World Series Champions in the BronXXVII

Hello World, Yankees Universe, my family, friends, foes and all of you nasty Yankees haters:

What a beautiful day today. I am right now drinking a Bloody Mary in order to recharge and level the alcohol in my system from last night's crazy madness. I mean, oh damn, and holy cow, what a party!!!

Ooohhh, you must know what I am talking about. You have to. What??? Well, then let me tell you. It was the great New York party, you know, where after a magical fall night, and after 8 disappointing years, the Yankees brought the World Championship back to the Bronx - and pinstriped pandemonium again reigned across New York.

"Champagne was flowing from the Heavens", as the Yankees won their 11th postseason after 103 in the regular season, leaving them as the last team standing and uncorking a raucous, loud celebration at Yankee Stadium and throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

So, just don't stand there and stare! Get yourself up! Energize yourself by running around, and go paint the town in pinstripes! Nearly a decade after their dynasty ended on a blooper in the desert, the Yankees are baseball’s best again.

The New York Yankees are the 2009 World Series Champions! Their record 27th title.

A World Series win, the 2009 World Series MVP from their team, and the perfect crown for the newly inaugurated Yankees stadium. This year’s World Series may very well be the New York Yankees best season in a very long time.

And what a way for Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and the rest of the Yankees crew to christen their new $1.5 billion ballpark: One season, one championship.

In a fitting coincidence, this 27th championship came 8 years to the day after the Yankees lost Game 7 of the 2001 World Series in Arizona on Luis Gonzalez's broken-bat single off Mo Rivera.

It was the wish of those who have put in their time without having the opportunity to taste the sweetness of that spotlight stage, like Hideki Matsui and Alex Rodriguez, who played major parts in powering the Yankees here after coming to New York years earlier and being rebuffed time and time again.

Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBIs, Andy Pettitte won on short rest and New York beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 in Game 6 on Wednesday night, finally seizing that elusive 27th title - the most in all of sports.

Godzilla poured in the performance that in the end won him the MVP trophy – 3 for 4 including a double and a home-run, 6 RBI, and a .615 World Series batting average.

A-ROD became a newly minted champion following a sordid spring in which he admitted using steroids from 2001-03 with Texas and then needed hip surgery. Maybe now, demanding fans in the Bronx will consider him a true Yankee.

 It was the Yankees' first title since winning three straight from 1998-2000.

Steinbrenner spent billions trying to win another Series. At long last, his team did. Fittingly, it was dedicated to the 79-year-old owner, who has been in declining health and didn't make the trip from his home in Tampa, Fl. Still, his presence was felt as seen through the eyes of his son, Hal, the team's managing general partner, when he accepted the championship trophy.

"The Yankees won. The world is right again," team president Randy Levine said.

For the Four Amigos, it was ring Numero Cinco.

The 'Core 4' of the Yankees are Derek Jeter 'El Capitan', 'Mighty Mo' Rivera, 'Feisty' Pettitte and 'Veteran' Posada.  These four Yankees have been the heart & soul of this year's talented Yankees team. They all came up together through the minors and were cornerstones for the Yankees Dynasty in those four titles in five years starting in 1996. But for shortstop Derek Jeter, catcher Jorge Posada, left-hander Andy Pettitte and closer Mariano Rivera — they had not won a World Series as Yankees since 2000.

Now, all on the other side of age 35, they have another success to celebrate: their 5th ring as World Series Champions. And surely they remember the familiar parade route, up Broadway through the 'Canyon of Heroes'.

For the New York Yankees organization it is their record 27th World Series title, the most in all of professional sports. While nine years between titles is hardly a drought for most teams, it was almost an eternity in Yankees Universe. From 1996 to 2000 the Yankees won four Series titles and three straight (1998-2000). New York's eight seasons without a championship was the third-longest stretch for the Yankees since their first one, following gaps of 17 (1979-95) and 14 (1963-76).

Reggie Jackson's 3 homers in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers made the Yankees champs in '77. On this November night, for Game 6, Hideki Matsui delivered a sublime performance at the plate that must have made the 'old' Mr. October proud.

Matsui's big hits built a comfortable cushion for a feisty Andy Pettitte, who extended major league records with his 18th postseason win and sixth to end a series. The 37-year-old left-hander, pitching on three days' rest, became the first pitcher to start and win the clincher in all three postseason rounds.

Derek Jeter, being the stable and consistent Yankees leader, batted .423 in the World Series. And how can we forget, Mr. Mo Rivera, who got the final out of a World Series for the 4th time.

It had been nearly a half-century since players had won five titles with one team. The last to do it? Of course a bunch of Yankees: Yogi Berra (10 titles), Mickey Mantle (seven) and Whitey Ford (six) in 1962, according to STATS LLC.

For second-year manager Joe Girardi, a three-time Yankees champion as a player, it was the fulfillment of a mission. When he succeeded Joe Torre in October 2007, Girardi chose uniform No. 27, putting his quest on his back for all to see. His tenure didn't start out so well, with New York missing the playoffs in its final season at old Yankee Stadium following 13 consecutive appearances. But he now has won his first World Series title as a Manager.

The Yankees' first World Series Championship since 2000 -- before Sept. 11 became a day of mourning, before Mike Bloomberg became a politician, before fire-balling pitcher Joba Chamberlain became a 16-year-old -- is a historic one indeed.

