(No Hometown View on 6/25/08)
Brian Pringle is a 14-year old Point Pleasant Beach resident who was recently diagnosed with a rare, cancerous brain tumor. An active sports lover known for a great personality and smile Brian and his family have a fight on their hands but certainly are not alone in this battle. The Friends of Brian Pringle has been formed to help assist the family financially and emotionally and tonight they will be holding a fundraiser at Jenkinson’s
North Pavilion from 6-10pm.
The evening will feature a great barbeque, open bar, raffles, door prizes
and much more. Tickets are $25 for those under 21 and $50 for adults which includes the four-open open bar. For information on not only tonight’s event but how you can make a donation to help out the family simply visit www.FriendsofBrianPringle.org
The Toms River High School South Football Parents Club is holding a Texas Hold’Em Tournament on Saturday evening, July 26th at the Toms River Elks Lodge on Washington Street. The event is limited to 250 adults over the age of 21 with a $100 donation with great prizes, including a 56” flat screen TV. Ticket locations include Monaghan’s Liquors in Toms River, Ferrari’s Pizza in Beachwood and Luigi’s Deli in South Toms River….for more information you can call Hal Finley at (732) 606-3451.
The Lakewood BlueClaws are in a stretch in which they’re playing 11 of 13 games on the road but they will be home for games Saturday and Sunday against the Delmarva Shorebirds. Sunday’s day game features an appearance by former Red Sox slugger Jim Rice, who should be in the Hall of Fame.
We’ll probably know in the next few days whether or not the recent controversy involving radio talk show host Don Imus will amount to anything serious but at the very least he put his foot in his mouth and might have a harder time lining up supporters then he did a couple of years ago.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Remembering George Carlin
Like many I was shocked at the sudden death of George Carlin, who not only was a great stand-up comic but was often very accurate in his descriptions of every day life. While many will always think of him as the guy with the 7 dirty words he was much more than that and I will miss his wit and wisdom. Here’s one about how life is not as difficult as many make it out to be as long as you have a good set of rules.
· Relax and take it easy. Don’t get caught up in hollow conceits such as “doing something with your life.”
· Whatever it is you pursue, try to do it just well enough to remain in the middle third of the field. Keep your thoughts and ideas to yourself and don’t ask questions.
· Size people up quickly and develop rigid attitudes based on your first impression. If you try to delve deeper and get to know people you are asking for trouble.
· Don’t fall for that superstitious nonsense about treating people the way you would like to be treated.
· Spends as much time as you can pleading and impressing others, even if it makes you unhappy. Pay special attention to shallow manipulators who can do you the most harm.
· Surround yourself with inferiors and losers. Not only will you look good by comparison, but they will look up to you and that will make you feel better.
· Don’t buy into the sentimental notion that everyone has shortcomings; it’s the surest way of undermining yourself. Remember, the really best people have no defects.
· Beware of intuition and gut instincts, they are completely unreliable. Instead, develop preconceived notions and don’t waver unless someone tells you to.
· Never give up on an idea simply because it is bad and doesn’t work. Cling to it even when it is hopeless. Anyone can cut and run but it takes a special person to stay with something that is stupid and harmful.
· Always remember that today doesn’t count. Trying to make something out of today only robs you of precious time that could be spent daydreaming of resting up.
· Try to dwell on the past. Think of all the mistakes you’ve made and how much better it would be if you hadn’t made them.
· If by chance you make a fresh mistake, try to repeat it a few times so you become familiar with it and can do it easily in the future.
· Finally, enjoy yourself all the time and do whatever you want. Don’t be seduced by that mindless chatter going around about “responsibility.” That’s exactly the sort of thing that can ruin your life.
· Relax and take it easy. Don’t get caught up in hollow conceits such as “doing something with your life.”
· Whatever it is you pursue, try to do it just well enough to remain in the middle third of the field. Keep your thoughts and ideas to yourself and don’t ask questions.
· Size people up quickly and develop rigid attitudes based on your first impression. If you try to delve deeper and get to know people you are asking for trouble.
· Don’t fall for that superstitious nonsense about treating people the way you would like to be treated.
· Spends as much time as you can pleading and impressing others, even if it makes you unhappy. Pay special attention to shallow manipulators who can do you the most harm.
· Surround yourself with inferiors and losers. Not only will you look good by comparison, but they will look up to you and that will make you feel better.
· Don’t buy into the sentimental notion that everyone has shortcomings; it’s the surest way of undermining yourself. Remember, the really best people have no defects.
· Beware of intuition and gut instincts, they are completely unreliable. Instead, develop preconceived notions and don’t waver unless someone tells you to.
· Never give up on an idea simply because it is bad and doesn’t work. Cling to it even when it is hopeless. Anyone can cut and run but it takes a special person to stay with something that is stupid and harmful.
· Always remember that today doesn’t count. Trying to make something out of today only robs you of precious time that could be spent daydreaming of resting up.
· Try to dwell on the past. Think of all the mistakes you’ve made and how much better it would be if you hadn’t made them.
· If by chance you make a fresh mistake, try to repeat it a few times so you become familiar with it and can do it easily in the future.
· Finally, enjoy yourself all the time and do whatever you want. Don’t be seduced by that mindless chatter going around about “responsibility.” That’s exactly the sort of thing that can ruin your life.
Monday, June 23, 2008
High Gas Prices & Summer Business
As gas prices rose dramatically during the spring there were many different opinions on what affect that would have on tourism at the Jersey Shore this summer. There were those convinced it would lead to a banner season because many would chose to stay close to home rather then drive to places more than a tank of gas away. On the other side were those who felt strongly that higher gas prices would especially hurt the middle class people who make most of the day or short trips to the shore and would be more likely to stay home.
