Sunday, December 25, 2016

Thursday, November 24, 2016

PIGSKIN 2016: Thanksgiving Day



PIGSKIN



Thanksgiving Day Games
Week Twelve

RESULTS
Week Four
No Week Five
Week Six
Week Nine 
Week Ten
No Week Eleven

Week Ten Record:  3-8-1
Overall Record:  49-65-4
Schmear of the Week:  5-4
BAGELS in the Basket:  -15


Wednesday Line ~ NYDN

LIONS -2 (Vikings)
It's one of the fundamental laws of nature: 
never bet against the Lions, at home, on Turkey Day.

COWBOYS -7 (D.C. Hogs)
I'd like to take the points here.  
The Hogs are coming off a big win, and the Cowboys have to lose at some point, right?  
I just can't get myself to do it.

Steelers -8 (COLTS)
Andrew Luck had his bell rung.  The up and down Steelers should enjoy an UP day.

Happy Thanksgiving Day 2016








HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I'm thankful for our troops,
All our men and women, brothers and sisters,
mothers and fathers, friends and loved ones,
thank you for your efforts and sacrifices.



I'm thankful for all those who have ever visited this blog, 
and continue making this an enjoyable endeavor.


Sunday, November 13, 2016

PIGSKIN 2016: Week Ten



PIGSKIN
FOOTBALL SUNDAY
Week Ten

RESULTS
Week Four
No Week Five
Week Six

Week Nine Record:  5-5-1
Overall Record:  46-57-3
Schmear of the Week:  4-4
Bagels in the Basket:  -12

Pardon this blog's inactivity these last few months.  Reality continues pounding away at my leisure time.  I'm going no-huddle again this week, which means no frills football.

Week Ten
Friday Line ~ NYDN

JETS -2 (Rams)
Loss  9-6 Rams

Texans -2 (JAGUARS)
WIN  24-21 Texans

Chiefs +3 (PANTHERS)
PUSH  20-17 Chiefs

Broncos +2 1/2 (SAINTS)
Loss  25-23 Broncos

Falcons +2 (EAGLES)
Loss  24-15 Eagles

Vikings +2 1/2 (D.C. HOGS)
Loss  26-20 Hogs

Packers -2 1/2 (TITANS)
Loss  47-25 Titans

BUCS +1 (Bears)
WIN  36-10 Bucs

CHARGERS -3 1/2 (Dolphins)
Loss  31-24 Dolphins

49ers +13 1/2 (CARDINALS)
WIN  23-20 Cardinals

STEELERS -2 (Cowboys)
Loss  35-30 Cowboys

PATRIOTS -7 1/2 (Seahawks)
Loss  31-24 Seahawks

MONDAY NIGHT
GIANTS PK (Bengals)
WIN


Schmear of the Week:
Packers -2 1/2
LOSS

Good luck, and have a happy Football Sunday everyone.

Post Game:
Week Ten Record:  3-8-1
Overall Record:  49-65-4
Schmear of the Week:  5-4
BAGELS in the Basket:  -15

Saturday, November 05, 2016

PIGSKIN 2016: Week Nine



PIGSKIN
Football Sunday
Week Nine

RESULTS
Week Four
No Week Five
Week Six
Week Seven
Week Eight

Week Nine Record:  6-4-1
Overall Record:  41-52-2
Schmear of the Week:  3-4
BAGELS in the Basket:  -14


1st and Ten:
  • The first place Patriots traded their best linebacker.  Hahahaha!  Only Belichick.
  • The soon coming Dak Prescott/Tony Romo controversy is beginning to simmer.
  • The high flying Atlanta Falcons have scored 305 points, which is 80 more points than the second ranked and last place San Diego Chargers.  The Falcons have allowed the most points this season as well.
2nd and Short:
  • Five of eight second place teams have losing records.  The most ponderous second place club is Arizona with a 3-4 record.
No Gain:
  • If there's a game but no one shows up to see it, was there really a game?  If numbers hold true, the Chargers and Raiders will both play before less than 60,000 apathetic spectators.
  • The Cleveland Browns have yet to win a game.
Punt!
  • Giant problems: flag on Jerry Reese for his avoidance of the Josh Brown issue.  Eli Apple's mom continues lambasting the organization.  The team isn't good.  The sharks are circling.
  • Norv Turner resigned his position as offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings.  Why?   Easy.   At this point being a coordinator is beneath him, especially knowing he's better than the head coach.
  • Ben McAdoo said "stats are for losers."


