I’m going to admit to an obsession that’s taking control of me more and more and frankly I don’t know what to do about it. I’m obsessed with those of you who are obsessed with the lives of so-called celebrities, most of whom would be minimum-wage bottom feeders if not for the alleged ability to sing, act, dance or just have the right look…whatever that is.
Before I go into detail I have to admit that all of this is the fault of the media which spends way too much time and space on this garbage which many of you eat up 24/7. When the front page of a major New York newspaper is devoted to how much Brad and Angelia are paying to rent an apartment you know the apocalypse is not coming but has already arrived.
The newspaper ran that headline because they knew “we the people” were more likely to be attracted by that than something like the war in Iraq or the latest medical breakthrough. By the way, it’s scary that all I had to say was Brad and Angelina and most of you knew who I was talking about. It’s kind of like JFK or FDR….you don’t need the entire name to identify these major newsmakers. If you don’t know Brad and Angelia I applaud you or question whether you’re living in a vacuum.
Anyway as I sat down to watch TV last night one of the many entertainment shows which are loaded with gossip and trash…and little substance just happened to be on . The big story (I think) was about Brittany Spears driving around in her car. She is the poster child for what’s wrong with everything and why my obsession with your obsession is growing out of control. Why would anyone care about the antics of this stupid, slutty woman the stable of men she has in her life? Yet there were the cameras following her around as she drove her car…unfortunately not off the end of a pier.
I could go on and on but I’ll stop here. I know we all fantasize at times about trading places with celebrities, even if it was just for a short period. Sure I’d like be Tiger Woods or even Bob Costas and play in or announce a major golf tournament. But what I see and hear today is at times way over the top and a large dose of reality is badly needed. Sadly it’s probably not coming anytime soon.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Bronx Is Burning Again
The Phillies were gone from the playoffs so fast you didn’t even know they were in them and the Yankees have exited in the opening round for the third straight year. With the exception of the Red Sox the teams left in baseballs postseason can’t thrill network TV officials with major markets like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia out of the picture.
Speaking of being out of the picture, Joe Torre’s 12-year run as Yankees manager may be over if owner George Steinbrenner follows through on reported statements he made the other day. Many seem to feel sorry for Torre but before you shed a tear be aware that he made $7.5 million this season and became filthy rich and a major celebrity while wearing the pinstripes. If he never works a day again Torre can sit back and sip the green tea he endorses and smell all the roses he wants.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Southern Regional’s football upset of Toms River East, who many (including myself) were ready to coronate as the best team at the shore. The win was the most significant in Rams history and gives them a clear path to the American Division title with the November 2nd game against Toms River North possibly a winner-take-all showdown. Southern visits Brick on Friday Night, a team they have lost to in 33 of 36 meetings all-time.
I’m sure some of those who jumped on the Rutgers bandwagon are looking to jump off after consecutive home losses to Maryland & Cincinnati. The truth is the Scarlet Knights are not as good as last year and miss Brian Leonard as well as several defensive players. What’s probably most concerning to fans of the Red and White is that after playing Syracuse Saturday they have back-to-back games with top ten powers South Florida and West Virginia. It’s not easy being the hunted all of a sudden.
Toms River East and South may be rivals on the baseball field but they certainly can co-exist off of it. For the third straight year the parents clubs of both programs ran a golf outing at the Lakewood Country Club and last night I helped out by serving as Master of Ceremonies for the dinner and awards program. Of course the coaches of the teams are brothers Ken & Bill Frank so that has to help when it comes to working together.
Speaking of being out of the picture, Joe Torre’s 12-year run as Yankees manager may be over if owner George Steinbrenner follows through on reported statements he made the other day. Many seem to feel sorry for Torre but before you shed a tear be aware that he made $7.5 million this season and became filthy rich and a major celebrity while wearing the pinstripes. If he never works a day again Torre can sit back and sip the green tea he endorses and smell all the roses he wants.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Southern Regional’s football upset of Toms River East, who many (including myself) were ready to coronate as the best team at the shore. The win was the most significant in Rams history and gives them a clear path to the American Division title with the November 2nd game against Toms River North possibly a winner-take-all showdown. Southern visits Brick on Friday Night, a team they have lost to in 33 of 36 meetings all-time.
