Baseball!

Tonight marks the start of the greatest time of the year: Baseball season.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves will open the regular season tonight at Citizen's Bank Park, then the rest of the league will kick off their seasons tomorrow on Opening Day.

Opening night preview

And might I also add that with the beginning of baseball comes the end of my social life -- fantasy baseball is a sad, sad addiction.

(Off topic, but let's also rejoice that the Nova-Nation chants are no more. Haaaa)

...And GO YANKEES!

Plaxico durress

By now, you've probably heard about New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, stupidly shooting himself in a New York nightclub this weekend. Not surprisingly, the Giants announced today that they're placing Plax on the reserve non-football injury list, which means he won't be back for the postseason, either.

This move comes a day after the wide receiver was charged with illegal weapons possession, for which he could receive between 3 and 1/2 to 15 years in prison if convicted. Burress is due back in court March 31, unless he reaches a plea agreement.

Burress shot himself in the right thigh in the VIP section of the nightclub about 1 a.m. Saturday, police said. He did not have a permit to carry a handgun in New York.

A witness reported hearing a popping sound before Burress' legs began to shake, according to a criminal complaint. It said the person saw a bloody pistol fall out of his pant leg and land on the floor before Burress said, "Take me to a hospital."

Apparently, Giants receiver Steve Smith also had a run-in with guns this weekend, but he was on the other end of it.

Police in Clifton, N.J., said Smith was robbed at gunpoint in the early hours of Nov. 25. The second-year receiver had returned to his townhouse in a chauffer-driven car when he was approached from behind by man who held a gun to his head, Clifton police Capt. Robert Rowan said. Smith turned over his jewelry and money and cell phone, the captai said, and the man is still being sought, he said.

Well...if Burress is out, I guess it's a good thing nothing happened to Steve Smith. Maybe if Smith had a gun, no one woulda messed with him, haaaa. Actually, I shouldn't joke about that. I don't want anything to screw up the tear the Giants are on right now.

Black --and deadly-- Friday

I've never been into the whole Black Friday thing, though I admittedly thought about getting up at 4 a.m. today and hitting the stores from some deals. Unfortunately for my shopping ambition (but fortunately for my dwindling back account), I am working today...not quite sure why, because everyone I need to contact --including the police department-- is off today, grrr.

Anyway. For those of you who got out to the stores or plan to get in on the tail end of the door buster deals, good for you... but be careful! I just caught wind of an incident in Long Island where a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death by a Black Friday crowd. (*Note, this picture was not taken from the same Wal-Mart.)

The news story seems to have a lot of unconfirmed information, but apparently a pregnant woman also taken down in the stampede and despite previous reports of a miscarriage, doctors say the baby is fine.

The unidentified worker, employed as an overnight stock clerk, tried to hold back the unruly crowds just after the Valley Stream store opened at 5 a.m.

Witnesses said the surging throngs of shoppers knocked the man down. He fell and was stepped on. As he gasped for air, shoppers ran over and around him.

"He was bum-rushed by 200 people," said Jimmy Overby, 43, a co-worker. "They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me. They took me down too...I literally had to fight people off my back."

Crazy stuff. Click to read more.

Thanks, TJS.

[UPDATE] 11 p.m. Nov. 28: In an unrelated incident, two men were shot dead in a Toys "R" Us in Palm Desert, California, after they argued in the store, police said. The toy company and authorities said the California shootings had nothing to do with shopping on Black Friday

Proposition 8 passing

NOTE: This is a special-guest feature from my coworker (and fellow blogger), Geoff, regarding the recent passing of Proposition 8. Check out his blog and visit often!

I've been asked to write this post about Proposition 8 passing in California not only because I have a super-awesome blog about facing anti-gay prejudice, but also, I suspect, because I seem to have picked up the "gay beat" at the office.

For those not in the know, Proposition 8 was a referendum passed this November in California by a margin of 52-48. It actively removes gay couples' previously legal right to marry under the state constitution, defeating a recent state Supreme Court decision saying that very constitution afforded us those rights.

