I slept for a few hours covered with towel. Upon returning to find me unmoved, they assisted me up to my room where I was able to undress myself and hop in bed naked. Some time later I was awaken by my best friend projectile vomiting on the floor between our beds. On a good side, I was still able to get up and golf at 8AM the next morning.

Overall, I'd recommend Mazatlan, Mexico; although I don't know if I can recommend the resort after what happen in the one restaurant on the resort. I do want to head back out West in the next couple of months. It was an enjoyable experience.

You can be the strange one. Yes you can!

Today with a TheraFlu hangover, 4 hours of sleep, a stomach full of tea, and a 13 hour day in front of me, I'm entertaining myself (and I guess you) by coming up with a list of things you can do to pass the time. This is my original list and to the best of my knowledge none of these items have appeared on any list before in any circulation. If that proves to be untrue, please let me know and I'll remove it. Here goes....

10 Things You Can Do to Entertain Yourself at Work

1. Yell from your office, or desk, "That's what I'm talking about! Hell yea!". When someone comes to find out what the fuss is about say, "I did a spell check and it didn't find any errors".

2. Go into the bathroom and pull enough toilet paper from the roll to stick down the back of your pants/skirt/dress and drag about 5 feet behind you on the floor. When someone alerts you to your "trail", tell them that you were just thinking ahead. If they give you a blank stare, lean in and say, "its better than spotting"

3. Before you go to work, buy two 12-packs of dentyne gum. In front of one or many people, pop out all 12 pieces and put them in your mouth. Chew for a few seconds and then pretend to check your breath. Look disappointed in the smell and pull the second pack out of your pocket. Start popping some pieces out into your hand and then look up to see who's looking. Act secretive and walk away.

4. Ask the secretary for one paper clip. A few minutes later, go back and ask her for one more paper clip. Repeat until she offers more. Decline and take just one more. Return every few minutes to ask for another one. Keep assuring her that you wont be back for another.

5. When someone who annoys you at work is printing something the same time you are and the printer is out of paper, reload the paper one sheet at a time. If they voice their displeasure at your pace, point to the note from management/facilities/other instructing that paper be loaded one sheet at a time until further notice (you printed this earlier).

6. Randomly walk past someones desk and ask, "Are you heading to that meeting?". Before they answer, keep walking (works best by a door). As you're walking away say, "I'm on my way there now. See you there". If they follow you, head to the bathroom.

7. Tape two pennies to a post-it note and write "Thanks anyway" on it and leave it on someones desk you can see or hear from where you are. Claim ignorance if they ask who left it there.

8. Put strips of double-sided tape under a person's mouse on their desk and see how long they struggle to move it.

9. Take a bunch of paper clips and form the words "We're watching you" on someones desk. After they freak out, let them in on the joke (optional).

10. Put a ring tone of a long, loud fart on your phone and tape it under a random chair in a meeting you are in before people come in. Have a friend call you 15 minutes into the meeting and watch what happens.

If you try any of these, post the result.

*** Not responsible for termination and/or other consequences of trying this at your place of employment. Try at your own risk! ***

Picture Perfect

So I finally did it. It took a little convincing before I pulled the trigger, but I finally did it. I finally bought a new camera. A Nikon D60 Digital SLR (Camera Promo). My current camera, a Canon Powershot, just wasn't cutting it anymore. It had been to too many sports games and weddings and parties and it simply just wasn't cutting it anymore. So now that I finally bought something off my "to get" list, spending a good amount of money for the camera, lense, lense protection kit and, once the camera arrives, a camera bag, I have to start shooting. I used to have a SLR almost 10 years ago and would go randomly around the city taking pictures trying to find beauty, facination and/or uniqueness in everything. So in my free time, I'll probably do that again. A friend of mine suggested I start doing weddings and other events (which can be a nice side gig LOL), so we'll see what happens once I get my camera in a few days and start going crazy. I'll post my pictures on my Picasa page and make them public (View My Galleries Here).

