Bin Laden Killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan on Sunday, May 1, 2011

President Obama made a phenomenal speech late last night on national TV stating that Bin Laden was killed yesterday by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan. At 3:30 PM EDT, a 40-man Navy SEAL squadron raided a 3,000 square foot compound that was "custom built to hide someone of significance" in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Four Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters dropped 24 U.S. Navy SEALs into the compound. After a 40-minute firefight Bin Laden was killed with a shot to the head. The compound was 100 yards from the gate of the Kakul Military Academy, an army-run institution where top Pakistani officers train, which is not hard to imagine. President Obama signed the Presidential Finding on Friday, April 29th authorizing the covert mission and said last night:

“…Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims, so his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity...”

For someone who was on the ground just south of the World Trade Center/Twin Towers on September 11th, I can’t say how happy I am that the bastard has been killed. We watched the Twin Towers as they were being built from our neighborhood in Brooklyn and this has given some form of closure to all who were affected that horrific day.

Special Thank You to my Friends for Invitation into their Fantasy Premier League and My New Red Bulls Jersey

I would like to offer a special thank you to my friends (you know who you are!) for purchasing my new Red Bull jersey. I was invited into their Fantasy Premier League 2010/11 this season, where you manage your own Fantasy team selected from players in the Barclays Premier League. The Premier League is to soccer what the NHL is to hockey. I have played fantasy sports for the past ten years (NFL, MLB, NBA) but this was my first foray into the Premier League. Absolute luck was on my side this season and I’m very fortunate to have won. The prize was a jersey of one’s choice and I chose the new 2011 away kit with #5 Tim Ream, second-year defender from the New York Red Bulls. Ream plays with the confidence of a veteran and I admire his composure and skill. Ream has been called up to the US Men’s National Team and I hope he’s there for many years to come. (I’m partial to defenders and my favorite NY Rangers jersey is #2, Hall of Fame defenseman Brian Leetch). I was considering a United jersey but felt Ream was the perfect fit now. Speaking of fit, I found a jersey that fit perfectly at the Bullshop in Red Bull Arena. Thanks also for the heads-up by two of the Viper’s Nest crew for their suggestions to peruse the Bullshop and info on pricing. The Viper’s Nest is an excellent blog for all things Red Bulls. They know their football inside-out and offer very lively posts. Big Viper shoots videos before, at half time and full time of all matches. Their soccer knowledge and dedication to RBNY is unmatched. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Red Bulls Shut Out Sporting KC 1-0 at Red Bull Arena Saturday

The New York Red Bulls shut out visiting Sporting Kansas City 1-0 last night at the Cathedral of Football, Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. On a beautiful evening my Wife and I ate a nice meal in the Ironbound Section of Newark before walking to the arena. The Red Bulls came in with a two-game winning streak and hopes were high for a third victory. In the 13th minute Dwayne De Rosario drew a foul in the penalty area that gave the Red Bulls a golden opportunity to take the early lead. Rafa Marquez, who took the penalty shot, tried to fake out the Sporting KC keeper Jimmy Nielsen but Nielsen dove to his left to make the stop. I was hoping for a blast to an upper-corner. Luke Rodgers started up top with Thierry Henry and scored the game winning goal in the 22nd minute, his third in the last three games. Defender Rafa Marquez, who was at midfield along the right side, flicked the ball to Dwayne De Rosario. DeRo crossed the ball from the right to Rodgers who was flying down the middle of the field towards the goal. Rodgers buried the ball into the back of the net and is quickly becoming a fan favorite at Red Bull Arena. Earlier in the game I told my Wife that I'd like to see #11 get more involved and sure enough DeRo did with a terrific assist. In the 32nd minute Rodgers charged the net looking to score his 2nd goal of the game off a rebound but instead missed and hit the Sporting KC goalkeeper with his foot after jumping over him. He drew a yellow card much to the displeasure of the home crowd. The Red Bull faithful let the keeper know how they felt each time he touched the ball the rest of the match. My Wife said the keeper was flat on his face, in pain, unable to move, until the yellow card came out. I thought a hockey fight would break out after the play. The Red Bulls could not capitalize on their other scoring chances in the 1st half but I'm very happy with the win. Rodgers was subbed off for Juan Agudelo to start the 2nd half. Red Bull defenders Tim Ream and Marquez had strong games as well as keeper Bouna “Bouna Time” Coundoul. The Red Bulls sit atop the Eastern Conference with 14 points, 4-1-2.