And to celebrate their historic win, the Yankees and New Yorkers will parade and party through the Canyon of Heroes. The parade is said to begin on Broadway at Battery Place at 11 a.m. and continue uptown along the Canyon of Heroes to Chambers Street. Then, a ceremony will be held at City Hall Plaza, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg will present the Bronx Bombers with the Keys to the City.

Congratulations to the New York Yankees, closing out the decade as World Series Champions once more.

The biggest statement was the five-word slogan affixed to the franchise postseason run -- "Win It For The Boss".

Well, this New York Yankees team did with the concept of a "NEW HOME, NEW HEROES, AND SAME DESTINY".

The Yankees have won a lot of championships in the "old" Stadium, but this is a sign of good things to come in the "new" Yankees stadium.

Let's Go NY Yankees!!! Most Championships in Sports History.

NY Yankees, the "Evil Empire" - most hated sports franchise in history

Hello Yankees Universe and everyone else...

Welcome... I welcome you all once again to my site, and for this post, I will be talking about a topic that is very close to my heart, and what else, the greatest team in baseball - the New York Yankees.

This topic has been brewing this year right after the 'All-Star' MLB game, since the Yankees dominated all of baseball leading up to the postseason. It has most recently kicked up a fiery notch since the Yankees are in the World Series. I recently had a very brutal, heated discussion yesterday on Halloween, with several relatives and friends who are anit-Yankees allies, whether they are fans of the Mets, Red Sox, or any other team franchise who cry about losing year after year, etc...

There is even an anti-Yankees website, anti-Yankees Facebook fan page, and Yankees suck website, as if there was some conspiracy going on due to the Yankees. I mean, really, do you have to take it that far to make your personal frustrations and pains in life that public? I actually think it's so, so sad, and at the same time take pleasure in knowing that as much as the Yankees are hated, their enemies still create sites to feature the team's business.

Call it jealousy, envy or whatever word you can conjure up to describe why the Yankees are so beloved by their fans (and themselves), but despised by everyone else with a pulse. The "Evil Empire" - what a great name for the Yankees franchise. I mean, is it that all the other MLB franchises put together represent the "Old Republic". I love the fact that there are so many Yankees haters, and how other sports teams outright despise them. It just makes me more special to be a loyal fan of the greatest sports franchise ever to be in existence. But I urge you all to keep hating because it only fuels the historical legends of the Yankees, and makes us stronger down the long road of being so successful for so many, many years.

Dark Jedi's of the 'Force', or the Devils of Baseball

New York Yankees: 'Evil Empire'








The fact of the matter remains that teams simply can't compete knowing that even when they do develop great players in their team's farm systems, as soon as these players' contracts are up they're going to be going somewhere else that will pay them more, and they will become more famous. The players move to other teams "in hopes" of winning a championship, but they also do it because hey, who wouldn't want hundreds of thousands more? If you want to win a World Series title, then you go to the Yankees. Therefore, the Yankees are able to do all this because they win, and also due to their loyal fans contributing by selling out games time and time again. Fans do contribute to that overpowering money the Yankees own.

When MLB started 'taxing' teams for having good attendance, they all decided to build new stadiums to keep more of their deserved revenue. Don't blame the Yankees...blame MLB and whiny, crybaby owners and fans such as yourselves who complain about big-market teams, like the Yankees, taking all of the revenue. Just remember, that the Yankees do out-sell their home games, and have one of the highest on-road attendance.

The Yankees 'buy' teams? Please... That must be why the Rays won the AL pennant last year, or why there's been 7 different WS winners this decade. All you cry babies, face reality: Baseball is a capitalist industry. If you want to exceed and win championships, then you need a competitive edge. All these other teams need to think outside the box, instead of crying that they have no money, they have no superstars.

If it wasn't for the Yankees, who would everyone hate? What would unite the rest of the baseball world? Get over your inferiority complex and create your own identities already.

A true fan's identity comes from loving your hometown team. You find hatred in rivalries. There's plenty of unification there. Any true baseball fan loves baseball for more than the winning and the losing (I mean yes, the winning part is very nice... And, yes, I have to say that we love winning, and we can truly hate the losing part).

That is the power of the Yankees and the depth and fortitude of their fans. We care. When we win, we are proud. When we lose, we take it. We don't start blaming it on salaries, or any other team.

Maybe that is why the Yankees are considered an "evil empire". They don't care about the other teams whether winning or losing. Yankees care about winning, and so do I. I also really don't care about any other team either, and so I sport this great t-shirt to let everyone know.

But besides all these points, the real reason New York is the best franchise in all of sports is that they are expected to win every year. There is never a year when a trip to the playoffs is considered a success. The only thing that matters in New York is winning the World Series every year. This expectation has come from New York’s history and tradition of winning, and is unparalleled anywhere else in sports.

The NY Yankees represent everything that is great about baseball. New York’s history, tradition, and commitment to winning are things that every other team in every other sport strives for.

When all is said, and at the end of it all, I am just a baseball lover who happens to be a die-hard NY Yankees fan. And because I am a New Yorker, I grew up to love and support the Yankees. So love the game for what it is -- Baseball.

Let's Go Yankees!!!

World Champions: (26)
1923, 1927,1928, 1932, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1977, 1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000

World Series Appearances: (40)
1921, 1922, 1923, 1926. 1927, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009

LCS Appearances: (13)
1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2009

Division Champions: (17)
1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981*, 1994!, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009

Wild Card: (3)
1995, 1997, 2007
 

Get Ready for tonight's World Series Game 1 Showdown

Hello Yankees Universe.

