This was inspired by Thanksgiving. Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day. Always appreciate what you got.

“Untitled”
by Derek Felix AKA D Flex

You walk outside with a huge smile
Knowing that it’s all worthwhile
Nothing can get ya on this wonderful day
With the bright sun and wind begging you to stay

There’s just something special over here
You take a deep breath smelling the fresh air
As you look up and admire that blue sky
Sprinkled with puffy whites that make you go my oh my

You’ve been in this place plenty of times before
But on this afternoon it’s significance seems even more
With family and friends you have so much to appreciate
And this picturesque day just seems like eternal fate

The chilly breeze makes it feel even better
Making for the perfect kind of late November weather
On a special day where we get together to pay our dues
It’s important to remember who sacrificed for the red, white and blue

Without those brave souls who came way before our time
We wouldn’t be around enjoying our freedom or fine wine
They were the ones who gave their hearts and souls
So that our country could move forward shining a pot of gold

It’s that kind of fighting spirit that shall remain alive
As we pursue our dreams looking to accomplish and strive
Even when it gets a little bit more challenging these days
Just remember how much harder it was for them in yesterdays

It’s days like this which make me feel so good
With so much out there to be had as we enjoy our food
Sharing amongst loved ones laughter and fun stories
That make the time shared worth all the glory

I say be positive, giggle, laugh making the very best
When life takes a u-turn giving us a stiff test
Never give up the struggle, battle or fight
Now stand up with pride and keep on shining bright

PARK SLOPE, BK- The game intensified in the final quarter with Evangel Christian charging hard to even take the lead after the Varsity host Berkeley Carroll had led by seven. But now, it was a feisty road opponent with clear momentum looking to comeback and steal one.

Only Giancarlo Hirsch wouldn’t let it happen. The senior guard took over down the stretch scoring 10 of his game high 23 to lead the host Lions past Evangel Christian 63-59 at the BC Athletic Center in Park Slope.

“Well, that feels great,” the sarcastic Hirsch remarked while taking to the spotlight with plenty to look forward to this Thanksgiving Break. “We comeback and we play Lawrence Woodmere on Wednesday. So that’s going to be a good game. And then we get started in our league [ACIS].”

Unlike the previous day when his team led from start to finish before holding off Calhoun to post a nine-point triumph, Hirsch and the Lions got a bit more of a challenge from Evangel Christian in what amounted to a seesaw contest of runs.

Following a strong third quarter in which the BC defense limited their opponent while cashing in at the offensive end to build close to a double digit lead, things quickly tightened up when they got a little sloppy at both ends allowing the road foe to run off seven straight during a run which eventually saw BC fall behind by a point on a three-point play.

But just when the wheels seemed to be falling off, the speedy co-captain Hirsch setup the biggest hoop finding senior running mate Phil Seay in the corner for a go-ahead trey to help slow down their opponents and regain momentum. He finished with 15.

The two weren’t done converting twice in a row off steals widening the margin while also making enough free throws in crunch time to help Berkeley Carroll stay undefeated winning for a second consecutive day on their home floor.

“Sometimes at the end of the game, we kinda come out of our element,” Hirsch pointed out of the momentary lapse. “We don’t run the full offense and we don’t stay in our positions and everybody kinda collapses on the ball. And so by the end of the fourth quarter, we had to righten our ship and worked everything out.”

“Anything to get the win really. We all had some big shots at the end of the game,” he added giving proper credit to teammates who supported him including grinning energizer John Shaughnessy who did his usual grunt work underneath altering shots, crashing the boards and scoring on putbacks.

Aside from Shaughnessy who has continued to make strides in his second year of Varsity, Hirsch also referenced a couple of other new faces up from JV making the most of their opportunities.

“After last year, with losing Jason [Lewis]. That’s a big loss for the team. A lot of the ballplayers are the players that last year rode the bench have really stepped up like Sean Cunningham and Joe Longo. Joe really fills his position at point guard and everything’s been good. It seems like everything’s gonna go well.”

He also heaped praise for first-year coach Mike Kubera with a wide eyed grin adding:

“I love playing for the new coach. The coach is the man!”

So far, so good for Hirsch and his teammates in 2008-09.

JV Falls To Evangel Christian: Before the entertaining second part of the doubleheader, the Berkeley Carroll JV fell to Evangel Christian by six in a high scoring entertaining game which took over an hour and a half to play. Former Girls Varsity coach Walter Paller ran the ship which featured two prominent players who could have bright futures.

But despite the improvement of a year ago where the JV won just twice, they committed too many mistakes falling behind before a late rally just fell short.

They were without starter Rob Paller who took part in a school swim meet.

PARK SLOPE, BK-It was a new season but with two different Varsity basketball coaches for the Berkeley Carroll Lions.

While the girls fell 38-34 to visitor Calhoun despite 25 from sophomore Keyanka Bailey in new coach Morgan Sevigny’s debut on the sidelines, it was a good beginning for the Varsity boys who returned senior floor duo Giancarlo Hirsch and Phil Seay with both getting in the act as the team held off Calhoun 64-55 at the BC Athletic Center Monday in Park Slope.

Hirsch paced them with 21 while Seay chipped in 13 as the Lions made their home opener a successful one under the new leadership of Coach Mike Kubera, who took over replacing two-year coach Bob DeMerrill who moved back with family to Michigan.

If yesterday was any indication with a younger squad able for the most part to execute their three guard offense, it could be an exciting season in Park Slope for the school who also has another tuneup later today facing off against Evangel Christian Academy.

Joe Longo dialed up from long distance providing additional scoring and returnee John Shaughnessy did some damage underneath with some hustle plays and putbacks. First-year starter Sean Cunningham also chipped in in the scoring department including the recipient of a nice backdoor pass finishing it off with a lefty lay-in.

They came out of the gate quickly jumping out to a 13-3 lead forcing their Upper West Side opponents to call for time and regroup. With both Hirsch and Seay finishing in a variety of ways including downtown and on an array of driving hoops, the new co-captains led by example in a game they never trailed despite their pesky opponent’s refusal to go quietly.

