Tuesday, December 27, 2005

1 Game to go...








Ben Watson : 25 /365 /3
Dan Graham: 16 /235 /3

Basically I need 9 catches for 130 yards and 1 touchdown on Sunday...

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Holiday Dinner In Boston

Where: Boston (North End)
Date: December 30th 2005
Time: 5:15 pm
Restaurant: Lucca
Web- Site: Lucca
Address:
Lucca
262 Hanover Street
Boston Ma. 02113
617-742-9200
Valet Parking is available

Directions:
FROM NORTH OF BOSTON
Take 93S to Exit 24 (Logan Airport/Government Center). Follow signs for Government Center. At top of ramp, follow all signs for North End. This will put you onto Richmond Street. At the intersection of Hanover Street turn left. Lucca is on the right at 226 Hanover Street

FROM SOUTH OF BOSTON
Take 93N to exit 23 (Government Center). At first set of lights, take a right onto Hanover Street. Lucca is on the left at 226 Hanover Street.

FROM WEST OF BOSTON
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike 90E to exit 24B (93N). Take Exit 23 (Government Center). At first set of lights, take a right onto Hanover Street. Lucca is on the left at 226 Hanover Street.

FROM BACK BAY / STORROW DRIVE / CAMBRIDGE
Take Storrow Drive East to 93S. Take 93S to Exit 24 (Logan Airport/Government Center). Follow signs for Government Center. At top of ramp, follow all signs for North End. This will put you onto Richmond Street. At the intersection of Hanover Street turn left. Lucca is on the right at 226 Hanover Street.

FROM LOGAN AIRPORT
Take the Ted Williams Tunnel to 93N. Take Exit 23 (Government Center). At top of ramp follow signs to North Station/North End. Take a right at the second set of lights onto Commercial Street. At the second set of lights take a right onto Hanover Street. Lucca is located on the right at 226 Hanover Street, just after the first set of lights.

PARKING
We have validated parking with the Parcel 7 Garage at 136 Blackstone St.
Coming from the north, take the Government Center/Haymarket exit, #23. Bear right off the ramp and take a left at the First set of lights which is Congress St, then take another left onto New Sudbury St. The garage entrance is on your right-hand side.
From the south you would want to exit I-93 at Aquarium Wharf, exit #23. Follow the signs towards Quincy market/Faneul hall. Proceed to the end of the road and take a right onto Congress Street, take a right at the 2nd set of lights onto New Sudbury St. The garage entrance is on your right-hand side.
• Up to 2 hours parking is $1.00
• Between 2 and 3 hours is $3.00
• After 3 hours the validation is void, parkers will be charged the regular rate of $5.00 per hour , retroactively.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Boulder2005




Boulder

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2005 Boulder





Get Off the Bridge!

JohNY Damon
(Sign Clemens and all is solved in Red Sox Nation)
Here is my post from May 13th - Click Here

It's a huge story: Red Sox superstar signs a four-year contract with the New York Yankees, paying him $13 million per season. This, surely, must mean the Red Sox are in serious trouble.

I am, of course, talking about Johnny Damon. But if you replace "Yankees" in the above paragraph with "Mets," I could just as accurately be talking about Pedro Martinez, who left the Red Sox to sign with the Mets a year ago.

Martinez earned his salary in 2005, and Damon will probably earn his salary in 2006. If I were a Red Sox fan, though, I wouldn't be mourning his loss just yet.

In Damon's four years with the Red Sox, he batted .295/.362/.441 (that's batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage) and played excellent defense in center field. That's almost the very definition of great value.

But Damon, like virtually every other Red Sox hitter since the 1930s, has benefited from his home ballpark. In Damon's four seasons at Fenway Park, he's batted .310/.383/.442. Away from Fenway, he's batted .281/.342/.440.

Does that mean Damon is fundamentally a .281 (etc.) hitter? Not necessarily. Players typically enjoy a home edge, regardless of their home ballpark. But it's not just the natural home edge that's caused Damon to hit for a higher batting average and draw more walks in his home games; generally speaking, everybody hits for a higher average and draws more walks at Fenway than elsewhere. The reason for this isn't a secret: In addition to the cozy dimensions in the direction of Lansdowne, Fenway also features a wonderful hitter's background (which is probably why left-handed hitters, even those who didn't routinely take advantage of The Wall, have enjoyed Fenway just as much as righties).

And of course, Fenway Park is just one half of the equation. Over the last three seasons, Yankee Stadium has apparently been neutral (roughly speaking) in terms of batting average, but it has knocked down the walks more than any other park in the American League (and perhaps more than any in the major leagues).

