Timing is everything, right?  Thus the shirt I’m rolling with today is a New York Rangers classic, inspired by their Game 7 victory on Saturday over the Caps, and their Eastern Conference Finals border war showdown with the uber-bitter rival New Jersey Devils in Game 1 tonight!

While I love the Rangers “Original 6″ classic crest, I tend to lean toward loving the diagonally spelled out team names on t-shirts more, as seen below (the young lady wearing the shirt simply closes the deal).

"MANLY YES, BUT I LIKE IT TOO!"

YOUR "MADISON SQUARE" GARDEN VARIETY

Well there you have it for today, Vintage T-shirt fans.  Cannot wait for the puck to drop tonight!!

I’ll be posting a new ORB Cool Vintage T-Shirt of the Day mostly every other day during the week.  Have a shirt you’d like to see featured, or have a photo of yourself in one of our shirts you think is cool, and want to share?  Tell us what it is or send it in, and we’ll post it up!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.  WE’RE NEW ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TOO!

GOOD LUCK TRUCKER

Wait, let me guess, you had the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins losing in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs right?

Of course not.

Well, not unless you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Kings or Washington Capitals — then it’s believable.

But, honestly, who saw the team with the most points in the 2011-12 regular season (Vancouver) and defending Stanley Cup champions (Boston) out of the picture this early?

That, my friends, is the beauty of the NHL playoffs.

I’m certainly not going to complain about the drama so far.

After receiving my trusty Philadelphia Flyers Original Retro Brand trucker cap prior to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, my beloved Orange and Black went out and knocked off who many believed would be this year’s champs in the (hated) Pittsburgh Penguins.  Sorry, Sidney.

Is the ORB hat good luck?  Maybe.

I’ll let you know once the Flyers hopefully make their way past these pesky New Jersey Devils.

PESKY DEVIL

Call it wishful thinking, but wouldn’t the Kings and Flyers make for an intriguing Stanley Cup final?  Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, once thought to be the cornerstones of the Philadelphia franchise for years to come, were both eventually shipped out west to allow the Flyers to reinvent themselves.

Someone apparently forgot to remind the Kings they’re a No. 8 seed.  I still think the St. Louis Blues make this a series, but like L.A. to move on to the conference finals.

Speaking of good stories, it’s nice to see some new teams in the mix for a change.

The Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes may come from small markets, but just ask those Original Six teams from Chicago and Detroit about how big their opponents played in the first round of the playoffs.

Something tells me the Predators, trailing 2-1 after winning Game 3 last night, find their way back into this series and pull off the comeback.

Did I mention I’m a Flyers fan?  Did I also mention that makes me a Capitals fan by default since their playing the (it pains me to even type this) New York Rangers in their semifinals matchup?

I don’t think it’s any secret the Rangers had the Flyers’ number this season. When you go 6-0 against a team in one year, and I was there when the Rangers came back and stunned Philly in the Winter Classic, it makes you scratch your head.

As much as I would like the Flyers to get a shot at redemption against the Blueshirts… Let’s Go Capitals!!!

WINTER CLASSIC WOES.

All of our teams still have a LONG way to go before getting the chance to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup.  Me?  I’ll be wearing my ORB Flyers hat every game of the way, and most off days too, in hopes of realizing that dream.

And if I’m going to unfortunately watch my team go down, I mine as well look good and be comfortable doing it.

Goodbye for now and good hockey!

Special thanks go to Anthony Coppola for filling in today.  The Flyer fanatic currently writes for The Daily Journal in Vineland, NJ.  If you recall, Anthony gave us an NHL preview for Round #1 back in the beginning of April.  He picked 5 of the 8 series winners correctly, so not too bad…

You can reach Anthony Coppola via email at antcop20@comcast.net or on Twitter @AVCoppola.  You can also check his awesome blog in which he is a regular contributor to, in which he discusses another Original Retro Brand favorite – BEER! Snobs of Beer —> http://bit.ly/ynKGLf

What makes a Snapback truly a Throwback Snapback? Having a vintage logo helps, but how about one that looks & feels like it was worn by the old full service gasoline attendant you remember from the good ol’ days?  Not the clean cut guy from Texaco, but the one who worked under the cars too, and had tears and oil stains and smudges on his lid.  Well if you don’t remember the full service days, then that proves we’re really talking throwback here!

