I just read Taxi shot where my friend Tim says that Derrick Brooks is the best lineback ever. I am hoping he means the best the Bucs ever had. I am a great Buc's fan however, as much as I hate to admit, as I don't care for teams from New York and anyone who plays on said teams. Read on folks. This was taken from the internet.
Lawrence Taylor
There is absolutely no debate - Lawrence Taylor is unequivocally the best linebacker in NFL history. Taylor, the second overall selection in the 1981 draft, came into the league and immediately began establishing the greatness that would make him a household name and a two-time Super Bowl champion.
Taylor was named first-team All-Pro in each of his first nine seasons and brought a whole new dimension to the pro game - that of an outside, speed-rushing linebacker, who could not only make plays in the field, but rush the quarterback better than a defensive lineman.
In 1986, Taylor became the first defensive player since 1971 to be named the league's MVP. That season, Taylor recorded a career high 20.5 sacks, 105 total tackles, five passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
Taylor recorded 142 sacks, 1,088 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and nine interceptions during his career and was selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls. However, statistics can never justify the impact Lawrence Taylor made on professional football. He literally changed the game and the way the outside linebacker position would be played forever more. Off the field issues aside - and he had plenty - Taylor is hands-down, the best linebacker in NFL history.
It doesn't say how many interceptions for touchdowns, I think Brooks had five in one year, super bowl year. I, like so many Buc fans hate to see him have to go in that fashion. The turkey with the money did those five the same way they did John Lynch. I hope all of them get on another team and make the pro bowl like John did.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Next week cab drivers in Dublin, Ireland plan to bring the city streets to a standstill with there protest
Next week cab drivers in Dublin, Ireland plan to bring the city streets to a standstill with there protest.
What's there problem you ask, same as everywhere else to many cabs and to few riders.
Story is from RTE News.
Taxi drivers threaten to escalate protestWednesday, 25 February 2009 22:09.
Taxi drivers have threatened to bring Dublin city to a standstill next week in an escalation of protest action, which has been taking place for several weeks now.
Leaders from the Taxi Drivers For Change group said cars will be used in a demonstration to take place in the city centre.
Today, almost 700 taxi drivers and their supporters marched in Dublin.
Marchers walked from Parnell Square to Kildare Street.
The group has given more than 1,500 letters of protest to the Minister for Transport this afternoon.
The group criticised unions representing taxi drivers for failing to fully back their action, it said the unions are sitting on the fence on the issue.
Taxi drivers claim that since the deregulation of licensing in 2000 the number of taxis in Dublin has risen from 2,000 to 25,000.
They say too many taxis are currently operating and as a result it is impossible for drivers to make a living.
Taxi Drivers For Change public relations officer Jim Waldron said drivers had no option but to take the action to protect their livelihoods.
The full details of next week's action has not been decided.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Recession what recession
This is a switch a cab company and drivers that seem to be doing well despite the current recession, story is from KCBY.com, in North Bend, OR.
By Kristina Nelson, COOS BAY, Ore. - It seems no business is recession proof these days.
But for Yellow Cab Taxi in Coos Bay, Owner Dick Leshley has gone back to basics to ensure riders choose his cabs when heading across town.
It was business as usual at Yellow Cab on Friday morning.
News of the state's latest economic woes didn't seem to affect Leshley.
"we've collectively decided not to take part in the recession and do something different."
Since the beginning of the year, Leshley says he's seen a 10 percent increase in ridership.
"We're very pleased with our customer response and we just hope we can continue to give quality service and earn what they've given us," says Leshley.
It seems as though Yellow Cab has created a safety net for itself during this recession, implementing some new incentives like a dollar off a ride, hoping to entice riders to hop in a cab toward their destination.
"We've offered some specials and we've done some extra training with our drivers. We've just decided to do business as usual."
Business has been so good in fact, that Yellow Cab is currently hiring at least four more drivers to expand their fleet.
"We're looking for quality people that are looking to give quality service. You must have a clean driving record and be drug free. If you have those things, we can offer you a pretty good living."
