tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39483350740047222602024-03-13T17:44:02.172-04:00"Pahdon My Opinion"Dribs and drabs, quips and quotes, reckless and random !!! Nuf CedJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-32388018599988330812014-09-28T20:49:00.003-04:002014-09-28T21:08:32.171-04:00RE2PECT !!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRXZXy_VBsWJ9d3mojB7WAELfQMA8auPH201lUzO62Uk_-XoDcLrnkuVOodFtTR5eKKDxwAY1gedXCOmhy7wvOrOvs5yXJJ1Kh4A-6fxQO4lAK1zG-H0-SPGf8AAuZ9Y0Seets68kL2ik/s1600/derek-jeter-opy3-25125.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRXZXy_VBsWJ9d3mojB7WAELfQMA8auPH201lUzO62Uk_-XoDcLrnkuVOodFtTR5eKKDxwAY1gedXCOmhy7wvOrOvs5yXJJ1Kh4A-6fxQO4lAK1zG-H0-SPGf8AAuZ9Y0Seets68kL2ik/s320/derek-jeter-opy3-25125.jpeg" /></a></div>
Well.... HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... apparently it's been an eternity since I last posted... or 20 months.... obviously much has changed in the blogosphere as well as in our national past time... soooo.. I'm not sure how successful this post will be... but.... either way, here goes nada....
Yes.. this is a post written by a true MASSHOLE and die hard Sox fan.... and I'll probably get my balls busted a lot by the Nation... but I'll worry about my balls.... read on...
Derek Sanderson Jeter played his final game today... and I, as a sports fan, am sad to see him go...
I've heralded this amazing ambassador on this forum in the past and will do so again.
Although... what words can I spew that will do this man justice?
A stoic 20 year career with a single team.... unheard of..
.310 LIFETIME batting average
6th ALL TIME in career base hits.... behind the likes of Rose, Cobb, Aaron, Musial, Speaker... in that order...
and AHEAD of the likes of Wagner, Molitor, Mays, Bonds.. and yes... even our own Yaz and Williams... you know the names and you too can google it.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... what did this amazing ambassador do in his final at bat ever... he got a base hit.... and an RBI... so fitting.
Am I bitter???? Hell no..... out of respect Mr Jeter even shook Clay Buccholz hand on his way off the field for the last time......
<b>
<b>RE2PECT !!!!!!!!!!!</b>
<b>As i said.. I've heralded this amazing ambassador in the past..... and today I honor all he has brought to our national past time...
Thank YOU Mr. Jeter..... the game won't be the same without you..........
Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf CedJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-25492045510807475592012-12-11T20:20:00.000-05:002012-12-11T20:20:22.523-05:00Youkah is a "traitor" ???? GET REAL !!!Apparently it's been an eternity since I last posted but recent events and reactions to them in the BUSINESS of baseball (and LIFE) have prompted me to resurrect...
Kevin "YOUKAH" (in my bestest masshole accent) has signed with the "enemy". WHAT A TRAITOR !!!!
Woe woe woe, let us step back and ANALyze this for a fraction of a moment !!! REALISTICALLY !!!!
First off, I'm a born and bred Sox fan... I bleed red and will die with the Boston Red Sox in my heart.
HOWEVER, I am a realistic sports fan at the same time and all the bitchin and moanin I've read about Youk signing with the Yankees has conjured up but one conclusion.... SOME so-called Sox fans are no better than fans of the "Evil Empire"...
But first, let us analyze that very point.... PERSONALLY, the New York Yankees are but a competitive sports team, an obstacle MY favorite team needs to try to overcome every summer. They aren't my personal enemy, they aren't personally evil to me and as I blogged in the past, when a member of that team reached a milestone, I applauded them publicly on this blog.
The sport of baseball is our national past time. Rivalry is abound and healthy but I am not personally on the Sox payroll. And even if I were, why wouldn't I wish a friend and former team mate all the best?
No, Youkah isn't my personal friend but I have met him (I have photos, LOL). MUCH more important Kevin is a human being, a human being that had his life and family uprooted last season at the drop of a hat. SO, this season, he did what he felt he needed to do, for himself and for his family. WHO WOULDN'T ?!?!?! I certainly know I wouldn't turn down 12 million dollars for 1 year of service !!! Hell, I won't even have an income in a few weeks... just sayin....
Is it Youk's fault he was cast aside? I'm thinking not. And I challenge anyone that reads this to put your family first as perhaps Kevin has.
Anyway, off my soapbox.... how does Kevin signing a sweet deal with another team, Yankees or not, affect MY life ???? IT DOESN'T !!! and it doesn't affect any other fan's either... NUF CED.
<br><br>As I stated in my Facebook post:
"sooooooooooooo.. Youkah signed with the Yanks... good for him... it was obvious the Sox were done with him so he did what he needed to do... do I have the right to question his motivation? Certainly not !!! Could it have been about family? OF COURSE !!! and personally MY family comes first to me !!!!!!!! Is he a "trader"? ummmm... he was released last year... free to do what he needs.... reasons aside Youk was cast aside.... TRUE I'm a diehard born and bred Sox fan... but I can't blame someone for doing what they feel is right.... especially when they were dissed... did I cheer Johnny Damon's return... OF COURSE !!!! These are individuals that have helped define the Boston Red Sox over the recent past, and I'm sure if it were up to them, would define the Sox in the future... give Mr Kevin Youkalis the credit he deserves for helping the Sox while management wanted him to... or not.... I personally wish him luck as I am a sports fan and appreciate all he did in Boston...."<br>NUF CED !!!!<br>
Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf CedJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-19887998079189221642010-04-05T11:17:00.002-04:002010-04-05T11:37:24.527-04:00LET'S PLAY BALL !!!!!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">or...... SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET (Caroline) !!!!! </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a spectacle.... no wait... a SPECTACULAR night at the Fens last night !!!.. it was ALMOST a spactacle but NEVAH IN BEANTOWN !!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kudos to the Boston Red Sox baseball club for kicking off this 2010 campaign with some serious style and showmanship !!! Even Mother Nature must be a Red Sox fan handing out a gorgeous early April night in Beantown and climaxing the overall feeling of the event with a game time temperature of 69 degrees !!!! ok, it was only 67 but.... I'd hate to owe her 2 !!!!! well... um....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Fly-overs, fireworks, Pedro Martinez' (still looking for his daddy?) return to throw out the first pitch, a serious hottie singing our National Anthem...I couldn't even focus on the words... but I WAS standing at attention during her "inspiring" rendition !!!. even Johnny Pesky, tear-streaked, uttering those 2... um, 3, right Johnny??? immortal words.. "Let's PLAY BALL!".. hell even LeBron James, fresh off a Celtic spanking, and Dr. Dre were in attendance for this glorious event.. sorry "King".... THE HELL I AM !!!!!!!!! see yea in play-offs !!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">BUT despite the circus-like atmosphere of all these opening night ceremonies, it was a 5 year old that stole the show.. for me at least.. JOSHUA SACCO issued a soon to be classic version of the Herb Brooks' "Miracle on Ice" speech... check this shit out !!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<br />
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You tell 'em kid !!!!!!!!!!! Apparently the Sox were in awe of that speech and couldn't recover from it's affects until the 5th inning.... more in a bit !!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, Steven Tyler sang God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch with yet another hottie, um his girlfriend??.. more like Liv's friend</span><span style="font-size: small;"> !!! SHAMOKIN !!!!!!!!!! God bless his 62 year old ass, but I kept thinking a little Joe Perry melody (or a bit of THC) to drown out Tyler's voice may have been easier on the ears... j/k Steve... still love Aerosmith, but apparently one man does not a rock group make !!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Even Neil Diamond, donning a "Keep the Dodgers in Brooklyn" jacket????? sang Sweet Carline LIVE... ok dude, but when in Red Sox Nation do as the Nation does... and burn that frigging jacket in effigy !!!!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Sox <b>ACE</b> .. despite what the the "armchair athletes" say.... Josh Beckett took the bump to open this 2010 season. Stick to your recliners boys and let the professionals start on opening night !!! Remember you are ARMCHAIR (wanna-be) Athletes !!! Wanna-be's... the worst critics around.. kinda like an ex-smoker preaching about quitting the nasty "habit"... But I'm not bitter at these guy's pre-season remarks... I'm STILL not sure what I wanna be when I grow up !!!! But, hopefully when they grow up, they'll understand about the intangibles and the finer aspects of the business that is our national past time.<br />
<br />
But enough (or MORE) about losers !!! Beckett matched up against Mr Manboobs himself, C.C .....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzKuSxzNR4eJ7ys4AjKxBDI1B07tiioANIEH6zZLMWBnz8hfu2Lil3GlbQItgHYAjWxhUvj29xi_F29kcIs3WrFD2yJuOIowQkCpIkPBM-RDnC411TTcQ03RDuZD409fVL7QaGnT42yMp/s1600/fatassia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzKuSxzNR4eJ7ys4AjKxBDI1B07tiioANIEH6zZLMWBnz8hfu2Lil3GlbQItgHYAjWxhUvj29xi_F29kcIs3WrFD2yJuOIowQkCpIkPBM-RDnC411TTcQ03RDuZD409fVL7QaGnT42yMp/s320/fatassia.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">although it's a toss-up for that title tween Sabathia and Joba the HUTT !!! Man boobs... BLECK !! I prefer THESE myself...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi2hfEqWA1Tr0Mz4kr7ZaSiHw-UGJA2Igerc-KKVcx4A3F2ap4VD5Pve_dNqD-Bs97Fr8QUhYpv-ANuF14g0w-Jkc3GW7bN7eUZ6brMbf_x8bYwz-en1ZTxlfWtpOBGppIIDJ6RadD5cT/s1600/boobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi2hfEqWA1Tr0Mz4kr7ZaSiHw-UGJA2Igerc-KKVcx4A3F2ap4VD5Pve_dNqD-Bs97Fr8QUhYpv-ANuF14g0w-Jkc3GW7bN7eUZ6brMbf_x8bYwz-en1ZTxlfWtpOBGppIIDJ6RadD5cT/s320/boobs.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now THAT's dedication to the Nation - wee doggy !!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Circus over, the on-field fireworks began !!! although it appeared the Sox had blown their load (who wouldn't with that hottie singing on the BIG stage?) when shooting off their fireworks during the opening ceremonies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yup, it was the Yankmees supplying the spark for the first half of the game taking a 5-1 lead into the 5th inning. But THAT my friends is when CC Fatassia ran out of gas... whew, thank God too... have you seen what happens when CC has gas ?????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaxUU8ndiww2JJMhd6i2FsxcZ4TxmO_UAzkbXGyUUYaBHiaZyzYCFJGgVKxKIysLmsltEaeZXAQ5Q_nR2PwfFfmbyQ9yu7GM0QtRZXpsMJ2qdhrnVfiGUcWt6_uA1fDPLyzEN34jHIHaE/s1600/yankmee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaxUU8ndiww2JJMhd6i2FsxcZ4TxmO_UAzkbXGyUUYaBHiaZyzYCFJGgVKxKIysLmsltEaeZXAQ5Q_nR2PwfFfmbyQ9yu7GM0QtRZXpsMJ2qdhrnVfiGUcWt6_uA1fDPLyzEN34jHIHaE/s320/yankmee.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not a pretty sight and certainly would have been a BUMmer last night !!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ANYWAY !!!! Our boys reloaded and brought out the big guns midway (NOT the island!) through the contest !!! The "eruption" started in the bottom of the 5th frame. Garnering only one hit until that point, our boys strung together 3 singles to post a second tally on an RBI single by.... MARCO SCUTARO !!! Genius THEO !!!! and welcome to the Nation, Marco !!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite leaving runners on second and third, the seed of a comeback had been planted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On to the 6th... Pedey walked and VMart doubled the little guy to third... can you say YOUKAH !?!?!?!? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Youk tripled to right driving in two 2 runs.. wait, what??? did I just say Youkah tripled ???? Who'da thunk he could run 270 feet without stopping for a break.. AND one of his OWN burgers !?!?!?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2010/04/02/231494/gI_0_YoukPictures053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2010/04/02/231494/gI_0_YoukPictures053.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">DeCAF !!!!!!!!!!! I think I can handle this one !!!! (hint, hint) geez that Beckett Burger was an ottoman !!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Ok, Papi up but he splinters he stick... can you say BELTRE ?!?!?!? Adrian Beltre slams the first offering to center field driving in Youkah to knot it at 5 !!! And a Nation welcome to you too ADRIAN !!!!<br />
<br />
On to the 7th... The EVIL Empire strikes back... grrrrrrrrr.. RamRam and Ut Oh Oki promptly give up 2 runs. Ok(i?) seriously... how the hell does a pitcher that allows two inherited runners to score... AND GIVE UP THE LEAD deserve to earn the victory ?!?!?!? Hey Hadeki... you owe Pedey dinner !!! Take him out for a Youk Burger !!!! (read on).<br />
<br />
So, it was at this point that started receiving posts on my FB wall and calls from some Yankmee fan friends asking me what the score was. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!! Obviously typical fans of the "Empire" gloating in short-lived success....<br />
<br />
Apparently inspired (I know I was !!!) by Steven Tyler's rendition on God Bless America (or the hottie he was with), da da da da da... Scutaro singles (AGAIN) and Pedey stepped up to the dish... and launched all 5 feet 6 inches and 160 pounds into a high hard one and deposited that pill into the MONSTAH seats !!!!!! TIE GAME - 7-7 !!!!<br />
<br />
But they weren't done yet !!! Youkah doubled, scooted to 3rd on a wild pitch and scored the go ahead on a passed ball by Pasada !!!! 8-7 and first and LAST lead of the night for the Sox !!! Oh, Whore Hey, stick to the... oh never mind !!!!!!<br />
<br />
Danny Bard held the lead in the 8th... woo, at least PART of the bullpen came to play last night.. geesh !!!! and the Sox weren't done offensively manufacturing an insurance tally in the bottom of the 8th on a single by Mike Cameron, a walk by SCOOT and ANOTHER RBI by the "big" guy... PEDEY !!!<br />
<br />
Paps came on in the 9th with visions of playoff ghosts dancing in his head - NOT an Irish Jig mind you !!!! Jigman wiped out all memories of playoffs past picking up his first of many saves to come capping this star-studded spectacular opening night of the 2010 Red Sox baseball season !!!<br />
<br />
The Sox banged out 12 hits being led by Youkah's 2... yes, TWO doubles AND that triple and Pedey's big fly and 3 RBI.... Youk's gonna need this day off to recover !!!!<br />
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Also, the new Nation trio of Cam, Scoot and Beltre certainly made their induction profound... collectively going 5-9 with 2 walks and 3 RBI... WELCOME TO OUR NATION BOYS !!!! and who the HELL could have said that this offense would be lacking this yeah ?!?!?! musta been them damn Armchair Athletes !!!<br />
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Kudos to the schedule makers for giving us this day off to gloat in a great Red Sox victory.. one of many to come....<br />
<br />
Next up, Jonny Lester leads the brigade against... um... yuck, bleck, phooey !!! The crybaby himself... A.J. Burnett... hmmm... A.J.... A$$HOLE JERKFACE !?!?!?!?</div><br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</b></span></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-89004576427209960482010-03-06T09:27:00.001-05:002010-03-06T09:42:44.886-05:00This Is Only a Test !!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">WEEEEEEEEEEE DOGGIEEEEEEEE !!!</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object2/669/47/n341104551875_8485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object2/669/47/n341104551875_8485.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Alrighty then. I got THAT outta my system. But wait....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THIS IS ONLY A TEST...</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;">If this had been an actual blog post, you would all been informed of where to tell ME to go !!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">AIGHT AIGHT AIGHT, seriousness (yeah OK) for a moment. To a great degree this post is only a test. It's Been Awhile... since I've written on my blog... It's been awhile... Actually it has been quite some time... and for those of you that followed me last year, I'm not sure if you'll take this as a good thing or a bad thing... BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT..... I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK !!! HA HA HA.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm glad you've all MISSED me... thank god you can't hit the side of a barn !!!! wait, did I just dis MYSELF ??? WTF ?!?!?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, my original purpose in life... no wait, my original intent of posting today was to test the links and auto-post services that I had set up last year to be sure they still work.... like I'll ever remember how to fix them if they don't !!! Oh well...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But THEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! drum roll ................................ I logged onto Facebook to find THIS posted on my wall by fellow Nation member Brian Osborn.... This is humbling (ok, you all know how humble I am but it's the thought that counts, right?) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs500.ash1/27280_1350924609701_1128938506_1078575_7262277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs500.ash1/27280_1350924609701_1128938506_1078575_7262277_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure what I did to deserve such an honor... um.... oh YEAH.... I HATE THE YANKEES !!!! Wow, "hate" is SUCH a strong word, but oh so APPROPRIATE !!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, I went off on a tangent there. If you followed me last year, note the changes to my page... NO MORE "F"ING ADS that don't pay shit anyway... THAT'S RIGHT !!!! In case you don't realize the implications..... it means that there is NO ONE "looking over my shoulder" ready to censor me !!!! FREESTYLE !!!!!!!!! ummmmmmmmm... yeah wut eva.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Damn, I hope I remember how to write. And don't say it's like riding a bike cuz I forgot how to do that too !!!! If ya don't use "it", ya lose it right ????? OHHHHHHHHHHHH.. I'm talking about my writing "skills" !!! Get your minds outta the guttah !!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">WHEW !!!!! slow down, John... and I haven't even had a cup of coffee YET !!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To all you "NEWBIES" .... you obviously landed on this page by sheer BAD luck, here's the skinny. This is my blog. NUF CED</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">No seriously, I had no life last year so I was able to post a lot, mostly recaps (with a twist) of Red Sox games... Over there in the right sidebar there are links to last year's posts... over there >>>>>>></div><div style="text-align: left;">BACK "ISSUES" (oh, don't worry... you'll know what days my back is killing me!)... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Although I continue to have no life... spring has sprung... or is trying to spring anyway !!!! So, I figured maybe I'd dust off the ole blog page and get ready for beginning of the 2010 RED SOX WORLD SERIES season. I haven't yet decided what approach I'll be takin, but if this post is any indication, now's your chance to abandon ship !!!!!!!!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Truth be told, I won't be posting everyday like last year.(you can thank me now!!!) but only when I feel the need to "hear" myself rant and rave (which is usually everyday anyway, so.........) Damn I keep losing it... my train of thought that is !!!! Plus it started stressing me out feeling like I HAD to post... it kinda became like ...... like work, and you all know I do NOT do THAT !!!! (damn I needa job).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">OKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY !!!! Now for the fine print...............</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">This is my blog. The matters and opinions expressed on this blog are strictly MY OWN. I take no responsibility for typographical and grammatical errors and/or misuse. (WAIT !!! when did Blogger ditch the spell-checker??? ah CRAP!!!! now I'm really screwed) You understand that you are reading this blog at your own risk. I take no responsibility if you suffer any physical or psychological damage by doing so. Commenting is welcomed and appreciated. Comments are monitored for content - mainly because of all the frigging "spam" that has accrued !!! Personal attacks (been THERE, done THAT) and slander will not tolerated. If you choose to personally attack me, you WILL be featured on this blog (and it won't be pretty !!!).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, I HAD to throw that last line in there due to a douche bag that called me a traitor and disgrace to the Nation last year because MY opinion was that the Sox would have a tough time in the play-offs. Um... wait... They DID, didn't they???? hmmmmm, wuttah frigging moron !!! But, he did receive my buddy's coveted ASSHOLE AWARD !!! If you can't take the heat stay the hell outta my kitchen !!! ooooo, Hell's Kitchen.... reminds me of Daredevil... and you KNOW that reminds me ooooooooooooooooooooooooooof................</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://barros.rusf.ru/films/posters/elektra_2005_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://barros.rusf.ru/films/posters/elektra_2005_poster.jpg" width="216" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">WOWSER !!!! What a HOTTIE !!! ok, I think I'm having front "issues" now !!!! I gotta go use it so I don't lose it... LMFAO !!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Smell ya latah... still have some work to do on the blog and other stuff that's connected.. HAH... my blogging buddies that link to my feed are gonna shit when this hits their walls... HA HA HA...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and to anyone that honored me by saying I could and should write a book... I'd be willing to bet you're having a change of heart right now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OHHHHHHHH.. I know, I know... don't quit my day job... oh wait.. I don't have one !!!! This is gonna be a looooong season !!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><b>Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-50609208767668236572009-11-05T10:49:00.001-05:002009-11-05T10:51:49.016-05:00The "Doctor" Is In - The "Net" - continuedWhile researching independent speed tests on the different different browsers I stumbled upon a couple of sites that I found useful, both for my research and for me as a blogger. In personally testing different browsers I experienced the truth in the fact that different browsers interpret the scripts that my blog page is written in... um DIFFERENTLY !!! But taking a screen shot using each browser honestly didn't occur to me.<br /><br /><a href="http://browsershots.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Browershots.org</span></a><br />Then I found this free site called browsershots.org. Although most likely an invaluable tool for web designers as there is a section to submit your own personal site designs to share and also a very sophisticated color matching tool, I'm sure that I (and other bloggers?) could definitely find use for this service. I already signed up for a FREE account, and may just try submitting my page for shits and giggles.<br /><br />But for this post I used it's service that takes screenshots of any website that you supply the URL for, using any or all of the 80 or so different browsers and versions they offer. Unfortunately Google Chrome wasn't in the list.<br /><br />I was pleased to see that I wasn't going crazy (well...) thinking that my page viewed differently using different browsers. To demonstrate, here are a couple of the shots taken:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQYPE0CtzX-Am6ZoEJ91v5gVNXEhiyyZDTXDXm0NNigoZyMaC-Kvb4A6yLsjpmlAonfifBA9RbfU2dCvQyA12QKDGYDOhuL4m7PAx47oz1Cq_8c91g-DjaJE-mFyJZfb4t78PefgMalM/s1600-h/Firefox+3.5+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQYPE0CtzX-Am6ZoEJ91v5gVNXEhiyyZDTXDXm0NNigoZyMaC-Kvb4A6yLsjpmlAonfifBA9RbfU2dCvQyA12QKDGYDOhuL4m7PAx47oz1Cq_8c91g-DjaJE-mFyJZfb4t78PefgMalM/s320/Firefox+3.5+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400609380668243298" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2SKNRbrWMGTGVSuJ4WIlRhFFHXxlc3rjhSnXNcm61QJdopeJRTTYnlshD-DqCxxrZq37C21kOWogKrevz72zeS9SGnme-m2YXYG0YRQt7uC0B3jCyWkrIliXJPsvIhG8FDA3w7WupbA/s1600-h/IE+7+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2SKNRbrWMGTGVSuJ4WIlRhFFHXxlc3rjhSnXNcm61QJdopeJRTTYnlshD-DqCxxrZq37C21kOWogKrevz72zeS9SGnme-m2YXYG0YRQt7uC0B3jCyWkrIliXJPsvIhG8FDA3w7WupbA/s320/IE+7+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400609388283318386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What YOU see isn't always what THEY get.... As you can see, even with this very simple page design(I use Firefox, so I see it that way), if you compare the headers which I circled in red, Internet Explorer reads the formatting totally different. Finally I had proof that different browsers read the language differently but this was also a bit upsetting to me, now knowing that my page actually could look like shit depending on which browser views it. But, just one of those things we're stuck with.<br /><br />Also potentially valuable is that I had browsershots take screenshots on another of my blog pages, The "J" Files, which loads slower due to the embedded playlist. Theses proved at the very least that Internet Explorer is the SLOWEST browser, but again, the shots aren't all taken by the same computer so system resources could effect the results. Assuming that the amount of time this service allows for a page to load before taking the screenshot is consistent, here are the shots from the "Big 3":<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRDsy_WOJUitjpi82Qne-BaLoNKmZCZpjiYR3BUJTasHpCP54h5vx6m6DrWvcEm4YQ6UqZil7Bq5yLSLc2UdNXXz5W_Qq-oocpbkb8naQg12L9-cGExo2uEB9WY3x5CauGSneD44J_eA/s1600-h/J+Files+Safari+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRDsy_WOJUitjpi82Qne-BaLoNKmZCZpjiYR3BUJTasHpCP54h5vx6m6DrWvcEm4YQ6UqZil7Bq5yLSLc2UdNXXz5W_Qq-oocpbkb8naQg12L9-cGExo2uEB9WY3x5CauGSneD44J_eA/s320/J+Files+Safari+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400620142318932914" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDl7-OZQRYtTB4WryA15dzUO56HJeJhBWfoWY9vEV0qVfmdl3icB7FVyouK8xiQik5YxSzeuKoLLURuHx0Bx6M6Y1EcaOt-iGM0G9bBc01aopbfkeUm2OpVOO8Od1NuRdzDRMA4qLT44/s1600-h/J+Files+Firefox+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDl7-OZQRYtTB4WryA15dzUO56HJeJhBWfoWY9vEV0qVfmdl3icB7FVyouK8xiQik5YxSzeuKoLLURuHx0Bx6M6Y1EcaOt-iGM0G9bBc01aopbfkeUm2OpVOO8Od1NuRdzDRMA4qLT44/s320/J+Files+Firefox+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400620133306809042" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I3eBiFdvErp-12LJ2vcckr69n-fVd6kyqVz3g5IJTfVDUgbsR7TR6ze8vcXEYfpK8P5yY0b_arXni27JjbsWnu5laIMBIgEgZ-FV3nF0r4WV-SyZ3XSh5zI3r3xIGNoCl8Wy8S3DJlQ/s1600-h/J+Files+Internet+Explorer+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I3eBiFdvErp-12LJ2vcckr69n-fVd6kyqVz3g5IJTfVDUgbsR7TR6ze8vcXEYfpK8P5yY0b_arXni27JjbsWnu5laIMBIgEgZ-FV3nF0r4WV-SyZ3XSh5zI3r3xIGNoCl8Wy8S3DJlQ/s320/J+Files+Internet+Explorer+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400620134704022146" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, in the Safari shot, the entire page loaded... the Firefox shot was about halfway loaded.... the Internet Explorer shot didn't even get the playlist loaded, further proving my findings about browser speeds. This may be useful to bloggers as obviously multimedia-rich pages take longer to load.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tools.pingdom.com/fpt/">Pingdom.com</a><br />Along those same lines, I also came across this site called pingdom.com when I was researching ping testing. More than just another ping service, pingdom also offers a page load test. Again, input any URL and the service will ping the site and report how fast the page loads. But more than that, it produces a detailed report that shows how long it takes for each ELEMENT of the page to load:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKRwNLLoM7czG0BNhZnhkyqxPLYeF0D1Jbejg8SO1Igk5Rez-mq8hVcpAhdtQqBQnWuuTj0vNtdEEbS-aBlKN-LLjzMi9bSjkygEAZ2ia1AAkKA-M5s03Hihz1LH026nXcBd7fMF3G8o/s1600-h/pingtest.