Peter and his parking lot crew of Jimmy, Jim, Moe, Al, and everyone else have been so generous this year. They took it to another step when they invited us to come by for some turkey. Deep fried turkey. I'm from the Northeast I only know two things about deep frying turkeys 1) It is supposed to be tasty, and 2) It is the Number 1 Thanksgiving Day injury (okay, maybe top 5).
Enjoy
Director/Producer
Wayne Earl
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
REFLECTION ON CURSE BREAKING CEREMONY
Thinking back to Thursday December 3rd and the curse breaking ceremony in Times Square, I still feel good about it.
Sure Sanchez is hurt. But I'm not worried. No feelings of dread or "here we go again..." whatsoever. Our defense is #2 in the league. Our running game #2. No matter who's in the pocket, we'll be fine.
I know we've got an interesting few games left. Tampa. Atlanta. Indianapolis. Cincinnati. But we're a good team. And I feel they'll play well the rest of the way.
Winning these last 2 games is setting them on the road to a playoff chance. The league is so spotty this year. Lots of teams hovering around .500. That leaves room for surprise teams to make surprise runs.
I can't tell what'll happen of course, but I know for a fact this team has the talent and ability to be there. No one can doubt it.
And I've done my part. Along with a great bunch of Jet fans and friends in Times Square.
Cops came by and I saw them out of the corner of my eye and I was sure they'd bust us up - especially cause I had to light 3 candles and I figured they'd be afraid I'd set Times Square on fire. But Wayne intercepted them and told them what we were up to and after I finished the ceremony, the cops headed on their way and one waved and said, "Thank you. Thank you for doing this."
He was a Jet fan.
But we're on the upward swing now, Jet Nation. I feel it in my bones. I know I may be a fool, but I can't help it. I'm going to ride the positive energy - and ANY negative energy YOU may feel regarding this team - let it go. No more holding on to the negativity of the past. Of even this season. Ever game is a new game. Every day a new one.
Let's live in the moment and ride the tide with hope, with confidence, and with excitement that we'll see the talent we know this team possesses, and that it will upset the league this year. No matter the result.
The 2009 season is still alive and well. Let's finish it out strong.
GO JETS. BEAT TAMPA.
Mark J. Williamson
Sure Sanchez is hurt. But I'm not worried. No feelings of dread or "here we go again..." whatsoever. Our defense is #2 in the league. Our running game #2. No matter who's in the pocket, we'll be fine.
I know we've got an interesting few games left. Tampa. Atlanta. Indianapolis. Cincinnati. But we're a good team. And I feel they'll play well the rest of the way.
Winning these last 2 games is setting them on the road to a playoff chance. The league is so spotty this year. Lots of teams hovering around .500. That leaves room for surprise teams to make surprise runs.
I can't tell what'll happen of course, but I know for a fact this team has the talent and ability to be there. No one can doubt it.
And I've done my part. Along with a great bunch of Jet fans and friends in Times Square.
Cops came by and I saw them out of the corner of my eye and I was sure they'd bust us up - especially cause I had to light 3 candles and I figured they'd be afraid I'd set Times Square on fire. But Wayne intercepted them and told them what we were up to and after I finished the ceremony, the cops headed on their way and one waved and said, "Thank you. Thank you for doing this."
He was a Jet fan.
But we're on the upward swing now, Jet Nation. I feel it in my bones. I know I may be a fool, but I can't help it. I'm going to ride the positive energy - and ANY negative energy YOU may feel regarding this team - let it go. No more holding on to the negativity of the past. Of even this season. Ever game is a new game. Every day a new one.
Let's live in the moment and ride the tide with hope, with confidence, and with excitement that we'll see the talent we know this team possesses, and that it will upset the league this year. No matter the result.
The 2009 season is still alive and well. Let's finish it out strong.
GO JETS. BEAT TAMPA.
Mark J. Williamson
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Video 16 - Collecting Autographs & The Jets Nuts
We've seen a lot of really cool "Jets Bus" but we managed to get a conversation with the originators.
