Monday, August 30, 2010

Next To Last Weekend Of Summer

There is simply no comparison when it comes to the Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards as far as watching in on TV. Last night Emmy Awards was a fast-moving show where speeches were not only short and light but void of political statements and actors self-importance. Jimmy Fallon was tremendous as the host as he kept things moving at a nice quick pace…the show ended on time unlike the Oscars which go on forever.

I was happy for the success of “Modern Family” which is an incredibly funny show with a great cast.

A big weekend for Toms River’s Frank Edgar as he defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over former champ BJ Penn in Boston Saturday night. The former Toms River East wrestler and current Rutgers assistant coach beat Penn for the title in a stunning upset in April and backed it up with a convincing victory in his first title defense.

What a start to Dana Costello’s soccer career at Monmouth University. The freshman from Jackson Memorial scored both goals as the Hawks beat NJIT 2-1 in their season opener Friday and then yesterday Costello scored the game’s only goal as Monmouth stunned 17th ranked Rutgers 1-0 in Piscataway. It’s just the second time in 17 meetings that the Hawks have beaten the Scarlet Knights.

Enjoyed a terrific dinner with friends Saturday night at Spicy Restaurant on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights and it even came with a bonus, if you want to call it that. Turns out the cast from the MTV Show “Jersey Shore” has discovered the roof-top restaurant this summer and regularly dines there, where you must try their table side guacamole (it’s delicious). It was almost comical watching people take pictures with their cell phones of “The Situation”, “Pauly D” and the other cast members who were simply eating and talking. “Snooki” was not around…, maybe she was with Governor Chris Christie, who reportedly was having dinner at Hemmingway’s in Seaside Heights at the same time. I know he wasn’t dinning with Bret Shundler.

Friday, August 27, 2010

It looks like we’ll have great weather for what too many really is the final weekend of summer. Yes I know Labor Day is still more than a week away and of course September might be the nicest month of the year but for many people once the school mode begins than summer is really over. If you drive by schools and fields you see that kids are busy getting ready for the fall sports season, cheerleading, band practice and more. So if this is really your last free weekend then enjoy it…I know I’ll be on the 2nd Avenue Beach in Seaside Park working overtime.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this but a team made up mostly of players from New Brunswick won the inaugural Baker League Summer Adult Basketball Championship. MAGNACARE led from start to finish and beat
WALLACH’S FARM MARKET in the title game at Toms River Intermediate East. The Wallach’s entry was comprised mainly of ex-Lacey High School players.

On hand at last night’s game were the Toms River National All-Stars, who of course are just back from Williamsport, Pennsylvania and trying to enjoy what’s left of their brief summer vacation. Theresa Tiplady, whose son Michael was a key member of the squad told me the first full day back at home meant loads of laundry. She was good enough to write a daily blog for wobm.com during the Little League World Series and said the entire experience was a positive one. I talked briefly with manager Paul Deceglie who said returning to work meant indeed it was all over as from August 4th until this week he was with the boys 24/7 in Bristol, Connecticut and then Williamsport. For the players school will start on Wednesday so I’m sure they are looking forward to a few days at the beach and just doing what kids like to do.

Final thought for the day and week…..being a Mets fan truly is a form of torture.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Grumpy Kevin Returns

So I’ve been a little bit sappy this week with segments about my daughter going off the college and my wife and I being home alone. Today I’m back to my grumpy old self. I can’t accept the following:

• Drivers who refuse to use their turn signals.
• Employees of drive-thru food and beverage places who seem bothered when you ask for napkins which they did not put in
the bag.
• People who think that the cast of “Jersey Shore” are pretty much
like most of the residents of the Jersey Shore.
• Jerry Manuel saying after another Mets loss that the team is still
in the playoff picture.
• The fact that Little League Baseball uses any form of TV replay
to overturn calls during their World Series. At that level it’s
simply absurd, especially when you consider there are six umpires
on a small field.
• The blatant disregard for Yield signs which to many drivers seem to be a reason to speed up so they don’t have to stop.
* The move “2012” which I saw for the first time the other day. Has
to be one of the worst and most unrealistic movies I have ever
watched.
• People who keep changing their profile pictures on Facebook.
Actually I just don’t know how to do it.
• The pain I’ve been experiencing in my left knee which I’m afraid
might be a real problem.
• People who are miserable all the time.
• People who are happy and smiling all the time.
• Those who feel sorry for the Toms River National Little Leaguers
because most of their summer was playing baseball. Those kids will never forget what they were part of.
• And I really can’t accept this is the final summer weekend before
Labor Day. That’s simply not fair.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"It's Really Quiet"

“It’s really quiet.”