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKRwNLLoM7czG0BNhZnhkyqxPLYeF0D1Jbejg8SO1Igk5Rez-mq8hVcpAhdtQqBQnWuuTj0vNtdEEbS-aBlKN-LLjzMi9bSjkygEAZ2ia1AAkKA-M5s03Hihz1LH026nXcBd7fMF3G8o/s320/pingtest.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400626771880860242" border="0" /></a>Again, potentially more valuable to bloggers and web designers but it was interesting to see which elements take the longest to load. I will certainly keep it in mind when posting and/or building another blog page.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />There's a bit more on my browser testing. This will be the last post that I post on all 3 of my blogs, trying to keep the subject matter of each consistent with each respective theme... PLUS, I've been neglecting the others !!!<br /><br />Anyway, please bookmark or subscribe to <a href="http://petervenkman102.blogspot.com/">The Doctor Is In</a> to stay up to date.... THANKS !!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The "doctor" has left the building</span></span><br /></div></div></div><br />Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf CedJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-48953494284519927782009-11-05T02:58:00.001-05:002009-11-05T03:02:19.278-05:00The Doctor Is In - Lesson 3 - Browsers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tandswebdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/browser-logos.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 221px;" src="http://www.tandswebdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/browser-logos.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All browsers are created equal.. OH CONTRARE !!!!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">First, let me preface this post by assuming that everyone is already running some soft of protection suite that includes anti-virus, anti-malware, firewall, and identity protection at the very least. And in the age of email and instant messaging, it is important to be sure these utilities also protect those applications. Knowing what ASSuming means, I already have a topic for my next post.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now that you all have your computer systems and Internet optimized, you're ready to tackle the Internet. So, today I'll share some of my knowledge and experience that I have gained through necessity and testing.<br /><br />As a point of reference, I will share my bandwidth (speed) test results while using several different browsers. Then I will share my thoughts on them. Understand that in order to be as accurate as possible all the tests were performed at the same site (speakeasy.net) and under the same conditions... immediately after optimizing my computer AND my browsers as described in previous posts, in "private browsing" and with the test site being the only tab open. This is what I got:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Internet Explorer 8.. </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqR6_87gY4g6IlXgTNMXuteJ4L5KK8KLpbu5xVLU_yAbehsh74cCkgCd_JsPPI47GqLVxHLJ1Xgz7P2ZO72PvB15L6n0_u3NzwYbnyQgQ44wgP2eclDAkbOotQePcxD1GgzS3LjO9A2pU/s1600-h/ie+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqR6_87gY4g6IlXgTNMXuteJ4L5KK8KLpbu5xVLU_yAbehsh74cCkgCd_JsPPI47GqLVxHLJ1Xgz7P2ZO72PvB15L6n0_u3NzwYbnyQgQ44wgP2eclDAkbOotQePcxD1GgzS3LjO9A2pU/s320/ie+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035357016103698" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Firefox 3.5.4............ </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g7he8JJ2YFMBbvptPLJHDAaJ3xNM5Te0C88_yXqWk6gE68Ri52SgPzyP8Q6WDwXVTchcqyPOT00JDCuH3ac1pkmvPu5jdEqarBKjiQ5UjYABGzDh0SWfxrHta4M1E2V3fUYxoAdiZa0/s1600-h/firefox+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g7he8JJ2YFMBbvptPLJHDAaJ3xNM5Te0C88_yXqWk6gE68Ri52SgPzyP8Q6WDwXVTchcqyPOT00JDCuH3ac1pkmvPu5jdEqarBKjiQ5UjYABGzDh0SWfxrHta4M1E2V3fUYxoAdiZa0/s320/firefox+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035687467329778" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Safari 4.................... </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5sb843YzjrVnZuujYOweH5P6pgL7sICRpicCTk9JKZECYdnTsEAzJYQ7f8PTyXpNzVwNR03Hxz6ghqGvdL98uF-qN76HUpnQWSHaH0wr5tj-FwfkdyTP8nyFcLbqQJczc8t_OwLhkjk/s1600-h/safari+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5sb843YzjrVnZuujYOweH5P6pgL7sICRpicCTk9JKZECYdnTsEAzJYQ7f8PTyXpNzVwNR03Hxz6ghqGvdL98uF-qN76HUpnQWSHaH0wr5tj-FwfkdyTP8nyFcLbqQJczc8t_OwLhkjk/s320/safari+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035372473738178" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avant Browser ......... </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdj-715ILgrXcgnY6csCQV7HTaqOC-8E0xQJnasQCTJDijvzUvU-ialewXizsZznfYOCTod9Nyrwvu56EmjNu0VQ1ng5_zYxmL8HSPq_iyvBaTMxpGJbElOozuEPCHFyord5I_E7n4sk/s1600-h/avant+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdj-715ILgrXcgnY6csCQV7HTaqOC-8E0xQJnasQCTJDijvzUvU-ialewXizsZznfYOCTod9Nyrwvu56EmjNu0VQ1ng5_zYxmL8HSPq_iyvBaTMxpGJbElOozuEPCHFyord5I_E7n4sk/s320/avant+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035358374958290" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Netscape Navigator 9</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zdwBOzKF0rJ5VK8ykLeZL6IsCXw8o9Am32Wsf-c9S6t89i98bvkXCQdN8hm1qCJ_JLbLci0g_zaSYMvsLBQ0kXuckB-k7ujzT2m2UOxE_0wxXhsOjofWLC3KCkHbK0sF0rEnS2bzydw/s1600-h/netscape+speed+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zdwBOzKF0rJ5VK8ykLeZL6IsCXw8o9Am32Wsf-c9S6t89i98bvkXCQdN8hm1qCJ_JLbLci0g_zaSYMvsLBQ0kXuckB-k7ujzT2m2UOxE_0wxXhsOjofWLC3KCkHbK0sF0rEnS2bzydw/s320/netscape+speed+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265120481111138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opera 10....................</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlD3P-7GxJJ1Br1J8TNLRxkTeUWNBKosAOv-y3ylWPyYmDLxQtIba3OH31x5OrAJUTQVhur2c2KlZPJmCrJsMg1owC2xcSeUCQjcC04L5hEXfMHetzoHV6tqSFSyvyijSgRYc5qcm5DQ/s1600-h/opera+speed+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlD3P-7GxJJ1Br1J8TNLRxkTeUWNBKosAOv-y3ylWPyYmDLxQtIba3OH31x5OrAJUTQVhur2c2KlZPJmCrJsMg1owC2xcSeUCQjcC04L5hEXfMHetzoHV6tqSFSyvyijSgRYc5qcm5DQ/s320/opera+speed+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400264375055609378" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Google Chrome...........</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoDEJxcFHBBg1clnqyvIAbdT0pNTA1NC5a6QUFWwoV6yFouhs5oSEOJQyq-jpx20FfhvwulSFbGLiGVyMtYPCJjyGyf2W_F7GFZbMFfn4GxM9RPupf0pIzOzvs8a7RgJt-mDQCXiEZUc/s1600-h/Chrome+Speed+Test.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoDEJxcFHBBg1clnqyvIAbdT0pNTA1NC5a6QUFWwoV6yFouhs5oSEOJQyq-jpx20FfhvwulSFbGLiGVyMtYPCJjyGyf2W_F7GFZbMFfn4GxM9RPupf0pIzOzvs8a7RgJt-mDQCXiEZUc/s320/Chrome+Speed+Test.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265714980042402" border="0" /></a></div><br />Well, well, well... looks like a no-brainer as to which browser is faster right ??? Note that these are strictly POTENTIAL data transfer rates and depend on your ISP, system configuration, optimizations etc. But, they are a good place to start at least - or are they ???<br /><br />Transfer rates aside, there are many technical factors that are involved in how web sites are built and how a particular browser performs, like how they read and interpret the different versions of the "language" used to build pages (** BE SURE TO KEEP JAVA UPDATED !!!), how they compress the data being transferred and the system resources required to do so (hence, the importance of optimizing your computer), to name a few.<br /><br />I did a LOT of research on browser comparisons. Although Google Chrome has been advertised as the FASTEST browser going, according to my personal data transfer rate (above), that just isn't so. But all the comparison tests point to this being true..... or is it???<br /><br />I was going to include some tester's personal results but truth be told, their results don't compare to how these browsers worked in conjunction with my personal system and ISP. So, your experiences may differ too. Here's some personal observations. And just to note, all the statistics aside, two personal "tests" are simply how quickly I can scroll a web-page once I have my browser load it - particularly Facebook - and how smoothly videos buffer on Youtube.... maybe archaic but....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Internet Explorer </span>- Internet Explorer is undoubtedly the grand-daddy of browsers, the only test result I could find that rated it number 1 (most rate it SLOWEST - I agree) was from Microsoft... go figure. True that the data transfer rates are among the best, OBVIOUSLY some of the other factors involved need to be visited by IE developers. NOT to mention there seems to be compatibility issues with Blogger... the host of this blog. IE is definitely not near the top of the list of browsers, according to my testing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avant Browser</span> - Definitely a fast browser - pages load fast, videos streams fast and data transfer rates amongst the best, definitely high on the speed list. BUT, I personally experienced incompatibility with some sites, including Blogger.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Safari</span> - Honestly probably the fastest browser out there. I wasn't aware that they made a Windows version until recently, but once I did, Safari was definitely my default browser (due to issues with Firefox). One drawback I found was that my Comcast toolbar wasn't compatible with this browser. AND I also found that certain functions in Blogger weren't able to be used.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Google Chrome</span> - Chrome is also a VERY fast browser, despite it's apparent data transfer rate result. Google makes this happen by making it a stripped down version of an IE based browser, but THAT makes it absent of some of the user-friendly features available to users of the "bigger" browsers. Like others, a major drawback to me was the lack of ability to use some features on Blogger... a bit odd as Google owns Blogger. Another drawback was it lacked in it's ability to stream videos, lagging throughout.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opera</span> - Again a very fast browser, despite it's apparent data transfer rate... pages load fast, videos stream fast and play smoothly. Personal drawbacks include lack of compatibility with particular web-sites, not limited to Texas Hold 'Em poker and once again, Blogger.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Netscape Navigator</span> - Honestly I didn't even know this browser was still functional - actually, it isn't. Although I was able to perform 1 speed test, once I closed it, it wouldn't open again, so further testing wasn't possible - probably a good thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Firefox </span>- That leaves Firefox... Firefox is probably one of the few browsers out there that are totally independent of an IE structure - and THAT's a good thing. Although the precipitous for researching other browser options was the fact that Firefox 3.5 had EXTREME issues with crashing, Mozilla has corrected that and I personally have experienced a great surprise in Firefox's newfound stability in version 3.5.4. (**note, I am currently running the Beta version of version 3.6, which was just released).<br /><br />No, I am not an authority on web browsers, and can only share my personal experiences. That being said, despite the "apparent" low data transfer rate, Firefox obviously has a good handle on data compression. Firefox still appears to me to be the best (and SAFEST) web browser there is.... videos stream fast, pages load fast, ALL aspects of Blogger are compatible... hell, even Facebook pages reload without lag.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These are just my personal experiences based on the browsers I've tried and my own surfing activity. Obviously everyone's own system and activity could result in a different experience. but for MY "money", I'm sticking with Firefox, as long as they can continue to address the past crashing issues...<br /><br />This is simply a sharing of personal experience. Everyone's activity and system will play a factor in their personal results. But, even if you're happy with the way your browser responds, just know that there ARE other options out there that just may surprise you.<br /><br />Online (and system) security will be a future post but my next post will "reveal" some helpful information that I have stumbled across for bloggers.... either way, keep reading... PLEASE ?!?!?!?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The "doctor" has left the building</span></span><br /></div></div></div><br /><br />Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf CedJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-59291279015322993472009-11-02T22:24:00.000-05:002009-11-02T22:25:12.148-05:00The "Doctor" Is In - Part 2A - The "Net"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK5Dp9ZJXSkbEQIW-qxbo-hccrJTrBxLiOBV-Ln2oSQFb8kl2aDGHZm38LFmMpDxwEEODafBc3DE3QTueE9cpet8AXk5ZcdfQcKsrEvdsa5Rmne5Ft_m7uvbg-SpXDpuqguh9af8rxo0e/s400/World+Wide+Web.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK5Dp9ZJXSkbEQIW-qxbo-hccrJTrBxLiOBV-Ln2oSQFb8kl2aDGHZm38LFmMpDxwEEODafBc3DE3QTueE9cpet8AXk5ZcdfQcKsrEvdsa5Rmne5Ft_m7uvbg-SpXDpuqguh9af8rxo0e/s400/World+Wide+Web.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday I shared some simple tips to help keep your computer running more efficiently.... REMEMBER THE OPTIMIZER !!!<br /><br />Today, I'll take it another step to share some tips to try to help your internet experience be a more pleasant one. Again, I'm keeping in mind the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) mentality, mainly because that works best for me !!! So, I will keep it simple while still offering some tips that may help to improve your online time.<br /><br />The reason for describing SYSTEM optimizing tips first IS simple, the more resources your computer uses to run, the less resources that are available to help your internet connection run smooth, right?<br /><br />There are many factors that determine how "satisfied" you are with your internet experience - and although many are beyond your control, there are definitely some things to consider to help when you are surfing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The "Bad"</span> - I'll start with some things that we just have to live with. Unfortunately we are all somewhat at the mercy of others. It can get pretty technical but we have no control over site traffic, server capabilities, "flash" applications, "mime", javascript etc. Suffice to say, the more interactive or "fancy" a particular site is, the more resources needed in order to display it properly.<br /><br />Websites are built using code known as HTML.. and more recently, XHTML (XML). Although the theory of this language is universal, there are many variations derived from the basic concept, much like English in the USA is spoken differently in different parts of the country - and THAT causes problems.<br /><br />Facebook users know this all too well and a big part of the problems encountered there are because Facebook developers have created their own version of HTML which isn't always compatible with the versions that all the third party applications use - never mind the compatibility issues between HTML and XML in general. So, we're left to "deal with it".<br /><br />Our hands are also tied (don't shoot me fellow bloggers) by sites that host multiple pages, streaming audio (guilty), video, multiple pictures, advertisements, "pop-up" clouds, multiple hyperlinks, etc as these all put additional strain on our own system resources.<br /><br />That's not to say that there aren't things that you can to do to help ease the strain. Again, yesterday's tips for optimizing your system will help. Obviously the very beginning depends on how many programs, browser windows and tabs you are trying to run simultaneously... LESS IS BEST !!!!<br /><br />And now I'll get into the "good", and help explain some other simple "fixes" that will help you enjoy the internet more. First some points of reference....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bandwidth</span> (Data Transfer Rate, uh....speed) - The key to your internet experience is the POTENTIAL speed that your ISP (internet service provider - ie, Comcast, AT&T, Charter) provides you with. Basically what this is is the amount of data capable of being transmitted per second. Yesterday I gave you a snapshot of my system, today I will tell you that I have Comcast Internet's 3rd tier - download speeds up to 15 megabits (mb)/second normal, up to 30mb/second with "powerboost" (LOVE THAT). Ok, ok, ok so WTF does THAT mean ?!?! Well, if you understand that 15<span style="font-weight: bold;">mb</span> = 1.75 <span style="font-weight: bold;">MB</span> (30<span style="font-weight: bold;">mb</span> - 3.5<span style="font-weight: bold;">MB</span>) and a typical mp3 song is 4-5 <span style="font-weight: bold;">M</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">B</span>, it means....<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlnQJhs8hznV0rsZscHiwpDg6PGjMT8y0j8wuvWlETUeLobC86dZFQVPnyLhNb0CB7iXzrJR7UyeQVhWoS72m2bAyhnkKGFz3-yZe3E4U0n-rFqScVCuqCz93G7SiKgl2uxghu506-yg/s1600-h/Speedtest.net.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlnQJhs8hznV0rsZscHiwpDg6PGjMT8y0j8wuvWlETUeLobC86dZFQVPnyLhNb0CB7iXzrJR7UyeQVhWoS72m2bAyhnkKGFz3-yZe3E4U0n-rFqScVCuqCz93G7SiKgl2uxghu506-yg/s320/Speedtest.net.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399679045963088402" border="0" /></a>....my ISP (Comcast) provides me with the potential to download files as indicated above.<br /></div><br />First, if you don't know what your speed is SUPPOSED to be, then find out from your provider. But understand that what they tell you is the MAXIMUM you will experience. There are other factors involved but you should experience <span style="font-weight: bold;">at least</span> 80% of the maximum... ie, if you are rated for 6mbps (AT&T's maximum), expect around 5...<br /><br />If you're interested (and HIGHLY recommended) you can test your own speed at <a href="http://speakeasy.net/">speakeasy.net</a> and <a href="http://speedtest.net/">speedtest.net</a>... although there are many, these are the 2 main test sites used by technicians. Note that when you run speed tests you should run a minimum of 3 tests (and take the average)... I usually run at least 5...<br /><br />"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ping</span>" - Now, WHEN you got to speedtest.net you'll notice a link to another site, <a href="http://pingtest.net/">pingtest.net</a>... GO THERE TOO !!!! This site will allow you to run a "ping" test, which basically will tell you the amount of time it takes to transfer a packet of data and how much data is "lost" in that transfer... basically it tells you the condition of YOUR line to the server... results look like this...<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.pingtest.net/"><img style="width: 256px; height: 121px;" src="http://www.pingtest.net/result/2347410.png" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I recommend that you run these tests BEFORE and AFTER making any changes so that you know how the changes affect your own performance...<br /><br />Ok, testing done, and whether or not you're happy with your surfing speed, there are things that you can do/change to improve internet performance...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toolbars , Add-ons</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gadgets</span>.... BAD BAD BAD.... Web browsers and websites offer these wonderful "shortcut" utilities to make browsing "faster". Toolbars are just that, provided by services mainly to keep their names in your face... Yahoo has one, AIM has one, Facebook has one, Twitter has one, etc... Add-ons and gadgets are extensions of your toolbar offered by other services... basically "quick" links to THEIR page or service, or even live feeds from a particular site.... GET RID OF THEM !!!! or at the very least HIDE THEM.... Along with offering a bit of convenience, these "services" suck up bandwidth and resources... ESPECIALLY the animated and "ticker" ones. Bye Bye Bye... I will admit that along with the standard Firefox or Internet Explorer toolbar, I also have the Comcast Toolbar running as it provides me a link to their ant-spy utility.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Private Browsing</span> - Some browsers... Internet Explore, Firefox and Safari, at least, offer "Private Browsing"... USE IT !!!! Although there are "drawbacks" to private browsing as.....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"In a Private Browsing session, [the browser] won't keep any browser history, search history, download history, web form history, cookies, or temporary internet files. "</span><br /><br />..the saved bandwidth will make a dramatic difference in performance... if you REALLY need to search your history to find a page you visited, my suggestion is to "bookmark" it next time. Not to mention this way of browsing is safer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">History, Cookies, Temporary Internet Files</span> - DUMP, DUMP, DUMP !!! Even when I do on occasion browse in a non-private mode, I have my browser set to delete all of the above when I close it. All these things do is waste bandwidth... and cookies and Temp Files are actually saved on your hard drive.... GRRRRRR.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Suspend the Interactivity of Websites</span> - I've never actually done this and as a blogger... I'll probably get shot !!! (forgive me fellow bloggers) BUT.... some browsers offer the option to disable audio, video, ads etc from loading on websites. Obviously this is a way to greatly reduce the bandwidth so the pages load faster... but it's also a way to miss out on a lot of great content...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TCP (Internet) Optimization</span> - CRITICAL !!!!!!!!!!! Just as optimizing your system has the most profound impact on the performance of your computer, optimizing your web browser(s) has the greatest POSITIVE impact on your internet experience. This is something too few people realize... When you install a browser, it's default settings are optimized for a dial-up connection speed. I don't know about you but I haven't used dial-up in ages - if you ARE still on dial-up, ignore this. There are definite tweaks that can/should be done to OPTIMIZE your browsers for your particular connection.<br /><br />Although they can be done manually, I take the easy way out. Many of the Windows Optimizer Utilities described yesterday incorporate an Internet Optimizer integrated into their suite... DONE !!!<br /><br />If you don't have one of those suites YET... then there are also utilities that can be found on the web. Comcast, for example, offers a TCP Optimizer that appears to be free to anyone as I didn't have to sign into my account to access the download. It can be found here at <a href="http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/SearchResults.aspx?terms=tcp+optimizer">comcast.net</a>... but you MUST be using Internet Explorer in order to download it.<br /><br />However, the "standard" TCP Optimizers appear to only be compatible with Internet Explorer and IE-based browsers. BUT, have no fear Firefox users !!!!! I found one for you (and me) too called SpeedyFox. You can download it <a href="http://www.crystalidea.com/speedyfox">here</a>. It's a very simple download and a 1-click optimization process... and I gained 15% more speed immediately after doing so. And have no worries, I scanned the file before opening it, so it's clean.<br /><br />I was going to continue but frankly I'm tired... and this may be a lot for some to absorb. So I'll save the rest for tomorrow, where I will discuss specifics about some different browsers that I tested and my personal conclusions. I hope this helps and if I think of anything else I'll be sure to post it.<br /><br />Before leaving I will share with you my speed tests performed at speakeasy, before and after cleaning my machine and optimizing Internet Explorer..... you be the judge...<br /><br />Before....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqBm1JF-9VwcJa1drxqdO5145rgUZByWJwsVzCG3mq01dVCrjnXjdnPxMWFOzVTkMw6N9eED54HiY25D8pyxjrm9AWkG4YPfsFFKh0R_J_INZKjmAE9ApRd7BYa2s_YpDA5YnXakQ_9U/s1600-h/IE+Speed+Test.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqBm1JF-9VwcJa1drxqdO5145rgUZByWJwsVzCG3mq01dVCrjnXjdnPxMWFOzVTkMw6N9eED54HiY25D8pyxjrm9AWkG4YPfsFFKh0R_J_INZKjmAE9ApRd7BYa2s_YpDA5YnXakQ_9U/s320/IE+Speed+Test.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399704199460295794" border="0" /></a>After....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtAhWqIVdek5dsiMGPB2C9BqeoOB0RwU7BXlunOEQjZBoN3tMtpgst8fD4609VRyikQYMW5_eOXIJX4JkZmbQpy_kGAEylEHPryOfg7TLF3rqhurL_Sn9VPGU7NaXsfiRnP97OhAI-5g/s1600-h/IE+Speed+Test+After.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtAhWqIVdek5dsiMGPB2C9BqeoOB0RwU7BXlunOEQjZBoN3tMtpgst8fD4609VRyikQYMW5_eOXIJX4JkZmbQpy_kGAEylEHPryOfg7TLF3rqhurL_Sn9VPGU7NaXsfiRnP97OhAI-5g/s320/IE+Speed+Test+After.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399704196376032882" border="0" /></a>Note, my download speed went from 21.6mbps to 30.8mbps.... hmmmmm... I'll take THAT !!!!<br /><br />Just for the record, I had a tech come check my lines one day... when he ran the tests, he was getting 30mbps, while I was getting around 18. His answer to why his was so much faster was, "Better processor". THAT'S why I did some research. Who's pulling 30 NOW !?!?!?!?<br /><br /><br /></div></center><br /><br />Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf CedJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-24601121603615308852009-11-02T00:05:00.004-05:002009-11-02T00:40:59.611-05:00The "Doctor is in - Lesson 1 - My PC is so slow !!!<div>Sorry, I haven't been around much. I've been working on a new blog... <a href="http://petervenkman101.blogspot.com/">The "J" Files</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a post I just posted there....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://topbanana.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/computer_repair_large.jpg"><img src="http://topbanana.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/computer_repair_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 296px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left; ">I'm going to write a different post today... a bit off topic but this is my forum so... some of it may sound simplistic, but I'm writing it that way on purpose for those that are not as inclined as others. But even for a total novice, there are many ways to improve your computer's performance. I will do a more technical one later.</div><div><div><div><div><br />If you're still with me, I'm going to write about some computer maintenance and performance topics. I have always maintained my own computers (with mixed success, HA !!!) but I do have the determination to research issues thoroughly and have been pretty happy with my personal results.... and note that the topic here is PC, I don't own a Mac (never will) and would be able to offer no solutions there.</div><br /><div>First a bit on my machine for reference:</div><br /><div><b>Processor</b> - Intel Celeron (not the greatest by Intel) running at 2.4 gigahertz<br /></div><b>RAM</b> - 1 gigabyte installed (2 x 512 megabyte); 2 gigabyte maximum<br /><div><b>Operating system</b> - Windows XP Pro; service pack 3</div><div><b>Hard Drive(s)</b> - I have 2 (which aren't "raided" - by choice), 1 is 30 gig and I added a 40 gig which I basically use for multimedia applications and downloads to keep them off the drive that contains my operating system.<br /><br />"MY COMPUTER IS SO SLOW !!!" How many times have I said and heard THAT?? There are many factors that determine how fast your PC performs.<br /><br />First and foremost is the hardware, most especially the processor and the amount of physical RAM you have. Most of us are bound by the processor that came with our computers, and although upgrading may be an option, it isn't necessarily a feasible one. Today's computers offer dual processor models which obviously can do twice as much simultaneously. Not all of us are lucky enough to be able to afford that option.<br /><br />Obviously the processor is the "brain", and not all processors work the same way. Although 2 processors may operate at the same speed of say, 3.0 gigahertz, there are other factors that determine how fast and how much information it processes, like front side BUS and cache... but again, we have what we have.