Adios 2008
It's been busy of late, almost too busy, although let's be clear about one thing. In these uncertain times, better busy than the alternative. Clearly, mannymontaigne has suffered from neglect. And how unfortunate that I haven't had time to hate on the Yankees for spending half the New York State deficit just to sign three ballplayers. I know, I know; it's all about putting people in those seats, but once Hank gets his fancy new digs, will there be anyone left in New York who can even afford a luxury box? I wonder if Lehman, or Bear Stearns (bunch of bitches, to quote the RZA), or Marc Dreier were among those whose seats will sit empty?
It was a troubling year in many many ways, but on the sports page, it was another year to look back on fondly. The boys were home last weekend, and we saw the Phins beat the Jets, and Pennington outplay Favre, right in front of the home town crowd in Giants stadium. First Dolphins playoff appearance in several years, and a remarkable turnaround from 2007. But as the final seconds ran down, Mike and John remarked that we've had quite a run since 2003. Melo, Papi, KG, Pedroia. Here are some of the year's favorite moments, in no particular order at all.
My favorite game of any kind all year long was Game Six of the NBA finals, when the C's totally embarrassed Kobe and the Lakers. This was not one of those nerve wracking games that came down to the final shot, or the bottom of the ninth, or any of that drama. This game was over at half-time; but the Celtics kept pouring it on until the very end. The lead was up to forty, and all the fans were standing, and screaming at the top of their lungs. Meanwhile Sasha Vujabitch was throwing a tantrum on the bench. John replayed the KG post-game interview for me; it's on youtube, and it's one of the all-time great stream of consciousness rants.
And just to show that we maintain balance in our loyalties, most of us (maybe not Mike) would rank Tyree's miracle catch among the year's best moments. Syracuse kid makes an indelible mark on the NFL's collective memory, allowing the Giants to complete their improbable run to the title, and keeping the Pats from going 19-0. All those old Dolphin geezers had to wait until Super Bowl Sunday to pop the annual bottle of champagne, which is opened only when the last undefeated team falls.
And although it didn't lead to a championship, how about Game Five of the ALCS, when the Sox came back from the brink of elimination, down seven runs with only seven outs left in the game? Even without a World Series title, 2008 was a pretty good baseball year: The emergence of Jon Lester as the team's stopper, leaving us hopeful for the future when Beckett, Lester and Dice-K can anchor the rotation. Won't that be nice? Pedroia winning the MVP; Youk not far behind; and Lowrie coming into his own. This year reminded us all of the need to stay healthy, as the Sox were a bit too banged up to get past the Rays. But if they're healthy in 2009, it should make for another good year.
So let's not forget that 2008 was also memorable for the Yankees' failure to make the post-season, in their first year without Torre. Did I mention that his Dodgers did make the post-season? Now just how stupid does Hank Steinbrenner look about that move? For years we've been cheering, "Yankees suck", but that was only a matter of opinion. Not in 2008. In 2008 it was a fact: the Yankees sucked. And any sports year when both the Yankees and Notre Dame suck is a good year in my book.
And that leaves us with the highlight of the fall, the Haters Ball, made all the more enjoyable because the Yankees' failure meant that it was a free dinner for John and me. Not only was the food free, but we had the best whisky of the entire year that night. Port Ellen; Edradour Ballechin; Talisker 25; Rosebank (always Rosebank); Bladnoch. Are you kidding me? Right there I've mentioned three whiskies from distilleries that are now mothballed. Three hard to find fabulous malts in one night? "Is this heaven?" No, it's Keens.
I haven't even mentioned Barack 44, or the return of the Orange to the top twenty. How about Rautins and Devo shooting the lights out tonight, and the Cuse hitting the century mark in its conference opener? High expectations are starting to build; I just hope PH didn't get hurt too badly tonight.
So that's all I can remember right now. I invite all the readers to add their own favorite moments. And I'll try to get back into the habit of posting regularly. That's my first resolution for the New Year. Peace.
It was a troubling year in many many ways, but on the sports page, it was another year to look back on fondly. The boys were home last weekend, and we saw the Phins beat the Jets, and Pennington outplay Favre, right in front of the home town crowd in Giants stadium. First Dolphins playoff appearance in several years, and a remarkable turnaround from 2007. But as the final seconds ran down, Mike and John remarked that we've had quite a run since 2003. Melo, Papi, KG, Pedroia. Here are some of the year's favorite moments, in no particular order at all.