That was my answer when my brother asked me last night what it was like not having any children at home. As I talked about earlier this week the younger of our two children has begun her freshman year at Penn State University and it’s now just my wife and me. Our son, who turns 25 tomorrow, has been gone for two years as he lives in Hoboken and works in New York. Sure he comes home for a weekend visit once in a while but for the most part the noise in our house the last two years belonged to my daughter Alex. She was like a buzz saw, coming and going at a pace that bordered on insanity at times. We kept talking about how nice it would be when she went off to college as things would slow down. Well she’s been gone for less than a week and I have to tell you the quiet is deafening. Doors don’t slam shut, there’s no music blasting from upstairs, the phone doesn’t ring as often and there’s a lot less laundry. We don’t get into heated discussions of where she’s going, what time she’s coming home, who is driving. My wife doesn’t have to remind her to take her vitamin or that she should eat something. Now Common sense would tell you that this is a good thing and we should be happy and part of us feels that way.

However I have to be honest…I miss the noise. It’s not so much the noise but knowing that it would mean she was around. I won’t tell you I miss the stress that comes with an 18-year old daughter but like everything else you have to take the bad with the good and stress was the bad. I miss her voice, her laughter, her smile…even her screaming. I miss her needing me for something because that’s what being a parent is often about.

Actually what I miss most is when she would leave the house and give me a kiss on the cheek and say “love you.” I hope she misses me too…at least a little bit.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Play Ball One More Time

The Toms River National All-Stars will play one more game in what’s been an unforgettable summer for the 13 players and 3 coaches, not to mention the families of all involved. At noon today in Williamsport, Pennsylvania the Mid-Atlantic champions will take on the Arabian American Little League in a consolation game that will be televised on ESPN2. The “bash boys” from Mapletree Road figure to get their mojo back today against a Saudi Arabian team that lost its two games by a combined score of 31-0. After today’s game the Toms River group will spend the rest of the day in Williamsport and then is scheduled to leave tomorrow and return home…something the players are probably looking forward to. They have not slept in their own beds since early August and they won’t have much time left before school begins next week. However they have memories to last a lifetime and gave us all something to root for over the last few weeks.

It started with a group of guys playing pick-up games at a local gym and it’s grown into a full fledged summer adult basketball league. The Baker League playoffs begin tonight with the championship game set for Thursday
at Toms River Intermediate School East. Thursday’s championship game will start at 7pm and admission will be $10 with all proceeds being donated to Ocean of Love For Children with Cancer and to the Toms River National Little League team.

Lifeguards in Bay Head will unveil a bronze plaque in memory of the late Don Fioretti this Saturday at 9:30am at Beach Patrol headquarters on Bridge Avenue. Fioretti was the Beach Supervisor in Bay Head for 37 years from 1972 until his death last July. He was also a teacher, coach and Athletic Director at Point Pleasant Beach High School.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are now selling individual game playoff tickets as they seek to defend their South Atlantic League championship. The first-half Northern Division champions will host their first playoff game on Friday, September 10th. Playoff tickets are available by calling (732) 701-9000, online at blueclaws.com or at the FirstEnergy Park box office.

Monday, August 23, 2010

"Love You To The Moon & Back"




Today will mark a first in the 13 years I’ve been airing this daily segment. The words I am about to read or not mine but rather those of my wife Jane. Late last week we experienced the joy and sadness I’m sure some of you have felt when sending your youngest child off to college. It was incredibly difficult for me but harder for my wife…you know that mother-daughter thing. So today I am just the voice…it’s
the word and feelings of my wife.