Up comfortably at halftime, the Lions came out strong in the third quarter building a 16-point lead but never could pull completely away thanks in large part to the play of Calhoun’s best player No.24 who netted a game high 28 with more than half coming in the final 16 minutes. He was a tough guard for the undersized Lions due to his finishing ability around the basket.

It was his play along with the energy of banged up guard No.4 who gutted it out draining a three from the left corner to make it a contest slicing into single digits. But the Lions showed better poise down the stretch thanks to Hirsch, Seay and Longo, who each took turns breaking the press and moving the ball around in the halfcourt set while eating valuable time.

It was Hirsch who stepped up draining a pair to give the home team enough cushion to pickup the victory.

Notes: Lone senior Ashley Privett chipped in with a couple of big buckets to help Bailey out giving the Lady Lions a brief one-point lead. She finished with five. … The JV Boys kickoff their season with a home tilt versus Evangel Christian at 4 with the Varsity Boys looking to make it two for two on their home floor. … Former Girls Varsity coach Walter Paller was in the gym looking on the proceedings and curious as to how his students performed. … These are the last games before the Thanksgiving Break with both Varsity squads returning to action next Wednesday 12/3 with a home and home against Lawrence Woodmere Academy.

As has been well documented, it looks like the end of the world as we know it will indeed commence at this time a week from now right before we celebrate Thanksgiving.

If you’re a rock fan and even the slightest Guns N’ Roses fan, you might be extra thankful because Chinese Democracy should be arriving at Best Buy. Oh. I’ll be there. If you hate Axl, I don’t blame ya. But just remember. It’s very rare that the truly great acts remain together though I wish I could see him and Slash with the ‘ole gang one more time.

Aren’t they all gonna eventually get inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame? Life’s too short for such bitterness to last. I hope by that point Axl and Slash will have exchanged pleasantries and just admit they were part of something very special and much better together than apart regardless of whatever success Velvet Revolver and this new version of GNR have.

I believe one thing becomes abundantly clear whether you support Axl, Dizzy Reed and the new guys or not. Nothing will ever be as great as the original band. That’s understood. There will never be another Appetite. So, the critics who don’t even want to give the new stuff the time of day need to take their heads out of their asses. That was dead and buried a long time ago once the Illusions had success.

It had become clear that things were moving in a new direction. So, maybe we should’ve seen the proverbial writing on the wall. Guys eventually get tired of each other from all the touring and say, etc. And GNR sure did their share of partying. It’s hard to fathom that all the original members remain around which means they survived and didn’t become a rock n’ roll statistic which happens all too much.

‘If’ this much anticipated overhyped album is finally coming out, I’m just glad to have some good music to listen to that Axl and his very gifted new band worked on.

When the redone “Chinese Democracy” was finally released recently, I liked it and felt they made some good adjustments to the track giving it more of a better rock sound with a great intro and cool ending.

So, what was going to be in store for “Better?” When I heard this song live at the shows in Hammerstein Ballroom, I came away impressed as it had that classic rock sound full of guitar riffs and Axl rolled into one. It sounded like it’d be one of the ‘better’ songs on the album.

The other day on K-Rock, they introduced the final version and not surprisingly, I sat in the car listening to the end parked sipping on some French Vanilla espresso excited and intrigued by how good it sounded. Judge for yourself:

And one more live version just to compare to:

In concluding my thoughts, this song just has IT. It’s got those awesome riffs and the guitar work from Robin Finck and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal is tremendous. This has big time potential.

Who knows how the rest of it will sound? But there’s reason for some optimism.

Today’s comes from befuddled Eagles veteran QB Donovan McNabb after his team finished in a 13-13 tie with the lowly Bengals losing ground in the NFC playoff race falling to 5-4-1. Somehow, the 10-year veteran wasn’t aware that ties do exist during NFL regular season if neither team scores in the 15 extra minutes which normally decide matters:

“I didn’t know that. I’ve never been part of a tie. I never even knew it was in the rule book. I was looking forward to getting the opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game. But unfortunately with the rules, we settled with a tie. I guess we’re aware if it now.“

This is as bizarre as it gets. McNabb’s certainly been around the league long enough to know that ties exist in the rulebook. Instead, his porous play tossing three picks and losing a fumble helped contribute to the first NFL tie in six years when the Michael Vick led Falcons and Tommy Maddox Steelers hooked up in a much more exciting 34-34 classic nearly six years to the day with that one coming on Nov.12, 2002. Wonder what exactly that means for 2014?!?!?!?!?!

Though Philadelphia rallied from a 13-3 deficit with a McNabb four-year hookup with tight end L.J. Smith in the third quarter and a David Akers 27-yard field goal with 5:18 left in regulation, it wasn’t enough to beat a team that entered with only one win in its first nine weeks of play.

Just inexcusable for a team which badly needed the game to rebound from last week’s home defeat at the hands of the Giants. Especially with them battling the Redskins and now the Cowboys who saved their season by hanging on for a hard fought 14-10 road win in the nation’s capital last night. Dallas and Washington are now tied at 6-4 a half game ahead of the Eagles who had they won would’ve been in a three-way tie instead of sitting in last in the NFC East.

The Eagles have six weeks left to try to atone with it promising not to get much easier with a road visit to Baltimore, who should be fuming after giving up a season high 207 rushing yards to the three-headed monster Giant attack in a 30-10 loss Sunday.

In fact, Andy Reid’s embattled club doesn’t have any easy games left with Arizona, at the Giants, the Browns, at the Redskins and a potential wildcard match-up versus the ‘Boys in late December.

Sadly, the Eagles were fortunate to even come out with the tie as Bengals’ normally reliable kicker Shayne Graham missed from 47 yards with seven seconds to spare ensuring the tie. It was Graham’s first miss between 40 and 49 yards all season. He had been six for his previous six. So naturally, he came away disappointed as well:

“We didn’t win. We didn’t lose, either. But sometimes, tying stings a little more.”