As far as the future of the economy is concerned, Leshley says he's not too worried about what's to come.
"I started this business in 1986, it's not going to be as bad as that. We've prospered when unemployment has been at 15 percent in Coos County. I'm not worried."
If you're interested in applying for a job with Yellow Cab, call Dick Leshley at 267-3111 .
By Kristina Nelson, COOS BAY, Ore. - It seems no business is recession proof these days.
But for Yellow Cab Taxi in Coos Bay, Owner Dick Leshley has gone back to basics to ensure riders choose his cabs when heading across town.
It was business as usual at Yellow Cab on Friday morning.
News of the state's latest economic woes didn't seem to affect Leshley.
"we've collectively decided not to take part in the recession and do something different."
Since the beginning of the year, Leshley says he's seen a 10 percent increase in ridership.
"We're very pleased with our customer response and we just hope we can continue to give quality service and earn what they've given us," says Leshley.
It seems as though Yellow Cab has created a safety net for itself during this recession, implementing some new incentives like a dollar off a ride, hoping to entice riders to hop in a cab toward their destination.
"We've offered some specials and we've done some extra training with our drivers. We've just decided to do business as usual."
Business has been so good in fact, that Yellow Cab is currently hiring at least four more drivers to expand their fleet.
"We're looking for quality people that are looking to give quality service. You must have a clean driving record and be drug free. If you have those things, we can offer you a pretty good living."
As far as the future of the economy is concerned, Leshley says he's not too worried about what's to come.
"I started this business in 1986, it's not going to be as bad as that. We've prospered when unemployment has been at 15 percent in Coos County. I'm not worried."
If you're interested in applying for a job with Yellow Cab, call Dick Leshley at 267-3111 .
Monday, February 23, 2009
Dodgers 2009
The biggest acquisition the Dodgers made was the re-signing of Rafael Furcal. This guy when healhy is one of the top 5 lead off hitters in baseball. He runs, he hits, he can hit for power, his defense is above average and he makes the Dodgers go. Every good team needs a guy that can make the whole team play better. However, I really think that the boys in blue need another big bat in the line up. Especially if Manny can't be signed. I also feel that the pitching roation needs help in order for them to compete for a playoff berth. Chad Billingsley, Hong-chin Kuo and Clayton Kershaw have great potential, but losing a work horse like Lowe hurts. When he throws it give the bull pen usually much needed rest.
The Dodgers trusted McDonald enough to let him pitch in the post-season last year. This year, they will have to trust him even more.
Fantasy Tip. Dodger catcher, Brad Ausmus says, Drafdt anyone but me. "Do not draft me under any circumstances. In fact, the only people who drafted me in the past were either related to me or didn't understand the fantasy baseball scoring system".
The Dodgers trusted McDonald enough to let him pitch in the post-season last year. This year, they will have to trust him even more.
Fantasy Tip. Dodger catcher, Brad Ausmus says, Drafdt anyone but me. "Do not draft me under any circumstances. In fact, the only people who drafted me in the past were either related to me or didn't understand the fantasy baseball scoring system".
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Hero taxi driver up for bravery award
This is an update to my story from Feb 12.
To recap cab driver James Brown went into a frozen lake to save the life of a woman who lost control of her car and it had flipped over after going into the lake
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has nominated Mr Brown for a Spirit Of Fire award.The awards ceremony is held annually by The Firefighters' Charity and acknowledges acts of bravery and achievement by firefighters and members of the public.
Mr Brown said: "I am overwhelmed by the nomination.
"The response since it all happened has been amazing.
"It would be very exciting to go to the awards, but the important thing is that the girl is okay.
"I'm sure a lot of people would have gone into the water.
"I'm just glad it all ended well."
To recap cab driver James Brown went into a frozen lake to save the life of a woman who lost control of her car and it had flipped over after going into the lake
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has nominated Mr Brown for a Spirit Of Fire award.The awards ceremony is held annually by The Firefighters' Charity and acknowledges acts of bravery and achievement by firefighters and members of the public.
