The Curse of the Sparky?

Here in the Commonwealth, there used to be a sportswriter concocted curse, known as the "Curse of the Bambino."  Dan Shaugnessy, well known in the Boston community as "Curly haired boyfriend" (coined by the lovable and mild mannered Carl Everett), wrote a book detailing the Boston Red Sox epic failures over 70 years after they traded Babe Ruth to the hated New York Yankees. I am not going to go into much detail about this, if you are from the area you know the story.  However, I am coming up with my own curse to explain the downward spiral that my beloved Sun Devils football program is headed toward.

THE CURSE OF SPARKY

Sparky the Sun Devil has been the ASU mascot since the mid forties, and has been prominently displayed on the helmets of the Sun Devil football players.

I have always though ASU had pretty cool uniforms.  However, on April 12, 2011, ASU decided to roll out a new logo, and  new uniforms, without Sparky as the centerpiece.  

Traditionally ASU has donned maroon and gold colors, however black was rolled out as one of their colors.  Now, I am not against the new uniforms, but I really liked Sparky.  And sure Sparky is still there, but a very small Sparky in the back of the helmet.  He is almost an afterthought.

Well, ever since ASU has moved Sparky out of the spotlight, not much has gone right for their football program.  As I mentioned previously, their downward trend is due to "The Curse of Sparky."

Sparky was so insulted that he got bumped from the side of the helmet and the fifty yard line that he put a curse on the ASU football program.

Lets recap some of the events that have taken place since ASU decided to mess with Sparky:

ASU was supposed to have a strong defense going into the 2011 season, their secondary led by All-American defensive back Omar Bolden.  However, Bolden blew his knee before the season began and never played a down.

After starting the season a promising 6-2, and headed for s sure shot as the South representative in the new PAC 12 conference championship game, the Devils went 0 for November, including a disgusting loss to hated rival Arizona.

At 6-6 ASU got invited to the crappy Las Vegas Bowl, which I guess is better than no bowl at all.  But, they draw high-powered Boise St (who got a severe screw job by the BCS), one of the best teams in the country, and are destined to a 25 point loss.

And then the coaching search described as "a fiasco", "comedy of errors", and "bush league".  After ASU fired Dennis Erickson (deservedly so), the managed to perform the worst coaching search in the history of coaching searches.  Not only did they look like a bunch of buffoons, but they acted without class and unprofessionally along the way.  Let's look at this in more detail:

(U of A has already hired Rich Rodriguez, and the fan base in Tucson is excited and energized).

ASU's brainpower consisted of President Michael Crow, VP of University Athletics Lisa Love, and Athletics Chief Operating Officer Steve Patterson. 

Mike Leach formerly of Texas Tech is available.  Too late, Wazzou snatched him up.  Great hire by AD Bill Moos.  Dumb move by ASU not to show any interest.

ASU was targeting Kevin Sumlin out of Houston as their main target.  On December 1 it was reported that ASU offered Sumlin the job.  whether this actually happened or not is unknown.  On Dec 2, Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman was fired, and they were interested in Sumlin as well.  Apparently this scared ASU off, and since they were in Texas already, they decided to interview SMU coach June Jones.  However, apparent backlash from fans and boosters  seemed to have ASU back off Jones.  But a few days later, ASU had a strong interest in Jones again.  On December 7, Jones and ASU were about to hammer out a deal, when at the last minute, President Crow ended negotiations.  So, ASU wanted Jones, but there was negative reaction.  Three days later the brainiacs conducting the search thought that negative reaction would die down, and decided to move forward with Jones.  Twitter was blowing up with negative rants towards Jones, and after reports surfaced that June Jones would be the next head coach at ASU, negotiations were ended abruptly.  Classless move by whomever was in charge to handle the Jones situation so poorly.  Not making coaching at ASU look very attractive.

Larry Fedora is hired by North Carolina.  Sumlin is hired by Texas A&M.  UCLA hires Jim Mora Jr.  ASU seems to have no direction with their coaching search, as time tick away.  Rumors circulate that ASU will only hire those with head coaching experience, and not coordinators.  Dumb move if true.  Apparently the next ASU coach must keep Offensive Coordinator Noel Mazzone on staff as well.

