About the only good thing that’s come out of our involvement in Iraq and the Middle East over the last five years is the new found respect many have for those who serve in the Military. If you think about it, with the exception of Operation Desert Storm in the early 90’s we experienced a relatively long period of peace from the end of Viet Nam until this current conflict. During that time it would be easy for some to overlook the contributions made by those in the military, past and present because as the saying goes “out of sight, out of mind.”
We know that is not the case today and young people are growing up in a time of war just like many of us did, whether it be World War II, Korea or Viet Nam. They are witnessing the pain that goes with having family, friends and neighbors serve overseas and return home in uniform. Unlike the 60’s and 70’s when Viet Nam split this country, we are all united in our respect for the men and women who wear that uniform even if we’re divided over the cause they are fighting for.
Today is Veterans Day which marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918. It is a state and federal holiday in all states although some schools are open and use today to learn about and honor those who have served. Many students will participate in and watch the annual Ocean County Veterans Day Parade in downtown Toms River.
Mayor Tom Kelaher, who served in the US Marine Corps, says this year’s theme is “Thank a Veteran” and one way you can do that is to come out and watch the parade and thank the tens of thousands of veterans who live in Ocean County. The parade starts at 9:30am in the Toms River Shopping Center and follows the same route as the Halloween Parade a couple of weeks ago.
In a related note for the second straight year the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals on St. Catherine Boulevard in Toms River is paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. With the help of local Boy Scouts, some 4,780 American flags have been placed in the lawn of the funeral home to commemorate the number of American men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a striking and sad reminder of the times we live in and that freedom is never free
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Random Thoughts For A Monday
Random notes and thoughts on this Monday which happens to be the 223rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps:
The official announcement is expected today but it appears 18 schools from the shore have qualified for the NJSIAA Football Playoffs, including Toms River North, Southern. Brick, Brick Memorial, Point Pleasant Borough and Lacey. The first week of the state playoffs will feature Southern visiting Toms River North in a rematch of a regular-season game the Mariners won 7-6 on October 17th.
The Giants 36-31 win in Philadelphia last night keeps them two games ahead of Washington and three games up on the Eagles and Cowboys in the NFC East. Just as important it looks like to get to the Super Bowl in the NFC you’ll have to come through Giants Stadium in January.
Sometimes you invest so much time and emotion into your favorite team and just as they are on the verge of something special comes a loss that you first think of as devastating. Such was the case for those of us who follow Penn State football as Saturday’s one-point, last-second loss at Iowa ends our dream of a chance to play for a National Championship. But as your learn with age and experience the sun came up the next day and the word devastating should really be saved for the bigger picture.
The Lakewood BlueClaws and Positive Coaching Alliance are teaming up to present a free workshop aimed at leaders of all youth sports organizations on Wednesday, November 19th at First Energy Park. The workshop is titled “The Double-Goal Coach: Coaching for winning and life lessons.” Due to a limited amount of seats, there is a 5-seat limit for each organization….to register for the event call (732) 606-9060 ASAP as space is limited.
The newest branch of OceanFirst Bank on Route 9 in Bayville will host a special Ribbon Cutting and Flag Raising ceremony today at 11am. At this morning’s festivities OceanFirst Bank will also present Central Regional High School and Bayville Elementary School with their School Library Grants as well as grants to all of the Berkeley Township Fire and First Aid Squads. The Bayville branch is the 23rd location for OceanFirst in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.
The official announcement is expected today but it appears 18 schools from the shore have qualified for the NJSIAA Football Playoffs, including Toms River North, Southern. Brick, Brick Memorial, Point Pleasant Borough and Lacey. The first week of the state playoffs will feature Southern visiting Toms River North in a rematch of a regular-season game the Mariners won 7-6 on October 17th.
The Giants 36-31 win in Philadelphia last night keeps them two games ahead of Washington and three games up on the Eagles and Cowboys in the NFC East. Just as important it looks like to get to the Super Bowl in the NFC you’ll have to come through Giants Stadium in January.
Sometimes you invest so much time and emotion into your favorite team and just as they are on the verge of something special comes a loss that you first think of as devastating. Such was the case for those of us who follow Penn State football as Saturday’s one-point, last-second loss at Iowa ends our dream of a chance to play for a National Championship. But as your learn with age and experience the sun came up the next day and the word devastating should really be saved for the bigger picture.