What does this mean for Damon? He's not going to bat .300 in 2006. He's going to bat in the .270 to .290 range, with an on-base percentage between .320 and .340 ... hardly the numbers the Yankees and their fans are expecting from a $13 million leadoff man. (In fact, the Yankees might be well-served by leaving Derek Jeter at the top of the order; reader Kashif Anwar points out that Jeter's numbers as a leadoff man are better than his numbers while batting in other slots in the batting order.)

I am, of course, postulating a fairly pessimistic outcome. Damon could, for various reasons, play better in 2006 than he did in 2005. He could hit .337 and win the batting title. But the numbers above weren't just conjured from thin air, and they are going to show up on the field eventually. Maybe it won't happen next season. But Damon is 32. He's not going to get better. He's going to get worse.

Here was the story on Fox News' bottom-of-the-screen crawl this morning:

BRONX BOMBSHELL ... NY YANKEES STEAL LEADOFF HITTER AND 2004 WORLD SERIES HERO JOHNNY DAMON FROM THE BOSTON RED SOX.

Well, that's one fairly balanced way of looking at it. Here's another way:

The Red Sox are going to miss Johnny Damon in 2006, just as they missed Pedro Martinez in 2005. But they lost Martinez because they believed -- correctly, in my view -- that as great as he was, he wouldn't be worth $53 million over the course of four seasons. Similarly, they lost Damon because they believed -- correctly, in my view -- that as good as he is, he won't be worth $52 million over the next four seasons. If the Red Sox behave as they generally have over the last three years, they'll take the $52 million they could have spent on Johnny Damon and spend it elsewhere, more wisely.

And then there's Jacque Jones. I know the words above will draw a healthy response for those who consider me a "Yankee-hater" ... but hold your fire, because I've got some truly nasty things to say about Jim Hendry and Jacque Jones.

Last night, I read a long story about the Cubs signing Jones to a three-year deal worth $16 million. Honestly, the money is not a big deal. The Cubs can afford it. The problem is that Jones will, for the next three seasons, be in the lineup nearly every day (notwithstanding trade or injury). In this particular story, I "learned" that:

• According to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, Jones has "a lot of upside in him" (he's going to be 31 next season);

• Jones is "patient at the plate" (his career high in walks, set last season, is 51);

• Hendry's scouts told him that Jones' struggles in the last two seasons were perhaps because "Jones tried to carry the Twins," who had to deal with injuries to key players such as Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart.

On the other hand, here's what I learned in three minutes of quality time on the Interweb: Jones batted .300 in 2002 and '03 not because he was relaxed. He batted .300 because he was 27 and 28. He's not at all patient and figures to draw something like 40 walks in 150 games. The Cubs finished second in the National League last season with 194 home runs, but ranked just ninth in scoring. Why? Because their .324 on-base percentage ranked 11th in the league.

Jones' OBP over the last two seasons?


.317
Jones is exactly the sort of player the Cubs don't need, and it's incredibly negligent of Hendry to ignore a fact so evident.

Article by Rob Neyer

Friday, December 16, 2005

Tailgate Food

  1. Hamburgers (10 lbs) Clint
  2. Sausages (10 lbs) - Clint
  3. Chicken (7 lbs) - Clint
  4. Wings - Steve
  5. Deck of Cards (2) - Clint
  6. Utensils (forks, knives, spoons) - Steve
  7. RV - Clint
  8. Table - Steve
  9. Keg - Clint
  10. Grille - Steve
  11. Paper Towels - Steve
  12. Bread / Rolls - Steve
  13. Bose Wave Radio & Batteries - Clint
  14. Salad - Steve
  15. Chips - Clint
  16. Aspirin - Steve
  17. 1st Aid Kit - Steve
  18. Water - Clint
  19. Wine - Clint
  20. Cups/ Napkins - Steve
  21. Deserts - Steve
  22. Toilet Paper - Clint
  23. ICE - Clint

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Ultimate Tailgate

The Bus leaves at 7:30 am Saturday Morning
Patriots Vs. Tampa Bay
1:30 pm
Parking in Lot P10
Parking lots open four (4) hours prior to Patriots game start times
Gillette Facts










- All 2005 - 2006 models
- Guaranteed Double-Bed Floorplan with Slide-Out Dinette
- Seatbelts: 7
- Sleeping Capacity: 4 - 6
Length: 975 cm, width: 255 cm, exterior height: 366 cm, interior height: 203 cm

V-8 / V-10 engine, automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering, AM/FM Radio with cassette player or CD player, dash air, cruise control, upgraded interior with high back seats.
Sofa bed (177 x 122 cm), double bed (190 x 152 cm), dinette (172 x 106 cm)
Kitchen with 3 burner stove and oven, micro-wave oven, sink with automatic water pump, fresh (285 lt.) and waste (300 lt.) water tanks, propane tank (95 lt.), gas tank (unleaded gas only, 285 lt.), 4 cu. ft. 2-way fridge with freezer, power converter, furnace, marine-toilette, hot water heater (25 lt.), shower, roof air, 4.0 kW power generator, TV/VCR, outside shower.

