Brooklyn Trolley Blogger
wishes you a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Thursday, November 24, 2016
PIGSKIN 2016: Thanksgiving Day
PIGSKIN
Thanksgiving Day Games
Week Twelve
RESULTS
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 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 Seven
Week Eight
1st and Ten:
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
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.
- Five of eight second place teams have losing records. The most ponderous second place club is Arizona with a 3-4 record.
- 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.
- 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 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:
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:
Post Game
Week Eight Record: 6-4-1
Overall Record: 41-52-2
Schmear of the Week: 3-4
BAGELS in the Basket: -14
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?
- 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.
- 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?
- 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
Atlantic Base Ball Club of Brooklyn
Diamond State Base Ball Club of Delaware
Eclipse Base Ball Club of Elkton, Maryland
Diamond State Base Ball Club of Delaware
Eclipse Base Ball Club of Elkton, Maryland
Eckfords of Brooklyn Base Ball Club
Mutual Base Ball Club of New York
Providence Grays Base Ball Club
Mutual Base Ball Club of New York
Providence Grays Base Ball Club
1864 Rules Base Ball
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
GAME ONE
Brooklyn Atlantics vs. New York Mutuals
Final
Mutuals 7
Atlantics 21
ROUND ONE
GAME TWO
Diamond State vs. Providence Grays
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!