When Championship Sunday was over and done with one week ago, I was left with a hollow feeling inside. The eventual winner of Super Bowl XLII was going to be a team I detested. There was no way around it. It was like choosing between being a contestant on Rock of Love or being Canadian. There are no winners.
So for the next couple days I just sat around in the dark, trying to digest the fact that the 2007 NFL season was dead to me. Let’s get the combine started!
Even the halftime show this year has gone backwards after being cool for one year. Last year, Prince lived up to his reputation and put on an amazing show. Have you seen the lineup for this year’s halftime and pre-game?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I liked them a lot when I was younger, but to be honest, I thought TP was dead.
Paula Abdul. Not sure what she’s going to do, but it better not be singing.
Kylie Minogue. Our only chance for a little halftime peep show.
Soulja Boy. If this is who I think this is, I’ll be getting drunk a lot earlier than expected.
Jordin Sparks. In case you haven’t realized it yet, the game is being aired on Fox.
But this past Friday, something happened. I was in my car listening to WFAN in New York and I heard some guy from Bayonne call in (Benny or Sal or something like that) and I realized this is the New Jersey Giants we are talking about.
The Patriots are a bunch of loud, crass, cheap, cocky, eye poking, knee rolling, supermodel dating, HGH using cheats.
And I hope they beat the Giants by 50.
I’m not really sure where my head was at for those first couple of days. I was bummed out. I had lost myself. Strayed from the path.
But Tony from Manalapan snapped me out of it. Hearing these morons renewed my sense of true hatred. Choosing between the Cowboys and the Giants is a lose-lose. But the Giants and Patriots? What was I thinking?
Eli and his eggshell of a psyche. Michael Strahan and his ridiculous lisp. Plaxico and his ability to pushoff with the best of the cheaters. All these guys for going to schools that stress education (Jim Finn-Penn, Kevin Boothe-Cornell, Zak DeOssie-Brown). What do you think you’re smarter than me? Nerds.
I’m not stopping there. Amani Toomer for just not going away. And for going to Michigan. Madison Hedgecock for having a ridiculous name. R.W. McQuarters. His real first name? Rachel. Kawika Mitchell for not understanding his ethnicity.
Guy Whimper for being an 6’5, 300 pound offensive lineman named Whimper. Jeff Feagles for getting paid to kick a football since I was in the 7th grade. For Jeremy Shockey for being the MOST OVERRATED TIGHT END IN FOOTBALL. (Don’t even argue it Giants’ fans. You know I’m right.)
For the Crunch Bunch. I giggle just hearing it. Worst. Nickname. Ever. For Brad Benson. Your dealership stinks. For Phil McConkey. Just because.
And for Tom Coughlin for being a bum of a coach for the past decade and never winning anything. But because he’s part of the old boy’s network, he kept getting a job. And now, because of this lucky streak, he’ll be around for at least another ten years.
So, I’ve been given a one week reprieve on my football hibernation. My life has a renewed purpose. Do everything I can to send some bad mojo towards the Giants and their fans. I’m going to try to watch the game with some Giants fans, just so I can enjoy seeing their heartbreak firsthand.
56-10 sounds about right for the final, though I’m hoping the Patriots opt to run up the score.
I’ll return to my hibernation on Monday.
Questions or Comments? Write me at garymacfantasygod@live.com
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
NFL Playoff Review and Look Ahead to Fantasy Football in 2008
It’s been an amazing three weeks of NFL playoffs. Three straight road wins for the Giants. The Pats, not looking spectacular, but good enough to stay unbeaten. The Cowboys, Colts, and Bucs proving that you should never, ever sit your starters down the stretch. (If this year doesn’t teach teams not to take weeks off, than nothing will.)
But if you look closer, you’ll also see there’s a lot to be learned going forward to the 2008 fantasy season as well. Here are some important things to take into consideration for next year.
