A little of this and a little of that following what was for many a three-day weekend:
Here’s my two cents on whether or not Ricky Gervais went too far with his comments and introductions during Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards. The answer is clearly “yes” and you can be sure he won’t be invited back. However the Hollywood Foreign Press has to take some of the blame because they hired the Brit with the knowledge that he would not submit his material in advance. One thing is for sure…Gervais and Bruce Willis won’t be having dinner together any time soon.
It was a good movie weekend for us as we caught “The King’s Speech” and “The Dilemma” on the big screen and finally got to see “The Social Network” which is now out on video. For those who need fast-paced action don’t see The King’s Speech but it is a tremendous film about King George VI and the speech therapist that helped him overcome a life-long problem. As good as Colin Firth is as the King, Geoffrey Rush really makes the movie as the therapist…both give brilliant performances. The Social Network is at the other end of the spectrum as it moves much quicker and of course is about the origins of Facebook. A very good film with outstanding performances and one I’m glad I finally caught. As for The Dilemma which just came out over the weekend. Well it’s good because Vince Vaughn and Kevin James are always funny but truthfully I was a bit disappointed.
It has some really good moments, including one where Vaughn is making a toast at an anniversary party, but fell a bit short of my expectations. Did bump into one of my favorite politicians, who was coming out of an earlier showing of the movie.
State Senator Chris Connors and his wife Deborah both liked it but probably felt like I did.
I don’t know if it will ever be shown again but for those of you who missed the NFL Films feature on Lakewood High School and football coach Warren Wolf…well you missed something very special. The half-hour show was part of a special USA Football series and it chronicled the 2010 season as the Piners tried the break a long losing streak under a legendary coach in his first season at the school. As one who questioned Wolf’s motives for taking the Lakewood job, it’s easy to see he had a major impact on a school, community and team who needed him just as much as he needed to be on the field. In this case it was a perfect match.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Visit From Snooki
It always bothers me when adults, especially older ones make negative general statements about young people like they all fall into the same category. There has always been a disconnect between generations and there always will be. Go back to the 50’s when parents could not understand and accept their teen-agers love to Rock N Roll music and a decade later when The Beatles arrived on the scene some thought it was the beginning of the end. Regardless whether its music, clothes, hair styles, tattoos, piercings or whatever there will always be gap between young and old…it’s just the way it is. I do think my generation is probably much more understanding and accepting of this fact and there is little a teenager could say or do today that would surprise me.
However with all of that said even I find it a bit disturbing that hundreds of people, mostly teen-agers, waited in line yesterday at Barnes & Noble in Brick to see “Snooki.” One of the stars of the hit MTV Show “Jersey Shore,” she was on hand to sign copies of her book “A Shore Thing” which undoubtedly will become a best seller for no really good reason. Today’s Asbury Park Press estimates that about 700 people were on hand to greet “Snooki” and many of them dressed and looked like her, which frankly should not make their parents very happy. The author, who probably never read a book before her own, was 30 minutes late but it probably did not bother her adoring fans who gladly paid $24 to get their autographed copy and get close to the trampy-looking TV star. By the way the book is not an autobiography but a novel that according to the publisher includes “big hair, dark tans, and fights galore.” In other words it probably is pretty much a story of her life.
Seriously you can’t make too much of this because being a teen-ager allows you act stupid at times…it’s a rite of passage. Quoting a 16-year old who was among the first in line, “We love Snooki. We do everything like she does and we dress like her.” Another said “we want to be just like her.” Odds are pretty good by the time they get out of college “Snooki” and her crew will be yesterday’s news.
On an unrelated note, high school basketball fans can see some great action this week at The Hoop Group’s Boardwalk Showcase, which will be held at Monmouth University. There will be five boys’ games tomorrow, starting at noon when Jackson faces New Egypt. The Shore Sports Network will broadcast the 3:20 meeting between Monsignor Donovan and Point Beach on WOBM AM 1160/1310. The girls take the court on Sunday with Jackson facing Point Boro in the first of five games. More information you can visit www.hoopgroup.com
However with all of that said even I find it a bit disturbing that hundreds of people, mostly teen-agers, waited in line yesterday at Barnes & Noble in Brick to see “Snooki.” One of the stars of the hit MTV Show “Jersey Shore,” she was on hand to sign copies of her book “A Shore Thing” which undoubtedly will become a best seller for no really good reason. Today’s Asbury Park Press estimates that about 700 people were on hand to greet “Snooki” and many of them dressed and looked like her, which frankly should not make their parents very happy. The author, who probably never read a book before her own, was 30 minutes late but it probably did not bother her adoring fans who gladly paid $24 to get their autographed copy and get close to the trampy-looking TV star. By the way the book is not an autobiography but a novel that according to the publisher includes “big hair, dark tans, and fights galore.” In other words it probably is pretty much a story of her life.