The way in which it was done has brought about a lawsuit, something I plan to post about on my blog in the future. The proposition's passage was a surprise for many because early polls showed the "no" votes winning by a decent margin. A last-minute cash infusion from certain right-wing causes, notably the Church of Latter-Day Saints, helped the "yes" side air a great number of misleading ads and apparently pushed them to victory.

Although it passed along with similar referendums in Florida and Arizona (where it had previously failed), and an initiative in Arkansas (where gay marriage is already illegal) banning unmarried couples from adopting, Prop 8 is particularly unsettling for several reasons, mostly because it actively took rights away, using a document that's supposed to grant them. That sets a dangerous precedent that should scare us all.

Protesters across the nation demonstrated their displeasure with the passage of California's Proposition 8 on Saturday, and with any luck, gave the gay-rights movement some much-needed momentum. I know a number of people who were involved in the various demonstrations, and I've heard they were moving, massive, and momentous.

My friend Dima Otvertchenko called Saturday "a day to remember." He also took some great pictures of the rally in Los Angeles, and they make me feel all warm, fuzzy and empowered inside. Check 'em out:

You can see more of them here.

My friend Nori, above left, told me she wore her rainbow Batman shirt specifically for the march. "Though I suspect the 'Straight Against H8' sign Dima and I had broke a few hearts," she noted sagely. (Soon you'll be able to see her thoughts on marching over at her own blog.)

Sara Perle, a friend of mine who's a law student in New York City, says The New York Times underestimated the protest there with its guess of 4,000 people. She told me that a friend of hers who volunteered had a somewhat better view than she did and thought there were about 20,000 people there.

"I could only see a very small part of it because it was so packed I couldn't get around the corner!" Sara said. "They had traffic basically down to one lane on Broadway and people totally packed on either side of the street."

She also suggested you look up estimates of the turnout at the protest nearest you.

Another friend of mine posted a note on Facebook describing the rally in Santa Barbara, Calif. which he said featured speakers from all walks of life talking about why this is something we need to protest.

It all sounds very moving, and I'm sorry to have missed it, but it was my boyfriend's birthday this weekend, and he had to work on protest day. While I work a normal week, his days off are Thursday and Friday, and though he managed to get Sunday (his actual b-day) off, he had no such luck with that day in-between. I live in central New Jersey while he lives 2.5 hours north, outside of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., so seeing each other takes a bit of planning.

That means that while everyone was protesting, I was up in Fishkill, N.Y. doing laundry, grabbing a last-minute card and one final gift, and then going out to dinner.

I rationalized missing everything by deciding that celebrating him would be my own form of protest. While I didn't get them to do the birthday "gong parade" to our intimate table for two at O'Sho in Poughkeepsie, I did give him a pile of presents the next morning, making him a very happy 25-year-old.

So to all of you who protested, please accept my sincere thanks! And to you who voted for Prop 8, I say this:

Too bad! I still love him, and that's not something you can change with a poorly reasoned law.

I remain firmly convinced that history will be on our side, and that in our lifetime we'll be able to get a real, 100% legal and federally approved marriage. But I'm not about to sit around waiting for someone else to make it happen!

RELATED LINKS
Gay in Public

Another curse broken

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies: Under manager Charlie Manuel, the "Phightins" beat out a young Tampa Bay Rays team to win the World Series, 4 games to 1.

Most of the country didn't really care about this series (as evidenced by a 25% drop in ratings from 2007), but it was still pretty exciting.

...and hopefully I don't have to bail out my friends from jail tonight.

After a 3-2 Philadelphia win in Game One, Tampa Bay struck back Thursday to even the series. The Phils then stormed back after a 90-minute rain delay Saturday, winning in one of the oddest endings to a game I've ever seen [click here to read the recap]. Then came Sunday, when the Rays just basically rolled over and died--even Phil's pitcher Joe Blanton jacked one out of the park.