The Lakewood BlueClaws and Positive Coaching Alliance are teaming up to present a free workshop aimed at leaders of all youth sports organizations on Wednesday, November 19th at First Energy Park. The workshop is titled “The Double-Goal Coach: Coaching for winning and life lessons.” Due to a limited amount of seats, there is a 5-seat limit for each organization….to register for the event call (732) 606-9060 ASAP as space is limited.
The newest branch of OceanFirst Bank on Route 9 in Bayville will host a special Ribbon Cutting and Flag Raising ceremony today at 11am. At this morning’s festivities OceanFirst Bank will also present Central Regional High School and Bayville Elementary School with their School Library Grants as well as grants to all of the Berkeley Township Fire and First Aid Squads. The Bayville branch is the 23rd location for OceanFirst in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Toms River's "Civil War"
They started playing in the early 70’s and have done so each year since.
Who controls the series has gone back and forth and while the old school still leads the series the newer kids on the block have dominated in recent years. It’s this area’s version of Army versus Navy in which records don’t mean anything and bragging rights mean everything.
Toms River South visits Toms River North tonight in the 37th version of what has always been called “The Civil War” and the one thing you can count on is the game will be played before the biggest football crowd of the season not only in Toms River but maybe the entire shore. As usual the storyline centers on the fact that many of the opposing players know one another, some even played together on teams when they were younger. Parents are often friends, separated only by the fact that some will wear blue and gold tonight and others will be dressed in maroon and white.
Since schools are closed today pep rallies were held during the week and students and players will not doubt be ready to rock and roll tonight for a prime time matchup of teams who are as opposite as night and day. North has built a football power under coach Chip LaBarca, who is 24-5 since taking over the helm of the Mariners before the 2006 season. They are big, strong, physical and at times dominating and have already clinched their second straight division title and are working on a possible second straight state sectional crown.
The Indians have been no match the last couple of years against North but believe the time has come to win one of these games. Bill Hill is in his first season as a head coach and has seen just about every game go down to the final moments which is exciting and gut-wrenching at the same time. South cannot match up physically with the Mariners but has big-play weapons all over the field so this truly is a game of two very different styles.
Besides bragging rights there are a couple of other things on the line. A North win earns them a high seed in the South Jersey Group 4 playoffs which start next week and that could mean one or even two home games. An upset by the Indians opens the door for a possible spot in the state playoffs something that was hard to imagine a few weeks ago. Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on the Shore Sports Network, including 1160 WOBM AM.
Who controls the series has gone back and forth and while the old school still leads the series the newer kids on the block have dominated in recent years. It’s this area’s version of Army versus Navy in which records don’t mean anything and bragging rights mean everything.
Toms River South visits Toms River North tonight in the 37th version of what has always been called “The Civil War” and the one thing you can count on is the game will be played before the biggest football crowd of the season not only in Toms River but maybe the entire shore. As usual the storyline centers on the fact that many of the opposing players know one another, some even played together on teams when they were younger. Parents are often friends, separated only by the fact that some will wear blue and gold tonight and others will be dressed in maroon and white.
Since schools are closed today pep rallies were held during the week and students and players will not doubt be ready to rock and roll tonight for a prime time matchup of teams who are as opposite as night and day. North has built a football power under coach Chip LaBarca, who is 24-5 since taking over the helm of the Mariners before the 2006 season. They are big, strong, physical and at times dominating and have already clinched their second straight division title and are working on a possible second straight state sectional crown.
The Indians have been no match the last couple of years against North but believe the time has come to win one of these games. Bill Hill is in his first season as a head coach and has seen just about every game go down to the final moments which is exciting and gut-wrenching at the same time. South cannot match up physically with the Mariners but has big-play weapons all over the field so this truly is a game of two very different styles.
Besides bragging rights there are a couple of other things on the line. A North win earns them a high seed in the South Jersey Group 4 playoffs which start next week and that could mean one or even two home games. An upset by the Indians opens the door for a possible spot in the state playoffs something that was hard to imagine a few weeks ago. Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on the Shore Sports Network, including 1160 WOBM AM.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Post Election Thoughts
For weeks I talked about how much I was looking forward to Election Day coming and going. We were all tired of the constant barrage of campaign
garbage being thrown at us and could not wait for it to end. However to be honest yesterday was kind of like the day after the Super Bowl…you talk about the election/game, offer your opinion on the results and speculate as to what’s in the future.