Enjoy.
Wayne Earl
Enjoy.
Wayne Earl
Friday, December 4, 2009
THANK YOU, CURSE-BREAKERS
I want to humbly thank all the AMAZING Jet fans and Jet friends who showed up in Times Square to witness the curse-breaking ceremony that I'm proud to say went off without a hitch.
Neither was my soul harvested by a crossroad spirit, nor was I trampled by riot police for burning open flame in public. (granted they were only 3 birthday candles in a foil lined cardboard box).
The event was exciting, the J! E! T! S! cheer shook the ground and I know caused Jet coach Rex Ryan to cock his head in Toronto and ask Sanchez, "Whud wuz that?"
Impressive, and I THANK YOU ALL.
And the Heartland Brewery was equally amazing - the game on the big screen, good food, good friends, some good old fashioned Jets ups and downs, and free, green, "Reverse the Curse" shots courtesy of Greg the GM there. THANK YOU GREG. You and your staff were amazing and we thank you for hosting us.
So we're 6-6. Dead even again. On the upward swing. Our star quarterback is down for the count. Hurt his knee again and didn't play the last quarter or more. I'm not worried. I wish you God-speed, Sanchez. I do. We need you in the pocket, but I know Clemens will toe the line. Or Ainge, now the second string QB. This team is not all Sanchez.
And in all honesty (yes I'm gonna say this), with a stable quarterback, we'll actually be better. Stronger. Faster. We CAN rebuild him. We have the technology. But we'll be fine no matter what. I can feel it in my bones.
And now that any curse/blockage has been removed, things will be looking up from here on in. You wait and see...
Huge thanks to Producer/Director Wayne, Camera Man/Editor Ben, and the ever dangerously talented Scott running additional camera tonight, and to Dan as well. BRAVO. Great work.
Thanks Stags, Maria, Adrienne, Stephen, Amy, Rob, Dinesh, Gaurav, Liz, Sean, Patience, Danielle, Hew, Brian, Joe, Cory, Dennis, and everyone else that made it a night I'll never forget. (you know who you are even if I've not mentioned you here...)
Here's to the next Jet battle, and the next Jet victory.
Curse busted.
GO JETS. BEAT TAMPA.
Mark J. Williamson
Neither was my soul harvested by a crossroad spirit, nor was I trampled by riot police for burning open flame in public. (granted they were only 3 birthday candles in a foil lined cardboard box).
The event was exciting, the J! E! T! S! cheer shook the ground and I know caused Jet coach Rex Ryan to cock his head in Toronto and ask Sanchez, "Whud wuz that?"
Impressive, and I THANK YOU ALL.
And the Heartland Brewery was equally amazing - the game on the big screen, good food, good friends, some good old fashioned Jets ups and downs, and free, green, "Reverse the Curse" shots courtesy of Greg the GM there. THANK YOU GREG. You and your staff were amazing and we thank you for hosting us.
So we're 6-6. Dead even again. On the upward swing. Our star quarterback is down for the count. Hurt his knee again and didn't play the last quarter or more. I'm not worried. I wish you God-speed, Sanchez. I do. We need you in the pocket, but I know Clemens will toe the line. Or Ainge, now the second string QB. This team is not all Sanchez.
And in all honesty (yes I'm gonna say this), with a stable quarterback, we'll actually be better. Stronger. Faster. We CAN rebuild him. We have the technology. But we'll be fine no matter what. I can feel it in my bones.
And now that any curse/blockage has been removed, things will be looking up from here on in. You wait and see...
Huge thanks to Producer/Director Wayne, Camera Man/Editor Ben, and the ever dangerously talented Scott running additional camera tonight, and to Dan as well. BRAVO. Great work.
Thanks Stags, Maria, Adrienne, Stephen, Amy, Rob, Dinesh, Gaurav, Liz, Sean, Patience, Danielle, Hew, Brian, Joe, Cory, Dennis, and everyone else that made it a night I'll never forget. (you know who you are even if I've not mentioned you here...)