“No tears mom, I’m so happy and so ready. You and Daddy did an awesome job preparing me for today.” With those heartfelt words of advice from my 18 year old now college freshman daughter Alex, we said goodbye. I didn’t dare to turn and look back for fear that she would see the tears in my eyes that she so adamantly requested I not shed. Anyway, the ear to ear smile she no doubt had on her face was clear in my mind. So began my journey of letting go.



Kevin & I had made this trip to Penn State with Alex many times over the course of the 4 years that our son Brandon was a student there. Of course, I was a nervous parent of a first time college student then, but honestly, that apprehension was short-lived and the knot in my stomach dissipated by the time we got on the PA. Turnpike! Not so this time around. Ok, so the preparation was obviously different with Alex. We shopped almost non-stop for over a month in what became known as Operation Dorm Room for the perfect bedding, clothes and accessories. Brandon’s request on the other hand was simply: as long as it fits and is clean… it’s for me.

As July became August, we were both aware that our days to do all the fun stuff we cherished doing together were winding down. Manis, pedis, beach walks, shopping, lots of shopping we fit it all in. And Kevin, the saint that he is shook his head and gave us his blessing…. He knew how much this time with Alex meant to me. We joked about the quantity of essentials that HAD to fit in the van as Operation Dorm Room became Operation Shove It In. And we were off. My hope, like any mother, is that she stays safe, is happy and makes wise decisions…. These are gifts you can’t buy in any store. Love you to the moon and back, Al. Show Penn State what you’re made of!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Tuesday, August 17

Here we go again. For the fourth time in history at Toms River little league team is headed to the World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
and for the first team it’s a group of boys whose home turf are the fields on Mapletree Road. Toms River National captured the Mid-Atlantic Region championship with an 8-5 come-from-behind victory over Council Rock-Newtown, Pennsylvania in Bristol, Connecticut Monday night. After a shaky start winning pitcher Jeff Ciervo settled down and threw five solid innings and eventually the vaunted Toms River offense produced with Patrick Marinaccio and Michael Tiplady homering as past of the winning effort. For both teams last night the biggest problem at times was dealing with flying bugs which were everywhere and especially noticeable while watching the game on TV. Speaking of that I have to be honest in saying
that ESPN2 could have done better than using Bobby Valentine as the
so-called expert commentator. While I love the former Mets manager he offered nothing but glowing comments about everything associated with Little League baseball, including the umpiring which frankly I did not think was very good.

Anyway on to more important matters. The players, coaches and manager Paul Deceglie will now bus to Williamsport where the World Series officially begins on Friday with opening ceremonies and games. A total of 16 teams will compete over ten days….8 from the United State and 8 International squads. Toms River National plays their first game Saturday at 11am against Hamilton, Ohio. That game will not be televised but is available through espn.com and you can get the complete schedule for the World Series at www.littleleague.org. The other teams in “Pool A” that Toms River could play are from Georgia and Hawaii and it seems an understatement but that first game might be the key to their chances of having success in the tournament.

Toms River National is the first team from New Jersey to head to the World Series since Toms River East American lost in the US Championship game in 1999. That ended an incredible run which saw the Windsor Avenue league send three teams to Williamsport over a six-year span, including the 1998 team which won it all. All three were managed by Mike Gaynor.

Monday, August 16, 2010

The Toms River National All-Stars will try and become the first team in the more than 50-year history of their league to advance to the Little League World Series tonight when they play Council Rock-Newtown, Pennsylvania in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Game in Bristol, Connecticut.
The 8pm contest will be televised on ESPN2 and the winner will be the 16th and final team from the US and around the World to punch their ticket to Williamsport for the World Series, which begins Friday. To advance Toms River National will need to avenge their only loss in the five games they’ve played in Bristol as they were beaten by the Pennsylvania state champs on the opening day of pool play on Saturday, August 7th.

The Little League on Mapletree Road is asking that people show their support by watching tonight’s game on a big screen at the Ritacco Center.
Doors open at 7pm, an hour before game time and food and beverages will be available from their home team concession stand “Anthony’s In the Park.”
It would be great to see supporters of both the Toms River and Toms River East Little League’s pull together and get behind tonight’s screening party.