<br /><br />That takes us to the RAM (Random Access Memory)... Ah memory, obviously the more you have the better. As programs become more sophisticated, the amount of resources needed to run them properly (and simultaneously) becomes greater - increasing the burden on the processor and the memory. As a point of reference, I believe Windows XP requires 256 megabytes of RAM to operate - so if that's all you have, don't even try to run anything else.</div><br /><div>You can tell what your computer has by clicking "Start".... then right clicking "My Computer".... then clicking on "properties" (if your "My Computer" is on your desktop, right click on it there)- there are other ways to get here... That will bring up the "System Properties" window.... which hopefully you've all seen before as there are several tabs that include information and utilities about your system.</div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7un2kA7qnYW_TvgmaX6McqZtkPBMpBeIyUR8z1Zcis0nyAGldhOvNSMGydmGESH8OSVR3q_ZVGgB9iV-v3-1EpfuVtQkrmIiRpvkXOItUh9EFrcrE-wwB1icKtPNuFrSaa45_wzJUhB8/s1600-h/Windows.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399299073975368690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7un2kA7qnYW_TvgmaX6McqZtkPBMpBeIyUR8z1Zcis0nyAGldhOvNSMGydmGESH8OSVR3q_ZVGgB9iV-v3-1EpfuVtQkrmIiRpvkXOItUh9EFrcrE-wwB1icKtPNuFrSaa45_wzJUhB8/s400/Windows.jpg" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; width: 300px; display: block; height: 375px; cursor: pointer; " /></a><br />.... which shows you your processor, RAM and operating system.<br /><br /><div>RAM is relatively inexpensive these days - at least for older machines (like mine). And if you're running Windows XP, the minimum you should have is 512 megabytes - more if you're running Vista... and probably even more for Windows 7. But before you go out and buy a "bunch" of memory, be sure you understand what your mainboard is capable of supporting, or else it won't read it at all - leaving you helpless.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although increasing your amount of "Virtual Memory" will help, THAT allocates a portion of your hard drive to be used as "RAM" - virtual memory helps but it also requires use of your processor, leaving less of it's resources available to work for you... there is nothing better than good old fashioned PHYSICAL RAM.</div><div><br />Now, should you not be capable of upgrading your processor and/or RAM, all is not lost. There are several things you could and should do to help the performance and stability of your computer in general... True that there are tweaks in "System Properties" app that can be applied, but the defaults are set to optimize performance - plus those require some level of technical ability and I am technically challenged !!! - although I did increase my Virtual Memory setting... Instead I will explain some extremely simple "fixes" that should prove valuable.<b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Minimize the number of items on your desktop </b>- This may sound odd (dumb) and I am the worst offender when it comes to a cluttered desktop - call it laziness. However, the more items (icons) that you have on your desktop, the more system resources wasted. If you feel the need to keep a large number of files on your desktop so they are more easily accessible, you should, at the very least, group them in categories and create folders for the categories to store them in. It may take and extra "click-click" to access them but will help eliminate wasting system resources. Ever wonder why Microsoft included the "Unused Desktop Items" utility with "XP" ?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Do NOT install custom desktop themes, wallpapers screen-savers or backgrounds</b>- True they may be "pretty" or "cool" but... Aside from the risks involved in downloading a program from an unknown source, many of these themes (especially animated ones) require more system resources than you should be allocating to making your desktop look pretty.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Minimize the Number of Start-up Programs</b> - Whether you know it (or like it) or not, every time you start your computer, dozens of processes and programs automatically launch and run "in the background". Many of these are not necessary for the operation of your computer but cause your machine to start slower and use resources unnecessarily. Task Manager (ctrl/alt/del) will show you a list of processes that are currently running and allow you to end non-system processes manually. However, if you determine that many of the processes that launch automatically aren't necessary, then you should stop them from doing so. To do this, click "Start"..., then "Run"... in the search box that pops up type "msconfig" and hit "Enter"... that will bring up this utility....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw5tHjSMmTIoIHdHCz4gOoKE9B84b-tHsX4YuFVM88cBXNLEFwu0DcfdHhcWNkpNg8EUAw_HCiZZgTWRTOIb6WAgUGsNlnQgEkIO2hRJ39hNHJzJBkB6-wyYWYzgbKgt-cAdilJbiMs4/s1600-h/Config.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw5tHjSMmTIoIHdHCz4gOoKE9B84b-tHsX4YuFVM88cBXNLEFwu0DcfdHhcWNkpNg8EUAw_HCiZZgTWRTOIb6WAgUGsNlnQgEkIO2hRJ39hNHJzJBkB6-wyYWYzgbKgt-cAdilJbiMs4/s400/Config.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399327881634386562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px; " /></a></div><div>Some third party utility programs offer this also, but I'll get into that more later. As you can see, there are a few default start-up profiles, most likely yours is set on "Normal Startup" - mine is set to "Selective Startup" as I have stopped several processes from launching on startup. "SYSTEM.INI", "WIN.INI" AND "BOOT.INI" are vital to system operation and not knowing enough, I have left them at there default settings. The "Services" tab will show all the processes that are currently running and will allow you to stop them from doing so (to free up resources). The "Startup" tab shows you all the processes that start running when you start your computer. THIS is where you can stop processes to save resources and help your machine boot faster.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Uninstall all unwanted or unneeded programs - </b>Leaving unnecessary programs on your hard drive only wastes system resources by either taking up valuable space on your hard drive OR by your system including them in it's list of start-up processes and having them startup and run automatically.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Clean (and Defragment) your machine !!!</b> - Along with uninstalling unnecessary programs it is important to clean your machine REGULARLY (and especially AFTER uninstallingsomething) in order to keep it performing well... uninstalling and deleting files will leave file fragments and "gaps" on your hard drive, which will definitely slow your machine down - trying to read a fragment or empty space confuses your processor. Too often I ask someone when the last time they cleaned their hard drive was only to be answered by silence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Running "Disk Cleanup" will eliminate fragments, temporary files and other "dead" files that just take up space and slow your machine down. Again, third party utility programs offer different versions - and different programs are written differently and "see" junk files differently, SO, I often run 3 different cleanup programs in succession. The "default" that comes with Windows can be accessed by clicking "Start"... "All Programs"... "Accessories"... "System Tools"... "Disk Cleanup"...</div><div><br /></div><div>DEFRAG !!! As files and programs are written to your hard drive and removed, PC's are NOT built to automatically utilize hard drive space effectively. In other words, when you delete a file or remove a program, that space on your hard drive remains empty (fragmented). Even when you create new files, they will NOT fill in the empty spaces. Obviously, the more files you delete, the the more fragments your hard drive will have. It is critical to remove these gaps in your hard drive as empty space is the kiss of death for a processor - it takes MUCH more time for it to search a black hole for a file...</div><div><br /></div><div>As with "cleanup" there are third party applications here but the Windows defrag utility is in the same folder as "Cleanup"... "Start"... "All Programs"... "Accessories"... "System Tools"... "DiskDefragmenter"... although, I don't care for it because it takes forever.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is imperative for the performance of your computer to run these utilities on a regular basis - at least once a week... and ALWAYS after uninstalling a program or deleting a great number of files. I actually ALSO have my defrag set to run every night at 3 am, just to keep my hard drive optimized.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Anti-malware</b> (spyware, adware) - ANOTHER critical utility for all PC owners. I'm sure everyone has some anti-virus utility to protect against viruses- I have the McAfee suite throughComcast, which, by the way, has it's own cleanup program integrated into it (one of the 3 I use). BUT, it is also crucial to have an anti-malware (anti-malicious software) program running too, IF it isn't integrated with your anti-virus utility - hell, even if it is (As mine is with McAfee), the more the merrier !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can thank the "wonderful" computer gurus of the world for developing and incorporatingmalware into programs and/or websites that when downloaded to your machine can (and WILL) wreak havoc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although spyware and adware won't destroy your computer like a virus, certainly spyware can destroy your life, allowing a portal with which personal information on your computer can be accessed. Adware (ASSware) is more just a pain in the butt, causing ads to pop up at random related to whatever website or program infected you... been there done THAT.</div><div><br /></div><div>I currently have 2 utilities installed dedicated to preventing malware. One is also supplied byComcast and is distributed by CA (Computer Associates). Feeling the need to again triple up here, I also have Windows Defender which is a totally free program, although I'm sure there are others - the point being... BE SURE YOU HAVE ONE !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>My preference is Defender over the CA version and I have it running continuously in the background (seems to take less resources over CA), although I do have the CA anti-spy program run nightly at 2 am.. just to be sure. Along with the anti-malware utility, Defender also integrates a "Software Explorer" which is a more user friendly way of controlling currently running and/or startup processes as described above. It also includes a software removal tool. And it notifies you if a program is trying to make a change to your system, giving you the opportunity to not allow the change.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, "I've done EVERYTHING above but my PC is still too slow"....</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Windows optimizer program</b> - All THAT being said, the most critical utility to have for maintaining PC performance is one of the many optimizer programs available. I haven't seen a free one (although, you CAN download a free trial) but $40 or $50 is well worth the investment. Certainly there are the means described above to help computer performance, but cleaning your hard drive simply isn't enough.... it's all about the registry !!! Explaining the function of the registry is a post in itself, but if you don't clean out and defrag your registry REGULARLY, all the efforts above could go for not. If you don't have at least registry optimizing utility.... GET ONE !!!! And adding and removing programs will fragment your registry, so not a bad idea to incorporate a registry scan into your uninstall process.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, there are many optimizing suites out there. Also again, different programs offer different levels of functionality. I currently use a suite by Uniblue, which includes a disk cleanup utility, a disk defrag utility, a registry cleanup/defrag utility, and a driver updating tool as it is also important that you are running your hardware using the most current drivers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Within each of the modules there are also many options for optimizing specific applications like Windows and WEB BROWSERS, as well as optimizing your processor, physical memory, startupprograms etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, the most important part of the suite is the registry optimizer...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJBAU49HXcnJcKp88iE9rvHNoH39KLfmBCQA4F5D1GWTkjILsocw9Solg5dfbiYru_NkQ2-jYixaCOStVMR6EXy_i9rxi6vF4QXUX-l_8gnts1gkOj2TaxKkIIUZWfgxGd_eT8VcvZKs/s1600-h/registry.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJBAU49HXcnJcKp88iE9rvHNoH39KLfmBCQA4F5D1GWTkjILsocw9Solg5dfbiYru_NkQ2-jYixaCOStVMR6EXy_i9rxi6vF4QXUX-l_8gnts1gkOj2TaxKkIIUZWfgxGd_eT8VcvZKs/s400/registry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399356460635993074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>and if you don't believe me, download a trial version of one and try it. Although the trial versions are set to only fix a certain amount or percentage of the errors it finds, you'll be amazed at the resulting performance of your computer.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's it for now. I stress once again... the REGISTRY... and seriously, if you think I'm kidding I tested my internet speed before doing a scan and after... and gained up to 25% !!! But THAT will be lesson 2. I hope this helps.... if you have questions or would like me to research something for ya, just SCREAM at me.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-62751031575740816792009-10-23T07:55:00.005-04:002009-10-23T12:35:49.173-04:00Heir Jordan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/37/Jumpman_logo.svg/200px-Jumpman_logo.svg.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/37/Jumpman_logo.svg/200px-Jumpman_logo.svg.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div>There's been a story floating around for a week or so that continues to escalate, causing ME to have an opinion... so, what else is new...</div><div><br /></div><div>The controversy centers around Marcus Jordan, son of... YOU GOT IT !!!!.... The GREAT, Michael Jordan. MJJ (MJ Junior) is a freshman at the University of Central Florida and a member of the UCF basketball team. (Apparently being the kin to the greatest basketball player of all time has it draw-backs...)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, no big deal right? So, what's the controversy ?!?!? WELL..... it appears that UCF has an athletic apparel contract with Adidas - including footwear (I hate their sneakers, BTW)... See where this is going ??? Marcus, a chip off the ole block, OBVIOUSLY wants to wear.... any guesses ???? <b>AIR JORDANS</b>.... um... manufactured by Nike, of course... why the hell wouldn't he???</div><div><br /></div><div>This "refusal" has escalated to the point where it could cost UCF $3 million dollars to restructure the existing contract with Adidas that is currently in it's last year anyway. THAT'S total BS... Is this an Adidas/Nike battle, perhaps??? Yes, I absolutely believe in honoring contracts but this just wreaks of exploitation !!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's take a look at the "brief" history of this situation. During UCF's recruiting process of the young Jordan, the Adidas contract situation came up and Marcus was told BY UCF that it wouldn't be an issue... and assured him that he would still be able to wear the shoes so near and dear to his heart... and to his ability - apparel being one thing, BUT basketball sneakers can make or break a player - and certainly Marcus has always worn Air Jordans.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although ranked as the 115th best HS player in the nation last year, Marcus wasn't necessarily highly recruited... um, hence not attending daddy's alma mater??? None the less, his "ability" to continue to wear his beloved Air Jordans if committing to attend UCF certainly played a critical role in MJJ's selection process.</div><div><br /></div><div>Important to note is that during this recruitment, UFC officials notified Adidas of the situation and were told that there "would be a workable solution to a unique situation"... armed with that, UCF assured the young Jordan that he could wear the sneakers of his choice - and the Adidas brand <b>JUST</b> doesn't <b>DO IT</b> for Marcus (GO FIGURE !!!)... apparently what Adidas failed to tell UCF is that the "solution" would cost the university $3 million !!! as NOW Adidas is crying "FOUL" !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also critical to note is that previously during this same 5-year contract, a UCF football kicker was allowed to wear a different brand of shoe due to the fit.... with NO penalty to the university... um, I'm not seeing the difference here... sneakers are the most critical part of a basketball player's uniform - they NEED to fit right too... oh wait, I didn't just fall off a turnip truck !!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The difference is we aren't talking about some non-famous football kicker.. we're talking about the son of MICHAEL JORDAN - a multi-kagiillionAIRe spokesman and businessman!!!! Obviously, Adidas has seen an opportunity to "strengthen" their hold on UCF... and fatten their wallets !!! Perhaps I should research the performance of their stock lately!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Adidas is obviously exploiting the university and in turn, Michael Jordan himself.. [FREAK] THAT !!! ... as certainly $3 million would be a huge hit for the university to have to take to be able to honor their promise to Marcus Jordan... quite a dilemma indeed... AND earlier in the week the "penalty" was reported as being "only" $1.1 million... hmmmmm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly it goes much deeper than this and the actual details of the contract haven't been disclosed... but, I'm thinking the wording is something to the effect of, "... in the event that wearing the Adidas brand is detrimental to the athlete's performance and the university, UCF athletes will be allowed to wear non-Adidas apparel.... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(UNLESS they are the child of a world famous multi-millionaire and Adidas can benefit financially by allowing such situation to take place....)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's MY pitch, for what it's worth... [FREAK] Adidas and their [crappy] shoes... perhaps MJ should take the "hit" to get UCF through the current contract with Adidas so that Marcus can continue to wear HIS shoes... BUT, in turn, facilitate a contract between UCF and Nike for doing so... uh..... is THAT exploitation too ?!?!?! Right back at ya Adidas !!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-42060365724557925072009-10-22T16:18:00.007-04:002009-10-22T16:52:41.424-04:00STOP RIGHT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs229.snc1/7623_1182662818114_1574538489_455955_6971076_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs229.snc1/7623_1182662818114_1574538489_455955_6971076_s.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A friend on </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Facebook</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> re-posted this note, as did I... it says it's a true story, which it may be, but the REAL truth is that this shit goes on each and every day and NEEDS to be STOPPED !!!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I'm not going to apologize for my language </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">cuz</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> truth be told, the thought of this bullshit makes me want to puke !!! and rip </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">someone's</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> head off !!!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Anyone who has ever done or even remotely had thoughts of doing such horrendous acts to the child THEY brought into this world out of love needs to be strung up by their balls and beaten like a pinata with a sledge hammer... and I've got an 8-</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">pounder</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> at the ready !!!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">despicable</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> and well beyond my comprehension as a human(e) being... and God help the person that I ever meet that has done something like this... I don't care if it's my kid or not !!!!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Here's the note verbatim... </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"Daddy......it hurts"</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"This is A TRUE STORY AND IF YOU DON'T PASS THIS ON YOU DON'T<br />HAVE A SOUL!!!<br /><br />My name is Chris ,<br />I am three,<br />My eyes are swollen..<br />I cannot see.<br /><br />I must be stupid,<br />I must be bad,<br />What else could have made,<br />My daddy so mad?<br /><br />I wish I were better,<br />I wish I weren't ugly,<br />Then maybe my mommy,<br />Would still want to hug me.<br /><br />I can't do a wrong,<br />I can't speak at all,<br />Or else I'm locked up,<br />All day long.<br /><br />When I'm awake,<br />I'm all alone,<br />The house is dark,<br />My folks aren't home.<br /><br />When my mommy does come home,<br />I'll try and be nice,<br />So maybe I'll just get,<br />One whipping tonight.<br /><br />I just heard a car,<br />My daddy is back,<br />From Charlie's bar<br /><br />I hear him curse,<br />My name is called ,<br />I press myself,<br />Against the wall.<br /><br />I try to hide,<br />>From his evil eyes,<br />I'm so afraid now,<br />I'm starting to cry.<br /><br />He finds me weeping,<br />Calls me ugly words,<br />He says its my fault,<br />He suffers at work.<br /><br />He slaps and hits me,<br />And yells at me more,<br />I finally get free,<br />And run to the door.<br /><br />He's already locked it,<br />And I start to bawl,<br />He takes me and throws me,<br />Against the hard wall.<br /><br />I fall to the floor,<br />With my bones nearly broken,<br />And my daddy continues,<br />With more bad words spoken.<br /><br />'I'm sorry!', I scream,<br />But it's now much to late,<br />His face has been twisted,<br />Into a unimaginable sh ape.<br /><br />The hurt and the pain,<br />Again and again,<br />O please God, have mercy!<br />O please let it end!<br /><br />And he finally stops,<br />And heads for the door,<br />While I lay there motionless,<br />Sprawled on the floor.<br /><br />My name is Chris ,<br />I am three,<br />Tonight my daddy,<br />Murdered me.<br /><br />And you can help,<br />Sickens me to the soul,<br />If you read this,<br />And don't pass it on.<br /><br />I pray for your forgiveness,<br />You would have to be,<br />One heartless person,<br />Not to be affected,<br />By this Poem.<br /><br />And because you ARE affected,<br />Do something about it!<br />So all I ask you to do,<br />Is pass this on!<br /><br /><br />IF YOU ARE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE!<br />Post this as 'Daddy ... It hurts'<br /><br />If you do not send this to everyone you know<br />Then you obviously don't care about child abuse.<br /><br />At first I thought this was just a chain letter<br />And I wasn't going to send it either,<br />But now I realize that this is an important situation.<br /><br /><br />At least 5 children each day from around the world die from child abuse!!!!<br /><br />This happens across the board, no matter how much money they have or their ethnicity.<br />Please help."</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Have you hugged YOUR kid today??? If not, please do.... and pray for those innocent children that long for the same love, only to be beaten to death for that... they didn't ASK to be brought into this world.. and they also certainly didn't ask to be taken out !!!!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I ask (challenge) anyone with a blog that reads this to re-post it on your forum as well... this fucking bullshit needs to be stopped... and perhaps if even ONE person reads it and can save a child's life, we've all helped a child that otherwise wouldn't have the chance they deserve. Thank you.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">PAHDON</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> it. Y'all come back now, ya </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">heah</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> !! </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Nuf</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-25970411330676324392009-10-22T07:22:00.005-04:002009-10-22T10:54:56.937-04:00Causeway Kids - game from 10/21/09<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">'Aliens' vs the Predators - New kids on the block</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Y5yV9svHWY4ZCWvCEMnXXSbxL1VREZ2zNNw6t_lgtiYhd5GW7sPJWeZhajlJCxkmEsxPQB6HA4WczmRu788kDqHEKNWeua210Zk61rC6PTKflhryY3e_JzsbIjTAgBhJTG01QKikNd9/s1600-h/Bs+preds.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Y5yV9svHWY4ZCWvCEMnXXSbxL1VREZ2zNNw6t_lgtiYhd5GW7sPJWeZhajlJCxkmEsxPQB6HA4WczmRu788kDqHEKNWeua210Zk61rC6PTKflhryY3e_JzsbIjTAgBhJTG01QKikNd9/s320/Bs+preds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395432521790596050" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Although not having personally witnessed any of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AVP</span> series of Hollywood's "finest" flicks, I did happen to watch some of the Bruins game last night in which the Predators from Nashville invaded Causeway Street (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span>, OFFICIALLY Legends Way BUT... it will always be the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bahston</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gahden</span> on Causeway to ME !!!!) to take on an "alien" Bruins team.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What a difference 5 days makes as last nights Bruins team was all but a shell of the team that got bitten in the butt by the Coyotes last Saturday.. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span> maybe not a shell ... but the line-up was pretty "foreign" to me... I KNOW ... every NHL line-up is mainly foreign.. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">GEEEEEEEESH</span> !!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ANYWAY.... topping the changes to the line-up... Milan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lucic</span>, who was actually a scratch from Saturday's game after breaking his right index finger on a check (NOT a Czech) Friday vs Dallas... cripes, the least he could have done was break it on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">some one's</span> face !!!!... Milan had his finger surgically repaired and will be "riding the pine" (aluminum?) for at least 4 weeks... but I wonder what effect that screw they inserted will have on Milan's play... or someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">else's</span> NOSE !!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joining <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lucic</span> on the injured list is.... last year's leading scorer, Marc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Savard</span> !!! HOLY [CRAP] - Is THIS really happening ??? Well yes, yes it is... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Savard</span> suffered a broken foot... wait, what??? When the [freak] did THAT happen ?!?!?! Apparently, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Savvy</span> took a shot off the foot in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">PRE</span>-season PRACTICE - talk about "friendly fire" - although, it was never diagnosed and he just played through the pain. The injury was re-aggravated (uh, re-broken???) in practice the other day and FINALLY they have gotten <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Savard</span> off his skates - for the next 4-6 weeks !!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ok</span> off to a slow 3-4 start.... their 2 top forwards out for a month+, things are looking grave, but not impossible... certainly Providence has just what the doctor ordered... call a couple up and off we go right ?!?!?