Giants RB’s-If you are like me and were banking on Brandon Jacobs to be an RB1 next year, guess again. The Giants seem committed to not making Jacobs a feature back. Watching Ahmad Bradshaw, it’s hard to believe he didn’t have a single carry until week 12 and only 23 total on the season. Plus, Derrick Ward looked strong when he was healthy. We can now see why the Giants felt Ryan Grant was expendable. Jacobs looks like he’ll be nothing more than an RB2 next year, capable of occasional big days, but just not consistent enough to build your team around.
Plaxico Burress-It was a terrific year for Plaxico, with over a thousand yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. And that was despite playing almost the entire season on a bum ankle and with hardly any practice in between games. Now, Burress says he is feeling terrific and his record day against Green Bay proves it. Don’t be surprised to see Burress go as the 5th or 6th overall wide receiver at next year’s draft.
Eli Manning/Jeremy Shockey-Is it a coincidence that Eli has played his best football, possibly ever, since Shockey went down with a broken leg? Eli seems like the type that could be intimidated by someone as loud and obnoxious as Shockey and that could have a negative effect on the signal caller. Can’t you picture this discussion between Eli and Shockey following a Giants win.
Eli-“42-3! Great win, huh Jeremy?”
Shockey-“Yeah man. But didn’t you see me wide open on that 2nd and 8 play? And then, you just flat out missed me on that long drive in the fourth. Don’t let it happen again, okay?”
Eli-(stares at ground and nods in agreement, then goes to make Jeremy a sandwich)
There’s no reason to expect Shockey to be playing somewhere else next season, so Eli could go back into his shell in September.
Lawrence Maroney-Proving that he CAN and SHOULD be the man. Granted, the Patriots O-line is awesome and defenses are focusing on stopping the New England passing game, but Maroney has carried this team through the playoffs. And if given the chance, Maroney could be a top five RB. But there’s no reason for New England to change it’s offensive philosophy, which means Maroney likely will still be available in the mid to late second round.
Brett Favre-Despite having two top notch receivers, an up and coming tight end, a powerful offensive line and a breakout running back, Brett Favre proved he can still single handedly lose a game better than anybody. I’ll never really understand how he gets away with some of the things he does. If Eli was the one who threw those two god awful interceptions, he would have been fed to the monster in Cloverfield. But when it’s Favre, that’s just Brett being Brett. The Packers are the youngest team in the league and I know good QB’s don’t grow on trees. Favre put up decent fantasy numbers this year, but those around him could probably be doing even better with someone else under center.
Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne-We’ve all been waiting for the changing of the guard in Indy and 2007 was finally it. Harrison will be 36 at the start of next season and I can’t see how Wayne will return to playing second fiddle. Harrison will still be a strong play, but his days of being Peyton’s favorite target are over.
David Garrard-A lot of people were critical of Jack Del Rio when he released starter Byron Leftwich just days before the season started. But Garrard proved Del Rio right and then stepped it up another notch in the playoffs, leading his team to a win at Pittsburgh. Given a full season at the helm and more work with his young wide receivers, Garrard could become a weekly start in 2008.
Philip Rivers-More than anything, this postseason has shown that the Chargers are more than just LaDainian Tomlinson and some roid ragers. Rivers, playing with a torn up knee, came through time and time again, making some very tough throws and almost leading the Chargers to the Super Bowl. This despite not having the full services of the league’s best tight end Antonio Gates and the aforementioned LDT. (I can never call him LT again, just because the real LT would never have sat out a Championship game.)
Vincent Jackson-Jackson is fast like ninja and can leap like a jackrabbit. But if you drafted him this year, you were probably screaming at the television watching him turn into Lynn Swann in the playoffs. Jackson caught 18 balls for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in three postseason games. Compare that with 41-623-3 in 16 regular season games. A lot of teams were counting on him this year and if you were one of them, you probably missed your playoffs. Jackson will be drafted as a WR3 next year, but I’m a glutton for punishment. Take the chance and hope he has turned that corner.
Titans Offense-To be blunt, it’s stinky. There isn’t a single decent receiver on the roster and the running backs are an injury waiting to happen. Vince Young is as athletic as they come and it would be nice to see what he could do with an above average target. But how this team made the playoffs is a mystery of mysteries. Chris Brown, LenDale White and Chris Henry are a fantasy owner’s nightmare. Not that they are lousy, but who is going to get the carries from week to week? Kicker Rob Bironas might be the most reliable player fantasywise. Go get a wide receiver Jeff Fisher and maybe we’ll talk. Otherwise, I’ll be staying the heck away.