My fellow Yankees brethren and comrades in arms, it seems that the Phillies have started to talk some big-time trash in the newspapers and newscasts.

Even Mr. J Rollins predicts that the Phillies will beat the Yankees in 5 games. Alot of 'cojones' this guy has talking from a team that became the first U.S. professional sports franchise with the most losses. Exactly how many losses is that? Oh just a mere 10,000 games. And this is the Phillies berth to win, oh wait, what is it, ah yes, a mere 3rd World Series title.

Well, I just need to point out to all the Phillies clan that the Yankees have played in more World Series than anyone, making the trip 39 times before. They have played 219 World Series games, which is twice as many as anyone else. They have at various points in their history turned the Fall Classic into their own private playground, and so as they celebrate their 40th appearance in the Series, they will hand the Phillies a taste of the 1950s. And that was a sweep that cause the Phillies to not be in another World Series for 30 years until 1980, then took them another 28 years to reach 2008.

Oh, but wait and I forgot to mention that the Yankees have won 26 World Series titles. The most in the history of any sports franchise.

Below, the Core-Four Yankees will be leading the way, since nine years ago, these four young Yankees joined a handful of veteran teammates in earning their fourth World Series rings in pinstripes. Now they are in quest of their 5th World Series ring.

Jeter, the captain, jumped back into the AL MVP conversation in his 15th big-league season, batting .334 while breaking Lou Gehrig's franchise career hit mark, and then hitting .297 through two playoff rounds.

Posada, the fiery leader, returned from an injury-ravaged 2008 season to put up typically strong numbers, and he contributed a couple of big home runs in the AL playoffs.

Pettitte is the winningest pitcher in postseason history after closing out the Angels in the ALCS.

Rivera undoubtedly is still Rivera, the most dominant postseason closer ever - and still the guy Joe Girardi turns to for multi-inning saves, as the manager did in Sunday night's clincher, which saw Rivera embrace his old friend Posada for an extended hug after the final out.

Below, enjoy this brief little recap of the 1950 Series, produced as the two squads were preparing for the 1951 season. It's always great to see video from those mid-century World Series. Who would've thought that it wouldn't be for another 60 years before the two teams met again?



So, as such is the case with history, welcome to the Amtrak World Series. I predict that the Yankees will sweep the Phillies in the 2009 World Series, and the Phillies cannot stop the Yankees winning # 27 this year.

Below is the Yankees Showdown Montage. A great video from the YES Network to get fans ready for the 2009 Postseason run leading into the World Series.

Let's GO Yankees!!!

Jay-Z, Alicia Keys to perform at World Series - 'Empire State of Mind'

The New York Yankees have been blasting Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" during their playoff run. Now, the team is having the rap king perform the song live to kick off Game 1 of the World Series.

Jay-Z and fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys are set to perform the hit on Wednesday, as the Yankees take on defending World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee," the Brooklyn native said in an interview Monday.

He calls the opportunity a "once in a lifetime experience" and says though the jam has become an unofficial New York anthem, he's not pushing for it to be the city's theme song.

Here's the official 2009 New York Yankees Postseason anthem:

A-Rod gets 1st shot at championship - lifelong dream

He is … the most interesting man in the World Series.

After 16 seasons in the major leagues and six as a Yankee, Alex Rodriguez finally is about to play in his first World Series -- and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said his third baseman has one focus and zero distractions.



















"He's a man on a mission," Girardi said after the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels in last night's Game 6 ALCS-clincher, "and it all started back when he came to Baltimore and hit that three-run home run on the first pitch."

That night in Baltimore, Rodriguez, two months removed from surgery on his right hip, took the first pitch he saw in the 2009 season deep. Now, the 34-year-old superstar, lightning rod and talking point is entering his first World Series on the a hot streak that has lasted all postseason.

"A lot of great players have never had the honor to play in a World Series," Rodriguez said. "So for me, I thank the good Lord for putting me with the greatest organization and 24 great teammates and it feels really good."

So what advice does Rodriguez need before playing his first World Series game? Stay within himself? Try not to do too much? Enjoy the moment? Zip his fly after leaving the restroom?

The Phillies are attempting to repeat as World Series champions. The Yankees are attempting to win a World Series in their new stadium after winning 26 in their previous ballpark. But the man in the spotlight will be the most interesting man in the World Series: A-Rod.

Because after having so much written about him, Rodriguez finally has reached baseball's ultimate chapter.

Let's GO Yankees!!!

What's a Mets fan to do? Root for Yankees or Phillies in World Series 2009?

For the Mets fan, their regular season is over, but Baseball is far from over yet.






It can't get any worse for the Mets fans this 2009 year.

Mets fan are debating which team to root for in the World Series. Do they stay true to New York and cheer on the Yankees? Or widen the rivalry between Amazin's and Bombers by rooting for Phillies?

After a depressing, injury-plagued season, they can either boycott the World Series or root for hated crosstown rivals the Yankees or their divisional arch-enemy the Phillies.

While Yankee fans are never shy to rip Mets supporters over their team's failures, the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Amazin's to win the National League East the last 3 years. And to add even more to the Mets clan woes, Pedro Martinez is scheduled to start for the Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.

One Mets fan commented: "I'm pretty unhappy. "If I had my arm twisted, I'd pick the Yankees because I want a New York team to win." One famous Mets die-hard took a similar tack. "Just the sight of the Phillies uniform makes me a Yankee fan," Gov. Paterson said.