Original Retro Brand mudwashed Snapback Trucker caps ARE these caps.  Our mesh backs are the broken-in-anti-stiff style, so it’s like slipping into your favorite pair of jeans, but on your head!  I really like all of the caps in our current collection (and there is a whole new shipment about to arrive very soon…), but I can’t help but lay out my personal favorite TOP TEN, and here they are….

10. I'm a carpetbagging Yankee living in Atlanta 21 years via Long Island. Can't forget my 4 Cup Isles! Plus the dang Flames & Thrashers skipped town on me..

9. Can't you just hear Tone Loc referring to Alex the Dog in "Funky Cold Medina?" The Stroh's advertising pooch was a hit before Spuds Mackenzie.

8. Happy to don this Dons.

7. Always loved the Capitals Red, White, & Blue patriotic logo with the stars & stick. A Caps Cap for a Man's Man, I always say..

6. "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen" - UCLA Legend John Wooden. All ORB truckers have the vital little details.

5. Have to include any Hockey team that had a Hall of Fame goalie named Gump Worsley.

4. The bleacher bums at Wrigley stop drinking Old Style only long enough to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch, unless they’ve already spilled it on the ivy-covered outfield wall.

3. "You can observe alot by watching." Ok, this is the Scanton Wilkes Barre Yankees, but I can never pass up an opportunity for a "Yogiism." AND it's the only hat on our site that has 3 images!

2. Amazing to realize Hockey legends Gordie Howe & Bobby Hull played on the same Hartford Whaler team that made the playoffs in their first NHL season.

1. It's late Friday, and clearly the hat speaks for me: "LONG LIVE LONG NECKS!"

Like I said, I like all the truckers in our collection, but these are the 10 I’d like to hang my hat on (You can always count on me for cheesy references like that).

Before you go, please take a minute to follow us on Pinterest.  We’re totally into it, and would love to see your pins & boards.  We’ll be having a pretty awesome “Pin it to Win it” contest coming in the next few weeks, and you won’t want to miss it!

ALSO, FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER TOO!

RETRO RANGER.

You think our Flyers fanatic/guest blogger from yesterday, Anthony Coppola, is happy with the way the NHL Playoffs started last night?  Maybe not with how they started, but how they finished! As you probably know by now, the Flyers overcame a 3 goal deficit and sealed the deal in overtime to stun the hometown Pens and their crowd.  WOW. In other opening action, the Kings doubled up on the Canucks, and the Predators edged out the Redwings.

With 4 more games on the slate for tonight, including the Rangers hosting the Ottowa Senators, who better to share some hockey happiness than today’s guest blogger and New York Rangers fanatic (and Devils and Kings and Blackhawks...you’ll see) Marc Goldsmith.  Take it away Marc….

Ah, Spring…. The smell of freshly cut grass, the crack of the bat and the Zamboni.

What?

For me, baseball does not even start until AFTER hockey season ends.  There is simply nothing like the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Even if my team is not around to lift that majestic Cup, I still am.

I have actually held the Cup… have had the honor to meet Mike Bolt, one of its keepers and guardians.

'BAR'D FROM GAME 7!

I had the pleasure of seeing the Ducks clinch the Cup back in 2007.  I was not a Ducks fan, but there was something almost mystical about watching a team win the Stanley Cup… on home ice… and then hoist it and pass it from player to player.  It was hard not to get swept up in the spirit and joy.

I love the sport so much I follow a few teams, which confuses and confounds a lot of folks, so I find it needs explanation. I started life as a Rangers fan, going to Madison Square Garden to see Gilbert, Duguay, Esposito and the Maloney brothers.  Attending sporting events with my Dad is always a fond memory and 1994 is still one of my favorite years!  The gap to get back has been way too long, but this could be the year… knock on ice…

Then when the Devils moved to New Jersey it was easier to go to the Meadowlands, so as long as they were not playing the Rangers I could cheer for the boys in red and green.  The year was 2003 when I found myself in the parking lot of the Byrne Arena on my way into NYC to meet my brother.  The NJ Transit bus stopped there before heading into Port Authority.  It was Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Anaheim Ducks, and I was so tempted to get off and scalp a ticket.  Man I should have, but I had plans to meet Dan, and so I continued on, where we watched the game in a bar.

