I Root for Every NY Team--Yes, It's Possible!

When I had an interview at MLB.com a few years back, I was asked the question: What team do you root for?" When I responded, "I'm an all-NY fan," the man rolled his eyes and shook his head. It was the first time I realized my battle with my rooting interests and working in sports was going to be a challenge.

To this day working at SNY, a NY sports TV network, I still get heat for being a fan of the Yankees and Mets, Giants and Jets, Knicks and Nets, and if I really cared enough about hockey, Rangers, Islanders and Devils.

But why is it that I can't root for all NY teams?

I'm proud of the area, and I'm not just a follower of these teams. Being a girl who says "I love all the locals" makes me sound like I'm the type of person that roots for UNC because I love the baby blue jerseys. I'm pretty knowledgeable when it comes to sports, and I follow most of the locals (like I said, if I REALLY cared, I'd follow hockey too).

So I know what you're thinking. What do you do when the Yanks play the Mets or the Knicks play the Nets? I root for the team that needs the win more. Who did I root for in the Subway Series in 2000? I rooted for 7 games.

In any other field, most people wouldn't mind my rooting interests, but because I work in sports, I take the heat. So sure, it's a battle I've dealt with all my life and will continue to deal with as I continue my profession in the sports field. But while most people feel compelled to just pick a side, I'm happy I have a total of 9 teams to cheer for, and I'm living proof that it can be done :)

Top 3 of the Week: Why a Jew Like Me Loves Christmas Songs

So yes, after we have now stuffed down turkey, and Black Friday has come and gone, we are officially in the start of the holiday season, which means listening to the famous tunes we often hear this time of year. But just because I'm Jewish, doesn't mean I can't appreciate it!

1) Because They're ACTUALLY Good Songs
Yes, put aside the religious connotations (if there are any), and we're left with some pretty solid tunes. Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" can be played year-round if you ask me, and other songs are just plain classics. And there are actually plenty of "Christmas" songs that are actually wintery songs--not just about Santa ("Let It Snow" and "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"). And for songs like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Last Christmas," I'm not really concerned about the lyrics as I am about enjoying the beat of the song!



2) Have you seen our Hanukkah song selection?
If it weren't for Adam Sandler, we'd be left with the Dreidel Song, and that's it. While I think he's due for a new edition, his two versions remain the sole Hanukkah songs that make it to the radio. Now I know we make up about 2% of the country so I'm well aware equal treatment just isn't in the cards, but at least SOME type of selection wouldn't lead me to flip to Christmas songs to begin with if I didn't have to!


3) Because of What it Represents
I always love this time of year--after all, it's my birthday, Hanukkah, and New Year's all squeezed into the same month. So while radio stations continue to play Christmas-centric songs, it only reminds me that the holiday season is upon us. You know, the crazy shoppers at the stores, the lights on trees, the snow on the ground, and the presents we give and receive. So if I like to listen to some Christmas songs while I'm on the road or in my house, so be it. I still love potato ladkas and my chocolate gelt!

Time for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving.

I think there is only one word to describe this holiday.

YUM.

This is the day where we give thanks, right? But it's really the day we're thankful for some delicious food. Thanksgiving is the day where you can go for 2nds and 3rds and not feel guilty, the day where you can wear your loose pants and forget about your diet, and the day that all Americans, both Catholic and Jews, can all appreciate together.

But while it's the same day for all of us, we all have our different traditions--but most of it revolves around the meal. Some go for the apple pie, others go for the pumpkin, and most go for both. Some like the stuffing, others can't wait for the cranberry sauce, most can't wait for both.

Some go to the same aun't's house every year, some rotate from mom's side to dad's side, spouse's side or significant others. Some have an annual family football game, and others make sure they never miss the football games on TV. Some wake up to watch the parade while others actually GO to the parade.

Whatever your tradition is, there's one guarantee. Turkey and family. But when you think about it, sadly, though, it's the day of year that most turkeys lose their OWN family. Oh, well.

Bon appetit!

Top 3 of the Week: Celebs Who Get Better With Age

1) Demi Moore
The 47-year-old Moore gets the title of "Cougar" for marrying her 31-year-old husband Ashton Kutcher, but looking at this picture, can you even tell that Demi is older than Aston? Whether its keeping her body as fit as possible, or styling her hair and clothes to match those in their 20's, Moore DOES NOT look like she is 3 years away from 50. If we all could look like that at 47 (without resorting to plastic surgery or botox...), the world would be a beautiful place.

2) Alec Baldwin
I'm sure I'm not the only girl who's developed a crush on the actor who resurrected his career by playing the smooth-talking Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock. Maybe it's his delivery of lines, or his confidence that is sexy, but Alec Baldwin, who was a movie star for most of his career, has become one of the biggest stars on TV thanks to his appealing charm and wit.