Here's to the next Jet battle, and the next Jet victory.
Curse busted.
GO JETS. BEAT TAMPA.
Mark J. Williamson
Thursday, December 3, 2009
BREAKING THE CURSE TONIGHT... 6:45pm
Tonight I do battle with my old nemesis, The Jets Curse.
WHEN: 6:45pm
WHERE: Times Square, Manhattan. 42nd St. & Broadway, outside ESPN Zone.
WHAT: Mark J. Williamson, lifelong Jet fan, will be breaking any curse the Jets may have upon them that has made their teams, from their best to their worst over the course of my entire life (37 years), to become masters at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
While I still don't have concrete proof there IS an actual curse on the team, nor would I believe it even if I had such information, I'm SOOOOO tired of them not winning a championship that I'm getting off my butt and doing whatever I can to help. And I implore you to join me, Jet fans. Come on out and lend your positive energy at the crossroads.
We interviewed a curse expert, Lexa Rosean, a few weeks ago and she gave me instructions on how to remove a "blockage" from one clearly "blocked up" team. (watch some of interview and my 1st curse removal attempt at links below).
I will perform the actions she prescribed, and then we'll move from Times Square to the Heartland Brewery on 43rd street to watch the game and interview more Jet fans about just why we do it. Why we keep on and don't just become Giant fans. (though at the rate the Giants are going in 09', they'll be jumping to the Jets sooner than later...)
[cue Giant fans vomiting]
What's on the line tonight? What does this mean to me? I'll show you.
When I went upstate for Thanksgiving with my family, my dad showed me pictures he found that belonged to my grandparents, discovered while sorting out their things that have been stored since they passed away 6 years ago. (can't believe it's 6 already...)
This is my brothers and I on a Christmas morning long ago. My dad had gotten us a New York Jet helmet from the Namath era when they won the Superbowl in 1969. Don't know why we put weird Christmas stickers on it (we were kids for crying out loud) but it was obviously enough of a hit for me to put it on and keep it on while unwrapping other presents. I was probably 8 years old. 1980 or so.
L to R - Me, my brother Tom, my brother Mike. (yes a lot of kids had a side thing for the amazing 70's Steelers.)
My brother Tom and I.
L to R - Tom, David, me.
See my first curse breaking attempt from Oct. 4th below, and blog entry following the disaster...
WHEN: 6:45pm
WHERE: Times Square, Manhattan. 42nd St. & Broadway, outside ESPN Zone.
WHAT: Mark J. Williamson, lifelong Jet fan, will be breaking any curse the Jets may have upon them that has made their teams, from their best to their worst over the course of my entire life (37 years), to become masters at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
While I still don't have concrete proof there IS an actual curse on the team, nor would I believe it even if I had such information, I'm SOOOOO tired of them not winning a championship that I'm getting off my butt and doing whatever I can to help. And I implore you to join me, Jet fans. Come on out and lend your positive energy at the crossroads.
We interviewed a curse expert, Lexa Rosean, a few weeks ago and she gave me instructions on how to remove a "blockage" from one clearly "blocked up" team. (watch some of interview and my 1st curse removal attempt at links below).
I will perform the actions she prescribed, and then we'll move from Times Square to the Heartland Brewery on 43rd street to watch the game and interview more Jet fans about just why we do it. Why we keep on and don't just become Giant fans. (though at the rate the Giants are going in 09', they'll be jumping to the Jets sooner than later...)
[cue Giant fans vomiting]
What's on the line tonight? What does this mean to me? I'll show you.
When I went upstate for Thanksgiving with my family, my dad showed me pictures he found that belonged to my grandparents, discovered while sorting out their things that have been stored since they passed away 6 years ago. (can't believe it's 6 already...)
This is my brothers and I on a Christmas morning long ago. My dad had gotten us a New York Jet helmet from the Namath era when they won the Superbowl in 1969. Don't know why we put weird Christmas stickers on it (we were kids for crying out loud) but it was obviously enough of a hit for me to put it on and keep it on while unwrapping other presents. I was probably 8 years old. 1980 or so.
