unclerizzy's Blog

Post Game Thoughts:

First and foremost....The QB has to take care of the football in a big game, and while I don't want to put it all on Todd Boekman, his turnovers were too much.

Boekman's play in addition to turnovers, penalties, and another suspect game plan spelled doom. I really thought OSU would run the ball more.

LSU's game plan was to stop the run and they really never did that but the Buckeyes continued to throw the ball.

The loss is not as bad as it seems right now and here's why; if I would have told you six years ago that you were going to play in three national title games, and win one, would you take it ???? Yes you would.

If you want we can bring back John Cooper, lose to Michigan every year and go to the Outback Bowl. Sound Good ??

Right now the SEC is just a superior conference to everyone in college football. The kids are built to run and on turf it's just not fair

Don't feel bad, the Bucks will be back...... and GO CAVS!!!

Hard to believe it is finally here.

The Buckeyes haven't played in 151 days... sorry it's 51..... but it feels that long. New Orleans is gridlocked and everyone is dressed in either purple or red.
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Military hummers, helicopters, planes carrying banners, poodles with LSU shaved into their backs, you name it and it is here.
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Getting ready to do an interview with Touchdown Tony Dorsett, he is the honorary pre-game coin tosser
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ESPN's College Gameday crew has been here since 9:00 am outside the Superdome.
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I am surprised by how many in the national media now think the Bucks will win tonight.
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Saw the BCS National Title trophy but I didn't touch it, the last time I touched a trophy of that stature the Tribe lost the World Series.
 
I learned my lesson, lets hope the Buckeye learn theirs.


Late,  Rizzy

waiting to do live shots 4:45 est, New Orleans

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They say New Orleans is the greatest food city in the world, I'll vouch for that!   If I ived here I would have to buy all new clothes---much bigger.  I have been eating like Porky the prognosticating pig on Fox-8 News @ 5.  Last night at the fabulous Oceana seafood place I had, crabcakes, gumbo, oyesters on half shell, blackened red fish, rice and beans, plus cheescake.  Are you kidding me?  Kenny Crumpton is here with me and he ate as much if not more than me. 

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Anyway, while I'm getting fat the Buckeyes are anything but.   I have sensed more "humble pie" from the Buckeyes than ever in the Jim Tressel era.  For the first time in a long time OSU is the hunter rather than the hunted.  Underdogs to LSU is not a familiar place but one that's being embraced by the team. 

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Today the weather was much milder, temps near 60 and sunshine.  OSU switched their practice site to Tulane Univ. field and went shorts---no pads---outdoors.  I was also shocked that for part of the 15 minutes the media was allowed to shoot practice the Bucks ran a fake punt.  Usually head coach Jim Tressel saves that stuff for when the cameras aren't rolling.  Is he trying to send a message?  Will OSU pull out all the stops Monday?   We'll see Monday night.

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Bourbon street with Kenny Crumpton is something everyone should experience once in their life.  Some of the sites we saw last night?  Bars, bands, a goat, a man rolling cigars, a T-shirt shop that also sells beer and liquer, and a transvestite.

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Tomorrow is media day, over 800 credentials have been issued for this game it should be a zoo!   I'm actually thinking about skipping dinner tonight, OK maybe not.

Riz   

    If you like oysters you'll like New Orleans.  The freshest anywhere, shucked right in front of you!! Got my first taste of the French Quarter last night, plenty of bars and bands!  Despite the cold weather, (30 at night!), I enjoyed it. 

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Unlike me the the Buckeyes are treating this trip as all business  The players admitted today last year was too much like a vacation.  They have changed their workout schedule, the way they practice, and their aproach the championship game.  Getting blownout last year by Florida will do that to a team.  We'll see if it pays off on Monday night.

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Tackle Alex Boone revealed today the coaching staff prepared a DVD for the players showing national media members trashing the team, saying they have no chance against the mighty Tigers from the SEC.  The team took it home and watched it during Christmas break.  Boone said when his 76 year old grandmother watched the tape she became enraged!  She wanted to know the names and numbers of the media doing the bashing. 

