Top ten list of sports teams that are defunct or have moved

Greetings, readers. As promised, here is a top ten list of sports teams that have gone or that have moved. Doing my research, I learned just how valuable Rebecca was to me. Research takes time! 😦 So, as usual, here’s the list in no particular order. Enjoy! 

1. Philadelphia/Kansas City/Oakland Athletics [The Athletics started in Philly, moved to K.C. for a few years, then on to Oakland. Now, in a year or so, it will the Las Vegas Athletics.] 

2. Orlando Renegades [In the final season of the first version of the United States Football League in the 1980s, the Washington Federals and my Pittsburgh Maulers folded and merged to become the Renegades.] 

3. Pittsburgh Maulers [The original Maulers were a one-and-done team in the USFL that finished 3-15 in 1984.] 

4. Washington Senators [There were two Major League Baseball incarnations of this team. The first Senators team moved to Minneapolis to become the Minnesota Twins. The second became the Texas Rangers in 1972.] 

5. Orlando Thunder [A World League of American Football team with neon green uniforms and a super cool helmet logo!] 

6. Miami Seahawks – Now the Colts! [Okay, now I learned something today. I did not know that my beloved Baltimore Colts began as the Miami Seahawks for one season, 1946.] 

7. London Monarchs [Another cool team from the WLAF. Super cool logo and the folks in London loved them.] 

8. Pittsburgh Condors [A team in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1970-1972.] 

9. Houston Oilers [ An American Football League (AFL)/NFL franchise that was in Houston from 1960 until 1987. They became the Tennesse Oilers and then the Titans. I wished they’d never moved. The battles between the Oilers and my Steelers were epic classics.] 

10. San Antonio Gunslingers [A USFL team which played two seasons compiling a win-loss record of 12-24. The league folded before the 1986 season. 

There you have it. Now to put category, tags etc. Until Wednesday, take care, love one another, take care of your pets, do an act of kindness, and as always, happy reading 

Time and place

Greetings, readers. If you could go back to any time or place in your life and make 1 change, what would it be? Would you not marry your spouse? Perhaps, not to buy that used car that every one of your friends said was the wrong choice? Would you take job A over job B? As I wrote many years ago, life does not have a reset button. Here are a few of my…, well…, not-so-great choices. Then, I shall choose the 1. 

First off, I had young lady friend in 11th. grade. I shan’t mention her name. She was very pretty, was bright and beat my sorry butt at pool every game. We weren’t the most romantic couple you’ve ever seen, but I was hung up on another girl I had zero chance to win the affections of. If I had put all my attention towards my pool playing girl, our relationship might have blossomed, and developed into a lasting relationship. An opportunity misused. 

Next, my junior college girlfriend, Paula. I so loved her. She was very shy and not extremely outgoing. She had her few friends, one being her twin sister, Jean. We were pre-engaged. What does that mean? Well, she liked the idea of getting engaged, but I was old-fashioned. I was going to ask her father for her hand. But, before it got that far…, one night…, I got scared and called it off. If I live to be 110, I will never forget the hurt look on that girl’s face. I completely misread shyness for lack of enthusiasm. And no, even though I begged to be taken back, Paula refused. 

Finally, around 1987, I dropped out of Penn State. My nerves couldn’t take it. I was a wreck. Back then, I didn’t know just how bad my cerebral palsy was. And, just by chance, I later discovered that I am slightly dyslexic. Oh boy, does that explain a lot of things! If I had toughed it out though, perhaps I’d have graduated and gotten a career going. Instead, I work at a cafe. Don’t get me wrong now, I love my job, co-workers and regular customers. The old expression, “what could have been” is always fluttering around in my mind. 

So…, which one? Well, I have to say that my junior college girlfriend wins out. Paula and I could have taken it slow, got married, had a baby or two and ridden off into the sunset. Perhaps not. We might have been married for 6 years, gotten a horrible divorce, fought over the house, car and kids…, STOP! Ooff, madness! But I’ll never know because I got scared.

What is the time and place moment you might do over? Let us know. Until Monday, take care, have a great weekend, love one another, give your pet a hug, and as always, happy reading. 

I didn’t forget. I promise!