Family and friends of Jeff Frazier were anxiously looking forward to seeing him this week as the Detroit Tigers open a four-game series in New York against the Yankees tonight. My son was among those with tickets and while he and others might still go to the game they won’t see the former Toms River South standout. Frazier was sent down to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday as the Tigers called up a pitcher to bolster their staff. He spent a little more than two weeks in the majors, going 5-22 with a double and an RBI in eight appearances. At least Jeff got a taste of the big leagues where the accommodations, food and travel are a lot better…and so is the salary.

One of the shore’s signature summer sporting events might have been held for the final time. The Association of Volleyball Professionals has shut down its operation because of financial problems and lack of sponsorship.
Belmar hosted an AVP Tournament last month for the 17th time in the last 20 years but it would appear that was the swan song for the event and pro volleyball at the Jersey Shore.
team has not been as big a story as previous years when local teams won the state championship and headed to Bristol, Connecticut for the regional tournament. The answer is not a simple one.

First you have the “been there, done that” factor. When the other little league in the township, Toms River East first sent a team to Bristol it was a big deal because it was the first. Lakewood had captured the Little League World Series in 1975 but the tournament was quite different at that time and that team was celebrated in grand fashion as I remember. Anyway the 1994 Toms River East team won the Eastern Regional and went to Williamsport for the World Series. It was a big deal but nothing compared to what would happen four years later when manager Mike Gaynor would take another Toms River East team to Pennsylvania. That 1998 group, led by Todd Frazier and Scott Fisher would win it all and I still consider that one of the most exciting things to happen in my 31 years at the radio station. Amazingly Gaynor took another group just one year later all the way to Williamsport where they would lose in the US Championship game.
The truth is that with three teams from Toms River going to the World Series in six years it became almost expected.

Move on to 2005 when it was time for Toms River’s other little league to produce a championship squad. Dr. Paul DeMartino managed a team that included his son Eric and Kyle Perry, who is now a standout player at Toms River High School South. They won the state title and went deep into the regional before falling just short. While the buzz surrounding that achievement was not like what had happened earlier it was unique because it was the original little league in the township and they got to enjoy the pomp and circumstance that came with being in the spotlight.

Flash forward to the present and again we have a group of Toms River little leaguers making headlines in Bristol, Connecticut. Today they’ll get to play on national television for the first time when they face Stony Point, New York in the Mid-Atlantic Regional semifinals at 11am. The game will be shown on ESPN2 and if they win it’s onto to Monday night’s finals. By then the buzz might be very loud.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

More Success For Toms River Nationals

It’s now on to the semifinals of the Mid Atlantic Regional for the Toms River National Little League All-Stars in Bristol, Connecticut. They finished pool play with an 8-3 victory over Brandywine, Delaware Wednesday night as Joey Rose got the Bash Boys from Mapletree Road off to a fast start with a three-run homer in the 1st inning. Rose would finish with 4 RBI’s on the night and four Toms River pitchers combined on a four-hitter. Kevin Blum, who had been the hitting star of the team, tossed two perfect innings on the mound with three strikeouts to collect the win. Toms River earned the #2 seed after going 3-1 in pool play and they will play Stony Point, New York on Friday at 11am in the semifinals…a game that is to be televised on ESPN2. The other semifinal will match undefeated Council Rock-Newtown, Pennsylvania against Brunswick, Maryland with the winners meeting in Monday night’s championship game with a trip to Williamsport on the line.

Obviously for the families of this Toms River team this is a great time as they follow these boys and are just two wins from the Little League World Series. However what they are experiencing is nothing you can really plan on as it all happens so fast and that brings with it some challenges. First it’s often difficult to try and make arrangements with jobs and careers so families can be in Bristol and that will get even harder should Williamsport be the next stop. In addition there is the financial strain it’s putting on some with the cost of travel, hotels and meals. For that reason the Toms River Little League is seeking support from area businesses which they can use to help some of the families in need. Donations can be made out to the Toms River Little League and are being handled by Treasurer Richard Larsen, a CPA with offices on Main Street. He can be reached at (732) 341-1424.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Success & Sadness

