Let me first say that I do not dislike animals and have nothing against pet owners even thought comments around the office would lead some to believe that. Growing up we not only had dogs but an outside kennel and I loved our beagles and a mutt named “Judy” who was like a family member and lived until she was about 17 or 18 in people years.
While my wife and I never really had a desire to have a pet our children lobbied on a couple of occasions and finally about 12 years or so ago the timing was right. We purchased a golden retriever puppy from a good friend and within a few days had invested hundreds of dollars and thought we were set. Without going into great detail over the next couple of weeks it became obvious to all of us that this was not going to work. Attempts to sell “Bailey” and at least recoup a bit of our investment were unsuccessful and eventually we gave her away to a family that lived on a farm with plenty of pets and animals and a promise to take care of her.
As my young daughter said at that time when asked why we bailed so early, “we’re just not a dog family.”
Flash forward to today and we are very happy to be pet-less although I do have a backyard pond with about 15 goldfish and koi. Due to the number I have not given them names but I do speak with them on a somewhat daily basis during feedings and they seem happy and content. Soon they basically call it a season as my pond will be closed and they will virtually disappear for about six months.
As for the purpose of this segment today….well there really isn’t one. I am somewhat amazed at the commitment many of you make to your pets. If you’re single I can understand as your dog or cat (sorry but they are all creepy to me) gives you companionship. However I could never grasp getting up during the night in rain or cold weather to take your dog out. Plus have you ever looked carefully at someone walking a dog carrying a bag which will be used to clean up the dog’s mess? Well they look like a marathoner after about 20 miles….pure agony. Then there’s the subject of what to do when you go away for a dinner, weekend or vacation. It’s just not for us although we are a good fish family.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Invasion Of The Candidates
Consider this a plea for mercy as I can no longer take the invaders who continue to come into my home uninvited. They come at all hours of the day and I don’t know what to do about them and most importantly how to get them out of my life. You can’t go the store and buy a spray to get rid of these pests and I even called Ozane but they have no service for my problem. There is some hope however if I can make it through the next three weeks because they will not only leave my home but others as well. You see these invaders are not just coming into my home and I would imagine that most of you have a similar problem. I’m not talking about bugs or rodents but rather the constant unsolicited phone calls from political candidates with pre-recorded voice messages telling me why I should vote for them and not the other guy. So far I’ve heard from congressional candidates John Adler and John Runyan on a somewhat regular basis and I fear that as we get closer to Election Day the frequency may get greater and it could expand to other races on the county and local level. I’m begging here…please leave me alone. Please don’t make me come home and listen to this rhetoric before I can hit the “delete message” button. If you want my vote that here’s my message….whoever bothers me less over the next three weeks gets my support.
Plan and simple…I don’t care about where you stand on taxes, social security, national defense, immigration, campaign reform, term limits…any of those unimportant issues. I only care you leave me the heck alone…do that and you’re my man.
I’m hooked on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” which is basically “The Sopranos” 70 years earlier. I even see some similarities in the characters played by Steve Buscemi and James Gandolfini. Buscemi by the way is brilliant and who could have imagined such an unattractive guy with bad teeth could play such a leading role. No question an Emmy nomination is coming his way.
Plan and simple…I don’t care about where you stand on taxes, social security, national defense, immigration, campaign reform, term limits…any of those unimportant issues. I only care you leave me the heck alone…do that and you’re my man.
I’m hooked on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” which is basically “The Sopranos” 70 years earlier. I even see some similarities in the characters played by Steve Buscemi and James Gandolfini. Buscemi by the way is brilliant and who could have imagined such an unattractive guy with bad teeth could play such a leading role. No question an Emmy nomination is coming his way.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Happy Columbus Day?
It’s Columbus Day…at least that’s what the calendar says. I’m not really sure if today is the day we celebrate Christopher Columbus discovery of the Americas, specifically the Bahamas or Italian-American heritage and culture. Regardless the second Monday of October is a federal holiday so I guess for many today is the end of a very nice three-day weekend.