I’m sure some of those who jumped on the Rutgers bandwagon are looking to jump off after consecutive home losses to Maryland & Cincinnati. The truth is the Scarlet Knights are not as good as last year and miss Brian Leonard as well as several defensive players. What’s probably most concerning to fans of the Red and White is that after playing Syracuse Saturday they have back-to-back games with top ten powers South Florida and West Virginia. It’s not easy being the hunted all of a sudden.
Toms River East and South may be rivals on the baseball field but they certainly can co-exist off of it. For the third straight year the parents clubs of both programs ran a golf outing at the Lakewood Country Club and last night I helped out by serving as Master of Ceremonies for the dinner and awards program. Of course the coaches of the teams are brothers Ken & Bill Frank so that has to help when it comes to working together.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Weekend Football
While it will feel more like summer than fall the high school football season reaches the midway point this weekend with some very big games…none bigger than tonight’s showdown in Manahawkin between Southern and Toms River East. The fact that Southern is playing a big game in October is news in itself as more often than not the Rams would be licking their wounds by this point of the season. There’s been occasional success under Coach Chuck Donohue and even a couple of trips to the state playoffs but the word championship has not been uttered in quite some time. The Rams have not won a title since the 1972 squad quarterbacked by Joe DePasquale finished in a three-way tie for the then-Class C championship and that was before the building boom made Southern one of the biggest schools in the state.
While wins over Jackson, Marlboro and Brick Memorial have allowed the Rams to go 3-0 for the first time since 1990 everyone who wears the black and gold knows that Toms River East is by far the best team they’ve played to this point. The Raiders might be the best team in the shore and on their way to not only another American Division championship but their first-ever state sectional crown. East has won their first three games by an average of 34 points and they were all pretty much over by halftime. Led by two-way standouts like Ryan Dolan and Mike Murphy this just might be a very special Raider team and we’ll have a better idea later tonight. I’m sure there will be madness in Manahawkin as players like Todd Kaiser, Glenn Carson and Brad Gesser look to pull off what would be a major upset.
East & Southern are among the 11 undefeated teams at the shore and among the most surprising in that group is Holmdel, who will host Barnegat tonight in key National Division contest. Barnegat has quickly become a title contender thanks to quarterback Brandon Clarke and all-purpose back Erik Smithman. After winning 14 straight games Lacey has lost it’s last two and can’t afford another if they have hopes of repeating as champions of the Constitution Division. The Lions host another title contender, Brick Saturday afternoon in what should be a close, low-scoring contest.
Our broadcast schedule on the Shore Sports Network will find us in Rumson tonight for the Bulldogs game with Manasquan. Saturday night we are at
Toms River North where the 4-0 Mariners host Jackson. The games can be heard on 1160AM and via the web at www.shoresportsnetwork.com
While wins over Jackson, Marlboro and Brick Memorial have allowed the Rams to go 3-0 for the first time since 1990 everyone who wears the black and gold knows that Toms River East is by far the best team they’ve played to this point. The Raiders might be the best team in the shore and on their way to not only another American Division championship but their first-ever state sectional crown. East has won their first three games by an average of 34 points and they were all pretty much over by halftime. Led by two-way standouts like Ryan Dolan and Mike Murphy this just might be a very special Raider team and we’ll have a better idea later tonight. I’m sure there will be madness in Manahawkin as players like Todd Kaiser, Glenn Carson and Brad Gesser look to pull off what would be a major upset.
East & Southern are among the 11 undefeated teams at the shore and among the most surprising in that group is Holmdel, who will host Barnegat tonight in key National Division contest. Barnegat has quickly become a title contender thanks to quarterback Brandon Clarke and all-purpose back Erik Smithman. After winning 14 straight games Lacey has lost it’s last two and can’t afford another if they have hopes of repeating as champions of the Constitution Division. The Lions host another title contender, Brick Saturday afternoon in what should be a close, low-scoring contest.