Then we had the controversial Game Five. On a cold and rainy Monday night, the Phillies struck early, going up 2-0 on a Shane Victorino single in the first. Tampa Bay's slumping stars finally got a little something going in the top of the fourth, making it 2-1. The elements started to take over in the fifth inning, but Commissioner Bud Selig allowed the game to continue long enough for the Rays to manufacture another run off Phillies ace Cole Hamels. The tarps came out and the Phillies fans cried foul.

After rain and snow --yes, snow-- Tuesday, the teams took the field tonight, 46 hours after Game Five's suspension. The 3-inning game, which required an exorbitant amount of strategy, began with a lead-off double by Geoff Jenkins, followed by a sacrifice bunt by Jimmy Rollins and an RBI single from Jayson Werth. Tampa Bay's Rocco Baldelli jacked one over the fence in the top of the 7th, tying the game at 3, but not for long: Pedro Feliz put the Phils back on top in the bottom of the 7th and Brad "Lights Out" Lidge came in in the top of the 9th to shut down the Rays and bring Philadelphia its first championship since 1987.

[NOTE] Before I get into my schpeel and get scathing comments in respone to this post, I have a guest writer on-deck to write a "Yay Philadelphia" post in the coming day, so chill out on the hate messages. Now, on to my rant...

I grudgingly congratulate the Phillies because--being from south Jersey--I've just had it with the bandwagon fans who have come out of the woodwork the last month, and especially the last week. I know it's to be expected, but it's just obnoxious. Philadelphia was a city that was all about "bleeding green" for its Eagles for the last several years, and now that the Eagles are in last place, these people are jumping ship and "painting the town red," as they say. Suddenly everyone remembers that Philadelphia has a baseball team and their clothing, cars, away messages and Facebook statuses are overwrought with Phillies exclamations. You talk about bleeding green--I think I'm vomiting red. (That doesn't sound very healthy, eh?)

But hey, congraulations to all the real fans. Your curse is over. Now you can stop complaining. Hey, now you're just like everyone else. Now you've just gotta win 24 more World Series titles to catch up with the Yankees, haaaa. Oh, and the Eagles still suck.

RELATED LINKS
Or don't blame it on the rain...
Blame it on the rain
Taco, taco, taco!
World Series set to go
Boston wins World Snoozefest
Speedy Gonzalez
Yo quiero free taco
Dem's fightin' Phils

NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

NOTE: This is a special guest feature from my aspiring fashionista bff, Rachel--a student at Parsons. She had the incredible chance to be a part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this year, and I stalked her down to write about it.

I received the opportunity to go to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City; my Public Relations teacher at Parson’s School of Design is head of Public Relations for IMG Fashion. This year, she allowed the students in her class to attend the festivities if they were able to get there. Was I able to get there? Let’s just say after 10 hours, one fashionable outfit and one huge lie to the company I work for, I was there.

After an anxious bus ride and 30 minutes of traffic outside of Lincoln Tunnel, I arrived at the bus terminal around 11:15 a.m. I immediately ran to a Starbucks for an iced vanilla soy latte (soooo New York) so I could get my energy level up for my big day.

Around 12:25pm, I was caffeinated and approaching the tents at Bryant Park. I have to admit that I got a little choked up when I saw the entrance to the tents.

When I arrived, there were paparazzi, camera crews, reporters, journalists, body guards and tourists snapping away with their cameras. My teacher told me --via phone conversation-- to approach the body guard to let me in--Because she is a VIP (ooh la la), they gave me no problems and I was let through the crowds.

When I got inside, I met up with another student from my class and we were greeted by my teacher’s assistant. My teacher had to be at a lunch for Saks 5^th Avenue. What a terrible life she has.

The atrium of Fashion Week was unlike anything I’ve ever seen--gorgeous displays from all of the high-end sponsors, a full service bar, camera crews, important people in the fashion industry...