Let’s put it this way. Tying sucks! Especially in the NFL. With the NHL doing away with ties by opting for the shootout to decide extra points, it’s pro football which can still have the rare tie. But it’s so rare that it’s not worth examining changing rules so there’s a winner. And let’s not forget that it takes a heck of a lot of poor execution to even reach that point when games require overtime.

That doesn’t say much for the Eagles, who in bizarre fashion a week after their coach was taken to task for running two straight with short yardage using Brian Westbrook to no avail with Big Blue’s stingy run D snuffing it out opted to pass on all 18 third down situations including three third-and-one’s. Not surprisingly, they converted just 3-of-18 summarizing a day of futility in which the two teams combined to go 7-for-38 putting the definition in yuck.

Utterly ridiculous and proof that the supersensitive Reid can’t coach to save his life in big game situations. How do you have McNabb throw the ball 58 times? We realize the Eagles don’t have a conventional ground game but that kinda one-dimensional strategy just won’t work. They become way too predictable.

They might’ve celebrated the Phillies second world championship and the city’s first pro sports franchise’s big win in 25 years since Doctor J’s 1983 76ers won the NBA Title but we’re a few weeks removed now and the Philly phanatic has every right to rip on the Eagles today.

Their team was expected to contend in the NFC but now is a very big question mark to even qualify for January thanks to the continued underachieving and exasperating playcalling.

Totally bizzare.

Sometimes in life, we need to get motivated again. Inspired. Whatever the reason, everyone goes through it. If it were all really that simple, it wouldn’t be as fun or nearly as challenging. This certainly can apply to our favorite sports teams when they hit a slump or our favorite player(s) aren’t all there due to personal stuff.

I’ve always believed the mental affected the physical. You’ve heard the expression before of the game being 90 percent mental. Most def! Confidence is the most important thing when it comes to having success on and off the field/court/rink… Life ain’t always roses. Maybe there really was something to Tom Hanks’ Forrest Gump character where near the conclusion he says:

“Life’s like a box of chocolates. You never know just what you’re gonna get.“

It definitely rings true. Most of the time, when we do these video segments, it’s featuring a favorite artist or band. And I will always heart music. It gets us going. Sometimes, just listening to that special song can energize us and make everything feel better when it’s not always the case.

Early this morning, I felt like dialing up my favorite Rocky video coming from Rocky IV where he loses his closest rival/friend and manager Apollo Creed who dies tragically in the ring to the scary larger than life Ivan Drago played by Dolph Lundgren with the big Russian murdering poor Carl Weathers’ character as Rocky couldn’t throw in the towel and go against his friend’s orders.

Like all that would really occur during a meaningless exhibition bout where East meets West. But then again, that was part of the Rocky series appeal and why it was tailor made to be a Hollywood script. And for the most part, one of the better sports movies which had good sequels excluding the horrific Rocky V. Heck. Even Rocky Balboa was more interesting cause boxers often never lose that hunger/desire to get back in the ring even when they’re finished. Just look no further than the once great Evander Holyfield and my all-time fave boxer Roy Jones, Jr.

There aren’t a lot of James Toneys or Bernard Hopkins who can reinvent themselves defying logic by staying in the game. For what it’s worth, I’ve always been an avid fight fan. Though it’d be nice for the heavyweight division to be watchable again. It’s never been the same since Iron Mike Tyson’s reign when you had Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, Michael Moorer, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis and even Oliver McCall and the notorious Buster Douglas.

Of course, I was a Tyson guy who loved watching him KO his next victims so early. But I also grew up on the great middleweights like Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy “Hitman” Hearns, Roberto Duran and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Recently, someone wrote a book about that great era in the 1980s when that division was to die for.

Boxing was just so much better growing up. Now, it’s lost its way. Even good fighters like the unbeaten Floyd Mayweather don’t want to stick around anymore. Something which was rare back in the day aside from Hagler hanging his gloves up after losing to Leonard via a split decision in a memorable prize fight.

I also recall Donald Curry being one of my faves to watch when we visited my Uncle Murray’s out here. He was a great southpaw with a big punch who could KO opponents at any moment. Those were the days!

Anyway, here’s that Rocky IV video which I’ve always liked as it’s well put together highlighting the Rocky series featuring Survivor’s “No Easy Way Out:”

It’s been a while since I had time to update here. Just recovered from a sinus infection and had been more preoccupied with the hockey season covering it over at my other site Battle of NY. Over there, it’s myself taking the Rangers and the league with Hasan covering the Devils and other hockey stuff as well. We do have other contributors but lately, they’ve been busy with work. So it’s become basically me and Hasan giving our views on the locals (Rangers, Devils, Islanders) as well as what’s going on around the NHL.

In any event, there are many happenings the last week or so. So let’s get to them in no short order:

-The Giants have proven that they’re still a team to be reckoned with this season. At 8-1 after getting past the Eagles by five in Philly thanks to a balanced run attack led by Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward with second-year speedster Ahmad Bradshaw chipping in late as the Giant offensive line dominated up front while Eli Manning was efficient not making any mistakes following an early deflected interception which the Eagles cashed for a score. Even in a game in which the D couldn’t get any pressure on Donovan McNabb, they still did an admirable job shutting down all-purpose back Brian Westbrook including the key tackles on second, third and fourth down when Andy Reid foolishly ran it the last two downs with short yardage when his team had a chance to steal it.

Kudos must also go out to Manning who sold Tom Coughlin on a key challenge in which they reversed what looked initially like a forward pass. Instead, the QB knew his back foot hadn’t crossed the line of scrimmage when he threw completing a key first down pass on third down to tight end Kevin Boss, who was a big target coming down with six receptions, a TD and 69 yards.