Our broadcast schedule on the Shore Sports Network will find us in Rumson tonight for the Bulldogs game with Manasquan. Saturday night we are at
Toms River North where the 4-0 Mariners host Jackson. The games can be heard on 1160AM and via the web at www.shoresportsnetwork.com
Thursday, October 4, 2007
80 In October
There are not too many who like summer more than I do but even I have to admit a little fall-like weather would be welcome. I’m sure many if not most of us have already put away some of those summer clothes and here we are in early October with 80-plus degree days. I wouldn’t mind afternoons around 70 and nights where a sweat shirt is needed. Of course before you know it we’ll be complaining about the cold weather.
Jim Dowd’s hockey career is not over…at least not yet. The 38-year old Brick Township native signed a one-year contract with Flyers Wednesday and will make Philadelphia his 10th NHL city in a 16-year career that started with the Devils in 1991. Dowd had two stints with New Jersey, playing 66 games last season for his home-state team, scoring 4 goals and adding 4 assists. Now a resident of Point Pleasant, Dowd had an incredible high school career playing for Bob Auriema at Brick, scoring 146 goals before graduating in 1987. After helping the Devils win their first Stanley Cup he brought the Cup to a huge celebration on the football field at Brick.
Dowd is one of the real good guys out there and rarely says “no”. especially when it comes to children. He has been a big booster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, just like former major league pitcher Al Leiter.
Speaking of Leiter….I did speak with him for quite a while last weekend. The ex-Yankee and Met is enjoying his time as a Yankee broadcaster on the YES Network and plans to return in 2008. The Central Regional High School graduate has been offered other network broadcasting opportunities but does not want to commit to anything full time with his YES assignment giving him enough down time to spend with his family. Al, who cut his broadcasting teeth as a guest on shows I’ve hosted, has improved dramatically as an analyst and is a very good listen…even if he is doing Yankee games.
Among those I’ll be speaking with tonight on the AutoLenders High School Football Show will be Southern Regional coach Chuck Donohue, whose Rams are 3-0 for the first time in 17 years. Our show will be broadcast live from Val’s Tavern in Rumson with players Pat Campbell and Matt Martino of Middletown South appearing, along with Matt Wassel of Rumson and his coach Shane Fallon. You can hear the show (6pm) on 1160/1310AM or on the web at shoresportsnetwork.com
Jim Dowd’s hockey career is not over…at least not yet. The 38-year old Brick Township native signed a one-year contract with Flyers Wednesday and will make Philadelphia his 10th NHL city in a 16-year career that started with the Devils in 1991. Dowd had two stints with New Jersey, playing 66 games last season for his home-state team, scoring 4 goals and adding 4 assists. Now a resident of Point Pleasant, Dowd had an incredible high school career playing for Bob Auriema at Brick, scoring 146 goals before graduating in 1987. After helping the Devils win their first Stanley Cup he brought the Cup to a huge celebration on the football field at Brick.
Dowd is one of the real good guys out there and rarely says “no”. especially when it comes to children. He has been a big booster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, just like former major league pitcher Al Leiter.
Speaking of Leiter….I did speak with him for quite a while last weekend. The ex-Yankee and Met is enjoying his time as a Yankee broadcaster on the YES Network and plans to return in 2008. The Central Regional High School graduate has been offered other network broadcasting opportunities but does not want to commit to anything full time with his YES assignment giving him enough down time to spend with his family. Al, who cut his broadcasting teeth as a guest on shows I’ve hosted, has improved dramatically as an analyst and is a very good listen…even if he is doing Yankee games.
Among those I’ll be speaking with tonight on the AutoLenders High School Football Show will be Southern Regional coach Chuck Donohue, whose Rams are 3-0 for the first time in 17 years. Our show will be broadcast live from Val’s Tavern in Rumson with players Pat Campbell and Matt Martino of Middletown South appearing, along with Matt Wassel of Rumson and his coach Shane Fallon. You can hear the show (6pm) on 1160/1310AM or on the web at shoresportsnetwork.com
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Keeping It Clean
Maybe it’s sign of getting older but I am definitely more aware of how profanity has now become an almost acceptable part of our daily language. I can throw four-letter words around with the best of them but there is the old adage about a time and place for everything. Yet today you can be almost anywhere in public and witness typical conversations in which the language is at least “R” rated if not worse. It’s the ease at which the profanity is spewed and it does not seem to matter whether the speakers are male or female, young or old. I seem to remember a time when if you felt uncomfortable with such language you might say that to someone who would apologize…now they are likely to look at you with disdain.