Certainly it’s too early to tell what $4 a gallon gas has meant to tourism but the first official weekend of summer did not appear to be a busy one and it might only partly have to do with the economy. I woke up Sunday morning to weather forecasts everywhere that made the day look like a bust with heavy thunderstorms being called for most of the state. However around noon there I was looking at a fairly deserted beachfront in Seaside Park with golden sunshine and cool southerly breezes that made for a rather nice day. So where were the usually large daily crowds that would pack the beaches?
The answer might be with the cost of gas many won’t take a drive down to the shore unless they are sure it will be a nice day to spend on the beach.
Those in the tourism business have always believed the weather forecast plays a role, especially with day-trippers or those coming for a weekend.
That may be truer now than ever before so while I don’t want to put any extra pressure on Alan Kasper to get it right……Alan you better be on your “A” game this summer. Or as someone said to me….just predict sunshine every day and we won’t have any problems.
Congratulations to the happy couple as childhood sweethearts Brett Hardie and Jamie Hibbs were married this weekend and are now honeymooning in Mexico. The real congratulations go out to Jim and Susan Hibbs, who saw all three of their daughters married in the last couple of years and threw a great party for each and every one of them.
Certainly it’s too early to tell what $4 a gallon gas has meant to tourism but the first official weekend of summer did not appear to be a busy one and it might only partly have to do with the economy. I woke up Sunday morning to weather forecasts everywhere that made the day look like a bust with heavy thunderstorms being called for most of the state. However around noon there I was looking at a fairly deserted beachfront in Seaside Park with golden sunshine and cool southerly breezes that made for a rather nice day. So where were the usually large daily crowds that would pack the beaches?
The answer might be with the cost of gas many won’t take a drive down to the shore unless they are sure it will be a nice day to spend on the beach.
Those in the tourism business have always believed the weather forecast plays a role, especially with day-trippers or those coming for a weekend.
That may be truer now than ever before so while I don’t want to put any extra pressure on Alan Kasper to get it right……Alan you better be on your “A” game this summer. Or as someone said to me….just predict sunshine every day and we won’t have any problems.
Congratulations to the happy couple as childhood sweethearts Brett Hardie and Jamie Hibbs were married this weekend and are now honeymooning in Mexico. The real congratulations go out to Jim and Susan Hibbs, who saw all three of their daughters married in the last couple of years and threw a great party for each and every one of them.
Friday, June 20, 2008
School's Out For Summer!
In the words of Alice Cooper “school is out for summer” and for many that means a change in their daily routine. No longer do some parents have to wake up early to get the kids off for school and many teachers and bus drivers don’t have to worry about setting their alarm clocks for the next couple of months. As always there are quite a few whose careers in education are coming to an end as they’re headed to retirement although for many of those another career awaits.
This week has featured graduation ceremonies for most of the area high schools as students have marched to the tune of pomp and circumstance
and received their diploma which marks an end and a beginning at the same time. For some it does mean the end of school as they’ll move right into the job market or possibly the military. However most are headed to college with some going locally and living at home and others traveling 3,000 miles
where Mom can no longer do the laundry or make dinner on demand.
It is a bittersweet time for parents who talk about how they can’t wait for their children to leave and then have this empty feeling when they go, especially if it’s an only or youngest child bolting the home. As for the kids….well some are itching to get away while others are in no hurry to give up the safety and security of their present address.
Of course for now it should be time to enjoy the accomplishments of finishing high school and making the best of the upcoming summer vacation. And for those of you who will be sleeping late and missing the Hometown View….well hopefully we’ll see you in September.
This week has featured graduation ceremonies for most of the area high schools as students have marched to the tune of pomp and circumstance
and received their diploma which marks an end and a beginning at the same time. For some it does mean the end of school as they’ll move right into the job market or possibly the military. However most are headed to college with some going locally and living at home and others traveling 3,000 miles
where Mom can no longer do the laundry or make dinner on demand.
It is a bittersweet time for parents who talk about how they can’t wait for their children to leave and then have this empty feeling when they go, especially if it’s an only or youngest child bolting the home. As for the kids….well some are itching to get away while others are in no hurry to give up the safety and security of their present address.
Of course for now it should be time to enjoy the accomplishments of finishing high school and making the best of the upcoming summer vacation. And for those of you who will be sleeping late and missing the Hometown View….well hopefully we’ll see you in September.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Stranger In Town (WED, JUNE 18)
As I often I tell you in advance this is not an original but rather something I received via email and re-worked for the purpose of radio. It starts with a young boy who talks about his father meeting a stranger who was new to the small town they lived in. The father was so fascinated with the newcomer that he was invited to live with the family and he quickly accepted and was around from then on.
As the boy grew up he never questioned the stranger’s place in the family.
His Mom taught him good from evil, Dad taught him to obey but the stranger was the story teller. He would keep the children spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If the boy wanted to know anything about politics, history or science it was the stranger who always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and could even predict the future and he even took the family to their first major league baseball game.
While alcohol wasn’t permitted in the house the stranger encouraged the family to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished. He talked freely about sex and his comments were sometimes suggestive and generally embarrassing. He made them laugh and cry and never stopped talking but nobody seemed to mind although on occasion Mom would get up and go to the kitchen for peace and quiet.
Dad ruled the household with certain moral convictions but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity was not allowed in the home by anyone for any reason but the stranger got away with four-letter words that burned their ears, made Dad squirm and Mom blush.
More than 50 years have passed since the stranger moved in with the family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first.
Still, if you would walk into the parents’ den today, you would find him sitting in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His name? They just call him “TV.”
As the boy grew up he never questioned the stranger’s place in the family.
His Mom taught him good from evil, Dad taught him to obey but the stranger was the story teller. He would keep the children spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If the boy wanted to know anything about politics, history or science it was the stranger who always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and could even predict the future and he even took the family to their first major league baseball game.
While alcohol wasn’t permitted in the house the stranger encouraged the family to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished. He talked freely about sex and his comments were sometimes suggestive and generally embarrassing. He made them laugh and cry and never stopped talking but nobody seemed to mind although on occasion Mom would get up and go to the kitchen for peace and quiet.
