I am sure you have heard the phrase, “The greatest thing since sliced bread”. Sliced bread was invented in 1928 – there has to be something by now considered greater! And I have found it – it’s my TiVo box powered by RCN.
With my technical knowledge, my TiVo box powered by RCN is just a thing that records shows. If you need a better definition, “It’s an electronic device that records video in a digital format to a disk drive” (or it’s a thing that records shows). The prototype of today’s product first appeared in 1999.
This past Sunday, I was absolutely convinced there is no better invention since… well, you know. Imagine my dilemma – the Miami Dolphins are playing the Cleveland Browns and I need Miami to win the game because I need Miami to win the game (this is my way of taking the fifth). And right around the same time, the Philadelphia Eagles are ready to kick off against the Pittsburgh Steelers (the NFL state championship!) And at the same time professional golfers are trying to decide which player will win $10 million. And the Red Zone is showing all the other NFL games that are finishing up and the ones just starting.
I’ll start with the Browns-Dolphins. Every NFL fan knows how inept the Browns are. But, on this day, when I NEED them to lose, they are locked in a 24-24 tie with seconds to go and looking at, by NFL standards, a short field goal for the win. Browns’ kicker Cody Parker pulled the kick to the left, missing his third, that’s right, his THIRD, field goal of the day (Lafayette’s Jake Bissell would have made them all). In overtime, Miami wins. Did I mention I NEEDED them to win!
I put the TiVo on pause for the Eagles and the golf to watch that finish. Now I pick up the Eagles and they are playing much better than anyone thought they would. Carson Wentz is having quite a start as is the defense. The Eagles are scoring and not allowing the Steelers to do anything on offense. I need a commercial to get to the golf.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of commercials during NFL games. Off to the Tour Championship in Atlanta. I pick up where I paused that match just to see Rory McIlroy hit an iron 137 yards into the 16th hole for a eagle two on a par 4. He goes on to tie Ryan Moore and Kevin Chappell for first place and a playoff is necessary. If McIlroy wins the playoff, he wins the Championship AND the FedEx Cup and will pocket $11.5 million. But, thankfully, golf takes time between shots.
Back to the Eagles, I look in on the Red Zone; keep tabs on the golf; explain to my wife why I cannot eat dinner NOW!! I’m exhausted… back to golf (McIlroy wins it all!)…back to the Eagles (they crush the Steelers)…back to Red Zone (I watch EVERY touchdown from EVERY game)… it’s never-ending. But, I see it all!! TiVo! TiVo!
What’s for supper? Ham and cheese between SLICED BREAD! Sliced bread…Still, a great invention.
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
- Eagles’ rookie quarterback Carson Wentz is the first player in NFL history with 100-plus attempts, 60-plus completions, 5-plus touchdowns, and zero interceptions in his first three career games. Now that’s special.
- And how about Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson? The Eagles dominated the Steelers on Sunday every way possible. No matter how you look at it, that involves great coaching.
- Most of the time, teams in the NFL look forward to a bye week. The way the Eagles have started the season, they probably would just like to keep on playing. The Lions and the Redskins are up next and both games are on the road.
- Rest in peace, Arnie. We will certainly miss you. One of my favorite interviews back in 2000.
- On Friday, September 30, the RCN-TV sports teams get a chance to see the undefeated Emmaus Green Hornets as they take on Freedom LIVE at 7:00 PM followed by a solid Bethlehem Catholic team facing an Easton team that needs a win after two straight losses. That game is on at 10:00 PM. On Saturday at 3:30 PM, Lafayette opens the Patriot League season hosting Holy Cross. Watch it all on RCN channel 4/1004 HD.
Gary’s Guesses: NFL Picks – (Last week – 8-8; Overall – 29-19 – 60%)
Week Four
Cincinnati
Indianapolis
Houston
Washington
Jets
New England
Carolina
Baltimore
Detroit
Denver
Arizona
San Diego
Dallas
Pittsburgh
Minnesota