3) Meryl Streep
Now Streep has always been a classy actress, and while she has aged gracefully into her 60's, it isn't her looks that got her on this Top 3. While many actresses in Hollywood complain that the roles for women from age 40 on are non-existent, Streep seems to be the only one getting them. (What was the last big role Diane Keaton, Susan Surandon, Goldie Hawn or Michelle Pfieffer had?) In fact, Meryl is featured with Baldwin in the new movie, "It's Complicated," as both prove there's nothing complicated about aging!

Cops: One of the Most Intimidating Jobs!

Is there anything more intimidating then the power of a cop on the road?

We've all driven down a road and had our hearts stop when we realize there's a cop in the vicinity and we've been going 75 on a 50mph speed zone. Checking our rear-view mirror as our hearts race is a common occurrence, and when we are far enough to know we are safe, a sigh of relief ensues.

I don't care who you are, the President of the United States, Brad Pitt, Elton John or LeBron James, when a cop car pulls over, you are the weak one (ok, fine maybe their notoriety will give then a pass), but the point, is, these police officers have the intimidation just by the power of their jobs!

Rant of the Week: Why You Can't Be Nice in NYC!

Top 3 of the Week: Attractions They Need to Bring Back

Ironically, all of the following were pretty much lined up back-to-back-to-back back in the day in my hometown, none of which remain. Maybe your hometown wasn't like mine, but it got me thinking that the classic staples of the days of old are no longer around today!



1) Drive-In Movies Theaters
Now this was unfortunately before my time--but WHY are they no longer prevalent today? I haven't done my research to know why they disappeared in the first place, but I'm pretty sure the concept is great. Watch the movie in the privacy of your own car, and to some who found it to be the perfect date, I say "watch" loosely. Sure, there are some Drive-In theaters still around today, but I say modernize them, sell some fun food, and let's bring this baby back!

2) Roller Rinks
Now I might be biased because my Grandpa owned a roller rink (opened the Commack Roller Rink that featured Rosie O'Donnell as an employee!), but roller rinks were a classic hangout spot at night, and there was nothing cooler than circling around the rink in those groovy skates. But while ice skating rinks are still a common activity today, I say melt the ice and bring on the roller blades!

3) Flea Markets
Sure, it's a glorified garage sale, but sometimes you can get lucky with great finds and great bargains. (Yes, this post is a byproduct of my many visits to my grandparents in Boca and our frequent Flea Market trips). I'm not saying it's the preferred method of shopping, but little odds and ends, or even larger purchases can be bought at a bargain basement price. Not to mention, the fun of haggling prices!

MLB Hot Stove Baseball!

It was about a year ago that I went to a bar and met up with a guy. We started talking about baseball, and I mentioned to him that I love the "Hot Stove" season.

"Hot Stove?" he asked, "What is that?"

"You never heard of 'Hot Stove Baseball?'" I replied.

He shook his head.

I then proceeded to ask the guy next to us if he heard of it. He said no. I then continued on to ask about 5 other guys in the vicinity, NONE of which knew what "Hot Stove Baseball" was. I was shocked. Now I know I know more about baseball than most girls, but I thought that guys in a sports bar would at least be able to match my knowledge!

With that said, "Hot Stove" is the offseason in baseball, when trade rumors and free agent signings take over the backpages and headlines, thus making my favorite sport a year-round enjoyment. But it's easy to enjoy the offseason when you root for the Yanks and Mets, who always seem to be in the mix with the top names in the game. So what should the Yankees and Mets do this offseason?

YANKEES:

Coming off a World Series championship, you've got to believe there's little work to be done for the Bronx Bombers. And coming off an offseason in which the Yanks spent $423 million on three key players: CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett, you have to believe the big spending might take a year off. But keep in mind--this is the Yankees we're talking about.

Andy Pettitte, Johnny Damon and World Series MVP Hideki Matsui are all free agents, and it isn't inconceivable to think that all 3 won't return. (Pettitte most certainly will be back, Damon will probably get higher offers elsewhere but might take a shorter deal to remain, and Matsui might return at a bargain rate if the Yanks are willing to use him for the majority of a rotating DH spot).

But the Yanks are already rumored to be interested in top starter John Lackey and in the mix for Blue Jays ace, Roy Halladay. With $26 million coming off the books with Damon and Matsui's contract, the Yankees can opt to shift that money towards a fourth starter in the rotation. And yes, it is possible that the World Champs will field an even better team in 2010.