While another Mets fan opted for none of the above, stating: "I don't care about the World Series this year."

Yet another Mets fanatic replied: "Who will I root for? I have no idea, but let's put it this way: There are 120 days until the start of the Mets' new season."

Too bad, I would hope that Mets fans have gotten over and are still not frustrated over their last World Series in 2000, where the Yankees won title # 26. They should root for the Yankees since it's a New York team, and they will win title # 27 this year.

Let's GO Yankees!!!

Why the Yankees will win World Series No. 27

Hello NY Yankees Universe.

Aren't you excited? Pumped up? Ready to celebrate and go crazy? Yes, we are going back to the World Series after what seems like an eternity, and so many devastating moments. But we still have to take that glorious sensation into winning the World Series No. 27. I want to go to a parade in NY City.



I know that all my fellow Yankees aficionados and true fans are just overwhelmed with this explosive happiness and upbeat emotions. The King of Baseball has returned to the sport's ultimate showcase to compete for the coveted MLB crown.

The sport's top spenders finally cashed in with their first AL pennant in 6 years last night, beating the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 in Game 6 of the AL championship series behind the savvy pitching of that old October pro, Andy Pettitte. It was another marquee moment in the inaugural season of the new stadium, where New York logged the Majors' best home record and remained undefeated in postseason play, authoring a new winning tradition.

When left-hander CC Sabathia signed his seven-year, $161 million deal last December, Sporting News considered making the Yankees the team to beat in 2009.

When first baseman Mark Teixeira came aboard soon after (for eight years, $180 million), we were sold. The Yankees became our pick to win the World Series.

When third Alex Rodriguez was exposed for using performance-enhancing drugs, we didn't waffle. When A-Rod faced hip surgery, we didn't waver. Well, only a bit.

When Sabathia won only once in April and Teixeira hit .200, we didn't budge.

When the Red Sox went into the All-Star break leading the second-place Yankees by three games, we stuck with the New Yorkers.

We aren't about to change our minds now.

Not after the Yankees powered through the second half like a Teixeira blast rocketing through the jet stream at Yankee Stadium. Not after they got huge seasons from dynasty mainstays Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera and their newest mega-millionaires. Not after they won more games than any team in the majors. Not after they swept the Twins in the ALDS. And certainly not after they finished off the Angels in the ALCS.

As much as the MLB numbers and records favor the Yankees, however, coming up with some reasons they could stumble wasn't impossible. I mean not to bring up bad memories and nightmares, lest we forget their unprecedented collapse against Boston in 2004, and knowing the Yankees have lost five straight times with a chance to close out an ALCS — and six in a row with an opportunity to end a playoff series.

So, to remain in an exciting and powerful upbeat tempo, it was much easier finding 6 reasons the Yankees will prove us right.

OCTOBER OCTANE -- 2009 WORLD SERIES

1. Homer-field advantage

New Yankee Stadium has become baseball's launching pad, partly because of wind conditions that can turn routine flies to right field into cheap homers. The Yankees are built to capitalize on those conditions with a lineup that includes three left-handed hitters and four switch hitters. Well more than half of their major league-best 242 homers in the regular season came at home. Opponents know that ousting the Yankees will take at least one victory at Yankee Stadium because they have home-field advantage.

2. The $341 million newcomers

CC Sabathia and Teixeira didn't figure to wilt under the glare of playing on baseball's Broadway. And they haven't. Sabathia started slowly but quickly warmed to his new environment and tied for the A.L. lead in wins while working his standard 220-plus innings. In his postseason "unstoppable" performance, 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA, he earned the ALCS MVP nod.

Teixeira's transition into pinstripes has gone just as smoothly. He is a leading candidate for his first MVP award because of his power production and Gold Glove-quality defense. Though Teixeira was dismal in the postseason, his Gold-Glove and power shots at the right time helped the Yankees secure their perfect record in the playoffs and earn the World Series berth.

3. Marvelous Mo

The Yankees can smile because they have Mariano Rivera. He will turn 40 in November but still pitches like he is in his prime. "He hasn't lost a thing," says Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman, No. 1 to Rivera's No. 2 on baseball's career saves list.

In 2009, Rivera had the longest consecutive saves streak of his career (36), topped 40 saves for the seventh time and finished with a sub-2.00 ERA for the ninth time. His next blown save in his new park will be his first. And that is just the regular season. Rivera has built his reputation as the game's greatest closer with his postseason performance. Rivera finished up for his record 37th postseason save, and the Yankees had their elusive AL pennant.

4. Yankees Attitude adjustment

In a clubhouse not known for fun, newcomers A.J. Burnett and Nick Swisher have injected a healthy dose of levity. Burnett began slapping walkoff heroes with shaving cream pies in mid-May, and a tradition was born. Swisher has helped put the media in his corner, literally, by turning tabloid headlines extolling the team into wallpaper for his locker.

The looser atmosphere has helped the Yankees deal with the grind of pleasing the game's largest fan (and media) base. "A lot of guys are being themselves. That's what makes good chemistry happen," Burnett says. "That was the one thing I told myself coming over here. I wasn't going to change. I would stay myself, whether it's the pie in the face or goofing off in here, or getting on people. And I think that has helped."