Greetings, readers. Guess who had absolutely no energy yesterday? That’s right, me! I sat down on my couch to watch an old baseball game on YouTube and fell asleep straight away. [OH BOY, DID I JUST GO BRITISH ON YOU ALL THERE!] Anyway, I was watching game 2 of the 1977 World Series between the L.A. Dodgers and the New York Yankees. 😉 

On days off from the Good Day Cafe, sometimes I go into shutdown mode. I don’t do much, and I certainly don’t go out if I can help it. Yesterday was one such day. I think everybody needs a ‘shutdown’ day every so often. 🙂 

Back to baseball for a moment. I love watching old, or what is called classic sports on YouTube. My two favorites are old football and baseball games from the 1970s. It was a more civilized time, and I think athletes were better role models for children. Leave a comment if you agree with me. 

Well, the Yankees won game 1, while the Dodgers took game 2. Both games were played at Yankee Stadium. Howard Cosell, Keith Jackson and Tom Seaver were the announcers. I’ll watch game three either tonight or tomorrow. Even though I know who won the series, it’s still fun to watch the old players, managers and even some umpires. 

Well, time to categorize, tag and publish this little guy. So, until tomorrow, have a great day, take care, love one another, and as always, happy reading! 

Sounding like Darth Vader and other goings on

Greetings, readers. Yes, it is the winter cold and flu season. On Saturday, I had a problem with my eyes and sinuses. Today, after I woke up from my nap, I am having some difficulty breathing. It’s not serious, but I’m wheezing, and sound like Darth Vaver’s breathing apparatus. I just hope it’s not bronchitis. 😦 

I need to get healthy and stay healthy. I can’t afford to miss another day of work. I’m only a ‘very part-time’ employee, and every day of pay counts. If I can get a good night’s sleep tonight, I should be okay tomorrow. 🙂 

On to the other topic of the day; viewing more fan fiction films on YouTube. I’ve been viewing mostly Star Wars, but some Star Trek. Can you tell that I’m a science fiction buff? Some of the productions are very low budget and it looks and sounds like it. However…, some are so well produced and acted, that Lucasfilm snuck one out on us without us hearing about it. 😉 

Though blog posts will be up on Wednesday and Friday this week, I already have next Monday’s topic. It’s way past time to resurrect the top ten list entries. So, next Monday, that’s what we’ll have. Until Wednesday though, have a great two days, take care, love one another, and as always, happy reading. 

Big creative juices are flowing!

Greetings, readers. Yes, my mind has been going over many ideas for writing projects recenty. I have been watching fan fiction made Star Trek YouTube videos. Most are so well written and acted, that you’d swear they were made by the creators of Star Trek. Hence, the slight problem; most are too well done and the powers that be are claiming copywrite infringement or something of the like. Now, there are a zillion rules to follow for Star Trek YouTube videos or any such production, such as length. I believe that a video cannot be longer than 20 or 30 minutes. 

With Star Trek: Picard just ending, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds still being produced, time must pass for yet another series to be accepted. Again, my timing is lousy. What I really want to do is come up with my own characters, ship name and stories for a Star Trek fan fiction site. That would be awesome! 😀 

Here’s my delemma. I work at the Good Day Cafe three days a week, mostly resting my feet and hips on the other days. The old brain just does not want to be creative at ‘body resting’ times. Perhaps, as I do go to bed quite early now, writing when I first get up might be an answer. I could have some coffee and write between 5 and 8AM. That would still afford me 90 minutes to relax and have breakfast before I’d have to go to work. Hmm, there is a plan! 😉 

Before I go today, let me take a moment and give thanks. Most of my long-time readers will know that I have a mild case of CP [Cerebral Palsy]. However, I can walk, talk, work and more-or-less enjoy life doing most of the things I love doing. I do have limitations, and I know what they are. One my good days, I almost forget the disability. When I must use a cane or my walker, it of course is much more evident to me. Readers, live life to your fullest! 

Until Monday, have a fantastic weekend, stay safe, do an act of kindness, take good care, and as always, happy reading. 

My stress level is very high right now

Greetings, readers. Today I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. How does one handle the double-edged sword of being on SSID [Social Security Disability], and wanting to work? One the one hand, I love my job at the Good Day Cafe register, but I could get a lot more monthly income staying at home. All the factors shall be explained below. 