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Ohio State is playing up their role of the under-dog this year, last year they were big favorites and got whipped.  Will this year be different?  We'll see, but I can almost guarantee the outcome won't be like last year's game against the Gators. 

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Tonight?  More testing on Bourbon St.   Kenny Crumpton is with me down here so check in tomorrow for the update, should be interesting. 

Riz   

     I arrived in New Orleans today as did both OSU and LSU, the two teams meet Monday night in the BCS title game.  I can only hope things will be different than last year in Arizona.  I'll spare you the details, when Florida crushed Ohio State.

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Maybe things will be different.  My trip got off to a better start for sure.  Photog Ron Mounts and I went to the wrong Marriott to get our credentials, standing there discovering our mistake I got my first taste of southern hospitality.  A young woman overheard us and said you need to go to the Marriott convention center.  I'm headed over there myself would you like to follow me?

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Sure, I said.  I asked her her name and what she was doing in town.  Here's  where it gets good.  She said her name was Ellen and she was a rep for Budweiser!!  That's right the King of beers!!  We followed her outside to her Budwesier van and followed her to the correct Marriott.  Following a Bud Light van through the French Quarter and I haven't even been in town 2 hours!! 

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After thanking her upon our arrival I got a few tips on where to go and eat, when she said "need some Bud to go?"   Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  Not many things in life better than free directions and beer bro!

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The Media Blitz starts tomorrow (thursday), but for tonight?  This Buds for you!!

Riz  

So what's the latest "hot button" topic in Cleveland sports? Indians off-season moves? Browns QB next year? Cavs slow start and Varajoe holdout? Guess again, it's still Lebron wearing a Yankees hat.

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How can you be "outraged" at the guy who will someday lead your basketball team to an NBA title Northeast Ohio? (side note: nothing is for sure, and you could argue the Cavs still won't win anything with Lebron but I bet they do in the next 3 years, just my opinion).

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Don't get me wrong, I'm 46 years old and as "old school" Cleveland as it gets. I hate all other teams, Yankees included, and would never wear another cities gear but the times are changing. Today's kids wear all sorts of other team's gear. It's more a fashion statement than an allegiance.

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Get over it, the guy doesn't have to bleed Wahoo to play in Cleveland. I'll bet if you poll other Cleveland pro sports players many root for other teams. Spare me the "but he's from here argument" too. Yes he's an Akron native but that doesn't mean not rooting for a Cleveland team is a sports felony.

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For those who think it's an insult to us "real" Indians fans, what about respecting his opinion or rooting interest? Doesn't it go both ways? Look, I'm a huuuuuge Tribe fan, but Lebron can root for whomever he wants, I don't take it personal, and neither should you. To quote Bill Murray, "Lighten up Francis!" As always, your opinion is welcome and will be respected on this matter.

Peace out, Riz

 

   

I had to laugh at how upset Ravens coach Brian Billick was after yesterday's 33-30 Browns overtime win. Maybe Billick should not have kicked off to Josh Cribbs once or twice and he might not have been that upset. Cribbs can book his ticket to the Pro-Bowl as the AFC special teams rep, and the Browns can book their ticket as contenders for a playoff spot. I know there are 6 games to go, but if the playoffs started today the Browns would be in!! Playoffs, did you say playoffs? yes Jim Mora I said playoffs.

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Some will say the Browns were lucky to get that bounce on the game tying FG, some will say there defense is horrible and not playoff worthy, I could make an argument for both those statements. But for the first time in a longtime the ball is starting to bounce the Browns way. Consider this too, the Browns did march down the field in overtime to put themselves in position to kick the game-winner, was that luck? How about scoring 61 points on the road against the Pittsburgh and Baltimore defenses in the last 2 weeks? Lucky again?

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Face it the Browns are far from perfect but they are fun to watch and are winning, when's the last time we could say that? How will it end? Who knows, but I think we should all enjoy the ride.