5. A-ROD reborn and Postseason heroics

Alex Rodriguez started his tumultuous 2009 year with a tense news conference to admit steroids use from 2001-03 with Texas, then hip surgery that sidelined him until May. But he proved how special this season would be, as he hit a three-run homer on his first pitch of the season on May 8, and then hit a grand slam on the last regular season game to give him 30 homers and 100 RBIs.

Ridiculed in the past for his October horrendous flops, the three-time MVP played a 'Superman' role in helping his team advance through the playoffs, batting .438 with five home runs and 12 RBIs. Thriving under late-inning pressure this time around, the talented and feared slugger earned his first trip to the Fall Classic during a 16-year career in which he's accomplished almost everything else.

6. Andy Pettitte - the new Master of October

Andy Pettitte who earned $16 million in 2008 signed for $5.5 million in 2009 with incentives that he mostly met increasing his salary to the $10.5 million range. He missed by 16 innings of having met all his innings pitched incentives. Well, he knew with the Yankees, he had a better chance to reach the postseason.

As his destiny would play out, the 37-year-old lefty became baseball's all-time leader with his 16th postseason victory, breaking a tie with John Smoltz, and setting a new record with his fifth career victory to clinch a postseason series.

The NY Yankees are destined to win World Series title no. 27

On Wednesday, October 28, the Yankees will open their first World Series since they lost to the Marlins in 2003. Last night's victory was indicative of a reversal of fortune --- New York had lost a Game 6 the past four times it had played in one, with the club's last win coming in the 2000 ALCS over the Seattle Mariners.
That season marked the Yankees' last World Series title as well, with the Bombers defeating the Mets in a five-game "Subway Series." Only four players -- Jeter, Rivera, Posada and Pettitte -- remain from that squad, and it is a pursuit that has not resulted in the ultimate goal since, for various reasons.

This time, New York will got it done with leadership from Jeter, Pettitte, Rivera and Posada, all part of the late 1990s dynasty under manager Joe Torre, as well as, from strong performances from A-ROD, CC and Teixeira.

So we, the loyal and committed fans, cheer on with unstoppable force, while the Yankees go for their record 27th championship title — in our minds the Yankees will close out the first decade of the new millennium as World Series Champions once more.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi, when hired two years ago, took jersey No. 27 as a reminder of the mission at hand, and the Yankees Universe keeps its eyes on the prize at the end of the line.

Let's GO Yankees!!!

Everyday Rituals

What do you do?

What do you do for fun, and where do you do it? I know that one answer is that you read this blog, and that’s probably done at your office when you should be working. But what else? Are you a web developer? A financial advisor? A real-estate agent? An equestrian? A Golfer? A Philanthropist or a Cigar Aficionado? Or did you just happen to win the lottery?

I have a number of hobbies, but I have an unusual curse. Like my grandfather and father before me, my brain has been cross-wired to associate work with play, and play with work.  Here is an example of that curse that you all, may have had at some point in your careers, crossed the same path.

Mixing Work and Leisure

At the end of the workday, some of your fellow colleagues head out the door together, perhaps for dinner, drinks, or even a movie.  They used to invite you, but you had either family activities or night school after work, and declined repeatedly.  They were only your colleagues, after all, and you had friends of your own to hang out with.  But now you’re wondering if that was such a good idea in the long run.  The group e-mails often refer to technical solutions they came up with during the course of a few drinks, and you’re starting to feel increasingly isolated from the group’s problem solving process.

Many technical professionals face this and similar problems.  It’s especially the case in a fast-paced technology environment, where hard work and tight deadlines often bring teams together for long periods of time of intense effort.  The lines between work and leisure blur, leading to more work being done outside the traditional office environment.

Of course, the problem can go both ways.  You may be very interested in fostering and participating in activities with your colleagues outside of work, only to find that they go their separate ways at 5:00 PM.

So it seems that it's a damned if you 'do', or damned if you 'don't' scenario where only you know how it winds up after you take the bait to play.  At times, you are at conflicts with making that decision to participate or to not get involved.

And if that’s the case, why should you care about whether and how much those around you socialize with each other?  First, it may have something to do with how much you enjoy your job.  If your socialization goals are substantially different than that of your colleagues, then there’s a good chance you’ll be unhappy or dissatisfied with your job, no matter how good the technical work is.  If your social goals are similar to that of the corporate culture, you’ll simply have more fun and fit in better.  If not, you may feel like an outsider, even after months or years on the job.

Second, it may affect your ability to do your job, or how you’re perceived about performing in your job.  If you head off to your family or to night school at the end of the workday, you may find that your managers question your commitment to the project, and your colleagues may start relying less upon your contributions because you’re not there when some critical decisions are being made.

What can you do?

Only you can gauge your interest in socializing with your colleagues.  You may enjoy meeting after hours or on weekends with your colleagues, especially if you’re young and have similar interests.  In other cases, you may have a full life outside of work, involved in family, friends, or the community.  Even if you don’t have the same social needs as your fellow colleagues, you may be comfortable with your job and with being different socially.

Personally, if there’s a way to make something work-like or relaxation-like, I’ll almost always choose work. Well, at least I do look forward to the company holiday party.

Share your own personal everyday rituals, no matter how absurd you think they are. 'Till next time...

An Italian gem in the Greenwich Village named Trattoria Toscana

As you can clearly see from my past posts, I am very passionate about computer technology and sports.  Well, now I have another passion of mine to share with you all and that is dining at fine restaurants. What can I say, I just love really good food, and as you will see, especially Italian, specifically Tuscan cuisine.