It’s a horrendous time for the newspaper industry with readership and advertising dropping by staggering levels but this historic Election gave them a shot in the arm…even if it was temporary. If you went out yesterday afternoon looking to buy a newspaper you were probably greeted by empty racks as people gobbled them with the headlines trumpeting Barack Obama’s victory. Some papers printed extra copies to meet the demand as no doubt issues from November 5th will become collector’s items. Copies of the sold-out New York Times were being sold on eBay from as low as $10 to as much as $199.
The annual football game between Toms River South and Toms River North is always a special one for the schools but the 35th edition of what’s called “The Civil War” is front and center even more this year. As expected the North Mariners are a power again and after losing their opener have won six straight games. The South Indians have been like the “Cardiac Kids” with several games going down to the wire. They are 4-3 and could earn a state playoff bid with an upset victory. Adding to the rivalry is that MaxPreps and Nike have picked this game as part of their National Road Tour and they’ve has been in Toms River all week, taking videos of practice and pep rallies which you can follow on their web site…MaxPreps.com.
For many summers on the 2nd avenue beach in Seaside Park I was greeted by a warm smile and sweet Italian accent that belonged to Priama Cumella, the friendliest and nicest beach attendant there ever was. She would always comment about things I said on the radio and loved talking about her family. Mrs. Cumella or “Mrs. C” as I called her died Tuesday at the age of 82. My family sends their condolences to hers, especially her son Charlie who I grew up with. I will think of her fondly every time I walk onto the beach.
garbage being thrown at us and could not wait for it to end. However to be honest yesterday was kind of like the day after the Super Bowl…you talk about the election/game, offer your opinion on the results and speculate as to what’s in the future.
It’s a horrendous time for the newspaper industry with readership and advertising dropping by staggering levels but this historic Election gave them a shot in the arm…even if it was temporary. If you went out yesterday afternoon looking to buy a newspaper you were probably greeted by empty racks as people gobbled them with the headlines trumpeting Barack Obama’s victory. Some papers printed extra copies to meet the demand as no doubt issues from November 5th will become collector’s items. Copies of the sold-out New York Times were being sold on eBay from as low as $10 to as much as $199.
The annual football game between Toms River South and Toms River North is always a special one for the schools but the 35th edition of what’s called “The Civil War” is front and center even more this year. As expected the North Mariners are a power again and after losing their opener have won six straight games. The South Indians have been like the “Cardiac Kids” with several games going down to the wire. They are 4-3 and could earn a state playoff bid with an upset victory. Adding to the rivalry is that MaxPreps and Nike have picked this game as part of their National Road Tour and they’ve has been in Toms River all week, taking videos of practice and pep rallies which you can follow on their web site…MaxPreps.com.
For many summers on the 2nd avenue beach in Seaside Park I was greeted by a warm smile and sweet Italian accent that belonged to Priama Cumella, the friendliest and nicest beach attendant there ever was. She would always comment about things I said on the radio and loved talking about her family. Mrs. Cumella or “Mrs. C” as I called her died Tuesday at the age of 82. My family sends their condolences to hers, especially her son Charlie who I grew up with. I will think of her fondly every time I walk onto the beach.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
"Change Is Coming"
While it may be hard for some to accept the message resonated throughout America last night….”change is coming.” Barack Obama’s convincing and historic victory might not have been welcome in Ocean County but if you
can step back a bit it might have been necessary to heal wounds very deep in our nation. Even if you were a strong advocate of John McCain you had to at some point acknowledge that Obama’s victory proves as a people we have come a long way. It was just 45 years ago that Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream Speech” at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and who could have possibly imagined then that one day a black man would in the same city take residency in the White House.
Senator Obama is now President-Elect Obama because white people, especially women voted for him as the best choice to get us out of the mess we are in which in itself is somewhat ironic. He motivated young people, not unusual for a Democrat, but they just didn’t vote for him but rather believed in his ability to bring this country together. It is the younger generation more than any other who needs to stop judging people by the color of their skin because frankly there are too many others who will never be able to look past that.