UCLA picks off head ASU recruiter Steve Broussard, with rumors that Mazzone is not far behind.

December 14, reports surface that ASU hires PITT coach Todd Graham.  Todd Graham, wasn't he the guy that PITT hired less than a year ago?  Yes that is him.  Why would PITT officials allow Graham to even interview when he has been their for such a short time?  They didn't, Graham was not given permission to interview, but he did anyway.  Crow, Love and Patterson had to know that he was not allowed to interview, but in an unprofessional move, they interviewed him anyway.  Its an unwritten rule and professional courtesy, that a school does not interview a coach under contract without permisssion.  Apparently Graham resigned at PITT to be able to interview, and ASU hired him.  The whole situation just seems to have a bad stench.  In addition, Graham stated that ASU was his dream job.  Really Coach Graham?  Really?  Why would a school with a mediocre at best football program be your dream job?  Why would you leave football loving western Pennsylvania with dedicated fans to the fair weather fans of Tempe?  Don't get me wrong, I love ASU football, but as a whole, we have weak support.  So, I question your motives, Coach Graham.  In addition, if you are such a man of God and character, you need to come up with a better explanation of the text you sent to your PITT players telling them you were leaving them after one year.

Graham's text to PITT players:

"I have resigned my position at Pitt in the best interest of my family to pursue the head coaching position at Arizona State," Graham said. "Coaching there has always been a dream of ours and we have family there. The timing of the circumstances have prohibited from telling you this directly. I now am on my way to Tempe to continue those discussions. God Bless. Coach Graham."

So, what does all of this mean?  It is all support of my theory "The Curse of Sparky."  One could say that if Sparky was never messed with, the ASU football team would not have had a November free fall.  Ans had they won 9 games, Erickson would still certainly be the coach.  Therefore the circus of a coaching would have never taken place.  In addition, I believe that things are going to get worse with Coach Graham at the helm.  And, as part of the curse, Lisa Love will get a raise and an extension.

In preparation for the press conference to introduce Graham as the new ASU head coach, I was reading some of the PITT message boards.  They basically knew what Coach Graham would say in his press conference, and surprisingly, they were spot on.

Look Coach Graham, I am willing to give you the benefit of doubt, and wish for you to succeed.  However, I don't think that the Curse of Sparky will.  Unfortunately for you, there is a lot of work ahead to energize and excite the fans about you and what you can do for ASU football.

So, is there really a Curse of Sparky?  Who knows?  But if a mick sportswriter from Boston can gain popularity from writing a book about a baseball curse, why can't a dago blogger-wanna-be from the same town invent a college football curse?  After ASU Football goes 3-9 next year, there will most certainly be a book deal.  Stay tuned.

Why Does Massachusetts Hate Christmas?

It is apparent that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts hates Christmas, and I am really curious why.

Not in the Commonwealth!

Now personally, I am no huge fan of Christmas, but I am certainly not anti-Christmas or get offended by the manner in which people decide to celebrate.  But it really seems to me that the Commonwealth is anti-Christmas.  Why is this.  Although I am not much of a religious person either, it is my opinion that Christianity is not a protected religion in Massachusetts, apparently is is offensive to the looney leftie,and all starts with Governor Deval Patrick. 

Image Courtesy of Michael Graham and the Natural Truth

As you can tell by the above invite, the State House had a Holiday Tree Lighting this past Monday.  But let me ask you Mr. Governor, "What the Hell is a Holiday Tree?"  Its a serious question, what other holidays have the symbol of a tree?  well, I guess Arbor Day does, but that is celebrated in April, so it seems a bit early to put up an Arbor Day Tree.  But, Governor Patrick hates Christmas and Christianity so much, he refuses to call a Christmas Tree a Christmas Tree.  What moron does not now that an evergreen tree decorated with ornaments and lights is a symbol of Christmas?  Apparently either the Governor does not know, or he is intolerant of Christianity.  Either way, it does not say much about him.  Now, I know some of my liberal friends may be thinking that it is simply the Governor choosing not to mix state and religion.  Well, I could almost buy that except for this:



Image courtesy of Michael Graham and the Natural Truth

That is correct the State is supporting the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah.  Now, I have no problem with the lighting of the Menorah whatsoever.  As Adam Sandler once said, "Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights..."  But back to my point, the fact that the State is supporting the tradition of one religion but completely shunning another, seems to be religious non-tolerance to me.  This just goes to prove my point that the Commonwealth hates Christmas.  The Governor will proudly celebrate the tradition of Judaism by displaying a Menorah in the State House.  However, he shows his intolerance and hatred for anther religion by not acknowledging the symbol of the holiday for which he (and the rest of the country) receive a day off from work for.  Of course this is Massachusetts. so the hacks working for the state also get Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day off, but that is a discussion for another day.

