10/3/06---Back from a trying week

I'm back....Kim & I went up to Orlando this past week to spend a few days with my Mom & Dad.  My father was in the hospital for almost 10 days recovering from a bout of pneumonia that turned into blood poisoning...which turned into....well, pretty much everything you can imagine.  Don't get me wrong...there were PLENTY of stories....good Lord, you know that's true.  However, some things really need to be private....and this is one of those rare occasions when I'll respect my father's wishes.
Let's just say that, for a couple of days, Dad was on some really strong medication that apparently led to some pretty wild hallucinations.  Whoops!  Did I give something away?  Dad...along with everyone else...I'm glad you're back home and on the road to recovery.  Speaking of "on the road"....let's get on that road to Jacksonville, okay?

A few brief sports notations, if you ladies won't mind.  First of all, my Fighting Irish are now 4-1 after a brutal opening month.  If you had told me at the beginning of the season that the first 5 games would leave us at 4-1....I probably would've taken it.  However, while the offense appears to be rounding into shape....the defense is looking particularly brutal.  And its not talent....or scheme (well, okay...maybe its a little bit scheme).  What really drives me crazy is watching all those kids who were so highly recruited--and they cannot freakin tackle!!  Everyone goes for a knockout shot so they can be on an ESPN highlight reel.  Wrap up and tackle!!  I feel like watching that famous Vince Lombardi quote---"Grab, grab, grab!"
My Chicago Cubs made me happy yesterday when they finally cut their losses and canned Dusty Baker.  The guy got us as close as we've ever been to the World Series in 2003...and basically has been horrible since then.  He's ruined more than a few pitcher's arms since then, relied too much on players that he viewed as "his guys" (hello, Neiffi Perez anyone?) and was resistant to any sort of new ideas or players--unless he was basically forced into doing it.  The Cubs can't hire another guy who has the old "my way or the highway" routine.  That was Dusty's way, and it may very well work for another team....but a change was definitely needed.  Oh, and don't go printing up those "Joe Girardi, manager, Cubs" business cards just yet.  I hear that Lou Pinella is going to get more than just a courtesy looksee.
Finally, Florida Panthers and the NHL start up again this week.  We'll finally get to see if the right choice was made in trading Roberto Luongo or not......expect more offense, slightly less defense.

Later,
Jeff