My wife and I had not been to the movies in quite some time but we decided to go Saturday and there were several films we wanted to see. I sort of lobbied for
“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” and because the time worked well that’s what we saw. To be honest I was a bit disappointed…it was good but nothing like the first Wall Street movie 23 years earlier. Michael Douglass was solid as Gordon Gecko but there were times things moved just too slow. Anyway we did enjoy the coming attractions because there appear to be some terrific films coming out later this fall.
The fifth week of the NFL season concludes tonight with an interesting game here in New Jersey as the Jets host the Vikings. It’s made even more intriguing by the developing story involving Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre. The NFL is investigating allegations that when Favre played for the Jets two years ago he sent racy messages and lewd photos to a Jets games hostess he was trying to make a move on. I’ve heard the voicemails and seen the photos on the website Deadspin and if they are Favre he’s got some “splaining to do.”
By the way for the first time in 40 years no team made it through 4 games without a loss in the NFL.
It’s looking more and more like the worst-case scenario for Mets fans as the stars are all aligned for a Yankees-Phillies World Series. Not only did both teams sweep their first-round series but they will have well-rested pitching staffs and ideal rotations set up for the League Championship Series’ later this week.
When I was a teen-ager I remember going with my father to Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck for apple cider, apple donuts and pies. My wife and I took a ride there yesterday morning and it’s not the place I remember from years ago. You can still get cider, donuts and pies but wow it has grown with food and produce choices like you can’t believe.
My wife and I had not been to the movies in quite some time but we decided to go Saturday and there were several films we wanted to see. I sort of lobbied for
“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” and because the time worked well that’s what we saw. To be honest I was a bit disappointed…it was good but nothing like the first Wall Street movie 23 years earlier. Michael Douglass was solid as Gordon Gecko but there were times things moved just too slow. Anyway we did enjoy the coming attractions because there appear to be some terrific films coming out later this fall.
The fifth week of the NFL season concludes tonight with an interesting game here in New Jersey as the Jets host the Vikings. It’s made even more intriguing by the developing story involving Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre. The NFL is investigating allegations that when Favre played for the Jets two years ago he sent racy messages and lewd photos to a Jets games hostess he was trying to make a move on. I’ve heard the voicemails and seen the photos on the website Deadspin and if they are Favre he’s got some “splaining to do.”
By the way for the first time in 40 years no team made it through 4 games without a loss in the NFL.
It’s looking more and more like the worst-case scenario for Mets fans as the stars are all aligned for a Yankees-Phillies World Series. Not only did both teams sweep their first-round series but they will have well-rested pitching staffs and ideal rotations set up for the League Championship Series’ later this week.
When I was a teen-ager I remember going with my father to Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck for apple cider, apple donuts and pies. My wife and I took a ride there yesterday morning and it’s not the place I remember from years ago. You can still get cider, donuts and pies but wow it has grown with food and produce choices like you can’t believe.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The local business community will have a chance to meet the candidates for the hotly-contested congressional seat in the 3rd District, which includes a large portion of Ocean County from Toms River to Long Beach Island. Incumbent Democrat John Adler and Republican challenger John Runyan will attend a “Meet the Candidates” luncheon hosted by the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, October 18th at the Ramada Inn on Route 9 in Toms River.
Sponsored by United Water and Millennium Radio, the luncheon will allow people to meet the candidates and I will moderate a forum that will allow questions to be asked. For information and reservations call the Chamber office at (732) 349-0220.
By all account Ruth Uveges is the kind of person that makes certain places just better to live, work and play in. In her case Lacey Township has benefitted from her contributions to the community where she is active in many causes. Her passion is helping out with the co-ed cheerleading teams and the high school football team where her son Matt is a senior and key member of what many think is the best team at the shore. Ruth has given a fair amount of time to help others and now the community she loves is coming together to help her and her family in a time of need. Ruth was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma which in itself is quite a hurdle to overcome. It’s been made more difficult for the family because they don’t have health insurance so you can only imagine the financial stress they are under. That’s why this Saturday there will be a Fundraising Zumba Class held on the Lacey High School football field from 2-5pm. Zumba is a popular fitness workout that combines movements designed to burn calories and fat with Latin music and it’s become the rage with many. Anyway what would really be nice is if people come out to the Lacey football field Saturday afternoon and support the Uveges Family because they sure deserve it.