WEEK NINE
Friday Line ~ NYDN

Eagles +2 1/2 (GIANTS)
Two INTs in Week Seven are all that prevented the Giants from entering Sunday with a losing record. They are a zebra ... meaning the Giants are an indistinguishable middle of the pack team, blending into the background.  They are largely undetectable until someone other than OBJ moves.
Loss  28-23 Giants

DOLPHINS -3 1/2 (Jets)
The Jets are expected to win this game.  But playing the Dolphins has become a flat out pain in the ass.  The NYJ to date are one of four AFC teams to allow over 200 points.  Derrelle Revis risks making Ryan Tannehill look good.
WIN  27-23 Dolphins

CHIEFS -7 (Jaguars)
This could get ugly...
Loss  19-14 Chiefs

VIKINGS -6 (LIONS)
I like the Vikings at home.  I like Minnesota's defense against the Lions offense.  The x-factor here is Norv Turner's sudden decision to resign.  It could mean the Vikings are rotting from within, or, Turner merely butted heads with the hierarchy.  A pick-six by the Vikings defense would go a long way this game...
Loss  22-16 Lions

Cowboys -7 1/2 (BROWNS)
That extra half-point makes this problematic ... not!  Am I being overly confident?  Perhaps.
WIN  35-10 Cowboys

Steelers PK (RAVENS)
Home or away ... with or without Big Ben ... I believe the Steelers are one point better than Baltimore.  The Steelers have still more injuries that may tip the scales in the Ravens favor.   However, even before he hurt his shoulder, I said Joe Flacco looks like he's simply going through the motions - disgusted even.
Loss  21-14 Ravens

Saints -4 (49ERS)
The Niners are a piano falling out of the sky.
WIN  41-23 Saints

Panthers -3 (RAMS)
This pick is based solely on Carolina's victory over the Cardinals.
PUSH  13-10 Panthers

Colts +7 1/2 (PACKERS)
Green Bay's cheesy secondary will allow Andrew Luck to keep this game within range.
WIN  31-26 Colts

CHARGERS -5 (Titans)
Truth be told, I flipped on this pick, originally siding against San Diego.  I've been holding a grudge against the Jekyll and Hyde Chargers for some time now, while pumping the Titans this season with mixed results.  I like Rivers at home.
WIN  43-35 Chargers

Broncos +1 (RAIDERS)
From the shadows of Mount Davis will emerge an AFC West leader.  The Black Hole has truly become a dismal place to play.  Oakland's home/road record says it all.
Loss  30-20 Raiders


Schmear of the Week:
Saints -4


Guten Appetit:
Wings, wings, and more wings - buffalo, and garlic parmigiana style.  Cheeseburger sliders with fried onions.  Loaded salsa chips.


Good luck, and have a happy Football Sunday everyone!


Post Game:
Week Nine Record:  5-5-1
Overall Record:  46-57-3
Schmear of the Week:  4-4
Bagels in the Basket:  -12

Monday, October 31, 2016

Salem: Happy Halloween 2016



SALEM
Massachusetts
October 2016






Salem Witch Museum


ROGER CONANT
(1592-1679)
First Settler of Salem ~ 1629








Witch Dungeon Museum








Gallow's Hill and The Witch Gaol

During the witchcraft persecution of 1692, many of the accused were imprisoned here.  
One of them, the aged Giles Cory (b.1611), was pressed to death on these grounds.








The Burying Point




SALEM
Witch Trials Memorial






Among the 19 hanged in 1692
Sarah Good - July 19
John Proctor - Aug.19
Alice and Mary Parker - Sept. 22

















Happy Halloween

Sunday, October 30, 2016

PIGSKIN 2016: Week Eight



PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY
Week Eight

RESULTS
Week Four
No Week Five
Week Six

Week Seven Record:  6-7
Overall Record:  35-48-1
Schmear of the Week:  2-4
BAGELS in the Basket:  -18

Okay, I'm off to my worst start in years.  I'm particularly getting hammered on my Schmears of the Week (worth 3 bagels each).  I have a lot of cooking to do.

Too bad this week's schedule offers little help.  Welcome to This Week in NFL Parity.  Said another way ... this week's spreads suck.


1st and Ten:
  • Now that Tom Brady is back, it's like he never left.  The Patriots lead the NFL with a 6-1 record, and are the only team with six victories.  New England has allowed the least points in the AFC, and are tied for fourth least in the NFL.  Unless Big Ben gets back on the field for Pittsburgh, who can challenge the Patriots?  The AFC West?
2nd and Short:
  • When did the Jaguars achieve a level where they fire sacrificial lambs?  Firing their offensive coordinator is laughable.  They've taken positive steps forward.  Easy on the shortsightedness and be consistent.
No Gain:
  • The Cleveland Browns remain the lone team without a victory (0-7).
  • Is it me ... or does Joe Flacco seem to be just going through the motions?
PUNT..!
  • Maybe it's time for Roger Goodell to step down as commissioner after all.  Oh, wait.  He does the owner's bidding.  Riiight.  Right.


WEEK EIGHT
Friday Line ~ NYDN

Jets -3 (BROWNS)
If the Jets do not play with a sense of desperation, and fail to defeat the Browns in convincing fashion, then(!), I'll start pointing a finger at Todd Bowles.  Entering the season, this was supposed to (at least) be a well balanced wild card contender (considering they play in the same division as the Patriots).  In that vain, they have done one thing very consistently this season, and that's embarrass themselves.  A potential loss against the Browns can not be quietly tucked away into the ongoing growth process file.  Failing to defeat the Browns should warrant nothing short of an indictment.
PUSH  31-28 Jets

Ryan Fitzpatrick's benching last week (in favor of Geno Smith, whom wound up injuring himself) revealed the Jets now have at least two weak minded quarterbacks on their hands, and a third unknown lurking in the wings.  Fitzpatrick's rather frank assessment regarding his benching, and his perceived status among the Jets hierarchy proved more revealing in more ways than one.