Questions or Comments? Write me at garymacfantasygod@live.com
But if you look closer, you’ll also see there’s a lot to be learned going forward to the 2008 fantasy season as well. Here are some important things to take into consideration for next year.
Giants RB’s-If you are like me and were banking on Brandon Jacobs to be an RB1 next year, guess again. The Giants seem committed to not making Jacobs a feature back. Watching Ahmad Bradshaw, it’s hard to believe he didn’t have a single carry until week 12 and only 23 total on the season. Plus, Derrick Ward looked strong when he was healthy. We can now see why the Giants felt Ryan Grant was expendable. Jacobs looks like he’ll be nothing more than an RB2 next year, capable of occasional big days, but just not consistent enough to build your team around.
Plaxico Burress-It was a terrific year for Plaxico, with over a thousand yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. And that was despite playing almost the entire season on a bum ankle and with hardly any practice in between games. Now, Burress says he is feeling terrific and his record day against Green Bay proves it. Don’t be surprised to see Burress go as the 5th or 6th overall wide receiver at next year’s draft.
Eli Manning/Jeremy Shockey-Is it a coincidence that Eli has played his best football, possibly ever, since Shockey went down with a broken leg? Eli seems like the type that could be intimidated by someone as loud and obnoxious as Shockey and that could have a negative effect on the signal caller. Can’t you picture this discussion between Eli and Shockey following a Giants win.
Eli-“42-3! Great win, huh Jeremy?”
Shockey-“Yeah man. But didn’t you see me wide open on that 2nd and 8 play? And then, you just flat out missed me on that long drive in the fourth. Don’t let it happen again, okay?”
Eli-(stares at ground and nods in agreement, then goes to make Jeremy a sandwich)
There’s no reason to expect Shockey to be playing somewhere else next season, so Eli could go back into his shell in September.
Lawrence Maroney-Proving that he CAN and SHOULD be the man. Granted, the Patriots O-line is awesome and defenses are focusing on stopping the New England passing game, but Maroney has carried this team through the playoffs. And if given the chance, Maroney could be a top five RB. But there’s no reason for New England to change it’s offensive philosophy, which means Maroney likely will still be available in the mid to late second round.
Brett Favre-Despite having two top notch receivers, an up and coming tight end, a powerful offensive line and a breakout running back, Brett Favre proved he can still single handedly lose a game better than anybody. I’ll never really understand how he gets away with some of the things he does. If Eli was the one who threw those two god awful interceptions, he would have been fed to the monster in Cloverfield. But when it’s Favre, that’s just Brett being Brett. The Packers are the youngest team in the league and I know good QB’s don’t grow on trees. Favre put up decent fantasy numbers this year, but those around him could probably be doing even better with someone else under center.
Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne-We’ve all been waiting for the changing of the guard in Indy and 2007 was finally it. Harrison will be 36 at the start of next season and I can’t see how Wayne will return to playing second fiddle. Harrison will still be a strong play, but his days of being Peyton’s favorite target are over.
David Garrard-A lot of people were critical of Jack Del Rio when he released starter Byron Leftwich just days before the season started. But Garrard proved Del Rio right and then stepped it up another notch in the playoffs, leading his team to a win at Pittsburgh. Given a full season at the helm and more work with his young wide receivers, Garrard could become a weekly start in 2008.
Philip Rivers-More than anything, this postseason has shown that the Chargers are more than just LaDainian Tomlinson and some roid ragers. Rivers, playing with a torn up knee, came through time and time again, making some very tough throws and almost leading the Chargers to the Super Bowl. This despite not having the full services of the league’s best tight end Antonio Gates and the aforementioned LDT. (I can never call him LT again, just because the real LT would never have sat out a Championship game.)