By the way, the Lions visit Barnegat Friday night in a battle of undefeated teams which we will broadcast on the Shore Sports Network, including 105.7 FM.
Lacey coach Lou Vircillo and quarterback Craig Cicardo will appear on tonight’s Saint Barnabas Healthcare High School Football Show which is broadcast live
from Boston’s in Toms River and airs on 105.7 FM from 7-9pm.
Sponsored by United Water and Millennium Radio, the luncheon will allow people to meet the candidates and I will moderate a forum that will allow questions to be asked. For information and reservations call the Chamber office at (732) 349-0220.
By all account Ruth Uveges is the kind of person that makes certain places just better to live, work and play in. In her case Lacey Township has benefitted from her contributions to the community where she is active in many causes. Her passion is helping out with the co-ed cheerleading teams and the high school football team where her son Matt is a senior and key member of what many think is the best team at the shore. Ruth has given a fair amount of time to help others and now the community she loves is coming together to help her and her family in a time of need. Ruth was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma which in itself is quite a hurdle to overcome. It’s been made more difficult for the family because they don’t have health insurance so you can only imagine the financial stress they are under. That’s why this Saturday there will be a Fundraising Zumba Class held on the Lacey High School football field from 2-5pm. Zumba is a popular fitness workout that combines movements designed to burn calories and fat with Latin music and it’s become the rage with many. Anyway what would really be nice is if people come out to the Lacey football field Saturday afternoon and support the Uveges Family because they sure deserve it.
By the way, the Lions visit Barnegat Friday night in a battle of undefeated teams which we will broadcast on the Shore Sports Network, including 105.7 FM.
Lacey coach Lou Vircillo and quarterback Craig Cicardo will appear on tonight’s Saint Barnabas Healthcare High School Football Show which is broadcast live
from Boston’s in Toms River and airs on 105.7 FM from 7-9pm.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Helping Atlantic City
I just don’t know how I feel about recent announcements that the state will help struggling Atlantic City with a bailout while at the same time relaxing some regulations on casinos….two different stories but pretty much for the same reason.
The city itself is dealing with a major deficit and basically has reached an agreement with Governor Christie which would give the state more control over their future through the creation of a tourism district. As for the casinos they are seeking the relaxation of rules and regulations which they in turn insist would save New Jersey money which could be used to help bolster the marketing efforts of the struggling industry.
We are far too linked to Atlantic City to just let it die but at the same time it’s also hard to feel empathy for an industry that is built on sucking people dry and loving every moment of it. When times were good the “little guy” never really had a shot in AC. There were no $5 tables in which you could have a fun with a few bucks and it if you went at night during the peak seasons you would likely find minimums that were not for the average person. It might take you several hours to earn $100 but in Atlantic City that could easily disappear in a matter of moments. I just never felt like the casinos cared about anything but taking your money as fast as they could.
Of course there has also been the attempt to market AC as a tourism location and to be honest there are nice hotels and things like beach bars which are indeed very desirable. But you’ll pay a pretty penny for everything from your room to a cocktail and deals were not easy to come by….especially when the economy was booming. While efforts were made to add shops like the outlets in town and The Pier Shops at Caesars the drawing card was always gambling. If you lived anywhere within a couple of hours, including New York and Philly and wanted to gamble then Atlantic City was the place.
However times changed as casinos started popping up all over the tri-state area, including Racinos at race tracks. New Jersey insisted that Atlantic City would be the only place you would find a slot machine or roulette table in this state and expected that to be good enough because AC was a tourism destination. What they found out is that gamblers are not loyal and will go where it’s convenient…..an ace and a picture card makes black jack anywhere. So now the city and casinos want help and I for one have little pity. They could start by giving the average guy a fair shake at a fair price.