Going to Red Bull Arena as Red Bulls Host Sporting Kansas City Saturday

The New York Red Bulls will play Sporting Kansas City Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. My Wife and I are looking forward to dinner in the Ironbound Section of Newark tomorrow before walking over the Jackson Street Bridge to the game. The Red Bulls are on a roll, scoring a total of 7 goals in their last two games. Sporting KC is coming off two straight losses and tomorrow hopes to be their third. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Rangers and Knicks Combined 1-and-8 in 2011 Playoffs – Thoughts Later

Both major teams playing in Madison Square Garden saw the Playoffs together for the first time in 17 years but combined for a 1-and-8 record unfortunately. I will post more thoughts on the New York Rangers and Knicks later today.

Rangers Host Capitals in Game 4 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at The Garden in What Promises to be a Barnburner Tonight

The New York Rangers host the Washington Capitals and hated forward Alex Ovechkin in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Playoff Series. I wish I was going but will be resigned to watching at home. The Rangers have played Washington very well and have proven they belong in the Playoffs. Each game has been tight and it could have very well been Rangers up 2-1 in the Series. The Blueshirts are going with Sean Avery and Matt Gilroy again as Mats Zuccarello was assigned to the Connecticut Whale on Monday. The Rangers will undoubtedly be ready for tonights game and The Garden faithful will be just as ready. The Capitals’ head coach Bruce Boudreau had this baloney to say:

"Well, the one thing, its reputation is far better than the actual building. I mean, it's nothing. The locker rooms are horrible. The benches are horrible. There's no room for anything. But the reputation of being in Madison Square Garden is what makes it famous. Also, our building's a lot louder, too. So I mean, they can say what they want, but it's not that loud in there."

What a dope. That is an out and out lie. Two truths that Bruce failed to mention are that hockey was a non-issue in Washington prior to the arrival of Alex Ovechkin and that Bruce’s job may hinge on him winning this series. If Bruce somehow keeps his job it will be easier for him to kiss Ovie’s ass after the Transformation Project at The Garden is completed. Boudreau will have all the room he needs. The head coach continues to whine, alleging Rangers’ forward Brian Boyle is hitting Capitals’ defenseman Mike Green in the head. The bigmouth continues to whine to the officials at every possible minute. While at the game last Sunday Bruce whined to the refs during TV timeouts as well as his star players. I hope the refs are smart enough to call the game fairly and to not let Ovie and Green get away with their antics. This promises to be a great game. LET’S GO RANGERS!

Good Weekend for Sports as Rangers and Red Bulls Both Won – More Tomorrow

The New York Red Bulls shut out the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 Saturday night at Red Bull Arena. To top things off the New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series at The Garden Sunday afternoon. I had the pleasure of being there for both wins and will post more on each game tomorrow.

Going to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals as Rangers Host Capitals at 3:00 PM

My Wife and I are going to Madison Square Garden shortly to root on the Rangers vs. the Capitals and hated sniper Alex Ovechkin. This will be my Wife’s first Ranger Playoff game at The Garden. The Blueshirts are down 2 games to none and today is obviously a must-win game. The Rangers played much better overall in Game 2 Friday night compared to Game 1 on Wednesday as they got their forecheck and offensive pressure going. One of Washington’s goals in Fridays loss was on a Capitals’ power play where a very lucky bounce landed on Jason Arnott’s stick. The roughing penalty called on defenseman Ryan McDonagh was a complete joke as both teams were taking liberties after the whistle earlier in the game. The Capital player also fell down like a bag of flour by the way. More importantly today the Rangers must remain disciplined, stay out of the penalty box, forecheck, continue to have excellent defense and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist must stand on his head. If they can do that they will win! LET’S GO RANGERS!