Vincent Jackson-Jackson is fast like ninja and can leap like a jackrabbit. But if you drafted him this year, you were probably screaming at the television watching him turn into Lynn Swann in the playoffs. Jackson caught 18 balls for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in three postseason games. Compare that with 41-623-3 in 16 regular season games. A lot of teams were counting on him this year and if you were one of them, you probably missed your playoffs. Jackson will be drafted as a WR3 next year, but I’m a glutton for punishment. Take the chance and hope he has turned that corner.
Titans Offense-To be blunt, it’s stinky. There isn’t a single decent receiver on the roster and the running backs are an injury waiting to happen. Vince Young is as athletic as they come and it would be nice to see what he could do with an above average target. But how this team made the playoffs is a mystery of mysteries. Chris Brown, LenDale White and Chris Henry are a fantasy owner’s nightmare. Not that they are lousy, but who is going to get the carries from week to week? Kicker Rob Bironas might be the most reliable player fantasywise. Go get a wide receiver Jeff Fisher and maybe we’ll talk. Otherwise, I’ll be staying the heck away.
Questions or Comments? Write me at garymacfantasygod@live.com
Monday, January 21, 2008
Gary's Sports Blog-News and Notes for Week of 1-21
News and Notes for Week of 1-21
NBA
Stephon Marbury-PG-Knicks-If you’re like me and you wasted a fairly early draft pick on Starbury, it’s time to lose the dead weight. Stephon seemed disinterested since the season began and now is likely gone for the year, following ankle surgery. Pickup Nate Robinson immediately! Technically, Robinson is still coming off the bench, but he’s getting starters minutes and starters stats.
Tracy McGrady-F-Rockets-McGrady is finally back and should be put back into your lineup immediately. He played signifigant minutes in his first game back Friday night and you should activate him now. Luther Head loses pretty much all value thanks to McGrady’s return.
Jermaine O’Neal-C-Pacers-Another guy, like Marbury, who seems like he could care less. O’Neal has been unhappy all year long and now he can blame his lackadaisical attitude on his bum knee. He’ll miss at least the next two weeks and he’s even talking like he might just take the rest of the season off, so reserve him ASAP. Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster will see a bump while Jermaine sits.
Mike Bibby-PG-Kings-He’s not the player he used to be, but Bibby can still be a serviceable point guard. He’s missed the entire season with a torn ligament in his thumb, but returned last week and should be active in almost all leagues. If Bibby was left for dead and is on the waiver wire, grab him today! And kiss Francisco Garcia’s value good-bye.
Randy Foye-PG-Wolves-Foye is another one who has not played all season, in his case due to a stress reaction in his knee. But Foye has been cleared to return to practice and if you’ve got room on your bench, you should stash him away. The team expects him back in the lineup around the end of the month and the team with the league’s worst record could certainly use him.
Gilbert Arenas-PG-Wizards-Another guy who you should not forget about, just in case somebody dumped him in your league. The Wizards leading scorer has resumed shooting following knee surgery and it’s looking like he might be back in the lineup following the All-Star break. Hopefully, somebody in your league was shortsighted enough to dump him when reports surfaced a while back that he might be out for the entire year.
NHL
Sidney Crosby-C-Penguins-Of course, the lead story has been the high ankle sprain suffered by Sid the Kid. If you’ve got him on your squad, hold on to your butt. He was more than likely leading your squad, but you might have to get used to life without him for a while. High ankle sprains are tricky and the Pens are not saying much about the injury. He could be back after this weekend’s All-Star break or he could be out until March.
Paul Stastny-C-Avalanche-The Colorado center will miss the next several weeks after going under the knife for an appendectomy.
Antero Nittymaki-G-Flyers-The Flyers continue to ride the red hot goaltending of Nittymaki, who is 6-0-1 over the last 7 games. Never one to show much loyalty towards goaltenders, the Flyers have given Martin Biron just three starts this month, so if you have to have one goalie today, it should be Nittymaki.
Shawn Matthias-C-Panthers-If you’re looking for a young guy who should be available in almost all leagues, Matthias might be it. The 19 year old has made an immediate impact, scoring twice in his first two games. Take a chance that he sticks around.