The city itself is dealing with a major deficit and basically has reached an agreement with Governor Christie which would give the state more control over their future through the creation of a tourism district. As for the casinos they are seeking the relaxation of rules and regulations which they in turn insist would save New Jersey money which could be used to help bolster the marketing efforts of the struggling industry.
We are far too linked to Atlantic City to just let it die but at the same time it’s also hard to feel empathy for an industry that is built on sucking people dry and loving every moment of it. When times were good the “little guy” never really had a shot in AC. There were no $5 tables in which you could have a fun with a few bucks and it if you went at night during the peak seasons you would likely find minimums that were not for the average person. It might take you several hours to earn $100 but in Atlantic City that could easily disappear in a matter of moments. I just never felt like the casinos cared about anything but taking your money as fast as they could.
Of course there has also been the attempt to market AC as a tourism location and to be honest there are nice hotels and things like beach bars which are indeed very desirable. But you’ll pay a pretty penny for everything from your room to a cocktail and deals were not easy to come by….especially when the economy was booming. While efforts were made to add shops like the outlets in town and The Pier Shops at Caesars the drawing card was always gambling. If you lived anywhere within a couple of hours, including New York and Philly and wanted to gamble then Atlantic City was the place.
However times changed as casinos started popping up all over the tri-state area, including Racinos at race tracks. New Jersey insisted that Atlantic City would be the only place you would find a slot machine or roulette table in this state and expected that to be good enough because AC was a tourism destination. What they found out is that gamblers are not loyal and will go where it’s convenient…..an ace and a picture card makes black jack anywhere. So now the city and casinos want help and I for one have little pity. They could start by giving the average guy a fair shake at a fair price.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
End Of An Era
As a long-time and often-suffering Mets fan I can only hope yesterday was truly the end of a disappointing era and better days are head. General Manager Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel will not return next season as the search is now on for a new GM who would then hire a field manager. Minaya & Manuel are not deserving of all the blame for bad play the last couple of years but it was clearly time for a change.
Former Toms River North pitcher Jerry DiPoto might not have landed the job he really wanted but will remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks as Vice President of Scouting & Player Development. The 42-year old served as interim General Manager for much of this past season and was a finalist for the job which last week went to Kevin Towers. DiPoto was not expected to stay in the organization but the father of 3 decided to accept the new offer which pretty much makes him Towers’ assistant. He pitched for the Mariners in the mid 80’s and then went on to play at Virginia Commonwealth before being traded by Cleveland in 1989. DiPoto spent 7 years in the majors with the Indians, Mets & Rockies and then began his second career working in the front office.
It’s hard to imagine it right now but it does look like we’ll have beautiful weather later in the week. Friday night our Shore Sports Network will be at Barnegat for the biggest football game in the short history of that high school as the Bengals host Lacey. Both teams are undefeated and many think the Lions are the top team in the shore as they seemingly don’t have any weaknesses. The Bengals are led by Tulane University bound quarterback Nick SanGiacomo. Friday’s game can be heard on 105.7 FM and 1310AM.
Rutgers University wrestling supporters will head to Connolly Station in Belmar this Saturday for a social and fundraiser from 2-8pm. The event will feature food, music, raffles, auctions and much more and among those on hand will be head coach Scott Goodale, who has built the Scarlet Knights into a national power in just three seasons. Before that Goodale built a dynasty as his alma mater Jackson Memorial. Tickets for Saturday’s wrestling event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door….for more information visit www.theshoreconference.com
Former Toms River North pitcher Jerry DiPoto might not have landed the job he really wanted but will remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks as Vice President of Scouting & Player Development. The 42-year old served as interim General Manager for much of this past season and was a finalist for the job which last week went to Kevin Towers. DiPoto was not expected to stay in the organization but the father of 3 decided to accept the new offer which pretty much makes him Towers’ assistant. He pitched for the Mariners in the mid 80’s and then went on to play at Virginia Commonwealth before being traded by Cleveland in 1989. DiPoto spent 7 years in the majors with the Indians, Mets & Rockies and then began his second career working in the front office.