In today's post, I am going to be showcasing my father's 5th (yes, that's right, he has owned 4 others) Italian restaurant named, Trattoria Toscana, which is located at 64 Carmine street in Greenwich Village, which was my family's neighborhood home for 27 years. My father, Raimondo Abreu, has been in the restaurant business since 1969, that's 40 years experience in the creation of great food, specifically Italian cuisine.

Raimondo Abreu and his partner, Franco Fazzuoli









I have recommended this restaurant to my family, friends and colleagues, and now I share it with all of you. And NO, I am not biased with restaurants, I will also showcase others that I also think are great in future posts, but hey, why not start with the family business. After-all, I practically was raised in Italian restaurants.

I am telling you that you can leave your passport at home. Avoid jet lag... Hop in cab or ride in the subway and head on over to Trattoria Toscana. And, once you arrive there, you are now in Italy, or at least the Italy that every traveler hopes to find. Franco Fazzuoli and Raimondo Abreu opened a warm and wonderful restaurant, where they both lovingly create magic out in the kitchen. The "aura" of being in a rustic Italian dining setting with Italian opera and jazz softly playing in the background also helps. The restaurant truly resembles those small trattorias of the 'old' Europe.

Trattoria Toscana
64 Carmine Street
New York, NY 10014
212-675-8736


Trattoria Toscana Website




CitySearch:
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/40895976/new_york_ny/trattoria_toscana.html

Trattoria Toscana is the latest creation of Franco Fazzuoli and Raimondo Abreu. Franco is a nationally recognized chef who previously founded Il Ponte Vecchio, Zinno in Greenwich, and Cent' Anni for which he and his partner Raimondo Abreu received national acclaim and lasted for 13 years, not to mention letters of kind regard from the likes of Bill Cosby and Malcolm Forbes.

Franco had moved 19 years ago to Arizona, and his Franco's Italian Trattoria in Scottsdale, AZ. was his project that flourished for 14 years. Franco and Raimondo have returned and rejoined in New York and brought their amazing cuisine with them, using only the freshest and most authentic ingredients to create outstanding menu items at a terrific value. The spacious dining room provides a casually elegant atmosphere perfect for a lunch meeting, or a relaxing dining experience. The restaurant delivers a casual, comfortable and festive environment to be enjoyed by friends and families alike.

Here are some more pictures of the restaurant...

Here I am, along with my girlfriend, Cindy, and some friends dining and having a good time at the restaurant.






If you are ever in the Greenwich Village, downtown Manhattan, then stop by the restaurant and give it a try. I guarantee that you will find authenticate Italian dishes that will not disappoint your palate.

Recent Reviews - links:

New York Magazine review

Daily News review

Country Epicure Magazine review

Clubplanet.com review

Gayot.com review

Night-and-Day A-Rod: It's all about A-ROD at his best postseason '09

Hello fellow NY Yankees die-hard fans, and also, all you A-ROD and Yankees haters...

A-Rod launches Yankees to brink of World Series

At some point in the past two weeks, the superlatives lost their meaning. It now goes without saying that A-ROD has reached some other postseason dimension. Doubt if you must, but Alex has proven it time and again and again. And again...


Here's the latest daily dose of proof: Rodriguez homered for the third consecutive postseason game on Tuesday night's game to increase the Yankees' lead to five runs in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Angels -- a game New York won, 10-1.



Keeping in line with the magnitude of Rodriguez's previous postseason heroics, it is a lead the Yankees never relinquished.

Rodriguez's homer was his fifth of this postseason, tying him for second most in Yankees history in a single postseason behind Bernie Williams, who hit six in 1996.

Reggie Jackson, who holds the all-time record for home runs in a World Series with five, likened his famous power binge to the one Rodriguez is currently enjoying. But Jackson also said that this has been a long time coming for Rodriguez, one of the finest talents of a generation who has, for whatever reason, never consistently been able to translate his regular-season successes into October.

The scene has now been set time and again. Rodriguez, who had shown an utter inability to hit in postseason play since Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, now appears to be making up for lost time. Since going deep twice in a three-game AL Division Series sweep of the Twins, Rodriguez has bashed three homers in the first four games of this ALCS.

Perhaps most amazingly, after going 15 consecutive postseason games dating back to 2004 without an RBI, Rodriguez has now driven in a run in eight straight October contests dating back to the final game of the 2007 ALDS. That streak ties the record shared by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig and Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who has driven in runs in all eight of his team's games this postseason.

Thoughts on A-ROD from fellow Yankees' teammates

"When you're as good a player as Alex is, these are the things you can do," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Other players can be locked in, but they're not going to put up the numbers he is."

"He looks comfortable, man," Yankees captain and shortstop Derek Jeter said. "Sometimes, if you get a hit here or get a hit there, your confidence goes up. I'm not saying he lacks confidence, but he looks right now like it's a big help."
(Derek may just be a bit jealous that A-ROD has taken the spotlight off his '09 spectacular season, and that A-ROD is so far the MVP of both the ALDS and ALCS playoffs, and if he continues his postseason dominance, then may wind up MVP for the World Series '09)

"I think he's proven that he's probably the best player in the big leagues," catcher Jorge Posada said.

"When I grow up, I want to be like Alex Rodriguez," Swisher said. "I don't know how it feels, but it's got to feel like it's a beach ball coming in. He's just doing a tremendous job. There have been so many people who have played this game, but I don't know how many can do what he's doing right now."

