GO COCKS!

The Gamecocks are 2010 NCAA National Champs! Last team to win at Rosenblatt Stadium. It's a great day to be a Gamecock!

GO COCKS!

Truck

Truck Tuesday

Hey y'all,

It is definitely a "y'all" kinda day (instead of "yinz") as the Gamecocks are so close to winning the College World Series, we can almost taste it! Last night the Cocks won 7-1 in the first game of the best of three series against the UCLA Bruins. I am not a huge baseball fan, but watching it, and other games during the CWS has made me proud to be a gamecock...for like the first time ever! Whether or not we win it, I will be most dissappointed that I did not go to a single game this season, and the stadium is less than a quarter mile from the Igloo Club, shame on me.

Game 2 comes on tonight at 7:30 EST, so watch it and cheer for the Cocks!

Well friends, as you may have noticed, my posts have been all over the place this summer...heck, since I started writing. I can't make any promises that my posts will begin to have a pattern, or theme, or just be more organized, but I am going to make a new attempt. One of my favorite things is random facts (have you ever read the magazine Mental Floss?) so I am going to try to finds these interesting random facts as they relate to Pittsburgh, sports, and anything that I personally feel like sharing.

This past week I came across an article about Longboard Hockey. What, you may ask, is Longboard Hockey? Well I was asking myself the same thing. Hopefully you are smarter than me and figured out that long board means skateboard and not surf board! Other than that the rules look about the same, but instead of a puck, a Sapporo beer can is used which is supposed to be the "toughest beer can on the market." There isn't a huge following of this sport (Surprise?), but I thought you hockey lovers might find it interesting. And if you ever find yourself playing hockey and you don't have a puck... you can always reach for a beer can.

Next week's post : There are so many people in China that if they made a single file line and walked passed you, you would die before you saw the end of the line...

Just Kidding, I am not going to write about that next week -But, it is one of my favorite fun facts!

Till Next Tuesday,

GO COCKS!!!!!!!!

Truck

Pen Zen: Top #20 Most Memorable Penguins: #18 Herb Brooks

From the player that was named for this man, to the legend himself, Herb Brooks is a man that belongs on any hockey list. Although his coaching legacy was short lived with the Pittsburgh Penguins, it cannot be forgotten what Brooks has done to the game of hockey itself.

It is well known that Herb Brooks coached the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team in Lake Placid. It is also well known that he coached the team that beat the Soviets in the Miracle on Ice. Lastly, it is also well known that could be the greatest moment in sports history. However, it may be less well known that he helped coached the Penguins in the 1999-2000 campaign.

This comes as a gigantic year in Pittsburgh Penguins history. This was a year that Jaromir Jagr continued his dominant legacy as the leagues top scorer. This was also the year that the line of Kovalev, Straka, and Lang combined for over 250 pts that season. It was the year of the Moose with Johan Hedberg minding the net. Lastly, it was the return of Mario Lemieux. Herb Brooks was behind the bench for that historic year and led his Penguins deep in the playoffs beating the Capitals and the Sabres in dramatic fashion.

Also, Herb was a Penguins head scout for almost 10 years before the day of his passing. His contributions to the organization were highly appreciated as the Penguins looked to improve their squad year after year in the late 90’s.

Another fact that is not as well known is that Herb Brooks coached Mark Johnson, who played for the 1980 US Olympic hockey team and scored 2 goals against the Soviets in that legendary win. Only a few days later did Mark Johnson signed with the Penguins for a brief stint. Perhaps, more interesting was the fact that Mark Johnson’s father was no stranger to the Penguins either; you might know him best as Badger Bob Johnson. Herb Brooks has also had an indirect impact on the Penguins franchise.

Although, Herb Brooks will always be remembered as the man who led a team to bring down the Soviet powerhouse, he also was a primary factor in the behind the scenes work to make the Penguins a strong force in the mid and late 90’s.