Riz

 

 

    This week was supposed to be Brady Quinn's first start, Romeo Crennel was supposed to fired during last week's bye, but a funny thing happened to the Browns on their way to being horrible this year---they aren't.  In fact the Browns are in the playoff chase in the AFC, that's right i said the PLAYOFFS.  They have already matched their win total from last year.

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To me the main reason is two fold, #1 the play of QB Derek Anderson.  The kid is playing at a Probowl level right now.  3 more TDs with no interceptions, he has thrown for 17 scores and has a great thing going with wide out Braylon Edwards.  He's 4-2 as a starter this season, can you say Brady who?

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But the biggest difference for me has been the play calling and game-planning by offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.  "Chud" has done what no other Browns coach could do and that is getting the playmakers the football.  The Browns offense is dangerous for the first time in decades!!   Down 14-0 on the road in St Louis? No problem, they ran off 17 straight to get back in the game.

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I could complain about the defense which is a mess and gave up over 300 yards passing to the Rams, or the fact that the Browns committed 14---count em---14 penalties, but I won't.  This is a bottom line business and the Browns are 4-3 after 7 games, only a game out of first place in their division.  I know the Browns started 3-3 in 2003 and 2004, but went 5-11 and 4-12, but this year's seems different. 

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How will this season end?  You tell me, look into your crystal ball and make a prediction.  My prediction?  Browns finish 9-7, just miss the playoffs but finally give their fans hope for the future, but don't be surprised if they are better than that.

TTYL Riz

 

     Sitting in the aux press box in right field at Fenway, the music is sooooo loud i can barely think straight.  these people think tey have this series wrapped up, we'll see

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the reason this ALCS is at game 7 is because the Indians big guns, C.C. and Fausto didn't pitch well.  not blaming them entirely, but with 2 chances to close out Boston and those two on the mound you would figure it wouldn't come to this. but here we are

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Paul Byrd explained the HGH report was prescribed by a doctor, he has a pituitary tumor and needed the HGH to treat it.  does the timing of this report seem wierd?  yeah i know me too

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whatever happens it's been one hell of ride for the Tribe this season, although if the Indians lose not many will look at it that way.

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expect to see plenty of pitchers tonight, especially if Westbrook and Dice-k don't pitch well.

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Boston is a great city but i am ready to come home!!

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don't have a feel for this game, u would assume the "sawks" have the "mo" but one bad inning by one of their pitchers and that changes.

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I have packed a pair of eye goggles and a rain parka each of the last 2 games and tonight in case i have to go in the lockeroom for a champagne party, will i use them tonight?  tell me what you think, TTY after the game

Riz

 

     Chris Meyers who's part of Fox's broadcast team for the ALCS said to me upon my arrival  here at Fenway, "let's end this thing and go home tonight huh?"  From your lips to God's ears Chris.  The Indians need to win tonight because if we go to a game 7 the home team has a big advantage. 

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In the visitors dugout right now and this field is spectacular, the Park itself is old and ancient but the field at Fenway is one the most beautiful in the major leagues.

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The Boston Herald has a picture of Manny on the cover today with the title : "WE WANT YOU!".  It seems Indians fans clearly out-shined their Boston counterparts in the category of crowd noise and enthusiasm and Beantown knows it.  They go on to implore Red Sox nation to "wake up and cheer these guys like you never have before!". 

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I ate a place called The Summer Shack last night, a seafood house near the Tribe's hotel.  Oysters, clams, a 2 1/2 pound "lobsta" and few coctails, Fox-8's Kathlene Cochrane joined me.  The bill?  $162.00, My expense report will only cover 50 bucks for dinner, but it was worth it.

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speaking of food, just outside the ballpark at one of the stands on Yawkey way is the best chicken cheese steak you will ever eat in your life.  I will head out just before gametime to grab one.

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Curt Schilling arrived at Fenway on my way in, a few dozen "sawks" fans cheered, but i wonder how much he has left in the tank?  Schilling is 3-0 with a 1.11 ERA  pitching in elimination games.  But the way he pitched in game 2 of this series in which he took the loss makes me wonder if he can sack up and give one more of those erformances.  Dude is 40-plus and his best days are far behind him. 

