HERE WE GO AGAIN!

As most of you know, my 33-year career at the Journal News ended a couple of weeks ago in a massive scaledown of the newsroom staff. That doesn't mean the end, however. Just a new beginning.

So welcome, one and all, to Page 1, Chapter 2.

I'm starting my own Giants blog because, hey, who can ever get enough of a good thing? I'm hoping all my friends and critics will stick with me for a while as I try to continue to paint a clear, concise picture of the Giants' 2009 season. I'll try to add a few things as we go along, and transfer any new techniques I learn from my blogger buddies. Who knows? We might just prove an old dog like me can learn a new trick or two.

And while you're reading my blog, I remind you to take a gander at all my guys' and gals' offerings, all of which will be listed -- with much gratitude for their warmth and wishes during a tough time -- on my blog roll. They're all good. If I can do half the job they do, now that I'm on my own, I'll consider this little gambit a success.

So follow along. Stick with me. And tell your friends that Old Ern's back. We'll start tomorrow, as the Giants begin work on Sunday's opening opponent, the Washington Redskins.

See ya then.

EP

PS: That handsome old man you see is me, and that handsome young man in the pen-and-ink is also yours truly, in the Giants press box in 1990. It was done by the late, legendary Journal News artist Frank Becerra, a good friend, and it currently hangs in my home office as one of my most prized possessions of a wonderful career.