Peter Forsberg-C-Free Agent-Rumors are swirling that Peter the Great is getting ready to return to the NHL. It’s also rumored the Flyers might be his prime target if he does come stateside. Got room on your bench? Stash him away. He could make the difference down the home stretch.
Remember, have fun. And write me at garymacfantasygod@live.com.
NBA
Stephon Marbury-PG-Knicks-If you’re like me and you wasted a fairly early draft pick on Starbury, it’s time to lose the dead weight. Stephon seemed disinterested since the season began and now is likely gone for the year, following ankle surgery. Pickup Nate Robinson immediately! Technically, Robinson is still coming off the bench, but he’s getting starters minutes and starters stats.
Tracy McGrady-F-Rockets-McGrady is finally back and should be put back into your lineup immediately. He played signifigant minutes in his first game back Friday night and you should activate him now. Luther Head loses pretty much all value thanks to McGrady’s return.
Jermaine O’Neal-C-Pacers-Another guy, like Marbury, who seems like he could care less. O’Neal has been unhappy all year long and now he can blame his lackadaisical attitude on his bum knee. He’ll miss at least the next two weeks and he’s even talking like he might just take the rest of the season off, so reserve him ASAP. Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster will see a bump while Jermaine sits.
Mike Bibby-PG-Kings-He’s not the player he used to be, but Bibby can still be a serviceable point guard. He’s missed the entire season with a torn ligament in his thumb, but returned last week and should be active in almost all leagues. If Bibby was left for dead and is on the waiver wire, grab him today! And kiss Francisco Garcia’s value good-bye.
Randy Foye-PG-Wolves-Foye is another one who has not played all season, in his case due to a stress reaction in his knee. But Foye has been cleared to return to practice and if you’ve got room on your bench, you should stash him away. The team expects him back in the lineup around the end of the month and the team with the league’s worst record could certainly use him.
Gilbert Arenas-PG-Wizards-Another guy who you should not forget about, just in case somebody dumped him in your league. The Wizards leading scorer has resumed shooting following knee surgery and it’s looking like he might be back in the lineup following the All-Star break. Hopefully, somebody in your league was shortsighted enough to dump him when reports surfaced a while back that he might be out for the entire year.
NHL
Sidney Crosby-C-Penguins-Of course, the lead story has been the high ankle sprain suffered by Sid the Kid. If you’ve got him on your squad, hold on to your butt. He was more than likely leading your squad, but you might have to get used to life without him for a while. High ankle sprains are tricky and the Pens are not saying much about the injury. He could be back after this weekend’s All-Star break or he could be out until March.
Paul Stastny-C-Avalanche-The Colorado center will miss the next several weeks after going under the knife for an appendectomy.
Antero Nittymaki-G-Flyers-The Flyers continue to ride the red hot goaltending of Nittymaki, who is 6-0-1 over the last 7 games. Never one to show much loyalty towards goaltenders, the Flyers have given Martin Biron just three starts this month, so if you have to have one goalie today, it should be Nittymaki.
Shawn Matthias-C-Panthers-If you’re looking for a young guy who should be available in almost all leagues, Matthias might be it. The 19 year old has made an immediate impact, scoring twice in his first two games. Take a chance that he sticks around.
Peter Forsberg-C-Free Agent-Rumors are swirling that Peter the Great is getting ready to return to the NHL. It’s also rumored the Flyers might be his prime target if he does come stateside. Got room on your bench? Stash him away. He could make the difference down the home stretch.
Remember, have fun. And write me at garymacfantasygod@live.com.
Welcome to Gary's Sports Blog
What do you call it when instead of rooting for a team in the Super Bowl, you’re actually hoping the ground will open up and actually swallow everybody on the field?
Hello world and welcome to the first of what will hopefully be many editions of the Central Record’s fantasy sports blog. And yes, I am a bitter Eagles fan.
If you’re reading this, that probably means you are among the 30+ million who actively participate in fantasy sports.
There was a time that admitting to being in a fantasy league was a taboo, like you had a third arm growing out of your forehead. But now you are more likely to feel peer pressure for NOT being in a league. How the worm has turned in ten years.