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Will I be on a plane tomorrow headed back to Cleveland with a champagne hangover, or will it be game 7 here @ Fenway Sunday?  We'll all know about midnight tonight GO TRIBE!

TTYL Riz

 

 

     Ugh!!  I won't bore you with the details but I left my house at 8:00am and arrived at Fenway around 5:45, oh the glamerous life of TV.  I am back in the visitors dugout at Fenway Park where guess what??  It's raining!

* The Red Sox worked out here earlier this afternoon, the Indians did not, in fact the Tribe didn't get here until about 3:30.

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I don'y know where or when but there is a lobster in the city with my name on it tonight.

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Haven't seen any Tribe fans here yet, I would guess some will arrive Saturday for game 6.

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The few Bostons fans I did talk to are still worried and rightfully so, the Indians need only 1 win while the Red Sox will face elimination again.  A Boston win in game-6 only gives them another chance on Sunday.

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By the way, had another lay-over in my favorite place---the Philly airport!!!  While there a fire alram went off but nobody paid attention to it, guess it happens all the time, must have been another Jack Daniels chicken order at the Fridays!!

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I have a good feeling about game 6 with Fausto on the mound, either that or it's gas from the burger in Philly.

TTYL Riz

I can barely breath. The Indians are 1 win away from their first World Series in 10 years, and I have to admit I have a good feeling about tonight. I packed a rain poncho and goggles for the just-in-case celebration in the clubhouse.

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Rumor has it that Red Sox starter Josh Beckett is suffering from back problems, whatever. I still believe he'll throw a good game tonight, he's the uber big game pitcher in the majors right now. With that said, C.C. needs to match him tonight if the Indians have a chance to win. Although Tribe hitters have feasted on the "sawks" bullpen and middle relief, so we'll see.

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Rafael Betencourt - the Indians bullpen ace - just walked by and went out for a run on the outfield warning track. He said he's ready to go tonight and I guarantee you'll see him. Despite the big work load in the playoffs, yesterday's day off helped, he said. Dude has been light out this post-season and might be the ALCS MVP!

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The Big news at the ballpark this afternoon though is Joe Torre turning down the Yankees 1 year contract offer and leaving the organization after 12 years and 12 straight playoff berths. Great the Indians could win the ALCS tonight and all the national media will talk about is Torre and New York, just the Indians luck.

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The Indians will have Boston's starter Josh Beckett's ex-girlfriend Daniel Peck sing the national anthem tonight, wow! talk about gamesmanship!

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In the clubhouse the Indians bags are packed in case they lose and have to go to Boston tomorrow, and they have champagne on ice if they win. Which will they need? we should know by 11:30 tonight.

TTYL Riz

ame 4 less than 70 minutes away, I can't get a feel for this game, don't know why? I was tottaly confident going into game 3, but tonight I don't know? 

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Did you know?  The Indians have been the underdog in their first 7 playoff games but are 5-2 in those contests.  They were not favored to beat the Yankees in all 4 games, and have been the "dog" in the first 3 games of this series with Boston.  Oh by the way, they are underdogs again tonight!!  I don't bet, but at some point you would think somebody in Vegas would wake up.

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speaking of waking up, the Indians grounds crew confessed they listen to my ESPN WKNR mid morning show every day!  Thankd fellas and by the way Jacob's field looks like a palace!!

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at 7:08 we had a brief shower here at the ballpark, check that, right now it's pouring!!

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It may be the playoffs but the media spread has been downgraded from the regular season.  No disrespect to the food service here at the Jake, but box lunches don't compare to the 4 course meals we get from April thru September. 

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I'm sitting literaly 2 feet from the middleweight champion of the world Kelly Pavlik here in the Tribe dugout, he's doing interviews with the media and ya know what?  it looks like I could take him!  On second thought, I'm 46 years old, maybe not.  Oh by the way unlike another superstar athlete from North-East Ohio he is wearing all Indians gear!!

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they are kicking us off the field, the rain has stopped go Tribe!!!