MOST ICONIC LOGO IN SPORTS

The next day at the convention center some folks who worked for ESPN said they were at the game.  They told me how amazing it was, and how they had extra tickets they did not know what to do with.  The look I shot my wife could have stopped a charging enforcer.  I had begged her the day before to ask for tickets, but she did not want to.  GAME 7 OF THE STANLEY CUP FINALS… for a team I loved!!!!!  To me that is the ideal sporting event… the dream… and so on my wish list… a Game 7 Stanley Cup Final.

Living in Chicago took me to the old Chicago Stadium and deep into the tradition of Mikita, Hull and the Blackhawks… That logo is one of my favorites and the most iconic out of any sport.

When I moved to LA I needed a local team to follow… and being a hockey lover, I started following the Kings… Easy to do with the likes of Robitaille and Gretzky! Seeing the Rangers sweater still means more to me than any other jersey… but I do know the Kings well, having met a number of players and going to a lot of games.  There is nothing like live hockey.  It is the greatest spectator sport around.

Lord Stanley’s Cup was given for the first time in 1893, and became the championship trophy of the NHL in 1947.  It is this tradition that makes it and the sport so deep and rich.  There is simply no other prize more coveted in all of sports and the respect and love the players show for it, make it the true Holy Grail.

ROBITAILLE & GRETZKY!

Original Retro Brand shows the same respect and detail for all of their NHL gear.  The tees, long sleeve pullovers and hoodies are soft, comfy and classic.  Their hats are perfectly vintage looking.  My only gripe is that I have to buy four different teams… Well, not much of a gripe for me!

The playoffs are upon us… Gear up!

Thanks for the kind words and support Marc.  And now that you’ve explained your sports schizophrenia, it makes perfect sense!

Marc Goldsmith is an actor, writer and true music aficionado.  If you couldn’t tell, he’s also a huge Original Retro Brand fan (he’s got over 65, and counting, ORB shirts in his closet!).  We highly recommend you check out his daily music blog at Marc’s Muse. http://marcsmuse.wordpress.com/

Before I leave today, here’s another deal for you;  Follow us on Twitter and you’ll automatically be sent a 15% OFF discount for all products on our website.  The sale ends at Midnight tonight though, so you better get your follow on!

Flyer FanatiCoppola!

The NHL Playoffs start tonight, and over the next few days we’re going to feature some previews from a few die-hard Original Retro Brand fans who are equally as passionate about their hockey.  First up is Flyers fan Anthony Coppola of Newfield, New Jersey, who currently writes for The Daily Journal in Vineland, NJ.  I think you’ll  enjoy his take on round # 1 (Wonder if he’s pickin’ Philly over the Pens?).  He’s probably not interested in our 50% off Bruins deal, but you might be (See graphic at bottom of post).

Any fan knows there are two seasons in the National Hockey League: The regular season and the playoffs.

With 82 games officially in the books, the real journey begins tonight when the puck drops on the NHL postseason.

Feel free to argue, but there truly is no more grueling championship to claim in all of professional sports than Lord Stanley’s Cup.

In the National Football League, it is possible to have a first-round bye, win two playoff games and you’re in the Super Bowl.

In Major League Baseball, though just four teams qualify for the right to play in the Fall Classic in the American and National leagues, it makes the quest that much shorter.

In the National Basketball Association, it’s a best-of-5 series to open the playoffs before shifting to a best-of-7 series the rest of the way.

Blueshirts get the W.

But in hockey, it takes winning 16 games to rule supreme.  It’s four rounds, and a possible 28 games, of body checks, fights, stitches, lighting the lamp and remarkable saves all for the sake of hoisting the Cup — first awarded in the NHL in 1927.

Hockey fans are a different breed.  They are typically a fanatical group willing to go to great lengths to support their team.  And while I likely won’t be growing a playoff beard this season — some workplaces frown upon that in the employee handbook — you can be sure I will be sporting my Original Retro Brand Philadelphia Flyers t-shirt every second of the way.

Well, I guess you know who I’m rooting for now (it’s ok – we knew!).  But here’s a look at how the rest of the first round of the NHL playoffs could shake out.

Eastern Conference

(8) Ottawa Senators at (1) New York Rangers: The stars have been shining on Broadway all season, but the Senators are one team the Rangers probably didn’t want to see fall to them in the first round.  Ottawa, which finished 26th in the NHL last season, won 3-of-4 games against the Blueshirts this season and should not be short on confidence.  Still, with the second-highest amount of points in the league at 109, the Rangers have to be the favorite here. The pick: Rangers win in 5 games.