Big Blue also caught a big break when officials couldn’t overrule on a Jacobs’ touchdown in which the ball came out as he crossed the plane. Replays couldn’t really determine if the ball had come out before he reached the goal line. It was fortunate cause it really could’ve swung the momentum.

For the most part, the Giants deserved to win improving to 8-1 including a perfect 3-0 inside the division. However, had they not made key mistakes like Jacobs’ silly fumble while trying to take on the entire Eagle front when his team had scored 17 straight, it might not have been as close. That along with a late Sam Madison hit out of bounds allowed the Eagles to stay in the game giving them a chance.

As defensive leader Antonio Pierce (8 tackles) pointed out to WFAN’s Mike Francesa Monday, there’s no time for letup with the surprising 6-3 Ravens coming to town before a visit to The Desert against MVP candidate Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. It won’t get any easier with a stop at Washington at the end of the month before finishing up December with the Eagles, a visit at Dallas, home for Carolina and a stop in Minnesota who might need the game as they compete with the Bears and Packers for the NFC North.

Every opponent is good with winning records. Unlike the early portion of their sched, the G-Men now have the toughest schedule of any team which is kinda fitting considering they’re defending champs. So, if they are to earn the division and possibly home field in the NFC, they’ll have really earned it.

-Meanwhile, the Jets have rebounded winning three straight since the debacle at Oakland. Though it hasn’t always been pretty, they’ve responded well taking charge in a road win over the Bills and then blowing the doors off a bad Rams team 47-3 in which they led by a ridiculous 40-0 at the half.

They have to be very pleased with the running of Thomas Jones, who’s bounced back in a big way leading the AFC in rushing with 750 yards along with eight touchdowns including a franchise-tying three in the rout of St. Louis. The ex-Bear who the club acquired before last year already has seven more TDs than in 2007 and properly credits an improved offensive line which has done a solid job opening up holes for the gritty veteran back along with Mr. Everything Leon Washington.

Brett Favre has adjusted to the offense making good use of primary targets Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles as well as rookie TE Dustin Keller, who continues to improve following his first ever 100-yard receiving game with an eight catch, 87-yard night including a huge third down and long conversion in OT to help lift Gang Green to a 34-31 road win over the rival Patriots at Gilette Stadium last night giving them their fourth consecutive win and moving into sole possession of first place at 7-3 with six games left.

The Jets were firmly in control leading the Patriots at one point 24-6 in the first half thanks to a Leon Washington kickoff return for a score and a Favre 15-yard TD strike to Cotchery. But the Pats rallied with Matt Cassel driving his team for a late first half score firing a 19-yard TD pass to Jabar Gaffney to cut it to 24-13.

New England’s D stepped up in the third quarter giving their offense every chance to comeback. Eventually, Cassel and Co. rebounded from a turnover when Tom Brady’s replacement hit TE Ben Watson from 10 yards out and then converted the two-point conversion to Gaffney making it just a field goal deficit at the end of the quarter.

With the Pats D up to the task keeping Favre and the Jets at bay, they got the ball back and then watched as Stephen Gostkowski booted a 47-yarder right down Broadway tying it with over 10 minutes to go in regulation. But when it looked like the Jets offense had gone into the tank teasing their fans, Favre stepped up driving them down the field even getting the benefit of a soft Mike Vrabel hold on third and goal that helped setup Thomas Jones from a yard out with 3:10 to go.

When the Jet D held forcing the Pats three and out, it looked like it might be sealed. However, Bill Belichick saved a timeout and had the two minute warning. His team just stopped the Jets on third down to get the ball back with under a minute and a half left.

You have to give credit to Cassel who showed tremendous poise getting his team in position without any timeouts completing the ball short to primary target Wes Welker,  Watson and Gaffney while Randy Moss was held in check by Ty Law. However, even with the best receiver in the game having been held to a deuce on 10 yards, you knew it would come down to him against the ex-Pat corner with fourth and 1 looming with eight seconds to spare.

One play basically to force overtime. And when Cassel rolled to the right buying himself time before stepping up, he made a seeing eye toss to the right front corner of the end zone where Moss was tightly covered by Law. It still didn’t matter as somehow, the ex-Viking All-World dove across snagging it and then miraculously dragging his feet in bounds to give his team the tying score with one second remaining.

This was just a money catch by a world class receiver. Law didn’t play him poorly but Moss made one heck of a play. And when Gostkowski hit the PAT, here came OT.

Jets 31 Patriots 31

By now you were wondering if the Jets would ever defeat the Belichick Patriots in a big spot. They had been owned aside from Eric Mangini’s successful winning visit a couple of years ago before his team lost handily in the playoffs.

But when the coin toss went Gang Green’s way landing on tails, it allowed them to get the ball and hand it to Favre- the veteran future Hall of Famer who they traded for these kinda big moments. Even on third and 15, he wasn’t going to let them down dialing it up for 13 to a wide open Keller, who did the rest breaking a tackle for the first down.

No.4 would hit Keller twice more to keep the drive moving before finding Coles across the seam for 16 inside the New England 25 with the Patriot D paying closer attention on Keller. Three more hard runs including two by workhorse Jones to the NE 18 and they were setup to win on the leg of Jay Feely. But as NFL Network/Giant radio man Bob Papa duly noted, it was no sure thing as the ex-Giant had missed a few kicks between 30 and 40 this year.

So, it was no sure thing from 34. But Feely’s kick sailed just inside the left post with 7:10 left in OT giving the Jets the big three-point victory and now allowing them to control their own destiny.

The final totals saw the Pats account for more than 500 yards of offense including 400 through the air from Cassel with three TDs on 51 passes. He also was his team’s leading rusher with 62 on the ground while specialty back Kevin Faulk got 38.

Meanwhile, the Jets got an efficient performance from Favre who didn’t turn the ball over while going 26-of-33 for 258 yards, two scores and a 119.8 QB rating. Exactly the kind of performance they needed to come out of New England with a victory.

On the ground, the AFC’s leading rusher Jones grinded out 104 yards on 30 carries with a TD while all-everything back and return specialist Washington got 18 adding another 17 and two catches out of the backfield including the game’s opening score from seven yards out.