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">BUT, as so eloquently stated by Bruins' owner Jeremy Jacobs when asked about the start this season... words like "underachieving" "complacent" and "disappointing" flowed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">SOOOOOOOOOO</span>.. the front office has been very busy this week... shaking up the line-up to try to invoke some spark into a very flat squad... Chuck <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Kobasew</span> was traded to Minnesota for a few reasons.. least of which was to send a message - shape up or ship out !!! Daniel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Paille</span> was obtained from Buffalo for 2 draft picks... Providence standouts Vladimir <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Bobotka</span> and Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Marchand</span> were called up to add "energy and enthusiasm", Guillaume <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Lefebvre</span> continues his yo-yo ride between Providence and Boston... and no doubt players like Steve Begin, Michael Ryder, Dennis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Wideman</span>, and the rest of the crew were going to need to step up their play.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ALL that being said, the Predators (2-4-1 and having only scored 10 goals this season) appeared to be a good opponent to test the "new look" Bruins' line-up... even with Shawn Thornton being scratched....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">NOT SO FAST !!!!!! Be it nerves or inexperience playing together, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Bs</span> came out as flat as ever... back on their heels... and THAT doesn't sound like a good thing when you're on skates !!! The Predators drew "first blood" (oops, WRONG movie - but I DID see that one !!) 5:55 into the game... the rest of the period was all about the "new" Bruins trying to get their skating legs under them.. AND their timing !!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Julien</span> (or MAYBE Jeremy Jacobs paid a visit) had the magic words during the first intermission... 26 seconds into period number 2..... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">SCOOOOOOOOOOOOORE</span> !!! Michael Ryder put one into the back of the net, with a little help from his friends, NEWLY called up Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Marchand</span> and Derek Morris!!!!!! It was Brad's very first point (of MANY) at the NHL level... and it knotted the contest at 1....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tie was short-lived as, despite some very fine network... uh NET-WORK... by Tim Thomas, the Predators went up 2-1 6:17 into the second... can't save em all RIGHT TIM !!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">BUUUUUUUUUUUT</span>.. NOT to be outdone, Patrice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Bergeron</span>... NOW moved up to the first line... scored on a tip of a "Z" shot at 12:38 of the same frame... That line had a fantastic shift as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Bergy</span> fought tough behind the Predators net, sent a pass out to "Z" and was able to sit in front of the net-minder for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Chara's</span> slapper... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE</span> !!!!! game tied 2-2... whew !!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The 3rd period saw the Bruins putting it all together.... skating, timing, checking... you name it, they were all on the same page.. but despite this - and Tim Thomas "flashing" (uh......) in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Bs</span> net, the score remained tied.... UNTIL !!!!!!!!! Until 8:33 into the 3rd... Daniel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Paille</span> gained control of the puck deep and attempted a wrap-around goal... his shot was thwarted but bounced to Steve Begin... a snapshot - SNAP shot - later and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Bs</span> had their first lead of the game... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE</span> !!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Bs</span> continued to gel through the rest of the contest and Tim Thomas held the fort, especially at the end of the game, not allowing any more shots to infiltrate the net... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Bs</span> win 3-2 in ANOTHER come from behind victory !!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, although it should have been a 1-sided contest, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Bs</span> came out slow... as the game progressed, so did the level and cohesiveness of the their play - DEFINITELY a positive note to build on... The new kids on the block MORE than held their own and certainly have fit in nicely... MUCH needed... the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Bs</span> get right back at it and take on the "Broad Street Bullies" (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Flyers</span>) tonight in the city of brotherly love...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Surely there will be no love lost tonight - is there EVER when these teams play ?? ... and undoubtedly the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Bs</span> will be without their muscle in Shawn Thornton again... BUT, rest assured, hot off this sweet victory, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Bs</span> should be ready to take whatever the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Flyers</span> try to dish out...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">PAHDON</span> it. Y'all come back now, ya <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">heah</span> !! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Nuf</span> Ced</span></b></span>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-35078140942839958242009-10-19T03:52:00.014-04:002009-10-19T09:25:58.967-04:00Foxboro Follies - game review from 10/18/09<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;" ><p style="text-align: center; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span">Patriots Bury The Titans in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Foxborough</span> Snow</span></span></b></span></p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;" ><p style="text-align: center; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:16px;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cachemediasrv.patriots.com/ImgDyn.cfm?s=TT101809_KN0315.JPG&rs=38&q=75&x=22&y=111&w=500&h=150"><img src="http://cachemediasrv.patriots.com/ImgDyn.cfm?s=TT101809_KN0315.JPG&rs=38&q=75&x=22&y=111&w=500&h=150" alt="" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 150px;" border="0" /></a></span></b></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Well, well, well.... I was going to post a review of yesterday's Patriots game yesterday but am glad I didn't. Although the waiting is the hardest part (TOM PETTY !!!), sleeping on this historic day in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Foxborough</span> may, and I repeat <b>MAY, </b>have given me the opportunity to formulate a "different" post - and that's why you all read right???</span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">True that I haven't written about the folks from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Foxborough</span> often this year, but that doesn't mean I haven't been following.. EXCEPT for the [frigging] week that FOX decided it was more important to show their Connecticut audience a NY (NJ?)Jets game - good thing CBS has more brains !!!!!</span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Anyway, I won't rant and rave about the historical nature of yesterday's "contest" as outlined below are the milestones the Patriots achieved.... but rest assured this post won't go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rantless</span> as my "mission" here is to bring things more into perspective - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hmmmmmmm</span>...</span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I've been up for an hour and have already read several reports of, "Brady is back!", "Brady plays his best game of the season" and "THIS is the history-making Brady that we all know".... STEP THE [FREAK] RIGHT BACK !!!!!!! (perspective time).</span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Brady did indeed have a great game yesterday... well, a great 1 half and 1 drive of a game... and being taken out after tossing his 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> TD pass most likely prohibited Tom from having the greatest game by a quarterback in NFL history !!! I agree with Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Belichick's</span> decision to not risk an injury ANOTHER injury in a game that was decided after the opening drive.</span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Brady's final stats yesterday were<b> 29/34 for 380 yards, 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">TDs</span> and no interceptions... a QB rating of slightly under perfect at 152.8</b>... EXCELLENT stats at that... especially considering he was pulled after 1 drive in the second half..</span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">BUUUUUUUUUUUT</span>, if you think that I think that what the "experts" think is true.... YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING !!! (Judas Priest), and I offer <a href="http://pardon-my-opinion.blogspot.com/2009/09/view-from-patsville-patriotsbills-91409.html">my review</a> from game 1 of the season against the Bills... Tom's stats that week... <b>39/53 for 378 yards, 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">TDs</span> and 1 interception... QB rating of 97.8</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">THAT is the day Brady was back !!!! THAT is the Brady's best game of the season (to date)... </span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">But wait !!! Brady's stats were better yesterday !!! Have I flipped my lid ??? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">UHHHHHHHH</span>.. perhaps, but in this case I think not. But how can I say September 14 against the Bills was Brady's best game??</span></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">"Simply" put.... BECAUSE IT WAS !!! On 9/14, the Patriots were losing the game with 6 minutes to play - yesterday they won the game in the opening drive.... On 9/14, Tom Brady commandeered his 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> career come-from-behind victory - yesterday he was removed in a one-sided contest.... on 9/14 the Patriots NEEDED Brady's arm, only mustering 73 yards rushing - yesterday the ground attack could have won the game (actually they did as the first TD was a 45-yard run by Lawrence <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Maroney</span>), totaling 193 yards.... on 9/14 the Patriots defense only caused 1 turnover - yesterday they took the ball away 5 times.... on 9/14 the Patriots were playing a quality NFL football team - yesterday they were playing 0-5 (now 0-6) "Pop Warner" rejects.... </span></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">So yes, yesterday was a great game to watch as a Patriots fan... and although Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Belichick</span> will always find something to work on, the Pats simply dominated the Titans offensively and defensively. The Titans completed only 2 passes for a TOTAL of -7 yards... AND they couldn't even stop Patriots back-up QB, a free agent rookie, Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Hoyer</span>, who was 9/11 himself - and even rushed for a score.</span></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">Team records set by the Patriots</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most points in a game (59)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most points in a half (45 in the first half)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most points in a quarter (35 in second quarter)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most total net yards in a game (619)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most passing net yards in a game (426, tie)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most touchdowns in a game (8, tie)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most passing yards in a half (Tom Brady, 345)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most passing touchdowns in a half (Tom Brady, 5 in first half)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most passing touchdowns in a game (Tom Brady, tie, 6)</i></span></span></li></ul><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">NFL records set by the Patriots</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Most touchdown passes in a quarter (Tom Brady, 5 in the second quarter)</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Largest halftime lead (45 points, 45-0)</i></span></span></li></ul><p face="Arial,sans-serif" style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">Other milestones achieved by the Patriots</span></strong></span></p><p style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 20px; color: rgb(46, 51, 53); margin-top: 0px;"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>The Patriots' 59-0 win ties the largest shutout victory by an NFL team since the 1970 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">AFL</span>-NFL merger. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Atlanta Falcons 59-0 on Dec. 4, 1976.</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>The Patriots 59-point victory ties the largest margin of victory by any team since the 1970 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">AFL</span>-NFL merger, equaling the L.A. Rams' 59-point win over Atlanta on Dec. 4, 1976 (59-0).</i></span></span></li></ul><p></p></span></div><div>The Patriots take it on the road next week - LITERALLY !!!! They will be playing the 0-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in....... LONDON !!!!!!! They sit atop the AFC East at 4-2 as the Jets got "booted" by the Bills... MAYBE the <b>Patriots</b> are back !!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Please allow me to at this time pray for the family and friends of <a href="http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-football/hc-uconn-stabbing-jasper-howard-1018,0,69181.story">Jasper Howard</a>, UConn football player that played a key role in UConn's Homecoming victory over Louisville on Saturday. 20 years old and an expectant father, Jasper was stabbed to death Saturday night after that great game in a fight at the school's HOMECOMING dance... To the perpetrator of this horrible act, My buddy <a href="http://thirtieslost.blogspot.com/">Chris Mollo</a>'s <b>Asshole Award</b> seems to fit.... </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">RIP "Jazz" Howard</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">......</span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">PAHDON</span> it. Y'all come back now, ya <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">heah</span> !! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Nuf</span> Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-68445333653037306772009-10-18T09:21:00.008-04:002009-10-18T11:32:01.016-04:00BsTown Review - 10/18/09<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; font-size:medium;">(NOT Bobby, either)</span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h54kOb_YuehADrLe7Rf0EF3KGkh3LSmhVvy5iNhhaMK6qgFaTcqsI3fAuuLWsIGFz7FSMLqUCVJZqXGlIeAH8x1hriVOosUEJrSoEpfuwNsedmV1fSdv6PLYPxlrfPW9lR8m9sdPP13-/s1600-h/Coyote+Ugly.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h54kOb_YuehADrLe7Rf0EF3KGkh3LSmhVvy5iNhhaMK6qgFaTcqsI3fAuuLWsIGFz7FSMLqUCVJZqXGlIeAH8x1hriVOosUEJrSoEpfuwNsedmV1fSdv6PLYPxlrfPW9lR8m9sdPP13-/s400/Coyote+Ugly.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393932026452588658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 57px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And, oh yes it was... perhaps I should have found it more than ironic that on the same night the Bruins were facing-off against the Phoenix Coyotes (more in a bit)... ABC Family channel was airing one of my favorite movies (for OBVIOUS reasons), <b>Coyote Ugly</b> - AND just a simple "Channel -" click on the remote away to boot - talk about easy surfing.... and they didn't show the movie ONCE, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">buuuuuut</span> TWICE. Definitely not a good omen, although I had OTHER things on my mind at the time !!! Apparently so did the Bruins....</div><div><br /></div><div>Stepping back to Friday night's game... the Bruins rolled... uh, SKATED... into the Big "D" (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hmmm</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BD</span>... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NOOOO</span>... NOT DB !!!!) for their first game away from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">GAHDEN</span> ice of this young season.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a beautiful contest (or lack there of) for a Bruins' fan to watch. The B's "treated" the Dallas crowd of 17,811 in attendance (IMPORTANT note... you'll see) to a 60-minute, end-to-end display of textbook hockey... dominating the Stars in all facets of the game.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the dust.... or ice-chips... had settled, the scoreboard read...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUEQb1W47ALxRs0QwoBowPQyAtqT3LWk89pjL7mrB_8ItmLPbk4ZK8kEdA-nY7FZXvc_dN1mloWJpR4ovuZnPhUsE2XVkO0sgiW7mDk3QI7Erolcsh7iHSBK522w9BZmhQ64UG6MOYE6H/s1600-h/Bs+Stars.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUEQb1W47ALxRs0QwoBowPQyAtqT3LWk89pjL7mrB_8ItmLPbk4ZK8kEdA-nY7FZXvc_dN1mloWJpR4ovuZnPhUsE2XVkO0sgiW7mDk3QI7Erolcsh7iHSBK522w9BZmhQ64UG6MOYE6H/s320/Bs+Stars.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393938507542442418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 181px; " /></a></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SWEEEEEEEEET</span>, right !!!! Boston played their BEST over-all performance of the season... winning their 1st road game - and leveling their record at 3-3 - and conjured up thoughts that MAYBE the "experts" hadn't jinxed them...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">BUUUUT</span>, oh what a difference a day (or NIGHT) makes - in MORE ways than one - as the Bruins hit the ground running (or the ROAD.... SKATING) and glided over to Phoenix (Glendale?) ... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ok</span>.... PHOENIX !?!?!?!?! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">WTF</span> !?!?!?! Hockey in the desert ???? do they play on a rink of sand and slap scorpions with broomsticks??? (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">hmmmm</span>, maybe the Bruins could have done better at THAT "game"... IF they had shown up at the rink)</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently they were on their way to the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Jobing</span>.com Arena"... but stopped off here for a few.... HOURS, that is....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:1Wb-86nvDeGOmM:http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/JordanClifford/Coyote-Ugly-movie-08.jpg"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:1Wb-86nvDeGOmM:http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/JordanClifford/Coyote-Ugly-movie-08.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 120px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ok</span>... I SEE their point !!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>But, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Jobing</span>.com (Arena) ???? Has anyone ever heard of that website ??? Limited research shows it to be a job finder service (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">hmmmmm</span>, perhaps I need to do further research) but wouldn't JOBBING.com be the correct spelling??? (just saying.. and I'm a math guy anyway)... I guess it makes no less sense than hockey in the desert.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of anyway.... although Phoenix leads the Pacific Division this year, apparently their fans had no interest in attending the game - not EVEN for the FREE A/C (thank a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Facebook</span> friend for that one) of the arena..</div><div><br /></div><div>If the reported attendance of 9,162 or so fans is correct... THEN I'M THE SECOND COMING !!!! AND that place seats 100,000 - NOT !!!!! on both counts as I'm certainly no saint and the arena officially seats around 18,000... </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">SOOOOOO</span>, as a "math guy", I'd say <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1</span></b>,162 in attendance is MUCH more accurate - there were more empty seats than will be at my funeral... uh, hopefully !!!! Cole Wright of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">NESN</span> summed it up comically on the post-game show.... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;">"Apparently all the Coyotes' fans showed up dressed as red seats for Halloween"</span> (um, all the seats in the arena are red) But come on... the area has a population of 5 million and they can't fill that dump??? Broomsticks and scorpions is looking more appealing everyday !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>ANYWAY....... I won't bore you with the LOW-lights... suffice to say the Bruins had other things on their minds (see above - A MUST-see movie... but rent it or buy the DVD... the commercials interfere with the "flow"...). </div><div><br /></div><div>But our boys came out flat and and were steam-rolled in the second period... SHORTLY after finally "netting" one to make the score 2-1 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">ok</span>, STILL a chance to pull it out), the UGLY "climaxed" as the Coyotes "scored" twice within like 45 seconds.... WHEW !!!!!!!!!! Quite a performance !!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the Bruins ship their butts back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Bahston</span> to take on the Nashville Predators on Wednesday... HOLY [CRAP]... if Dolly shows up, they're SCREWED... (they wish !!!!)</div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">PAHDON</span> it. Y'all come back now, ya <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">heah</span> !! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Nuf</span> Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-743569547850439632009-10-16T07:04:00.008-04:002009-10-16T10:11:30.303-04:00Welcome to Bs Town !!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:hcv7QtRxR1XsrM:http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/1/3/full/27.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:hcv7QtRxR1XsrM:http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/1/3/full/27.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Well, here's the ole switcheroo... Obviously, I need to switch gears... AND SUBJECT MATTER.. as the Sox have been swept into hibernation... SOOOOOOOOOOOO... here we GOOOOOOOO!!! No worries though, I'll still post updates of the winter happenings at the Fens, to keep you abreast (I love THAT word !!!) of moves being made by Theo and the crew...</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my virgin (uhhhhhh) Bruins post.... BEAR (get it???? OH, GOOGLE what a bruin is !!!) with me... I hope I don't [mess] up !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, apparently I'm off to a shaky start here - much like our beloved Bs who sit at 2-3.... BUT, I blame the so-called "experts" for jinxing our boys !!! Why the [freak] did they predict the Bruins as pre-season favorites to bring home Lord Stanley's Cup !?!?!?! Don't get me wrong, I definitely believe that's a possibility, BUUUUUUUUUUUT.... the "kiss of death" has been cast !!!! NAG DABBIT !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Claude Julien is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in Bruins history... ok, I may be a BIT partial here... but if you look at the demeanor of the hometown coaches... Tito, Belichick, and "Doc" Rivers, it's OBVIOUS that you can catch more flies with honey (was THAT a Winnie the Pooh BEAR reference ?!?!?).... ok, ok, ok they ALL certainly have their moments... hell, so do I !!! but, certainly their low key mentality has helped make Boston the greatest sports town in the country..... </div><div><br /></div><div>NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT..... PITTSBURGH ?!?!??! How the [freak] can Pittsburgh be the #1 sports city in the country?!?!?!? What have the Pirates done for you lately ??? - OR in the past 17 years ???.... And what is THEIR NBA team called... OH WAIT... THEY don't have one !!!!!!!!!!!! Appalling !!!!!!!!! Sorry for that rant....</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the Bruins have one of, if not the, absolute best and most experienced <a href="http://bit.ly/19EoGa">organizations</a> ever assembled in professional hockey and Claude brought that statement to the pinnacle last season.... bringing home the Jack Adams (NOT to be confused with Jack Edwards - more in a bit) Trophy, annually awarded to the best head coach in hockey.... in JUST his second year behind the Bruins bench !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Winning an award like that is not only a testament to the coach and the front office, but to the team itself... and CED (ok, I still need to toss those around !!!) front office has once again surrounded Julien with one of the better line-ups in the game..</div><div><br /></div><div>Anchoring the squad once again is AMERICAN (you all know how many Americans are in the league !!!) goal-tender Tim Thomas. Thomas, always a steady net-minder, mind you (was THAT redundant???), brought his "flashy" and sometimes "reckless" style to the top of the mountain last season.. and emerged as the creme de la creme.. ok, let's keep it American here.. the CREAM OF THE CROP !!! as a First Team All-Star (and winning goalie of that game), winner of the Vezina Trophy - awarded to the top goalie in the league... and co-winner of the Jennings Trophy for fewest goal allowed... Even at the age of 35, I'll take THAT anchor any day !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The cornerstone and rock of the defense is once again Zdeno Chara... OBVIOUSLY not American... but he IS 7 feet tall on skates.. AND he IS the reigning Norris Trophy winner, awarded to the best defensive player in the league. You won't be reminded of Bobby Orr here, but at 7 ft tall and the wingspan of Rodan, Chara can close gaps and poke check from ridiculous angles - not to mention he has the hardest (fastest) shot in the NHL... and although NOT a fighter, Zdeno stepped up his physical game last season... most likely a key factor in winning the award..</div><div><br /></div><div>Helping "Z" keep the opposition out of the Zone is a "motley crue".... NOT !!!! The Bs defensive CREW is more than capable of providing the support needed to drive toward the Stanley Cup... perhaps not many household names (defense in hockey being like offensive line in football), Dennis Wideman, Andrew Ferrence, Mark Stuart and newly acquired Derek Morris promise to provide lots of action in the defensive zone.. and do NOT be surprised at their prowess offensively...</div><div><br /></div><div>Ah, the front lines..... although Kessel-less (grrrrr - was THAT a bear growling???), Boston's front line-up is a virtual all-star team in itself... a perfect mix of youth, experience, finesse and down right toughness.... reminiscent of the Big Bad Bruins of old !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Toddlers Patrice Bergeron (24) - having bounced back last year from almost having his career ended the year before - and David Krejci (23) are absolutely "ice ballerinas"... although THAT comment comes from someone who can NOT skate !!!.. AND, while you're watching these 2 skate circles around you, you'd better hope SOMEONE has an eye on Marc Savard, Marco Sturm, Blake Wheeler and elder statesman Mark Recchi...</div><div><br /></div><div>Youth, finesse and experience covered, that leaves toughness... true that "Z" and Bergeron have no issues getting physical BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT.... Milan Lucic and Shawn Thornton are definite throw-backs to the Bruin style of old.. despite the league's efforts to reduce the fisticuffs involved, Milan and Shawn continue to be the "beef" on the team and will drop the gloves if you look at them wrong !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>But do NOT be lulled (or punched) to "sleep" at Lucic's "tough-guy" facade... this kid (21) is a TRUE mix of skill and toughness... OK, I AM partial here as he is my favorite current Bruin... but this kid's style is eerily reminiscent of probably my all-time favorite Bruin... NOPE... NOT Bobby Orr..... WHAM BAM CAM !!!.... Cam Neely... ole #8... ok, BRUINS #8 !!