My teacher’s assistant took us on a tour. Words cannot even describe how amazing it was to see all of the action behind the scenes. I got to see where all the collections are stored, where models get their hair and makeup done and the lounge where celebrities hang out before and after the shows. It was amazing to see how much work is put into this week long celebration of fashion.

At the end of our tour, my teacher’s assistant told us that we would have the chance to attend the Rebecca Taylor fashion show that was about to start. If there were an award for biggest inner freak out moment, I would have won. She escorted us into a giant room and directed us toward the standing room section behind all of the seats. Even from our spot, we could see everything.

But a few minutes before the show, the room was getting crowded; almost all of the seats were taken and it was started to get cramped in the standing room area. Suddenly, an usher pointed to me and the girl from my class and told us to come forward. We did as we were told, only to find out that we were going to be filling two seats in the third row.

I was sitting directly behind the celebrities in the first row including (from left to right):
Rashida Jones, Leven Rambin, Alexie Gilmore, Mena Suvari, Simone Sestito, Mark Indelicato, Veronica Webb and Bijou Phillips. (Note: That green arrow is Rachel)

The show was completely amazing and Rebecca really demonstrated a glamorous, bohemian chic vibe in her collection. Her use of pattern and color were eye-catching and girlie and her silhouettes were very feminine with delicate details. Although she is not a big-name designer, from what I saw, she definitely deserves more recognition within the industry. I would buy these clothes any day (if I had money).

After attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I can attest that I am truly inspired by the entire process of fashion and it’s impact on the world. I just wish that I had Jess with me to experience it all! (Thanks, Rachie!!!)

A fond farewell - take two

As a follow up to my last post, I wanted to get some of my pictures up from Saturday's game. I also just want to say that the tribute to the Stadium that aired on ESPN Sunday night was extremely touching. Praise the Lord that Bernie Williams --my favorite player of all-time-- was in attendance (and he got a bigger ovation than Reg-gie!)

I found close to nothing wrong with the entire thing; my one gripe: WHERE THE HELL WAS JOE TORRE? I understand maybe snubbing Roger Clemens because of his steroid scandal, but to me, Joe Torre is as much of a Yankee legend as Derek Jeter. I know they didn't part on the best terms, but come on...

Anyway, back to happier thoughts...Here are just a few of my pics. (I took like, 110). These were by far the greatest seats I've ever had to any game; we were so close I felt like I was watching a township little league game.

Mo signing autographs

The Captain

Arod

Yankees win, thhhhhhhe YANKEES WIN!

A fond farewell

Sorry I've been MIA this weekend - After an "interesting" Friday night (for lack of better description and to save you all the drama), I spent my entire Saturday in New York, the bulk of which was spent at the Yankee's second to last home game --and last day game-- in Yankee Stadium EVER.

And thanks to my boyfriend (who got me the tickets in July for my birthday), our seats were freaking incredible.

The Bronx Bombers did not disappoint: Robinson Cano with the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth gave Mariano Rivera the win and had Frank Sinatra crooning, "Start spreading the news..." for the next 45 minutes. On repeat. And I loved every second of it.

Tonight at 8 p.m., you can tune in to ESPN to watch the Yankees play their final game in the House That Ruth Built. The pre-game (going on right now), features Yankee greats like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Joe Girardi, Don Larsen and more.

Pictures from my awesome seats will be up soon!

Everyone's Favre-ite topic

Breaking news: Brett Favre has finally found a home. The Green Bay Packers officially traded the record-setting, retired-unretired quarterback to the New York Jets in an overnight deal.

The trade is extremely conditional, i.e. if Brett takes 50 percent of snaps this season, the Packers get a fourth-round draft pick. The conditions grow increasingly favorable for the Packers the better Brett does: If Brett takes 80 percent of snaps and the Jets make it to the Super Bowl, the pick becomes a first-round pick.

New York Jets # 4 Brett Favre jerseys are already available.