Gillette Parking Lot

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Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Get Sirius

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Sirius Boom Box (comes with the car kit)

Sirius Home Docking Kit (extra)
It gives me everything that I want… Car (comes with car kit), Home (hook it up to my Bose Wave via home docking kit) & Office use (Boom Box)…


Shopping Cart Items Price Qty
SIRIUS Sportster Radio with Boombox Package
Store Item #850036
SKU SP-TK2BP2
Bundle Includes:
1x SP-TK2
1x SP-B1 $ 249.98 1
SIRIUS Sportster Satellite Radio Home Docking Kit
Store Item #608251
SKU SP-H2 $ 49.99 1
Subtotal: $ 299.97
Shipping: $ 3.90
Tax: $ 15.00
Total Discounts: $ -33.90 (Use code friggin10 for the discount)
Total: $ 284.97


Free ground shipping on all orders over $24.99

Monday, December 05, 2005

Jingle Bell Run - 2005


The holiday season is fast approaching which means it's almost time for the Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell run! This years run is on Sunday December 11th, at 5:00P.M. at the Avalon on Lansdowne street . Click here to register online today!

Monday, November 28, 2005

Marathon Training Guide


18 Week Training Guide

We are 19 weeks away from April 17th
Boston Marathon Web Site



Week Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1 rest 3 m run 3 m run 3 m run rest 6 cross
2 rest 3 m run 3 m run 3 m run rest 7 cross
3 rest 3 m run 4 m run 3 m run rest 5 cross
4 rest 3 m run 4 m run 3 m run rest 9 cross
5 rest 3 m run 5 m run 3 m run rest 10 cross
6 rest 3 m run 5 m run 3 m run rest 7 cross
7 rest 3 m run 6 m run 3 m run rest 12 cross
8 rest 3 m run 6 m run 3 m run rest 13 cross
9 rest 3 m run 7 m run 4 m run rest 10 cross
10 rest 3 m run 7 m run 4 m run rest 15 cross
11 rest 4 m run 8 m run 4 m run rest 16 cross
12 rest 4 m run 8 m run 5 m run rest 12 cross
13 rest 4 m run 9 m run 5 m run rest 18 cross
14 rest 5 m run 9 m run 5 m run rest 14 cross
15 rest 5 m run 10 m run 5 m run rest 20 cross
16 rest 5 m run 8 m run 4 m run rest 12 cross
17 rest 4 m run 6 m run 3 m run rest 8 cross
18 rest 3 m run 4 m run 2 m run rest rest race

Round # 1

..........1st Annual Turkey Roll
Bowling Break Down-
Round 1

Rob (112) & Emily (111) : 223
vs.
Ken (91) & C.J. (43) : 134

Bob (181) & Joan / Patti (80) : 261
vs.
Clint (91) & Patti (97) : 188

Scott ( 104) & Cory (80): 184
vs.
Casey (96) & Jane (73) : 169

Round # 2


Round #2

Top 2 high scores advanced to the finals-

Bob (152) & Patti (121) = 273
Scott (100) & Cory (125) = 225
Emily (104) & Rob (117) = 221

Round # 3

Round # 3
The Finals

Bob (149) & Patti (128) = 277
Cory (143) & Scott (119) = 262



Bob's secret weapon... "The Glove"

Awards

TURKEY ROLL AWARDS
Most improved - CJ
High Score - Bob
Biggest surprise - Cory
Biggest disappointments - Clint, Casey & Ken
Hardest thrower - Scott
Most consistent team - Rob & Emily
Trending up (73, 94, 110) - Jane
Best substitute bowler - Tana
Best fan award - John
Best decision - Patti (leaving Clint for Bob)
Best accessory- Bob (The Glove)
Disabled List-
Joan (quad)
Bob (groin)
Emily (ankle)
Patti (blister)

Leaves





Leaves 2



Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Chimney Tuna Loin















Web-Site
1/2 cup dark soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup dry wasabi powder
2 pounds tuna loin, cut into 2 pieces
1/2 cup sesame seeds
2 tablespoons peanut oil

In a non-reactive bowl combine soy, honey, and wasabi powder. Reserve 1/4 cup for dipping sauce. Roll each piece of tuna in this mixture to coat evenly. Marinate from 1 hour to overnight. Remove the tuna from the marinade and discard the marinade.
On a plate, lay the sesame seeds. Roll the tuna in the seeds to evenly coat.
Fire up the chimney and top with a well-oiled grate. Sear for 15 to 30 seconds per side or to desired temperature. Remove to rack and rest for 3 minutes. Cover with foil or plastic wrap to achieve carry over cooking. Slice thinly and serve with the dipping sauce.