We still miss you, Herb. Thank you for making hockey great in the United States, and the city of Pittsburgh

Penn State Phryday

Yinzers,

So there were approximately 41,000 Penn State students who pre-registered for the 22,000 student tickets for the 2010 season. Granted this includes all satellite campuses and graduate students, but still, almost double the supply. Therefore, 1 out of every 2 students will NOT get tickets. After ticket sale week this week, yours truly got perhaps his final season ticket package as a Penn State student. Thank God I did my undergrad at Penn State, including 130 credits, because I got to get Senior tickets rather than Graduate Student tickets. HAZAAHH!

As for this season, here is what the schedule looks like:
September 4 v. Youngstown State at 12:00 pm
September 11 @ Alabama at 7:00 pm***
September 18 v. Kent State at 12:00 pm
September 25 v. Temple
October 2 @ Iowa at 8:00 pm*
October 9 v. Illinois at 12:00 pm*
October 23 @ Minnesota*
October 30 v. Michigan @ 8:00 pm**
November 6 v. Northwestern*
November 13 @ Ohio State*
November 20 v. Indiana @ FedEx Field in Landover, MD*
November 27 v. Michigan State*
* = Big Ten conference game
** = most probable white house
*** = may God have mercy on our souls

In other Penn State news, three-peat national champion Penn State women's volleyball star Megan Hodge was nominated for an Espy. Hodge was the Suzy Favor Big Ten women's athlete of the year for 2009. Megan was nominated for the Espy for Best Female Collegiate Athlete of the year. The awards are on July 14 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Log-onto ESPN's website for the Espy's and vote for Megan Hodge for the award. Congrats and good luck Megan!

And if anyone is a fan of Matt Groening (the Simpsons creator), last night marked the rebirth of his second show, Futurama, which started in 1999, ended in 2003, and is now back in action on Comedy Central. I'm pumped. If you haven't ever watched it, its a good'n.

For the Glory,
B Brog

Stories from Aisle 9

Yinzers,

Seeing that every Deep Thought Thursday has been a story from the old-time hardware store at which I am employed, we're changing the name to "Stories from Aisle 9."

Today's story involves the six P's: Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Production. A customer came into the store - well, sent his wife into the store...mistake #1 - and was presented a query that simply baffled me. "Where is your hardware section?" Awestruck at the question, I simply held out my arms as Ricardo Montalban would have and said "Here." So I knew it would be a rocky road to get what they needed. After a quick game of 20 questions, I deduced that the holy grail of this trip was smaller than a breadbox and for a screen door.

It turns out that the master fabricator who sent his wife needed simple screen door window clips. The small piece of information he failed to tell his wife was what kind of window clip. There are approximately 9 different kinds based upon the style door and material being put into the window. "He said he only wanted one," says the frustrated patroness. "Well, there are four corners in a window, so they come in packs of four," was my rebuttal. The poor woman ended up coming back to the store 5 times, exchanging for 5 different sets of clips.

There are two morals to this story. #1: If you are building it, you go get the parts. #2: Plan your work so that you can go to get supplies a minimal number of times.

B Brog

Blogger down

Yinzers,
So no blog today, b/c blogger would not and did not work.Big makeup blog coming this week!

Wade

Truck Tuesday

Since I don't watch any of the sports that are going on right now, I really don't have anything exciting to tell you. I have not watched a single World Cup game and I am ashamed to say that because I was in Cape Town two years ago and saw the stadium. Even two years ago South Africans were psyched about the world cup and I got excited about it too! But I guess I had just forgotten that I don't like soccer. I will make sure to catch a game before it is all over though.

Ok, so lets get to the good stuff. Cooke and Lovejoy both signed 3 year contracts recently. I am still hanging on for Guerin to sign for atleast a year, but 3 would be awesome.

Even more importantly the 2010-2011 schedule is out - so just go read that!








(http://penguins.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm )

Lets go Pens!

Truck

Monday Igloo Update

Yinzers,

So our Penguins have the 20th overall pick in June 25th's NHL draft. Jukebox Shero will undoubtedly turn heads with his moves...experience the dance dance evolution. Just as some insight to having such a late pick, Brooks Orpik was taken 18th by the Penguins, Colby Armstrong was taken 21st by the Pens and Max Talbot and Tyler Kennedy were taken outside the top 20 by the Pens. Shero will do some magic.