Dad ruled the household with certain moral convictions but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity was not allowed in the home by anyone for any reason but the stranger got away with four-letter words that burned their ears, made Dad squirm and Mom blush.
More than 50 years have passed since the stranger moved in with the family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first.
Still, if you would walk into the parents’ den today, you would find him sitting in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His name? They just call him “TV.”
Thursday Notes
Some random notes and thoughts:
The Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame inducted a group of eight during a dinner last night at the Crystal Point Yacht Club. The Class of 2008 included University of Louisville soccer coach Ken Lolla, former PBA bowler Charlie DelPlato, longtime New York Giants trainer John Johnson,
former Brick soccer coach Rich Finnerty and Monsignor Donovan High School football coach Dan Duddy. Also inducted posthumously were Norman Galinkin, a multi-sport athlete from Toms River who played pro baseball and longtime shore area football coach Jack Van Etten. Wrestling standout Scott Winston, who graduates from Jackson Memorial High School tonight, was honored as the High School Athlete of the Year. I was also inducted into the Hall of Fame…obviously not for my athletic career but rather for following the careers of others. Special thanks to Pete Dowd for all his work and it was fun having his son Jim of the Philadelphia Flyers sit at our table and talk hockey.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County will host their annual spring yard sale tomorrow from 9am-3pm at their offices at 85 Williams Street in Lakewood. There will be antiques, furniture, house wares, clothing, toys and much more plus a selection of floor sample wedding gowns. Others can also rent tables to sell items at the yard sale and for information and directions you can call BBBSOC at (732) 905-5349.
The Beachwood-Pine Beach Little League will celebrate their 50th Anniversary of baseball with a gala picnic this Sunday (June 22) from noon to 5pm. The day will feature carnival games, a home run derby, field games, food vendors, Buster from the Lakewood BlueClaws and much more at the little league complex. All former players and coaches are invited to attend.
The Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce still has some openings for players and tee sponsors for Monday’s 15th Annual Golf Tournament at Pine Barrens in Jackson. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by a 1pm shot gun start and then a dinner afterwards. You can call the chamber office today at (732) 349-0220 for more information.
The Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame inducted a group of eight during a dinner last night at the Crystal Point Yacht Club. The Class of 2008 included University of Louisville soccer coach Ken Lolla, former PBA bowler Charlie DelPlato, longtime New York Giants trainer John Johnson,
former Brick soccer coach Rich Finnerty and Monsignor Donovan High School football coach Dan Duddy. Also inducted posthumously were Norman Galinkin, a multi-sport athlete from Toms River who played pro baseball and longtime shore area football coach Jack Van Etten. Wrestling standout Scott Winston, who graduates from Jackson Memorial High School tonight, was honored as the High School Athlete of the Year. I was also inducted into the Hall of Fame…obviously not for my athletic career but rather for following the careers of others. Special thanks to Pete Dowd for all his work and it was fun having his son Jim of the Philadelphia Flyers sit at our table and talk hockey.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County will host their annual spring yard sale tomorrow from 9am-3pm at their offices at 85 Williams Street in Lakewood. There will be antiques, furniture, house wares, clothing, toys and much more plus a selection of floor sample wedding gowns. Others can also rent tables to sell items at the yard sale and for information and directions you can call BBBSOC at (732) 905-5349.
The Beachwood-Pine Beach Little League will celebrate their 50th Anniversary of baseball with a gala picnic this Sunday (June 22) from noon to 5pm. The day will feature carnival games, a home run derby, field games, food vendors, Buster from the Lakewood BlueClaws and much more at the little league complex. All former players and coaches are invited to attend.
The Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce still has some openings for players and tee sponsors for Monday’s 15th Annual Golf Tournament at Pine Barrens in Jackson. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by a 1pm shot gun start and then a dinner afterwards. You can call the chamber office today at (732) 349-0220 for more information.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Firing Of Willie Randolph
While there is really no good way to fire someone there are right and wrong ways and you’ll find almost unanimous agreement that the Mets dismissal of manager Willie Randolph was handled poorly and showed a lack of class. Randolph was finally put out of his misery at around 3 o’clock this morning our time after the Mets had beaten the Angels in the opener of a three-game series in Anaheim. Also getting “pink slips” were pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto. Bench coach Jerry Manuel takes over as interim manager for the rest of the season while Mets Triple A manager Ken Oberkfell and pitching coach Dan Warthen along with Luis Aquayo join the coaching staff.
There is no argument that Randolph was on thin ice and his firing has been talked about for weeks with rumors really heating up over the weekend. However why would the organization make him fly cross-country after a Sunday game in New York to fire him on the left coast after a victory? The answer is pretty obvious….to avoid the media circus that would have taken place back home and to give Manuel time to get things together before the team returns to Shea Stadium next week. While one can argue the validity of that the Mets treated Randolph like a second-class citizen when he has shown nothing but dedication to the organization. He was allowed to twist in the wind with luke-warm votes of confidence from General Manager Omar Minaya with Minaya finally pulling the plug on New York’s first black baseball manager in a west coast version of a “midnight massacre.”
Whether Randolph was a good manager is not the issue because he did provide plenty of fodder for second guessers. However he has been a beloved figure in New York for the way he conducted himself as a player and coach during his Yankee career and most recently as manager of the Mets. Unfortunately the Mets did not conduct themselves very well here and the organization takes a big step backwards. They and Minaya showed a lack of class and character which of course will be completely forgotten by fans if the team starts winning because at the end of the day…I guess that’s the only thing that counts.