Kevin Blum might be a Little League legend by the time the Mid Atlantic Regional Tournament concludes in Bristol, Connecticut. Blum you might recall homered in all four of his at-bats during a rout of the District of Columbia Monday morning and the Toms River National centerfielder
was right back at it last night when the New Jersey state champions played Stony Point, New York. The 12-year old homered in his first two at-bats
to help power Toms River to a 5-2 victory as they clinch a spot in Friday’s semifinal round. That made it six straight home runs for Blum, who went
3-3 with three runs scored in last night’s win. The power-hitters from Mapletree Road also got homers from winning pitcher Jeff Ciervo and Billy Lumi in the win over New York, who finishes pool play with a 3-1 record.
Toms River National will play winless Delaware tonight but no matter what has secured a spot in Friday’s semifinals along with undefeated Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland.

Twelve years ago Charlie and Joan Frazier were following the fortunes of their son Todd and the rest of the Toms River East American All-Stars as they competed in Bristol. Of course that team would go on to win the Little League World Series. Charlie and Joan are still following their baseball-playing sons and were in Detroit last night where Jeff is playing for the Tigers, although he did not see action in a loss to Tampa Bay. Today they’ll catch the Tigers in the afternoon and then drive to Toledo where youngest son Todd will be playing for the Louisville Bats in a Triple-A game. Little League days must seem like a long time ago.

When Steve Neuse died unexpectedly on February 1, 2008 Joe Gomulka knew he had to so something to perpetuate the memory of his close friend.
The two started their lifeguard careers as students in Seaside Heights and worked side-by-side as officers in Seaside Park….Gomulka as captain and Neuse as his lieutenant. Two and a half years later family and friends gathered on the North Avenue beach in Seaside Park last night to dedicate a first aid station in Neuse’s memory. Station 34 pays tribute to the number he wore as a football player at Jackson Memorial and will include pictures of the former lifeguard, teacher and friend to many.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Remember when you were young and your mother would tell you that you could not go swimming in the ocean or a pool right after you ate. As time went on it sort of seemed like this was almost an old wives tail and really not true but you might be surprised to learn mom was right. Men’s Health magazine tackled some summertime issues and found some are myths while others are indeed facts.

• DON’T SWIM WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF EATING. Believe it or not this is true as more blood is drawn to your GI tract after eating which can cause minor cramps. If you swim shortly after eating and don’t feel well get out of the water.

* SCRATCHING A BUG BITE MAKES IT WORSE. Also true as
light scratching inflames the area around the site which intensifies
the itch. You are better off holding an ice cube or chilled beer on
the bug bite and for more troublesome ones use Campho-Phenique
solution.

• DUNK AN OPEN WOUND INTO THE OCEAN BECAUSE
SALTWATER HELPS HEAL. This you may be surprised to find out is false as the sea is full of bacteria which can enter your cut and cause sores and fever. Actually your own spit is something that will help a cut until you can apply a waterproof or liquid bandage.

• GOING IN AND OUT OF AIR-CONDITIONED BUILDINGS CAN MAKE YOU SICK. False as large temperature swings do not make you more vulnerable to colds.

* CAMPFIRE OR GRILL SMOKE IS DANGEROUS. Yes very
true as the smoke’s particulates can damage your lungs. It would
help to stay upwind of the smoke.

• DON’T DRINK FROM A GARDEN HOSE BECAUSE OF
GERMS. True and False..no germs live in hoses but the end may
have fallen in animal poop. At the least keep your lips off the hose.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dealing With The Burdens Of Life

Whether you like it or not you’re bound to receive emails from time to time that are pretty much chain letters that have probably been forwarded to you by a friend. This morning’s segment is courtesy of a recent one I received and I don’t know where it originated from but it’s supposed to be from a lecturer who was talking about stress management. He offered some advice when it came to dealing with the burdens of life which I pass along to you on this Monday morning:

• Accept that some days you’re the pigeon and some days you’re the
statue.
• Always keep your words soft and sweet…just in case you have to
eat them.
• Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the
middle of it.
• Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their
Maker.
• If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
• It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
• Never buy a car you can’t push.
• Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then
you won’t have a leg to stand on.
• Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
• Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
• The second mouse gets the cheese.
• When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
• Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
• You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
• Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
• A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
• We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors but they all have to live in the same box.