TTYL Riz

 

     Dorothy said correctly so many years ago, "there's no place like home!"  Why do I get the feeling if the Wizard of Oz were made today,  Mr. Goddard would put Toto up for adoption?  Anyway, how about this, a bold prediction by one of the Indians players.  Moments ago, 4:25 in the Tribe dugout Ryan Garko declared "the Browns will make the playoffs!!"   You know what? at 3-3 they just might, check out their remaining schedule.
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Back to baseball, my photog tonight is Gary Korb, love the guy but c'mon Dr. Korb!!  Dude walked into the ballpark with a parka on, that's right a huge blue 3 quarter length winter coat!!!  Gary it's 68 degrees with no wind!!

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Now finally some baseball, a former Indians player told he thinks Jake Westbrook will be money tonight but it depends on the first two innings.  If he can get some ground balls the first time through the Boston lineup he'll settle in and pitch well.

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Manager Eric Wedge made a lineup change tonight, Trot Nixon will replace Franklin Gutierez in right field. Wedgy is banking Trot coming through like he did the other night in Boston, and who could argue. Just about every move Wedge has made in the past week has worked.   Unlike me, who is still burping up the Jack Daniels chicken i ordered in Philly airport yesterday---ugh!! TTYL Riz

 

     Thoughts as sit in the Philly airport @ FRIDAYS on a 3, yes 3, hour layover from Boston.  Cleveland sports is just blowin up!!!  We start with the Tribe, is game 2 over yet? 3 also happens to be same amount of hours of sleep i got last night, but it was worth it.

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How about Tom Mastny last night?  The Indians reliever retired, Ortiz, Manny, and Lowell, 1-2-3 to keep the Tribe in the game last night.  In fact the Indians relievers went the final 6 2/3rds innings without giving up a run.  Big props to Trot Nixon the former Red Sock who had the go-ahead RBI.  The Tribe sits in the drivers seat in this series with a split in Boston.  It's enough to make a Bostonian puke up his chowda!!  I wish you all could have seen how cocky turned to paranoid in the later innings last night.  This just in: Eric Gagne blows!!  I don't care how much the "sawks" paid for the guy,if they keep using him they will lose this series.  As the Boston fans filed out last night more than a few screamed " get rid of that damn Gagne!!"  only in their Boston accent, and it sounded like  eeeeerrrrruuhhh eeeeehhhhhhhh chowda, paaak the caaaaw!
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(side note : I am traveling with photog Kendall Griggs he left a bag on a shuttle bus in the airport.  he just left to go find it, odds on retrieval?  25-1.  Good luck Griggsy!!)

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Where in the heck is my Jack Daniels Chicken?? I ordered it 30 minutes ago!! welcome to the Philly airport.  This place reminds me of a Turkish prison!!  It's NFL Sunday people!!  The only game I'm watching is the Jets and Eagles on a blurry 24 inch garbage TV.   

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I did DVR the Browns and the Pats-Cowboys I'll watch when I get home.  Cleveland up 14-3, wheeee!!  I picked the Browns against the pig on Fox-8 news @ 5, take that Porky!!   BLT anyone??   Buckeyes will be #1 this week after Cal and LSU lost, Indians in driver's seat, Browns could be 3-3, are you kiddin me??  I don't know how or why or when, but whomever created this "new world order" of the sportsworld where Cleveland is good at everything---THANK YOU, IT'S ABOUT TIME!!

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(side note: the Jack chicken arrived, it's pretty good, not as good as the lobster linguini I had at Prezza thursday night in Boston's Little Italy, but good. I'm blogging and eating at same time, now that's talent!!  I think the green beans are from the Clinton administration!)

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Browns up 17-3, and the Jets are winning I think, but on this TV it could just be Saved By the Bell reruns.   I'm eating chicken with a plastic knife in a resteraunt, thanks terrorists.  

If you are going to Jake, bring A-game Monday, I'm off tonight (sunday), will keep blogging on Monday. TTYL.  Riz

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p.s. In a bigger upset that Ap St. over Michigan, Griggsy found his bag!!  I guess Philly aint so bad afterall.