I'd like to think that now that this trade has gone down, all of the FAVRE lines on the bottom of ESPN will go away, but we all know that's not going to happen.

RELATED LINKS:
The week in sports, kind of...
Favre saying goodbye to Green Bay
SI honors Fav-ra

Don't mess with New York...?

From Reuters:

A New York Yankees' fan was accused on Monday of murdering a Boston Red Sox supporter and injuring another by running both down with a car after a heated argument over one of America's oldest sporting rivalries.

Ivonne Hernandez, 43, pleaded not guilty on Monday to reckless second-degree murder, aggravated driving while intoxicated and two counts of reckless conduct after the incident in a Nashua, New Hampshire parking lot last Friday.

Prosecutors say Hernandez was drunk when she drove her car across a dirt parking lot outside the Nashua City Hall into Matthew Beaudoin, 29, and Maria Hughes, 21, after exchanging words with them about the Yankees and Red Sox baseball teams.

The spat began at a local bar where Hernandez said she was a Yankees fan, according to witnesses quoted by the Nashua Telegraph newspaper.

It then spilled outside where a group that included Beaudoin chanted "Yankees suck!" when they saw a Yankees sticker on the rear window of Hernandez's car, New Hampshire's Assistant Attorney General, Susan Morrell, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

She told Nashua District Court that Hernandez drove directly at the group and did not brake, hitting Beaudoin.

"The forensic evidence at the scene indicates tire tracks going about 200 feet that did not swerve or brake," Morrell said. "He went onto the windshield and then when the car hit the parking meter he was ejected," she added.

Beaudoin died of massive head trauma, she added. Hughes suffered minor injuries.

Hernandez told police she had only wanted to scare the group. She was ordered held without bail.

Those Bostonians just don't stop, do they?

So about a week after sicking a vicious hawk on an innocent child with the same nickname as the Yankees' star third basemen, construction workers are working to bring a new curse to Ruth's new home.

The New York Post reported today that two construction workers --who are remaining anonymous-- secretly buried a Red Sox t-shirt in the concrete under the future visitor's clubhouse.

Not sure if it's completely true, but the Yankees said it ain't so.

"We noticed that the NY Post wrote a fun and interesting story about a T-shirt today - but it never happened, Yankee fans know that burying something in concrete in the basement is never a good thing. Memo to the Post: You're 10 days late for April Fools' Day."--Yankees spokeswoman Alice McGillion.

RELATED LINKS:
"A-Rod" attacked by evil BoSox hawk

"A-Rod" attacked by evil BoSox hawk

Last week, a hawk at Fenway Park attacked an innocent eighth-grade girl named Alexa Rodriguez.

Yes, that's right. The bird that nests in the home of the Red Sox attacked A-Rod. Couldn't make it up if I tried.


The girl, from Memorial Boulevard Middle School in Bristol, Conn., was on a field trip with classmates when the hawk swooped down and attacked in an apparent attempt to protect its eggs.

"A-Rod" was not seriously injured. She was taken to a nearby hospital and released.

But this just proves that everything about Fenway Park--its players AND its wildlife--is absolutely classless. And that especially goes for you, Manny Ramirez.

Thanks, Dave!

"Joan Rivers carved her initials in it"

WARNING: SPOILERS

My apologies for the tardiness of this entry. I honestly had not had a chance to see either the last challenge episode and this week's reunion until this afternoon.

Where we last left off, crybaby Ricky was kicked out--thank God--and only Chris, Christian, Sweet P, Rami and Jillian remained in hopes of becoming (no, not America's Next Top Model, sorry I got carried away) Project Runway Season Four's top designer. Two designers would be eliminated at judging.

This challenge was one of the best in terms of logistics, but not necessarily results. The designers visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC and were required to create a design inspired by one piece of art within three different themed rooms in the museum.

