Manning and Tuck are just two of 210 celebrities who have created a Bookprint – the 5 most influential books in their lives.  Their fans can learn more about the influences that made them great and create their own Bookprints to compare.

Scholastic Launches “One Million Bookprints for OneMillion Books” Campaign to Donate New Books to Children in Need 

For Every Person who Creates a “Bookprint” at the Online Community,youarewhatyouread.com, a New Children’s Book will be donated to Reach Out and Read

Well, the G-Men are going to the Super Bowl! Rather than provide the single piece analysis that we normally do, and given the amount of time before the game, we will be analyzing this as if we were eating an elephant. We’ll do it in small bites.

First, the venue. The game will be played in Indianapolis, which is a neutral site. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some guys who have played in the Super Bowl, and they have all said the same thing: it’s not a normal crowd. Most of the people are there for the party, and to have the chance to be part of an event. If there is an advantage for the crowd it would likely be for the G-Men. Given the Pats-Colts battles, the home crowd would likely pull for Peyton’s brother than Tom Brady. Just the same, the “home field” advantage is likely to be a wash.

The stadium is a dome, so weather conditions won’t be a factor. In fact, this might actually benefit the Giants receivers. After the rain and mud of San Francisco a weather free site will be a blessing. Of course, this helps the Pats; I just think it benefits the G-Men more.

Injuries. The two weeks will give both teams a chance to heal themselves. Ballard and Bradshaw are the most banged up, but others are hurting. Just the same, it benefits both sides. On the Pats side, their tight end, Gronkowski, is wearing a walking boot after a pretty serious injury in the AFC game. Shades of Brady the last time? Maybe, but Gronkowski will be on the field when the game starts. It should also be noted that the last time the two teams met (NE’s last loss in the regular season), both Nicks and Bradshaw didn’t play. Both teams will be at full stregnth, barring an injury during practice.

Mentality. Both organizations have strong front offices, and both teams have players who have been here before. They are familiar with the process, and all of the distractions about getting tickets for family/friends, and making arrangements for them once they get out there. Both teams also have players who have been to the game before, so they are familiar with the circus. The Giants have more of them, but this will also be a wash.

So far, a slight edge to the Giants, but nothing that’s statistically meaningful. More next time.

Here is a quick look at the first round of the 2012 NFL Mock Draft for GMEN HQ, although it doesn’t account for the always possible and popular trade rumors, it’s a pretty good look at what might happen in April.  Take a look at our partner sites when you have a minute for more in depth coverage. DC Pro Sports Report, NFL Mocks 

1. Indianapolis Colts Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford:  The owner is making it clear Peyton Manning will be somewhere else.

2. St. Louis Rams
Matt Kalil: OT, USC: The Rams have the Qb for the future, now they need to keep him upright

3. Minnesota Vikings
Robert Griffin, III, QB, Baylor: They have been searching for a Qb for a long time, this one falls in their lap.

4. Cleveland Browns
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: I always hesitate with receivers being effective in a rookie season. Players like Crabtree and Golden Tate were supposed to be studs.  Good pick though.
.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Pairing Richardson with Blount will be a force.  Good spot for Tampa Bay here.

6. Washington Redskins
Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU: Washington continues to build an impressive defense if this is their pick

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford: Another young QB in Blaine Gabbert that needs protection.

8. Carolina Panthers
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: Carolina has many needs, and most of them on defense.  This could help.

9. Miami Dolphins
Luke Kuechly, ILB, BC: Miami in full rebuilding mode.  A top inside linebacker is a great place to start.

10. Buffalo Bills
Quinton Coples, DE, NC: The Bills showed their offense is making strides, time to stop a few people now. Continue reading this post »

Jan 23, 2011; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson (left) has his picture taken with New Jersey governor Chris Christie before the start of the 2011 AFC championship playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday I was forwarded an e-mail by the owners of this site that included a video of Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey.  The original e-mail was sent by Riccardo Diaz, Director of Media Affairs, Office of the Governor, The State of New Jersey.  The title was “Giants victory Rally Should be in New Jersey”.