There is no argument that Randolph was on thin ice and his firing has been talked about for weeks with rumors really heating up over the weekend. However why would the organization make him fly cross-country after a Sunday game in New York to fire him on the left coast after a victory? The answer is pretty obvious….to avoid the media circus that would have taken place back home and to give Manuel time to get things together before the team returns to Shea Stadium next week. While one can argue the validity of that the Mets treated Randolph like a second-class citizen when he has shown nothing but dedication to the organization. He was allowed to twist in the wind with luke-warm votes of confidence from General Manager Omar Minaya with Minaya finally pulling the plug on New York’s first black baseball manager in a west coast version of a “midnight massacre.”
Whether Randolph was a good manager is not the issue because he did provide plenty of fodder for second guessers. However he has been a beloved figure in New York for the way he conducted himself as a player and coach during his Yankee career and most recently as manager of the Mets. Unfortunately the Mets did not conduct themselves very well here and the organization takes a big step backwards. They and Minaya showed a lack of class and character which of course will be completely forgotten by fans if the team starts winning because at the end of the day…I guess that’s the only thing that counts.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Random Monday Notes
Random notes and thoughts as we start a week which will see the school year come to an end:
I have to believe Tiger Woods’ play at the U.S. Open Golf Championships this weekend led to more “Oh my God” and “You’ve got to be kidding me” outbursts than ever heard before by those watching golf. The final shot of the day in San Diego Sunday was a 12-foot birdie putt which Tiger rolled in to force an 18-hole playoff with journeyman Rocco Mediate today in a version of “David vs. Goliath.” Woods has battled through obvious pain from knee surgery a couple of months ago and has had plenty of ups and downs as he tries to win his 14th major title. The action Saturday & Sunday at Torrey Pines made for riveting television.
It’s easy to blame the weatherman when he calls for scattered thunderstorms and seems to be as wrong as often has he is right. But yesterday was a true example of what happens in the summer as while I was sitting on the beach in Seaside Park early in the afternoon it was raining hard in Seaside Heights just a mile away.
Former Lakewood High School three-time state wrestling champion Damion Hahn came up just short in his bid to make the U.S. Olympic team. Hahn wrestled his way into the 211.5 pound finals before losing to Daniel Cormier at the Olympic trials in Las Vegas last night and for now his dream of qualifying for the Beijing games is over.
The Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Lakewood BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown at their 28th Annual Good Scout and Loyal Buffalo Award Lunchoree on Friday, June 27th at Six Flags Great Adventure. The event begins at noon and after the ceremonies and lunch guests can spend the rest of the day enjoying the theme park. For ticket information you can call the Boy Scouts at (732) 349-1037.
I’m not ashamed to admit to not only seeing the movie “Sex and the City” over the weekend but enjoying it as well. And yes Samantha is “50 and fabulous.”
I have to believe Tiger Woods’ play at the U.S. Open Golf Championships this weekend led to more “Oh my God” and “You’ve got to be kidding me” outbursts than ever heard before by those watching golf. The final shot of the day in San Diego Sunday was a 12-foot birdie putt which Tiger rolled in to force an 18-hole playoff with journeyman Rocco Mediate today in a version of “David vs. Goliath.” Woods has battled through obvious pain from knee surgery a couple of months ago and has had plenty of ups and downs as he tries to win his 14th major title. The action Saturday & Sunday at Torrey Pines made for riveting television.
It’s easy to blame the weatherman when he calls for scattered thunderstorms and seems to be as wrong as often has he is right. But yesterday was a true example of what happens in the summer as while I was sitting on the beach in Seaside Park early in the afternoon it was raining hard in Seaside Heights just a mile away.
Former Lakewood High School three-time state wrestling champion Damion Hahn came up just short in his bid to make the U.S. Olympic team. Hahn wrestled his way into the 211.5 pound finals before losing to Daniel Cormier at the Olympic trials in Las Vegas last night and for now his dream of qualifying for the Beijing games is over.
The Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Lakewood BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown at their 28th Annual Good Scout and Loyal Buffalo Award Lunchoree on Friday, June 27th at Six Flags Great Adventure. The event begins at noon and after the ceremonies and lunch guests can spend the rest of the day enjoying the theme park. For ticket information you can call the Boy Scouts at (732) 349-1037.
I’m not ashamed to admit to not only seeing the movie “Sex and the City” over the weekend but enjoying it as well. And yes Samantha is “50 and fabulous.”
Thursday, June 12, 2008
To Close Or Not To Close
It may not rank among their biggest responsibilities but again this week we learned that it’s never an easy decision for School Administrators to decide whether or not to close school because of the weather. Record-breaking heat on Monday and Tuesday found most schools without air conditioned classrooms going to shortened days. Of course some parents complained that schools should have been closed but that would have meant extending the year to get the mandatory 180 days required by the state. With graduation ceremonies and other planned events that was not practical and would have caused a logistical nightmare. Other parents felt the kids should have just suffered, partly because they were not prepared for the schedule changes and partly because they recall schools days without air conditioning when they were young although probably never as hot as what we experienced earlier this week.
The decisions of administrators who decided on early dismissals were not the only ones questioned. One who runs a district in which the schools are air conditioned and were opened said he received complaints because parents didn’t even want to send their children out of the house because of the heat. When he would tell them that the safest place for the students to be was in school with supervision he found himself second guessed time and time again.
This issue also brought up the question by some of why air conditioning is not installed in all schools and the answer is really easy…money. Not only would it be very expensive to install and maintain, how many days during the course of an average school year do you think you need air conditioning in the classrooms? The answer is only a handful so it simply does not make sense.
What does is how school administrators handled the situation this week. Common sense prevailed, the health and welfare of children was the priority
and things are back to normal…whatever that means.
The decisions of administrators who decided on early dismissals were not the only ones questioned. One who runs a district in which the schools are air conditioned and were opened said he received complaints because parents didn’t even want to send their children out of the house because of the heat. When he would tell them that the safest place for the students to be was in school with supervision he found himself second guessed time and time again.
