Sizzling in '23

 

It's a time-honored tradition in many parts of the sports broadcasting world.

It's the highlight reel, often called "a sizzle reel" by many.

I call it a highlight montage and I didn't have much of an intention to create one this year.

I pull my highlights together -- generally speaking -- on the fly following games. In fact, that was part of the postgame of each Renegades game for me back in 2021. I'd come home and cut up the audio. It's hardly unique to do so as most of us do the same.

To do so can be tedious but if you know what you're looking for, it's not terrible. For one thing, if you open the audio of a game file, just look for spikes in the audio wave. That normally means voices and crowd noise have been raised for some reason.

Chances are, that's a highlight. Also, in baseball, I have a very detailed scorecard that tells me a lot.

However, I didn't think I accumulated that many highlights this year. That's often a result of not having big moments or not thinking my call was that great.

There were several highlights where I didn't think the call stood up to my standards. 

One highlight that I did include was the winning goal in Lawrenceville's Prep National Championship back in May. I audibly stumbled on the call.

Curiously, I submitted that call for STAA's "Calls of the Week" and for some reason, I thought it would make it. In part, I thought it would make it exactly because I didn't think it was the best example of my work. Yet my gut told me that the call didn't matter. It was the championship-winning goal that did.

I was right.

Sheepishly, I smiled when STAA chose it. So I've got that going for me.

I grabbed each highlight this morning and listened to it, editing as necessary for length and any necessary clarity. I recalled that a few highlights were missing and I found those.

I also selected the last words I spoke this year on a game broadcast: "From Norwalk, good night everyone," and decided that would be how the audio ends.

Then I decided to put an music track underneath it. Two, in fact: "Trailer Sport Stylish" by Anton_Vaslov and "Stomping Rock (Four Shots)" by AlexGrohl, found via a search at Pixabay.

Oh, I have the raw audio without music as well. Just in case someone wants to hear that.

Then I decided to do a quick video so that it could be posted on YouTube, etc. I selected a picture that Dan Murphy took of me at Cardinal Stadium back in September and created a couple of open and close slates for credits.

With that, it was done. Nothing fancy.

You can watch it here.

The audio version is here.

What's the goal? Hopefully, a few people listen and like it. Once in a while, one dreams that a well-placed person likes it and says, "We should talk about opportunities."

But, mostly, it's simply an exercise to note the passing of a year.

That last part seems a bit self-serving for me but I had the time to do it so I did. The editing, including music, and creating the movie version allows me to use some skills that I don't always get to sharpen.

I suppose it's also a point of pride to put this together and say, "This is me." It's a reminder of what the year was like.

The other takeaway is I get to listen to things and evaluate them. I can hear things that I need to improve.

Yes, after all these years, I don't stop learning. I make sure to continue to adjust and evolve.

New highlights begin Friday at Brunswick.

*****

And so, 2023 is (almost) complete. My notoriously Grinch-like ways are usually on display when it comes to this night. 

However, Sean and I will eat some dinner, maybe watch Doctor Who, and then I'll probably settle in with The Honeymooners marathon for a bit.

It's a night that just doesn't mean that much to me. It never has. 

I do wish you and yours a happy, safe, and peaceful start to 2024.

With every day, my hope is we all get closer to being better people.

Personally, I want more stability in my life.

And, most of all, I hope for peace for all of us.

Project 1,827

Me. The Cat. Dec 30, 2023

 

It was Dec 30, 2018, and this little corner of the interwebs had run out of steam.

I had only posted 33 times on "Exit 55" that year and I was just about convinced to walk away.

The blog had dwindled to no more than 81 posts a year from 2014 to 2018. 

Every year, right around Dec 30, I'd get a creative nudge to pull it together and write more. By early January, the nudge was gone.

When I started this back in 2006, I didn't want it to just die (much like my podcast did). I had several friends try their hand at blog writing and it was ultimately them who gave me the push into trying it.

Their blogs lasted a short time. I wanted to avoid that. I knew it would be a commitment and for seven years, I was pretty good about creating posts.

But by 2014, I was working as a broadcaster and writer with the HAN Network. The inspiration had just changed.

By late 2018, I wasn't working as a writer anymore, for what it's worth.

And so I wrote a post five years ago today about the classic radio baseball broadcasts you can find on the internet. 

It was hardly To Kill A Mockingbird but it was a start. Or a restart.

A day later, I wrote about John Nash's encouragement to do a post per day, something I'd been trying to do for years.

Those were the first two posts and I haven't stopped since. It's now 1,827 days in a row.

There have been a few near misses and a few spots in which I suppose I could be accused of cheating. The cheats have been when I have written the next day's post ahead of time to stay on schedule.

The near misses mostly involved travel with time zone changes, when I flew to San Francisco as well as to London. I wrote one post late at night in California and posted it after midnight in New York. But, as I was in California and before midnight, I counted it.

There was another time where I wouldn't have been home before midnight, so I used my phone as a hotspot and data in a shopping center parking lot in Norwalk. I wrote. I posted. Done.

There have been other instances of that as well. I've done everything I can to adhere to the rules and keep this daily habit of posting something.

I've tried to make this authentic and honest. I've tried to tell stories but not tell everything. I think it's important to find the line and not cross it.

Yes, the line has occasionally been crossed and that means people have been hurt by things written here. I apologize for that.

People have also been confused because writing sometimes means being vague.