It was enough to give Jet fans hope that maybe in a wide open AFC outside the unbeaten Titans, maybe their team can do something. Somehow, they’ve gone from losing to the lowly Raiders, edging Herm Edwards’ Chiefs thanks to their ex-coach handing them the game to reeling off four straight including big road wins over the Bills and Pats.

Who knows what’s going to happen the rest of the way but it sure could be a fun ride. Do we dare dream the impossible Giants-Jets Super Bowl? A lot still has to go right for that to even become a realistic possibility including both teams winning their divisions and earning at least a bye into the second round. Big Blue at 8-1 is better positioned a game ahead of the Panthers but with a very tough remaining sched.

The Jets have an easier road after a big visit to Tennessee next week with games against Denver, at San Francisco, Buffalo, at Seattle and a possible huge first place showdown with Chad Pennington and the Dolphins. Who would ever have believed that back in Week One? It just might happen. If you like drama and huge storylines, that’s one worth pulling for.

-If they were handing out league MVP now, it would go to Warner, who’s been unbelievable for the first place Cardinals who look like a real contender in the NFC with their air attack featuring the likes of Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. Here’s the 37 year-old veteran former two-time MVP as well as Super Bowl MVP leading a franchise that’s never really been anything unless you count that one wild card field goal road win over Dallas a decade prior with Jake “The Snake” Plummer who’s since retired from football.

Warner can still sling it as good as anyone and ranks second in passing yards (2,760) second in TDs (19) and first in QB rating (106.4). In a season where nobody’s really dominated and you can’t even find a single MVP candidate on the two best teams (Titans and Giants), Captain Kurt deserves to win it hands down. He’s pretty much helped the Cards nail down their weak NFC West Division leading by a preposterous four games with the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams all in the tank.

Find me a better story than Warner. Yes. What another former Giant QB Kerry Collins has done with a dominant defense in Tennessee is pretty storybook in itself but he’s not often asked to carry the offensive load the way Eli’s former tutor is in The Desert. Special stuff.

-If you really examine the Knicks’ five wins, only one came against decent competition in a home triumph over Utah, who was without Deron Williams. Sure. They’re playing a more exciting brand of basketball these days but Mike D’Antoni’s team is a long way away from being a legit contender. And as long as they continue to dog Stephon Marbury instead of doing the decent thing and letting him go separate ways, Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 is going to continue to look bad despite the change in coach and GM.

-Speaking of which, whatever became of David Lee’s future with the Knicks? Amazing what a change in philosophy can do to a guy’s career. He’ll wind up somewhere helping someone out.

-When they dress Eddy “Fat Albert” Curry with a bum knee while a much more motivated Marbury remains in street atire, it doesn’t look good. Somebody relay the message to Clown Creator and Innovator Jim Dolan. Somewhere, in Walt “Clyde” Frazier would be proud of us.

-Man are the new Nets bad. Didn’t someone tell them you can’t possibly build a winner around Vince Carter?

-So far so good for No.1 overall pick Derrick Rose and the Bulls. The former Memphis star went for 16, 9 and 6 in a comeback win over the Mavs in which running mate Ben Gordon lit up Dallas for 35 on 12-of-21 shooting. Heck. The former Uconn standout even handed out four assists with investigations ongoing to seek out how this could’ve transpired. Luol Deng added 20 and even former lottery pick Tyrus Thomas came off the bench for eight, eight (5 Off.), 2 blocks and 2 steals.

The 4-5 Bulls will be without Kirk Hinrich a couple of months with a torn thumb ligament. So, they’ll continue to need huge contributions from the streaky Gordon.

-Nice to see Greg Oden return to the court the other night and at least get his first NBA points on what else but a monster throwback stuff. He finished with three points, 2 blocks and 2 boards in 16 minutes in Portland’s fourth straight triumph by a 104-96 count over the Heat. The most encouraging news was that the former 2007 No.1 overall selection didn’t get hurt. The ex-Buckeye remains a project under Nate McMillan on what’s a pretty formidable roster featuring former league ROY Brandon Roy, last season’s Most Improved LaMarcus Aldridge, athletic deluxe Travis Outlaw, long range bomber Steve Blake along with key sub Channing Frye.

And don’t forget about rookie Rudy Fernandez, who dropped a career high 25 on Miami including three from downtown and eight for eight from the charity stripe. The 23 year-old who starred for Spain in Beijing where they lost out on Olympic Gold to Team USA is averaging better than 15 a game while shooting over 48 percent including 45.7 from three. He was originally selected by the Suns in 2007 24th overall but eventually was traded to Portland along with James Jones for cash. Talk about a hoist of epic proportions.

He’s easily one of the best first-year players and should be in the running for top rookie along with Rose and Memphis’ O.J. Mayo plus Michael Beasley also in the mix playing in South Florida making this year’s rookie class one of the better ones to follow.

-I’m not keen on the Yankees dealing for Nick Swisher to solve their first base issue because while he’s only 27 going on 28 following Thanksgiving, he’s not a good contact hitter and strikes out a ton despite power. Maybe the thinking here is that due to his high percentage of walks, the former A slugger could morph into a Jason Giambi type despite coming off his worst career season hitting just .219 with 24 homers, 69 RBI’s striking out 135 times while seeing his on-base percentage drop from .381 to .332 in the one season with the White Sox.

The good news is the Yanks didn’t part with a lot giving up on pitching prospect Jeff Marquez, who struggled last summer after once being considered high on their list. Also moving to Chicago was utility man Wilson Betemit, who never really distinguished himself after coming over from Hollywood for Scott Proctor. He still was a decent power bat off the bench who could fill in around the infield when called upon and finished strong hitting .265 with six dingers and 25 RBI’s in 189 at bats despite seeing his OBP diminish due to lack of walks (12 in 124 games as Yankee).