Seriously you can’t make too much of this because being a teen-ager allows you act stupid at times…it’s a rite of passage. Quoting a 16-year old who was among the first in line, “We love Snooki. We do everything like she does and we dress like her.” Another said “we want to be just like her.” Odds are pretty good by the time they get out of college “Snooki” and her crew will be yesterday’s news.
On an unrelated note, high school basketball fans can see some great action this week at The Hoop Group’s Boardwalk Showcase, which will be held at Monmouth University. There will be five boys’ games tomorrow, starting at noon when Jackson faces New Egypt. The Shore Sports Network will broadcast the 3:20 meeting between Monsignor Donovan and Point Beach on WOBM AM 1160/1310. The girls take the court on Sunday with Jackson facing Point Boro in the first of five games. More information you can visit www.hoopgroup.com
Thursday, January 13, 2011
By all accounts we fared quite well in the wake of the most recent snowstorm which dumped anywhere from 3-9 inches in most shore area towns. Work crews did a great job of getting most major roads plowed and cleared just hours after the snow stopped. The one thing you want to watch out for today is ice, especially on roads and sidewalks that were not completely cleared. All in all kudos to those that got the job done so we could get out and get on with our day.
The Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce will honor attorney Robert Shea and Ocean of Love with their 2011 Pinnacle Leadership Philanthropic Awards during a luncheon next Wednesday (January 19) at Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood. Shea of R.C. Shea & Associates and Ocean of Love were previously honored as Distinguished Citizen and Organization of the Year which is the criteria to receive the Pinnacle Awards, along with continued involvement in the community. Executive Director Linda Gillick will be saluted on behalf of Ocean of Love, a support group for children and their families with cancer in Ocean County. Next Wednesday’s luncheon is sponsored by New Jersey Natural Gas and for ticket information you can call the Chamber office at (732) 349-0220. WOBM received a Pinnacle Award last year.
Two of the shore’s top high school football programs have head coaching vacancies with one expected to be filled as early as next week. Neptune is now searching for a head coach as Don Sofikanich has left after just one season to take over at Bishop Ahr in Edison which is closer to his home in Middlesex County.
Sofikanich was 6-4 at Neptune in 2010 after leading Asbury Park to three consecutive state championships. Among those who might be interested in the position is former Point Boro coach Calvin Thompson and the key might be whether Neptune thinks it’s important that their coach teach in the school, which Sofikanich did not. Thompson is not a teacher.
The other opening many are watching is at Toms River South as Bill Hill will not return after three seasons. It appears likely the choice will come from within the district which might bode well for Ron Signorino Jr, one of several candidates who have applied for the job. The School Board could make a decision at its meeting next Tuesday.
Special birthday wishes to my wife Jane today….a marvelous wife and incredible mother!
The Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce will honor attorney Robert Shea and Ocean of Love with their 2011 Pinnacle Leadership Philanthropic Awards during a luncheon next Wednesday (January 19) at Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood. Shea of R.C. Shea & Associates and Ocean of Love were previously honored as Distinguished Citizen and Organization of the Year which is the criteria to receive the Pinnacle Awards, along with continued involvement in the community. Executive Director Linda Gillick will be saluted on behalf of Ocean of Love, a support group for children and their families with cancer in Ocean County. Next Wednesday’s luncheon is sponsored by New Jersey Natural Gas and for ticket information you can call the Chamber office at (732) 349-0220. WOBM received a Pinnacle Award last year.
Two of the shore’s top high school football programs have head coaching vacancies with one expected to be filled as early as next week. Neptune is now searching for a head coach as Don Sofikanich has left after just one season to take over at Bishop Ahr in Edison which is closer to his home in Middlesex County.
Sofikanich was 6-4 at Neptune in 2010 after leading Asbury Park to three consecutive state championships. Among those who might be interested in the position is former Point Boro coach Calvin Thompson and the key might be whether Neptune thinks it’s important that their coach teach in the school, which Sofikanich did not. Thompson is not a teacher.