The first game at the Consol Energy Center will be on October 7th, 2010 as the Penguins host the Philthadelphia Flyers. The rest of the schedule will be announced tomorrow at high noon at the Igloo Corral.


Finally, the Penguins signed defenseman Reverend Ben Lovejoy to the squad for three more years. Lovejoy played up quite a bit this season in the absence of Sergei Gonchar. The deal will pay Lovejoy $525,000 per year for his 2-way contract.

That's all for now, and thank God Philthadelphia lost,
B Brog

Deep Thought Thursday

Yinzers,

Why do deer jump in front of a B Brog van? Seriously?

B Brog

Breaking News: The Halakness Monster is singing the Blues

Yinzers!

As ESPN just reported today, Montreal Canadians goalie, Jaroslav Halak will be traded to the St. Louis Blues. Details are unknown who will be going to the Habs, but one thing is for sure: The Habs just lost their x-factor.

Eastern Conference, prepare to be our bitches again. GO PENS!

Times are a Changing'

Yinzers,

I can remember my first official NCAA football game. It was in early September when my Father took me to University of West Virgina in Morgantown for the Home Opener against the University of South Carolina. I can tell you the score easily, it was something like 63-0 Mountaineers. I don't remember plays or names that day( Major Harris QB for WVU only ) but I remember the drive from Pittsburgh to Morgantown, how the leaves were changing and the huge crowd of tailgaters from in front of the Stadium, to the PITT eats Shit buttons everywhere. I can also remember the Blue and Gold of every ones jerseys, and how nice and cool it was for a noon kickoff.

This is the day I fell in love with College Football.

Growing up in a depleted era of non Pennsylvania winning teams almost scared me for life. Pitt was always rebuilding. Penn State was kicking ass but not for the National Title. WVU was Tearing teams apart. I can remember nothing about the middle of that season except that WVU played Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl that January. It was awesome, the Irish won and my First College Football season was in the Books.

The Next step of this Love affair with College football happened in High School at Serra Catholic, when everyone and their brother in the Northeast only pulled for one team and one team only. The University of Notre Dame. We were Catholic , and they Were Catholic so we pulled for Notre Dame. It didn't hurt that I looked like a young RUDY through those years also. Notre Dame had a hodgepodge of coaches and Star quarterbacks that never really panned out.We also had the pleasure of Having season Tickets to PITT panther football. I broke my ties with WVU and came back to my Cities forgotten sons. In the three years that we had tickets I think I witnessed about 9 wins , so that averages out to three crap seasons. So it was in my best interest, with the Steelers winning the Division year after Year it was time to take a break with college football.

It wasn't till my Senior Year of High School that I fell in love all over again. Moving to the SEC and the University of South Carolina was a real Eye Opener. Southern Football is bigger than life here. There is more Football talked about during Basketball season than one sports fan can stomach. I can remember my first southern Football game, it was bigger and louder and more proud than any other Football I had seen in my life. These teams had followings like Georgia , Florida and Especially the GameCocks. Clemson was also another school that had these hideous orange uni's and ...well I won't go there.

I can remember The first game I went to was USC- Georgia , the main thing I couldn't stop thinking was how violent it was. When these players hit , it was like freight trains. USC lost and then my ongoing love affair continues with the Gamecocks till this day.
I have been very lucky to go and See many teams play. Most Memorable are App State , Mizzou, Louisville and the NC state incident( ask me sometime) Most recently we have gone to Alabama twice last season. There are allot of things that as a 30 year old I can enjoy, The pageantry, the fans , the colors the sounds and the sense of pride that you have in your team and in your school. The Traditions and Rivalries and the memorable games that are played year after year.

With all the recent changes and the recent bowl realignments, I was kind of upset and interested to see where all the chips( teams ) lay at the end of this monumental year. But in the end one thing will never change, my love of College Football.

So what If I stayed in College for 11 years, the football was well worth it!