This issue also brought up the question by some of why air conditioning is not installed in all schools and the answer is really easy…money. Not only would it be very expensive to install and maintain, how many days during the course of an average school year do you think you need air conditioning in the classrooms? The answer is only a handful so it simply does not make sense.
What does is how school administrators handled the situation this week. Common sense prevailed, the health and welfare of children was the priority
and things are back to normal…whatever that means.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Giving Up On The Mets & Yankees
Now that I host my own daily sports show in the afternoon I don’t really need this segment to rant and rave but today might be a good time to close the door on the 2008 baseball season. I’m not talking about the high school season which brought championships to Toms River North, Toms River South, Central and Barnegat but rather the Major League Season for the two New York teams.
I know summer hasn’t even arrived yet but I’m starting to get the feeling that the Yankees and Mets may not be much better than .500 teams and what we’re seeing from them now is about what we can expect all summer long. The Mets are really a mess and there is no indication that things will improve any time soon. Their manager will be under fire all season and their lineup is filled with aging and underperforming players who are not clicking on the field or in the clubhouse. Simply put they are a roster of square pegs trying to fit in round holes and it’s not working.
The Yankees have shown some signs of breaking out of the win a couple, lose a couple mode they’ve been in most of the first 65 games. There biggest problem has been consistency…when they pitch well they don’t hit and vice versa but they have enough weapons to still be a factor and should remain at least in the wild card picture over the summer.
This is the final season for both teams to play in their current ballparks and in April there was reason to believe a Subway Series would be a perfect ending for Yankee & Shea Stadiums. However that’s a real long-shot right now and it seems more likely if you want to watch a World Series game locally you’ll have to travel to Citizens Bank Park…the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Now that’s a fun team to watch…unless of course you’re a Mets fan!
On an unrelated note the Jersey Shore team won its first game in the prestigious Carpenter Cup Baseball Classic at the University of Pennsylvania. Toms River South’s Tyler Gebler threw three shutout innings and Andrew Nowell of Wall belted a two-run homer in a 6-3 victory over Delaware South. Next up for Jersey Shore is a quarterfinal date with Lehigh South on Friday morning.
I know summer hasn’t even arrived yet but I’m starting to get the feeling that the Yankees and Mets may not be much better than .500 teams and what we’re seeing from them now is about what we can expect all summer long. The Mets are really a mess and there is no indication that things will improve any time soon. Their manager will be under fire all season and their lineup is filled with aging and underperforming players who are not clicking on the field or in the clubhouse. Simply put they are a roster of square pegs trying to fit in round holes and it’s not working.
The Yankees have shown some signs of breaking out of the win a couple, lose a couple mode they’ve been in most of the first 65 games. There biggest problem has been consistency…when they pitch well they don’t hit and vice versa but they have enough weapons to still be a factor and should remain at least in the wild card picture over the summer.
This is the final season for both teams to play in their current ballparks and in April there was reason to believe a Subway Series would be a perfect ending for Yankee & Shea Stadiums. However that’s a real long-shot right now and it seems more likely if you want to watch a World Series game locally you’ll have to travel to Citizens Bank Park…the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Now that’s a fun team to watch…unless of course you’re a Mets fan!
On an unrelated note the Jersey Shore team won its first game in the prestigious Carpenter Cup Baseball Classic at the University of Pennsylvania. Toms River South’s Tyler Gebler threw three shutout innings and Andrew Nowell of Wall belted a two-run homer in a 6-3 victory over Delaware South. Next up for Jersey Shore is a quarterfinal date with Lehigh South on Friday morning.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Heat Is On
When there’s nothing to talk about you can always talk about the weather,
which has probably been used more than any other subject to break the ice
between people. You can be sure virtual strangers have begun conversations over the last couple of days by saying “how about the heat” and they’ll be using that opening line for at least one more day.
Yes we are going through the dog days of summer and yet summer doesn’t officially begin for another 11 days. Temperatures close to 100 have resulted in shortened school days and scattered power outages and many with health concerns have been forced to stay indoors. It’s a far cry from just a couple of weeks ago when we were complaining about the cool spring weather.
It’s always funny to me that usually those who complain the most about the heat are those who go from an air conditioned home to an air conditioned car to an air conditioned office. Meanwhile those they have to work through the heat and humidity pretty much accept their fate and do the best they can. Despite record-breaking temperatures on Monday it was not a day off for landscapers, construction workers and many others who you might have passed while driving with the AC on. They know a day off is a day without pay so you prepare and persevere the best you can much like you might on winter days when it’s very cold.
As extreme as we might think this weather is it’s nothing compared to what many are dealing with in other parts of the country where heavy rain and flooding have made life miserable in the Midwest, resulting in several deaths and a tremendous loss of property. A stretch of the Mississippi River is expected to be closed for a couple of weeks and the cleanup will take a lot longer than that.
Take solace in the fact that this heat wave is coming to an end so we’ll need something else to complain about. How about $4.00 a gallon gasoline and the play of the New York Mets?
which has probably been used more than any other subject to break the ice
between people. You can be sure virtual strangers have begun conversations over the last couple of days by saying “how about the heat” and they’ll be using that opening line for at least one more day.
Yes we are going through the dog days of summer and yet summer doesn’t officially begin for another 11 days. Temperatures close to 100 have resulted in shortened school days and scattered power outages and many with health concerns have been forced to stay indoors. It’s a far cry from just a couple of weeks ago when we were complaining about the cool spring weather.
It’s always funny to me that usually those who complain the most about the heat are those who go from an air conditioned home to an air conditioned car to an air conditioned office. Meanwhile those they have to work through the heat and humidity pretty much accept their fate and do the best they can. Despite record-breaking temperatures on Monday it was not a day off for landscapers, construction workers and many others who you might have passed while driving with the AC on. They know a day off is a day without pay so you prepare and persevere the best you can much like you might on winter days when it’s very cold.