My favorite game of any kind all year long was Game Six of the NBA finals, when the C's totally embarrassed Kobe and the Lakers. This was not one of those nerve wracking games that came down to the final shot, or the bottom of the ninth, or any of that drama. This game was over at half-time; but the Celtics kept pouring it on until the very end. The lead was up to forty, and all the fans were standing, and screaming at the top of their lungs. Meanwhile Sasha Vujabitch was throwing a tantrum on the bench. John replayed the KG post-game interview for me; it's on youtube, and it's one of the all-time great stream of consciousness rants.
And just to show that we maintain balance in our loyalties, most of us (maybe not Mike) would rank Tyree's miracle catch among the year's best moments. Syracuse kid makes an indelible mark on the NFL's collective memory, allowing the Giants to complete their improbable run to the title, and keeping the Pats from going 19-0. All those old Dolphin geezers had to wait until Super Bowl Sunday to pop the annual bottle of champagne, which is opened only when the last undefeated team falls.
And although it didn't lead to a championship, how about Game Five of the ALCS, when the Sox came back from the brink of elimination, down seven runs with only seven outs left in the game? Even without a World Series title, 2008 was a pretty good baseball year: The emergence of Jon Lester as the team's stopper, leaving us hopeful for the future when Beckett, Lester and Dice-K can anchor the rotation. Won't that be nice? Pedroia winning the MVP; Youk not far behind; and Lowrie coming into his own. This year reminded us all of the need to stay healthy, as the Sox were a bit too banged up to get past the Rays. But if they're healthy in 2009, it should make for another good year.
So let's not forget that 2008 was also memorable for the Yankees' failure to make the post-season, in their first year without Torre. Did I mention that his Dodgers did make the post-season? Now just how stupid does Hank Steinbrenner look about that move? For years we've been cheering, "Yankees suck", but that was only a matter of opinion. Not in 2008. In 2008 it was a fact: the Yankees sucked. And any sports year when both the Yankees and Notre Dame suck is a good year in my book.
And that leaves us with the highlight of the fall, the Haters Ball, made all the more enjoyable because the Yankees' failure meant that it was a free dinner for John and me. Not only was the food free, but we had the best whisky of the entire year that night. Port Ellen; Edradour Ballechin; Talisker 25; Rosebank (always Rosebank); Bladnoch. Are you kidding me? Right there I've mentioned three whiskies from distilleries that are now mothballed. Three hard to find fabulous malts in one night? "Is this heaven?" No, it's Keens.
I haven't even mentioned Barack 44, or the return of the Orange to the top twenty. How about Rautins and Devo shooting the lights out tonight, and the Cuse hitting the century mark in its conference opener? High expectations are starting to build; I just hope PH didn't get hurt too badly tonight.
So that's all I can remember right now. I invite all the readers to add their own favorite moments. And I'll try to get back into the habit of posting regularly. That's my first resolution for the New Year. Peace.
posted by pops | 10:27 PM
3 Comments:
Berg,
No need to be apologetic as the author of 99% of the postings. It is easier to comment than to post so kudos to you for another great year posting your opinions and experiences.
Now that I have given you your due I can, with a clear mind bash on the last day of 2008 and look forward to a great year of ridicule of Beantown Teams.
This past year's most impressive team was the the Democratic Party with QB/Power Forward/Pitching Ace, Barak Obama. My addiction to websites devoted to poll analysis and 24 hour news cycles was mental. I, like many frustrated Boomers, needed the re-affirmation that our politics still mattered. We may not have gotten that stamp of approval but the results were the relief we needed and we stepped down from the edge and pulled the revolvers away from our temples. For me that was the sports team of 2008 ending in a Super Bowl/WS/Championship victory for the hopeful.
In the more traditional sports world the year began with our NY Giants winning the playoff games on the road as under dogs then going up against the smug Patriots and putting the hurt on them. Easily my favorite spots moment/game of 2008. Now those same Patriots are only the second team in NFL history not to make the playoffs with a 11-5 record. SWEET! We will be watching the Giants on the Jan. 10th. SWEET!
This is the omen Yankee fans need to begin the ebb and flow for 2009. The Yankees will be re-loaded for 2009 and finally have a rotation to match the redsox and rays. And did I forget to mention 1st base? Sure there will be all of the complaining about the money spent but how did the redsox get Becket and Dice-K (rhetorical), they spent more money than other teams bidding for available talent. So please spare me the all of the money spent conversation. The Yankees are playing under the existing rules of MLB. Their ownership is the envy of most baseball fans. We spend our receipts on players and stadiums not joint ownership of NASCAR companies. So let the 2009 Yankee/redsox season begin today and how many days to pitchers and catchers?