But, it seems to me it should be a Christmas Tree and a Menorah, or no Christmas Tree and no menorah.  However, when its a menorah, and a politically correct, strictly non-denominational. all holiday encompassing items from the woods, it just seems like Christmas hatred.

In defense of the Governor, its not only him.  There are many other Christmas hating left wing crazies throughout the state.  Take the administrators at Lincoln-Sudbury High School.  They not only hate Christmas, but apparently don't think much of Hanukkah either, and would prefer for everyone celebrate the Winter Solstice.  The Winter Solstice?  Are you kidding me?  How would the song go:
"We wish you a Merry Winter Solstice"
"We wish you a Merry Winter Solstice"
"We wish you a Merry Winter Solstice"
"And a non-denominational, politically correct New Year!"

If you think I am making this stuff up, please see the email sent out to students by school administrators:

'Tis the season to celebrate the winter solstice and several cultural and religious holidays. The tradition of decorating the "senior spot" is a long-held one, and is acceptable as long as certain guidelines are followed. In the spirit of L-S culture, where we want to make sure no one feels excluded because of his/her identification or non-identification with a religious group, we have decided in previous years as a whole school (staff/ student committee on decorations) that decorations tied to a religious holiday (of any religion) do not have a place in the public areas in or around our school.
Please remember if you decorate, that winter scenes, snowflakes, lights are OK; anything connected to Hanukkah, Christmas, or other religious holidays is not OK. Please avoid Santa and Christmas trees, menorahs, stars of David, or other symbols of individual religious holidays. As in the past, decorations may be put up any time after December 15th. Also, prior to decorating, please run your plan by your housemaster.
Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your housemaster. We look forward to seeing the enhanced "senior spot" at the end of next week! --The Housemasters and the School Decorations and School Climate Committees

Once again, the no fun police in Massachusetts have shown up at a suburban high school.  Once again, instead of an email stating that students can decorate with whatever group the identify or non-identify with, they decided to ban pretty much everything Christmas related.  I guess Festivus is absolutely out of the question as well.  Better keep the metal poles at home, kids.

Well, I will be celebrating Christmas this year with my family and friends, and in the spirit of the Christmas season, I won't even tell the Governor or the other haters where to shove their holiday trees and winter solstices.

Tassi Thanksgiving 2011 - MMMM! Maple

The pie and coffee has been served and the window is closing on Thanksgiving 2011.  So, I have decided to leave the politics alone , and chose to recap my day with a diary of events, in case anyone is interested in how the Southie Tassi's spent this wonderful holiday.

6:23 AM - I wake up to the sound of my dog Tillman whining because he wants his breakfast.

7:59 AM - Wife, kid and dog are loaded up into the family truckster, en route to the lovely suburb of Somerville for the Gobble Gobble Gobble 4 mile race.  I plan to preemptively burn 400 calories for the 4500 I plan on ingesting throughout the day.

8:24 AM - Arrive in Davis Square, load the kid in the stroller, and head off to starting line with wife and dog ready to spectate.



Pre -race pic with co-pilot

 8:48 AM - As I am trying to stay warm on a chilly morning waiting for the race to begin, I get a wonderful Thanksgiving day treat bu running into my friend, Laura Miyakawa.  After a quick chat, its almost race time.

9:00 AM - Race starts, and I start running pushing Gianna in her stroller, after a few seconds, I spot Rachel, Natalia and Kelly and decide that Gianna and I will try and run with them even though its a very crowded course.

9:11 AM - Rachel and I lose Natalia and Kelly, but continue to run together.  Gianna is still with us as well.