METS:

Oh, man. Where do we begin. In a season that couldn't get any worse (not only did they fail to meet expectations, but Mets fans were forced to watch their rival Phillies and Yankees in the World Series), the Mets could use help in just about every area. So GM Omar Minaya will certainly be in the mix on just about every free agent and every potential star available in trades. Top outfielder Matt Holliday could be a great fit with the team, and mixed reports show he's either willing to come to NY or doesn't want any part of it (remember--players use large market teams for leverage).

But holes at catcher, first base (Delgado is probably headed to an AL club where he can DH), left field, and in the starting rotation (who knows what they'll get from Oliver Perez and John Maine next year), the Mets are a MESS. Expect the team to acquire a first baseman, sign a left fielder, and add another arm to the rotation (Roy Halladay is a long-shot but still a possibility).

Minaya has a lot of work ahead of him, but out of all the teams in baseball, the Mets roster will probably look the most different in 2010 compared to 2009.

Rant of the Week: Radio Stations--STOP OVERPLAYING SONGS!

Top 3 of the Week: How I Work Out Without Going to the Gym

1) Walk Everywhere
I get a lot of heat for not taking cabs, or choosing to avoid the subway in NYC, but walking is normally my exercise for the day. I love the invigorating feeling of weaving in and out of people to get from place to place. But with a crazy work schedule that requires most of us to sit behind a desk all day, I have to feel like I'm moving around a bit, and walking is my cure!


2) Lift Weights While I Watch TV
I always said that I wish I could tone my arms, and finally I realized all it took was a couple of 5 pound weights. The best part is, that I do it when I'm doing something else productive, which is watching my favorite TV shows. All it takes is for me to get off my lazy butt on the couch. So here a lift, there a lift, everywhere a lift lift--and I'm almost at my goal of getting Kelly Ripa-like arms!



3) Crunches in Bed
Whether its lying in bed in the morning, or at night before I can't fall asleep, doing crunches in bed is the least I can do to reach my goal of perfect abs (um..still a work in progress...). But every little bit counts, and on nights where I'm twisting and turning in bed, I might as well pass the time and do some leg lifts, figure 8s, and crunches before I pass out after a long day of walking in the streets of NY and lifting weights during my shows!

Bubble Vests: Love 'Em But Don't Get 'Em

Ahh, one of the many fashion trends I love, but must question. I just don't understand bubble vests.

If it is cold enough to wear heavy clothing around your mid-section, isn't it cold enough to cover your arms?

How are you supposed to stay warm when that happens!?

#27! Congrats New York Yankees!

The Yankees are World Series Champions, but a previous post seemed to be on the money (no pun intended) about other fans reactions to the Bronx Bombers being on top.

CHECK IT OUT!

Rant of the Week: High School Reunions Aren't the Same As They Used to Be

Based on your feedback, you suggested putting the title of each Rant of the Week within the topic, so, while I thought intrigue was enough for you to click and watch without knowing what it was, I thought wrong. Take a look at the previous Rants of the Weeks if you missed them, and maybe the title's alone will be intriguing enough for you to click!

Previous Rant of the Weeks:
-Sorry--But Looks ARE Important!
-How Do You Believe Horoscopes?!
-Fashion- If It Looks Good--Still Wear It!
-We'reeee Backkkkk!
-Why is "Overachiever" a Bad Thing?
-MLB Trade Deadline Review
-Why Are We OK with Driving with People We Don't Know?
-Premiere of The Rant of the Week!

Top 3 of the Week: Types of People That Bother Me

1) Flaky People

We all know these kinds. The ones you try to make plans with but they never respond. The ones that tell you one thing when you know they're lying to your face. The ones who say they'll show up to an event but come an hour later. "Oh I never got your text" or "oh, you wanted to meet this Friday? I thought you said next Friday..." Right...While some people acknowledge their flaky ways, others have no idea they're like that!




2) Opinionated People
I have an opinion for you--I can't stand opinionated people. Ever talk to a person that always just happens to be right? No matter what you say, they have something to try to top you. They start a heated debate for no reason, always have to get the last word in, they claim they know best, and quite frankly, even if they do, I can't be bothered. I don't have the energy or care enough normally to be right in situations, but when I encounter opinionated people, sometimes I really do want to put them in their place!

3) People With No Social Awareness

Ever work in an office with someone who shouts rudely, laughs obnoxiously or doesn't know what conversations should stay out of the workplace? What about those act immature at a library, stick their feet out in an aisle in a restaurant, or have a crude sense of humor in front of their significant other's parents? Or what about those people that start conversations with you, without realizing you want no business talking to them, but they won't let you out of the chat? Somehow, someway, people have no awareness of how to act in social settings!