Mr Brown said: "I am overwhelmed by the nomination.
"The response since it all happened has been amazing.
"It would be very exciting to go to the awards, but the important thing is that the girl is okay.
"I'm sure a lot of people would have gone into the water.
"I'm just glad it all ended well."
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Cabbies in fear for their Future
Other then the recession, the other major problem that face cabby's world wide is every municipality want's to add cabs to the fleets, and cab co owners are happy to oblige.
The story from Stockport, England is different, the drivers are the owners and they are trying to stop the local powers that be from selling more permits, in there small town.
These Driver-owners are in thousands of pounds of dept and are at risk of not only losing there cab's but there homes.
Story from Stockport Express.
Cabbies in fear for their Future
by Peter Devine
18/ 2/2009
A NUMBER of taxi drivers in Stockport claim they are facing home and vehicle repossessions following a council decision to deregulate the issue of cab licences in the borough.
Currently the licences are limited by the council to 120 in Stockport, but last weeks decision to deregulate means that anyone can now apply for a taxi licence for the borough.
The decision, which was taken by Stockport Councils licensing committee last Wednesday (Feb 11), has led to many cab drivers fearing a mass influx of taxis vying for their trade in what they already view as a diminishing market.
A report - which was part of a four-month, £22,000 consultation - determined that while there was no unmet demand by members of the public for cabs, it was believed by the council it would be foolish to challenge previous court decisions which had ruled against limiting licences.
One cab driver, George Manoli, who is currently paying off a debt on his cab of £38,000, told the Stockport Express the trade in Stockport faced a bleak future if they could not get the decision reversed:
He said: "If this decision is allowed to stand many drivers will lose their homes and have their taxis repossessed. The job of a taxi driver in Stockport is already on its knees due to the recession, with trade falling between 30 and 40 percent and cab drivers working long hours. When I went home from the meeting and told my wife she just broke down, and for the first time in my life I felt useless. Its not like having our backs to the wall, its more like our backs are on the canvas."
Steve Hulme, the chairman of the Stockport Owner/Drivers Association (SODA), who attended the packed meeting of the committee, said: "What many drivers don't understand is how you can produce a report which states there is no unmet demand, and yet still go ahead with this decision to de-limit.
"If we were to maintain the limit theres no certainty that it would satisfy the courts and it does not follow they would accept it remaining at 120 licences. Its not envisaged that Stockport would be flooded with a large number of licence applications."
Speaking after the meeting Councillor Peter Scott, the leader of Stockport Labour group, said: "I don't believe that the interests of local residents are best served by a free-for-all. Hackney operators have to invest many tens of thousands of pounds in their businesses, and their vehicles are much more expensive than private hire cars.
Taxi owners won't bother to operate if they can't be sure of getting enough work. In fact, we could end up with fewer taxis as a result of this. It appears that the committee was bounced into this decision without members realising the implications of such a drastic and unwarranted step."
The Stockport Express understands that cab drivers in Stockport are now planning to challenge the decision through a judicial review.
The story from Stockport, England is different, the drivers are the owners and they are trying to stop the local powers that be from selling more permits, in there small town.
These Driver-owners are in thousands of pounds of dept and are at risk of not only losing there cab's but there homes.
Story from Stockport Express.
Cabbies in fear for their Future
by Peter Devine
18/ 2/2009
A NUMBER of taxi drivers in Stockport claim they are facing home and vehicle repossessions following a council decision to deregulate the issue of cab licences in the borough.
Currently the licences are limited by the council to 120 in Stockport, but last weeks decision to deregulate means that anyone can now apply for a taxi licence for the borough.
The decision, which was taken by Stockport Councils licensing committee last Wednesday (Feb 11), has led to many cab drivers fearing a mass influx of taxis vying for their trade in what they already view as a diminishing market.
A report - which was part of a four-month, £22,000 consultation - determined that while there was no unmet demand by members of the public for cabs, it was believed by the council it would be foolish to challenge previous court decisions which had ruled against limiting licences.
