MDNA GONE WILD

She ripped up the BX. MDNA Yankee Stadium 2012

"You know what Mean Gene?"

Wrestling always brings warm memories of my great grandmother's excitement while watching the Big Boss Man, Macho Man Randy Savage, and of course Hulk Hogan.  This of course came hand in hand with her cute 5 feet tall, 80 years old, only-verbalized-in-spanish contempt for Rick Flair, The Undertaker, Ravishing Rick Rude.  This was a woman who spoke no english, but loved, absolutely loved wrestling.  I love that my father took his grandmother-in-law to a movie theather to watch the first WrestleMania.

With the passing of Randy Savage, all I can think of is the excitement and entertainment we experienced watching the World Wrestling Federation, and all of its bright stars back in the 80's and 90's. A big thank you to him and countless others for the crazy wear and tear they put themselves through while making a cute little old Puerto Rican lady fall in love with smack talk and "violence" on TV.

Virtual Parranda

The easiest way to explain the Puerto Rican tradition of a parranda de aguinaldos involves a parade of local neighbors, family and friends singing traditional and folk christmas songs while playing instruments and traveling house to house serenading for food and beverages, spreading celebration and good cheer.  This originally began as a religious celebration of the coming birth of Christ beginning with masses held before Christmas day.  

In remembering such a wonderful tradition, and my family's wonderful neighbors (Hola Gonzalez family!) in Co-Op city who kept this tradition alive, please enjoy this medley of songs traditionally sung during this parade.  Share this story on your page or blog and help create the first (for what I know at least) virtual Parranda!

You might also like reading : Coquito For Dummies

Camaraderie = #27

...Can't buy or sell it. Its the magical essence of a successful team, whether on the field, in an office, or at home. Sure I haven't agreed with certain decisions made by the team or organization, but it sure was a fun year for watching Yankee baseball, and I will always enjoy watching the Yankees play when they play with this kind of charisma and camaraderie. Congratulations to the NY Yankees for #27. Its nice to see all of the smiles in my hometown (Boogie Down Bronx forevah!) and on the faces of Yankee fans all around the world. I LOVE BASEBALL!

And now, a Pete Sports Rant

"The Yankees took away the greatest home field advantage in sports because people wanted sushi instead of hot dogs? Opposing players are no longer haunted by the ghosts that used to run on the same field...when people were chasing Chris Chambliss around the bases and storming the field, that happened across the street. Now Yankee fans will sit and clap and put their cup of Oomlaut's Special Dark Lager that cost 15 bucks in their cup holder and cheer when the scoreboard says to. Who the F went to [the former] Yankee stadium and said 'this sucks,
i need more'?" -Pete Lambusta

I completely agree. And I wonder if Mets fans feel in some way the same about Citi Field.