And his production has been a major boost for the Yankees, who now stand within one victory of a World Series berth despite receiving little offensive production from Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Hideki Matsui.

There is plenty more time for A-ROD to rewrite the history books and to rewrite his forgettable postseason past.

A-ROD on his '09 postseason performance

"I know you guys are looking for something profound," A-Rod said, "I'm just in a good place. I'm seeing the ball and hitting the ball. You have to stay in the moment, enjoy the moment. I had a blast out there tonight. That was a great game."

When asked if he feels as if he officially has put bad postseason rep behind him, he said, "Well, I'm not sure about that. I will say that in other postseasons I've failed and sometimes failed miserably. It certainly feels good to come through for my team and help the team win."

A-ROD talks to FOX Sports:
http://arod.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7079263

Rodriguez has constantly spoken this month about being relaxed at the plate, and focusing mostly on enjoying himself. As far as the Yankees are concerned, whatever works is fine with them.

All that matters to them is the .870 slugging percentage he's posted in October coming into Tuesday night's game, which was surely on the rise after his fifth-inning home run.

Go A-ROD and Go Yankees!!!

* World Series # 27 only a few games away..

NOTES: The Yankees already put some World Series tickets on sale online today.

Jedi Joe Girardi over-manages Yankees into corner against Angels

Is he a Jedi Master or a Dark Sith Lord?







The way the 2009 postseason is going, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi should plan on accepting his Over-Manager of the Year Award come the off-season.

Baseball managers should be like doctors — first, taking an oath to do no harm. But, rather than letting the game play out a little, Girardi put on his wizard's cloak, consulted his talking magic 8-ball and went to his bench and bullpen over and over and over (and over) in Game 3 of the ALCS. Several of his moves did nothing more than lengthen the time of the game.

And put the Yankees in position to lose.

Girardi officially jumped the shark as a manager when he removed reliever David Robertson after the right-hander retired the first two batters he faced in the Angels' half of the 11th in a 4-4 tie.

You see, Howie Kendrick was coming up; Howie was 1 for 2 — one for TWO — in his career against Robertson. While that does compute to a menacing .500, it's not exactly a large sample size with which to work. But Girardi just had to do something, or else a .500 hitter was coming up. He couldn't sit by and watch (which is exactly what he should have done).

Alfredo Aceves, the Yankees' seventh reliever of the afternoon, had never allowed a hit to Kendrick — for a much safer-seeming .000 batting average.

Why, Joe, why?

"It's just different kind of stuff against those hitters," Girardi said. "And we have all the match-ups, and all the scouting reports, and we felt that, you know, it was a better match up for us."

As perhaps you already know, Aceves faced two batters and the game was over. Kendrick singled and he scored, one batter later, on Jeff Mathis' RBI double for the Angels victory. Just like that. Instead of a 3-0 series lead and a near-knockout by the Yankees, the Angels are back in the series.
Great job, Mr. Wizard! And it's not the only example of Girardi's meddling. We got a list!

(1) Putting the steal on, when the Angels were looking for it with the pitch-out, with pinch runner Brett Gardner in the eighth. Gardner was out easily at second, right before Jorge Posada hit a tying homer. Hit-and-run at some point in the inning, maybe, but running Gardner with no outs was reckless.

(2) He also swapped rag-armed Johnny Damon in left field for designated hitter Johnny Damon when the Angels threatened to score in the 10th. Bold, except the Yankees forfeited the DH from that point, which led to ...

• Girardi removing Rivera from the game after just one inning because the pitcher's spot had to bat in the top of the 11th.
• Inefficient bullpen management all night: Joba Chamberlain - 3 batters faced; Robertson - two; Aceves - two; Damaso Marte - one; Phil Coke - 1.
• Even if Aceves wriggles out of the 11th, Girardi left the Yankees with one pitcher -> Chad Gaudin — in the bullpen. In a tie game, on the road, when there always will be a bottom of the inning, even if you go ahead.

Great job Mr. Girardi - you are officially "mini" Skip Torre or Joe Jr. (Both are named Joe)

Or should we give Girardi, who tries to always say the right things, a break for this first postseason loss. He's always been humble, and has stated that he is still a young manager experiencing so many things on the fly, reaching the playoffs for the first time as Yankees Skip, and then everything else.

Don't think so, he screwed up big time!  It seems that Girardi comes from the Tony La Russa BS school of bullpen management which believes that there's no three outs in a late inning better than three outs picked up by three different pitchers who alternate which hand they throw with.

This needs to change Tuesday night if CC Sabathia is going to beat the Angels for the second time in five days. If it doesn't and if CC doesn't, we'll hit full panic mode and Girardi will be wishing he was back on the slow roast he put himself on by managing by bulk during tonight's loss.

TVU Networks available for websites and blogs

What is TVU Networks?

TVU networks offers a free global live TV service that you can watch on your Windows PC over a broadband Internet connection. This service is dedicated to bringing you TV that you can't get from cable or satellite, such as news and sports from around the world.

How does TVU Networks work?

The TVU service is accessed with a free download-able Windows application, the TVUPlayer. The TVU service, accessed via its free TVU Player application, has been downloaded 50 million times by viewers in over 220 countries.

TVU uses a new broadcast technology called Real-Time Packet Replication. With this technology, all the viewers who are watching a channel at the same time are cooperating to give everyone the best possible signal. TVU's application does not create any new files on your hard disk because you're watching live TV.