At least the Yanks also swapped prospects as part of the trade sending minor league pitcher Jhonny Nunez for righty Kaneoka Texeira. Maybe that’s what sold them on the deal. If Brian Ca$hman couldn’t cough up the big bucks for Mark Teixeira, then why not acquire another Texeira only mispelled which kinda sums up the current state in the Bronx.

Still, expect the Bronx Bombers to make a ridiculous multi-year offer to Cash Cow Sabathia later today on the first big day of free agency. If I’m Sabathia and I prefer the laid back West coast style along with the NL where he had great success in leading the Brewers to their first postseason appearance in 26 years, I sign with the Dodgers or Giants instead. Would you want to come to a crowded AL East which includes the Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays that the Yankees have to contend with?

If he wants to win, he’ll use his brain and take less. Something which rarely happens around this time of year. We’ll see what Sabathia chooses.

-I don’t care what any big New York columnist writes negatively about him but the Mets would be crazy not to go for Manny Ramirez. The guy’s a lot of things but he also knows how to win. So, the next time you read Joel Sherman, Bill Madden or Mike Lupica talking about how he weaseled his way out of Beantown (all sadly true), just remember that he also was a huge part of Boston winning their first two world championships since 1918 with that same “lazy” player taking home World Series MVP in 2004. Think his presence didn’t make a huge difference with David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis’ sudden rise to stardom? Think again!

Just imagine what Manny could do for David Wright, who didn’t exactly light the world on fire in crunch time for the Mets. Picture a Met lineup with Jose Reyes, David Murphy, Wright, Manny, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado assuming Omar Minaya doesn’t turn around and make the slick play for Teixeira and unload the older first base slugger to replenish his farm. Would you bet against that lineup with Ryan Church also part of it if Murphy goes to second?

For the naysayers, just remember your team fell short of October the last two seasons because your GM wasn’t willing to roll the dice despite adding one of the best starters in Johan Santana. How many championships have the Amazin’s won again? They don’t exactly have the reputation of the Yankees. So, what’s keeping them from taking their best shot and going for it all? Too often, you hear Met fans call up WFAN in New York playing “what if.”

What if Minaya was bold enough to see what a star like Manny in the twilight of his career looking for that one final payday could do for his roster? Almost doesn’t count. This is about delivering a championship and what better way than bringing in the former George Washington star as they open up Citi Field? At least they could justify the costs.

If I’m the Mets, I go for Manny, add another proven October performer Derek Lowe and save some money by going for Brian Fuentes than the overpriced K-Rod whose fastball isn’t what it once was relying already too much on his slider. Just ask Red Sox hitters including Ramirez how that worked out for the Angels the past two first rounds.

Adding a gritty veteran who knows a thing or two about winning also would be wise. David Eckstein, Ray Durham and Mark Loretta are all decent options. What about bringing in a professional hitter like Kevin Millar? Even Craig Counsell wouldn’t be a bad choice. This is all about having a reliable veteran leader who can fill a role coming off the bench. Are the Yankees paying attention cause it sure applies to them as well.

-There’s been some talk about the Yanks trading for veteran center fielder Mike Cameron who can still hit for decent power, steal bases and field his position. However, he’ll turn 36 next January and is a free swinging type who K’s a ton. Wouldn’t it be wiser to go for a younger player who won’t cost as much like Rocco Baldelli, who at 26 returned to Tampa Bay from chronic exhaustion and proved he still can contribute? The Yankee CF spot is one which the organization must be careful about due to also having Brett Gardner and prospect Austin Jackson still in their plans while Melky Cabrera could be moved.

Baldelli wouldn’t have to play everyday but is a solid defensive outfielder who does the little things well such as hitting in the gaps, stealing bases, moving runners over while still owning natural power which proved to still be there with a couple of homers in limited duty for the Rays versus the Red Sox and Phillies. It wouldn’t cost as much cause the former Rays’ 2000 No.1 pick is more of a risk. But he’s younger and possesses talent and could bring a winning formula that’s badly needed in the Land of Make Believe where a silly power struggle continues between each Steinbrenner along with evildoer Randy Levine haunting the franchise as they get ready to open their new Stadium.

-Kudos to Tim Lincecum on becoming just the third second-year pitcher since 1985 to take home the Cy Young easily outdistancing Brandon Webb (73 pts) and Johan Santana (55 pts) for tops among the Senior Circuit after posting an 18-5 record with a 2.62 ERA on the Giants while fanning a major league best 265. He joined the Mets’ Dwight Gooden and the Royals’ Bret Saberhagen as a second-year starter who took home the prestigious award receiving 23 of 32 first place votes totaling 137 points. Rounding out the top five were Phils’ perfect closer Brad Lidge and the Brew Crew’s C.C. Sabathia with Ryan Dempster finishing sixth.

-The AL Cy Young as expected went to the Indians’ Cliff Lee who went a MLB best 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA capping off a comeback season after toiling in the minors the previous year. After getting tattooed for 68 earned and 112 hits in 97-plus during 20 appearances (16 starts) to the tune of a 5-8 mark with a 6.29 ERA in 2007, the 30 year-old southpaw who came along with Grady Sizemore as part of the Bartolo Colon trade from the then Montreal Expos was dominant from the very beginning this past season winning his first six decisions while posting an 11-1 record before July.

All he did was win even though his team struggled all season eventually trading away Sabathia to the Brewers- a teammate he held in high regard who won the Cy the previous year when they went all the way to the ALCS before falling to the Red Sox in seven games. Lee finished second to runner-up Roy Halladay with four complete games and tied with the former Cy winner and six others including Sabathia with two shutouts pacing the AL. In 223.1 IP, Lee walked only 34 while striking out 170 for an impressive five to one ratio.

He became just the third Indians pitcher to take home the award joining Gaylord Perry (1972) and Sabathia by garnering 24 of 28 first place votes and 132 points to easily beat out Halladay (71 points) and Francisco Rodriguez (32 points).

