Past Due

Well it's pretty obvious that I've totally lost track of time, since my last entry was almost a week ago. Yeah, my bad.

Celebrating the birth of J.C. is always good, but this year was actually near the top of the list from a purely superficial standpoint. I had a pretty short, cheap but specific list this year and I got everything that I wanted: new CDs, pool cue case, slippers, alarm clock, electric shaver.... you get the idea. Combine that with the success of my presents to my family members (I have to see if my mom was able to figure out her new MP3 player I got her, I don't know if Kristen would be much help in the technology department), and I'd say things went very well.

Christmas Eve I spent in Jersey, and dinner with the family went well. Even went to mass at St. Rose (don't tell God, but that was my first time in church in probably 4 years at least). I then got woken up promptly at 7:45 by anxious little brothers, and the wrapping paper massacre began. After phase one of Christmas was over, we proceeded to the facilities in Pennsylvania for phase two. Started opening there around lunch time, and when everything was said and done, I was a very happy little boy.

Other than family related activities, not much else happened, but that's usually the case around holidays like these. Went out to Reading on Monday to hang with Jay, Brian Bobb, and D-Money. Chilled for a bit before we all headed over to Cabelas, which for people more accustomed to suburban life, is like the KOP of outdoor supply stores. Not only did this place have every supply and accessory you can think of, they have stuffed bears and elephants, giant aquarium tanks filled with lake and stream fish, and even a plane hanging from the ceiling.

Rachel is staying at the Palace del Kent this week (she's on break from the 'Cuse), so I met up with them and Brett yesterday at our usual place. For some reason we had the longest wait ever, almost felt bad since all the times we've gone there the service has been good. Then I went back to hang out and check out his poker table that he brought from home (for anyone interested, we're gonna have a game at his place next weekend, probably on the 7th, .25/.50 NL cash game with a $50 max buy in). Then we watched the movie that Rach got for King: "Girls on Trampolines, Special Holiday Edition" !!!! Oh yea, it was as good as you think it was. Not arousing in the least to be honest, even with a few "talented" girls in it (they do get topless), but mostly hilarious and entertaining.Now I'm looking forward to New Year's Eve. No clue what's going on yet, hopefully I find out soon so I can start planning. But tomorrow is my last day of work for the week (back to back four day vacations rule), so I get a second shot at having a fun weekend.

Eskin > > > > Everyone Else

When someone says to me, "Hey, do you watch any sports shows on TV?", I always say "Of course: PTI, Around the Horn, Sportcenter, Cheap Seats, etc...."

When someone says to me "Hey, do you listen to any sports radio?", I have only one answer for them.

Howard "The King of Bling" mutha fuckin' Eskin.

Recently I've been noticing that not only do many people outside of the business not appreciate or care much for Howard, but also it seems, many people on his own radio network don't seem too fond of him either.

And why should they? I mean, he is only an original member of the 610 WIP crew that turned the station into the respectable station it is now. He's only #1 in the afternoon out of all other competing stations in the male demographic. He's only consistently breaking news stories first on the station and continually updates his listeners on what rumors are going on in the NFL, MLB and sometimes NBA.

I've given the other guys a shot, and no one comes close to Eskin. Period, end of argument.....

Ok, so not the end of argument, because now I'm going to lay it out there in simple writing why Eskin is, in fact, the King of Bling.

The man knows his sports, he knows what it takes to win, he knows what a team needs and what they don't need. He's not some novice joker whose going to go along with the mindless rabble and claim "Uh, the Eagles need a wide receiver, that's their #1 priority." He knows that defense is key, and that the Eagles defensive line hasn't been getting the pass rush they have in previous years. He is connected around the leagues on a level not seen since Howard Cosell. No lie, the man has so many connections, if an agent so much as mentions an interest in trading a player to another team, Eskin is the first to let the greater Philadelphia area know. Granted, sometimes these don't pan out, but as listeners we are made aware and given time to analyze and discuss, so when a trade DOES happen, we are well prepared and already knowledgeable about it.

What makes Eskin really great is his honesty. He's not like some of the other phonies on WIP, like Mike Missanelli and Anthony Gargano, who sit there and listen politely to the caller, and no matter how idiotic the point may seem, nod in agreement with a fake smile on their face. Some people are offended by Eskins' brutal and sometimes derogatory opinions, but I'd easily say that 9 times out of 10, the guy on the other line that he calls a "dope" or "moron" really is one. I mean, if someone wants to throw Donovan McNabb under the bus for simply having a bad season in a bad year for the club while playing injured, after all that he has and will do in his career, I'd mock their intelligence as well.