It’s hard to imagine it right now but it does look like we’ll have beautiful weather later in the week. Friday night our Shore Sports Network will be at Barnegat for the biggest football game in the short history of that high school as the Bengals host Lacey. Both teams are undefeated and many think the Lions are the top team in the shore as they seemingly don’t have any weaknesses. The Bengals are led by Tulane University bound quarterback Nick SanGiacomo. Friday’s game can be heard on 105.7 FM and 1310AM.
Rutgers University wrestling supporters will head to Connolly Station in Belmar this Saturday for a social and fundraiser from 2-8pm. The event will feature food, music, raffles, auctions and much more and among those on hand will be head coach Scott Goodale, who has built the Scarlet Knights into a national power in just three seasons. Before that Goodale built a dynasty as his alma mater Jackson Memorial. Tickets for Saturday’s wrestling event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door….for more information visit www.theshoreconference.com
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Perfect Wedding
There is no single event more filled with promise and optimism then a wedding.
From the vows to the cutting of the cake it’s supposed to signify (let me now steal that often used quote) “the first day for the rest of your life.” Of course there was a time when this was true in the overwhelming number of cases…now it’s probably no better than a 50/50 proposition.
This past weekend my niece Cory got married in Philadelphia and I’d bet the house on the chances of her and Joe spending a lifetime together. She is the daughter of my wife’s sister and Jane has always been very close with her and was involved in some of the wedding plans. It’s not just that Cory & Joe have known each other for years, have very good careers, have lived together in a home they own and are in their late 20’s. Those are all positive factors but I’m betting on them for two very different reasons. The first has to do with the weather. It rained very hard until we arrived in Philly Friday afternoon for a family lunch as the weather broke just prior to that. From that point it was beautiful and Saturday was a picture-perfect day as they said their vows in the oldest church in Philadelphia. That’s where part #2 of this positive scenario comes into play as I was chosen to do a reading as part of the ceremony which I performed quite well. My son was also a reader and he was flawless while my daughter was a bridesmaid and did not trip once so that was pretty much perfect.
Actually the entire day was great as the reception was held at the Philadelphia Seaport Museum where we enjoyed the cocktail hour outside with a stunning view of the river. All of us had a great time and being able to celebrate such an important occasion with family was a blessing.
Heck it was such a good time that it didn’t bother me all that much to get constant text messages telling me how bad Penn State looked in their loss to Iowa. I know Johnny Walker Black didn’t care…that’s for sure.
From the vows to the cutting of the cake it’s supposed to signify (let me now steal that often used quote) “the first day for the rest of your life.” Of course there was a time when this was true in the overwhelming number of cases…now it’s probably no better than a 50/50 proposition.
This past weekend my niece Cory got married in Philadelphia and I’d bet the house on the chances of her and Joe spending a lifetime together. She is the daughter of my wife’s sister and Jane has always been very close with her and was involved in some of the wedding plans. It’s not just that Cory & Joe have known each other for years, have very good careers, have lived together in a home they own and are in their late 20’s. Those are all positive factors but I’m betting on them for two very different reasons. The first has to do with the weather. It rained very hard until we arrived in Philly Friday afternoon for a family lunch as the weather broke just prior to that. From that point it was beautiful and Saturday was a picture-perfect day as they said their vows in the oldest church in Philadelphia. That’s where part #2 of this positive scenario comes into play as I was chosen to do a reading as part of the ceremony which I performed quite well. My son was also a reader and he was flawless while my daughter was a bridesmaid and did not trip once so that was pretty much perfect.
Actually the entire day was great as the reception was held at the Philadelphia Seaport Museum where we enjoyed the cocktail hour outside with a stunning view of the river. All of us had a great time and being able to celebrate such an important occasion with family was a blessing.
Heck it was such a good time that it didn’t bother me all that much to get constant text messages telling me how bad Penn State looked in their loss to Iowa. I know Johnny Walker Black didn’t care…that’s for sure.
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