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>And remember that front office mentioned earlier???? MR. Cam Neely just HAPPENS to be Vice President and Alternate Governor... what ever the [freak] THAT means... It MEANS, there's no wondering why Milan is a Bruin OR why he's my favorite current Bruin !!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>This just in... here's the Bruins latest acquisition... not really, but this is nasty !!!! This happened during a mini 1 on 1 competition !!! you HAVE to watch, this kid is probably like 10 years old....</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="480" height="289" frameborder="0" src="http://bruins.nhl.tv/team/embed.jsp?catid=977&id=48542"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, "brief" team preview aside.. I HAVE to share my opinion on something here (GO FIGURE !!!)... The building that the Bruins play their home games in... WILL SOMEONE MAKE UP THEIR [FREAKING] MINDS !?!?!?! Not about where... but about what to call this place !!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>For a bazillion years, the Bruins (and Celtics) played in the..... BOSTON GARDEN !!!!! (may it rest in pieces)... THEN.... the current facility was "born"... as the Fleet Center (and actually was named the Shawmut Center prior to it's birth - Fleet Bank buying out Shawmut Bank before the doors even opened).. ok, obviously named for Fleet Bank (financial reasons)... great new state of the art (at the time) home... SWEEEEET !!!!!!!!! home....</div><div><br /></div><div>BUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Due to the "stability" of the banking business and the constant selling of the naming rights for the facility, the building has undergone many name changes (if you include the 2005 eBay auction for charity that sold the the naming rights 30 times - but only for 1 day periods - THAT I can accept)... BUT, TD BankNorth Garden, TD Bank Garden or TD Garden (CURRENTLY), no mater how you slice it, it's STILL the Boston Garden... SO JUST [FREAKING] NAME IT THAT !!!!!!!!!! Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, so for those who are not hockey fans..... WHY THE HELL NOT !?!?!?! Here's to hoping I have sparked at least a bit of curiosity... and with "color" announcer Jack Edwards (at the very least, the most emotional announcer in the "game") calling the "shots", it proves to be an experience you'll never forget... And for all you guys... Kathryn Tappen (um, hell yeah I would) does the intermissions !!!</div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-36920645673756579232009-10-15T12:17:00.004-04:002009-10-15T12:36:00.216-04:00Louis Vincent Albano - Good-bye Captain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Lou_Albano_and_a_fan_crop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 334px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Lou_Albano_and_a_fan_crop.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><b><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: 800;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;font-size:13px;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I take the easy way out today and copy the Wikipedia article on <b>Captain</b> Lou Albano, truly a pioneer in the sports/entertainment industry. As a child growing up, the WWWF was an important part of my relationship with my father - and Lou Albano was an important part of the WWWF. For that I thank Louis Vincent Albano - may you rest in peace....</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; "><b><br /></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; "><b>Louis Vincent Albano</b><sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-0" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> (July 29, 1933 – October 14, 2009) was an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">American</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_wrestling" title="Professional wrestling" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">professional wrestler</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manager_(professional_wrestling)" title="Manager (professional wrestling)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">manager</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actor" title="Actor" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">actor</a>. With an over-the-top personality and a penchant for boisterous declarations, "Captain" Lou Albano was the epitome of the antagonistic manager that raised the ire of wrestlers and incited the anger of spectators. Throughout his 42-year career, Albano guided 15 different tag teams and four singles competitors to championship gold.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-1" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> A unique showman, with an elongated beard, rubber band facial piercings, and loud outfits, he was the forefather of the 1980s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_%27n%27_Wrestling_Connection" title="Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection</a>. Collaborating with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyndi_Lauper" title="Cyndi Lauper" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Cyndi Lauper</a>, Albano helped usher in wrestling's crossover success with a mainstream audience. Capitalizing on his success, he later ventured into Hollywood with various television, film, and music projects.</p><table id="toc" class="toc tochidden" style="font-size: 12px; color: black; background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 0.5em; "><tbody><tr><td><div id="toctitle" style="text-align: center; "><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; border-bottom-style: none; font-size: 12px; display: inline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Contents</h2> <span class="toctoggle" style=" ;font-size:11px;">[<a id="togglelink" class="internal" href="javascript:toggleToc()" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">show</a>]</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=1" title="Edit section: Early life" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Early_life">Early life</span></h2><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Albano was born on July 29, 1933 in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome,_Italy" title="Rome, Italy" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Rome, Italy</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-AP1_4-0" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-AP1-4" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>5<span>]</span></a></sup> His family moved to the United States and settled in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Vernon,_New_York" title="Mount Vernon, New York" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Mount Vernon, New York</a>. He played football at and graduated from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishop_Stepinac_High_School" title="Archbishop Stepinac High School" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Archbishop Stepinac High School</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Plains,_New_York" title="White Plains, New York" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">White Plains, New York</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-5" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup> After briefly attending the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Tennessee" title="University of Tennessee" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">University of Tennessee</a> on a football scholarship, Albano left school to join the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army" title="United States Army" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Army</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-2" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-pwradio_6-0" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-pwradio-6" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>7<span>]</span></a></sup> During his tour, Albano became interested in professional wrestling when he was working at a bar as a bouncer and met two wrestlers.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-3" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> Albano made his professional wrestling debut by beating Bob Lazaro in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal" title="Montreal" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Montreal</a>,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec" title="Quebec" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Quebec</a> in 1953.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-4" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup></p><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=2" title="Edit section: Professional wrestling career" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Professional_wrestling_career">Professional wrestling career</span></h2><h3 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom- background-position: initial initial; font-size:17px;color:initial;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-weight: normal; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=3" title="Edit section: World Wide Wrestling Federation" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="World_Wide_Wrestling_Federation">World Wide Wrestling Federation</span></h3><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Albano achieved moderate success as a tag team performer with partner Tony Altimore.<sup id="cite_ref-god166_7-0" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-god166-7" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup> Dubbed The Sicilians, Altimore and Albano competing as a stereotypical Italian gangster combo.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-5" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> Their realistic depiction of their characters caught the attention of actual <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mafia" title="Mafia" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">mafiosi</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-6" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> In 1967, they won the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WWF_United_States_Tag_Team_Championship&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="WWF United States Tag Team Championship (page does not exist)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(204, 34, 0); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">United States Tag Team Championship</a> from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_Skaaland" title="Arnold Skaaland" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Arnold Skaaland</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiros_Arion" title="Spiros Arion" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Spiros Arion</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-7" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-god166_7-1" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-god166-7" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Following the encouragement of fellow wrestler <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Sammartino" title="Bruno Sammartino" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Bruno Sammartino</a>, Albano transitioned from wrestling to announcing.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-8" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> He transformed himself into the brash, bombastic manager Captain Lou Albano. With a quick wit and a grating personality, Albano delivered memorable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_professional_wrestling_terms#P" title="List of professional wrestling terms" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">promos</a> that made him wrestling's most villainous manager. He earned the scorn of the wrestling audience as he attempted to dethrone <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Wrestling_Federation" title="World Wide Wrestling Federation" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">World Wide Wrestling Federation</a> superstar and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE_Championship" title="WWE Championship" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">WWWF champion</a> Bruno Sammartino. In 1971, Albano achieved his objective when <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Koloff" title="Ivan Koloff" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">"Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff</a> ended Sammartino's seven year reign as champion.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-9" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> For the remainder of the 1970s, Albano's cadre of loyal henchmen were unable to resecure the championship once Sammartino won it back.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-10" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Albano guided singles wrestlers <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Patterson_(wrestler)" title="Pat Patterson (wrestler)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Pat Patterson</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Muraco" title="Don Muraco" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Don Muraco</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Valentine" title="Greg Valentine" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE_Intercontinental_Championship" title="WWE Intercontinental Championship" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Intercontinental Championship</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-11" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup>Furthermore, Albano guided fifteen teams to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tag_Team_Championship_(WWE)" title="World Tag Team Championship (WWE)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">WWWF World Tag Team Championships</a>, including The Valiant Brothers, The Wild Samoans, The Blackjacks, The Moondogs and The Executioners.<sup id="cite_ref-slamobit_3-12" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-slamobit-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-8" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>9<span>]</span></a></sup> By the end of his career, Albano managed over 50 different wrestlers who won two dozen championships.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Albano could also help elevate wrestlers by splitting from them. In 1982, despite being managed by the villainous Albano, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Snuka" title="Jimmy Snuka" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">"Superfly" Jimmy Snuka</a> was becoming a fan favorite due to his high-flying ring style. An interview segment revealed that Snuka had no legal contract with Albano, and thus was able to leave his manager.<sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-9" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>10<span>]</span></a></sup> Shortly thereafter, a bloody beatdown by Albano, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Blassie" title="Fred Blassie" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Fred Blassie</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Stevens_(wrestler)" title="Ray Stevens (wrestler)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Ray Stevens</a>, helped transform Snuka into a sympathetic figure, and triggered the most successful period of his career.<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-10" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>11<span>]</span></a></sup></p><h3 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom- background-position: initial initial; font-size:17px;color:initial;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-weight: normal; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=4" title="Edit section: Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Rock_.27n.27_Wrestling_Connection">Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection</span></h3><div class="rellink relarticle mainarticle" style="font-style: italic; padding-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; ">Main article: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_%27n%27_Wrestling_Connection" title="Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection</a></div><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">During the 1980s, Albano appeared in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyndi_Lauper" title="Cyndi Lauper" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Cyndi Lauper</a>'s music videos for her hit songs "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_Just_Want_to_Have_Fun" title="Girls Just Want to Have Fun" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Girls Just Want to Have Fun</a>", "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Bop" title="She Bop" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">She Bop</a>", and "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Goonies_%27R%27_Good_Enough" title="The Goonies 'R' Good Enough" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">The Goonies 'R' Good Enough</a>" Parlaying the venture, new WWF owner <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_McMahon" title="Vince McMahon" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Vince McMahon</a> devised the Rock 'n' Wrestling storyline, a collaboration and cross-promotion between the newly renamed WWF and elements of the music industry.<sup id="cite_ref-museum_11-0" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-museum-11" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>12<span>]</span></a></sup> During a public appearance at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden" title="Madison Square Garden" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Madison Square Garden</a>, Albano made sexist comments that outraged the singer and non-wrestling fans.<sup id="cite_ref-pwradio_6-1" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-pwradio-6" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>7<span>]</span></a></sup> Furthermore, on WWF television, Albano made the audacious claims that he was Lauper's manager, that he had secretly written her songs, and that he was the architect of her success. The two settled their differences on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV" title="MTV" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">MTV</a>/WWF special <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_to_Settle_the_Score" title="The War to Settle the Score" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">The War to Settle the Score</a></i>. Following Lauper's victory at the event, Albano apologized to Lauper and instantly became a fan favorite and the voice of Rock 'n' Wrestling. It was also explained that Albano had undergone surgery to remove "calcium deposits" on his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medulla_oblongata" title="Medulla oblongata" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">medulla oblongata</a>, and that the operation had removed his evil tendencies.<sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-12" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>13<span>]</span></a></sup></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">The crossover storyline, coupled with the Hulkamania phenomenon surrounding then-WWF champion <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk_Hogan" title="Hulk Hogan" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Hulk Hogan</a> and the first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WrestleMania_(1985)" title="WrestleMania (1985)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">WrestleMania</a>, triggered a period of unprecedented success for not only the WWF, but for the professional wrestling industry as a whole.<sup id="cite_ref-wweprofile_0-3" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-wweprofile-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup> Moreover, Albano helped cement wrestling's place within pop culture. Following the colossal success of the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection, Albano left the WWF in 1986 to focus on various projects. Except for a brief return in 1994 to co-manage <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Headshrinkers" title="The Headshrinkers" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">The Headshrinkers</a>, Albano was retired from the wrestling industry.</p><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=5" title="Edit section: Television and Film" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Television_and_Film">Television and Film</span></h2><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Capitalizing on his new found celebrity, Albano began appearing in a vast array of television and film projects. Throughout the late eighties, Albano appeared in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk_Hogan%27s_Rock_%27n%27_Wrestling" title="Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling</a>, <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/227_(TV_series)" title="227 (TV series)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">227</a></i>, <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Vice" title="Miami Vice" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Miami Vice</a></i>, <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Dude" title="Hey Dude" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Hey Dude</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_De_Palma" title="Brian De Palma" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Brian De Palma</a>'s <i>Wiseguys</i>, "Complex World" and the 1987 wrestling movie <i>Body Slam</i>. Expanding into music, Albano managed and performed with rockers <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NRBQ" title="NRBQ" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">NRBQ</a>. He was immortalized in the song "Captain Lou" on their <i>Lou and the Q</i> album. Albano also periodically appeared on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Davidson" title="John Davidson" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">John Davidson</a> version of <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Squares" title="Hollywood Squares" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Hollywood Squares</a></i>.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">In March 1989, on <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_with_Regis_and_Kathie_Lee" title="Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Live with Regis and Kathie Lee</a></i>, Albano had his trademark beard shaved on the air in order to star as the iconic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game" title="Video game" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">video game</a>character <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario" title="Mario" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Mario</a> in <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Super_Mario_Bros._Super_Show!" title="The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!</a></i>. Along with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Wells" title="Danny Wells" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Danny Wells</a>, he co-starred in live action segments during interludes of the Mario cartoon, as well as providing the voice of his animated counterpart.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">In 1992, Albano appeared in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ritter" title="John Ritter" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">John Ritter</a> film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stay_Tuned_(film)" title="Stay Tuned (film)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Stay Tuned</a></i> as the ring announcer for a wrestling match of the "Underworld Wrestling Federation" pitting Ritter and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_Dawber" title="Pam Dawber" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Pam Dawber</a>'s characters against two demonic wrestlers.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">In 1996, Albano was inducted into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE_Hall_of_Fame" title="WWE Hall of Fame" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">WWF Hall of Fame</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-wweprofile_0-4" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-wweprofile-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup> Two years later, he co-authored the book <i>The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pro-Wrestling</i> along with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bert_Sugar" title="Bert Sugar" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Bert Sugar</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-13" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>14<span>]</span></a></sup> In his final years, Albano was semi-active in the wrestling industry with appearances at reunion events, conventions, and WWE programming.<sup id="cite_ref-14" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-14" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>15<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-15" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-15" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>16<span>]</span></a></sup></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">During the 1990s and early 2000s, Albano could often be found on local cable television promoting small businesses in Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess Counties, NY, employing the same over the top style that characterized his 1980s stardom.</p><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=6" title="Edit section: Personal life" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Personal_life">Personal life</span></h2><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">During the 1990s, Albano shed 150 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pound_(mass)" title="Pound (mass)" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">pounds</a> (70 kg) following a health scare. In May 2005, Albano suffered a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myocardial_infarction" title="Myocardial infarction" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">heart attack</a>, but later recovered.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">In 2008 he released his autobiography, "Often Imitated, Never Duplicated"<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-16" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>17<span>]</span></a></sup> with the foreword written by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyndi_Lauper" title="Cyndi Lauper" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Cyndi Lauper</a>.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Albano was one of five children born to Dr. Carmen Louis and Eleanor Albano, both deceased. The other Albano siblings are Vincent, George, Eleanor, and Carl.<sup id="cite_ref-nyjnews.com_17-0" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-nyjnews.com-17" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>18<span>]</span></a></sup></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Albano's brother, Carl, taught health for 32 years at Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, NJ, and was head of the Ridgewood High health department from 1974 until 2001.<sup id="cite_ref-nyjnews.com_17-1" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-nyjnews.com-17" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>18<span>]</span></a></sup> Carl Albano's students have noted that he used his brother Lou as an example of the difference between crazy and unique.</p><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=7" title="Edit section: Death" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Death">Death</span></h2><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Albano died of natural causes on October 14, 2009, aged 76, while under hospice care at his home.<sup id="cite_ref-18" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-18" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>19<span>]</span></a></sup> He is survived by his wife Geri, four children and 14 grandchildren.