The other opening many are watching is at Toms River South as Bill Hill will not return after three seasons. It appears likely the choice will come from within the district which might bode well for Ron Signorino Jr, one of several candidates who have applied for the job. The School Board could make a decision at its meeting next Tuesday.
Special birthday wishes to my wife Jane today….a marvelous wife and incredible mother!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Kevin's Special Day
For each of us there are dates on the calendar that are meaningful for reasons that
are very personal. They could be joyful events like birthdays or anniversaries or ones that are marked by sadness and reflection. In some cases the dates are really quite trivial but yet each year when it comes to that day it takes you back in time.
Such is the case for yours truly when it comes to January 12th.
The year was 1969 and I was just three weeks away from my 13th birthday and an 8th grader at Central Regional. I was a very passionate sports fan and my favorite team was the Baltimore Colts, who that season were a powerhouse and without question the best team in the NFL. On January 12th they were to play the New York Jets in Super Bowl III and most experts thought the game was a pure mismatch with the Colts installed as huge 18 point favorites. As probably the only Colts fan in my school I was cocky and confident they would crush the Jets, who had a lot of young fans because of their brash quarterback, Joe Namath. For a couple of weeks leading up to the game I started making bets with kids in school.
They were all for a buck or two but they started adding up and as the big game approached I had wagered well over $100 with fellow students and even a couple of teachers. At that time that was the kind of money that could buy a lot of cokes and hamburgers at the Sweet Shoppe in Seaside Heights and I had visions of such
when the game kicked off from the Orange Bowl in Miami.
Of course you know this story did not end well. The Jets shocked the world by upsetting my beloved Colts 16-7 and I never really had a chance because I was giving 18 points. As the outcome and my fate became apparent I sank into a deep depression and could not figure out how to face everyone on Monday morning.
Bad enough the Colts had lost the game….I had to pay off all these bets with of course no resources. I first tried to tell my mother I was sick and could not go to school but she wasn’t buying it. So I climbed on the bus that morning and immediately started eating crow. Of course I had to put everyone off and over time would pay those dollar or two losses…some let me off the hook and I don’t believe any of the teachers wanted the money. What they did want was the opportunity to shut me up and they got it. Every year when January 12th rolls around I think back to that football game and at least now I can laugh about it.
are very personal. They could be joyful events like birthdays or anniversaries or ones that are marked by sadness and reflection. In some cases the dates are really quite trivial but yet each year when it comes to that day it takes you back in time.
Such is the case for yours truly when it comes to January 12th.
The year was 1969 and I was just three weeks away from my 13th birthday and an 8th grader at Central Regional. I was a very passionate sports fan and my favorite team was the Baltimore Colts, who that season were a powerhouse and without question the best team in the NFL. On January 12th they were to play the New York Jets in Super Bowl III and most experts thought the game was a pure mismatch with the Colts installed as huge 18 point favorites. As probably the only Colts fan in my school I was cocky and confident they would crush the Jets, who had a lot of young fans because of their brash quarterback, Joe Namath. For a couple of weeks leading up to the game I started making bets with kids in school.
They were all for a buck or two but they started adding up and as the big game approached I had wagered well over $100 with fellow students and even a couple of teachers. At that time that was the kind of money that could buy a lot of cokes and hamburgers at the Sweet Shoppe in Seaside Heights and I had visions of such
when the game kicked off from the Orange Bowl in Miami.
Of course you know this story did not end well. The Jets shocked the world by upsetting my beloved Colts 16-7 and I never really had a chance because I was giving 18 points. As the outcome and my fate became apparent I sank into a deep depression and could not figure out how to face everyone on Monday morning.
Bad enough the Colts had lost the game….I had to pay off all these bets with of course no resources. I first tried to tell my mother I was sick and could not go to school but she wasn’t buying it. So I climbed on the bus that morning and immediately started eating crow. Of course I had to put everyone off and over time would pay those dollar or two losses…some let me off the hook and I don’t believe any of the teachers wanted the money. What they did want was the opportunity to shut me up and they got it. Every year when January 12th rolls around I think back to that football game and at least now I can laugh about it.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
For me the best part about Christmas week was having both my children home but like all good things that has come to an end. My son took some vacation time from his job working for a Public Relations firm in New York but was back in his Hoboken apartment by New Year’s Eve. My daughter’s three-week winter recess ended this past weekend when we took her back to Penn State as the spring semester officially begins today. We spent a good portion of Saturday getting her new room ready as she moved into a different dorm to be on a floor with other girls in her sorority. The job was made a bit more difficult because her roommate was not returning until Sunday but managed to make a lot of progress. I kept shaking my head over the amount of clothes that had to be put away as I hung on a seemingly endless supply of shirts, dresses, sweaters, jackets and more. What a difference from my son who could fit a semester’s worth of clothes in a bin or two. Anyway all went well and we returned home yesterday to a home that will now be very quiet….at least until spring break in early March.