One cab driver, George Manoli, who is currently paying off a debt on his cab of £38,000, told the Stockport Express the trade in Stockport faced a bleak future if they could not get the decision reversed:
He said: "If this decision is allowed to stand many drivers will lose their homes and have their taxis repossessed. The job of a taxi driver in Stockport is already on its knees due to the recession, with trade falling between 30 and 40 percent and cab drivers working long hours. When I went home from the meeting and told my wife she just broke down, and for the first time in my life I felt useless. Its not like having our backs to the wall, its more like our backs are on the canvas."
Steve Hulme, the chairman of the Stockport Owner/Drivers Association (SODA), who attended the packed meeting of the committee, said: "What many drivers don't understand is how you can produce a report which states there is no unmet demand, and yet still go ahead with this decision to de-limit.
"If we were to maintain the limit theres no certainty that it would satisfy the courts and it does not follow they would accept it remaining at 120 licences. Its not envisaged that Stockport would be flooded with a large number of licence applications."
Speaking after the meeting Councillor Peter Scott, the leader of Stockport Labour group, said: "I don't believe that the interests of local residents are best served by a free-for-all. Hackney operators have to invest many tens of thousands of pounds in their businesses, and their vehicles are much more expensive than private hire cars.
Taxi owners won't bother to operate if they can't be sure of getting enough work. In fact, we could end up with fewer taxis as a result of this. It appears that the committee was bounced into this decision without members realising the implications of such a drastic and unwarranted step."
The Stockport Express understands that cab drivers in Stockport are now planning to challenge the decision through a judicial review.
Friday, February 20, 2009
David Price---Rays closer??
The following is from the Rays web site, good reading. More to come later.
No easy answer exists to the biggest question in the Rays' camp this spring. Based on what Tampa Bay's top prospect showed last year, it's hard to imagine that this is even a question.
At the end of the 2008 postseason, the more prevalent question was directed to whether Price, 23, would be the team's closer based on the composed way he pitched once the going got hot.
Particularly memorable from Price's stellar postseason was his outing against the Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Boston was threatening when he entered the game in the eighth inning to face J.D. Drew with two outs and the bases loaded. Price delivered an 89-mph slider on the outside part of the plate for strike one, which led to an inning-ending strikeout. He then got the final three outs in the ninth to preserve the win, earn a save and propel the Rays to their first World Series.
The talented left-hander went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 2 1/3 innings in three ALCS appearances, claiming the win in Game 2, and he went 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA in two World Series appearances.
Price has since been anointed a starter, but he has not been guaranteed a spot in the rotation. Other candidates to claim the No. 5 spot in the rotation this spring include Jason Hammel, Jeff Niemann and Mitch Talbot. And other factors exist beyond Price's talents that could ultimately affect Tampa Bay's decision.
Front and center is the business of baseball
No easy answer exists to the biggest question in the Rays' camp this spring. Based on what Tampa Bay's top prospect showed last year, it's hard to imagine that this is even a question.
At the end of the 2008 postseason, the more prevalent question was directed to whether Price, 23, would be the team's closer based on the composed way he pitched once the going got hot.
Particularly memorable from Price's stellar postseason was his outing against the Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Boston was threatening when he entered the game in the eighth inning to face J.D. Drew with two outs and the bases loaded. Price delivered an 89-mph slider on the outside part of the plate for strike one, which led to an inning-ending strikeout. He then got the final three outs in the ninth to preserve the win, earn a save and propel the Rays to their first World Series.
The talented left-hander went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 2 1/3 innings in three ALCS appearances, claiming the win in Game 2, and he went 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA in two World Series appearances.
Price has since been anointed a starter, but he has not been guaranteed a spot in the rotation. Other candidates to claim the No. 5 spot in the rotation this spring include Jason Hammel, Jeff Niemann and Mitch Talbot. And other factors exist beyond Price's talents that could ultimately affect Tampa Bay's decision.