It’s a trend that shows signs of only getting worse.
Businesses have become very cognizant of sexual harassment in the workplace and most if not all of them have policies that warn against such behavior. It appears that Madison Square Garden officials didn’t even read their own handbook because a jury has awarded a former New York Knicks top female executive more than $11 million after finding that Coach Isiah Thomas and MSG sexually harassed and then later fired her out of spite. The losing side has vehemently denied the charges and plans on appealing but it really does not matter. A once-proud franchise has become a shameful example that poor leadership can run even the most successful empire into the ground. I grew up such a fan of the Knicks that I would write the numbers of my favorite players on white tee-shirts….19 for Willis Reed, 10 for Walt Frazier and 18 for Phil Jackson, an unathletic appearing left hander like me. Those days are sadly over.
I often wonder why anyone runs for any reason other than getting in or staying in shape. I say this because I’ve never looked at the face of a runner and seen a smile. Often you see this sort of distorted grimace of pain and agony with the only joy coming when you finish.
It’s a trend that shows signs of only getting worse.
Businesses have become very cognizant of sexual harassment in the workplace and most if not all of them have policies that warn against such behavior. It appears that Madison Square Garden officials didn’t even read their own handbook because a jury has awarded a former New York Knicks top female executive more than $11 million after finding that Coach Isiah Thomas and MSG sexually harassed and then later fired her out of spite. The losing side has vehemently denied the charges and plans on appealing but it really does not matter. A once-proud franchise has become a shameful example that poor leadership can run even the most successful empire into the ground. I grew up such a fan of the Knicks that I would write the numbers of my favorite players on white tee-shirts….19 for Willis Reed, 10 for Walt Frazier and 18 for Phil Jackson, an unathletic appearing left hander like me. Those days are sadly over.
I often wonder why anyone runs for any reason other than getting in or staying in shape. I say this because I’ve never looked at the face of a runner and seen a smile. Often you see this sort of distorted grimace of pain and agony with the only joy coming when you finish.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Hometown Happenings
There’s hardly a day that goes by in which I don’t get a press release or invitation to some kind of fundraising dinner or event seeking my support and/or attendance. My weekends are pretty much tied up with high school football from Thursday to Saturday so making these events is nearly impossible but I would at least like to mention a few of them.
Klee’s Bar & Grill is holding their annual golf outing for Ocean of Love at Gamblers Ridge Wednesday and this is annually one of the best run and most successful golf events on the schedule. Over 200 golfers will tee it up and best wishes to Glenn McCarthy, Joe Carey and the rest of the volunteers for a great day.
Speaking of golf outings, the Toms River East and Toms River South Baseball programs will hold their 3rd annual Tournament next Monday at the Lakewood Country Club while on the same day the Central Regional Golf Classic will be held at Cedar Creek Golf Course with the football and baseball programs joining forces to help their programs.
This Sunday (October 7) the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a gala at the Georgian Court University Casino beginning at 2pm. The event includes food and drink, entertainment and a silent auction and will also induct founding members Monsignor Casimir Ladzinski, Father Walter Hartt and Father Kevin Moroney into the organizations Legacy Society. The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County provides shelter, food and support servicesto homeless families. For ticket information you can call them at (732) 736-1550.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Ocean County holds its annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, October 13th at the Bayville Firehouse and it’s not your typical event. That’s because the servers will include some celebrity guests who will try and solicit tips which go towards the effort. NAMI is a national organization whose main goal is to support caregivers of family members afflicted with brain disorders.
For information on the organization of the dinner call (732) 886-7461.
Klee’s Bar & Grill is holding their annual golf outing for Ocean of Love at Gamblers Ridge Wednesday and this is annually one of the best run and most successful golf events on the schedule. Over 200 golfers will tee it up and best wishes to Glenn McCarthy, Joe Carey and the rest of the volunteers for a great day.
Speaking of golf outings, the Toms River East and Toms River South Baseball programs will hold their 3rd annual Tournament next Monday at the Lakewood Country Club while on the same day the Central Regional Golf Classic will be held at Cedar Creek Golf Course with the football and baseball programs joining forces to help their programs.