Now, I like Governor Christie.  I like his no-nonsense style, his holding the media to the same standards he is held to by them.  I like his plain talk and openness.  I think, however that the Governor is approaching this particular topic from the wrong angle.  Governor Christie has worked well with both teams, but clearly roots for the front runner, or the perceived front runner at the moment.  When asked to pick a winner for the Christmas Eve tilt between the Giants and Jets, he didn’t hesitate in his praise for the Jets picking them to win by 7.  Again, I like a politician that takes a stand, but if you are going to choose a side….then choose and stay there!  He sat in the owners box that day, celebrating the Jets first drive, smiling from ear to ear.  Of course we didn’t hear from him after that as the Jets got beaten badly by the Giants, and then by Miami, to finish 8-8 and head home for the off-season.

Now, out of the Blue, all puns intended, Governor Christie is using the same argument he used when the Jets headed off to Pittsburgh to lose another AFC Championship game.  ”They play in N.J., they practice in N.J., they live in N.J.” the only thing New York about the Jets is their name…in the Giants case he inserts “their helmets”.  What Governor Christie and his staff seem to forget is the official name of the team is “The New York Football Giants”, always has been, and always will be.

Let me, for one minute here, audition for a job with the Governors office.  Here’s how I would handle it: Continue reading this post »

This can be your brain from playing in the NFL. (Picture credit: NickVeasy.com)

The story of the New York Giants deliberately trying to hurt and perhaps give concussion-prone San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Williams another concussion to knock him out of last Sunday’s NFC Championship game has been already reported everywhere over the internet and first came to light from New York Mag’s Benjamin Wallace-Wells. But I still wanted to talk about it on GMEN HQ.

In his piece, Wallace-Wells shared a couple of pretty alarming quotes from some Giants who talked about a strategy of targeting Williams, who has suffered numerous concussions in the past…

Jacquian Williams said: “The thing is, we knew he had four concussions, so that was our biggest thing was to take him outta the game.”

Williams down and out after taking a hit. (Picture from bangstyle.com)

Devin Thomas mentioned that Williams has, “had a lot of concussions,” and that the Giants, “were just like, ‘We gotta put a hit on that guy.’” Thomas also singled out Tyler Sash who, “did a great job hitting him early and he looked kind of dazed when he got up. I feel like that made a difference and he coughed it up.”

Continue reading this post »

He wasn’t, according to Taylor’s wife, which is what he said when appearing on “Inside the NFL” on Showtime Wednesday night to discuss his 2010 arrest for sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute, who turned out to be underage.

LT during his trial. (Harrison/Pool)

Taylor still beats himself up about what happened and seems to be struggling with the aftermath that netted him a six-year probation sentence and also led to him being a registered sex offender. After the break are some telling quotes from Taylor for those of you who didn’t get a chance to see the program…

Continue reading this post »

This morning I started to think back a few years to 2007.  That magical season that seemed to come out of nowhere.  Starting with all the talk about Eli Manning and his “comical” role as a leader of the team called the New York Giants.  That quote, of course ,came from Tiki Barber in a conversation forced upon him by Cris Collinsworth, who will be calling the game with Al Michaels come next Sunday.

Eli did not have his best regular season that year, and the defense started out as a complete failure.  After the comment by Tiki, Eli fired back a bit saying that “It didn’t take long for Tiki to become part of the media”.  I always remember Michael Strahan saying that that little comment showed them the real Eli was about to emerge.  Eli even talked back to Strahahn later in the year when it was suggested that the team dress in all black for their trip to Super Bowl 42.  Eli wore a black suit jacket, but with a white shirt, again making a little statement that he was his own man.

Eli, this year, has had a career year statistically, and in the category of being a leader.  He has taken to meeting during the week with the running backs and discussing the game plan and their part in it.  He has taken young receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz under his wing and has pushed them to be their best.  He teaches, mentors, and leads these men throughout the game.  He does it in his own way.  He does it calmly, quietly, but with the confidence of a true leader.  He has been fried in the media for having “bad body language” and a “funny look on his face”.  Comment by people who have never met him in person, or taken the time to ask the other players how he has affected them.