</p><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=8" title="Edit section: Championships and accomplishments" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Championships_and_accomplishments">Championships and accomplishments</span></h2><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauliflower_Alley_Club" title="Cauliflower Alley Club" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Cauliflower Alley Club</a></b></li></ul><dl style="margin-top: 0.2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; "><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">Other honoree (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauliflower_Alley_Club#1995" title="Cauliflower Alley Club" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">1995</a>)</li></ul></dd></dl><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_Wrestling_Illustrated" title="Pro Wrestling Illustrated" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Pro Wrestling Illustrated</a></b></li></ul><dl style="margin-top: 0.2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; "><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PWI_Manager_of_the_Year" title="PWI Manager of the Year" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">PWI Manager of the Year</a> (1974, 1981, 1986)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PWI_Stanley_Weston_Award" title="PWI Stanley Weston Award" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">PWI Stanley Weston Award</a> (1994)</li></ul></dd></dl><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Wrestling_Hall_of_Fame_and_Museum" title="Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum</a></b></li></ul><dl style="margin-top: 0.2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; "><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Wrestling_Hall_of_Fame#Non-Participant" title="Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Class of 2009</a></li></ul></dd></dl><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wrestling_Entertainment" title="World Wrestling Entertainment" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">World Wrestling Entertainment</a></b></li></ul><dl style="margin-top: 0.2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; "><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE_Hall_of_Fame" title="WWE Hall of Fame" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">WWF Hall of Fame</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE_Hall_of_Fame#1996" title="WWE Hall of Fame" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Class of 1996</a>)<sup id="cite_ref-wweprofile_0-5" class="reference" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_note-wweprofile-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; white-space: nowrap; background-position: initial initial; "><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWWF_United_States_Tag_Team_Championship" title="WWWF United States Tag Team Championship" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">WWWF United States Tag Team Championship</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWWF_United_States_Tag_Team_Championship#Title_history" title="WWWF United States Tag Team Championship" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">1 time</a>) - with Tony Altimore</li></ul></dd></dl><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrestling_Observer_Newsletter_awards" title="Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards</a></b></li></ul><dl style="margin-top: 0.2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; "><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrestling_Observer_Newsletter_awards#Best_on_Interviews" title="Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Best on Interviews</a> (1981) <small>tied with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roddy_Piper" title="Roddy Piper" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Roddy Piper</a></small></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrestling_Observer_Newsletter_awards#Worst_Worked_Match_of_the_Year" title="Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Worst Worked Match of the Year</a> (1985) <small>vs. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Blassie" title="Freddie Blassie" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Freddie Blassie</a> at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nassau_Coliseum" title="Nassau Coliseum" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Nassau Coliseum</a></small></li></ul></dd></dl><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=9" title="Edit section: Notes" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="Notes">Notes</span></h2><div class="references-small references-column-count references-column-count-2" style="font-size: 11px; "><ol class="references" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 3.2em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: none; "><li id="cite_note-wweprofile-0" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-wweprofile_0-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-wweprofile_0-1" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-wweprofile_0-2" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-wweprofile_0-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-wweprofile_0-4" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-wweprofile_0-5" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <span class="citation web" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word; ">"<a href="http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/captainloualbano/bio/" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Lou Albano's Hall of Fame Profile</a>". <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wrestling_Entertainment" title="World Wrestling Entertainment" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">World Wrestling Entertainment</a><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved 2007-10-06</span>.</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=bookitem&rft.btitle=Lou+Albano%27s+Hall+of+Fame+Profile&rft.atitle=&rft.pub=%5B%5BWorld+Wrestling+Entertainment%5D%5D&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwe.com%2Fsuperstars%2Fhalloffame%2Fcaptainloualbano%2Fbio%2F&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Lou_Albano"></span></li><li id="cite_note-1" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-1" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <span class="citation web" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word; ">Associated Press (10/15/2009). "<a href="http://www.gmanews.tv/story/174674/pro-wrestler-music-video-icon-albano-dies-at-76" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Pro wrestler, music video icon Albano dies at 76</a>"<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved 2009-10-15</span>.</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=bookitem&rft.btitle=Pro+wrestler%2C+music+video+icon+Albano+dies+at+76&rft.atitle=&rft.aulast=Associated+Press&rft.au=Associated+Press&rft.date=10%2F15%2F2009&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmanews.tv%2Fstory%2F174674%2Fpro-wrestler-music-video-icon-albano-dies-at-76&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Lou_Albano"></span></li><li id="cite_note-2" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-2" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <span class="citation web" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word; ">"<a href="http://cbs5.com/entertainment/captain.lou.albano.2.1248290.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Wrestler, Pop Icon Captain Lou Albano Dies At 76</a>". cbs5.com. Oct 14, 2009<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved 2009-10-15</span>.</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=bookitem&rft.btitle=Wrestler%2C+Pop+Icon+Captain+Lou+Albano+Dies+At+76&rft.atitle=&rft.date=Oct+14%2C+2009&rft.pub=cbs5.com&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fcbs5.com%2Fentertainment%2Fcaptain.lou.albano.2.1248290.html&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Lou_Albano"></span></li><li id="cite_note-slamobit-3" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-1" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-2" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-4" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>e</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-5" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>f</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-6" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>g</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-7" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>h</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-8" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>i</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-9" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>j</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-10" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>k</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-11" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>l</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-slamobit_3-12" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>m</b></i></sup></a> <span class="citation web" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word; ">Van der Griend, Blaine (October 14, 2009). "<a href="http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/08/11349916.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Captain Lou Albano passes away at 76</a>". SLAM! Wrestling<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved 2009-10-14</span>.</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=bookitem&rft.btitle=Captain+Lou+Albano+passes+away+at+76&rft.atitle=&rft.aulast=Van+der+Griend%2C+Blaine&rft.au=Van+der+Griend%2C+Blaine&rft.date=October+14%2C+2009&rft.pub=SLAM%21+Wrestling&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fslam.canoe.ca%2FSlam%2FWrestling%2F2009%2F10%2F08%2F11349916.html&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Lou_Albano"></span></li><li id="cite_note-AP1-4" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-AP1_4-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <span class="citation news" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word; ">Salazar, Christian (October 14, 2009). "<a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hhXl1AYSi10KT7xqNODyfio__jrAD9BB4GC02" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Pro wrestler, music video icon Albano dies at 76</a>". <i>The Associated Press</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved 2009-10-15</span>.</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=Pro+wrestler%2C+music+video+icon+Albano+dies+at+76&rft.jtitle=The+Associated+Press&rft.aulast=Salazar&rft.aufirst=Christian&rft.au=Salazar%2C%26%2332%3BChristian&rft.date=October+14%2C+2009&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fhostednews%2Fap%2Farticle%2FALeqM5hhXl1AYSi10KT7xqNODyfio__jrAD9BB4GC02&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Lou_Albano"></span></li><li id="cite_note-5" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-5" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://stepinacfootball.com/news/article.asp?id=197307" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Stepinac Crusaders website</a></li><li id="cite_note-pwradio-6" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-pwradio_6-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-pwradio_6-1" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://www.prowrestlingradio.com/albano.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Pro Wrestling Radio Interview</a></li><li id="cite_note-god166-7" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-god166_7-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-god166_7-1" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> Ellison, Lillian. <i>First Goddess of the Squared Circle</i>, pp. 166–167.</li><li id="cite_note-8" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-8" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/lou_albano/biography.php" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Lou Albano - Rotten Tomatoes Celebrity Profile</a>, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li><li id="cite_note-9" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-9" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/snukastevensreview.htm" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs. Ray "The Crippler" Stevens</a>, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, December 28, 1982, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li><li id="cite_note-10" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-10" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://www.mediaman.com.au/profiles/snuka.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka - Wrestling Legends - WWE Hall of Fame legend - Media Man Australia</a>, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li><li id="cite_note-museum-11" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-museum_11-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://wrestlingmuseum.com/pages/wrestlers/loualbano2.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">The Wrestling Museum Hall of Fame Induction Article</a></li><li id="cite_note-12" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-12" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://www.wrestlingclassics.com/wawli/New221-230.htm" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Washington Post, April 1, 1985</a>, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li><li id="cite_note-13" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-13" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0028639618" class="internal mw-magiclink-isbn" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">ISBN 0028639618</a> (2nd edition, 2000)</li><li id="cite_note-14" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-14" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=96049#" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Capt. Lou Albano's wrestling swansong comes Saturday in Shillington</a>, 6/19/2008, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li><li id="cite_note-15" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-15" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://www.pwmania.com/newsarticle.php?page=183596646" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Bret Hart Offering Comments On Vince McMahon Tonight On Raw</a>, Reported by Daniel Pena on 06/11/2007, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li><li id="cite_note-16" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-16" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Reviews/2009/05/26/9573756.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">SLAM! Wrestling review of Lou Albano's Autobiography</a></li><li id="cite_note-nyjnews.com-17" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; ">^ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-nyjnews.com_17-0" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-nyjnews.com_17-1" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><sup style="line-height: 1em; "><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="http://www.nyjnews.com/obits/Obit1.php?fulldate=2004-04-15&pid=1415176" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Carl M. Albano Obituary</a>, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li><li id="cite_note-18" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Albano#cite_ref-18" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">^</a></b> <a href="http://www.gmanews.tv/story/174674/pro-wrestler-music-video-icon-albano-dies-at-76" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Pro wrestler, music video icon Albano dies at 76</a>, retrieved on 2009-10-15.</li></ol></div><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=10" title="Edit section: References" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="References">References</span></h2><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><span class="citation book" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word; ">Foley, Mick (2000). <i>Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks</i>. HarperCollins. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0061031011" class="internal mw-magiclink-isbn" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">ISBN 0061031011</a>.</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Have+A+Nice+Day%3A+A+Tale+of+Blood+and+Sweatsocks&rft.aulast=Foley%2C+Mick&rft.au=Foley%2C+Mick&rft.date=2000&rft.pub=HarperCollins&rft.isbn=0061031011&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Lou_Albano"></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><span class="citation book" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word; ">Ellison, Lillian (2003). <i>The Fabulous Moolah: First Goddess of the Squared Circle</i>. ReaganBooks. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780060012588" class="internal mw-magiclink-isbn" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">ISBN 9780060012588</a>.</span><span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+Fabulous+Moolah%3A+First+Goddess+of+the+Squared+Circle&rft.aulast=Ellison%2C+Lillian&rft.au=Ellison%2C+Lillian&rft.date=2003&rft.pub=ReaganBooks&rft.isbn=9780060012588&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Lou_Albano"></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/captainloualbano/bio/" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">"WWE Hall of Fame Profile"</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://wrestlingmuseum.com/pages/wrestlers/loualbano2.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">"Wrestling Museum Hall of Fame Induction Article"</a></li></ul><h2 style="color: black; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); background-position: initial initial; font-size:19px;"><span class="editsection" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; font-size:13px;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lou_Albano&action=edit&section=11" title="Edit section: External links" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">edit</a>]</span><span class="mw-headline" id="External_links">External links</span></h2><div class="noprint tright portal" style="clear: right; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0.5em; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); "><table style="font-size: 11px; color: black; background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; line-height: 12px; background-position: initial initial; "><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Portal_icon.svg/32px-Portal_icon.svg.png" width="32" height="28" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; vertical-align: middle; " /></td><td style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0.2em; "><i><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Professional_wrestling" title="Portal:Professional wrestling" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Professional wrestling<br />portal</a></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-top: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/bullet.gif); "><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://sify.com/sports/fullstory.php?a=jkoxOogfebi&title=Pro_wrestler_music_video_icon_Albano_dies_at_76" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Albano dies at 76</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://www.captainloualbano.com/" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Offical website</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0016304/" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Lou Albano</a> at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Movie_Database" title="Internet Movie Database" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; ">Internet Movie Database</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/captainloualbano/bio/" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">WWE Hall of Fame profile</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><a href="http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/l/lou-albano.html" class="external text" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 187); background-image: url(http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/monobook/external.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 50%; ">Online World of Wrestling profile</a></li></ul><table class="wikitable succession-box" style=" color: black; background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-collapse: collapse; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; font-size:12px;"><tbody><tr style="text-align: center; "><td width="30%" align="center" rowspan="1" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; padding-top: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Preceded by<br /></span></span><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Cullen" title="Peter Cullen" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Peter Cullen</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><br />1983-1985<br /></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturday_Supercade" title="Saturday Supercade" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Saturday Supercade</span></span></a></b></td><td width="40%" rowspan="1" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; padding-top: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Voice of </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario" title="Mario" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Mario</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><br />1989-1990<br /></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_Brothers_Super_Show" title="Super Mario Brothers Super Show" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Super Mario Brothers Super Show</span></span></a></td><td width="30%" align="center" rowspan="1" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; padding-top: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Succeeded by<br /></span></span><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walker_Boone" title="Walker Boone" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Walker Boone</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><br />1990-1992<br /></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adventures_of_Super_Mario_Bros._3" title="The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"> &</span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_N" title="Captain N" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Captain N</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"> & </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_World" title="Super Mario World" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;">Super Mario World</span></span></a></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></b></span><b></b><p></p></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-68865464456412043972009-10-14T12:49:00.003-04:002009-10-14T14:10:07.124-04:00Sox Thawts - 14 October, 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">The HEAT is on !!!!</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:1TzL6ZUEpdEvAM:http://www.leaguelineup.com/hotstove/images/hot%2520stove%2520logo.jpg"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:1TzL6ZUEpdEvAM:http://www.leaguelineup.com/hotstove/images/hot%2520stove%2520logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 155px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>... and not the tune (Glenn Frey!!!!)... The Sox are ALREADY hard at work during this "Hot Stove" season... and they NEED to be !!!! Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>The starting rotation seems to be 80% set... Beckett, Lester, Buchholz, Dice-K for sure... 5th spot remains a question, but word is that Wake will be bringing his bad back and beer-belly back.. YOU GO BOY !!!!!!!! (uh, I resemble that remark !!!)... and Junichi Tazawa showed some promise as a possible spot-starter... and do NOT forget Paul Byrd... The 'pen is also over-loaded.. but, as I said mid-season, loading up on pitching last winter gave the Sox some "options"....</div><div><br /></div><div>Along with the preliminary word on Wake, supposedly Billy Wagner is "retiring"... as planned the Sox will not pick up his option and his announcement is probably more rhetoric than not... uh, trying to raise the ante to get him to NOT retire... good luck with THAT dude !!!!!! WHAT EVA !!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also on the fire are rumors of a Papelbon trade... although, signing a contract last year... Paps certainly has great value and could be used as bait... you gotta give to get right????? and with the emergence of Daniel Bard as a possible closer from the right side to compliment "Ut Oh" Oki... hmmmmmmmmm... although I would STILL love to see them teach Danny Boy a change-up and try him as a 5th and/or spot starter... perhaps THAT would happen if they just let John Farrell out of his contract terms to go manage the Indians... Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>Whereas the Sox have numerous options with regard to pitching, there are DEFINITELY issues that need to be visited this winter... first to my skull comes Jason Bay... unable to come to terms during the season, something HAS to give this fall, one way or the other.... and with the power numbers Bay put up, expect the price tag to be very high... especially when you consider the lack of high caliber outfielders potentially available....</div><div><br /></div><div>Early grumblings are that the Sox can't afford BOTH JBay AND JD Drew... Having earned $7.8 mil this season, are the Sox prepared to pay Bay upwards of $20 mil, for possibly 5 years???... (and STILL not raise ticket prices AND have 1/2 priced food during family hour????) which would seem to be the going rate... and if you compare JBay's numbers to Drew's.... I know where I'd put MY money... Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>True that Rocco (when healthy), Josh Reddick and Joey Gathright and others on the farm will be able to help out here... SOMEDAY !!!!! but are there any everyday outfielders in the system at this point ????</div><div><br /></div><div>Another area of concern... an area that has been a concern since they booted Nomar, mind you... ISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS... yup, shortstop... certainly last season Jed Lowrie appeared to be the shortstop of the future... UNTIL that wrist injury that all but ruined his season.. will this off-season give the needed time for that wrist to completely heal??? Can the Sox take that chance???</div><div><br /></div><div>A name that has popped up is... is... is ....... HANLEY !!!!!!!! Yup, Hanley Ramirez.... ok, ok, ok... before you go moaning "Why did they ever get rid of him ???".... UHHHHHHHHHHHH... Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and a World Series are why !!!!!!!! Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>But Hanley will be entering the second year of a new deal with the Marlins, currently worth $5.5 mil/yr... obviously, Florida would have to be "crazy" to let him go (.342 average, 24 dingers and 106 driven in) BUT... ya gotta give to get, RIIIIIGHT !?!?!?!? Hmmmm, Paps, Greenie and JD, anyone ????? If ANYONE can do it, Theo can !!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ahhhhhhh, catching.... options here too.... certainly VMart gets the nod as the everyday back-stop... but will that wear and tear affect him at the plate??? Early signs point to the Captain making a return... but I would think that would be more in a back-up and coaching role. And certainly George Kottaras and Dusty Brown lend further options...</div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously the could/should prove to be ANOTHER very interesting "Hot Stove" winter for our boys from Boston... Theo has seen the error of his ways this year and VOWS to bring the trophy back home... the nucleus was set last year and surely he will make the necessary adjustments to do just that... Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, yes I made some changes to the look of the page... Sox season over.. time to move on to the Bs, Cs and Pats... so, black, gold, green, white, red, blue seemed appropriate.... plus I actually had a spark of intelligence and figured out how to add icons for the links at the top (YOU fight with HTML !!!!)... do NOT get used to that.....</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></b></span>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-35874602639983984302009-10-12T07:11:00.005-04:002009-10-12T08:26:48.740-04:00Sox Thawts - 12 October, 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Game, Set, Match, Season</span></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2009/10/11/sox_fans__1255316797_4211.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 329px; height: 200px;" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2009/10/11/sox_fans__1255316797_4211.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>Rather than provide a link to an earlier post, I start today's by reposting an excerpt from one... well ok, I'll provide the<a href="http://pardon-my-opinion.blogspot.com/2009/08/sox-thoughts-18-august-2009.html"> link</a> too... in CASE you care to read the entire thing... thank you in advance for the indulgence.