When it comes to basketball I only focus on college and we are together on our team. The 'Cuse has been a surprise so far this season after being picked 8th in the Big East. If not for the last second loss to Cleveland State they would be in the top 5. But that is not important they have 3 games against weaker BE teams and then play the 3 tough ones for Jan. If they come out 4-2 or even better 5-1 then we are looking at a special team. Having said that they should not read their press and not get comfortable with the outside game. If Boeheim can keep them focused and hungry they will very good. I believe with the victories against Florida, Kansas and Memphis they are already in the NCAA. I watched the game last night on SNY and it was a clinic. BTW they report PH has a cut on his ring finger.
Finally another area of agreement. Our exploration and consumption of Single Malt (half of your blog title). The only thing that could have made the Haters Ball better is having the redsox fans pay the bill. This situation will be corrected as the redsox finish 3rd in the AL East. No matter if my prediction happens we will no doubt have another fine night at Keen's in October or November. BTW way Steven and I are big fans of the McCarthy's Single Malt distilled and bottled in Portland, OR. Our liquor store guy speculates that this 3 year old has a more mature taste because they chip the inside of the barrel which exposes the whiskey to age and new oak simultaneously. In any case buy a bottle of this peated whiskey for under $40 and enjoy.
My New Year's resolutions is to continue the upward trend of 2008. That is more time with friends, more exploration of whisky with friends and more New York teams (Yankees/Giants/Cuse) kicking ass.
Of course peace and health to al.
G-man
Berg, Chuck, et al:
Great posts (both of you). Yes, it was remarkable year, and certainly quite sobering (despite all the scotch).
First let me say it has been great reconnecting with the both of you through this blog. David, you are a terrific writer, some things don't change over the course of, gulp, 40 years. So Manny De Montaigne itself has been a nice addition to my life this year. I am obviously a late bloomer when it comes to scotch and I am joyfully learning a lot.
Highlights of the year include being introduced to Federal Wine and Spirits and Joe Howell. Having an office in Boston three blocks away is helpful. I am enjoying my Highland Park 12 immensely. I finished my bottle of The Peat Monster, yes it was very smokey, a little like drinking scotch with bacon-bits floating on top, not exactly, uh, subtle. It was quite the unique experience purchasing whisky from Joe.
Let us not forget "The Express", it was great reliving those afternoons at Archbold Stadium and and having a renewed appreciation of Ernie Davis.
One favorite sports momory from 2008 that no one reading this blog can relate to was the success of the Williams College Womens Soccer team. Their come from behind victory over Amherst in overtime was thrilling (and they made it to the final four). Now keep in mind that Williams College is the alma mater of George Steinbrenner and his competitive spirit still stalks the campus. All the Williams sports teams are terrified of losing.
Happy New Year All - we may get together at Matlow's for valentine's Day, yes?
So we bid farewell to 2008. An inglorious, infamous and memorable year.
My Yankees were in fact horrible. It made for an April to October misery. Thankfully that has been corrected and the new season looks bright indeed. The Haters can rant all they like, their payroll is, in the grand scheme of things, even more laughable then ours. Compare the markets, # of seats, revenue streams and they make the CEO's of failed wall street firms look like pikers. Heck their failed attempt to acquire 1st base was a mere 10m short over the same 8 years. That old song is long out of key. Frankly I don't care. Berg and The Boys are buying this year and that will make the memory of 2008 fade quite nicely. It should also be noted that the newspaper I hate as much the Sox and which owns the 2nd largest stake at 17%, the New York Times, is shopping their interest. In these times it will be interesting to see how much they can get.
The assault on hope the Buffalo Bills served up this season may have been unpresidented in my years as a season ticket holder. I think of all the fine whiskey I could have had for the cost of that misery. Hell Toronto can have the bums.
The other great misery of the year was the ENDLESS F..CKING ELECTION. While I still have reservations about The Messiah, I can state without reservation that the election of a mongrel halfbreed proves without a doubt the singular greatness of this country. Let every nation on G-d's green earth know that this could only happen in America. I didn't vote for him but he has me in his corner now and I hope for all our sakes he makes a monkey out of me.
Finally good bye to a year that saw about half of my imagined wealth melt into a puddle of tears at my feet.
On to some of the best of 2008. Whiskey (of course), cigars and conversation with our host. Favorite topics being Abraham and the Akeidah story. Great cooking, fine wine and Whiskey (of course). The All Star game in the bleachers in the final season for the House That Ruth Built. Toasting the 25th anniversary milestone with my bride and glass of Whiskey (of course). For the indescribable pride in my son (who walks the walk) for making Aliyah.
So its on to 2009. Fine Whiskey. Playoffs for the Bills. Whiskey. The 27th World Championship for the City that Never Sleeps. Great Whiskey. Shalom in Israel. Slivovitz (bearable will do)....daled
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