Wade

Monday Igloo Update

Yinzers,

I am having trouble thinking of what to call the Monday Igloo Update once the Consol Energy Center takes center stage. If you have thoughts, post them. In Penguins news, Brooks Orpik underwent a successful hernia repair surgery. The doctor told him that he had all kinds of free candy backed up from not going deeper into the playoffs. The Pens also signed defenseman Steve Wagner to a one year, 2-way deal. Wagner was acquired in exchange for Nate Guenin back in February. Penguins' general manager Ray "Jukebox" Shero (he's got stars in his eyes) is back to the draft table in a few weeks. Shero has proven to be one of the masters of finding the right guys for the job and I guarantee he does so again this year.

In other news, Nix had no idea that Donnie Iris has his own brew of beer. King Cool Light is "fueled by cool...the light beer that rocks." Donnie "King Cool" Iris is a native of western Pennsylvania, a true legend in Pittsburgh and one-time neighbor of the Brognano family. King Cool Light is one of my favorite beers that I have tried, but unfortunately you can only get it in the Pittsburgh area. Ah, Leah! It tastes so good! The label has a rock concert scene, the cap has Buddy Holly glasses on it, and the label reads these words:

King Cool Light: A light American lager made with the fines domestic two- and six-row barley and a perfect blend of American and European hops. A touch of caramel malt gives it its brilliant amber color and rare flavor.

***
Brewed in the finest rock 'n roll tradition of uncompromising quality, this is my signature beer and I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!
Donnie Iris

If you want more information, check it out at http://www.kingcool.com/beer.html.

Also in the news, imagine this: USC breaking the rules? NO! It's sarcasm, people. The NCAA has revoked over 30 football victories and nearly as many basketball games from the University of Southern California due to the breaking of NCAA payment laws. Apparently Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo received improper compensation in the form of vehicles, houses for their families and merchandise for playing at the school. The result? Two less bowl titles, about 30 less wins, and Penn State standing alone as the winningest college football program in the nation. I think a "HOLLA!" is in order? The ESPN headlines say "USC players earn passing grades." Upon further reading, I discover that the graduating USC football players average a C- in their classwork...Joe Paterno's Penn State Nittany Lions had approximately 75% of their graduating football players achieve at least a B average and many of those seeing their names on the Dean's list of 3.5 or higher. Take that Pete Carroll.

B Brog

Pen Zen: 20 Most Memorable Pens: #19 Brooks Orpik

Although the Penguins have an enriched past of hockey success, I find it hard pressed not to recognize some of the most memorable players of our generation to be included in the top 20 most memorable penguins. For the last three years have been some of the most memorable of a Pens fan’s life.

With this said, the way that free agency has been in recent years, it has been difficult for a player to have a tenure with one team. However, Brooks Orpik has been a player that has not only stood the test of time as a Penguins icon. Like Phil Bourque (refer to last weeks post) Brooks Orpik is nowhere even close to be known for his scoring ability. As a matter of fact, sometimes you almost expect Marc-Andre Fleury to sink one before Orpik would. However, Orpik has been known as the premiere defenseman for the Penguins and, for that matter, the National Hockey League.

Look no further than his demeanor on large stages. Brooks Orpik has been known to play the big minutes and carry the biggest load on his team. During the Stanley Cup finals in 2008 and 2009, we looked for standout performances from Orpik on a consistent basis. Darren Helm, Marian Hossa, even tough bruisers like Niklas Kronwall felt the sting of Brooks Orpik’s bite. Without question, the biggest moment of his career came in game 3 of the 2008 cup finals. Orpik flattened 3 Red Wings players with 4 crushing blows in the span of about 15 seconds. Pens won the game, and Orpik was immortalized for that span of hits that shortly after was named, “The Shift”.

The United States got a fair share of Orpik as they watched the boys in red, white, and blue put on a heroic show in the Olympics in Vancouver. This came as no surprised that Orpik made the team, but in a world of offensive-defensivemen, there were certainly doubters if Orpik was up to the challenge. What ensued was the same Orpik that we have seen time and time again. Penguins fans sat nervously as he flattened fellow Penguin and Canadian, Sidney Crosby. Although our hearts were in our throats every time they tangled, you could not help but admire the dedication that Orpik has to his team, regardless of the jersey color. Therefore proving he will give you everything he’s got. So having dawn a Penguins sweater makes it that much better.
Though, more than his playing style, his reputation follows him more than anything. This goes beyond the fact that he is actually named after the late, and great, Herb Brooks. From being a nonexistent defensemen to the x-factor is no easy task, but Orpik has earned that promotion.