Of course you still have the talk radio hosts who snicker when a caller brings up fantasy sports and refuse to acknowledge its popularity.
Not taking phone calls on whether or not someone should start Warrick Dunn over Reggie Bush is understandable. If they accepted every call asking those type questions they would be overrun and couldn’t get to the hard hitting questions like ‘who’s the most famous person ever to wear a bowtie.’
But those who blindly repudiate anyone who admits to being a part of a fantasy league are dinosaurs. The bus has pulled out of the station and you didn’t get a ticket. Sorry, but it’s true.
I myself have been involved in fantasy sports for more than half my life. My first baseball draft was in 1990, when I was a pimply faced 16 year old. I purchased my first edition of the Official Rulebook of Rotisserie Baseball and convinced 3 of my friends to be a part. That’s right. A 4 person fantasy baseball league. (We were in high school, give me a break!)
And so, The Irish Creamers were born. And with the help of Von Hayes, Mike Pagliarulo, Atlee Hammaker and Hubie Brooks, the Creamers came in third place.
Now, it’s 2008 and the Creamers name lives on. Today, I’ve branched out, into football, basketball and hockey. I’ve won my share of championships and hopefully, this blog will help you to do the same. We’ll talk strategies, rankings, commissioner issues, everything related to fantasy sports.
But if there is one thing I want to stress to you, it’s that you must have fun while doing this. If you’re in a league and not enjoying yourself, what’s the point? Get out while you can and find a league you do like.
For those of you active in basketball and hockey, we’ll be talking over the next couple months. Both are great and the seasons are so long that you can always start a league at mid-season if you missed out early on.
If you aren’t into those two sports, no sweat. Baseball is right around the corner and I’ll be getting you ready starting ready in February.
You know why February is the shortest month? Because that’s the month to spend with your family between football and baseball.
Check back often. And have fun!
If you have questions or comments, you can reach me at garymacfantasygod@live.com
Hello world and welcome to the first of what will hopefully be many editions of the Central Record’s fantasy sports blog. And yes, I am a bitter Eagles fan.
If you’re reading this, that probably means you are among the 30+ million who actively participate in fantasy sports.
There was a time that admitting to being in a fantasy league was a taboo, like you had a third arm growing out of your forehead. But now you are more likely to feel peer pressure for NOT being in a league. How the worm has turned in ten years.
Of course you still have the talk radio hosts who snicker when a caller brings up fantasy sports and refuse to acknowledge its popularity.
Not taking phone calls on whether or not someone should start Warrick Dunn over Reggie Bush is understandable. If they accepted every call asking those type questions they would be overrun and couldn’t get to the hard hitting questions like ‘who’s the most famous person ever to wear a bowtie.’
But those who blindly repudiate anyone who admits to being a part of a fantasy league are dinosaurs. The bus has pulled out of the station and you didn’t get a ticket. Sorry, but it’s true.
I myself have been involved in fantasy sports for more than half my life. My first baseball draft was in 1990, when I was a pimply faced 16 year old. I purchased my first edition of the Official Rulebook of Rotisserie Baseball and convinced 3 of my friends to be a part. That’s right. A 4 person fantasy baseball league. (We were in high school, give me a break!)
And so, The Irish Creamers were born. And with the help of Von Hayes, Mike Pagliarulo, Atlee Hammaker and Hubie Brooks, the Creamers came in third place.
Now, it’s 2008 and the Creamers name lives on. Today, I’ve branched out, into football, basketball and hockey. I’ve won my share of championships and hopefully, this blog will help you to do the same. We’ll talk strategies, rankings, commissioner issues, everything related to fantasy sports.
But if there is one thing I want to stress to you, it’s that you must have fun while doing this. If you’re in a league and not enjoying yourself, what’s the point? Get out while you can and find a league you do like.
For those of you active in basketball and hockey, we’ll be talking over the next couple months. Both are great and the seasons are so long that you can always start a league at mid-season if you missed out early on.
If you aren’t into those two sports, no sweat. Baseball is right around the corner and I’ll be getting you ready starting ready in February.
You know why February is the shortest month? Because that’s the month to spend with your family between football and baseball.