Got any ideas? Let me know :-)

Chef Boy-R-D

So last night I had the first of many dinners to come with one of my friends. In my effort to one day open a restaurant, I'm inviting my family and friends to come over and have me cook for them. I want to create dishes that will go along with the theme of my restaurant idea. Last night one of my best friends, Gerri, came up from the DC area for what turned out to be a late evening dinner (and a near death experience LOL). On the menu (literally a menu) was a follows:

• Seared and baked Salmon
• Spinach
• Cheese potatoes au graton
• Flaky, buttery biscuits
• A mixed green salad with shredded carrots, red, yellow and orange peppers and seedless cucumbers
• Hot apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream
• White wine

The sauce for the salmon was a creation I made (no I wont share) and lathered the salmon in prior to baking. The meal was highly complimented, however I'll let G comment on the dinner. Next up will probably be something more Italian and more complex. I love creating things in the kitchen. Hopefully more friends will join me soon. Sign up below!!! LOL

The Big Day

Tomorrow, I will rise at 5AM to stand in line by 6:15 at my polling place so that I ensure that my vote will count. You should to. This post will be short, because I believe the message is simple. GO VOTE! We all have our beliefs in who we deem a viable presidential candidate. Regardless of whether you, who is reading this, agrees with my choice, the choice of your family and friends, or anyone else in this country, YOUR vote counts! Your family needs you. Your friends need you. And your country needs you.

Phinally!!!

My Phillies Phinally did it! Philly Phinally has a champion in my conscious lifetime!!!

Today is the parade. I actually can say that word now, parade. In a change from the norm, I'll be blogging all day events as they happen from my iPhone. Enjoy!

7:45 AM:
The alarm clock/telephone goes off. I suddenly feel like I could seriously use an alcohol-free, sleep embellishing day. Snooze x 3...

8:23 AM:
The adjuster from my car insurance calls, but I'm in the shower. He probably wants to setup a time to come look at the damage to my car from the night the Phillies won the Championship. I call him back 3 minutes later, leave a message.

8:46 AM:
The adjuster calls back. We set up a time for Monday.

8:54 AM:
I'm out. Heading to my best friend Julie's house to start drinking. Yeah!!!

9:20 AM:
Pulling into WaWa to get a quick bite and a drink. My friend, and former co-worker Tony calls. Wants to meet up at the Link. Shit!!! I forgot the tickets!! :-(

9:22 AM:
Heading back home...

9:34 AM:
Back home. Tickets retrieved. Back on the way to Julie's.

10:03 AM:
Arrived at Julies. Filled up the flask with Tequila. Heading out.

10:43 AM:
At the beer drive-thru. There are like 6 beer choices in can. We settled on Pabst Blue Ribbon. Are you serious??!! Well it is a 2006 gold medal winner...god I need to get drunk. YEAH PHILLIES!!!

11:11 AM:
Finally found parking near the art museum. Now the long walk begins...

11:17 AM:
Stopped for a Julie bathroom break...

11:20 AM:
Heading towards JFK Blvd again. We might make it for the start of the parade and the end at the stadiums!

11:35 AM:
The over under on us running out of beer is 2:15 PM. I think I'm going to go with the under LOL. We're at 20th and JFK. Crowds are getting crazy!!! Frank just called me. It's nuts!!!

12:48 PM:
We've been underground on the subway for the last hour and there's tons to share:
1. The crowd in center city was nuts. Cops blocked off a roof where fans had climbed up. It was crazy.
2. There was a cop, as we headed to the subway, that said, "look for the guy in the Phillies tee-shirt" on his radio. Are you kidding me? Good luck finding him.
3. Of all the people to run into, julie runs into probably the one person she would most not want to see and I run into someone I know. 2 million people. How does that happen?
4. We jumped the Septa line to get on the train because it was just way too long and confused.
5. That train was unbelievably hot. OMG. Dressing in layers, not good for Septa subways.
6. Everyone wanted a picture with my sign. I became the resident subway photagrapher LOL.
7. Blowing a horn on a train is so fucking annoying. Seriously, quit with the fucking horn already!!!
8. A kid picked a booger and then gave me a high five. Strangely enough, I was ok with it.

I can't believe we're getting a parade!

1:39 PM:
We just spent the last 1/2 hour having people take pictures with my sign. We're finally in the link. The crowd is MASSIVE!! Those sausages smell do good!

1:53 PM: So we just snuck into the club level. This is amazing! We get lost finding our seat and wind up in the club level LOL. We're waiting for a sausage because we are sssoooo hungry. We gave away 4 beers before we went in because we thought they would check our bags. But they didn't even check our COOLER BAG. UGH...We digress. THANK YOU PHILLIES!!!!

2:41 PM:
Tough getting a data signal. We're waiting for the Phillies to get here. Last update, they were at Pattison Ave. We are front row of the club section we snuck into LOL. It's a sea of red. I keep using this word, but it's so true. Amazing.