You and I may not agree with his views on all the issues but as I listened to his victory speech before a huge outdoor crowed in Chicago you could not be anything but impressed and almost awed. His words were carefully chosen and they were right on the mark….not about him but a country he will try to lead under the most challenging circumstances many have ever seen. Obama was inspiring not just for blacks but for all Americans and it is now time to pull together because the will of the people has been spoken which is what makes us a true democracy.
Not all that long ago in my workplace I was reminded that the only constant in the world today is change and you can either fight it or accept it. Change is no longer coming….it’s here. Whether that’s a good thing or not only time will tell but it certainly deserves a chance from all of us.
can step back a bit it might have been necessary to heal wounds very deep in our nation. Even if you were a strong advocate of John McCain you had to at some point acknowledge that Obama’s victory proves as a people we have come a long way. It was just 45 years ago that Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream Speech” at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and who could have possibly imagined then that one day a black man would in the same city take residency in the White House.
Senator Obama is now President-Elect Obama because white people, especially women voted for him as the best choice to get us out of the mess we are in which in itself is somewhat ironic. He motivated young people, not unusual for a Democrat, but they just didn’t vote for him but rather believed in his ability to bring this country together. It is the younger generation more than any other who needs to stop judging people by the color of their skin because frankly there are too many others who will never be able to look past that.
You and I may not agree with his views on all the issues but as I listened to his victory speech before a huge outdoor crowed in Chicago you could not be anything but impressed and almost awed. His words were carefully chosen and they were right on the mark….not about him but a country he will try to lead under the most challenging circumstances many have ever seen. Obama was inspiring not just for blacks but for all Americans and it is now time to pull together because the will of the people has been spoken which is what makes us a true democracy.
Not all that long ago in my workplace I was reminded that the only constant in the world today is change and you can either fight it or accept it. Change is no longer coming….it’s here. Whether that’s a good thing or not only time will tell but it certainly deserves a chance from all of us.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Finally...Election Day!
Sports fans often love politics because to them it’s just another big game
and if that’s the case then today is like the Super Bowl. We elect a new President amid uncertainty about the future like some of us have never seen before. It’s probably unfair to expect either Barack Obama or John McCain to make a big difference because it’s quite possible that the task is too large for any individual but before you go to sleep tonight you’ll probably know which Senator is about to become the 44th President of the United States.
I have always felt it was quite pompous for anyone to think their endorsement makes all that much of a difference. Newspapers don’t make them but rather a small group that might make up their editorial board and in some cases it may simply be the publisher or wants to exert his will on the public. I have rather strong opinions and am actually more interested in some of the local elections then the “big one” because I think the outcome of that one is a foregone conclusion.
Ocean County of course has been dominated by Republicans forever and for two main reasons. One is that the county has been run very well and most people have not seen any great need for change. The other is the Democrats have usually been their own worst enemies, running questionable candidates and doing little to back them. For the first time in a long time there are many who think change is coming to county government and it could start today. Joe Vicari and Jeff Moran will very likely be re-elected to terms as Freeholder and Surrogate over Stacy Lubrecht and Lawrence Jones although not by the huge margins they are accustomed to. However many officials and observers are intrigued by the race for County Clerk where incumbent Carl Block is facing a strong challenge from Berkeley Township Mayor Jason Varano, who has run a very aggressive campaign. You may not think of the County Clerk as a high-profile position but clearly the Democrats have run their strongest candidate for this office as a way to break through the GOP domination. Will they be successful and could it mark changing times? Listen to WOBM News for complete election results tonight to find out and I’ll comment tomorrow on what could be a historic day at the polls.
and if that’s the case then today is like the Super Bowl. We elect a new President amid uncertainty about the future like some of us have never seen before. It’s probably unfair to expect either Barack Obama or John McCain to make a big difference because it’s quite possible that the task is too large for any individual but before you go to sleep tonight you’ll probably know which Senator is about to become the 44th President of the United States.
I have always felt it was quite pompous for anyone to think their endorsement makes all that much of a difference. Newspapers don’t make them but rather a small group that might make up their editorial board and in some cases it may simply be the publisher or wants to exert his will on the public. I have rather strong opinions and am actually more interested in some of the local elections then the “big one” because I think the outcome of that one is a foregone conclusion.