And what's more, it's entertaining! That's what's really important anyway isn't it? Nice isn't entertaining, nice isn't real, and nice doesn't spark my interest. He's not some stat whore or fantasy points watcher like Missanelli, or some cheap hack like Angelo Cataldi. When someone calls in and makes an idiotic point about how there is nothing wrong right now with the Phillies pitching, Eskin is the only guy who will straight up say "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!" Most importantly, he has integrity, and isn't some fair weather fan like Angelo Cataldi or a pessimist like Rhea Hughes: if something is wrong he says it but if something really isn't wrong, he doesn't jump in with the other "Philly fans" and bitch and moan.

Howard has a unique, knowledgeable and loyal audience who, at times, seem to be at war with the "other" fans of WIP sports radio. Well this is me brushing aside Howard's critics and haters and calling out the inept and lackluster performances of the other WIP hosts. Hate him if you want, but my guy would kick the ass of any one of the bums you can throw against him.

Except maybe Chuck Norris, no one can beat Chuck.

So much to say, so little time

Please excuse the quickness with which this was written, as it is late and I desperately need to make sure I see enough sleep with a day of work looming on the horizon. Here's the quick breakdown of this weekend:

Went to Rowan on Friday night to hang with Mike and Ray. Turned out into a pretty sociable night when Jen Jax, Dana and Joe Flac all showed up. Was a good time getting to hang out with those guys since I hadn't seen them in awhile. Bonus point for seeing Dana drunk for only the second or third time ever, and that is always entertaining.

Saturday started off as usual. Billiards was good, felt better with how I was playing then I have in a long time. My break is improved I think, and I was really focusing well on my shots. Started to get pretty tired as day wore on, but for the most part is was a quality session of billiards.

That night, went home and rolled online for a bit. Sat at a table with the ultimate donkey player and proceeded to make him my target for the night. When I sat at the table ($10NL), he had $35 on the table and was the high stack, which would normally suggest that he is a good player. On the contrary, he was ridiculous. He raised preflop every hand, was the ultimate hero calling many times with absolutely nothing, and was totally obvious in his moves. Despite all this, he consistently would drop down to about 20-25 dollars on the table and then get a hand job by the deck when calling someone's all-in from way behind and get back up. It was pretty fun just fucking with the guy and openly discussing my goal for the night, and it got even better when I told Jay and he joined me. Eventually, we got him to bust, and as soon as he did, the entire table broke. Despite losing a hand early on to another player where my boat on the turn got beat by a suck out on the river, I left the night up in money and spirits.

Sunday was football day. The JV squad pulled out a victory against the St. Looser Hams which makes me happy. The Cowboys got spanked severely by the 'Skins, hurting their playoff chances and making me more happy.

One bad thing was the fight I got involved in against my Dad, Stacy and Kristen who all felt that not only was Michael Moore's films full of facts and truths, and that not only is making a one-sided and obviously biased film under the guise of "documentary" totally acceptable, but that he has no responsibility whatsoever as a documenter to portray both sides and that his methods (which are easily comparable to those used by propaganda mongers of Nazi Germany) are respectable and just.

So yeah, you can imagine how that ended (45 minute argument against people who use your personal political views as an excuse to ignore your arguments, proceeded by sarcastic comments and self-defeating points, capped off by me losing it and falling into a cursing tirade not seen since the days of Andrew Dice Clay).

My Mission

That would describe this week. Everything has gone by so fast, maybe because nothing that I would call "incredible" happened. Kent is down pretty big from this past weekend and valiantly fighting his way back, I finished all my Christmas shopping, and I even went to Drexeline Billiards yesterday to get in some desperately needed practice time (p.s. I think I figured out my break). With only a half day and a Christmas party for work to get through until the weekend hits and the Jersey kids get on break, there's really only one thing left for me to do.

Pay attention, this could be the most important thing you will ever read, and it could influence your life for years to come.

Christopher Walken, THE Christopher Walken, the coolest man in show-business and possibly in human existence..... are you still paying attention..... is running for President in 2008.