9:23 AM - Kelly finds us and passes us, pulls back momentarily to hear Rachel's news, then continues to cruise on ahead.

9:40 ish AM - I am finished the race along with Rach, Kelly, and Natalia, but now its time to all go our Separate Ways, to quote Journey, to celebrate this great day.



Tassi Family Post race, Tillman was uncooperative for the camera

11:23 AM - I am home, showered and ready to prepare a fantastic feast, or at least get everyone drunk enough so it seems like a fantastic feast.

11:24 AM - I crack my first beer of the day, a very tasty Mayflower IPA.  I felt it only appropriate to purchase beer for Thanksgiving called Mayflower, brewed in Plymouth, MA.  It just seemed to scream Thanksgiving to me.

11:32 AM - The texts start flying to many friends wishing them a Great Thanksgiving Day!

12:07 PM - Our good friends Steve, Melissa , and their dog Lucy arrive to spend the holiday with us.

1:05 AM - Appetizer cocktails are served: Cranberry - Whiskey Cooler.  This is a fantastic beverage made with cranberry juice, pomengranate juice, OJ and bourbon (what's better than bourbon?), garnished with a bit of fresh mint.

Its a tasty Thanksgiving Slushie!

1:06 PM - A quick check of the TV shows Green Bay going up on Detroit.  Finally an important game for the Lions on Thanksgiving, but will they show up and play?

1:45 PM - Salad course is served:  Spinach with Berries, Goat Cheese, and Maple Pecan Vinigiatte.

2:15 PM - Soup course is served: Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Maple Creme Fraiche.  This was a very tasty soup, it had a bit of heat from some cayenne, but the sweetnes of the maple and the cool creme fraiche was a perfect balance.

2:38 PM - Peanut Oil is dumped into the fryer, and it is fired up.  With a slow heat, it should take about 45 minutes to an hour to get the oil heated to a nice 350 degrees.

2:56 PM - Pasta is dropped and Green Bay is running away with the game up 24-0.  What a letdown of a football game.

3:16 PM - Pasta is served: Campanelle with a Pork Ragu.  So this dish was a little break from the maple themed menu, but my pork ragu is the best in Southie.  Of course I am like the only dago in a community of Murphs, Sullys, and O'Everything.



Doesn't everyone serve a pasta course at Thanksgiving?

3:48 PM - Its Turkey Time, ready to drop the bird in the oil.

Three minutes per pound in the oil is all it takes for this to become a beautiful, juicy Thanksgiving table star!

4:04 PM - Potatoes and Stuffing into the oven, Onions and Apples beginning to carmelize.

4:47 PM - Bird is dome cookin, perfect 165 degrees.  Juices beginning to rest.

5:27 PM - Dinner is ready!!!!!

Roasted Sweet, Russet, and Red-Skinned Potatoes with Maple Herb Butter

Cranberry, Orange, Ginger Chutney

Green Beans with Shallots and Italian Sausage



Deep Fried Turkey with a Maple Bourbon Butter Injection.  MMMMMMM!
How about those Old Country Buffet sized slices, what the hell was I thinking?


6:21 PM - The worst part of Thanksgiving, clearing the table and cleaning up.  Where is the wife when she could be useful?  Just kidding!

6:47 PM - Dessert and coffee time.  In keeping with the maple theme, because apparently their is not enough maple syrup currently running through my veins: Pumpkin Ricotta Pie with Maple Whipped Cream, and Maple Custard, made my my lovely wife, Katie.  Oh yeah, there are also the 5-pack of cupcakes contributed by Steve and Melissa.  Originally it was six cupcakes, but I think Steve must have had the munchies last night.

I love cupcakes!!!!

7:30 PM - I am continuing to enjoy some coffee and Baileys while the High-School football highlights are about to come on.

8:22 PM - After a long day of drinking and eating,our wonderful guests decide its time to head home for the evening.