(7) Washington Capitals at (2) Boston Bruins: Hard to believe the team with one of the premier talents in the NHL in Alexander Ovechkin nearly missed the playoffs, but so is hockey life in the nation’s capital.  If there is one underdog team with the potential to knock off the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins it’s Washington.  However, as often is the case in the playoffs, goaltending could be the key and the Bruins have one of the best in the business in Tim Thomas.  The pick: Bruins win in 6 games.

(6) New Jersey Devils at (3) Florida Panthers: It seemed the running joke down the stretch was to try everything you can to finish as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference to secure a date with the lowly Southeast division champion in the first round.  Well, the Devils are that lucky team.  All signs point to New Jersey (102 points) having the upper hand against a Florida (94 points) team making its first playoff appearance in 12 years.  Not many would argue this is the least intriguing matchup of any in the first round. The pick: Devils win in 6 games.

(5) Philadelphia Flyers at (4) Pittsburgh Penguins: For hockey fans in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets, the hatred doesn’t run much deeper than that between the Flyers and Penguins.  For that reason, this series is both a blessing and a curse for hockey fans.  Even as a Flyers fan, I can admit I’m happy for the game to see Sidney Crosby back on the ice.  And as for the Flyers, after the major offseason overhaul to the roster, their 103-point season is better than most could have imagined.  This ought to be fun!  The pick: Flyers win in 7 games.

Western Conference

(8) Los Angeles Kings at (1) Vancouver Canucks: The Kings went from a possible Pacific Division title and No. 3 seed to the No. 8 seed and date with the President’s trophy winning Canucks in a matter of three days to close out the regular season.  That’s not exactly the type of momentum you want to build heading into the playoffs.  As wide open as the Western Conference is, Vancouver established itself as the team with the league’s best record for a reason.  The pick: Canucks win in 6 games.

(7) San Jose Sharks at (2) St. Louis Blues: St. Louis’ Ken Hitchcock for Coach of the Year anyone?  If not, the voters are clearly from the days when wearing helmets were optional.  The Blues are simply one of the better stories in the league this season, but danger could be lurking in the playoff waters.  The Sharks, who are yearly Cup contenders, finally enter a postseason swimming under the radar.  Will the lessened expectations lead to better playoff results?  There may not be a trickier team to gauge in this year’s Cup contending field.  The Sharks will need to solve the Blues’ dynamite goaltending duo first, however.  The pick: Blues win in 7 games.

(6) Chicago Blackhawks at (3) Phoenix Coyotes: If Ken Hitchcock doesn’t win Coach of the Year, the Coyotes’ Dave Tippett damn well better.  No team has to deal with more distractions than Phoenix, which with no owner is forced to operate under the rule of the NHL.  This just seems to be a team with a bit of magic, though.  Journeyman goaltender Mike Smith has been a revelation for Phoenix and will need to continue his stellar play against an offensive-minded Blackhawks team.  Chicago looks to be getting healthy at just the right time to make this a competitive series.  The pick: Blackhawks win in 7 games.

(4) Nashville Predators at (5) Detroit Red Wings: Much like the Flyers and Penguins, ironically also the No. 5 and No. 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference, Nashville and Detroit bring a heated divisional rivalry into their first-round playoff date.  And get this, the Predators may actually hold an advantage against the storied Red Wings franchise this season.  For Nashville, it’s time to live in the now.  The team faces several question marks next year regarding its roster, but has proven it currently has the talent to be considered a legitimate Cup contender.  But can you ever truly count out the Red Wings?  The franchise is set to make its 21st consecutive playoff appearance, but there are concerns — mainly injuries.  Nashville may just be too young and talented for Detroit’s experience to make a difference.  The pick: Predators win in 6 games.

Listen, the NHL playoffs are not a sprint, they’re a marathon.

If you’re lucky enough to have your favorite team competing for the Stanley Cup, take advantage of the situation and show your support by sporting some ORB gear. Few sports carry the history of hockey and the vintage feel of ORB clothes make the two a perfect match.

Good luck to your team and we’ll see you in the second round!

Well said Anthony & thanks for your support & NHL preview! Now here’s the deal on that Bruins shirt –

Different shirt every Wednesday! Follow us on FB, Twitter for details.