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Mid August, 2009... the 18th.... a time of the year all too familiar to the die-hard population of Red Sox Nation ... the time of year when beer and tums sales rise as our hearts slowly sink....<br /><br />This season is starting to feel a "bit" familiar.... a feeling we have all felt MANY times over the course of our existence... riding high from Spring into Summer..... brought to the end of our rope during the "dog days".... having the rope cut before our very eyes, strand by strand from summer into fall, until WE fall..... a deflated mass of disappointment.... STILL holding on to that rope... AND.... that dream....<br /><br />We rationalize with a phrase that became the creed of the Nation itself.... "There's always next year !!!"... a phrase that we learn while still in the womb... a phrase that becomes an unspoken assumption after so many years of heart-breaks by the team we bleed Red for... yet we continue to believe... until the out that becomes the final nail in the season's coffin... until the final nail is driven into our very own coffins... from womb to tomb (and probably beyond) residency in this Nation is predetermined by a higher power... Red Sox Nation... The Best Place on Earth....<br /><br />For those of you not born into this roller coaster world of Red Sox Nation, I STRONGLY urge you to watch the movie "Fever Pitch". </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The passion that burns is hard to put into words.... but this movie explains it all... very.. VERY.. accurately !!!!...<br /><br />Summed up quite succinctly by an Oakland A's fan that sat behind me earlier this season.... "You fans are CRAZY.... We've heard that!!!" I quickly corrected her uttering but a single word... "PASSIONATE !!!" I challenge the fans of ANY of the 30-odd teams in MLB to try to break the Nation... it can't be done.<br /><br />Why do we stay ??? Why do we put ourselves through season after season of heart-ache ??? Personally I like roller coasters... but that's not it... we have no choice... we are born into this wonderful Nation... and I wouldn't have it any other way. Win, lose or draw, I am a proud and active member... until the day the put me 6 feet under....<br /><br />So much changed in 2004... the year of the first championship in 86 years... the year that made it all makes sense.. the year that made it all worth it..... but was it just a tease ??? 2007 proved that theory to be WRONG !!!!<br /><br />As I sit here on August 18th, our heroes currently out of a playoff spot, I wonder what "life" in the Nation will be like in 2 months or so.... only time will tell.... but either way, I have my rope held tight..."</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to today, October 12th... our boys have just been swept out of the post-season by an admittedly very good Angels ball club. Ironic as it may be, a Facebook friend and member of the Nation "uttered" those infamous words, "There's always next year".... </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure why I'm sitting here writing a post today in the "mood" that I am... Shocked but not surprised, simply put, the Angels played better than the Sox - MUCH better. But I never imagined getting swept !!! Yesterday's game epitomized a Nation member's emotional roller coaster...</div><div><br /></div><div>Historically this most recent heart-break doesn't compare to the '75 series, Bucky Dent's home-run, Bill Buckner's "wickets", or even Pedro being left in against the Yankees... BUT... Paps had NEVER allowed an earned run to score in post-season play... yesterday he allowed 5... 2 runners from Billy Wagner in the 8th and 3 of his own in the 9th.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't help but recall how critical I've been about the bullpen AND Paps over the season... maybe sometimes I know more than I know.. DAMN ME !!!!! Yesterday the bullpen gave up 5 runs (+ another inherited runner to score = 6) out of the 7 runs scored by the Halos... the final strand of the rope being cut by Vladi Guerrero...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to take a different angle today... there are definitely some positives to be had about the season... first it was a very successful season for our boys... 95 wins and a play-off berth... and yesterday in particular, the bats woke up early - Pedey, VMart, Mikey, JD - and carried a 5-2 lead into the 8th.... Clay Buchholz completed his 1/2-season long maturation process and emerged as a true young gun pitching 5+ and allowing (officially) 2 runs.... Daniel Bard entered the contest in the 6th with the bases loaded and no outs... he EXITED the 6th having only allowed one of those base runners to score, and pitched a perfect 7th.</div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly, these are positives to build on and pointing fingers won't bring back yesterday... we've been here before and I'm sure we'll be here again.... there's always next year... Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-33893511575868462442009-10-11T07:15:00.009-04:002009-10-11T11:37:59.532-04:00Gahdening 109 - The Final Exam ?<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">or...... SPIDER, MAN !!!!!!!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">YUUUUUUUUP !!! You know it's SAD BUT TRUE - da dunt dunt dunt dunt (Metallica).... 40 degree nights have all but put an end to my gardening exploits... well, except for the "Pepper Plantation"... which actually isn't located in "California"... my best guess is that PP is located in... in... in... uh, Connecticut !!! Go figure... but I'd have to check the GPS to be sure...</div><div><br /></div><div>Those that have followed from the beginning know it's been more than just a hobby.... it's been an adventure.... or a series of adventures !!!!!!!!... slugs, Bambi, Kermit, ghosts, BEEing 747s, Bugs bunny.. etc, etc etc.... To those of you new to this "concept", I invite you to read the several earlier posts depicting the life and times of Farmer John...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, so I was out in the garden the other day, doing what all gardeners do.... Well ok, I'll fess up... it was actually a few weeks ago... um.... ok.... I wasn't actually IN the garden.... I was at my horseshoe-throwing-spot, honing my "skills"... BUT said "spot" is within spitting distance of California (the main GAHden) .... and uh, I'm a power-spitter mind you....</div><div><br /></div><div>Trivial details aside, I was out there when all of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye ( I REALLY need to do something about this acute peripheral vision that I possess), I spied a "vision"... NO, not my ghost "friend"... this particular vision was the size of... of... RODAN !!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:JU_868Op3krFRM:http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/817/817632/godzilla-unleashed-20070904020100968-000.jpg"><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:JU_868Op3krFRM:http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/817/817632/godzilla-unleashed-20070904020100968-000.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 107px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fore-thougthlessly, I was on the ground quicker than a jack rabbit (I bet "Bugs" was frigging laughing at me again) - later to realize I came within inches of one of Snoopy's land-mines.. PHEEEEEEEEEEW !!!! No time to think (or care) when you feel like you've just been teleported into a 1960's Japanese monster movie... Where's Gamera when you need him ?!?!?! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:u9UCBuSgtwnreM:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7f2beZl0Tb-i2RxNDNGGEz4DqYvB2nuCH0U8Y_W48cFIy9pOU3vTA30E3-_6sUevR5abQBO5KUpJju-WZae3hiqQ13fwsZZSp5RxLF_-qPyKHy985gCOtdbQ4mm6fHxX1x_geAEaCcg/s200/gamera.jpg"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:u9UCBuSgtwnreM:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7f2beZl0Tb-i2RxNDNGGEz4DqYvB2nuCH0U8Y_W48cFIy9pOU3vTA30E3-_6sUevR5abQBO5KUpJju-WZae3hiqQ13fwsZZSp5RxLF_-qPyKHy985gCOtdbQ4mm6fHxX1x_geAEaCcg/s200/gamera.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 146px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>That's MY boy !!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Anyway, from my "safe" hiding spot.... uh, middle of the yard... I was able to compose myself (and my skivvies) enough to "gaze in wide wonder"(Thorogood) and realize that what I saw indeed WAS Rodan... ok, ok, ok... actually it was a hawk - anyone that lives in CT knows that the hawk SHOULD be the state bird - swooping through the "redwood forest"... All I could think was... "Thank gawd it wasn't a chicken hawk as I lay there "chicken [crap]less !!!!" I certainly wasn't feeling "bad to the bone"....</div><div><br /></div><div>As I fumbled to get my camera (phone) out of my pocket to "shoot" this beauty, I then realized how close I came to being blown up by a land mine... Good thing I was playing horseshoes (for luck) or I would have been picking myself up, "dusting" myself off.... and picking Snoopy Poopy off of myself !!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, ok, ok... I WAS still alive but decided perhaps it was time to cease the "fun" and games and proceeded to inspect Pepper Plantation... situated against the house... uh, having to face the house MAY protect me from my peripheral vision !!! </div><div><br /></div><div>The peppers got a late start, but were starting to "pop" all over... uh, get it? pepper poppers??? never mind... Pepper Plantation being densely "pepulated", viewing the boys in the back required "careful" observation skills... which I apparently do NOT possess !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>As I was bobbing and weaving along the front row to try to see through the denseness... BLECK, BLECK, BLECK !!! You guessed it !!! I ALMOST made myself "charlotte's" next meal, pulling back and pulling ANOTHER sticky web from my face, eye, ear and hair... damn big web, as half of it still remained, "housing" a ladybug and a couple of other indistinguishable "UFOs"(Unable to Fly Objects !!)...</div><div><br /></div><div>Aight, not actually SEEing the master that spun this silken supper trap, I of course assumed..... Garden Spider... no big deal, right? Garden Spiders are critical to the health and production of said garden.....</div><div><br /></div><div>Flash forward to yesterday (YES, it WAS !!!). Once again inspecting Pepper Plantation for new growth (mindful of the "net" this time) I observed that the web had fully "recovered" from the entrapment of my face... uh, obviously "charlotte" had been busy... cool, I thought... "no harm, no foul"....</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">UNTIL...............</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-oiCKxA9rY7szudLKOtbWbIf3Lri0YYc5VkIhbuZJAkwAnQAv7T3Ikp1spMQGV62uB7XEx1g7FY13EXcV8gqCcNHhQqQ3uahL0k9i9RY4D5b4GfMRY7ebB_fMd0UZaSXvFOScPIhAuHO/s1600-h/Charlotte.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-oiCKxA9rY7szudLKOtbWbIf3Lri0YYc5VkIhbuZJAkwAnQAv7T3Ikp1spMQGV62uB7XEx1g7FY13EXcV8gqCcNHhQqQ3uahL0k9i9RY4D5b4GfMRY7ebB_fMd0UZaSXvFOScPIhAuHO/s320/Charlotte.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391323282132716898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px; " /></a></div><div>THIS "beauty" presented itself from behind a leaf... obviously it was IT'S dinner time but... UH.... I AIN'T YOUR DINNER DUDE !!!!!!!!... and crawled to the center of the "net" to inspect it's "cargo"...</div><div><br /></div><div>WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEE Nelly !!!!!! WTF is THAT !?!?!?! STEP BACK !!! .. which, of course, I immediately did - ok, JUMP (Van Halen !!) back was more like it.... HOLY [CRAP] !!! That ain't no garden spider that I know of !!!!!!!! although, thankfully my spider research is at a minimum...</div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, research was certainly in order HERE !!!!! My limited knowledge of the "animal" kingdom told me that brightly colored rascals are poisonous... so you know what THAT means..... GOOGLE !!!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So google I did.... and found many pictures of my "friend" at some site like... "acmespiderinfo. com" or something like that... you know the "net"... MUCH to my PLEASANT surprise, I found out that my spider knowledge skills are severely lacking as this "bad" boy, the "dreaded" Marbled Orb Weaver, is not actually toxic to humans... and is often found in garden areas... GO [FREAKING] FIGURE !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I swear this is true and I HAVE A WITNESS !!! GFS (not to be confused with the afore-mentioned GPS) actually helped me "capture" this "amazing" arachnid... of course it looked thirsty, so I obliged by pouring a bit of beer into the container... Did you know that spiders CAN drink themselves to death ???? (GOOD thing I'M not a spider, man !!!) I'm sure it died with a smile on it's face - wherever the hell a spider's face is located !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I felt a bit bad that this guy "lushed" himself to death on MY beer, but it didn't say anything about it's toxicity (SYSTEM OF A DOWN!!!) to a 25 pound beagle.... Hmmm, I'm thinking where there's one, there's more... obviously this thing wasn't "planted" there by an "actual" UFO.... ok, maybe the peripheral vision will be needed in the future...</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say it's been a "wild" experience, this gardening thing... perhaps I need to examine the "benefits" of my NEXT hobby a "bit" more closely before engaging myself... Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>Long story short, good thing this post wasn't titled "Da da da da da da da da... BAT, MAN !!!! although.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-11371058732363684282009-10-10T07:40:00.003-04:002009-10-10T08:57:51.875-04:00Sox Thawts - 10 October, 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Condition Critical</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The site I use to build the playlist, apparently doesn't offer this selection. So, I'm embedding the video here for your listening "pleasure", or else it would be the lead-off "hit".... I just feel the title is MORE than appropriate as our boys head home down 0-2 in the ALDS. And it's one of my favorite Quiet Riot tunes - RIP Randy Rhodes and Kevin DuBrow.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HJOykBdH9pI&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HJOykBdH9pI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The first 2 games of the Sox/Angels ALDS have proven to be uncharacteristic for our boys' potent offense.... apparently, the bats suffered quite a bit of jet lag. They have mustered 8 hits TOTAL in the 2 losses to the Angels at the Big "A".... 4 in each contest... and are batting a dismal .131 as a team.... WTF boys !?!?!?! Ain't gonna win [crap] THAT way !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Pitching wins championships continues to rattle around in my skull - at least there's still SOMETHING up there !! Statistically, Boston's staff appeared to have the edge. STATS SHMATS !!! It comes down to who "wants" to perform between the lines !!! Thus far, the Angels' staff is out-pitching the Sox ARMS down. Our boys need to START to execute before they are executed !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Game 1 saw Jonny L. square up against the Angels' John Lackey. It WAS a great matchup that was scoreless into the 5th inning... 5 walks, 3 Sox errors and a 3-run bomb by Torii Hunter with 1 out in the 5th and it was the Angels that were in the saddle. Lester's stuff wasn't his best as he struggled with command all night.... and is evident by his walking 4 batters and only striking out 5 over 6 innings. The Angels tacked on 2 more runs in the 8th to win 5-0. The Sox (IM)potent offense was only able to muster 4 hits - all singles (Pedey, JBay, JD and Gonzo) - and 1 base on balls. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Advantage: Angels</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Game 2 showcased another great pitching match-up... Sox' 17-game winner Josh Beckett against Angels' 16-game winner Jered Weaver. This contest had a similar start with both aces breezing through the first 3 frames. Our boys struck first in the 4th (FINALLY) as Jacoby led off with a 3-bagger and was singled home by VMart. The Angels MANUFACTURED the tying run in the bottom of the same frame on a hit and run and a sac fly... Beckett's curve-ball was flat all night and even a better than average 2-seamer wasn't enough against the Angels last night as they broke the game open in the 7th.. and sent Josh to the showers.... couple that with AGAIN only able to muster 4 hits, and you have the recipe for defeat - 4-1 Angels... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Double Match Point: Angels<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow proves to be Clay Buchholz' BIGGEST game of brief major league career... NO PRESSURE BUCHHY BUT ......... the Sox' play-off lives are resting on your right shoulder !!!! The Angels throw Scott Kazmir - historically a Red Sox killah... and the exact reason the Angels picked him up from the Rays during the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully the Sox' bats will make the fight back to Boston - if they made it to Anaheim in the first place. They are getting outplayed by means which I issued concerns about previously. Sunday they need to pull out all the stops. And don't be surprised at ANYTHING they try in order to play another day.</div><div><br /></div><div>"It Ain't Over Until It's Over" (Kravitz !!!) and our boys have been down 0-2 in the recent past... uh, recall the series with the Yankees in 2004 !!!! So, in the spirit of 2004.......</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>[FRIGGING] COWBOY UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-13567326937935755592009-10-09T14:45:00.002-04:002010-08-30T13:02:16.490-04:00They Call Me "Benedict"<div style="text-align: left;">Well, one idiot on Facebook called me a traitor. Obviously his head is so far up his ass he couldn't see reality if it punched him in the face... although I guess it would be pretty tough to get at his face with his head in the afore-mentioned orifice. They say ignorance is bliss, so this DB (uh douche-bag) must be in heaven !! [insert reality check here]</div><div><br />
</div><div>So why am I a traitor, you ask? Well, that's a good question. A question that anyone who knows me can readily answer. I guess I precipitated Sir Idiot's comments by posting a status update to the effect of "I hate being right on my blog", after the Red Sox lost. So it was my own fault. I obviously was referring to yesterday's play-off preview where I mentioned that if the Angels were to win game 1, it is probably better to have Beckett pitching game 2 instead of Lester.</div><div><br />
</div><div>His comment made a life-long statement of mine oh so true... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">"When an asshole opens up, nothing but shit comes out !!!"</span> as he left a comment on my wall to the effect of "REAL FANS DON'T PREDICT <b>US</b> TO LOSE !!!" Obviously he has selective reading skills... and I honestly didn't know he was on the Red Sox - as the use of the word "US" indicates ... obviously he isn't. Also obvious is he has no fucking idea who I am..</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, the thread on my wall continued as I was "chatting" there with 3 friends, whom happen to be Yankees fans... only to be interjected by Sir Idiot with... "TRAITOR !!!!" "SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY!!!" and other meaningless rhetoric... </div><div><br />
</div><div>Mind you THESE comments coming from the "brain" of a "fan" that totally trashed McGreevy's wall less than a week ago because, with his head up his ass, he wasn't able to find the Red Sox game on one of their 2 dozen Hi Def TVs.... not hard for me to see who the REAL fan is.... and who the ASSHOLE is...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Am I bitter? Eh... I've been called worse and am sure I will be again.... What I am is..... EMBARRASSED.... embarrassed for the Nation that such total assholes are allowed to reside here... embarrassed that this pea-brain calls himself a fan in the same sentence as me... embarrassed that true to my Yankee friend's words, Red Sox fans can be assholes... So, that leads me to apologize for this loser..... because that's the way I am....</div><div><br />
</div><div>YES, I am a staunch and dedicated member of but one Nation... but also yes, I am a lifelong student of our national past-time, having participated, coached and been a fan for the past 38 years... if there are any doubts as to where my loyalty lies, I invite you to inspect my car and/or "man-cave"...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Also recently, it was brought to my attention that I am not your typical, blind member of Red S0x Nation... like blind Yankees fans rooting for the home-town team without really understanding what you're rooting for.... maybe I'm the one that needs a reality check. Sad but true...</div><div><br />
</div><div>I am definitely not an asshole fan like Sir Idiot. I have no issues with anyone supporting the team of their choice.... They are free to root for whom they please. I hold nothing against them for that, as I have no right to do so. I have no problems having Yankees fans as friends, the rivalry only makes the relationship better... Hell, I was married to Yankee "family"... WAS !!! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Surely I could rant and rave on this forum as to how great the Red Sox are and that no other team could/can touch them this October... But, is that reality ??? Does being critical make me a traitor?? I think not... I'd like to think it makes me a realist, and apparently sets me apart from a LOT of members of the Nation.... sad but true....</div><div><br />
</div><div>Instead, I have tried to play "devil's advocate" as it were... if only to help other Nation members realize the reality of particular situations... be it trades, call-ups game situations or the like... and certainly everything I've shared has been my own opinion - good, bad or indifferent...</div><div><br />
</div><div>No, I obviously don't know everything... and I apparently have more class (just MY opinion) than a lot of Red Sox fans. But, it has also been brought to my attention that I am an astute student of the game itself and that way in which I present what I do is more than fair, if not thought-provoking. Which, by the way, is exactly my goal....</div><div><br />
</div><div>I feel it's pretty sad that I felt the need to write a post like this... and apologize for the unusually "rough" language... but to DB Dave McDonough I present THIS to you for your "impact" on my life... <a href="http://thirtieslost.blogspot.com/">thank my pal Chris</a> for this badge of "honor"...</div><div><br />
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</div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-58671822172503060122009-10-08T10:26:00.003-04:002009-10-08T10:48:30.212-04:00GO SOX !!!!<div>Here's a quickie... perhaps this may further explain an <a href="http://pardon-my-opinion.blogspot.com/2009/08/sox-recap-game-from-august-18th-2009.html">earlier post</a>. Feel free to "steal" any of these for your own personal green monstah... hell, I did !!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v345/7/119/559624252/n559624252_816762_9023.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 344px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v345/7/119/559624252/n559624252_816762_9023.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6535_102338073112947_100000102648680_50140_3675474_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 338px;" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6535_102338073112947_100000102648680_50140_3675474_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6535_102338093112945_100000102648680_50146_3651955_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6535_102338093112945_100000102648680_50146_3651955_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs267.snc1/9420_103573089656112_100000102648680_85430_563531_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 193px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs267.snc1/9420_103573089656112_100000102648680_85430_563531_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs267.snc1/9420_103573189656102_100000102648680_85433_4091107_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 223px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs267.snc1/9420_103573189656102_100000102648680_85433_4091107_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v168/7/119/559624252/n559624252_263643_1867.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 209px;" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v168/7/119/559624252/n559624252_263643_1867.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8420_144670674252_559624252_2476669_574232_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8420_144670674252_559624252_2476669_574232_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8420_128033809252_559624252_2285031_1649600_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 245px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8420_128033809252_559624252_2285031_1649600_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8420_144819404252_559624252_2477481_4551661_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 320px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8420_144819404252_559624252_2477481_4551661_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8420_151294814252_559624252_2517057_2273156_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 240px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8420_151294814252_559624252_2517057_2273156_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf CedJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-76991071056470953002009-10-08T08:29:00.004-04:002009-10-08T10:18:41.003-04:00Sox Thawts - 8 October, 2009 - ALDS edition<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">PLAY (post-season) BALL !!!!!!!!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:uEElVWryv0dJoM:http://www.logoshak.com/~asgsport/images7/2009_ALDS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 140px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:uEElVWryv0dJoM:http://www.logoshak.com/~asgsport/images7/2009_ALDS.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><br /></div><div>HERE WE GO !!!!!!!!! Sox at the (California, Anaheim, Los Angeles) Angels (of Anaheim) tonight... 9:37pm eastern... WTF kind of starting time is THAT ?!?!? Anyway, it proves to be a late night in the "Ced" household, for sure (I better take a nap, I'm NOT getting any younger, ya know !!). And for my Facebook friends, watch my wall for "live" updates...</div><div><br /></div><div>First off, they can't even decide what city they're from !!!!!!!!! It's kinda like saying the Pawtucket Red Sox of Boston !!! But wait, Pawtucket already has a team (Red Sox AAA affiliate - The Pawtucket Red Sox). For THAT matter, Los Angeles already has a team too... Imagine the Angels and Dodgers in the World Series..... NOT THIS YEAR !!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, what's in a name right? Maybe Gene Autry should have willed that the Angels ALWAYS be named California... Either way, true that the Sox have easily handled the Angels in post-seasons past. But this isn't your sub-average "Angels" team of years past... Here's to hoping the Sox will be "Back In The Saddle Again".</div><div><br /></div><div>The Angels pose a very formidable opponent... excelling in all phases of the game. They hit for average - .285 as a team to lead the Majors (Sox were 4th at .270).... they hit for power with 4 players having 20+ home-runs (Sox had 5 and were 3rd in the league with 212) - and that doesn't even include Vladi (Guerrero) who is always a threat to go long. </div><div><br /></div><div>They can run the bases - 3rd in the league with 148 steals (Sox 5th with 126). And defensively, the Angels and Sox were tied for 3rd/4th in the AL with a .986 fielding percentage... 2 percentage points behind the league-leading Blue Jays.</div><div><br /></div><div>That leaves the last phase and you all know PITCHING WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS !!!! The Angels staff posted 97 victories this season to Boston's 95 - but THEY don't play in the toughest division in baseball - the AL East !!! The Sox' team ERA of 4.35 is slightly better than the Angels' 4.45... and as a team the Sox struck out 168 more opposing batters than the Angels while issuing only 7 more free passes (uh, walks).