Friday, August 6, 2010

The Toms River National Little League All-Stars are in Bristol, Connecticut and will play their first game in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament Saturday at 11am against Pennsylvania’s state champions from Newtown.
A total of six teams are competing for the right to represent the region at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania later this month.
Toms River National will play against the Capital City Little League from Washington DC on Monday and then take on teams from Stony Point, New York and Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
The top four teams after that advance into the semifinals with the championship game scheduled for Monday, August 16th on ESPN2.

It may be baseball season but it’s also time for Jim Dowd’s 13th Annual Monmouth versus Ocean Shore High School All Star Hockey Game.
Many of the shore’s top scholastic players will hit the ice Sunday at the Red Bank Armory with the puck dropping at 5:30pm. The game is organized by former NHL standout and Brick native Jim Dowd, who calls each player personally and invites them to participate. Among those lacing up the skates Sunday will be Toms River South’s Jay Malone, who was the leading scorer in New Jersey last winter and led the Indians to a surprising state title. The coaching staffs of Toms River South and Howell will guide the respective squads. Philadelphia Flyers standout James vanRiemsdyk, who played in this game while at CBA will make a special appearance.
As always Dowd organizes this game for charity with proceeds to benefit the Brick Stars “Special Need” Challengers Ice Hockey program. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door Sunday…there will be raffles, auctions and much more.

A special belated Happy Birthday wish to one of the real good guys I’ve known in my life. Pat Barry, a Manchester Township resident and owner of the Seaside Park Service Center turned 50 this week. I’m sure he’s not thrilled about being reminding of this milestone birthday but he should know a lot of people joining me in wishing him many happy returns.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Who's On First...What's In The Dugout

It’s really hard to imagine that after 31 years here I have to lobby support
for something but that’s exactly the position I found myself in Wednesday afternoon. As you may know our company has a softball team appropriately named “Faces for Radio” and tonight we’ll be playing the staff of the Lakewood BlueClaws at First Energy Park. I helped organize the effort in the spring to put together a team to play games for charity during the summer and originally pledged to try and play in some games. When we had a team several years ago I was the pitcher and not a bad one if I do say so myself. Anyway due to the many scheduling conflicts I have I was not able to attend any of our early-season practices or games. It got to the point where I felt it was not appropriate just to show up and play so I have pretty much kept my distance. The co-captains of our team are Joe Giglio and Mike Krenek, who host an afternoon sports show on 1160 WOBM AM
and by the way were pretty much hired by me and work under me.

Anyway last week I was approached by Ashly Emerson who is our Promotions Director and the General Manager of the softball team. She was concerned about our roster for tonight’s game against the BlueClaws staff because several players would be on vacation and Joe & Mike would not be available because they are broadcasting their show live from the New York Jets training camp in Cortland, New York. Ashly asked if I would play but having not thrown a softball in years I really didn’t think this would be a good time to make my season debut. However to show my support I volunteered to serve as Interim Manager while Joe & Mike were away and she quickly and enthusiastically accepted my offer.

That’s when all the trouble started as Mike approached me this week and questioned my “taking over” as manager as he had planned on giving that responsibility to first baseman Kaitlin Lannon, who serves as Executive Assistant to our President and CEO. Nothing against Kaitlin but when a 31-year veteran (and 9-time New Jersey Sportscaster of the Year) accepts an offer to help you don’t then push him aside. It seemed an agreement was reached late yesterday in which Kaitlin would be team captain and I would serve as manager but honestly I don’t know where things stand. I know one thing….I’m not happy about the lack of respect.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Thank You Community

Years ago I came to the conclusion that the main problem with hospitals is you never go there for anything good with the exception of the birth of a child. Whether it starts with a visit to the Emergency Room or a routine admission you are always there because of something bad involving your health…even if the outcome is indeed good. For that reason people are certainly more likely to find fault with one thing or another involving a hospital visit or stay plus let’s be totally honest…you are really only concerned with YOUR care or that of a loved one and not the hundreds of other patients being treated at the same time.