You can reach Anthony Coppola via email at antcop20@comcast.net or on Twitter @AVCoppola.  You can also check out a pretty awesome blog in which he is a regular contributor to, in which he discusses another Original Retro Brand favorite – BEER! http://www.snobsofbeer.com/2012/02/22/rogue-ales-hazelnut-brown-nectar/

Last but not least, we have a new ORB Poll on the right which wants you to vote on who will win the cup.  Well, who? —————–>

TRENDIEST & MOST FASHIONABLE

Even this die-hard New Yorker had to drop his jaw when his eyes caught a glimpse of what could be the coolest vintage sports store on the planet.  A hard admission because said coolest vintage sports store on the planet is home to more vintage BOSTON SPORTS apparel under one roof than you can find anywhere ON THE PLANET!

I’m being serious.  ROSTER, located at 4 locations in the Boston area, and one in Providence, Rhode Island, is a New England sports fans dream come true.  I had the privilege to speak with Amber Shoares, the Manager of the ROSTER in Cambridge, about what brings the dream to life.

Andy:  Ok Amber, what brings the dream to life?

Amber: Let’s start by saying New England – Boston fans are FANS for life.  The loyalty for our teams is unmatched.  You can walk down the street anywhere in the city on any given day of the week, and you’ll see people wearing our Colleges, Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins gear.  We cater to those people.  We ARE those people! And that’s what you see and get when you walk in to any ROSTER store.

Andy:  Passionate a little?  It’s clear you and your employees walk the walk and WEAR the talk!  Makes the job more fun then work, I presume?

Amber: Of course it’s fun!  I love sports, and have been a Boston fan my entire life.  Having the common bond with your customer, and being surrounded by what you love makes coming to work every day a great experience.  Having winning teams doesn’t hurt either!

Andy:  No, it doesn’t.  You can feel the winning tradition the minute you step into the store.  The design and layout looks like a visit to a Hall of Fame museum.  Do you get to take part in that area of the business?

Amber: We do have professional designers and buyers for all of the locations, but I do get to participate in both of those aspects to a degree.  So, yes, part of what I do includes working on various floor and window displays.  I went to school for fashion design, and that has definitely helped!  We’re constantly changing and moving things around to keep the look of the store new and fresh.

WINNING TEAMS HELP!

Andy:  Speaking of new and fresh, has the Jeremy Lin phenomenon helped you move any Harvard merchandise?

Amber: Funny you would ask that.  One of our regular customers is an employee at Harvard, and he came in asking for a Jeremy Lin Harvard basketball jersey the other day.  Between the popularity of Jeremy Lin, and Harvard getting it’s first NCAA tourney bid since 1946, we anticipate sales of the Crimson are about to get brisk.

Andy:  1946?  Wow, you really know your stuff!  You sure you didn’t go to Harvard?  You brought up the NCAA tournament.  Does ROSTER have any player appearances or special contests coming up for that?

DO WHAT YOU LOVE! AMBER IN HER FAVORITE PLACE (and Bruins ORB shirt).

Amber: Can I say “Funny you would ask that” again?  It just so happens that during the month of March, every Original Retro Brand piece sold in our stores will be 25% off when customers mention they read this interview.  And on top of that, ROSTER employees will let customers know to email you (ahyman@originalretrobrand.com) to be entered automatically in a drawing to win a $200 gift card to be used at any ROSTER store and a VIP Original Retro Brand gift pack.

Andy:  Love it!  I think I’ll be emailing myself!  I’ll be sure to promote for you for the rest of the month on our Facebook and Twitter.  Now I’ve saved the best question for last.  We love that you carry Original Retro Brand in ROSTER.  What is it you like about our brand?

Amber: We do carry quite a few brands here, but Original Retro Brand is my personal favorite.  One of the things that makes ROSTER stand out is that we carry the trendiest, most fashionable pieces available on the market.  No other brand provides us with better fashionable trendy pieces than Original Retro Brand.  The off-the-shoulder pieces and deep V-necks are customer favorites.  Of course the fit and softness make them irresistible too!

We’d like to thank Amber for hanging out with us today, and ROSTER for their great support and presentation of our products!  PLEASE stop by any of their amazing locations if you’re lucky enough to be in the neighborhood.  You will be SO GLAD you did! And before you visit in person, please LIKE ROSTER on Facebook at www.RosterStores.com, and follow them on Twitter @RosterStores.