Because of moments like, “The Shift” and his almost retina piercing eyes, he has acquired and rightfully earned the nickname, “Free Candy”. This was originally a joke by the blog, The Pensblog that had Orpik photoshopped in a creepy fan with, “Free Candy” eerily spray-painted on the van. The nickname has stayed with him ever since and former penguin, Jarkko Ruutu stated that Brooks Orpik was dishing out hits like he was giving “free candy”. Therefore, Brooks Orpik has been known to dish out some free candy or even some freedom candy as exemplified in the Olympics.

Pens fans love him, Carolina Hurricane fans hate him, but you have to admire the dedication, the heart, and the overall commitment that Brooks Orpik brings to the ice day in and day out. It is no surprise that his hard work has earned him a Stanley Cup ring. He is a fierce player that you know will bring his “A” game every minute of every game. I think it is safe to say that the Pens would not be where we are without him.

After all, almost every team has a superstar or marquee player, and they all have their “meat and potato” guys, but only the pens can safely say that they have a little candy in their roster. Brooks Orpik, you would make Herb proud…

Get Ready!

Bring it!

Deep Thought Thursday

Yinzers,

Today's deep thought revolves around...gas prices? O.k. maybe not gas prices at the core, but using gas prices as an excuse. As with most of my deep thoughts, this one began earlier this week at Kelly Hardware, when our phones were ringing off the hook. I had customers on the phone making me run around pricing several different items in different sizes, colors, thread pitches-you name it. "Well do you have that in anything bigger? What about other brands? Ooh, and can I get a price on all that stuff I told you about 10 minutes ago?" Get in your car and drive down here. It is not that far...possibly 20 minutes MAXIMUM to get here. If we do not have it, chances are we can point you to somewhere in town that does.

Well I got ballsy and asked one of the fellows on the phone that was giving me a particularly difficult time why he does not "bring that 'thing' down here and we can find it." The response I got was "Well, with the economy the way it is and gas prices being so high, it's better to price first and then go get it." Here's my beef: yes, the economy is more sour than a Warheads candy (throwback 1995), but "gas prices?" Gas prices are at the lowest they have been in over three years. I remember the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college, so 2007, when gas was over $5.00 per gallon. Don't blame your own sheer laziness on gas. Even with BP spewing petroleum into the Gulf of Mexico, gas prices are holding steady around $2.65-$2.85 in western Pennsylvania. What he should have said was "I'm a lazy asshole and I don't want to get off my couch so I'm making sure you have it at the cheapest price and I'm sending my wife."

Don't be lazy and blame it on gas prices, people.

B Brog

"33"

Yinzers,

So as Truck pointed out today is my 33rd birthday. I have been looking forward to my 33rd birthday for quite sometime. If you know me my whole world revolves around Pittsburgh. The number 33 is very important to us as a city.

• -For instance the Founding of the Pittsburgh Steelers , happened in 1933 by Art Rooney Sr.






• Primanti bros. restaurant opened this year in the city of Champs down in the Strip district






• The number at the bottom of the Rolling Rock bottle, who knows what it means but this year it stands for the year of the Wade.






• Franco Harris's number(32 not 33-got's ya), Barry Foster and Eric Pegram?( I think)






• 1933 the last winning season for the Pittsburgh Pirates
  

I am very lucky for the people I have around me in my life. The people in your life help to build the memories and times that you have had. For me My friends and Family are truly the greatest thing that I have had in my 33 years on the big blue rock. Thanks to all for the Birthday Wishes.

From all of us to all of me, Happy birthday me.

Wade

Truck Stop Tuesday Night

Hi Friends,

First off my apologies for the very late post today. Instead of discussing Pittsburgh or sports today, I would like to stop and recognize Mr. Wade Nixon because tomorrow, June 9, is his 33rd Birthday. He is not only the founder of MSM, but he also knows more about Pittsburgh sports than anyone I have ever met...but hey, I've never been to Pittsburgh so thats not saying much ;)

I could go on and on about what a great person he is, but you all probably already know that! Give him some birthday love tomorrow - He deserves it!

