"The Orange and the Bleck"

Flyers 0 Penguins 4

The Philadelphia Flyers kicked off their 40th season in the worst possible way last night. They were beat by the (perhaps formerly) hapless Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0. Starting the season the way the ended the last season making fans burry their faces in their hands.

Sure its only one game out of 82, and they always seem to get beat in the opener, however you can't ignore the signs of trouble here. They went 0-10 on the powerplay which is enough to make you sick to your stomach. They didn't score once. Their terrible system of having players stand motionless instead of skating during the man advantage seems to still be in place for some odd reason.

This is officially the beginning of the end for Flyers goalie Robert Esche who was awful tonight. It's well known that he is a huge head case and gets down easily. He is fairly weak minded and is easily set off. I doubt he will ever eat spinach again. It's clear the people high up favor Antero Nittymaki over Esche, so much so they are trying to convince him to play through the pain of his hip and blow off surgery. They would rather a dopped up on pain killer Nitty over Esche.

The defense is a disgrace, plain and simple. Freddy Meyer spent the entire night spinning around and watching the puck end up in his own net. With Lar Johnson returning soon from a sprained ankle I bet Meyer is sent back to the Phantoms. If Johnson isn't ready to go for Saturday's home opener vs the Rangers expect new comer Riley Cote to step in. Cote, is supposed to be a rough and tumble type d-men.

Debuts of Geoff Sanderson, Kyle Calder, Nolan Baumgartner and the return of Boyd Kane was soured if not non-existent. Sanderson had a few good plays, and Bamgartner a mid-game scrap but certainly they didn't seem to make the team looking and better than the train wreck that was the 2005-06 team.

Carter, Richards and Calder were supposed to be white hot line. They did nothing. The deuces Wild, were more like the deuces LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME.

GM Clarke clearly could see the writing on the wall, and ripped the team in Sunday Philly inquirer. It's pretty clear that there might be a chemistry problem here, and a still big trouble when it comes to the special teams.

The Flyers must regroup quickly in time for the home opener vs the Rangers. This will kick off a home and home with the jerks to the north.

All, and all a pretty piss poor showing by the orange and bleck.

"Somewhere Over the Delaware"

Message From Royce: I'm out of state on business half the time. I've been thinking about catching the eagles game in Jersey. Soon things will settle down at the studio and I'll be able to come by if it's okay. We can order pizzas and drink beer. Maybe I'll bring some microbrew. I'll show you some cards tricks I've learned. It'll be a hoot! ---- Guys did Royce sell out to "The Man"?

"I Will Long Wait Them!"

HOW did i go from a "short wait" till a "long wait" in waiting for X-men 3 to arrive via netflix. I won't get it till next are week at least! I still haven't seen this movie, my weekend is ruined! Ruined!

"Blades of Steel!"

The NHL starts the 2006-07 season Wednesday October 4th! The Flyers start their season on Thursday with their first home game Saturday night.

Put your arms in the air the greatest sport in the world is starting a new season.

"Why Does It Always Rain On Me?"

It was just typical Philly sports I guess. Despite that fact that the Phillies GM told the fans and media in July, basically that the team was done for the year.He added 2007 was going to be just as bad, so season ticket holders should just slit their wrists. The Phillies ended up playing meaningful baseball in September.

This time last week the Phillies actually had the Wild Card spot. Things went sour from there. Losing that game in hand to the Astros, made me think we were in trouble. Despite the fact that the Phillies didn't get eliminated till yesterday (Saturday) they were done Thursday night lets face it.

In typical WTF Philly fashion the game started about 15 mins before midnight because of downpours in DC where they were to take on the Nationals. The Nationals mind you were so, far out of it they likely just wanted to go home to their nice warm beds, however they managed to beat the Phillies. Many people went to bed that night thinking that the Phillies were rained out and no one watched the game that pretty much dampened (pun intended) the Wild Card dream. Oh yeah and LA one of the teams there were chasing scored flipping 19 runs! and let up 11!

Okay, so its all over. But the season had some good memories. Like Jimmy Rollins carry over hit streak from last season (36 games) and Chase Utley's hit streak not long after (35 games). Aaron Rowand smashing into the wall, and busting up his face. Cole Hammels proving he will be a pretty damn good pitcher. People who hated the 2005 squad couldn't help but like this team a lot better. Considering Bobby Abreau and Bell are gone. Also, likely Burrell and Liberthal likely played their last game for the fighting Phils.

It can't go with out mention the emerage of a superstar in the Philadelphia sport world in 1st baseman Ryan Howard. One of the best athletes the city has had in ages. For awhile when he was hitting homerun after homerun. You really had to stop what you were doing when he was at bat.

Jay, you are the baseball expert I would really like to hear your take on this season and next season. Clearly, they need pitching and a catcher. Could next year be the year given their young core players?