We Went to the Mets' Doubleheader Thursday to Get Minds Off of Rangers' Loss and Left More Disappointed

I had the bright idea to purchase two good seats for the New York Mets' doubleheader Thursday vs. the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field so my Wife and I could enjoy a beautiful day at the ball park. The thought was to take our minds off of the very tough 2-1 overtime Ranger loss at the hands of the Washington Capitals the night before. We had great seats in section 318 right in front of the WFAN-AM broadcast booth behind home plate. Unfortunately the Mets dropped both games, 6-5 and 9-4 and we felt worse! I met Wayne Hagin from the WFAN-AM broadcast team in the hallway between innings of Game 2 and we chatted about the very poor defense exhibited by Mets' outfield. All three players simply made poor plays in both games. The Rockies' shortstop Troy Tulowitzki simply blew away the Mets' pitching and Mets' first baseman Ike Davis struck out four times. It was very tough to watch but I for one do not boo my teams. I root for them to defeat the opposition. I will honestly assess the play but do not join the boo birds. All I can say is LET'S GO METS!

Going to Citi Field for Mets' Old-Time Doubleheader Today at 12:10 PM

My Wife and I are going to Citi Field today for the New York Mets’ doubleheader scheduled to begin at 12:10 PM. This is an old-time doubleheader versus the usual day game, clear out the stadium followed by a night game with separate admission policy that Major League Baseball follows these days. This is our first trip to Citi Field this season. LET’S GO METS!

Rangers Lost 2-1 in Overtime Heartbreaker to Capitals in Game 1, Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Wednesday – More Later Today

The New York Rangers lost last night in an overtime heartbreaker 2-1 to the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. I will post more on the game later today. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist played very well last night had this to say:

“It was a pretty tight game I think. We battled the whole night ... We just have to have a short memory and move on and be ready for the next one. Overall, I think we played a pretty good game."

REALLY Back On Track with My Blog

After even more days away from my Blog I’m really back on track with postings beginning today. Just a heartbreaking loss last night for the New York Rangers and the New York Mets cannot come up with the big hit to win games lately.

I’d Like to Wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to One and All!

I’d like to wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all. Just to get you in the spirit here are a few songs from the Dropkick Murphys and the Wolfe Tones. I remember the Wolfe Tones playing in my backyard 40 years ago! I kicked my Gaelic football around the yard with Derek Warfield. When they would play in Brooklyn they’d call my house looking for my Dad so they could come over and hang out for a few hours to get “tuned up” for the concert. One year my Brother was playing the Wolfe Tones on his boombox and one of the members of the band called on the phone, looking for my Dad! My Wife and I are looking forward to the parade tomorrow in NYC. I can’t wait to see my Dad’s old band, the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums and my high school band as well.

With Eleven Games Remaining the Rangers 2011 Playoff Hopes Still Alive

The New York Rangers’ Playoff hopes are still alive as they are locked in at 7th place in the Eastern Conference with 78 points. The Buffalo Sabres are only two points behind with one game in hand. The Rangers need to make the most of their remaining 11 games beginning this Friday as they welcome the Montreal Canadiens into Madison Square Garden. The Blueshirts have won four of their last five games and will hopefully continue their winning ways. Goaltender Chad Johnson is up with the club from their AHL affiliate Connecticut Whale but Henrik Lundqvist will most likely be the goalie down the stretch.

Lawrence Taylor Hall of Shame Inductee #10 with Shame-O-Meter Rating of 10

New York Giants NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor is the tenth inductee into my Hall of Shame with a Shame-O-Meter Rating of 10. In May 2010 Taylor was arrested for raping a 16-year-old girl at a Holiday Inn located in Rockland County, NY. Taylor’s storied past is well documented for his tremendous play both on the field along with his alcohol & drug use off. LT was the best football player I ever saw. Offensive coordinators would change the entire game plan in an attempt to slow down #56 as he couldn’t be stopped. Unfortunately his hard life off the field caught up with him and there is no excuse for his horrific behavior. Per Ramapo Police, Taylor paid the girl $300 for sex. The teenager sent a text message to her uncle who contacted the NYPD. The NYPD contacted the Ramapo PD who then woke up Taylor and arrested him early in the morning. The teenager was reported missing in March 2010. In January 2011 Taylor pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and was sentenced to six years’ probation with sex-offender status per the Rockland County, NY District Attorney’s office.