First, I just received a pay raise at the beginning of the year. I must calculate how much money per week for 3 vs 4 hours per day, then calculate how much I would earn in 2 vs 3 days per week. It’s a mess. I was doing just fine until my HUD rent payment almost tripled last November. Now, I am barely getting by each month. 

Second, I want to get food stamps, but I believe I must know my exact monthly income…, which might change, depending on whether I drop down to only working 2 days a week. Are you folks beginning to see why my stress is about 85% I need to get a handle on all my finances [bills, credit card, etc.], or my brain or heart will go splat! 

Third, if I quit my job, I would have the full monthly allotment of governmental help, but I do love my job. I don’t want to give it up. I would welcome the opportunity to write more stories or fan fiction submissions though. One friend will say, “Do this.” Another friend would say, “Do that.” Ok, readers. I’m going to say it. Here goes…, “I WANT MY MOMMY!!!!” 

Until Friday, take care, love one another, hug your pets, do an act of kindness, and as always. happy reading 

Now we have our cold weather!

Greetings, readers. A happy Monday to you all. Last night, the heater stayed on, and I was snug under the comforter, for the overnight low temperature was 9°F! Brr!!! Oh, so on Christmas day, we have 51 degrees, and now, I feel as if I’m a member of an expedition in Antarctica.  

As I type the blog today, I am listening to the 1979 Star Trek: The Motion Picture soundtrack. I love writing whilst listening to symphonic music. Usually, music from Star Trek or Star Wars will do. Sometimes though, I’m thinking of pop, only Mozart is my choice.

It’s a cafe day tomorrow. With more snow overnight, possibly 3 to 4 inches, I’ll be leaving early tomorrow. Money is tight right now, and the prices of Uber’s will be jacked up. I can’t wait for payday this Friday. Oh, that right, my conscience just reminded me, “Joseph, you have bills which need paid.” Oh heck, now how could I have forgotten that? 

Now for an update on Princess Josie’s health. I might not have put this in my blog entries, but my Facebook friends know. Josie has been troubled by a urinary tract infection. The ER vet gave her an antibiotic shot with pills to take home. I cannot for the life of me get her to eat that one pill. One day, she swallows it with a mound of treats. The next day…, no such luck. I even tried forcing it into her mouth. You talk about a tight-lipped cat. No dice! I think she’s on the mend, but never experiencing this before with either Josie or KeeKee, your guess is as good as mine. 

Well, I wish all of you a good evening, a wonderful day tomorrow and a productive week ahead. Until Wednesday, take care, love one another, give your pet an extra hug, and as always, happy reading. 

Never forget January 13th., 1982

Greetings, readers. On this fateful day, 42 years ago, Air Florida’s Palm 90 took off from Washington, D.C.’s National Airport [now Ronald Reagan National Airport], in a blinding snowstorm and crashed about 1 and a half minutes later into the 14th. street bridge and on into the Potomac River. Here is the original entry from 2012. [Entry in bold] 

January 13th., 1982, a terrible air tragedy took place. Air Florida’s flight 90 took off from Washington D.C.’s National Airport at 4:01 pm. It stayed airborne for less than 30 seconds. It hit cars on a bridge, killing four people, before plunging into the Potomac River. Of the 79 passengers and crew on the plane, 74 died. I thought about this much over the years, and it has weighed heavily on my mind. Several very simple things happened and if any one of them had not occurred the crash might not have taken place. 

All but 5 persons died. What follows is the blog entry I wrote 12 years or so about the incident. It shall be in bold to differentiate this entry. 

The D.C. area was in the grip of a blizzard that day, over a foot of snow was on the ground and the airport was closed most of the morning into the mid-afternoon. Once the runways were cleared, planes began taking off again. Palm 90, as it was called in the tower, was to be de-iced, pushed back, and lined up waiting for its turn to take off. 