Well, naturally, Rami went with the Greek/Roman inspired drape piece--hello, yawn. He put together, again, a nice looking dress completely devoid of a 'wow' factor. Thank goodness the judges gave him an earful.

Chris was also criticized for his familiar design, not because it was safe (below, left), but because it was very reminiscent of the couture challenge's garment (below, right). Ehh? Yeah. What was he thinking?!

Sweet P's look--based on a peacock painting--made me the most uncomfortable. The judges said it looked wearable, but to me, it really just looked like colorful rags. And the feathers in the model's hair? My God, she looked ridiculous (below, left).

The judges liked Jillian's look and sung her praises once again, but I just don't like her. Maybe if she had a personality. I think Heidi was right: She's quiet (aka a robot) but her clothes are loud. Of course, this isn't a personality contest and Jillian got her ticket to Fashion Week (below, center).

And then there was Christian, whose design from the get-go was a shoe-in to win this week, even though it started off looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in a vest. His dramatic, but wearable pieces really thrilled the judges and he was this week's winner (below, right). During judges' deliberation, it became clear that Christian is regarded as the most talented and creative of the lot, so we'll be on the lookout for him during next week's finale.

The judging then went as follows:

"Sweet P, you're"
"...Chris, you're in." [GASP!!!]
"Rami...you're also in." [DAMNIT!!]

Yes. The judges were deadlocked between Chris and Rami that the two will go into extra innings to show at Fashion Week. From the end of the show, the designers were sent home to create their look to show, but when they return to NYC, Chris and Rami will show three looks from their line and the judges will select who goes on. Hopefully the "do something else" bashing that Rami got at the last judging won't sink in and Chris will move on. Rami bores the hell out of me. Go back to designing for Jessica Alba.

11 down--four to go. Make it work!

RELATED LINKS
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10

"Shortcuts were never an option"

Both Roger Clemens and trainer Brian McNamee testified this morning at a congressional hearing on the Mitchell Report to clear up the glaring contradictions between to two men's testimonies.

The Mitchell Report, released in mid-December, is a comprehensive report linking a number of MLB players, both past and present, to steroid and human growth hormone (HGH) usage.

Clemens, who was a focal point of the report, said in his opening statement, "I have never used steroids, HGH or any other types of illegal performancing enhancing drug."

The seven-time Cy Young winner said that he would never be able to clear his name, no matter what the results of this situation. Clemens said people have told him to admit to using the steroids to end this circus, but that he could not admit to something he did not do. Plain and simple.

Brian Mcnamee, though not as fluid a speaker as Clemens, gave an opening statement that clearly covered many question marks involved. He made clear the fact that of the three players he claimed to have injected, two have come clean--Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch--and that it is unfortunate that Clemens has decided to not tell the truth.

Not only did Andy Pettitte admit to the HGH injection in question, he offered up another time in which he injected himself with the drug. He gave a deposition stating that he and Clemens had spoken about HGH use on separate occasions and that he knew Clemens used HGH, but did not know from where he obtained them.

Representative Elijah Cummings noted that many players and coaches have called Pettitte the most honest guy in baseball and that he had no reason to lie about his friend Clemens. But Clemens said he believes Pettitte misheard him or does not completely recall the details surrounding their conversations.

McNamee said he had evidence to implicate Clemens., and was grilled about withholding evidence and lying to investigators. He said he saved syringes used on Clemens because the injections took place when the steroid issue was becoming real. He said he never considered using it until Clemens had a personal conversation recorded and McNamee realized Clemens was "looking out for number one."

He was berated particularly by Representative Dan Burton, who--for all intents and purposes--called McNamee a liar and Roger Clemens "a titan" of baseball.


*I unfortunately am not able to follow the remainder of the hearings. Should anything change or come about, an update will be posted later tonight.

Update: Heath Ledger death an accident

Heath Ledger died from an accidental overdose of a number of prescription and over-the-counter drugs found at his apartment, officials said Wednesday.

"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," the New York City medical examiner's office said in a short statement.