3:54 PM:
Man it's tough getting a signal. Finally got a good one. I have so many pics to share. We heard Charlie, Moyer and Victorino speak. The crowd at the link was great. Again, the sign was hott. We were stuck about 10 minutes with people taking pics. I love my city!!!

4:24 PM:
So, with people waiting over 2 hours to get in Chickies N Pete's, I got us in right away because Julie had to drop a duece. After we got in, Julie found us a great spot (FRONT ROW TO THE JUMBO SCREEN) and we watched the celebration at the Bank from there. We might head to the Sixers game because ANYTHING Phillies gets you in for $10. I'll keep posting as long as I can. Battery at less than 10%...

4:53 PM:
I can't believe, of all people, Chase said the words, "World Fucking Champions". This is everything that Philly wanted, needed, begged for, and more. Phinally, we got one. How good does this feel?...

6:51 PM:
So, I just left a cab and got into my car. I tried to put what I saw today into words. This city swallowed the joy and pride and celebrated a city, A CITY, winning a championship! This day has been a day that I will never, ever forget. I've gotta work tomorrow at 6 so I'll probably be going straight to bed. But for anyone who couldn't make it, hopefully I have given you enough to feel this day and what we have experienced. I love this city. I love sports in this city. And I love that I was able to experience not only being there live for the World Series winning strike out, but experiencing this today.

Pictures to come...

Rules are hereby laid out

I can't take it anymore! I just can't. I am so, so, so, so, so, so, so (get the point yet), so, SO sick and tired of crappy drivers. I was spoiled for the one week I was in Europe with considerate, skilled and fast drivers. Also, they have ordinances that keep all trucks and buses to the far right of the road and throttle their speed to 55 mph. If a trucker or bus driver is caught manipulating his vehicle to go over 55 or if he is caught going faster, that person loses their license to drive FOR LIFE. Now that's some incentive to drive carefully.

The most important part of my spoiling in Europe were the driving styles. Fast to the left, everyone else outta the way; that simple. If someone was coming up on your tail you get out of the way. Forcing someone to tap their brakes or flash their lights is offensive and rude driving; and it simply doesn't happen that often.

This morning on my way to work, at 5:30, some jerk decides he wants to control the flow of traffic by not moving out of the left lane, speeding up to prevent others from passing him and driving less than the speed limit. I can honestly say that I had to restrain myself from committing vehicular homicide. But my innate sense of human, and my own, preservation prevailed. But it has reminded me of a post I've wanted to do for a long, long time; a proposal for Driving Policies and Etiquette in the US. Here goes:

U.S (or PA at least) DRIVING POLICIES:

Drivers will be required to re-take a driving test, at a $35 fee, for the following reasons:

1. Driver is involved in a moving accident 2 or more times within a 5 year period.


2. Drivers' License is reinstated from a rightful suspension.


3. Every 7 years a driver is less than 55 years of age from the year the original license was issued.


4. Every 3 years a driver is 55 years or older, up to 69 years of age (at a senior discount rate)


5. Every year a driver is 70 years or older, for the rest of the drivers life (at a highly discounted or free rate).


6. Driver is involved in any moving accident where damage to property exceeds 10K.


7. Drivers license expires for any reason.

U.S (or PA at least) DRIVING ETIQUETTE:

The following shall be the proper driving etiquette for all drivers:

1. All trucks, buses, RVs, cars with trailers and other large vehicles shall drive in the farthest right lane only. The exception is to pass another vehicle in that farthest right lane.


2. All vehicles whose speed is at or lower than the speed limit shall drive in the lane(s) to the right of the leftmost lane. Exceptions are single lane roads and two lane roads where a vehicle is passing.


3. Any vehicle who finds that another car rapidly closing the distance behind the vehicle shall make every effort to move over to the next lane to the right of its current position such that the move is safe and does not cause said vehicle to decrease its own speed. Exceptions include single lane roads and situations where the vehicle cannot move over due to other vehicles, so long as the vehicle is at or above the posted speed limit.


4. At no time shall a driver intentionally not move their car, per items 1 thru 3, when adequate and safe conditions exist.


5. At no time shall a driver "tailgate" another vehicle who, with good judgement, cannot move their vehicle in accordance with items 1 thru 3; except in the case where the vehicle is in violation of item 4.


6. All vehicles in the left most lane shall maintain a minimum speed matching the posted speed limit.


7. At no time shall a vehicle rapidly change lanes such that the actions endanger other vehicles.


8. Passing a car implies that the car was not moving at a high enough speed. It is therefore forbidden that a vehicle pass a car and simply maintain, or reduce, the vehicles speed as it relates to the car the vehicle just passed.