At any rate despite the fact that the Phillies were fun to watch again, it kind of sucks that the no-layoffs for you streak is now 13 years( that is half of my life time). At least instead of sitting over a beer with a friend this summer for the first time since I can remember we actually talked about the current phillies status with out someone going into a fit of rage. Or, of course talking about that lovable 1993 team, that DIDN'T win the world series. That resulted in a certain blogger who should remain nameless crying himself to sleep that night.

I don't I said earlier in the season about games we should have won that would come back and bite us, thinking if we made the wildcard it would be by the skin of our teeth. But, somehow I think there might be more to it than that. I don't something more..sinister or perhaps evil....OH NO, No!.

"Tucker Goes Banana's"

I bought a banana Tree for my apartment for like 3 dollars. It is tiny now, but its supposed to grow to three feet and sprout bananas. It's going to rock. I don't know how long it will take though. However, when its time. It's bananas for everyone!

You guys should start a pool on how long it will take for the banana plant to die. Likey becauseI lose all interest in it and forget to water it or plot it in a bigger pot. Anyway, right now I got a flipping banana tree in my apartment and it's going to rock!

"Die Another Day"

LA won and the PHillies won. So the Phillies are still a game back. It took them to the witching hour and 14 innings of baseball, but the Fighting PHils pulled it out. Despite being on the brink of losing quite a few times and being down mulitiple runs they stayed in the wild card race. It was a fairly sloopy game, but at this point a win is a win. The dream of the wildcard for one of the teams will have to die another day.

"Game On!"

The Best sport in the world begins it's season a week from tomorrow. I am inviting everyone over to my place to watch the Flyers first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Game starts at 7pm.

Drop me an email (or comment on here)if you want to show up. Bring Beer if you want or let me know ahead of time if you want beer. We will likely be ordering some sort of unhealty food that is either fried or in a flat box.

Giving everyone a heads up a week of head of time. Also, there is a way most people don't know about to get to my apartment that avoids awful, awful traffic down Laurel Road I will email you directions or call (since I know you all anyway) if need be. Hot 19-yearold girls who REALLY hate their fathers are more than welcome to attend.

"TO Tried to OD"

ESPN is saying that Dallas police are claiming that TO tried to kill himself. ESPN I think is kind of pushing this with the title of the article though. If you read it, it doesn't seem like he tried to kill himself. In fact I bet they change shortly. Sounds just like an accident to me.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2604395

"The Gamekillers"

For those of you reading this at work, you might have to wait till you get home if you are like me and have no sound on your computer. Anyway thanks to the OLD MANTIS for this link. It's pretty funny. There are certainly a lot of tools out there like this. Check it out.

"That's Comcastic!"

Yeah, I know that I am always saying that Comcast is an evil company and all. However, I really thing the whole ON DEMAND thing is the most underrated thing of the entire digital cable thing.

Now it has even gotten cooler. Under network programing go to NBC, and you will find that The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Nite with Conan O' Brien or on there! If you are like me, its almost impossible to stay up to watch either show anymore.

I just read the other day Conan saying most of his fans grew up watching the show. Which is kind of like me, he came on when I was 13. I started watching when the Jon Stewart show got axed. He said tons of his fans were that age,and watch him through highschool and college. Now most of them have 8-5 jobs. So its not possible for them to watch anymore. Kind of sucks for both Conan and his fans.

Now, there was a time when Conan was on CNBC or Comedy Central the next night, but they were short lived times. Now I can watch Conan whenever. Or at the very least watch Leno or Conan if I see they had a cool guest on. I know lots of my friends are fans of the band Gomez, and they were on Leno last Friday.

Even better it's commerical free and there is no charge.

"Bad A** Bill"

Former President Bill Clinton sat down with some dude from FOX NEWS this Sunday, and became quite irate when asked about his pre 9/11 policies on terrorism. Basically he was asked why he didn't do more acting on intelligence about Osama.

What transpires on this video (I have only seen bits and pieces on the net of this) is Clinton pretty much taking over the entire interview. Pretty much accusing the FOX NEWS of just being a puppet of the Republican Party. He becomes physically at one point tapping the FOX NEWS guy on this leg to make a point.

He clearly goes off the cuff here, and seemingly speaks his mind. He claims he came closer than anyone to catching Osama and admits failing. He also, fires at Bush for giving more attention to Iraq.

Well you can fill the comments on if you agree or disagree if Clinton didn't do enough. But at the very least watch this video clip. Its pretty entertaining. Anyway, I hope the checked his heart rate after this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYNI5RPOlp4

"Phantastic"

After the results of yesterdays games, for the first time the Phillies have taken lone posession of the Wild Card spot. Of course that might all change by the time some of you actually read this. But this is huge, now instead of chasing it. They need to defend it. The phillies have been redhot this week, losing only once to the Cubs.

The pitching has stepped it up and the big guys like Howard and Utley are getting it done. The Phillie PHanatic has every reason to be giving two thumbs up.