Roster – Natick – (508) 651-0972
Natick Collection
1245 Worcester Suite 2169
Natick, MA 01760

Roster – Dedham – (781) 467-6783
Legacy Place
208 Legacy Place
Dedham, MA 02026

Roster – Cambridge – (617) 225-2481
Cambridgeside Galleria
100 Cambridgeside Place E-116 Cambridge, MA 02141

Roster – Boston – (617) 330-1932
Marketplace Center
200 State Street
Space A4
Boston, MA 02109

Roster – Providence – 401-432-7588
Providence Place
100 Providence Place 2nd level 4340
Providence, RI 02903

AIR APPARENT

Either I’m picking too many “gimme” games, or all of you playing the Original Retro Brand College Football “High – 5″ contest are getting inside information!  Since nobody would need inside information on the CAL- OREGON game (Hey, CAL was ahead at halftime!), it’s clear I have a case of the “gimmes.”  To wit, 14 entries ran the table at 5-0 last week and went into the drawing to determine the winner of the FREE Original Retro Brand T-shirt. I’m happy to announce that Mike Monda from Fargo, North Dakota, is the winner.  CONGRATS MIKE!

There are some of you out there that have made it into several drawings without winning a free t-shirt yet, and I feel badly for you, I do.  I’m going to talk to the proverbial “Powers that be,” about a possible consolation drawing to give out a few extra shirts so stay tuned.  In the meantime, don’t get too discouraged and keep on pickin’!

CHIN & WIN!

For those not familiar with the rules for pickin’, then check ‘em out below.

1) Every week I will preview 5 of the most compelling College Football Match-ups for the upcoming weekend and offer my expertise, or more commonly lack thereof, as to who will win & why, along with a predicted final score.

2) Contestants will e-mail in their picks for the same 5 games to me, and the person that beats me and/or the person who picks the most games correctly (no point spreads, straight up wins and losses) will win a FREE Original Retro Brand t-shirt of their choice.  In the event of a tie, we will have a drawing to determine the final winner.  Send your picks to me at andyphyman@gmail.com no later than kickoff of the first scheduled game to be counted!  ***ONLY ONE ENTRY PER CUSTOMER***

WILL WORK WAKE

3) I will announce the winner on this blog and our Facebook page the following week – Usually Tuesday or Wednesday – Then we’ll do it again.  NOW TO THE GAMES ……..    NO GIMMES THIS WEEK!

GAME 1: # 17 Kansas State (5-0) @ Texas Tech (4-1): The Wildcats have put together a nice string of quality victories over the Canes, Baylor, and a formidable Missouri en route to an undefeated season and share of first place in the Big 12 with the Sooners & Cowboys.  The Red Raiders passing attack led by Seth Doege has accounted for 1,706 yards (6th in the nation) and 17 touchdowns.  The aerial show will continue at home for TT.  RED RAIDERS – 38, WILDCATS – 21.

GAME 2: # 20 Baylor (4-1) @ # 21 Texas A&M (3-2): Yep, we’re doing another Big 12 match-up (they do have 6 teams in the top 25).  Baylor back in business after their 1 point loss to K. State with a 49 point rebound on Iowa State.   The Aggies continued scoring the bulk of their points in the first half last weekend, but FINALLY didn’t fold in the second, and held on to beat Texas Tech.  I’m a sucker for the 12th man at College Station.  AGGIES – 34, BEARS – 28.

DEVILS DANCE ON DUCKS

GAME 3: # 19 Virginia Tech (5-1) @ Wake Forrest (4-1):  I love this game.  I don’t think I’ve uttered the words Wake Forrest since Brian Piccolo played there (1964?).  The Demon Deacons shocked # 23 FSU (not ranked anymore..) last week, and are locked in an undefeated first place tie with Clemson in the ACC Atlantic.  Meanwhile, the Hokies bounced back from their home loss to Clemson with a thrilling last minute victory over Miami led by revamped QB LoganThomas.  My want is Wake, but my hunch is Hokie.  HOKIES – 28, DEMON DEACONS – 21.

GAME 4: # 18 Arizona State (5-1) @ # 9 Oregon (4-1):  We featured both of these teams last week, but the significance of their match-up this weekend cannot be ignored.  The significance of LaMichel James suiting up or not is even more important.  Either way though, I think the Ducks are doomed.  The Sun Devils have knocked off two ranked teams, and their only loss was a close one to an undefeated (6-0) Fightin Illini. The Ducks D has shown porous at times, and The Devils will get their due.  SUN DEVILS – 34, DUCKS – 28.

YOU GO GIRL.