8:48 PM - Wife decides to go to bed

8:49 PM - Time to crack another beer (I forsee more than one being opened in the future), and enjoy the Niners-Ravens game.  So, that about tells you the story of the Tassi Thanksgivng 2011.  It was a great day with my family, friends, football, and of course, some wonderful food.  I am thankful to have great people to share my favorite holiday with, and many fantastic leftovers to keep us happy throughout the weekend.  And remember, only 114 days to go until the next best holiday - St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow is my favorite holiday of the year, so I wanted to wish everyone a Great Thanksgiving!  I mean what is not to like about Thanksgiving?  Its a celebration of family, friends, food, and football.  It's fantastic.  I am taking a little break from some prep work, but here is my planned menu, which has a maple theme:

Cocktail

Cranberry Whiskey Slushy Cooler

Salad

Spinach, Spiced Pecans and Mixed Berries with Goat Cheese and Maple Vinaigrette

Soup

Roasted Squash Soup with Maple Creme Fraiche

Pasta

Campanelle with Pork Ragu

Entree

Deep Fried Turkey with Spicy Maple Bourbon Marinade

Challah Bread Dressing with Bacon and Pears

Roasted Mixed Potatoes with Maple Herb Butter

Cranberry-Orange Chutney

Caramelized Apples and Onion

Dessert

Pumpkin Ricotta Pie with Maple Whipped Cream

Maple Custard

Stay tuned tomorrow, as I am thinking of taking a page out of Bill Simmon's book, and having a running diary for Tassi Thanksgiving 2011.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Suffolk Law Professor Shame!

So I am curious about all the people I know that went to Suffolk Law School, and what you think of Professor Michael Avery?  Apparently the good Professor enjoys his freedom of speech, but has contempt for those courageous souls who provide us that very freedom.

As you may have already heard, last week a Suffolk Law Professor sent out an email to his colleagues asking for contributions to put care packages together for our troops.  Quite a positive act by this particular professor, and something that I fully support.  But not Professor Avery.  Oh no, apparently that Avery hates our troops so much, not only did he refuse to participate, he went on to say: 

"I think it is shameful that it is perceived as legitimate to solicit in an academic institution for support for men and women who have gone overseas to kill other human beings."

Really Mr.Avery?  We have many brave men and women overseas, sacrificing time with their family and friends, obeying orders from their superiors, so that you may sit in your plush office with communist values, and you think they are murderers?  The really interesting point is that those who are protecting our freedoms are doing it voluntarily.  That is right, the members of our military decided to sign up so that they could protect the country that they love.



The professor went on to respond:

"Since Sept. 11 we have had perhaps the largest flag in New England hanging in our atrium.  This is not a politically neutral act. Excessive patriotic zeal is a hallmark of national security states."

Once again, Really Mr. Avery.  So, a flag flying is not patriotic, but the hallmark of national security states?  So, are you coming the flag flying in the atrium of your building to Nazi Germany?  It sort of sounds that way to me.  But I would really love to hear your side of the story and your explanation.  But apparently we will never get to hear your explanation because you are high and mighty Professor Avery, and have denied all requests for interview or to appear on radio or TV.

So, I decided to look at Avery's Suffolk Profile , and I found something interesting.  During the height of the Vietnam conflict, was Mr. Avery supporting his country?  No, he was studying at the University of Moscow.  Yes, that is right, he was supporting communism when the US was against it.

More research showed that Avery is a big supporter of Cuba as well and has given speeches there as recent as 2005 on terrorist acts of the United States.

             

Things Professor Avery Hates 

Professor Avery's Love

                                   

So, my question for you Professor Avery is, If you hate the United States so much why do you chooses to stay?  No one is forcing you to live here.  I believer it is because you are the poster boy of hypocrisy.

And Mr. Avery, you don't need to stuff care packages for our troops, because I will, and many others will, who support our military.  Just because we are in a war that you do not agree with, its no reason to hate the men and women who are simply following orders.  Maybe you should simply thank them for protecting your right to have whack-job views.

Coach Paterno - You are a Disgrace!

A week ago if you mentioned Penn State to me the first thing that came to mind was football.  I would think of John Cappelletti and his stirring Heisman speech, or perhaps Linebacker U and the 1986 National championship win against the big bad Canes.  However, what do I think of now when I hear Penn State?  Disgust, Shame, and Anger.  I am angry that there appears to be cover-up and willfull ignorance of the actions of alleged child rapist and former Penn State Coach, Jerry Sandusky.  By now, many of you know that Sandusky, if allegations are true, has raped and molested at least 9 young victims, on the Penn State campus.