This Sunday (October 7) the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a gala at the Georgian Court University Casino beginning at 2pm. The event includes food and drink, entertainment and a silent auction and will also induct founding members Monsignor Casimir Ladzinski, Father Walter Hartt and Father Kevin Moroney into the organizations Legacy Society. The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County provides shelter, food and support servicesto homeless families. For ticket information you can call them at (732) 736-1550.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Ocean County holds its annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, October 13th at the Bayville Firehouse and it’s not your typical event. That’s because the servers will include some celebrity guests who will try and solicit tips which go towards the effort. NAMI is a national organization whose main goal is to support caregivers of family members afflicted with brain disorders.
For information on the organization of the dinner call (732) 886-7461.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Mets Collapse
Welcome to day number one of Met rehab and I’m here to offer my services and help you fellow fans of the Orange and Blue by telling you it’s not as bad as you think. Sure there’s the sting of being called the greatest chokers in baseball history by blowing a 7-game lead with 17 left to play…although the Phillies collapse in 1964 was really worse as they had a 6 ½ game lead with only 12 games remaining. That’s just semantics and provides little if any consolation as the fact of the matter is we crashed and burned.
The truth is we blew it and there’s no getting around that. Yes the Phillies did play great down the stretch but even their fans know it’s more the Mets giving it away than anything else. Speaking of Philly fans, they do deserve a break once in a while as they are headed to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years and only the 10th time in franchise history. They were right in whopping it up at Citizens Bank Park Sunday as a division title is something special and most of their fans rarely have had baseball interests in the month of October. Plus the Phills success gives the city something to root for because the Eagles at 1-3 are a bust and what relief will come from the 7ers, Flyers and Temple University.
Now back to Met rehab. OK as bad as it is dealing with the Phillies fans (many of whom are coming out of the closet) there are of course the ever-present and obnoxious wearers of pinstripes. Yes the Yankees are headed to the playoffs again after being dead and buried on Memorial Day and as tough as it may be you have to throw kudos their way. However the same fans that called for Joe Torre’s head and were saying the team was too old are now insisting they never gave up and knew at the end the talent (and payroll) would prevail. Look in the mirror because you’re looking at a liar.
With all of this said Met fans you’re wondering when I’m going to offer some help and consolation…well here it is. Do you know how tough it’s going to be for Yankees and Phillies rooters to stay up at night and watch these playoff games? Can you imagine the foul moods they will be in due to lack of sleep, especially after one of those midnight marathons ends in a loss? Remember only one team celebrates at the very end and everyone else is a loser. Meantime we Met fans can DVR our favorite shows, get a good night’s sleep and maybe even start our Christmas shopping with all this extra time. Don’t you feel better now?
The truth is we blew it and there’s no getting around that. Yes the Phillies did play great down the stretch but even their fans know it’s more the Mets giving it away than anything else. Speaking of Philly fans, they do deserve a break once in a while as they are headed to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years and only the 10th time in franchise history. They were right in whopping it up at Citizens Bank Park Sunday as a division title is something special and most of their fans rarely have had baseball interests in the month of October. Plus the Phills success gives the city something to root for because the Eagles at 1-3 are a bust and what relief will come from the 7ers, Flyers and Temple University.
Now back to Met rehab. OK as bad as it is dealing with the Phillies fans (many of whom are coming out of the closet) there are of course the ever-present and obnoxious wearers of pinstripes. Yes the Yankees are headed to the playoffs again after being dead and buried on Memorial Day and as tough as it may be you have to throw kudos their way. However the same fans that called for Joe Torre’s head and were saying the team was too old are now insisting they never gave up and knew at the end the talent (and payroll) would prevail. Look in the mirror because you’re looking at a liar.
With all of this said Met fans you’re wondering when I’m going to offer some help and consolation…well here it is. Do you know how tough it’s going to be for Yankees and Phillies rooters to stay up at night and watch these playoff games? Can you imagine the foul moods they will be in due to lack of sleep, especially after one of those midnight marathons ends in a loss? Remember only one team celebrates at the very end and everyone else is a loser. Meantime we Met fans can DVR our favorite shows, get a good night’s sleep and maybe even start our Christmas shopping with all this extra time. Don’t you feel better now?
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