Front and center is the business of baseball
Thursday, February 19, 2009
AL East Chronicles
Yes Baseball is starting up again, pitchers and catchers reported a week ago as have the rest of the players this week.
I being a Yankee Fan have had enough of the A-rod drug story, and Ill bet you have as well.
I think it will be a three horse race in the division, I am just hopping for a slightly different order.
The free agent sighing's or the lack of the same have made for an interesting off season, did anyone think Manny would still be available at this date?
I didn't but with the economic weather being what it is, and Manny being Manny he is still available, along with Ben Sheets.
There have been many one year, low money deals along, with many middle of the road players who have several good years in front of them who have signed minor league deals.
I read something today that sums it all up, the Red Sox have tickets for sale for games in April and May, that's unheard of.
Fenway Park only holds about 35,000 and have had sellouts for many years, if the Red Sox are having money troubles what will be with the Rays and other small market teams?
I being a Yankee Fan have had enough of the A-rod drug story, and Ill bet you have as well.
I think it will be a three horse race in the division, I am just hopping for a slightly different order.
The free agent sighing's or the lack of the same have made for an interesting off season, did anyone think Manny would still be available at this date?
I didn't but with the economic weather being what it is, and Manny being Manny he is still available, along with Ben Sheets.
There have been many one year, low money deals along, with many middle of the road players who have several good years in front of them who have signed minor league deals.
I read something today that sums it all up, the Red Sox have tickets for sale for games in April and May, that's unheard of.
Fenway Park only holds about 35,000 and have had sellouts for many years, if the Red Sox are having money troubles what will be with the Rays and other small market teams?
Mass transit on the water, in Tampa?
Is this another pie in the sky money hole that the power's that be are dreaming up, this from the people who can't run a bus system.
Its Like replace the art museum that is losing money, with a bigger one and dig a lagoon in the Hillsbrough River where the old one was?
Or build a light rail systen over Malfunction Junction for trains to run to Orlando and beyond?
$10,000 has been spent for a study, they could have given me $2 and I would have told them it won't work, this is just another Tampa-Hillsbrough build it and hope they will come money hole.
Phase one is being planed to go up the Hillsbrough River to Columbus Drive, yeah it could pick up the people of Columbus Court Apartments and take them to work. I know west Tampa has improved but I didn't know it was that good.
Enjoy the story its from TBO.com.
TAMPA - Mass transit on the water?
A group of planners and architects called the Urban Charrette is proposing a small fleet of water taxis similar to water-borne services in Fort Lauderdale, New York City, Boston, San Diego and other cities.
"This is an opportunity not only to enjoy our city from the water but to get around in it," Taryn Sabia, a founding member of the group told city and business leaders this morning.
Unlike boats that pick up passengers at hotels or their homes, the 49-passenger taxis would make regular runs along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel, stopping at docks behind the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa General Hospital and other spots.
Phase one would have the boats making seven stops from Columbus Drive to Cotanchobee Park in the Channelside district. Later phases would carry the taxis north to Lowry Park.
Sabia envisioned one-way fares at $2. The Downtown Partnership paid $10,000 for a study into the water taxis' feasibility.
Such vessels stopped running 15 years ago after their owner died. A couple of reserve-ahead services still offer rides to the public. One, the White Lightning, serves 500-600 passengers daily.
"It's doable but it has to take its place in the line of priorities," Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita said, noting most officials now are focused on land-based transit, such as buses and light rail.
Lee Hoffman, the city's Riverwalk manager, thought the service, nicknamed Hydro, could float. "It would happen slowly and we would have to get some grant money."
Sabia estimated that starting with a two- or three vessel system would cost about $1 million, mostly from government grants and corporate donations.
Its Like replace the art museum that is losing money, with a bigger one and dig a lagoon in the Hillsbrough River where the old one was?
Or build a light rail systen over Malfunction Junction for trains to run to Orlando and beyond?
$10,000 has been spent for a study, they could have given me $2 and I would have told them it won't work, this is just another Tampa-Hillsbrough build it and hope they will come money hole.