Now, Ei is leading HIS team to the Super Bowl for the second time.  He stood up in front of his teammates in a rare mid-week address and walked them through what to expect in the next two weeks.  This is a business trip, and should be treated as such.  ”We have to have great preparation” he stated and prepare they will.  The Giants will practice Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this week before traveling to Indianapolis.  The entire game plan will be implemented in New Jersey, and tweaked and repeated once they land in Indiana.  Eli, along with his well prepared Head Coach, will lead this team, in the proper mind set, to their second Super Bowl in 4 years.  Who would have thought we would be saying that just a few weeks back.

Aug 21, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL referee John Parry (132) calls a penalty during the preseason game between the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

John Parry (born c. 1965) is an official in the National Football League (NFL) since the 200 sason Parry officiated Super Bowl XLI in 2007 as a side judge on the crew headed by referee Tony Corrente.  Following this game, he was promoted to referee for the 2007 NFL season following the retirement of Bill Vinovich due to health issues.  He wears uniform number 132.

A resident of Akron Ohio, he is also an Associate Financial Advisor for Ameriprise Financial in  Tallmadge.  His father, Dave Parry, was the Supervisor of Officials for the Big Ten Conference, and the side judge in Super Bowl XVII

Parry’s assistants include umpire Carl Paganelli (13 years of experience),Head linesman Tom Stabile (17),  Line Judge Gary Arthur (15 years), Field Judge Gary Cavaletto (9), Side Judge Laird Hayes(17) and Back Judge Tony Steratore (12). Parry was chosen to be the referee of Super Bowl XLVI to be held February 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This is his second Super Bowl as an official.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure to walk on the field and do a game, here’s a little taste of life as an official.

The life of an official

I offer my sincerest apologies to those fans of GMEN HQ who have read my posts. I am dealing with a serious family issue that prevented me from writing a pre-game prediction and review. I will have a few things up before the rematch. I ask your patience.

Here’s some fun stuff from Giants.com.  The players had a long, loud, fun trip back from San Francisco last night.  Here are some of their thoughts they shared on twitter.

DE Justin Tuck (@JustinTuckNYG91): Just landed back home. But I feel like I’m still flying              

TE Travis Beckum (@TravisBeckum47): Proud to be a GIANT!! Go G-Men

FB Henry Hynoski @HenryHynoski: So excited i cant even sleep….this is a dream come true! Blessed to have this opportunity!

WR Victor Cruz (@TeamVic): Super Bowl bound baby!!!!

WR Devin Thomas (@IamDevinThomas): I love my bros on this team! ALL IN BABY! GMen fans… WE GOIN TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!

CB Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara): Shoutout to all the fans who believed in us #nyg

LB Spencer Paysinger (@SpittyP): Undrafted, NFC champ, SuperBowl bound. Not bad for a Rookie… We got business to handle in 2 weeks. But tonight we rejoice! #NYG

Frank D Parent Elementary, Beverly Hills High, University of Oregon, Giants, NFC champ, Super Bowl. Reppin all of them to the fullest!

LB Mark Herzlich (@MarkHerzlich): Well finally gettin to get to sleep. Great night great win. Couldn’t be happier. #NYC #BIGBLUE #ALLIN

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (@DatBoyJPP): We won and we kept on fighting to the end thank you lord. I would like to thank the fans for believing in us thank u guys.

WR Ramses Barden (@RamsesNYG): Headed back to NY… With hardware in-hand. Goodnight.

P Steve Weatherford (@Weatherford5): Lawrence Tynes is the man!!! Thank you #9!!!!!

TE Bear Pascoe (@BearPascoe): heck yes we are “@mcjunkind: “@DCarr8: The Dogs are headed to the SuperBowl

Meanwhile, players on injured reserve sat back and watched the overtime thriller like every other Giants fan.

WR Domenik Hixon (@domenik_hixon): I was yelling with you!!! Lol RT @ieyesis: @domenik_hixon did you yell at the tv in celebration like I did??? CONGRATS

WR Michael Clayton (@MClayton83NYG): Heads up play by d thomas. It obviously hit his leg. Will these ref be great rt now or will they drop the ball. They have been great so far