L to R - Me, my brother Tom, my brother Mike. (yes a lot of kids had a side thing for the amazing 70's Steelers.)
My brother Tom and I.
L to R - Tom, David, me.How could I have known at age 8 that I'd reach 37 and never once see the Jets hold the Vince Lombardi trophy as World Champions? How could I have foreseen all the great teams, great seasons, great chances come crashing down around me?
TONIGHT I DO THIS FOR 8 YEAR OLD MARK. FOR ALL JET NATION.
Join me and send positive Jet energy to Toronto tonight. To energize this team and inspire them to complete and crushing victory, paving the way for a championship to come.
See you in Times Square.
GO JETS. CRUSH BUFFALO.
Mark J. Williamson
---
TONIGHT I DO THIS FOR 8 YEAR OLD MARK. FOR ALL JET NATION.
Join me and send positive Jet energy to Toronto tonight. To energize this team and inspire them to complete and crushing victory, paving the way for a championship to come.
See you in Times Square.
GO JETS. CRUSH BUFFALO.
Mark J. Williamson
---
Video 11 - Mark v Curse
CURSE REMOVAL FAILURE...
See some of my interview with Lexa Rosean, the curse expert, below.Video 14 - Lexa the Curse Expert
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
INTERVIEW WITH ESPN MAGAZINE
Had a great deal of fun meeting Gary Hoenig, general manager and editor-in-chief of ESPN Publishing, and ESPN The Magazine Editor Gary Belsky on-air today at 12:40pm on Sirius/XM satellite radio, broadcasting from the ESPN Zone in Times Square, New York City.
It was a lot of fun and I'm eternally grateful for those guys taking the time to hear me out and catch the vibe of what we're up to this year, and how, quite simply, we're taking action to help our team win a damn championship.
It was funny cause while Hoenig is a Jet fan, Belsky is not (Cardinals) and asked me, "Who ARE you? What are you DOING here?", which is a valid question indeed. It was great to get a chance to explain what we're up to.
Which quite simply is this: WHY AM I A JET FAN? Why are ANY of us Jet fans? No championships, no legends since Namath - OVER FORTY YEARS AGO - and despite exciting flashes of brilliance, which give us hope for the future, they've mastered the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Some say boo-hoo. Lots of teams in the NFL suck, and moreso historically than the Jets. At least we've got a Superbowl appearance/win to hang our helmet on.
But the following is a fact about the New York Jets that is different than ANY other team in the Union.
New York is the ONLY city with two football teams. Other cities with one team, THAT'S your team. Good or bad, you're stuck with'm. Or you root for another city. New York fans? We have an OPTION of who to root for. But I'm with the green and white.
WHY?
I was born into a Jet family. Again, boo-hoo. The Giants have won THREE Superbowls in my lifetime. All I've had to do is jump on board the Big Blue bus. But I haven't. I have my reasons.
My family. My dad. My brothers. The hours and hours we've spent on chilly autumn Sundays hoping against all hope the Jets would be the best. World Champions. Then the DEFENDING Superbowl champions. And the heartache with each failure. Hope springing eternal with each victory and upset of better teams (before the wheels fall off against lesser teams).
I admit last year I was done. After last year's collapse I said enough. This is bullsh*t. I've been a fool and been taken for one by this organization. We all have. And maybe we still are. So long as they turn a profit every year, which I guess the Jets do, the team is just one part of their portfolio.
But then with Sanchez and Ryan and my dad getting season tickets, like Al Pacino in The Godfather III, I got sucked back in...
And so the wild ride continues. 2009. A year of new beginnings and many endings. I'm glad to be able to share it with so many amazing Jet fans I've met along the way.
Here's to breaking whatever negative energy they suffer from, and to celebrating an eventual championship and parade down the Canyon of Heroes...
GO JETS. BEAT BUFFALO.