Friday, November 11, 2005

The Phantom's Suggestions


Hello Phantom,
Big fan of your show!
A question for you?...
I am in charge of putting together my family dinner for the holiday season (around December 16th - 23rd)... We will have 25 people in attendance for the dinner (ages range from 30 to 70).
We have 1/3 of the people coming from Cape Cod, 1/3 coming from Worcester, the last 1/3 are from the Boston area...
In years past we have gone to the following restaurants..
1998 - Morton's
1999 - Capital Grille
2000 - Grille 23
2001 - The Palm
2002 - Lucianos
2003 - Flemming's
2004 - Smith & Wollinski's

As you can see it has been a steak house dominated theme... We certainly love steak but don't necessarily have to have it...
I am looking for something that has ambiance, great food, the ability to accommodate 25 people, and a place that will make people say "wow"...

Can you help?

We would be willing to go anywhere in and around the Boston / Worcester / Cape locations...

Thanks for your time,
C

C,

What a fun tradition! Here are some of my suggestions, all of which you can read more about on my site:

No. 9 Park (fine Italian/French)
Locke Ober (old school, very traditional, New England fare, several private rooms)
Upstairs on the Square (very fun and striking - quirky yet extravagant, fine food)
Taranta (incredible Italian-Peruvian cuisine - one of my favorites in the North End)
Lucca (my other North End favorite - incredible Tuscan food, with a wine room downstairs you could probably take over)
The Federalist (one of best wine lists in town - they have an unbelievable private wine cellar you can dine in - pictures on their website)
Great Bay (fine seafood, striking room, fun and modern)
Les Zygomates (French wine bar - this is more casual, but they have live jazz/blue every night, and the food is great - there's a private room too)
The Metropolitan Club (one of the hottest new steakhouses "in town", actually in Chestnut Hill)
The Red Lion Inn - Cohasset (south shore, New England comfort food in a very charming-country setting)

Hope that helps! Have a great holiday!
The Phantom Gourmet

http://PhantomGourmet.com

The MYSTERIOUS Restaurant Critic

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

At the 1/2 way point in the season


Ben Watson


.......................................................Daniel Graham



Ben Watson's stats-

REC 10 YDS 170 TD 1

Daniel Graham's stats-

REC 14 YDS 198 TD 3

That bet is based on the following offensive statistics-
Must win 2 out of 3

Receiving yards
Receptions
Touch Downs

The winner receives a Capital Grille Dinner.
Matt's Pick - Ben Watson
Casey's Pick- Daniel Graham

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

1st Annual Turkey Roll
When: Friday November 25th
Where: Ryan's Family Amusement
1067 Main Street, Rte. 28
So. Yarmouth, MA 02664
508-394-5644

Time: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Tournament: Detail and Rules TBD

  • Teams of Two
  • Single Elimination
  • 3 lanes have been rented
  • Winner Receives bragging rights (until the 2nd annual TR)
  • 10 Pin Bowling (Big Ball)
  • Shoe Rental $2.50
  • Bowling String $4.75
  • Draft Beer $3.00

Monday, October 31, 2005

The Picks-



1) Kevin Millar...........(ML:G)......(CL:G)......(MC:G)
2) Johnny Damon......(ML:G)......(CL:G)......(MC:G)
3) Billy Mueller
..........(ML:G)......(CL:G)......(MC:G)
4) Mike Timlin
...........(ML:S)........(CL:S)......(MC:S)
5) Jon Olearud
...........(ML:G).......(CL:G)......(MC:G)
6) Matt Mantei
...........(ML:G).......(CL:G)......(MC:G)
7) Tony Graffanino
....(ML:G)........(CL:G)....((MC:S)
8) Mike Myers
...........(ML:G)........(CL:G)......(MC:G)
9) Mike Stanton.........(ML:G)........(CL:G)......(MC:G)

Matt's List...............Casey's List............Mike's List

1. Akinoria Otsuka.....Jarred Washburn.......Juan Pierre
2. Brian Lawrence......Mike Cameron...........BJ Ryan
3. Juan Pierre.............Brian Giles................John Thompson
4. Lastings Milledge...Ronnie Belliard.........AJ Burnett
5. Troy Glaus..............Andrew Jones..........Aubrey Huff
6. Billy Wagner...........Erubiel Durazo..........Kelvim Escobar
7. Aubrey Huff............Kyle Farnsworth......Kyle Farnsworth