-No surprise either that the Rookies of The Year went to Tampa’s Evan Longoria in the AL and the Cubs’ Geovany Soto in the NL. Both were dominant players who helped lead their clubs to division titles and each are primed to become elite players at their respective positions as well as MVP candidates. Heck. If Longoria hadn’t missed a month, who knows? Maybe he sweeps ROY and MVP which is most likely going to either Youkilis or Boston teammate Dustin Pedroia. Though you could make the argument that had Carlos Quentin not injured himself, he’d have won it.

-I don’t get the rationale of the Cubs trading for former Marlins’ closer Kevin Gregg, who bombed down the stretch costing them a shot at the playoffs. Unless they’re hell bent on handing the job over to flamethrower Carlos Marmol with Kerry Wood on the outs. Just remember. Closing is a lot different than setting up. We’ll see how it goes.

-They’re not playing great by any stretch but the Rangers sure look like the only sure thing to see the postseason out of the three locals with Martin Brodeur sidelined on a banged up Devil team which is struggling mightily. The Islanders are a rebuilding project who are more likely to compete for John Tavares.

-It’s still a little weird not seeing Marty in net versus the Rangers where he’d only missed three starts versus his favorite opponent since like his rookie season. That’s insanity but also points to just how unbelievably consistent and remarkable the future Hall of Famer who will resume his pursuit of Patrick Roy’s wins and games record as well as Terry Sawchuk’s shutouts mark when he returns in February.

For now, it’s a long road back after tearing his biceps and admittedly saying he’d played with it before needing to be helped off the ice for what Lou Lamoriello termed “a bruised elbow.” Gotta love those NHL injury reports as they’re always so honest. Just ask the Islanders about the latest setback for their franchise Rick DiPietro.

So, with no Marty and no DiPi, that means only Henrik Lundqvist remains in net healthy capable of backstopping his team up the standings despite something missing. It’s getting lonely in goal quickly here.

-First, it was the Patriots winning three times. Then it was the Red Sox winning twice. Then it was the Celtics winning last Spring with an assist from Kevin McHale. Gee. What a surprise. Now, it’s the Bruins who are starting to look like serious Stanley Cup contenders after dismantling the Canadiens 6-1 in what’s become the best division in hockey. We’re serious too here! What is it about Massachusetts sports teams? Is there something in the water or is it the Boston Lager? Inquiring minds want to know.

-Have you ever seen as exciting an NHL game as the Pens 7-6 comeback road win over the defending champion Wings exacting a little revenge thanks to a natural hat trick from Jordan Staal plus a primary helper on Ruslan Fedotenko’s OT winner? What a great game!

-They don’t get the play of the Cubs or even the revamped Bulls but the Blackhawks are one exciting hockey club. If you haven’t caught their act featuring some of the best young talent in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Kris Versteeg, the once great Original Six franchise is back on the right track and ticketed for the postseason. They are also honoring their past including a very nice double-retirement ceremony we caught the other night honoring former great defensemen Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson while also reinviting former star and coach Denis Savard back as club ambassador. This is definitely a team to watch even if you’re not a big puck supporter. It’s nice to see them honoring their roots.

-I gotta admit it’s a little weird seeing AC/DC rocking out in school wear all these years later but how could you not admire their swagger? They’re still sticking with what got them at the pinnacle of the rock scene.

-It’s sad to note that the final member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience Mitch Mitchell passed away at the age of 62 joining the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding upstairs though the dynamic trio is probably up there making the same kind of electrifying music which produced amazing albums like Are You Experienced (1967)  Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968).

Mitchell was the underrated drummer of The Experience while Redding played an exquisite bass and Jimi did his thing like few others redefining the way guitar was played. They might all be gone but their legacy shall live on forever because as we all know, truly great music is timeless.

Let’s honor and remember them the appropriate way:

I could watch/listen to this special array of talent forever.

It didn’t take long for the NBA to kick into high gear. A surprising blockbuster deal involving the Pistons and Nuggets saw Detroit send former Finals MVP Chauncey Billups and veteran big Antonio McDyess to the Rocky Mountains for Allen Iverson Monday.

My friend Brian reacted when it was just a rumor by saying, “Why?”

Why indeed? I don’t get why the Pistons did this. AI is a great scorer but come on. He’s not as team oriented as Billups who was Mr. Clutch for Detroit. I just don’t understand this move.

Okay. Iverson’s great but can he coexist with Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace along with emerging pair Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell.

I just was floored by such a drastic move. Are the Pistons going for a change in team philosophy to try to stay afloat with the Celtics? Sure looks that way.

Meantime, Billups returns close to home where he starred for the University of Colorado to try helping the Nuggets to another postseason and beyond. They’ve become first round fodder which didn’t change when they swung the deal for Iverson last season. Billups is a proven winner and should help Carmelo Anthony mature. And McDyess revived his career in Detroit as a support player who could knock down the uncontested mid-range jumper and crash the glass.

Advantage Denver because they needed a change to stick around in a crowded West. I just like this move for them and feel it can pay dividends.

Both teams should be playoff bound next Spring. Still, I never saw it coming. Did anyone?

We’re basically at the halfway point of the season and with the clocks going an hour back and November officially here having been brought in by an amazing college football game won by Texas Tech with a second to spare over No.1 Texas, what kind of big games will we get in the crucial final two months of the regular season?

There’s only one unbeaten in defensive minded Tennessee and the defending champion Giants are 6-1 just half a game in front of the surprising Redskins with every NFC East team including the banged up Cowboys who enter with five wins looking to pull a huge upset at East Rutherford. The Eagles must also not be forgotten at 4-3 with a very winnable road game in Seattle.

The question is is there a better division in football? Sure doesn’t seem like it despite Jerry Jones lurking around promising changes if his injured team doesn’t get going.

Meanwhile, the struggling Jets are at a crossroads somehow just a game behind the first place Bills as they enter a big divisional match-up at Ralph Wilson Stadium where the 5-2 Bills have yet to lose in three home games. They’re usually very tough to beat there as well getting great special teams, solid D and efficient QBing from second-year starter Trent Edwards.