As extreme as we might think this weather is it’s nothing compared to what many are dealing with in other parts of the country where heavy rain and flooding have made life miserable in the Midwest, resulting in several deaths and a tremendous loss of property. A stretch of the Mississippi River is expected to be closed for a couple of weeks and the cleanup will take a lot longer than that.
Take solace in the fact that this heat wave is coming to an end so we’ll need something else to complain about. How about $4.00 a gallon gasoline and the play of the New York Mets?
Monday, June 9, 2008
Beach Etiquette
Beach season arrived over the weekend with many heading to the ocean to try and beat the heat and humidity although for most of Sunday a west wind offered little relief. That was in stark contrast to Saturday when it was more than 30 degrees cooler at the beach with many wearing sweat shirts believe it or not.
Anyway since you live here you probably know some of the basic rules of beach etiquette but if you have friends or relatives coming from out of town you might want to remind them of some of the do’s and don’ts.
* Do not wear socks with sandals because as you step onto the sand it
it will clearly send a message that you’re a visitor.
* Do not bring your backyard lounge chair….it’s too heavy to carry,
points you out as an amateur and should say in your backyard only.
* Do wear a bathing suit that matches your body. This is something
that shouldn’t be necessary to bring up but you see some sights that
just blow you away when it comes to women and men.
* Do not set yourself up right next to someone else, especially if there is
plenty of room on the beach. It’s always perplexing to me that even if
there are yards and yards of open sand somebody will put their
blanket five feet away from me.
* Do learn how to properly operate a beach umbrella, especially on a
windy day. Make sure the base is dug in well, angle the umbrella into
the wind and keep it as low as possible. When it does take off like a
javelin and nearly kills someone do not laugh and put it back up the
same way you did the first time.
* Do not play music for the entire beach because there’s a chance not
everyone likes what you’re playing. Better yet…bring an IPod.
* Do fill in any holes you dig. For some reason many people have this
great need to dig when they come to the beach which is fine for little
kids with pails and shovels. However many Dads now come to the
beach with an assortment of shovels and supervise digging projects
which often lead to 6 foot holes which if not filled in could have
negative results.
* Do not think that the ocean is like your backyard pool because it’s
not and can be very dangerous. Pay attention to the lifeguards as they
know the water and you don’t.
* Do enjoy the beach….it’s the best part of the Jersey Shore!
Anyway since you live here you probably know some of the basic rules of beach etiquette but if you have friends or relatives coming from out of town you might want to remind them of some of the do’s and don’ts.
* Do not wear socks with sandals because as you step onto the sand it
it will clearly send a message that you’re a visitor.
* Do not bring your backyard lounge chair….it’s too heavy to carry,
points you out as an amateur and should say in your backyard only.
* Do wear a bathing suit that matches your body. This is something
that shouldn’t be necessary to bring up but you see some sights that
just blow you away when it comes to women and men.
* Do not set yourself up right next to someone else, especially if there is
plenty of room on the beach. It’s always perplexing to me that even if
there are yards and yards of open sand somebody will put their
blanket five feet away from me.
* Do learn how to properly operate a beach umbrella, especially on a
windy day. Make sure the base is dug in well, angle the umbrella into
the wind and keep it as low as possible. When it does take off like a
javelin and nearly kills someone do not laugh and put it back up the
same way you did the first time.
* Do not play music for the entire beach because there’s a chance not
everyone likes what you’re playing. Better yet…bring an IPod.
* Do fill in any holes you dig. For some reason many people have this
great need to dig when they come to the beach which is fine for little
kids with pails and shovels. However many Dads now come to the
beach with an assortment of shovels and supervise digging projects
which often lead to 6 foot holes which if not filled in could have
negative results.
* Do not think that the ocean is like your backyard pool because it’s
not and can be very dangerous. Pay attention to the lifeguards as they
know the water and you don’t.
* Do enjoy the beach….it’s the best part of the Jersey Shore!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame
The Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2008 as part of a dinner at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant on Wednesday, June 18th. The selection committee headed up by Co-Founder Pete Dowd recently announced the eight athletes, coaches and others who will join a long list of those recognized for their contributions to the shore sports scene.
Honored posthumously will be former Freehold football coach Jack Van Etten and Norm Galinkin, who was a multi-sport standout at Toms River High School in the early 40’s and played pro baseball for five years.
Others being inducted into the Hall are Kenny Lola, an All-State soccer player at St. Rose, who now coaches at Louisville…former PBA Bowler
Charlie Del Plato…former Brick soccer coach Rich Finnerty and John Johnson, longtime trainer for the New York Football Giants. Monsignor Donovan football coach Dan Duddy will receive the Mike Dowd Award for his coaching and dedication to the “Out of Bounds” program he has launched and Jackson Memorial wrestling great Scott Winston will be honored as the Shore High School Athlete of the Year. I guess I also need to mention that I will be among those inducted into the Hall of Fame which is somewhat embarrassing and proof that if you stay around long enough people will forget what a poor athlete you were back in high school.
The evening is designed to serve as a stroll down memory lane and a chance for people to catch up with those they have not seen in many years. Tickets for the dinner are $50 each with the night to start with a cocktail hour at 6pm. Recently retired Asbury Park Press sportswriter Joe Adelizzi will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
For ticket information you need to call Pete Dowd this week at (732) 458-4218.
Honored posthumously will be former Freehold football coach Jack Van Etten and Norm Galinkin, who was a multi-sport standout at Toms River High School in the early 40’s and played pro baseball for five years.
Others being inducted into the Hall are Kenny Lola, an All-State soccer player at St. Rose, who now coaches at Louisville…former PBA Bowler
Charlie Del Plato…former Brick soccer coach Rich Finnerty and John Johnson, longtime trainer for the New York Football Giants. Monsignor Donovan football coach Dan Duddy will receive the Mike Dowd Award for his coaching and dedication to the “Out of Bounds” program he has launched and Jackson Memorial wrestling great Scott Winston will be honored as the Shore High School Athlete of the Year. I guess I also need to mention that I will be among those inducted into the Hall of Fame which is somewhat embarrassing and proof that if you stay around long enough people will forget what a poor athlete you were back in high school.