Unlike typical Internet video broadcasts that use the older streaming technology, TVU's broadcasters do not need to dedicate more bandwidth for each additional user. This allows broadcasters to reach very large numbers of viewers at low cost. Because TVU can have an unlimited number of channels, TVU offers broadcasters opportunities denied to them by cable and satellite systems. Local broadcasters become global broadcasters; new channels can find a broadcast slot; and bigger broadcasters can create new channels to showcase content that they own but don't have space to broadcast on their existing channels.

Most exciting of all, viewers can become broadcasters using TVU networks' free Broadcast application. This application, combined with a standard-grade PC and a typical broadband Internet connection, allows anybody to become a broadcaster. This basic set-up allows any number of viewers world-wide to watch your channel.

Why TVU Player?

TVU networks enables anyone broadcast TV programs to global audiences cost effectively. Its service is based on a number of patent-pending technologies, which covers high quality video coding, efficient real-time (P2P) peer-to-peer distribution, and effective digital rights management.

What is P2P?

P2P or P-to-P, may refer to: Peer-to-peer, a type of ad-hoc computer network peer-to-peer file sharing. P2P is a popular technology for file sharing software applications like Kazaa, WinMX, edonkey, gnutella, emule and Overnet. P2P software systems like Kazaa and Napster rank amongst the most popular software applications ever.

P2P file sharing software has also created much controversy over legality and "fair use". P2P file sharing systems have become the single most popular class of Internet applications in this decade.

Below is the TVU Player tuned into channel 59687 (Spanish Sports Channel).
*You only need to download the plug-installer and run the setup*




Website: http://www.tvunetworks.com/

This is also a website that has several channels readily available for viewing online: http://atdhe.net/watchtv.html

Enjoy TV watching online...

NY Yankees beat LA Angels in 13-inning classic and stay perfect in postseason

Gooooooooood Morning from Da Bronx!!!

The number '13' has always been an ominous and dreaded number, and yet, as of late, it has taken on a whole new meaning. Recently with no more thoughts about the number '13' being "unlucky" or an evil number, it has taken on a whole new perspective, at least, for me based on my experiences, to become somewhat of a good number.

Some examples of how the number '13' has changed significantly and reflects in my life: (1) I pray for my Grandfather every 13th of the month since his death this year, which even though losing my Grandfather has been a deep scar for me, at least, on the 13th, I remember all the good he brought into my life, (2) One of the best NY Yankees postseason games ever ended in the 13th inning, and (3) A-Rod, who wears the number '13', has finally emerged as a postseason hero, and has proved to be worthy to wear a NY Yankees uniform, and showed the fans that he wants to win a World Series.

The following is the story of that 13th inning postseason duel, that even with the inclement weather, the Yankees were going to play for a dramatic walk-off win.  This postseason game will be an instant Yankee Stadium classic, five hours and 10 minutes of "soaking, refrigerated" baseball under the bright lights in the Bronx, and of course an epic like this could only end the way the Yankees have scripted them all year.

The Yanks are beating the Angels at their own game, forcing a win in Game 2 of this 2009 ALCS. WHAT A GAME!!! A-Rod, Jeter 'El Capitan', Rivera, AJ, Damon, Robertson, Joba, Melky and Jerry Hairston for the caper. Will the Yanks close this out on Halo turf? This NY YANKEES TEAM has once again asserted itself at the right time. GOOOO YANKEEEES!

Highlights of tonight's NY Yankees win to push them to a commanding ALCS 2-0 lead heading out to the West. Maybe even finish the deal on Halos turf to become '09 ALCS Champions!

Derek Jeter 'El Capitan' continues to reach milestones in his legendary NY Yankees career.
Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter moved past a couple of legends and into sole possession of third place on Major League Baseball's all-time list for postseason homers.

Damon still can cover ground in the outfield.
Johnny Damon makes sliding catch on Bobby Abreu's drive in sixth inning as Yankees overcome cold in Bronx with fiery play in Game 2 of the ALCS.

Alex Rodriguez evens the score with his ultra-dramatic solo blast in the 11th inning.
8 days after A-ROD and TEX combined for a memorable, extra-inning playoff win, A-Rod and Melky Cabrera treated Yankee Stadium to another dramatic comeback victory in Game 2 of the ALCS.

A-ROD Heroics in Postseason - He is turning this postseason into his personal showcase.

In a game for the ages, Alex Rodriguez tied the game with an opposite-field solo homer in the 11th inning. Alex Rodriguez tosses his gum after hitting the big-time homer.

Hairston scores to win it.

Jerry Hairston Jr. hustles home on a throwing error to give the Yankees the win in the 13th inning.

NY Yankees lead ALCS 2-0 with dramatic comeback walkoff victory in 13th inning classic.

NY Yankees win game 2 of ALCS as Jerry Hairston Jr. slides into home, jumping into the air pumped up.

Fellow Yankees' teammates spill out of the Yankees dugout and run out to greet him at home plate knocking him to the ground. A.J. Burnett may not have factored into the game winning decision, but he was in his familiar spot after the game, delivering a whipped cream pie in Jerry Hairston's face after he opened the inning with a single and scored the game-winner.

All in all, a great NY Yankees team win, and this will surely will be yet another NY Yankees classic aired on the YES channel.

Till next game, LET'S GO YANKEES!!!