Happy Birthday Yinz,

Love,
Truck

Monday Igloo Update

Yinzers,

There has been a little bit of news in the realm of the Pittsburgh Penguins as of late. The first item regards the grand opening of Consol Energy Center, or "The Fuse Box." (trying it on for size). The execs of the Fuse Box (there it is again) have decided to open the new arena ahead of schedule in order to accommodate Sir Paul McCartney. Sir McCartney will be the first act on August 18, 2010. It will mark the first time McCartney has been back to Pittsburgh since he sold out two nights in a row at the Igloo in 1990 and before that also at the Igloo in 1964. Tickets are on sale soon, but I can't imagine they will last long.

Also coming up this week at the Fuse Box (again?) is the "Student Flush" where 250 students will simultaneously flush all of the W.C.'s at Consol Energy Center at once to test the plumbing. The Penguins were the pioneers of the "Student Rush" and since they are America's most giving hockey team, why not invite them to swirly the new arena? That will be this Thursday at 4:00 pm.

The Penguins also signed on some of their upcoming talent to contracts. Nick Johnson and Nick Petersen will be around for a few more years. Johnson signed a one year contract and Petersen signed a three year contract. One of Truck's many Johnsons, Nick played up several times when the Penguins were riddled with injuries this year. Petersen was drafted 121st overall by the Penguins in 2009 and just completed one year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Welcome aboard Nicks (no not you Nix).

In other hockey news, the Philthadelphia Flyers are showing their true face again, proving that they do not deserve to be in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Blackhawks spanked the Flyers 7-4 last night to take a 3-2 series lead. Why does the greatest championship in sports have to be between a man I hate and a team I loathe? But if you all have the same feelings I do, cheer for the Blackhawks. With the exception of Marian Hossa, the Hawks have a pretty good bunch of guys and I would rather see one individual i despise win, than an entire city. Just my thoughts.

Lets go Pens,
B Brog

Pen Zen: 20 Most Memorable Pens. #20 Phil Bourque

Whether you want to call him Bourque, Bourquey, the Ole' #29'er, or that guy on the radio with Mike Lange, you cannot deny the impact of Phil Bourque...

As with quite a few people on my top #20 list, career points only play a very small role in my selection. Phil Bourque never recorded over 50 pts. in a season in his tenure as a Pittsburgh Penguin. He was never known as a scorer, but more of a bad boy in a pop boy band. Or, as another analogy, let's think of Mario Lemieux and Phil Bourque as Jerry Lewis and Dean Howard. Mario scores the goals, Phil gets the assist and gets the girl... girl(s)...

If anyone is a frequent of the Jim and Randy morning show on WDVE, it is no secret that the legacy of the ole' 29er is still apparent. The ongoing joke was that Phil Bourque was more of a role player than a scorer, and it's a constant reminder that Bourque was the player off the ice rather than on it.

However, this is not to take away the playing style of Bourque. He was a hard nosed forward, a grinder and a team player. Sometimes in hockey, as we are all well aware, we tend to favor the players that just work hard. We tend to enjoy the players that just excude hockey from every pore in their bodies. Phil Bourque is one of those players.

Even still, Phil Bourque is known as a champion, and is known for his actions as a champion. That is what ultimately makes Phil Bourque one of the most memorable Penguins. When the Penguins won their 2nd Stanley Cup, they took it upon themselves to take it to Mario Lemieux's place for a pool party. As players were enjoying alcoholic beverages, and taking pictures with the cup, they decided, "This isn't a Stanley Cup Party!" Therefore Bourque took it upon himself to scale the rock waterfall at Lemieux's estate, stood at the top of the waterfall like King Kong and proceeded to chuck Lord Stanley's coveted prize in the deep end of Lemieux's pool. It was then that players jumped in after the cup (which sunk like a brick) and proceeded to take pictures of the cup while underwater. What later ensued was a book written that described that trials of Lord Stanley's Cup. The Title, "Why is the Stanley Cup in Mario Lemieux's swimming pool?" Thank you, Phil Bourque.