Phase one is being planed to go up the Hillsbrough River to Columbus Drive, yeah it could pick up the people of Columbus Court Apartments and take them to work. I know west Tampa has improved but I didn't know it was that good.
Enjoy the story its from TBO.com.
TAMPA - Mass transit on the water?
A group of planners and architects called the Urban Charrette is proposing a small fleet of water taxis similar to water-borne services in Fort Lauderdale, New York City, Boston, San Diego and other cities.
"This is an opportunity not only to enjoy our city from the water but to get around in it," Taryn Sabia, a founding member of the group told city and business leaders this morning.
Unlike boats that pick up passengers at hotels or their homes, the 49-passenger taxis would make regular runs along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel, stopping at docks behind the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa General Hospital and other spots.
Phase one would have the boats making seven stops from Columbus Drive to Cotanchobee Park in the Channelside district. Later phases would carry the taxis north to Lowry Park.
Sabia envisioned one-way fares at $2. The Downtown Partnership paid $10,000 for a study into the water taxis' feasibility.
Such vessels stopped running 15 years ago after their owner died. A couple of reserve-ahead services still offer rides to the public. One, the White Lightning, serves 500-600 passengers daily.
"It's doable but it has to take its place in the line of priorities," Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita said, noting most officials now are focused on land-based transit, such as buses and light rail.
Lee Hoffman, the city's Riverwalk manager, thought the service, nicknamed Hydro, could float. "It would happen slowly and we would have to get some grant money."
Sabia estimated that starting with a two- or three vessel system would cost about $1 million, mostly from government grants and corporate donations.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New Arm!!
I was fooling around on the internet looking for some funny taxi stories. Sometimes we all need a little humor in our life. I found this, I have had situations come up but never nothing like this.
Some years ago one of our drivers was sent to a pub to pick up a passenger. When he got there he discovered it was quite an old man rather drunk. The barman assured the driver that he was quite harmless and would not get any bother with him. So the driver set off with this chap on the short journey to his house. Sure enough the man gave him no problems in fact he was quite amicable. They got to the passengers house, the man paid him and he then tried to get out. Well, he struggled, so the driver got out the taxi, opened up the passenger door for him and helped him out, then thought that he had better make sure he got in safely. So up the garden path they went, the passengers arm fimly wedged and held tight by the driver to stop him falling over. Well, they nearly got to the front door, when the man stumbled, and started to fall, the driver quickly grabbed his arm firmly in a vice like grip , however the man fell flat on his nose on the concrete path, this puzzled the driver, untill he suddenly realised that allthough the man was a few feet in front of him sprawled out on the path, the mans arm was still firmly gripped by the drivers hands, his wife came out, looked at the driver, took the wooden arm off him, said" better get this inside it's always coming off, one day he'll lose it, mind you, it's a bloody pity the arm don't lose him, i say"
Some years ago one of our drivers was sent to a pub to pick up a passenger. When he got there he discovered it was quite an old man rather drunk. The barman assured the driver that he was quite harmless and would not get any bother with him. So the driver set off with this chap on the short journey to his house. Sure enough the man gave him no problems in fact he was quite amicable. They got to the passengers house, the man paid him and he then tried to get out. Well, he struggled, so the driver got out the taxi, opened up the passenger door for him and helped him out, then thought that he had better make sure he got in safely. So up the garden path they went, the passengers arm fimly wedged and held tight by the driver to stop him falling over. Well, they nearly got to the front door, when the man stumbled, and started to fall, the driver quickly grabbed his arm firmly in a vice like grip , however the man fell flat on his nose on the concrete path, this puzzled the driver, untill he suddenly realised that allthough the man was a few feet in front of him sprawled out on the path, the mans arm was still firmly gripped by the drivers hands, his wife came out, looked at the driver, took the wooden arm off him, said" better get this inside it's always coming off, one day he'll lose it, mind you, it's a bloody pity the arm don't lose him, i say"
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