We are not even four weeks into winter and it feels like a season that will never end. We’ve had a blizzard and then this past weekend’s snowfall and now there is more on the way and worst of all to me is it’s been cold just about every day. We have not even reached the point in which we usually get the most severe weather so one can only hope it’s a case of getting it out of the way early. However if this is what we can expect through January and February….well that’s a terrible thought.
This past Friday Night we broadcast the Manasquan and Monsignor Donovan basketball game on the Shore Sports Network and our Player of the Game was Donovan senior Anthony Duszczak. He scored 16 points and grabbed a bunch of rebounds to help the Griffins win an important divisional contest. What made his performance stand out was it came just ten days after his mother died from cancer. Anthony handled the post-game interview with incredible poise and went out of his way to thank the Mon Don community for their support. Donations were collected for the American Cancer Society in Joann Duszczak’s memory and students in the “pit” wore green to bring awareness to liver cancer. The Griffins host Lakewood tomorrow night in a very important game for both teams.
We are not even four weeks into winter and it feels like a season that will never end. We’ve had a blizzard and then this past weekend’s snowfall and now there is more on the way and worst of all to me is it’s been cold just about every day. We have not even reached the point in which we usually get the most severe weather so one can only hope it’s a case of getting it out of the way early. However if this is what we can expect through January and February….well that’s a terrible thought.
This past Friday Night we broadcast the Manasquan and Monsignor Donovan basketball game on the Shore Sports Network and our Player of the Game was Donovan senior Anthony Duszczak. He scored 16 points and grabbed a bunch of rebounds to help the Griffins win an important divisional contest. What made his performance stand out was it came just ten days after his mother died from cancer. Anthony handled the post-game interview with incredible poise and went out of his way to thank the Mon Don community for their support. Donations were collected for the American Cancer Society in Joann Duszczak’s memory and students in the “pit” wore green to bring awareness to liver cancer. The Griffins host Lakewood tomorrow night in a very important game for both teams.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Commissioner Of Decorations
While I understand that many like to continue the spirit of Christmas after December 25th we need some guidelines and restrictions when it comes to outside decorations for not only this….but all holidays. While I’m not looking for “Big Brother” to intervene there is a time when you need to move on and we’ve just about reached that date for icicle lights, inflatable Santa Clauses and Rudolph and his fellow Reindeers. We’ve past Little Christmas, Feast of the Epiphany and other Christmas-related observances so what are you waiting for? I understand
that Christmas is a somewhat magical time but by prolonging the holiday you’re only making it tougher to except this rather depressing period which most of us must suffer through. So with all of that said I would like to appoint myself the Commissioner of the newly-created Department of Outside Holiday Decorations…what you do inside and out of my view is your business.
• Christmas- Thanksgiving to January 15th with some flexibility if a snowstorm makes it difficult to take decorations and lights down.
No inflatable to rise under any circumstances after January
15th.
• Valentine’s Day- January 15th to February 15th. It’s bad enough some
without a love in their life have to endure this horrible day, why should
they have to be reminded after it’s over. Take them down immediately.
• St. Patrick’s Day- February 22-March 19th. Nothing should go up before
President’s Day and I would allow an extra day to take down because if
you’re Irish you might have a headache on the 18th.
• Easter- This is somewhat tricky because the date can vary tremendously.
This year Easter is not until April 24th so what I would do in this case is
allow for a March 21st start because that’s the first day of spring. Everything
must be removed a week after Easter Sunday.
• Memorial Day and July 4th are marked by patriotic displays and flags so there will be no restrictions at all.
• Halloween- October 1st to November 1st…no exceptions.
• Thanksgiving- Anytime after Halloween to before Christmas decorations are displayed.