I have seen a TV movie, called Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac, and documentaries, including Discovery Health channel’s Critical Rescue: “Heroes on the Potomac,” about this event and they all concur that three things contributed to the disaster. First, when the plane could not push back easily, the captain applied reverse thrust to aid the tug tow tractor, as it is called, in the push back. Secondly, the wings did not appear properly de-iced, so when the plane was sitting in line for take-off, extra snow was piling on top of snow and ice that was already there. Lastly, and most importantly, the engine’s anti-ice systems were not engaged. 

When I learned of this, it infuriated me. I thought to myself, how can a pilot and co-pilot be sitting in a blizzard and not activate the systems that would keep the plane free of freezing precipitation. Since they were a Florida based airline, however, I suppose I can understand them being used to not using the anti-ice system. 

When the jet crashed into the 14th Street Bridge and plunged into the Potomac River, it didn’t take long for heroes to emerge. Two gentlemen helped rescue the few survivors that were huddled in the freezing water. They were Lenny Skutnik and Roger Olian. Tragedies sometimes tend to bring out the best in people. They might wonder if they have the right stuff. When the time came, both men jumped into the frigid river and did their part in the rescue effort. 

Two more heroes were Gene Windsor and Don Usher who performed the daring helicopter rescue. But the biggest hero of all was a man named Arland Williams, who was so tangled in the wreckage and knew he could not escape, that he kept passing the rope to other survivors so that they would have their chance to be rescued first. He made the ultimate sacrifice. To me it is fitting that the 14th Street Bridge was re-named the Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge years later. 

For family members of people who died in automobiles on the bridge, and passengers and crew in the plane, my heart goes out to you. It was a tragedy that did not have to happen in my opinion, but it did. I’m certain that the FAA learned something from the accident and has taken steps to prevent bad weather crashes from happening in the future. 

It still gets me to this very day. Let me know in the comments if you can think of other very avoidable airplane crashes. Most are if one of the chain of events doesn’t happen, but Palm 90 just grabs me and screams, “Stupidity!” 

Until Monday, dear readers, take care, enjoy your weekend, love one another, and as always, happy reading. 

Cat at the vet ER day

Greetings, readers. Well, this is not how I envisioned my day off from work. I am at the vet ER because Josie, my kitty cat, has ‘going’ issues. Poor baby. I think she has a UTI. 

I am typing this first draft on something called Notepad. I’m going to have to fix this, edit it and spruce it up later today. I don’t mind telling you nice folks…, I’m worried for Josie. 

The original blog topic will be put off until tomorrow. I’m too worried about my little four-legged child. Yes folks, Josie is my little girl, and daddy spoils her rotten. I don’t think that people with children quite feel the same way about their pets. Perhaps they do. Prayers, please for Josie. 

So sorry that this entry is so short, but it’s been a doozy of a day. As I mentioned, I shall post a special blog post tomorrow. You’ll know why when you read it. Until tomorrow, take care, rest up, love your pets and as always, happy reading. 

Tribute to a friend, brother and long-time BSC camper, Bobby S.

[As per the family’s request, last name withheld for privacy reasons] Greetings, readers. This is a tough one for me. When I got the news from Bobby’s sister that he had passed away, I literally had to sit down and I cried. I had known Bear Spring Camps regular, Bobby S. since I was a little boy. His whole family is dear to me and now that’s three of the clan who has gone to that big cabin in the sky. 

I know that I call a lot of non-family members family, but it is how I feel. Dave Trost is my brother, Cy Greco was my uncle and Bobby, and his family were and are my family. That’s all there is to it. 

Bobby did not go to camp every year. When he was in his teens, jobs etc. took up his time. Every so often though, when the family would enter the office or when they appeared at mom’s cabin to say hello, if Bobby was among them, I’d jump up and give him a huge hug. He looked like his dad and sounded like his mom. 

With me now 58 and a half years old, his passing has made me think about my own mortality. Nobody lives forever, even though I wish I could sometimes. Life for the most part is fun. I’ve always made it a general rule to be a big kid in a man’s body. One day though, all of us campers will join him and the other dearly departed BSCers in the eternal camp in heaven. 

Bobby, my man, I love you, I’m going to miss you, and in about 20 years or so, oh boy are we all going to have one hell of a porch party! Until then, my man…….. 

Until Friday, take good care, love each other, give a family member a hug, and as always, happy reading.