Additionally, Phil Bourque owns a catch phrase that is almost as memorable as Mike Lange's celebratory, "Lord Stanley Lord Stanley, get me the Brandy". Yes, Phil Bourque has been able to say this coined phrase twice in his tenure as a Penguin icon, but who could forget, "Let's take the Cup to the river, and party all summer!" So it didn't rhyme, poets and english majors alike would be less than impressed. However, to a roaring crowd of 40,000 yinzers in the Stanley Cup parade of 2009, poets like Robert Frost, couldn't have said anything better.

For years to come, as Penguins fans, we should all remember what a great impact the Ole' 29er has on the city of Pittsburgh. He is the man who "scored most blondes in Pittsburgh in the 90's", he is the man that famously sits beside the legend Mike Lange in radio play by play, and he will be the man who will be at the river when the Pens win the Cup in the near future, and you can bet, we will all party all summer very soon.

Thanks Phil.

Steel State of Mind - B94 Pittsburgh

Labuda on the Left Coast

Deep Thought Thursday

Yinzers,

Here's to living on this earth long enough no not give a shit about anything. I work at a little, mom & pops, hardware store in Beaver Falls, PA. We get a vast array of customer types from professionals to do-it-yourself-ers to wives who are, for some reason, sent by their husbands to find a specialty part they have no idea about. I also waited on a deaf person one time...who did not know how to write. At any rate, we get a lot of older citizens that peruse the aisles. Here is a story that happened to me last week:

An old gentleman with a cane shuffled his way up to the customer service desk at the back of the store. I just so happened to be working on that computer at the time, so he asked me if I could copy his house key for me. The whole process takes approximately 45 seconds to a seasoned veteran like me, so when I finish, I head back to the counter to ring up his bill. I had not noticed that he had walked around to the side, by the key machine, right behind the wall. "Hey, old man!" he exclaimed at Bucky, a seasoned veteran of nearly 50 years at Kelly's Hardware. "Who are you calling old man, pal?" was Bucky's rebuttal. They had known each other and began talking about some things, all the while I was standing there ready to take my $1.79. Mid-sentence, the old man stopped, cut a HUGE fart, pointed at Bucky and said "Take THAT!" to which Bucky replied with "You may want to go wipe yourself."

You had to be there, folks. I asked my co-worker, "Did that seriously just happen?" What's the point? Today's deep thought is about the privilege of living long enough to not care about anything. Seriously, who rips ass in a public establishment and says "Take THAT!"? If you have lived a full enough life, I say by all means break that wind in public, call all of your friends "assholes" and yes, tell dirty jokes to small children. If we could all be lucky enough to live into our mid 80s. Therefore, tonight we should all have a drink in honor of our ancestors. The ancient Romans worshiped their ancestors for laying the foundation of the present. I'm not saying to pray to them, but pour one for your old homies.

B Brog

City of Brotherly Mediocrity

Yinzers,

For four years I was the Night Manager at a Philadelphia owned and operated Cheese steak shop. The food was good, Loud People, cheese steaks, salads and prolly the best homemade soup in town. ( I know soup?)

So what does this have to do with sports?

Philly whom we know is in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1997 -is bordering on looking like a team that could be swept if they can not pull off at least one home win in the next two games. Chicago is unbelievable on the power play and the speed of the game that they play is mind numbing. ( after two beers)

Isn't this the same city that won the World Series on a rain/snow delayed final game( 4 innings)?Yes , yes it is. The point I am trying to make is that Philly, excluding the 76ers or the Soul is middle of the pack , average,mediocre sports city. This is the same city that booed Santa Clause at an Eagles game way back when( I know can't let that go). The same city that moved the Rocky Statue off the steps, the same city that still sucks.

So my parallel/point for the blog today is that when I see the Flyers play in the Stanley Cup final , it makes me think of a time when I worked at a Cheese steak Shop and people came their for the Soup.

Go for the Soup, Chicago.

Wade

Hope it makes sense?