Upon a Story

The afternoon sun cast angular shadows throughout Reieg wood. Amber rays filtered through branches and boughs, casting long shadows on the leaf-littered floor. Silent but for the occasional call and response of the grey finch, the forest presented a serene picture of autumn beauty. It would take an uncommonly observant traveller to notice the brigands on either side of the lane which meandered through Reieg to the Lybin River beyond. These men were not meant to be seen. The only thing most targets ever saw of their assailants was the fletching of an arrow protruding from their chest, or the handle of the dagger which had just slammed into their neck. The Fell Brigade, as the fearful townfolk had branded them, were nothing if not efficient.No one could truly say how many men comprised the Fell Brigade, only that the manner of death was never consistent from one killing to the next. The fact that they existed came from the dying words of Myron Key.

Key was a soldier in his youth, and had worked as a blacksmith for the next 40 years of his life. A mountain of a man, he earned extra money by as a barkeep in the Leaping Trout. He would always give a drunkard ample opportunity to settle down, preferring to resolve things amicably. However, a well placed thump from the cudgel he always kept hanging from his belt loop was a viable second option at all times. Until his reputation was well-known, Key often found himself in the street in front of the Trout, facing a hot-head with an aching skull and several of his brothers or friends. Only Key would walk away from these fight uninjured, leaving men howling in pain, or running in the other direction.

When Key decided to retire, he sold his smith, and his stake in the Leaping Trout. This netted him a large chest of gold, and a small farm in the countryside.as he packed up his family and belongings, he set off in a wagon toward Reieg Wood.....

Upon a Thematic

I did notice myself that my blog had taken on a completely sports oriented theme. This was not my original intention, and stems mostly from sports being the interest of mine which most easily lends itself to short periodic updates. However, I should get beyond this and expand my horizons.

Be on the lookout for a renewed vigor for blog posting (if anyone in fact cares).

Upon a New Year and Delayed Updates

2006 has arrived, and the Widening Geier persists. I have been slacking on my posting and hope to get back in the swing.

Johnny Damon will have to wait for the Yankee preview, but suffice it to say that I am happy with the pick-up.

The Knicks took 3 OTs to beat the Phoenix Suns last night, but a win is a win (especially when you only have 8). Brown continued his rotation juggling, starting Steph and Nate with Davis, Curry and David Lee. In a match-up with the potent offense of the Suns, the Knicks shot 60% from the field in the first half and hung on (and on, and on ...and on) for the win. Defense seemed to be the word of the day, with the Knicks harassing Nash the length of the floor, and aggressively switching on picks. They dared Nash to beat them on jumpers, rather than allowing the penetrate and dish. Offensively they worked in the paint to get Kurt Thomas and others into fould trouble and this attrition attack allowed big men Lee and Curry to do work in the late stages. Do I hear double digit wins by week's end. I will be on-hand Sunday to see if the Knicks can handle the Sonics.

The Giants avoided backing into the playoffs, and secured a first-round home game against the Carolina Panthers with their win Saturday night at Oakland. The defense is a bit rag-tag right now, but the G-men have a punchers chance in the post-season. Carolina has an explosive offensive attack with Steve Smith, and a strong defensive corps guided by former Giants coordinator John Fox. The Giants have weapons all over the field, and look forward to Jeremy Shockey's return from an ankle, and Antonio Pierce from his pectoral injury. Stay tuned for an innovative breakdown of the playoff matchups.

Disappointing end to a very positive season by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Ohio State and Ted Ginn ran a bit roughshod on the Golden Domers, but next year should be title contention time for Weis and the boys.

I like Penn State over Florida State in the match-up of the two winningest coaches in college football. A bowl win might be the way for Joe Paterno to exit (we hope).

In the Rose Bowl I would like to see Texas topple USC. The game should be good, but the sneaking suspicion that USC could run away with the game lurks. On the flip side, Texas and Vince Young could be Ohio State to Reggie Bush and USC's Willis McGahee Hurricanes of a few years back.

2005 was a very good year, and I had some great things happen to me. The year began with a punch to the face, and ended with a kiss and a glass of champagne...sounds good to me.