The evening is designed to serve as a stroll down memory lane and a chance for people to catch up with those they have not seen in many years. Tickets for the dinner are $50 each with the night to start with a cocktail hour at 6pm. Recently retired Asbury Park Press sportswriter Joe Adelizzi will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
For ticket information you need to call Pete Dowd this week at (732) 458-4218.
Here Comes Summer!
We complained all spring about how cold it was and by this time tomorrow we’ll probably be complaining about the heat. It’s going to be in the 90’s over the weekend and the first heat wave of the season is expected to last until at least the early part of next week.
The first Saturday of June means Founder’s Day in Toms River and the 35th annual event is set for tomorrow. Sponsored by the Township and the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce the festivities begin at 9am with a parade and following that you’ll find a street fair along Washington Street with over 100 booths set-up by various non-profit groups and other organizations, some of which will be selling food. There will be entertainment and prize giveaways from 10am-3:30pm to celebrate the 241st birthday of what used to be the Township of Dover. This year’s theme is “The Good Life-Clean and Green.”
Toms River East capped an outstanding softball season with its third championship after edging Red Bank Catholic 4-3 in 9 innings to win the Shore Conference Tournament. The Raiders, who also captured the Class A South and Ocean County Tournament titles, ended the Casey’s’ 23-game winning streak and scored the first earned runs this season off RBC pitcher Brittany O’Donnell. East finishes 30-2 and becomes the first shore team to post back-to-back 30 win seasons.
Toms River South and Rumson meet this afternoon at 3pm in the rain-delayed final of the Shore Conference Baseball Tournament at Toms River East. The Ocean County Tournament-champion Indians come into the game with a 24-6 record while Bulldogs, who won the Class A Central crown are 20-3. South is looking for it’s record sixth Shore Conference Tournament
Championship and first since 1999.
Manasquan High School officials have confirmed the hiring of Andrew Bilodeau as the Warriors new basketball coach. Bilodeau leaves Toms River North, where he guided the Mariners to the Class A South and WOBM Christmas Classic titles this past season. Prior to that he was the head coach at Manchester. Bilodeau replaces Kurt Fenchel at Manasquan.
The first Saturday of June means Founder’s Day in Toms River and the 35th annual event is set for tomorrow. Sponsored by the Township and the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce the festivities begin at 9am with a parade and following that you’ll find a street fair along Washington Street with over 100 booths set-up by various non-profit groups and other organizations, some of which will be selling food. There will be entertainment and prize giveaways from 10am-3:30pm to celebrate the 241st birthday of what used to be the Township of Dover. This year’s theme is “The Good Life-Clean and Green.”
Toms River East capped an outstanding softball season with its third championship after edging Red Bank Catholic 4-3 in 9 innings to win the Shore Conference Tournament. The Raiders, who also captured the Class A South and Ocean County Tournament titles, ended the Casey’s’ 23-game winning streak and scored the first earned runs this season off RBC pitcher Brittany O’Donnell. East finishes 30-2 and becomes the first shore team to post back-to-back 30 win seasons.
Toms River South and Rumson meet this afternoon at 3pm in the rain-delayed final of the Shore Conference Baseball Tournament at Toms River East. The Ocean County Tournament-champion Indians come into the game with a 24-6 record while Bulldogs, who won the Class A Central crown are 20-3. South is looking for it’s record sixth Shore Conference Tournament
Championship and first since 1999.
Manasquan High School officials have confirmed the hiring of Andrew Bilodeau as the Warriors new basketball coach. Bilodeau leaves Toms River North, where he guided the Mariners to the Class A South and WOBM Christmas Classic titles this past season. Prior to that he was the head coach at Manchester. Bilodeau replaces Kurt Fenchel at Manasquan.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A little of this and a little of that:
With New Jersey moving its Presidential primary to February yesterday’s June elections lacked the punch that might have come if Presidential candidates were on the ballot. As a matter of fact if we were casting ballots
for President yesterday it might have put New Jersey on the national stage…at least as far as Democrats were concerned. The most interesting result was how close the Republican race was for three Ocean County positions held by incumbents who faced a stronger than expected challenge.
Freeholder Joe Vicari, Clerk Carl Block and Surrogate Jeff Moran did prevail and will be strong favorites in November.
For those who forgot Hillary Clinton and John McCain won the New Jersey Presidential Primary four months ago.
An interesting baseball day for New York fans Tuesday. Joba Chamberlain’s much-anticipated debut as a starter for the Yankees lasted just 2 1/3 innings as by then he had already thrown 62 pitches, allowed a run on one hit and three walks. The Yanks lost to Toronto 9-3. Meanwhile in San Francisco Pedro Martinez made his first start since early April and went six solid innings in the Mets’ 9-3 win over the Giants.
Closer to home, Toms River North’s baseball season ended with a 5-1 lost to Hunterdon Central in the Group 4 Semifinals. The Mariners finish with a 23-5 record which included the Class A South title and just the second state sectional championship in school history.
Toms River South will try and capture its second championship of the season tonight when they face Rumson in the Shore Conference Tournament Finals at Toms River East. The Indians won the Ocean County Tournament last month.
The Shore Conference Softball Tournament Championship game is scheduled for this afternoon at Wall High School matching top two seeds….Red Bank Catholic and Toms River East. The Caseys beat the Raiders in a regular-season meeting in May.
for President yesterday it might have put New Jersey on the national stage…at least as far as Democrats were concerned. The most interesting result was how close the Republican race was for three Ocean County positions held by incumbents who faced a stronger than expected challenge.
Freeholder Joe Vicari, Clerk Carl Block and Surrogate Jeff Moran did prevail and will be strong favorites in November.