But you know what one of the worst things seem to be?  JoePa knew something was going on.  Coach Paterno is supposed to be a man of great integrity and honor, who shapes the lives of young men and shows them how to be winners on and off the football field.  However, in my mind, he is an accomplice to child rape.  He was too busy protecting the program and his friend, he forgot to protect the young boys on his campus.
  If you haven't read it yet, you can find the Sandusky grand jury report here. However, I must warn you that it is very graphic and disturbing.  Although the whole thing sickens me to the core, I am troubled by what Paterno knew in relation to Victim 2.  On March 1, 2002, a Penn State Graduate Assistant (now a Coach) Mike McQueary, found the monster Sandusky naked in the shower, sodomizing a young boy estimated to be about 10 years old.  Now instead of doing anything, pulling the predator off the innocent child, calling for help, alerting authorities, McQueary did nothing but run home to his daddy.  McQueary and his father reported the incident to Paterno.  Although it is not known to what detail was reported to him, Paterno stated to his AD (Tim Curley) that a Graduate Assistant had seen Sandusky in the showers fondling and doing something of a sexual nature to a young boy.  Paterno KNEW SOMETHING WRONG WAS GOING ON.  Later McQueary reported the sodomy to Athletic Director Curley, and VP of Finance and Business Gary Schultz, who have both since been relieved of their positions with the University.

So, Paterno may be old, but there is no way he did not know that disgusting criminal activities were taken place under his nose.  This was a major cover-up by the University in order to save face and protect the football program and Paterno's legacy.

So, now Joe must do the right thing - leave immediately and go live the rest of your short life with the decisions you made to willfully ignore the rape of boys by your friend in your locker room.

I think we all have the responsibility to protect children, our own or not, from sick, twisted, demented predators.  However, there were a few, at Penn State, who apparently do not feel the same way - their own agendas were apparently more important.

Message from Police - Don't Protect Yourself!

What is this country coming to when a person cannot even protect themselves, their family and property from theft and danger?  Apparently you cannot protect yourself on the North Shore of the Commonwealth. Swampscott, Massachusetts is a seaside community about 15 miles north of Boson.  Here is a direct message from a Swampscott police spokesperson when facing a threat:

“We don’t urge anybody to (fight back),” [Police spokesman] Cassidy said. “We want them to call us.”

Yes, call the police , but while you are waiting, do not do anything to protect your family or property, let the criminals take whatever they want of yours, and the police will arrive after you have already suffered loss.  Of course, I should probably give you more insight as to what I am talking about.

Anthony McKay, a resident of Cherry St. in Swampscott was in his house on Saturday morning when he heard noises outside his home.  Apparently his wife phoned the police while he went outside to investigate.  Outside McKay found Christian Johnson of Lynn (shocker!), a known drug user, who is also known to carry a knife, messing with his truck  Well, when Johnson attempted to pull a knife on McKay, a fight ensued, and McKay punched Johnson in the face.

Score one for the good guy.  A family man protects his family and property and subdues the assailant until police arrive.  McKay should be commended for his actions.  The Swampscott PD is so thrilled with McKay, that do you want to know what they gave him?   A summons for assault and battery!  That's right McKay, protecting himself now faces possible jail time and huge legal fees simply for protecting what he should have the right to lawfully protect.

McKay stated, “I was just defending my property and home. I’m not going to be scared away by these little punks. This is where I live, and I’ve lived here my entire life ... I guess everybody else closes those doors and don’t want to confront people, but I’m not going to put up with this. I’ve got children here.”

Good for you Anthony McKay.  Maybe if there were more people like you around there would be less crime.

And shame on the Swampscott Police allowing McKay to be arrested. Although I fully support the police for what they do about 99.9% of the time,this is an instance where they are charging the wrong guy.  A man, doing the right thing, faces possibly losing his home if convicted.  Charges should be dropped immediately, and if the PD is not going to do it, then Attorney General Martha Coakley should step in, or even perhaps, Governor Deval Patrick.



 But I forgot, Both Governor Patrick and AG Coakley believes that criminal rights are more important that victims' rights here in the Commonwealth of Taxandscrewus.