9. Any vehicle in an approaching high-speed merge (HSM) lane must make every effort to move their vehicle one lane away from the HSM lane prior to reaching it, such that it is safe to do so and does not violate items 2, 4, 6 or 7.


10. At no time shall a vehicle travel on marked shoulders or between cars, or in marked exit only lanes to circumvent traffic delays, except as directed by traffic officials.
    

I think these listed policies and etiquette items are valid and easy to implement, and would introduce more cash into DOT systems through the driving tests. Driving should be an enjoyment, not an annoyance. Road Rage comes about from people violating driving etiquette; it's that simple. If you don't know how to drive, are scared of driving or simply are an ass, do us all a favor and play back-seat driver and carpool. Driving would be so much better for us all...

Wet Your Whistle Wednesday - Vol.1 Issue 1

So today I'm beginning a new edition on Dave's Thoughts called Wet Your Whistle Wednesday which will provide you various alcohol flavor recommendations for you to savor. From my favorites, to drinks I sample while taking in the single, (er hem) 30 year old entertainment and nite life, while traveling, or that I enjoy from the comforts of my couch. When possible, I'll post (with permission) a picture of the bartender who made the drink, the club/restaurant/bar where the drink was served and or the drink itself. I'll provide a rating based on the following:

1. Alcohol Taste Density (ATD): How much can you taste the alcohol in the drink. 5 stars for high alcohol taste. 1 star for a fruity drink.
   
2. Drink Impact (DI): How many of the drink does it take for me to get a good buzz? 5 stars for 1 drink or if the DI is what I call a "Whoa" drink; you know, you drink a few because they taste like watermelon water ice and 20 minutes later, you have a hard time standing. 1 star if they are so lite, or watered down, that after a good number of drinks you want something different. This can also happen if there is too much ice in the drink; I'll get to that rating item later.....


3. Drink Quality (DQ): How tasteful is the drink? Does it taste like a cherry dipped in gasoline because the bartender mixed it wrong? This is how well I am likely to order another one of these drinks or recommend this drink to someone I know would order this "kind" of drink. 5 stars for a great tasting drink. 1 star for a crappy drink. 1 star should be hard to get with a bartender in a quality place.


4. Intangibles (I): Do you hate lime, yet your drink keeps coming with lime in it? Is the bartender smoking hot? Is the bar a dive bar you wouldn't risk getting so drunk that you might find yourself barefoot in? Are you at a strip club? This is an experience rating. Crappy service, dirt stains get you 1 star. Hot bartenders, great service gets 5 stars.

Ratings 1 & 2 will always be presented.
But 3 & 4 may not be applicable all the time.

The inaugural edition of Wet Your Whistle Wednesday starts with my favorite drink, Rum and Coke. This isn't just any rum and coke; it's a Captain Morgan Private Stock Rum and coke. This goes great to start the night off at a club or if you are sitting at home on the deck on a cool fall night with a fire going. My favorite way to make a rum and coke is as follows:

• 1/3 glass of ice


• 80% Captain Morgan Private Stock Rum


• 20% Coke


• Lightly shaken with a lime
  (BUT REMOVE THE LIME BEFORE SERVING!)

Made properly, a rum and coke will warm your belly and stoke your mind; making relaxing second nature. If you're in the club, you'll find "captain courage" will soon have you kicking game to the hottest women in the place or out on the dance floor performing moves you didn't know you could even do. If you're home, you'll be listening to the firepit send crackle after crackle from its core as you blow cigar smoke into the air. The captain will take care of you, but don't abuse him. He'll rock your boat faster than you can say "Iceberg dead ahead!!"

Captain Morgan Private Stock Rum & Coke Rating:

Alcohol Taste Density:
Oh, you'll taste a well made rum and coke. If it tastes like you're drinking a coke at a family barbeque, send it back and get it made right. It should also have a whisper of lime tailing each sip.

Drink Impact:
A few of these and you'll be buzzing pretty good. If you want a real kick, get a "double rum & coke". Well made, it should boost it to a 90-10 drink and both ATD and DI will be a pulsating 5 stars. But hold on to something. A few too many and someone will be yelling "man overboard!". And I promise the next splash you hear will be the sound of chunks landing - hopefully in a safe place :-)

2nd Most Wonderful Time...