"She told me she was 19," Taylor said in court.

Going to Garden as Rangers Host Sabres Tonight

My Wife and I are looking forward to dinner tonight in the Village then walking to Madison Square Garden as the New York Rangers host the Buffalo Sabres. The Rangers are in 7th place of the Eastern Conference, only 5 points ahead of 9th place Buffalo. Versus will air the game on TV tonight. LET’S GO RANGERS!

Jets Released Gholston, Jenkins (The Human Truck), Taylor and Woody Monday

The New York Jets Released Vernon Gholston, Kris Jenkins (The Human Truck), Jason Taylor and Damien Woody. The Jets needed to make roster moves and releasing these players saves them $10 Million next season. I loved Jenkins and Woody but the only player I can see coming back is Woody. Unfortunately sitting in the New Meadowlands Stadium for the home opener and not seeing The Human Truck get up after the sixth play of the game meant the end of his great career.

Get Your New Authentic Mets Bating Practice Jersey but don’t Personalize with #1 or #46

The Mets have a new Authentic Batting Practice Jersey that is a lot cheaper than the regular uniform jersey. This jersey has buttons in the front as well this season. I cannot find myself personalizing it with #1 or #46. I can only hope that Oliver Perez doesn’t make the trip north with the club and Luis Castillo earns his roster spot.

Going to Prudential Center as Hated Devils Host Rangers Tonight

My Wife, Nieces and I are looking forward to dinner tonight in Newark’s Ironbound District before walking to the Rock as the New Jersey Devils host their rivals the New York Rangers.

REALLY Back On Track with My Blog

After even more days away from my Blog I’m really back on track with postings beginning today.

Going to Madison Square Garden as Rangers Host Hated Devils Tonight

My friend and I are looking forward to going to The Garden tonight as the New York Rangers host the hated New Jersey Devils. I highly doubt Marty will be in goal for New Jersey. The Blueshirts will welcome back Vinny Prospal as three other Rangers returned from injuries last Tuesday.

Going to The Garden as Rangers Host Panthers

My Wife, cousins and friend are meeting for dinner then heading to The Garden as the New York Rangers host the Florida Panthers tonight. The Blueshirts are playing great hockey with so many starters hurt. We’re sitting near the bench and it promises to be a great night.

AFC Championship Game Posting Later

I will post on the AFC Championship Game shortly. I think I’ve almost over the shocking performance in the first half.

Sanchez and Jets Will Show Up Tonight to Earn Victory Over Steelers in AFC Championship Game

The New York Jets and in particular Mark Sanchez will show up tonight to continue to silence the critics. Gang Green must do more than a few things to come out victors and earn their way to the Super Bowl:

• Quarterback Mark Sanchez needs to be perfect: no interceptions, 60% minimum completion percentage with a quarterback rating of 90 or better – get the ball to tight end Dustin Keller and roll out of the pocket to avoid sacks – he was excellent last week
• Jets needs big games from ex-Steeler Santonio Holmes and punter Steve Weatherford
• Cannot turn the ball over and cannot commit penalties
• Must control the clock with long drives that result in points with no three and outs avoiding 3rd and long
• Defensive backs must limit yards after the catch by Pittsburgh’s tight end Heath Miller plus wide receivers Hines Ward and Mike Wallace
• Hopefully the officials will throw flags on the extremely dirty play by Hines Ward, one of the dirtiest players in the entire NFL – Ward blocks in the back and cheapshots on a regular basis – if you don’t believe me just watch him do it tonight
• The other very dirty player in Pittsburgh is right tackle Flozell Adams – just keep an eye on #71
• Jason Taylor needs to be present and play well – it would be a great time to see the old Taylor make a come back
• Defense cannot give up the big play downfield – Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is listed at 6’5”, 241 pounds but looks heavier than that – defensive backs bounce off him – Big Ben plays schoolyard football, scrambling to avoid the pass rush from the left side – cannot give up big plays and must strip the ball
• Defense must give different looks and try to keep him off balance – play different defensive backs on their tight ends and change coverage as the game progresses

Now, that’s quit a list but it’s doable. I hope the Jets show up today and play their best. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!