I repeat. Chris Walken, a man who has graced us on screen in epics like 'Batman Returns', 'Pulp Fiction', and 'Pool Hall Junkies'; a man who is responsible for amazing catch phrases like "Would you care for some champanya" and "I got a fever... and the only prescription is more cowbell"; a man who instantly demands respect, with the power, grace, and charisma of a God. This man wants to be your next president.

Don't believe me? Check it out.

Then when you recover from the shock, awe, and excitement, read what his stances are.

Not only do I love this man, but I agree with almost every position he has. I am making it my duty.... nay, I am accepting the privilege of being a vocal supporter and spreading the word to all I can.

So get the word out. Tell everyone you can, and prepare for the second coming of America as we know it.

Sad but Proud

Sad to say that the Eagles lost tonight to the NFC East first place New York Giants....

Actually, that's a lie. It's not really that sad to say. Yes it sucks that they lost, but actually I'm really proud of how they played. They took the Giants to the brink, losing in overtime to a fieldgoal. They aren't playing for anything else this year except for three things: pride, fans, and to spoil playoff hopes of our division rivals. They played their hearts out tonight and attempted to satisfy all three. They aren't our Eagles we know, it's the JV squad out there, but watching them play the way they did made me feel better about Eagles football then I've felt in a very long time. If that's how we can play when there is nothing left to play for, when we don't have our superstars, when we are facing a first place team.... well, let's just say these NFC pricks better watch out when we come back next year.

What was REALLY disappointing was that I could have gone to this game! My mom got offered Hank Fraley's tickets on Friday night, didn't really want to go, and told the guy that she had to ask me first if I wanted them. Of course he gave them away, and I didn't get to go. Ladies, here's a life lesson: if someone offers you tickets to a professional sports event, and you know a male of the species, TAKE THE FUCKING TICKETS PLEASE! I love my mom... but God damn.

Aside from that, weekend wasn't too bad. Played pool on Saturday. Got a little pissed and here's why. My game got progressively better as the day wore on, and eventually I was really happy with how I was playing. Yet I couldn't win a game for the life of me. Here is how five games laid out:

1. Played Kent, had worst ball set ever. Finally, when I got some makeable shots, I ran down to the 8, missed, and watched as Kent ran his 3 remaining and the 8 to win.

2. Played Jay, insert above game description to the T.

3. Played Jay, quick game, left with one remaining tough shot, I left him with only a bank on the eight ball for the win... and he hits it.

4. Played Kent, crushed him, he had five balls of his left on the table when I'm down to take my game winning 8-ball shot. But wait, I sink the 8 and scratch in the side, aka I lose.

5. Down to my final ball against Jay, park the cue on the rail behind my ball so he has no shot on the 8-ball. Find myself off the table when he makes a masse around my safety to win.

Grrr.... whatever.

The Fruits of Boredom

Well yet again, a random comment got my mind turning, probably because the comment was made when I was mind-numbingly bored at work and had nothing better to do. Guys know girls, and most guys I know can't help but form opinions on women, critiquing both physical and personal features.

I therefore present the First Annual John's Pick Awards, please save your applause for after the ceremony.

Now the difference here from most award presentations is that I've decided to not cop out and use celebrities, but people I actually know. Under the advisement of my lawyers, any and all opinions on T&A will not be shared, because I wouldn't want to offend anyone and, more importantly, I don't want to endure a pride obliterating bitch slap as punishment for anything said.

Best Smile (drumroll) - Melissa Bowen. Congratulations Bowen, you're easily the winner. Wouldn't surprise me if it was the goal of most guys you know to get you to smile.

Eyes - Megan Rogers. OK, so I'm not that close with her, but when I saw her last weekend I was quickly reminded. I'm a sucker for blue eyes, what can I say.

Personality - Amanda Schlitzer. Always nice, pleasure to be around, never mean but always eager to joke around.

Legs - Risky award, but meh.... Samantha O'Donnell. Athletic girls that keep a feminine quality have the best legs. Not saying I was staring, I'm just saying tho....

Sense of Humor - Kelly McCloskey. Probably takes sarcasm better than any girl I ever knew, which is crucial for me. Hard to offend this girl, takes a joke for what it is. Made class better.

Skin - At the risk of going to jail, and as innocent as possible, but Nina. Sorry Mike, but come on, Mediterranean skin kicks all others ass's. Tried to think of someone better or as good to save you the headache, but couldn't do it.

Hair - Monica McNally. Don't kill me Proulx, but even with the different styles she would take on, I don't think I ever disliked how it looked.