Those drugs in all are painkillers, anti-anxiety pills, sleep aids and antihistamine.

RELATED LINKS:
Update: Heath Ledger's death
BREAKING NEWS: Actor Heath Ledger found dead

Super Bowl XLII: 'Giant' upset

*Note: This is the first of two posts regarding the Super Bowl. This is just about the game. More about commercials, segments and specials to come tomorrow. Stay tuned!

The result might have been an upset, but Super Bowl XLII was the most perfect I'd ever seen.

The New York Giants tonight beat Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots 17-14 --against all odds--to make history.

"Offense wins games; defense wins championships," and the New York defense held the New England "dynasty" to just one touchdown until the last three minutes of the game. They also sacked, hurried and hit Tom Brady all game, forcing a less-than-perfect showing for the 'untouchable' quarterback and leaving the door open for Eli Manning to step up and lead his team to victory.

"That's a position you want to be in. You can't write a better script." - Eli Manning, Super Bowl XLII MVP

The first three quarters--close as the score was--paled in comparison to the last 15 minutes of the game. I'll do the play-by-play no justice, so check out this write-up, but when biggest Super Bowl upsets are discussed in years to come, no doubt you'll see the Eli "Houdini" Manning escape/insane off-the-helmet combo that came in the middle of a 12-play, 83-yard drive. Or the two consecutive long bombs Tom Brady let loose to Randy Moss that looked like they would be completely devastating to Giants fans (and Pats haters) everywhere. [when videos of the game are posted, I will most definitely be linking to them.]

The fate of the Patriots' perfect season on their shoulders. The pressure on Eli to live up to big bro Peyton and show some emotion. The 11-game on-the-road winning streak. Tom Coughlin's job on the line. The need to prove that the more you underestimate a team, the sweeter the win will be.

My emotions are getting the best of me here as I'm writing about this--almost as much as the teary-eyed Plaxico Burress in his post-game interview. But he doesn't deserve the same ridicule T.O. got a few weeks ago because Burress' presence in the end zone during the last minute of the game sealed the deal tonight.

There is an incredible amount to say about this game. And while it might have made for great bragging rights to say that the Giants blew the Pats out of the water 56-3 tonight, I wouldn't have changed a gut-wrenching, edge-of-my-seat, hands shaking, knot in my stomach moment for all the money in the world.

In the words of my brother, "This one's for Tiki."

There's no crying in football!!

This weekend brought some upsets in the world of playoff football.

Unfortunately, the Patriots remained perfect, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars and advancing to next weekend's conference championship game.

But in better news... How 'bout them Giants?? Eli Manning, whom I thought was totally due for a catastrophic week after two impressive showings, somehow pulled it together and led the G-men to victory versus the favored Dallas Cowboys, 21-17.

The most buzzworthy news, however, came after the game when everyone's favorite a-hole wide receiver Terrell Owens cried like a baby over the inevitable media slaughtering of Tony Romo, saying with black glasses hiding his tear-filled eyes: "He's my teammate. He's my quarterback." Whaa, whaa. This is the same guy who blasted Eagles' quarterback Donovan Mcnabb every Sunday when he was in Philadelphia, fighting with Hugh Douglas in the locker room and doing sit-ups on his lawn? Suddenly, he's found God and decides to back his headcase of a QB?

Oh well, not like we'll be seeing him again this season, haaaahaaaaa. And for another good laugh, check out the clip.



So it's Giants v. Packers, Patriots v. San Diego (who upset the Colts 28-24 yesterday).\

Super Bowl predictions anyone?

Made for TV

Correcting a previous item:

Despite rumors posted on MediaTakeOut.com, citing "most trusted Vh1 sources," New York and Tailor Made are still together and still engaged.

But still, kudos to Mr. Wise for throwing a little spice in last night's reunion show. His airborne attack on Tailor Made was fantastic.



RELATED LINKS:
New York's Got it Made
Deja New York