Robs Networking News and Notes

Robs Networkers and Welcome2URTeam

2005-06-28

Maybe I'm offtopic but I'll get there eventually

Well, sports fans, we may have come full circle here. Wasn't sure

what I was going to write tonite but an event today as me thinking

along other line. We were cleaning up our basement today and

my son came downstairs to see what we were doing. I have warned

him many times to make sure he wears shoes going down there

since the carpeting is not there anymore but the tack strips still

are. Well, the little guy stepped on one and it didn't seem to

bad in the beginning. He thought something was stuck to his

foot and I saw him peeling it. It was his skin! By the time we got

him upstairs, there was a trail of blood. Foot cuts have that tendency.

Your own kids blood all over your clothes somehow makes you

think a little deeper.

To make a long ER visit short I'm happy to report no tetnus shot was

required; and no stitches. He is proud of his "ace bandage badge of

honor"; and even had us sign it as one would a cast. He is a brave

little guy; and I love you Jake.......just need to tell you more often

buddy!

Jake loves sports, and just finished his coach pitch baseball season.

Sometimes days like today make us come closer to what is really

most important. Even in the world of sports. Forget the steriod

abusing big leaguers.....try a little B.P. with a 7 year old sometime;

does wonders for your jaded side. I think some of the kids we

saw at the hospital today also made us feel our problems (cuts)

are insignificant compared to what some go thru on a daily basis.

Maybe the fact that your home team lost today isn't really THAT

important, is it?

Rob

P.S.  Did anyone catch the full circle reference? What did I mean by

that?

2005-06-21

Hockey for Randy

Well, Hockey has never been one of my most favorite sports;

but I shall take a stab at this. Randy, you ask, we deliver!

So, other than in grade school gym and goofing around in the

backyard this is one of the few sports I have only viewed from

a distance. Even though it is certainly cold enough from time

to time here in the 'burgh; most eyes are on the Steelers in this

town. Well, up until a guy named Mario came into town in 1983.

As the #1 draft pick of a struggling franchise; I don't think anyone

had an idea how good Mario "Le Magnifique " Lemeuix would be.

Probably the best ever; but I know I'll get some good arguments

on that.   :)   Mario led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups and

turned Pittsbugh into a Hockey town for about two decades.

Now, with the lockout and an aged Mario; interest is waning. A

outside group has purchased the team and if a new arena is not

built then the team may leave town. Do you think lawmakers

should facilitate sports franchises to keep them in town? Or

do owners like Steinbrenner (Yankees - Baseball) have the right

idea in pulling stadium construction funds from their own pocket.

Please weigh in on this so the topic becomes hot and maybe

our discussion will even be picked up nationally.  Would be cool,

huh?

Rob

P.S.  What do you guys want for next week?

2005-06-14

Tennis Anyone?

This one's for Gina.....

Well, my best recollections of Tennis come from the halcyon

days when Borg played Mac and Chrissy played Martina.

I would play my friend Pat on Hot Summer nights under the

lights. We would go to a close by town, pop a few quarters in

the timer. and have at it! My first serve was good but I had

a lollypop second serve; which was victimized time and again.

I lost more than I won (same for my Golf story with Pat); but

the lesson here is that it is only thru losing that winning becomes

possible. So thanks for the lessons Pat!   ;)

On the Pro front; my best memory is of the Billy Riggs/Billie Jean

King match in I believe 1975. A spry Billie beat an aged Billy; but

the point here was that women had indeed arrived in sports and

their contributions have been mighty. So let's get the discussion

going on this historic match. What do you guys think?

Rob

P.S.  Next Week, Hockey for Randy

2005-06-12

What's Next?

Thinking baseball thru the summer but if there is feedback one

way or the other I shall possibly be swayed. Post your comments

to weigh in. Tuesday's are full post days.

Rob

2005-06-07

The Iceman Commeth

The year is 1979 and one of the popular songs on the radio is

Kenny Loggins    "This is it!". You remember that one........

"For once in your life, here's your miracle, stand up and fight!"

Well, my miracle was to be the big 6th Grade Basketball Game

versus St. Mary's. They were a powerful JV Team; and it looked

grim, especially since I was starting that day. No powerhouse

here from yours truly, just a overachiever with the 'against all

odds" mentality always front and forward. (Apologies to the song

and movie.)

So, before the game I figure I'll watch a little of the big St. Joe's/

DePaul NCAA Men's Basketball looking for an upset. Depaul was

#1 at the time and I believe Mark Agguire was one of their top

players. St. Joe's was an Eastern Eight small team with big

dreams that day. Well, to avoid the blow by blow and get to the

bottom line; biggest upset ever in NCAA History.........St. Joe's

wins! Hey, I'm starting to believe!

So, let's go Iceman. (You'll see where I'm going with that later.)

As for my game, it was pretty boring and low scoring. 20 - 19

we were down with 20 seconds to go. Coach says, "What ever

you do, please don't shoot Rob. Pass it, got it?" "Yes Sir", I

replied. It as like the darn scene from Hoosiers.

(Except in Reverse)

So, 10 seconds to go and the ball

is advancing down the court. A ball off the shoe

has it in my possession.......and here's coach again as I pull

up a 30 footer......"No, No, No, No, Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"

A banker, from 30 feet. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, that was like ice man, a teammate replies............Enter,

The Iceman (respect to George Gervin).

More on hoops later...

Rob

2005-06-05

Remembering Roberto

We'll stay in the wayback machine and set it for NewYear's eve

1971 I believe it was. Mr. Clemente, or Roberto  as he liked

to be called, was making a Humanitarian Visit to Latin America

when his plane crashed and we lost arguably the greatest right

fielder that every played. Not just the city of Pittsburgh, but the

world in general. As a little tike I was so inspired by the "stick and

stone" story of his youth (how he played ball early on)...I put

away the new wiffle set I was given earlier in the week and

sought out the nicest stick and stone I could find. The rest is

not baseball history but you may find my baseball journey

interesting. As for Roberto, we still miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO GETTEM BUCS!

Rob

2005-06-03

An Immaculate Moment

********Football*************

Today, let's go back to 1972. I am 4 years old and am in a new

place. Had to go to Grandma's house because Dad just can't

hack the family stuff anymore. (And don't think the stitches had

anything to do with it....  ;)

Grandpap is a big football fan and since we happen to be in the

outskirts of Pittsburgh, naturally we are Steelers fans. Grandpap

is a father figure for sure; and I guy to look up to.....a man's man.

Well, after 40 long suffering years the Steelers are in the Playoff's

and we are playing the Oakland Raiders. It's looks pretty bleak with

about 20 seconds to go at our own 35. Suddenly, as a small boy I

begin paying attention to what I think was my first remembered

football play. Here's the call...

"Bradshaw's back to pass.....hurles it downfield....there's a

collision..........................it's caught out of the air..................

Franco's got it................he's at the 35, 25, 10, 5,    SCORE!!!!!!!!

I think Grandpap hollered so loud the channel changed.....

(probably moved the roof antenna....   :)

It's called the Immaculate Reception, and it sure was, and for the

small boy, it was a nice welcome to Football, NFL Style.  The

company was not to shabby either.

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