As for the penalty for violations. First I would issue a warning with a 7-day extension to take decorations down. If that didn’t do the trick then the local Public Works Department would remove them at the homeowners cost. It’s time to get serious folks about this and as your Commissioner I will do just that.
that Christmas is a somewhat magical time but by prolonging the holiday you’re only making it tougher to except this rather depressing period which most of us must suffer through. So with all of that said I would like to appoint myself the Commissioner of the newly-created Department of Outside Holiday Decorations…what you do inside and out of my view is your business.
• Christmas- Thanksgiving to January 15th with some flexibility if a snowstorm makes it difficult to take decorations and lights down.
No inflatable to rise under any circumstances after January
15th.
• Valentine’s Day- January 15th to February 15th. It’s bad enough some
without a love in their life have to endure this horrible day, why should
they have to be reminded after it’s over. Take them down immediately.
• St. Patrick’s Day- February 22-March 19th. Nothing should go up before
President’s Day and I would allow an extra day to take down because if
you’re Irish you might have a headache on the 18th.
• Easter- This is somewhat tricky because the date can vary tremendously.
This year Easter is not until April 24th so what I would do in this case is
allow for a March 21st start because that’s the first day of spring. Everything
must be removed a week after Easter Sunday.
• Memorial Day and July 4th are marked by patriotic displays and flags so there will be no restrictions at all.
• Halloween- October 1st to November 1st…no exceptions.
• Thanksgiving- Anytime after Halloween to before Christmas decorations are displayed.
As for the penalty for violations. First I would issue a warning with a 7-day extension to take decorations down. If that didn’t do the trick then the local Public Works Department would remove them at the homeowners cost. It’s time to get serious folks about this and as your Commissioner I will do just that.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy New Year
It’s good to get back into the swing of things as I’ve been away…at least from this segment for nearly two weeks. I was not on vacation, although I did take the first three days of this week off so I could attend to a bunch of “stuff.” Prior to that I was tied up with the WOBM Christmas Classic, which like just about everything else was impacted by the snowstorm the day after Christmas. However with the help of many, especially Athletic Director Joe Arminio and the Toms River Regional School District we managed to complete our 27th annual tournament three days late. Special thanks to all the coaches and school administrators for working with us under some difficult circumstances and congratulations to the Saint Rose boy’s and Rumson girl’s for winning championships. For pictures of this year’s tournament you can visit shoresportsnetwork.com and click on basketball and then Christmas Classic.
The Shore Sports Network’s weekly schedule of high school basketball broadcasts begins tomorrow night when we carry the Manasquan at Monsignor Donovan game on WOBM AM 1160 & 1310. The Mon Don community will be collecting donations for the American Cancer Society at the game in memory of Joann Duszczak, whose son Anthony is a standout player for the Griffins. Mrs. Duszczak
a longtime Seaside Heights Councilwoman passed away on December 28th at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York at the age of 57. She was very active in the school and community and Monsignor Donovan will collect donations tomorrow night in honor of her and Anthony. Tipoff is 6:30pm from Gepp Gym.
I don’t know what’s worse….the fear of snowstorms or rising gasoline prices.
At least you know the snow will eventually go away but it looks like we’re headed to near record gas prices by springtime.
However here’s a reminder from Crab’s Claw Inn owner Sam Hammer that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are headed in the right direction…sunset today is 4:43pm and by the end of the month it will be 5:12. Now that’s something that should make you feel a bit better.
The Shore Sports Network’s weekly schedule of high school basketball broadcasts begins tomorrow night when we carry the Manasquan at Monsignor Donovan game on WOBM AM 1160 & 1310. The Mon Don community will be collecting donations for the American Cancer Society at the game in memory of Joann Duszczak, whose son Anthony is a standout player for the Griffins. Mrs. Duszczak
a longtime Seaside Heights Councilwoman passed away on December 28th at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York at the age of 57. She was very active in the school and community and Monsignor Donovan will collect donations tomorrow night in honor of her and Anthony. Tipoff is 6:30pm from Gepp Gym.
I don’t know what’s worse….the fear of snowstorms or rising gasoline prices.
At least you know the snow will eventually go away but it looks like we’re headed to near record gas prices by springtime.
However here’s a reminder from Crab’s Claw Inn owner Sam Hammer that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are headed in the right direction…sunset today is 4:43pm and by the end of the month it will be 5:12. Now that’s something that should make you feel a bit better.
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