Mark J. Williamson
It was a lot of fun and I'm eternally grateful for those guys taking the time to hear me out and catch the vibe of what we're up to this year, and how, quite simply, we're taking action to help our team win a damn championship.
It was funny cause while Hoenig is a Jet fan, Belsky is not (Cardinals) and asked me, "Who ARE you? What are you DOING here?", which is a valid question indeed. It was great to get a chance to explain what we're up to.
Which quite simply is this: WHY AM I A JET FAN? Why are ANY of us Jet fans? No championships, no legends since Namath - OVER FORTY YEARS AGO - and despite exciting flashes of brilliance, which give us hope for the future, they've mastered the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Some say boo-hoo. Lots of teams in the NFL suck, and moreso historically than the Jets. At least we've got a Superbowl appearance/win to hang our helmet on.
But the following is a fact about the New York Jets that is different than ANY other team in the Union.
New York is the ONLY city with two football teams. Other cities with one team, THAT'S your team. Good or bad, you're stuck with'm. Or you root for another city. New York fans? We have an OPTION of who to root for. But I'm with the green and white.
WHY?
I was born into a Jet family. Again, boo-hoo. The Giants have won THREE Superbowls in my lifetime. All I've had to do is jump on board the Big Blue bus. But I haven't. I have my reasons.
My family. My dad. My brothers. The hours and hours we've spent on chilly autumn Sundays hoping against all hope the Jets would be the best. World Champions. Then the DEFENDING Superbowl champions. And the heartache with each failure. Hope springing eternal with each victory and upset of better teams (before the wheels fall off against lesser teams).
I admit last year I was done. After last year's collapse I said enough. This is bullsh*t. I've been a fool and been taken for one by this organization. We all have. And maybe we still are. So long as they turn a profit every year, which I guess the Jets do, the team is just one part of their portfolio.
But then with Sanchez and Ryan and my dad getting season tickets, like Al Pacino in The Godfather III, I got sucked back in...
And so the wild ride continues. 2009. A year of new beginnings and many endings. I'm glad to be able to share it with so many amazing Jet fans I've met along the way.
Here's to breaking whatever negative energy they suffer from, and to celebrating an eventual championship and parade down the Canyon of Heroes...
GO JETS. BEAT BUFFALO.
Mark J. Williamson
JET DEFENSE AND RUNNING #2 IN NFL
While it may not be of interest to those who know wins are all important, here's some reasons we Jet fans HAVE to have hope for this team beyond long-time loyalty, family ties, and or sheer stoopidity...
Of all 32 teams in the league, the Jets defense ranks SECOND in fewest yards given up, and SECOND in fewest passing yards given up.
And their offense ranks SECOND in rushing yards. IN ALL THE LEAGUE. And yet are 5-6.
They were 8-3 last year and people spoke of the Superbowl before Favre's arm snapped off and he duct-taped it back on without telling anyone (leading to a million losses and no playoffs), and if Sanchez didn't throw 4 or 5 interceptions a game (he only threw one in Sunday's victory thank gawd) they would easily be 9-2 instead of 5-6 and people'd be talking Superbowl again.
THAT'S why this team is so frustrating, and why you HAVE to keep hoping. You just HAVE to.
Mark J. Williamson
Stats mentioned above: http://www.nfl.com/stats/team
Of all 32 teams in the league, the Jets defense ranks SECOND in fewest yards given up, and SECOND in fewest passing yards given up.
And their offense ranks SECOND in rushing yards. IN ALL THE LEAGUE. And yet are 5-6.
They were 8-3 last year and people spoke of the Superbowl before Favre's arm snapped off and he duct-taped it back on without telling anyone (leading to a million losses and no playoffs), and if Sanchez didn't throw 4 or 5 interceptions a game (he only threw one in Sunday's victory thank gawd) they would easily be 9-2 instead of 5-6 and people'd be talking Superbowl again.
THAT'S why this team is so frustrating, and why you HAVE to keep hoping. You just HAVE to.
Mark J. Williamson
Stats mentioned above: http://www.nfl.com/stats/team
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