Overall Look - Dana Grady. Where has she been recently anyway? Got to hang out with her a lot more since Senior year, and much more interesting to talk to then your stereotypical cheerleader. But it's impossible to not be floored by her looks.

Hope to see you next year, thanks to all our lovely contestants. Let me know if you love or hate.

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Side note. I checked out Drexeline Billiards Club out near me, it is really nice. I have to get Kent and Jay and whoever to check it out again. Everything was Brunswick, well lit, they even had "billiards" tables (for those of you who know what these are, well done). What was even better was that my long lost brother, John Hennigan, won a few tournaments there and his name could be found on many Annual 9-Ball Championships.

Punches and Drumsticks

Well, for those who didn't see it, the Taylor vs. Hopkins fight was last nite. Another good one, where, to my disapproval, Philly boy Hopkins was not declared the winner by the judges. This fight was practically identical to the last fight: Hopkins controled the second half, he landed more power punches, looked victorious and less injured than his opponent, but the judges of Nevada scored his opponent as the winner. The problem is that judges, especially ones in Nevada, have a tendancy to award a round to the fighter who was more proactive in the round, the one who was more aggressive. To me, and many others, activity isn't the only thing that is important. I prefer to watch a fighter who is in control, even when he is being punched, a fighter who shrugs off jabs here and dodges others there, who at the end of a fight looks like the victorious fighter. Oh well, it was still a great fight, and I'd like to see another rematch if it ever happens.

Good weekend though. Bobby's birthday dinner went well on Friday, the chicken enchiladas were fucking awesome. Went to hang with Kent and Brett after to just bullshit. Saturday, Kent drove over and we headed to Pheonixville to meet Jay for billiards. It was fun, but holy shit, I played terribly. Seriously, it was pretty evident that I hadn't played in two weeks. It was sad, a few of the games I put together 6-7 ball runs of perfection, but most of the day saw me miss far to many shots. I was out of my game, no other way to put it. Shots I make in my sleep were missing, it was pretty frustrating. After, we convinced Jay to drive back this way to watch the fight with us over and Kent's. Once we got here, we stopped over at Ruby Tuesday's for some food before making our way to the palace.

Not much happened today. Slept in real late, something I hadn't done in more than two weeks. Watched some great football games, notably the Giants/Cowboys game and a good Bengals/Steelers matchup. Then we had a "very" belated Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Kent came over because he is depraved of home cooked goodness, and the food was top notch.

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Got work this week, Eagles tomorrow night, Christmas shopping to do, hanging out, and hopefully I'll finally check out Drexeline Billiards club that I found out was only a few miles away.

The Tide Turns In My Favor

I can't believe it's already Thursday night. At the outset of this week, I was really dreading drudging through work just to get to the weekend. What a pleasant surprise to find that the week has really flown by, and in a mere 11 hours I will be at work, happily making slacking my way through yet another Friday. Awesome.

This weekend is already looking like it will be 1,000,000,000x better than last weekend, which is great (even though last weekend was as close to a zero as you can get in many ways, and anyone who knows math knows.... well, you get what I'm saying).

Friday is Bob's birthday, little fucker wanted a Randy Moss jersey, so whatever, I'll deliver. After the birthday meal, I'll probably do something over at Kent's. Saturday it looks like we will get back to basics which means *gasp* pool baby! Multiple hours of it to, will be good times. Also, I think I've convinced Kent that getting the Hopkins vs. Taylor rematch fight at his place, which will rock because I saw that fight at Colavita's (if I'm not mistaken) and it was a real good fight. So if anyone wants to watch it, or is getting it and has a better venue then Palace del Kent, let me know.


Sunday I have no clue what I'm doing, probably going to sleep late, sit down and watch football at my leisure, something that soccer was preventing me from doing. Either way you slice it, goodness will happen.

Apparently, "goodness" is the theme recently. Found out last night that a house will be in my future come time for classes to start again, which is really great. Eric and Kyle are moving out of their house that they share with a couple of other people that include the great John Wesley Buffington III, and they asked us if we'd like to move in when Eric and Kyle move out. It's real good news because now its one less thing that will stress me out over the next 3 years. Got the call last night from Jay, a night which also saw a good meal at Ruby Tuesday's, Flyers game at Kent's, a great episode of LOST, and a good nights sleep.

I guess karma is making things up to me for the negative slide of late. That's something I can live with.