GAME 5: # 11 Michigan (6-0) @ # 23 Michigan State (4-1):  I thought I had a shot at a 5-0 record last week when Northwestern was ahead of Big Blue 24 -14 at half time.  Alas, my upset special collapsed as the Wolverines laid up 28 unanswered to remain unbeaten (My first 4-1 for the year; 12-8 overall!).  Can they stay that way?  Probably.  The Sparty defense has been stingy and they always play tough in East Lansing, but it’s very hard to go against the one man wrecking crew known as Denard Robinson.  WOLVERINES – 28, SPARTANS – 21.

ENTER NHL20 @ CHECKOUT FOR 20% OFF ALL NHL GEAR! HURRY UP - SALE ENDS THURSDAY!

PARTING SHOTS:  We still have an NHL sale going on now through Thursday night (10/13/11).  Enter code NHL 20 @ checkout for the discount.  Check out our latest college football poll on the right hand side – “Who is going to win the BCS Championship for 2011?”  – Not one vote for the Sooners yet?  Until next time, let’s see those picks – enjoy the action & GOOD LUCK!

JONATHAN ALWAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING! (on the set of HBO'S ENTOURAGE)

Last Summer, we had the pleasure of speaking with the newest cast member to join the long running HBO monster hit Entourage, when we interviewed co-star Jonathan Keltz. Being a cast member has it’s advantages, and the acting door has swung wide open for the young New York native.  Once again we had a few minutes to chat, and here’s an update on what the busy actor has been up to...

Andy:  The wife and I were watching a recent episode of a new favorite show, Combat Hospital, when I saw a familiar face show up portraying a mentally challenged soldier.  “I know that dude!  That’s Jonathan Keltz from Entourage – Awesome!” Been a little busy this year?

Jonathan: Haha – yes, pretty busy.  Having the opportunity to be on Entourage has been so much more than an amazing experience.  Aside from working with the incredible cast and crew, the visibility has led to several other television and movie roles.  Entourage is unique in that it’s basically watched by everyone in the entertainment industry, and that has really helped in boosting my career.

Andy:  Tell me more!  Aside from Combat Hospital, what other shows and movies are you referring to?

Jonathan: It’s funny, because the same weekend the Disney movie Prom premiered, in which I play a High School good guy, I also appeared as an escaped lunatic convict on an episode of A&E’s Breakout Kings.  The range of roles I’m getting gives me the chance to be an antagonist deuche bag one day, and a goody two shoes the next.  I’ll be showing up as a villain again on an upcoming episode of Leverage on TNT. I’m also working on a movie called 21 and Over, which is a comedy written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore – the guys who brought you The Hangover (Part I), and the recently released The Change Up.  They are such great, fun people, and I’m simply having a blast.

LOVES HIS ORB SHIRTS. LOVES HIS TROJANS.

Andy:  Dang, you are busy.  Fantastic!  I know you’re a big sports fan, so you must be excited the College Football season is under way in full force.  Do you have a team you pull for?

Jonathan: Gotta pull for the Trojans! I went to a couple of games last year and got hooked.  You know I love my Original Retro Brand USC shirts, and I’m definitely jazzed for this year.  College Football will help keep the NBA lockout off my mind.  I mean my Knicks finally turn into a decent team with Melo (Carmelo Anthony) and Amare (Stoudemire) and maybe even Chris Paul, and they probably won’t play this year.

Andy:  At least you’ll have some NHL you can turn to, right?  I know you’re a New York Rangers fan, or was it Islanders?

Jonathan: Yes, I’m good with Hockey and it’s the Rangers.  Kevin Connolly is the Islanders fan – He’s part owner of the team (Connolly plays the part of “E” on Entourage)!

Andy:  That’s right.  He wears Islander shirts on the show alot!  Well, it’s great to speak with you again Jonathan, and we’re so happy for your success.  Glad to know you play a “Good Guy,” in real life!

If you missed the season finale of Entourage this past Sunday night, don’t fret – just head over to HBOGO.com and you’ll be able to watch any episode from all 8 seasons!!

After viewing the “All About the Ring,” comedy short (2:41) that made it into this week’s Sports Illustrated “The Week’s Top Moments in Sports Video,” and is currently being featured on the home page of “Funny or Die.com” you might think the main male character of the story is your typical over-the-top-sports fanatic.  Over-the-top-Sports fanatic, yes.  Typical, definitely NOT.  You’ll get the full picture after you watch it (HILARIOUS – ENJOY!)…  The point is the man behind the movie, Matt Liston, is anything but typical.  Sure, he’s a die-hard Chicago fan who can throw down many a Heileman’s Old Style brew when he must, but after reading our brief interview, you’ll see a much deeper and humble side to this seriously funny writer/producer sports nut… Watch the video first!

