Update on...Me.

I would like to update you all on what I have been doing lately.  The first thing I'd like you all to know is that I have been getting some help in my quest to get a job in the Television or Radio department.  Since last December, I have been working with a counselor from the Vocational Rehabilitation program in Burlington.  I will not go into any more major details about it except for the fact that it has been a major help for me as I look to get into the media business (TV, Radio, etc.)  I have another meeting coming up in a couple of weeks, so I hope to update you again real soon.

Last weekend was graduation weekend for some schools.  To those who graduated from college last weekend, especially to those at my Alma Mater Lyndon State College, congratulations and continue success no matter where the road takes you.  A year ago, I was able to graduate from Lyndon and it was the biggest moment I have had; being able to celebrate it with my friends and family.  I hope you all enjoyed that moment and never forget the memories of your years in school.

As a sports fan, I have been following the NHL playoffs and, just like most of my New England friends, been keeping a close eye on the Bruins' success into the Eastern Conference Finals.  Now, the Bruins get ready for a major clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins (I believe I am friends with some Pens fans out there).  I cannot see this series going quick; it will be a long and very physical matchup between these two storied rivals.  My heart says Bruins in seven, but my unbiased part of me says it could go either way (which means I go with my heart).

I am a huge fan of any sport, which includes Soccer.  So when the UEFA Champions League final took place this afternoon, I watched the whole game.  It was between Dortmund and Bayern (using shortened names) and was a classic game that was all tied up until the 90th minute. Here is the video for all to watch with the call by one of my favorite announcer, Gus Johnson (Warning:  Turn down your volume or don't turn it up too high before watching this; HE GOES NUTS!)  All other sports updates will happen at a later time.

Check out this great Fox Sports video - Robben goal wins Champions League for Bayern Munich

That's my update on what's been going on lately.  Again, congrats to all the graduates from last week's college events, good luck to the Bruins in the Conference Finals and I hope to see some of you real soon.  In the meantime, I would love to hear from as many of you as I can.  Whether its a comment or even if you have a question for me, let me know on this blog, on my Facebook page or Twitter page (@theploofer).  Thank you and keep in touch.

Happy Mothers' Day (with a sports report blended in)

Happy Mothers' Day to all of you mothers out there, especially to those who have meant a lot in my life...My Grandmothers, Barbara Gay (Nonni) and Marjorie Ploof (Mimi), who were there to take care of me throughout my life, whether it was at a family get together or an overnight stay.  I was happy to see Nonni today when I went in town and helped fix her TV boxes (long story short, my Dad and I got it taken care of).  Mimi passed away in 2005, but I really felt that she was with me today (guess it was because my dad and I had lunch at Beansie's Bus Stop today), and I will never forget her as long as I live.  And of course, a very happy mothers' day to my mom, Kelly Ploof, who has been with me through all the good times and bad.  Last year on Mothers' Day, my whole family celebrated it in Lyndonville as I got my Diploma at Lyndon State College after five grueling years.  It was a special time for me and for my Mom.  Mom, Nonni, I hope you had a great time today and Mimi, I wish you were here with us today.  You would've been happy for all of us.

Now that that's out of the way, I haven't been able to talk about sports for a while, so here goes nothing:

NHL:  The first round of the playoffs ends tomorrow night with now 2 game 7s:  one that should have happened and one that should have never happened, but I knew it would.  The Rangers evened their series with the Capitals tonight and the Maple Leafs did the same against the Bruins.  This gives both New York and Toronto the momentum for game 7 along with the back-to-back scenario, which could make for tough games in DC and beantown.  That momentum could lead to both Washington and Boston seeing its season end.  Ottawa, San Jose, Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburgh and the winner of tonight's Detroit/Anaheim game are waiting for round 2 to get started, but tomorrow night could be the best night of the playoffs.

NBA:  Second round action is fast and furious (especially in Miami and Chicago).  In the East, the Heat and Bulls are playing down and dirty in their series, and while Chicago took game 1, Miami is playing like the title team from last season.  The other series saw the Pacers take a 2-1 lead in their series against the Knicks and in both wins, New York's poor shooting was a key to their wins.

NBA II:  In the West, the Thunder are starting to miss Russell Westbrook in their losses against Memphis, leading to a 2-1 series lead for the Grizzlies, and the only series that has played 4 games is all even 2-2, with Golden State taking games 2 and 4; San Antonio took games 1 and 3 of the series that has seen stellar shooting and a double OT classic.

MLB:  What has happened to the Boston Red Sox?  At one point, they are in first place in their division; the next, they are right in the middle of the AL East standings.  Boston has lost 5 of their last 7 games against two sub-500 teams (Twins and Blue Jays).  Now they travel to Tampa for three against the Rays.  If they can't get out of this slump, a new saying might be started:  You can't win a division in April, but you can lose one in May.

MLB II:  Same division, different team:  How the heck are the Yankees in first place?  Simple:  Good Pitching (CC, Pettitte, Kuroda), Score in any fashion (not just the long ball, like in previous years), and let the walking retirement tour (Mariano) get the job done in the ninth (15/15).  Keep that up and we may be hearing the Yankees name again in October (just remember, it's only May).

Sports TV:  Last week on Facebook, I posted on my timeline two youtube videos about the TSN Sportscentre (SC) duo of Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole.  The reasoning for this is because they will be leaving TSN to join Fox Sports and its new network Fox Sports 1 in August.  After I first watched these videos, I just had to share them because the videos were hilarious.  For those who are wondering, here's another clip of them in action (sort of).  The new Fox Sports 1 will take over SPEED on August 17 and include Fox Sports Live (going against ESPN's SC), and a show starring Regis Philbin (yes, you saw that right, REEGE IS BACK...and talking sports).  Look for it soon.

That's the latest for tonight.  I'll be back soon and, once again, Happy Mothers' Day today.  Hope all you Mother's had a great day.