Violence in the Parking Lot

I' usually take the summer off from blogging but a story about violence in once of my favorite parking lots has forced me to break my silence. The incident took place over the weekend in Philadelphia outside the Citizens Bank ballpark. It seems a fight broke out in the bar and many patrons were ejected. They resumed the fight in the parking lot where a large group stomped two men. One was killed and the other hospitalized. Having been in those lots before and after games I wondered if I would feel different. Am I going to be looking over my shoulder or watching what I say or who I say it to. The answer is no as this was an isolated incident that quickly got out of control and I don't expect it to happen again. The parking lots are safe. What I can't fathom is why this group did not limit or stop their level of violence. What could the victim have done so wrong that a crowd would stomp him to death? The answer is nothing that really matters. It's just that people today are so used to seeing extreme levels of violence, they don't think twice about doing it for the slightest provocation. There was a time when this type of behavior would be considered cowardly and not acceptable in society. The sad fact is that "mob rule" seems to be more commonplace than ever. I am happy to report the police already have two people in custody. I can only hope that they round up everybody involved and charge them all! Let's enjoy our sports without inflict injury on those around us. I like my violence simulated.

The Proof is in the Pudding

My mom was fond of saying "The Proof is in the Pudding." I would always ask what does that mean? Mom in her wisdom would say "you can't tell the quality of something until you use it." That's kinda how I feel about the Eagles personnel changes. Everyone knows I'm a homer so it's no surprise I'm totally on-board with the draft selections and recent additions to the team. My spring mantra of "We going the Super Bowl" finally has some ring of truth. I mean we got all the holes filled and parts of the puzzle now, so it's just a moot point to play the games, right?
Well the truth is closer to "only time will tell." Playing rookies is a gamble and just because we rolled a seven with Jackson last year doesn't mean that we can do it again. This season rests on what, Andrews repaired knee being healed and the other Andrew's sister being sane? You know Humpty Dumpty the one who fell off the wall? Did all the Kings horses and all the kings men put him back together again? Would I bet the farm on another rookie receiver and tailback making the first team. Is B. West going to last the whole season and not disappear in the playoffs? Do I really think that Marty Mornhinweg is going to let Weaver run the ball. I read his comments about this "throwback fullback " in the paper. "Leonard is a true full back who has other skills.+9 He has good running skills well as pass receiving skills. So we'll try to put him in positions where he can get some success in those areas." I don't know about you but it sounds like Mary, I mean Marty is already planning to use him as a receiver and not the battering ram for B. West that they need. Maybe they should have signed "Randy the Ram." Now there's a guy who knows what he's good at. Let's not forget about the defense. I'm sure their won't be a problem finding a new heart and soul for the defense now that B. Dawk is gone. And I know that contract issues will go away once the season starts. Yea nothing like getting you brains beat in for less money that you think your worth to motivate you. So the more I think about it the more I see that the only way we'll be able to judge the value of these new Eagles is to see them used. I guess I hold off on booking that flight to the Super Bowl just yet. Maybe I'll just start with that first road trip to Carolina. I hear Cav's catering is running the tailgate party. How about you, what road trips are you going on?

Bye Bye Mr American Pie

Monday started out rough. As I read my emails I was jolted upright by the message that a fellow tailgater had passed away. His friend was asking for a picture I took at the tailgate party before the Phillie's Ring game. It was a group shot and he wanted to add it to the collage of pictures about the man's life.
Later that day I heard that Harry Kalas had died in the broadcast booth before the days game. I shed a tear, not because I knew the man or had some kind of relationship with him like the sportscasters on the radio.Not because it reminded me of all the friends, family and acquaintances that have passed. It was because I felt a piece of time had fallen out of my box. The present of time given to me as a small boy, filled with wondrous events too many to count or appreciate.
The box was huge and overflowing. I've got plenty of time! I'll look at it later and I put the box aside. Recently when I looked inside I was surprised to find the box was half empty. Where had all the time went!
So when I heard Harry fall out, I lunged to grasp and label him "Summer Time." As if that would somehow help keep my box full. But he slipped through my fingers like the quicksilver of my youth.
The voice of Harry Kalas was background music for the summers of my youth. Often found wafting out of the kitchen windows of every house on the block. A low steady hum that provided a gentle rhythm for the summer. A reassuring sound that when heard always made me feel at home no matter where I was. It was like the voice of your favorite uncle telling stories while your mom stirred pots on the stove. It was family and it was good! I'll miss you Harry Callis just as I'll miss my youth.
So the next time a mature individual seems to lecture you about the importance of a specific date or event. Don't write them off as a rambling old fart. Have pitty on them for you're looking at someone holding an empty box.

I'm Frank the Tank and that's how I see it.

Shot Through the Heart and You're to Blame

Shot through the heart and you're to blame, Joe Banner gives the Eagles a bad name, bad name.
Like a recurring bad dream that tightwad, penny pinching, *hole Banner is at it again. For Christ sake can't we get rid of him. Does he have any idea of the loss of leadership from his latest move with B. Dawk, or is it he doesn't care. Doesn't he know that without Brian and his can do attitude we wouldn't made the playoffs. Doesn't he know he just let go the only player to stand up for #5! Too bad it's not reciprocal. I just don't know what goes through that mans head. I know what I like to put through his head an arrow. As a fan these are the worst of times, losing a player who represents the heat and soul of your team is tough to take. I take no solace in the singing of another Andrews because it also signals the possible loss of my other favorite player big John. Lord knows there no leadership other than him on offense. So what we have to look forward to is a heartless soulless team molded in the image of Joe Banner. Andy get a clue or at least grow a pair in the off season. Whose team is it any why?

It's my Fault!

OK it's been a while since I've written and a long time since the Eagles last win. I don't know what their excuse is but mine is I'm superstitious. I didn't want to jinx them. I was afraid to say out loud what I was thinking inside (The Eagles are going to the Super Bowl) . I was afraid the Football Gods would hear me and strike my team down. So although I didn't say it out loud I was thinking and acting on it. I had made reservations for my flight, car rental, and hotel. Got some good rates booking early. The only thing left was to get the elusive Super Bowl ticket, and I was on-line watching every auction and tickets web site. Just aching to push the "Buy it Now" button. But the Football Gods were watching and punished me for my arrogance. Arrogance it's the freaking Cardinals for Pete's sake. Give me a break already. So there you have it. It's my fault and I swear I will never jump the gun again until the next time. Hey when does spring training start is it too early to jump on the Phillies bandwagon?