And while we're at it ... it appears as if Geno Smith has indeed played his last game with the New York Jets.  Besides burning more bridges than a combat engineer in WWII, he's just not good.   Or, he just isn't good here.


Bengals -3 (D.C. Hogs)* London
I would be cool if London fans protested Washington, Daniel Snyder, or both.
Loss  27-27 TIE

FALCONS -3 (Packers)
Defense?  I'm thinking Falcons pull ahead in a shootout.
Loss  33-32 Falcons

TEXANS -2 1/2 (Lions)
Well, it's better than a PUSH.  I'm looking for Detroit doing something to blow this game, more than I'm counting on Houston.
WIN  20-13 Texans

SAINTS +3 (Seahawks)
The Saints can still light up the scoreboard at home ... just not like they used to.  Their inconsistency will enjoy a good week.
WIN  25-20 Saints

Patriots -6 (BILLS)
Buffalo might be able to get their hands on Brady the statue from time to time.  But I'm just not picking against the Pats anymore.
WIN  41-25 Patriots

Raiders PK (BUCS)
Oakland's success on the road this season is enough for me.  Only Raiders mistakes will allow the Bucs to hang around.
WIN  30-24 Raiders

Chiefs -3 (COLTS)
Gotta respect what the Colts did to the Titans last week ... unless you're the AFC's third ranked defense > > > Chiefs.
WIN  30-14 Chiefs

BRONCOS -4 1/2 (Chargers)
I can see being high on the Chargers after last week.  But I'll stick with Denver's defense keeping Rivers in check in Mile High.
WIN  27-19 Broncos

Cardinals +3 (PANTHERS)
This game obviously screams rematch!  But last place Carolina is coming off a bye, and desperate to turn their season around.  Cam Cam the super man doesn't like speaking to the media when things aren't going well, though.  Guess we won't be hearing much from him this week either.
Loss  30-20 Panthers

Eagles +4 1/2 (COWBOYS)
Because I need the Eagles to muddle the NFC East situation so as to keep my flawed Giants team in the mix.
Loss  29-23 Cowboys

Schmear of the Week: (2-4)
Raiders PK
WIN

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday everyone!


Guten Appetit:

  • Home made potato chips, w/french onion dip.  Grilled panini sandwiches >> provolone, chopped scallions, celery, red and green pepper, tomato.
  • Skirt steak w/chimichurri, and (my) pickled tomatoes, served over white rice, covered with oven stewed red potatoes, zucchini, carrots, sprinkled with fried garlic/onions bits.


Post Game
Week Eight Record:  6-4-1
Overall Record:  41-52-2
Schmear of the Week:  3-4
BAGELS in the Basket:  -14

Saturday, October 22, 2016

The 2016 Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball Festival



2016
MAVBBL FESTIVAL

PARTICIPATING CLUBS

1864 Rules Base Ball


Saturday, October 15, 2016

On no finer Autumn afternoon, upon sun-bathed fields of resilient green, the Gentlemen of Summer convened on Long Island's Old Bethpage Village Restoration grounds for the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball Festival for purposes of declaring this season's club champion.

As top seeds, the Brooklyn Eckfords and Elkton Eclipse earned spectator rights during the festival's first round that featured action between the Brooklyn Atlantics versus the New York Mutuals and Diamond State's match against the Providence Grays.

A commanding Atlantics victory over the Mutuals earned them a second round match against the number two seed Elkton Eclipse.  Following a likewise convincing performance over Providence, Diamond State moved on to challenge the the top seeded Eckford club.

Holding true to their regular season standing, both Elkton and the Eckfords gained victory over their respective opponents, setting up a much anticipated championship contest between the season's top clubs.


ROUND ONE
GAME ONE
Brooklyn Atlantics  vs.  New York Mutuals






Final
Mutuals     7
Atlantics  21







ROUND ONE
GAME TWO
Diamond State  vs.  Providence Grays






FINAL
Diamond St.  20
Providence      2



 


ROUND TWO
GAME ONE
Brooklyn Atlantics  vs.  Elkton Eclipse












FINAL
Atlantics    6
Eclipse     10





ROUND TWO
GAME TWO
Diamond State  vs.  Brooklyn Eckfords










FINAL
Eckfords        8
Diamond St.  4





2016
MAVBBL 
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Brooklyn Eckfords  vs.  Elkton Eclipse

Elkton Eclipse take the field.

Striker to the line!







FINAL
Eckfords   13
Eclipse        3






ECKFORD BASE BALL CLUB of BROOKLYN
*   *   *   2016   *   *   *
Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League
CHAMPIONS


SCRAPBOOK

















Huzzah!  Huzzah!  Huzzah!