For those who forgot Hillary Clinton and John McCain won the New Jersey Presidential Primary four months ago.
An interesting baseball day for New York fans Tuesday. Joba Chamberlain’s much-anticipated debut as a starter for the Yankees lasted just 2 1/3 innings as by then he had already thrown 62 pitches, allowed a run on one hit and three walks. The Yanks lost to Toronto 9-3. Meanwhile in San Francisco Pedro Martinez made his first start since early April and went six solid innings in the Mets’ 9-3 win over the Giants.
Closer to home, Toms River North’s baseball season ended with a 5-1 lost to Hunterdon Central in the Group 4 Semifinals. The Mariners finish with a 23-5 record which included the Class A South title and just the second state sectional championship in school history.
Toms River South will try and capture its second championship of the season tonight when they face Rumson in the Shore Conference Tournament Finals at Toms River East. The Indians won the Ocean County Tournament last month.
The Shore Conference Softball Tournament Championship game is scheduled for this afternoon at Wall High School matching top two seeds….Red Bank Catholic and Toms River East. The Caseys beat the Raiders in a regular-season meeting in May.
WOBM/Gateway Toyota-Scion Student of the Week Honoree
Jordan Berardi graduates from Monsignor Donovan High School on Monday….one of the thousands of Ocean County high school students about to end a very important phase of their life. Jordan got the most out of her high school days, serving as President of the National Honor Society, a member of Student Council, the Math League and Hiking Club. She played three varsity sports and was captain of the Griffins soccer team in her senior year and found time to volunteer with programs to aid autistic children and the homeless.
The Bayville resident is among the 41 high school seniors honored this year
as part of the WOBM/Gateway Toyota-Scion Student of the Week program
which I talked about Monday. Jordan was the lucky lady whose name was randomly drawn to receive a $1000 college scholarship from Gateway Toyota-Scion and 92.7 WOBM. She will use it to help with the purchase of a laptop computer she’ll need at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut where she is enrolled in a 6 ½ year program to become a Physical Therapist. Not doubt she’s in a tough and challenging major but Jordan seems well-prepared for the challenge that awaits her.
On behalf of Gateway Toyota-Scion Vice President Ed Sunday and our General Manager and COO Andy Santoro I congratulate Jordan Berardi and wish her well in her future endeavors. The same goes to all our Student of the Week recipients this year….some of the best and brightest that Ocean County has to offer. Look back on your high school accomplishments with pride and tackle your college days with the same dedication and success will surely follow.
The Bayville resident is among the 41 high school seniors honored this year
as part of the WOBM/Gateway Toyota-Scion Student of the Week program
which I talked about Monday. Jordan was the lucky lady whose name was randomly drawn to receive a $1000 college scholarship from Gateway Toyota-Scion and 92.7 WOBM. She will use it to help with the purchase of a laptop computer she’ll need at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut where she is enrolled in a 6 ½ year program to become a Physical Therapist. Not doubt she’s in a tough and challenging major but Jordan seems well-prepared for the challenge that awaits her.
On behalf of Gateway Toyota-Scion Vice President Ed Sunday and our General Manager and COO Andy Santoro I congratulate Jordan Berardi and wish her well in her future endeavors. The same goes to all our Student of the Week recipients this year….some of the best and brightest that Ocean County has to offer. Look back on your high school accomplishments with pride and tackle your college days with the same dedication and success will surely follow.
Monday, June 2, 2008
WOBM/Gateway Toyota/Scion Student of the Week
The WOBM/Gateway Toyota/Scion Student of the Week program is about to conclude its 12th year of honoring some of the best seniors from 18 Ocean County High Schools. Each Monday during the school year I have told you about the accomplishments of some truly amazing young men and women and this year a total of 41 will have been honored with an on-air tribute on 92.7 WOBM. Each of our weekly recipients also receives a framed certificate from us and two students from each school go into a random drawing for a $1000 college scholarship with that drawing to be held live on the air at 7:20 this morning. The winner is Jordan Berardi from Monsignor Donovan High School
When I first started the program in 1996 the goal was to simply pay tribute
to some of the best high school seniors in the county and nobody could have imagined this would become a WOBM tradition. Over the years we have honored more than 450 students and have even added new schools like Barnegat, New Egypt and the MATES program through the county vocational technical school district and next year Jackson Liberty comes into the fold.
There are several reasons why the Student of the Week program works so well and it starts with Gateway Toyota/Scion of Toms River. When we first approached Vice President Ed Sunday about partnering with us and being a sponsor he enthusiastically said “yes” and has continued to do so every year. Not only do they sponsor the weekly on-air tributes to the students they and Millennium Radio Group split the cost of the $1000 college scholarship we will announce in a couple of hours. It’s been a terrific partnership and one we hope will continue for years to come.
I also want to thank the participating schools for their cooperation in promoting the positive contributions many students make to their schools and communities. It is the schools who select the students with the criteria we provide and all of them have been great to work with once again this year.
When I first started the program in 1996 the goal was to simply pay tribute
to some of the best high school seniors in the county and nobody could have imagined this would become a WOBM tradition. Over the years we have honored more than 450 students and have even added new schools like Barnegat, New Egypt and the MATES program through the county vocational technical school district and next year Jackson Liberty comes into the fold.
There are several reasons why the Student of the Week program works so well and it starts with Gateway Toyota/Scion of Toms River. When we first approached Vice President Ed Sunday about partnering with us and being a sponsor he enthusiastically said “yes” and has continued to do so every year. Not only do they sponsor the weekly on-air tributes to the students they and Millennium Radio Group split the cost of the $1000 college scholarship we will announce in a couple of hours. It’s been a terrific partnership and one we hope will continue for years to come.
I also want to thank the participating schools for their cooperation in promoting the positive contributions many students make to their schools and communities. It is the schools who select the students with the criteria we provide and all of them have been great to work with once again this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