So, can Brett Favre and a lost Gang Green team who squeaked by the lowly Chiefs last week thanks to the usual Herm Edwards “Play To Win Lose” philosophy get the ship righted and come away with a ‘W’ in Buffalo? All that and more shall get answered today.

NFL Week 9

Jets (4-3) at Bills (5-2)- It’s hard not to like Buffalo here. Especially after a bitter defeat in Miami last week in which they gave up the last 18 points. Sure. They’ve dropped two of three but every time this team is doubted, they step up with a good performance. The same can’t be said for the dysfunctional Jets who still don’t know what they are despite having a gunslinger. Does Favre respond? Something tells me this will be tight late.

Prediction: Jets 20  Bills 26

Jaguars (3-4) at Bengals (0-8)- Our Super Bowl pick is in huge trouble following a six point home loss to the Browns. They along with the Colts trail the Titans by a ridiculous four games. Right now, it’s just about Jack Del Rio’s inconsistent club staying afloat. He’s labeled Matt Jones their best receiver. Well, duh. They can’t afford to foul this up. So figure Jones to have a nice day and for the Jags to reestablish the ground game.

Prediction: Jags 27  Bengals 16

Ravens (4-3) at Browns (3-4)- Can anyone explain the up and down Browns who can destroy the Giants while losing a tight one to the Skins before rebounding in Jacksonville? They obviously are playing better. They’ll need to not turn it over against an opportunistic Raven D. Something tells me they get it done.

Prediction: Ravens 13  Browns 19

Texans (3-4) at Vikings (3-4)- Two teams with identical records but one hot having reeled off three straight while the other has been an enigma all season despite being a trendy pick. So, can Houston continue its resurgence in Minnesota? That’s usually a tough place to win. This might be close.

Prediction: Texans 17  Vikings 20

Lions (0-7) at Bears (4-3)- Did anyone have the Kyle Orton led Bears putting up 48 on the Vikes two weeks ago? Suddenly, they’re very much in play for the division with the Packers. So, this should be a no-brainer against a winless team Orton lit up once already. At least Daunte Culpepper has a day job again.

Prediction: Lions 13  Bears 27

Bucs (5-3) at Chiefs (1-6)- Jon Gruden’s team is coming off a disappointing 13-9 road loss to the Cowboys. So, figure them to be better this week against the lowly Chiefs who can’t possibly duplicate their performance from last week. The Bucs don’t score much but they’re much better coached than the Jets and need the game.

Prediction: Bucs 20  Chiefs 12

Cards (4-3) at Rams (2-5)- Two-time league MVP Kurt Warner returns to where it all started with the Rams when he led them to a Super Bowl win going from bagging groceries to one of the best stories. He’s having a very good season leading the high powered Cards into first. His former team is playing better under Jim Haslett. So, this won’t be easy. But I wouldn’t bet against Warner in this spot.

Prediction: Cards 31 Rams 24

Packers (4-3) at Titans (7-0)- Can anyone stop the Titans? Green Bay should be in this game but they better find a way to slow down Tennessee’s ground game or it could be a long day. Kerry Collins doesn’t have to be lights out due to the combo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White. He can pick his spots. Something tells me the Titans will blanket Ryan Grant getting to Aaron Rodgers.

Prediction: Packers 13  Titans 24

Dolphins (3-4) at Broncos (4-3)- Miami’s coming off a quality home win over Buffalo keeping them in the AFC East race a couple back of the Bills and Pats. Chad Pennington threw for over 300 yards and has been rejuvenated. Denver has dropped two straight but is coming off a bye and should be healthier. Figure Jay Cutler and their air attack to get back on track.

Prediction: Dolphins 20  Broncos 31

Cowboys (5-3) at Giants (6-1)- Let’s see. No Tony Romo. Check. No Felix Jones. Check. Probably no Jason Witten. Check. No Terrence Newman. Check. A 40 year-old immobile QB in Brad JohnsonMarion Barber forcing Johnson to beat them. The Giants meanwhile are much healthier and just need to do a better job in the red zone. starting against a super fast pass rushing D. Check. Despite all that, expect the Cowboys to stay in it because there’s too much at stake. They should play hard. But figure the Giants to concentrate on stopping

Prediction: Cowboys 17  Giants 26

Eagles (4-3) at Seahawks (2-5)- Donovan McNabb is motivated and Brian Westbrook is healthy. So, this shouldn’t be any cause for concern against a bad Seahawk team. Right? Figure the Eagle D to make life miserable for Matt Hasselbeck.

Prediction: Eagles 28  Seahawks 13

Falcons (4-3) at Raiders (2-5)- The Falcons suffered a 13-point loss to the Eagles last week and now visit The Black Hole looking for a bounce back performance. Expect rookie Matt Ryan to step up with a nice run game led by Michael Turner. A win keeps one of the league’s pleasant surprises right there for the NFC South.

Prediction: Falcons 24  Raiders 16

Patriots (5-2) at Colts (3-4)- The Pats somehow have five wins without Tom Brady because they blew the doors off Denver in a must win two weeks ago and held off a tougher Rams team. Now, they enter one of those old establishment match-ups in primetime against Peyton Manning and the struggling Colts. I just can’t see Manning letting his team lose this one. It’s too important.

Prediction: Pats 16  Colts 27

Steelers (5-2) at Redskins (6-2)- This is easily the best game of the week. Boy. Did ESPN luck out and you can’t always say that. So, how will they ruin it? Who had Washington with six wins already? Mean time, Big Ben tries to rebound from a pitiful performance against an attacking Giant D which sacked him five times forcing him into five turnovers. The Skins continue to play well getting inspired running from league leader Clinton Portis and efficient passing from Jason Campbell, who enters without an Int. A potential barn burner in the making between two good football teams.

Prediction: Steelers 17  Redskins 14