Some random thoughts to ponder...
- I just don't see how this Yankee team is that good. I know they had a strong start, and the starting pitching has overachieved. However, the age of the team, the lack of athleticism, the lack of depth, and reliance on the home run to score are all worrisome. I hope I am wrong.
- That said, Mariano remains the greatest. I was at a charity event with him last week (more on that later) and two people said that he is a better person than he is a pitcher. Is that possible? I just watched him strike out Adrian Gonzalez and it didn't even look fair.
- The Knicks need a new coach before I will take them seriously. Even if they move Chauncey Billups' expiring contract for a third stud, the fact that they don't stress defense will hurt them in the long run. Look at the two teams in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls have the best defensive coach in the game and the Heat play tough D. I know everyone thinks that Phil Jackson should come back and finish his career in New York, but I don't see it.
- Oklahoma City vs. Memphis was a GREAT series to watch. If they can keep that Memphis team together, they will be better than the eighth seed next year.
- I hope the NBA learns something from the NFL and avoids a lock out. Interest in the game is high, they have bankable stars, up and coming teams in small markets, and they can't afford to alienate their fans with a lock out or strike. The players can't afford it so the owners will jam them, but it's important not to lose the momentum in place.
- The NFL owners and players can't figure out how to share $9.3 billion annually? Really? Really???
- I am watching the Yankees/Red Sox game on the Optimum app on my iPad. Finally, Cablevision got something right. I can't watch the ESPN or HBO apps because they won't allow me, but at least they gave me this.
- Speaking of the iPad, if you have one, you have to try the Flipboard app. Thank you Rob Fisher for giving me the heads up on this one. It's a great app for aggregating your social media/news feeds.
- When my son was born 18 months ago, I started a small baseball card collection for him. Since the baseball card store is above my barber shop, I have slowly expanded that collection and I can't tell you how much I still enjoy opening packs of baseball cards. Each pack is like a present. You don't know what's inside...and can't wait to find out.
- The big trend in baseball cards now is autographed cards and cards with game used memorabilia inserted in to the card. It's very cool.
- Speaking of my son, his new thing is that he climbs on a chair in the kitchen, goes from the chair to the kitchen table, stands up on the table and tries to swing from the light fixture. He needs to wear a helmet at all times.
- My wife is a superhero. She is seven months pregnant and still runs around after the kids, runs the house, and does an amazing job. I am not sure which superhero...but definitely a superhero.
- The new gig at work couldn't be working out better. My only regret is that I didn't make the change sooner. Thanks for asking.
- I mentioned a charity event earlier. I attended Brandon Steiner's charity event last week. Brandon and his wife have built homes for children who either have no homes or can't live in their current environment. The room was filled with athletes including former Rangers, former Knicks, and former and current Yankees who all showed up for Brandon and the kids. It was a great event, but more than that, it was great to see a super successful man giving back in his community. Great job to the Steiners.
- I will leave you with this tidbit. I recently visited The College of New Jersey campus and had lunch with the former president of The College, Dr. Harold Eickhoff. It had been years since I had been to campus and actually grabbed a map to try and figure out all of the new construction, but it felt like home. A home that someone has remodeled, but home nonetheless.
That's all for now. More soon.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive".
JN