Ocean County of course has been dominated by Republicans forever and for two main reasons. One is that the county has been run very well and most people have not seen any great need for change. The other is the Democrats have usually been their own worst enemies, running questionable candidates and doing little to back them. For the first time in a long time there are many who think change is coming to county government and it could start today. Joe Vicari and Jeff Moran will very likely be re-elected to terms as Freeholder and Surrogate over Stacy Lubrecht and Lawrence Jones although not by the huge margins they are accustomed to. However many officials and observers are intrigued by the race for County Clerk where incumbent Carl Block is facing a strong challenge from Berkeley Township Mayor Jason Varano, who has run a very aggressive campaign. You may not think of the County Clerk as a high-profile position but clearly the Democrats have run their strongest candidate for this office as a way to break through the GOP domination. Will they be successful and could it mark changing times? Listen to WOBM News for complete election results tonight to find out and I’ll comment tomorrow on what could be a historic day at the polls.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Random Thoughts To Start November
Random notes on the first Monday of November:
The longest and most expensive Presidential election ever is coming to a close and just about everyone agrees they are looking forward to that. It
seems like the candidates have been running for the Oval Office for years
and finally on Wednesday the talk will no longer about campaign promises
but more about the reality of the situation we are in. Regardless of who gets elected see how long it takes before they talk about how what they really would like to do they can’t and blah, blah, blah. We are suckers and accustomed to being lied to just to secure our vote.
If you ask me the best thing about Election Eve is that those annoying and often obnoxious electronic phone solicitations will also come to an end.
It’s bad enough that you get them for federal and state offices but the local ones are driving me crazy. I was expecting a call over the weekend and just as I got out of the shower the phone rang and I grabbed for it only to find it was about the 10th call for the same local candidates in my town who don’t
know when to stop. The most amazing thing is those in office and those seeking office wonder why we are often apathetic and disgusted by the process.
It’s almost sad to see what’s happened to the Dallas Cowboys, just about everyone’s choice to at least make it to the Super Bowl this year. Following Sunday’s lackluster loss to the Giants they are now 5-4 and will probably need to win 5 of their final 7 games to earn a playoff spot. Don’t count them out yet because they will get injured players back soon but for now it’s nice to look at the frown on owner Jerry Jones’ face. While the Giants were not great yesterday they are a very good team who could repeat as champions.
The New York City Marathon is the best example of how in many sports Americans only care it there are top American athletes to root for. When runners like Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar were the best in the world the New York City Marathon was the big sports story of its day. Now it’s more of a participant and spectator focused event because it’s dominated by foreign runners.
The longest and most expensive Presidential election ever is coming to a close and just about everyone agrees they are looking forward to that. It
seems like the candidates have been running for the Oval Office for years
and finally on Wednesday the talk will no longer about campaign promises
but more about the reality of the situation we are in. Regardless of who gets elected see how long it takes before they talk about how what they really would like to do they can’t and blah, blah, blah. We are suckers and accustomed to being lied to just to secure our vote.
If you ask me the best thing about Election Eve is that those annoying and often obnoxious electronic phone solicitations will also come to an end.
It’s bad enough that you get them for federal and state offices but the local ones are driving me crazy. I was expecting a call over the weekend and just as I got out of the shower the phone rang and I grabbed for it only to find it was about the 10th call for the same local candidates in my town who don’t
know when to stop. The most amazing thing is those in office and those seeking office wonder why we are often apathetic and disgusted by the process.
It’s almost sad to see what’s happened to the Dallas Cowboys, just about everyone’s choice to at least make it to the Super Bowl this year. Following Sunday’s lackluster loss to the Giants they are now 5-4 and will probably need to win 5 of their final 7 games to earn a playoff spot. Don’t count them out yet because they will get injured players back soon but for now it’s nice to look at the frown on owner Jerry Jones’ face. While the Giants were not great yesterday they are a very good team who could repeat as champions.
The New York City Marathon is the best example of how in many sports Americans only care it there are top American athletes to root for. When runners like Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar were the best in the world the New York City Marathon was the big sports story of its day. Now it’s more of a participant and spectator focused event because it’s dominated by foreign runners.
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