Before I continue let me tell you something about my mother. Until recently I have been telling her that when she does die she really should donate her body to medical science because frankly she’s a freak of nature. Over the age of 80 (she’ll be ticked when she hears about this), she works full time and walks to and from work each day in Seaside Heights. My mother has never driven and walks at a pace that is hard to keep up with. At an age when most people are on several medications she takes none, outside of vitamins. She could not remember the last time she took an aspirin and with the exception of giving birth to three children had never been in the hospital except for the removal of polyps about 30 years ago. Despite the fact she has smoked cigarettes basically all of her life, she goes to the doctor every three months and he gives her a clean bill of health.

Her problems began in May when trying to pick up a heavy object she felt pain in her lower back. She was diagnosed with a form of sciatica and forced to spend time at home….eventually an epidural would alleviate most of the pain. Anyway last Tuesday while being treated for her back it was discovered she had very high blood pressure and later that night was taken to the ER at Community Medical Center.

One thing led to another and she spent the last week in the hospital where it was determined that she had a heart issue which hopefully can be treated with medications. While she certainly was not happy to be in the hospital she was more than satisfied with the care she received and remarked time and time again that from the cleaning people to the nursing staff everyone was pleasant and caring.
Her cardiologist Dr. Patel was great and took time to explain everything in a way we could understand. So to all of those on 2C at Community Medical Center thanks for taking care of my Mom…we hope not to be back anytime soon.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Sometimes I sit here in the morning staring at my computer with nothing on my mind and wondering what am I going to come up with. Today is one of those days and partly due to complete exhaustion from a very trying day on Monday.

There used to be this thing that when you had nothing to talk about then talk about the weather. I won’t resort to that. Of course around here these days if you have nothing to talk about then talk about the cast of Jersey Shore or Sharks in the ocean. I won’t resort to that either….been there, done that.

I should mention that Toms River National and North Hunterdon will play tonight to determine the New Jersey State Little League champion. This after Toms River hit three home runs in the first inning on their way to an
8-4 win last night over a North Hunterdon team that was undefeated in the double-elimination tournament. Winning pitcher Jeff Ciervo helped his own cause with two home runs while Joey Rose and Anthony DeCeglie also went deep. The teams play tonight at 7pm in Hamilton Township with the winner representing New Jersey in the Mid-Atlantic Regional in Bristol, Connecticut. Five years ago the Little League on Mapletree Road had an
All-Star team that won the state title.

I could also tell you that being a Mets fan will test anyone’s patience but you probably already know that.

I did want to mention that I had a tremendous craving for ice cream last night but my wife talked me out of it. I don’t know what it is but every once in a while I have this desire for soft vanilla ice cream and I did last night.
However I chose to go to sleep instead and the craving has passed…for now.

Did I mention its Shark Week on the Discovery Channel?

That’s it for today….I’ll try for something better tomorrow.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Random Thoughts

Random thoughts on this first Monday of August:

By now you have probably heard about the latest shark sighting in Seaside Park. A 5 or 6 foot shark actually came right up to the beach at low tide on Friday before returning to the ocean and was captured on video which you can view on YouTube. Most seem to think it’s either a blue shark or thresher shark.
I think it’s a promotion because Shark Week debuted on the Discovery Channel last night…maybe someone from the network brought the shark here to hype
their programming.

Toms River National has reached the championship round of the New Jersey State Little League Tournament in Hamilton Township. The Mapletree Road
All-Stars eliminated Northfield 10-0 Sunday in a game that ended after four innings. Toms River will now face North Hunterdon National who they would have to beat twice to win the state title. The teams play at 7pm tonight and if necessary Tuesday evening. North Hunterdon beat Toms River 4-1 on Friday but in the two games since TR scored a total of 21 runs.

My guess is that part of being a good parent is being lucky in having good children. However if I’ve learned anything it’s that there is nothing more important than doing whatever you can to make sure your kids keep good company. We had a high school graduation party for my daughter over the weekend and not only were her friends very well-behaved many went out of their way to thank us for inviting them. There are plenty of good kids out there…they’re just not as noticeable as the bad ones.

Which brings me to Jersey Shore and Friday’s arrest of Snooki. Seaside Heights asked for these morons…and they have them. Good luck!