Andy:  Congrats on the SI spot – obviously your no amateur when it comes to writing & producing high quality content!  Didn’t you get your “break” from David Letterman – can you tell us about it?

Matt: Yes that’s true.  Dave gave out scholarships to his alma mater (Ball State) where I attended.  I had a campus TV show called “Man on the Street,” where I just went around interviewing all kinds of people – I was able to get celebrities too – and eventually ended up interviewing Dave himself in his office in New York.  It took me two years to produce the final show which ended up winning the scholarship!  Dave was incredibly generous.  I was a broke ass college student, and was able to head to California to pursue an internship on “Friends” which I never would have been able to do without him.

Andy:  Slightly popular show, that “Friends.” How’d that work out for you?

Matt: Well, pretty good.  Turns out I ended up doing two internships at once when I worked on “The Single Guy” too.  As luck would have it, there was a show called “Seinfeld” literally just a few sets away, and I was eventually offered my first job as a stage assistant (worked there two years).  It was an amazing experience as I was with the director and assistant director on a daily basis.  Sometimes I filled in reading parts for cast members, and learned a ton.

Andy:  Ok, your resume definitely doesn’t suck!  What about your hosting gig on the History Channel – What was that about?

Matt: Coming from the world of sitcoms, you may find it hard to believe that hosting “What Went Down,” was one of the more humbling and life changing experiences of my life.  I’ve worked with many high-profile celebrities, but getting to travel the world, and meet the people who are connected directly to some of history’s most important events, was simply too memorable to put into words.

Matt (or is that Ryne Sandberg?) in Old Style ORB trucker & 1940's Minor League Cubbies tee.

Andy:  You’re gonna have to try!  Can you give me a few examples?

Matt: Haha, ok, I’ll try.  It was a six part series but a few of the more memorable segments included flying to Germany and sitting down with the last surviving crew member of the Hindenburgh (Oh, the humanity! ..had to).  Another was meeting weapons officer Morris Jepson, who was on the Enola Gay bomber plane, and was the man to rig the atomic bomb before it was dropped on Hiroshima, and then actually flying to Japan and walking in that city and speaking with a few of the survivors….mind blowing.  Lastly, visiting the spot of Custer’s last stand at Little Big Horn in Montana.  I had the privilege to sit down with ancestors of two Indian tribes for a ceremony in which a gift of some of the sacred ground was given from one tribe to the other.  I was treated to chants, songs, and even got to smoke the peace pipe with them.  Again, humbling.  On the other hand, getting to sit down with Chicago Cub living legend Ernie Banks was pretty amazing for me as well!

Andy:  You work the top sitcoms, rub elbows with celebs & sports stars galore, travel the world, AND get the girl!  You also get to wear alot of Original Retro Brand gear in the process.  Can you tell us about that?

Matt: I actually wore a bunch of different Original Retro Brand shirts for every episode of “What Went Down.” I absolutely love Original Retro Brand gear – especially my Chicago Blackhawks shirt (as seen in “All About the Ring,” along with Matt’s tribute to Indiana via Muncie Tigers shirt) and the trucker caps.  I have two different trucker caps for UCLA,  and I didn’t even attend UCLA!  They’re just the softest, best fitting, and most comfortable shirts & hats I own.  Half my wardrobe is Original Retro Brand…no joke.

Andy: We love that you love us Matt, and appreciate the support!  Thanks so much for your time today, and congratulations again on your latest video.  And the new marriage too!

One more thing!  Be sure to keep your eyes open for Matt’s latest project.  He’s currently in production of a new sports film that will air on ESPN in September called “Catching Hell.”

Bonkers for Blackhawks

If you’re a big fan of the Original Retro Brand, and want to be featured as our next interview,  please forward a picture of yourself wearing Original Retro Brand gear, and a brief description of what you do for a living or what you do that you think people might find pretty interesting to andyphyman@gmail.com If we like what we see, you may be contacted for an interview. You don’t need to be a writer/director/television host like Matt to be featured, and we’ll even send you an Original Retro Brand T-Shirt if we decide to post your story!

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