Check back often. And have fun!
If you have questions or comments, you can reach me at garymacfantasygod@live.com
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
In Flanders Fields (1915) by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing,
fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset flow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Canadian poet John McCrae was a medical officer in World War I. A year into the war he published, on Dec. 9, 1915, the sole work by which he would be remembered. This poem commemorates the deaths of thousands of young men who died in Flanders during the grueling battles there. It created a great sensation. Legend has it that he was inspired by seeing the blood-red poppies blooming in the fields where many friends had died. In 1918, McCrae died at the age of 46. We reprint this in honor of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11. Please feel free to submit a commentary if you desire.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing,
fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset flow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Canadian poet John McCrae was a medical officer in World War I. A year into the war he published, on Dec. 9, 1915, the sole work by which he would be remembered. This poem commemorates the deaths of thousands of young men who died in Flanders during the grueling battles there. It created a great sensation. Legend has it that he was inspired by seeing the blood-red poppies blooming in the fields where many friends had died. In 1918, McCrae died at the age of 46. We reprint this in honor of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11. Please feel free to submit a commentary if you desire.
The Central Record reporters are hard at work on election stories for this Thursday's (Nov. 8) edition of the paper - so please make sure you check us out. In the meantime, here are some preliminary results: In Medford, the two GOP newcomers - Mary Ann O'Brien and Robert Martin - handily won seats on the township council, defeating Democratic newcomers Stephanie-Kassel-Doherty and Richard Vogt. In Shamong, Dems Laura King and Steven Bond were defeated by GOP incumbents Jonathan Shevelew and Christopher Norman for township committee seats. In Southampton, John Hicks and Robert Moore, both Republican incumbents, were uncontested in their pursuit of two seats on the township committee. Likewise, in Tabernacle, Noble McNaughton and Joseph Yates, both Republican incumbents, were unchallenged for their two seats on the township committee.
Check us out later in the day for updates - and be sure to read the Nov. 8 edition of The Central Record.
Enjoy this beautiful day-after-election day!
Susan Miller
Managing Editor
Check us out later in the day for updates - and be sure to read the Nov. 8 edition of The Central Record.
Enjoy this beautiful day-after-election day!
Susan Miller
Managing Editor
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Readers ...
The lawn chairs are already lined up along Main Street in Medford - it can only mean that the annual Medford-Vincentown Rotary Halloween Parade will be happening this Saturday night (10/27 at 7 p.m.) It's the 61st year for the parade, which features lots of floats and costumed kiddies.
There are actually all kinds of Halloween-related activities this year - more than ever if memory serves me. Mount Laurel is having a free Halloween Celebration and Parade at Laurel Acres Park on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 to Noon. It's sponsored by the Mount Laurel Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse, and apparently it's the first such event in the township.
The Springhouse development in Medford is having a costume party for dogs on Friday afternoon and the Gibson House is featuring a Haunted Halloween on Friday and Saturday night (at 7 p.m.)
And on Saturday, from 2 to 4 p.m., Shawnee High School will give out candy to trick or treaters - courtesy of the Medford police.
Let's hope the weather cooperates for the outdoor activities!
Susan Miller
Managing Editor
The lawn chairs are already lined up along Main Street in Medford - it can only mean that the annual Medford-Vincentown Rotary Halloween Parade will be happening this Saturday night (10/27 at 7 p.m.) It's the 61st year for the parade, which features lots of floats and costumed kiddies.
There are actually all kinds of Halloween-related activities this year - more than ever if memory serves me. Mount Laurel is having a free Halloween Celebration and Parade at Laurel Acres Park on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 to Noon. It's sponsored by the Mount Laurel Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse, and apparently it's the first such event in the township.
The Springhouse development in Medford is having a costume party for dogs on Friday afternoon and the Gibson House is featuring a Haunted Halloween on Friday and Saturday night (at 7 p.m.)
And on Saturday, from 2 to 4 p.m., Shawnee High School will give out candy to trick or treaters - courtesy of the Medford police.
Let's hope the weather cooperates for the outdoor activities!
Susan Miller
Managing Editor
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