I love the fall. It's the most peaceful and amazing time of the year to me. The reds and yellows, wind-blown leaves and amazing views get me in such a driving mood that I find myself randomly going for hour long drives. There is nothing better than finding a never ending back road, taking 35 mph curves at 60 and watching the leaves fly into the air in your wake. There's nothing like getting a 1/2 mile straightaway on that road and watching the colors fly at you while Grover Washington Jr's "East River Drive" whispers in the background. I don't know why I love doing that so much; I just do. It's a great late Sunday morning thing to do. I think everyone should try it. Wake up, shower (or not), throw some comfy clothes on, get in the car with your favorite "pass the time drink" (mine is Sprite), and just drive until you feel like coming back home. I tend to drive places and roads I've never been at before. Now I'm a jazz person, but I also find that good Rock makes the drive awesome too. So whatever your favorite driving music is, pop in a CD and have a few more on deck (I try to stay away from the radio - satellite - because of the inopportune talking and/or commercials. I like to be in my groove).

A few things that I do intentionally; 1. No matter what happens on the road, EVERYONE gets a "road rage pass". It's a relaxing, enjoyable drive. As long as there are no accidents (because that would surely screw things up, LOL), who cares? 2. The intention of the drive has to be to see and experience the beauty of fall somewhere you haven't been before. I say intention because sometimes that's just not possible. 3. This is probably most important. At no time are you to answer the phone, do or think about work or introduce any stress into the ride. If you are having surgery the next day, release that for the drive and enjoy it. Having relationship problems? Forget them. Have tons of work to do? Not doing it while you're on your ride, so enjoy it.

It's important to me to find peace and enjoy life, regardless of the road that I may find tough to be on sometimes. Some choose meditation, reading, or starbucks cafes to unwind. I choose long, colorful, drives.

Table for.....one

It's strange. I did something last night that hundreds of millions of Americans do every single day and yet it seemed out of place; it seemed, simply put, strange. Probably because its been so, so long since I've done it. Or maybe because of the fact of how different things look now. Or maybe it's just a sign that life as I know it, unlike the stock market, has reached steady ground; a steady plateau if you will. The act, or acts, by now have to be something of a mystery, and borderline frustrating, to you because I haven't told you what I've done. So, I'll clue you in.

I went food shopping...

Yes, food shopping. And cooked dinner, and breakfast and made lunch. Now while some may simply stop reading (and I can feel the eyes rolling), its important to understand the significance of this. My fridge now only has about 35% alcohol and fast food on the shelves, as opposed to the 90% it did a day ago (only because I have leftover alcohol from a party and an Eagles game day event). I haven't cooked in a long, long time; not the way I passionately love to. I love to cook. Its the reason I someday want to open a restaurant. Because I LOVE TO COOK. But I have gotten away from cooking because of ease and convenience; I simply didn't have the time and when I did, I just didn't feel like it. But now, I have that renewed passion to cook again. To make my homemade soups and dishes with sauce creations like I used to what seems like years ago. Did I mention that I love to cook??? :-)

I have some "chef-like" things that I plan to purchase in the near future so that I can start having guests over to try some things on them (don't worry, I wont poison anyone). I want to use this as a launching pad for the restaurant I want to open in the future. My success depends solely on the foods I intend to create and the enjoyable flavor that they provide. So for my friends, new, old and ancient, get ready for some good eating soon...

Picture of.....

So, I was all set to do a post today about flatulence because of the massive amount of the substance I possess at this moment. But as I was preparing to login to the site to post I scanned my Gmail inbox and noticed an e-mail I sent to myself almost two weeks ago. The subject of the e-mail was "Wow" and the body simply had one line; a SI.com link. Upon clicking on it, I realized why. Two words, Milly Figuereo; an amazingly beautiful Tampa Bay Buccs cheerleader (don't worry, I'll provide the link later). I'm not someone who is typically blown away by a girl simply because she is a cheerleader. Trust me being a cheerleader alone doesn't blow me away. But this girl is smoking hott!!! Now she is 27 which is a tad outside my dating age range (well now anyway) of 28-32, but for her I'm sure I'd make an exception :-)

My tastes in women vary. What many find average, I find gorgeous. What many find stunning, I find average. To me it's the entire package. It's the looks, the personality, the intelligence, the maturity, the style; it's the complete person. I'm not shallow in that I would date someone simply because she is amazingly beautiful. I'm just not built that way. While I'll probably be single for a long time because I'm focused on my future and my future alone, if I am fortunate enough to meet someone who is on the same, or higher, professional and personal level as I am, it wouldn't be such a bad thing for her to look like Milly - by the way Milly is such a hott name LOL

Check her out here
I so need to visit the Dominican Republic :-P