</div><div><br /></div><div>VERY similar teams on paper. But who has the "edge"? OBVIOUSLY, Nation members will say the Sox will win HAND'S DOWN as this year's club is also an uncharacteristic mix of power and speed, compared to years gone by. In MY opinion... and take it for what it's worth.... the "secret" lies in what I have always felt is the most critical element of the game of baseball..... an element NOT practiced enough by Tito and the boys... Any guesses ??????</div><div><br /></div><div>SMALL BALL !!!!!!... this series isn't going to be won by no-hitters and home-runs (ok, well it COULD be!!!). Nope, the edge in this series will go to the club that can best MANUFACTURE runs when needed... ie, bunting a runner over with less than 2 outs... hit and running... sac flies.. hitting the ball to the right side to advance a runner... GIVING UP AN AT BAT FOR THE TEAM!!</div><div><br /></div><div>With the clubs being so similar statistically, there is one glaring statistic that could be the ace in the hole.... small ball isn't something regularly practiced by the boys from Boston, but will need to be over the next week and beyond. Consider this, the Angels had 43 sacrifice hits (uh, bunts) this season... the Red Sox..... 19 !!!! definitely not a major part of their arsenal....</div><div><br /></div><div>And don't mis-interpret this theory... pitching STILL wins championships as it is the pitcher's responsibility to not ALLOW the opposing batters to play that game... keeping runners off of the bases... not losing their composure when a runner is moved along the base-paths by some means... being the 9th fielder on the team if/when needed... I used to tell my little league "students" that pitching is 90% mental and 10% physical... perhaps not entirely true but....</div><div><br /></div><div>Jonny Lester takes the hill in the series opener... for those that put any DEmerit in the fact that Beckett isn't starting game 1..... it came down to a matter of timing... certainly aided by Beckett's missed start 2 weeks ago. Throwing Lester first keeps them both on 5-6 days rest, which is critical to keep their sharpness. Lester/Beckett or Beckett/Lester really doesn't amount to a hill of beans - either is equally capable of posting that first VICTORY, as coming home to Boston with at least 1 win is CRITICAL...</div><div><br /></div><div>Also consider... yes, Jonny has been here before and yes he's a cancer survivor... BUT, should the Angels happen to win game 1, it just may be more important to have the more experienced and seasoned play-off pitcher in Josh Beckett trying to win game 2.... and maybe he can finally earn that song !!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>In any event, the next 3, 4 or 5 games could/should prove to be a very exciting and classic play-off series between 2 VERY good ball clubs.. hell, there's 22 teams that DIDN'T make it to October !!! AND NO !!!!!!!! I am NOT being pessimistic... just critically cautious... I call it the way I see it... Nuf Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>Now.... the lead-off hit of the day being a flop, I have chosen today's... a classic by the Troggs... AND Jonathon Papelbon's previous entrance tune... a tune used in the movie Major League... HA, remember when Paps had the Ricky Vaughn's (Charlie Sheen's) wild thing haircut ?!?!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, thank you all for your continued support. I noticed today that Pahdon has been visited for the 1,000 time... (see "Now Serving") since I added that counter in mid-August... Still a virgin blogger, I can only assume that's a good thing...</div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></span></b>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-77953412951892508192009-10-05T08:31:00.006-04:002009-10-05T11:24:10.083-04:00Sox Thawts - 5 October, 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Series Wrap - Red </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Sox</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"> / Indians - 10/01-10/04</span></b></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a "grand" weekend at the Fens. It was the final weekend of the regular season - a season that started way way way back in April. The play-off match-ups are set - well, except for the Tigers and the Twinkies, who felt that 162 games just wasn't enough to decided the Central Division champs !!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GEEEESH</span> !!!! But, our boys have clinched a spot and WILL be facing the Angels starting this Wednesday or Thursday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having clinched a play-off berth precipitated <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sox</span> ownership to declare this weekend as "Fan Appreciation Weekend". As I posted on Saturday, I was lucky enough to have personally participated in this remarkable experience. Other than that, having clinched a spot made this a meaningless series, right? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WOEEEEEEEEEEEEEE</span> !!!! STEP BACK !!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The regular season is 162 games and each and every one of them is important !!! Get it ?!?!?! Yeah but..... BUT NOTHING !!!! The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sox</span> came into this series having lost 6 in a row.... The play-offs were a week away.... nagging injuries abound... play-off rosters need to be set... starting pitchers were coming off a bad or missed outings... and of less concern, there were milestones to attain... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ok</span> I may have been born during the day, but it wasn't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">yesterDAY</span> (all our troubles seemed so far away... sorry) !!!!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nuf</span> Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>I GET IT !!!! This series was important on many levels....</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">10/01/09 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sox</span> 3 - Indians 0</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">...</span> Is that a goose-egg I see? YUP !!! The series opener saw John Lester try to bounce back from an outing in the Bronx where he was hit hard (LITERALLY!!) and went only 2.1 innings... and also try to snap the 6-game skid. On Thursday, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jonny</span> L. laid to rest any and all concerns as to whether or not that liner off the leg would have any lingering effects. Lester went 6.1 innings of shutout ball giving up only 2 hits and punching out 7. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hmmmm</span>, sounds like he's ready to me. AND, the bullpen pitched 2.2 innings of 1-hit ball, with Paps picking up save #38. The 12-hit attack was led by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Jacoby</span> (and steal # 68 - 2 more !!!) with 3 hits while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">VMart</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">JBay</span> (and RBI #116) and Gonzo (including a walk) had 2 each. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Papi</span> (and RBI #97 !!!), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Youkah</span> (and RBI #92 on a sac fly) chipped in with a safety each. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Pedey</span> "chipped" in with 2 walks. Losing streak snapped !!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Nuf</span> Ced</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">10/02/09 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Sox</span> 6 - Indians 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">...</span> Friday saw Dice-K take the hill in an effort to make the post-season rotation. I certainly would have had ANOTHER choice to view personally... if it were up to me. Although pitching surprisingly well since his "triumphant" return, he's kinda like watching paint dry - HURRY UP !!! Anyway, Dice-K pitched..... well, decent. Although his "line" of 6 innings, 2 runs on 5 hits and 7 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">punch-outs</span> "looks" good on paper, Dice-K "loves" to be in constant trouble while he's pitching. What's in a box score ?!?!?! The relief corps pitched 3 innings of shutout ball, giving up 3 hits. The offense banged out 8 hits - 4 of which were doubles. They were certainly aided by 3 Cleveland miscues and 5 BB (walks). Leading the "charge" were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">VMart</span> (plus a walk and RBI #104) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">JBay</span> (double and RBI #117), with 2 hits each. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Jacoby</span> (plus 2 walks and stolen base # 69 !!!! (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">uhhhh</span>. NO comment), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Youkah</span> (double, walk and 2 RBI = 94), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Cpt</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Tek</span> (double) and Mikey Lowell (plus a walk) collected a hit a each. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Pedey</span> had a sac fly, a walk and collected RBI # 69 - UH, seems to be a popular number. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Nuf</span> Ced</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">10/03/09 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Sox</span> 11 - Indians 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">...</span> Saturday saw some of the regulars get some rest and some of the supporting cast get an opportunity to see some playing time (and "try out" for the post-season roster). It also saw Josh Beckett try to put his back spasms behind him (personal joke!!) Beckett wasn't his best, going 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits, walking 3 and punching out 5 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">AHHHHH</span>, failing to reach the magic 200 for the first time in his career. It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">ok</span> big guy, 17 wins isn't to shabby, BUT NO SONG YET !!!! It takes a "special" outing to have a song written about you !!! Anyway, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Byrdman</span> worked out of the 'pen... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">HMMMMM</span>, any ideas why??? Can you say TRY OUT ?!?!?!? Unfortunately it looks like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Byrdy</span> may be joining his son's "fall ball" team, going 3 frames and giving up 2 runs.. Oh well Paulie, thanks for the visit - go retire and we'll get back to you next August !!!! The bats were alive, blasting 11 hits including 4 big flies... Brian Anderson... uh, WHO ?!?!? led the way with 3 hits and a walk - going yard and having 3 RBI... and just may have "inked" his name on the post-season roster - especially with Rocco ailing. Casey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Kotchman</span> had 2 hits - CRITICAL !!! (Vmart catching in the play-offs and Casey at 1st ???). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Pedey</span> (RBI # 70) went yard to start the fireworks in the first inning and had THREE walks. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">VMart</span> (4 RBI = 108) highlighted a 7-run second inning in GRAND fashion - belting his first career grand salami !!! Even 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">th</span>-string(???) catcher, Dusty Brown, joined in the festivities, hammering his first Major League <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">homah</span> in the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">th</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">JBay</span> (RBI # 118), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Youkah</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Papi</span> (double) rounded out the attack.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">10/04/09 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Sox</span> 12 - Indians 7</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">...</span> Sunday brought about the series, AND SEASON finale - and more try outs. "MY" young gun, Clay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Buchholz</span>, was on the mound. I actually had a brief conversation with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Buchhy</span> when I met him on Friday - like he cares !!!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Buchhy</span> was coming off one of his worst outings this season and needed to sharpen up before the play-offs. Well, THAT didn't happen now did it??? Clay was "high" (uh, you know what I mean) all afternoon and was only able to "hurl" 3 innings, giving up 6 runs on 5 hits (but DID strike out 6). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">WTF</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Buchhy</span> ?!?! Has Farrell been "working" with you too ?!?!?!? I swear, I WILL.... Relief duty was handled by a cast of 5 (try outs???) - combining for 6 innings of 1 run 3-hit ball.. The offensive explosion from Saturday continued through Sunday, blasting 11 hits and FIVE round-trippers !!! Sunday's attack was led by JD who went yard twice !! giving him 24 HR and 68 RBI for the campaign - his best production since joining the club. George "Kat" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Kottaras</span> also had 2 hits - THIS is critical too (uh, back-up backstop???)!!! With a hit each were Gonzo (HR - STILL waiting for this kid to learn to hit ??), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Pedey</span> (uh, HR !!!), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Papi</span> (plus 2 RBI = 99 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">grrrrr</span>!!!!), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Youkah</span>, Joey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Gathright</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Jacoby</span> - who also nabbed bag # 70 - YES, 1 prediction panned out for me !!! "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">BEAVIS</span>" (Jed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Lowrie</span>) capped the scoring in GRAND fashion !! Yup, first career grand slam !!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Hmmmm</span>, took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">VMart</span> 10 years to get his !!! The catching crew of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">VMart</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Cpt</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Tek</span> and Dusty Brown added 3 walks. Kudos to Tito for taking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">Tek</span> out of the game and giving the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">Fenway</span> Faithful the opportunity to salute the captain - not sure we'll see him again. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">Nuf</span> Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>So, this weekend series proved to be very important.... the losing streak was snapped and our boys enter the play-offs on a very positive note. SOME roster questions have been answered - at least for me, BUT..... if my opinion mattered, I'd be in Boston today, NOT here in CT typing this blog !!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Nuf</span> Ced</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, the "important" stuff. If you haven't noticed, the music <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">playlist</span> on this blog has grown leaps and bounds. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Ok</span>, so I got a bit crazy yesterday !?!?!?! Anyway, I have had several "requests" to have a particular song in the Lead-off spot. </div><div>Tell ya what I'm gonna do.... I am going to leave it up to anyone that cares !!!! Although I have yet to find a "blog poll" where a reader can type in a choice, my quest will continue if need be. And, I'm also pondering a trivia question of the day to determine the "winner" of the Lead-off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">HITter</span> choice.</div><div>BUT, in the meantime, I have chosen today's... "3 little birds"... for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">Sox</span> 1-2-3 punch of Lester, Beckett and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">Buchholz</span>.... and the Sox are in the play-offs so... "Don't worry... about a thing..." well, and I love Bob Marley !!!!!!!!!</div><div>So, for time being, if you'd like to choose tomorrow's lead-off hit, drop your choice in the "comments" section... BUT, here's the catch !!!! The winner will be the one who BEST relates their song choice to New England sports (note: I'm in a baseball mode right now !! and I LOVE creativity !!!) whether it be by the title or lyrics... NO, New York is NOT part of NE !!!.... and remember, I am the judge, jury and executioner here.... worst case is I'll toss the choices into my 2004 World Series Championship hat and pick the winner... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">NUF</span> CED</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">PAHDON</span> it. Y'all come back now, ya <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">heah</span> !! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">Nuf</span> Ced</span></b></span>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-79518498965808840892009-10-03T08:38:00.007-04:002009-10-03T11:02:05.118-04:00Sox Thawts - Dreams Do Come True<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">October 2, 2009.... Fenway Park.... Boston, MA.... Capitol of Red Sox Nation</span></div><div><br /></div><div>As I posted yesterday, I attended the game last night between the Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. If you know me or have been following my blog you may have noticed that I'm a "bit" of a Red Sox fan. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, I would like to thank my Red Sox-partner-in-crime, DeCAF, for having the "foresight" to purchase tickets to the last series of the season - AND for letting ME tag along... and for knowing how to use her camera phone !!!! (you'll see why)</div><div><br /></div><div>As a lifelong fan and member of the Nation for 43 years, I certainly have a lot of Red Sox memories - good, bad and ugly.... meeting several players over the years including my boyhood idol, attending some 100 games including a no-hitter and game 5 of the ALCS last year (the Sox coming back from 7 runs down in the 7th inning to send the series back to Tampa Bay), heartbreaks in 1975 and 1986, Championships in 2004 and 2007, decades of emotional roller coasters.... to name a few</div><div><br /></div><div>They say a picture is worth a thousand words. What I am about to share with you, I could never find words to describe.... suffice to say that as I was driving home trying to realize what had just transpired some 6 hours earlier, I felt a tear....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The dream started around 4:45 pm as we entered ... obviously through Gate C... Lansdowne St..</div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225218520791_1538860965_574231_8262692_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225218520791_1538860965_574231_8262692_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Initially we were hustled up many stairs to the top of....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225267242009_1538860965_574382_4213613_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225267242009_1538860965_574382_4213613_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">... the infamous Green Monstah !!!</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a bad start as this is a great spot to snap a picture</div><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225216760747_1538860965_574225_2401164_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225216760747_1538860965_574225_2401164_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We then proceeded back down the stairs, waited for a bit and were herded onto the Fenway field along with thousands of others. The entire perimeter of the field was roped off and fans gathered along every inch of that rope, several deep. DeCAF and I dug our heels in here...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225268722046_1538860965_574385_7348391_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225268722046_1538860965_574385_7348391_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(who's that handsome devil and WTF is he DOING !?!?!? I could NOT resist)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The wait wasn't long but I still felt the need to entertain...</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225331003603_1538860965_574546_6204988_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225331003603_1538860965_574546_6204988_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px; " /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">...myself, at least (ignore DeCAF's finger!!!)</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">THEN the parade started and the players circled the inside perimeter in both directions....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225632091130_1538860965_575093_1043587_n.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225632091130_1538860965_575093_1043587_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225632651144_1538860965_575095_33158_n.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225632651144_1538860965_575095_33158_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">...stopping to shake hands and allow pictures with members of the Nation along the way</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225254721696_1538860965_574369_3100895_n.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225254721696_1538860965_574369_3100895_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225633131156_1538860965_575096_6287114_n.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225633131156_1538860965_575096_6287114_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">INCLUDING ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225266441989_1538860965_574381_5270601_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225266441989_1538860965_574381_5270601_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225266201983_1538860965_574380_5102630_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225266201983_1538860965_574380_5102630_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225265801973_1538860965_574378_2402234_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs207.snc1/7432_1225265801973_1538860965_574378_2402234_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225260881850_1538860965_574377_4078836_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225260881850_1538860965_574377_4078836_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">.... with J.D. Drew, Kevin Youkalis, Clay Buchholz and BIG Papi, respectively !!!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Admittedly, I was star struck to be able to shake hands, talk to and ultimately be photographed with some of our heros that we watch all summer on TV and from the seats at Fenway... UNTIL...... until I watched Big Papi make the rounds, and make it all seem real. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Big Papi was like a big kid on this FAN Appreciation night... and truly demonstrated HIS appreciation for the members of Red Sox Nation - jovially circling the corral, hugging everyone, snatching kids out of the crowd for pictures and even signing autographs when they weren't supposed to be allowed... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I would like to thank the Boston Red Sox baseball organization from top to bottom for granting this fan a night of a lifetime - a night more memorable than all of my 43 years of Red Sox memories combined... A DREAM COME TRUE NIGHT !!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">BUT.......... PLEASE don't tell the grounds keeper that I took a couple of handfuls of dirt from the warning track, it is VERY critical now as I have decided that when I die, I want to be cremated..... have my ashes mixed with "my" portion of the warning track..... and then be returned to where it all began.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225267882025_1538860965_574383_1945647_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7432_1225267882025_1538860965_574383_1945647_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">NOTE: none of the players were injured in the filming of this documentary</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oh, wait... was there a game after the Meet and Greet !?!?!?!?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b>Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</b></span></span></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3948335074004722260.post-23536829801732338682009-10-02T07:19:00.005-04:002009-10-02T11:44:03.413-04:00I'm Shipping up to Boston<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs030.snc1/3198_1130301587927_1538860965_302184_5990709_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 226px;" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs030.snc1/3198_1130301587927_1538860965_302184_5990709_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">I don't have much to offer today.... well, I do but I can't !!!! I'm shipping up to Boston... wooooooeeee....</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs030.snc1/3198_1130301587927_1538860965_302184_5990709_s.jpg"><br /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs030.snc1/3198_1130301587927_1538860965_302184_5990709_s.jpg"><br /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I'll be HERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs030.snc1/3198_1130301587927_1538860965_302184_5990709_s.jpg"><br /></a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); ">yup, I got a date at the Fens tonight to see our boys play. Hence, the shuffling of the play list !!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">To my Facebook Faithful, tonight is "Fan Photo-fest Night" so check my uploads for (hopefully) some great pics !!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">In the meantime, here's a couple of "interesting" articles to keep you busy. Or you could just "Farkle" all day.... ENJOY !!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Catch ya all on the flip side !!!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Someone diggs me !!!! <a href="http://www.doyoudiggit.com/?p=1506&cpage=1#comment-2463">check it out</a> !!!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><style type="text/css"><!--.quote {width:350px; padding: 6px; border: solid 1px #456B8F; font: 10px helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: #ffffff}.quote a {font: 13px arial, serif; color: #003399; text-decoration: underline}.quote a:hover {color: #FF9900; }//--></style><div style="float:left;padding:5px;"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/images/stories/redsox/Sox_Wild.jpg" width="120" alt="" /></div><div class="quote"><a href="http://newenglandsportsblog.com/red-sox/articles/1504-red-sox-are-just-wild-about-the-play-offs.html" target="_blank">Red Sox Are Just Wild About The Play-Offs</a><br />Wednesday, 30 September 2009<br /><br />It wasn't pretty, but it was a wild night. In an effort to secure a berth in the post season in front of the Fenway Faithful, the Red Sox sent Clay...<div align="right" style="width:350px"><p style="text-align:right;">© 2009 - <a href="http://newenglandsportsblog.com/" target="_blank">New England Sports Blog</a></p></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><style type="text/css"><!--.quote {width:350px; padding: 6px; border: solid 1px #456B8F; font: 10px helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: #ffffff}.quote a {font: 13px arial, serif; color: #003399; text-decoration: underline}.quote a:hover {color: #FF9900; }//--></style><div style="float:left;padding:5px;"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/images/stories/redsox/Jon_Lester.jpg" width="120" alt="" /></div><div class="quote"><a href="http://newenglandsportsblog.com/red-sox/articles/1506-leftys-leg-looks-legit.html" target="_blank">Lefty's Leg Looks Legit</a><br />Friday, 02 October 2009<br />This was the scene last Friday night in the Bronx. Red Sox south-paw ace, Jon Lester, had just been struck by a line drive off of what first appeared...<div align="right" style="width:350px"><p style="text-align:right;">© 2009 - <a href="http://newenglandsportsblog.com/" target="_blank">New England Sports Blog</a></p></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced</span></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1