"Make Like a Seasonal Plant and Leave"

My friend Rick has worked at Boscov's for almost an entire decade. This past week he gleefully put in his notice, because he accepted another job with a new company. Finally he is done his degree for something to do with computers. He is ready to leave the world of retail behind.

I worked in retail for 5.5 years, and they say once you leave you never want go back into that field. Hopefully A-hole customers and working till 10pm will be forever in the rearview mirror for my ride along the highway of life.

Anyway, Rick is going to be doing something either phones or computers (which is his field) I am not really sure I was half drunk when he explained the job to me. At any rate, he is happy to be getting out of Boscovs. So, congrats to my friend who reads this blog once a year. When I force him.

Now, I am sure since he has under two weeks left of him working there we will be going out to celebrate his new job. Which means I have to cancel my plans for my "Rick is a Boscov's Lifer" party. I hope its not too late to cancel the hookers and loaded guns and not be beat on the money.

"Cash Cows"

Vinny Chase and his lovable crew will be back for at least one more round. HBO has ordered a 4th season of the hit comedy series.

Oddly enough despite the last aired episode being tagged as "The Season Finale", 8 episodes actually remain of season 3 which will air sometime in March. They will be likely packaged together with the final 8 ever Sopranos episodes.

So the Sopranos season 6, will resume almost an entire year after it started. One wonders why it wouldn't be considered season 7. Not to mention the fact that HBO is releasing the first part of season 6 on DVD in the fall.

Its pretty obvious that HBO is milking their cash cows. Entourage and The Sopranos are their biggest shows right now. Lucky Louie has already been cancelled, and most their other shows have failed to catch on.

"The Devil Wears Cowboy Boots"

Tons of people came out to pay tribute to the Crocodile Hunter. From what I understand his daughter plans on following in his footsteps. I am sure TL will be happy to hear that. Interesting the same day Bush was called the DEVIL, by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez 7 times to the UN.

Which brings me to my readers poll. List the least Evil to most evil.

Bin Laden ,Saddam,Hitler,Bush and Steve Irwin


To read the transcript of the Devil calling click here. Yup, its a Drudge Report Link.

"All Kinds of Awful"

Worst NHL Uniforms EVER!
The Kansas City Scouts(left) looked like a bad hand me down fuzzy sweatshirt my mom made me wear in grade school. The very gay looking LA kings jerseys(far left), which turned out to sport a traditional queens crown instead of a king. Not to mention the Gordon's Fisherman look of the early early-mid 90's Islanders(above). Let us never forget the Flying V of Vancouver. All equally awful.

"Makeover in Buffalo"

The Buffalo Sabres rolled out their new jerseys earlier this weekend. I really don't know what this team is thinking. A few years ago they got rid of not only the logo, but changed all the colors. Going from Purple and Yellow to Black, White, Silver and Red. The later being the trendy colors in the league.

Now today they are almost looking like the Boston Bruins, with Yellow, White and Black. They also changed their logo yet again.

(Here is another peak at the New Look)

I guess I am old fashioned but, I just hate it when teams do this. Won't even feel like I am watching Buffalo at all this year. The only upside is they team has said they will use the original logo of the Buffalo jumping used up till 1997, on their third jerseys. Apperently, fans got wind of the new jerseys a month ago, and aren't happy.

"Done"

Keith Primeau today said officially that he will retire from the game of hockey. The Flyers captain has not played since last fall.

His down fall has been hard to watch, because it isn't that he doesn't want to play, or he is too old, to put it bluntly he is just too messed up to play hockey anymore. He had way too man concussions and now it effects his everyday life. He has dizzy spells, trouble sleeping and still seems out of it at times.

However, he wanted to come back. The final images of the Flyers in 2004 will always stick out in my mind. Primeau gave one of the best performances by any Philly athlete that spring. He was just a man on a mission scoring big goals, getting the team together and leading the team to what looked like a Stanley Cup Final.

That never happened, the Flyers were ousted by the Tampa Bay Lightening who went on to win the cup that year. I still recall Primeau standing there quietly at the end of the game. You got the sense he knew that was his last shot. At the time the lockout was looming which would eventually wipe out all a whole season. His health than was bad enough that he likely should not have even been playing. I think he realized that he wasn't ever going to be 100 percent.

When the Flyers came back he was knocked out early in the season and never returned despite several attempts. Now Peter Forsberg will be the team captain. Looking down the roster I guess it was the best choice. He has a lot of work to do. Most the team from last year is gone, which is good because it was a pretty bad team. Let's face it the 2004 playoff team was much, much better than that lifeless team last year.

It is a rough day for Flyers fans, but we all saw it coming. He will be missed and his career forever unfulfilled. I have to say though, it would have been a terrible idea for him to play again. He could have really been hurt. Hope he sticks around the game in some way.

"Shorebound Tucker"

I am off to the shore now, till at least Weds. I am going to try to go to the internet cafe in Sea Isle at on point in order to update the blog. But, if not I will be back on by the middle of the week. Peace out!