This was also meant to be an outlet.

I've heard someone once question why I needed to write a blog. I didn't need it. I wanted it. A college professor suggested that I should mentor students in writing and I was always stunned by that. Writing was never expected to be something I would do and I don't know that I still consider myself a writer.

But I wanted to try it. I wanted to see if I was any good at it.

I also didn't want to make a mockery of it. Too many people can just walk in and try things (you know, like broadcasting) and it can be at best awkward. 

I didn't want that.

The blog didn't end after those posts to end 2018. Instead, it revitalized it. I suppose, if I have any concern, it's that the quality has dropped off as I often struggle for words on a nightly basis.

That's something I'll think about another time.

Tonight, I get to smile at the notion that I've written a post every day for five years.

It's not heavy lifting. Like broadcasting, it's heavy thinking, I suppose.

Thanks for reading.

Pack It Up for the Year, Part II

 

Today was the last edition of "Doubleheader" for 2023.

I saw that Greenwich had coverage of the hockey Winter Classic and while I wanted to be there I just didn't see the point. Maybe I'll feel differently next year but it felt unnecessary. As I've alluded to, my feelings are more involved than that but so it goes.

I heard a little of each broadcast and all I can say is that I was available. Or at the very least, I'm available to help and advise. 

Beyond that, I did the show.

I discovered that it looks like this was the year with the least shows since we began in 2016. I'm disappointed in that but there were too many other things going on. I'll at least consider doing a show when I go away but often that's just not possible. Unless I'm flying, my radio equipment is normally with me.

Today's show wasn't much of a year in review as I tend to avoid going down that road. Certainly, there are a few things always worth discussing I suppose, including noting some of the people the sports world lost in 2023. Otherwise, it was a standard show, recapping last night's Jets/Browns game, noting the Greenwich Winter Classic, and previewing the weekend in the NFL.

Oh, and how I'm sort of tapped out with college football. The bowl games just don't mean as much to me anymore. I used to embrace as many of them as possible but it feels like they're too many of them and too many gimmicks (mayonnaise, Pop-Tarts, etc). That works for some and I understand that. To each their own. I just want to see the game.

I'll watch the playoffs and, of course. 

I'll watch the NHL Winter Classic on Monday. That's a huge change from when I used to spend all of the first of the year watching college bowl games. Times change.

But the microphone is now officially turned off for the year unless I decide to do any production around here. The next show is Tuesday and, as of now, the next game is next Friday.

One thing I realized I need to do is rerecord the closing of all Robcasting broadcasts. If they're self-produced (that is, not co-produced with LocalLive, WGCH, etc) then I need to change it. Any proprietary Robcasting events include a closing tag that mentions Twitter and the account for Robcasting Radio.

Well, two things: 1) it's not Twitter anymore (dumb) and the Robcasting Twitter/X account was shut down by the people at Twitter/X for some reason. I've asked and never received an answer.

So, yeah, whatever. It's honestly no problem and I don't miss it but I have to change that tag. That's the kind of maintenance I have to do to update the channel. Hardly important. Just nitpicking for my own accuracy.

Being a talk show host was never a goal of mine. I always found it a bit toxic and I won't deny I've occasionally gone off the rails while trying to put on a show that is thoughtful and rational. Most of the time I'd like to think I've succeeded while giving the audience a way to check out and, occasionally, think.

And, occasionally, a good rant is cathartic.

Yet despite not intending to be a talk show host, I've consistently been one since probably 1999. They've had multiple titles and have evolved into podcasts but the gist has generally been the same. Oh yeah, I've also dabbled in non-sports talk as well. Hopefully, that enhances the "Renaissance Man" label that I've been given.

But that's all for 2023.

"Doubleheader" will be back on Tuesday. We'll keep looking for new stories to tell and voices to talk to.

Pack It Up for the Year

 

At Norwalk High School

Barring anything strange, the 2023 game broadcast schedule came to a close tonight.

I don't care who called more games. I don't need to hear anyone's numbers.

Mine is 151, a new high for me personally. It's also a new high for Robcasting to go along with all of the editions of "Doubleheader" and "The Clubhouse" that aired on the channel. Then add in the games I did public address announcing on, the podcasts, and every other time I opened a microphone and you can say it was a rather robust year.

Since my focus is always on quality, I frankly don't care if anyone needs to prove themselves by saying they called more, less, or the same.

I called 151 games. I've not called exactly 1,800 for my career.

It's not enough, of course.

But I've scratched and clawed for basically all of them.

I didn't go looking for the final four -- the Norwalk Holiday Basketball Tournament. They asked me.

Yet, as I sit here, the Fairfield Prep Holiday Tournament -- the one I've called several times -- has no broadcast for their championship game. That, of course, makes me nuts. I actually sat in my car and thought about making a mad dash to Fairfield but I would have missed part of the game.

So I called Norwalk's tourney and I was blessed with two close games that both needed extra time. Brien McMahon beat Amistad in overtime and Hamden rallied to beat Norwalk in double overtime.

The mantra remained the same in 2023. Give everything I have for every game, every day, every night. No matter what level, make it sound professional.

Put the effort into finding rosters, pronunciations, storylines, stats, and everything else I can dig it. Then, prepare to adjust and find more.

Leave every site as I found it.

Hope that each location will welcome us back in the future.

Brunswick and Boomslang dominated January and February with basketball and hockey, as well as the middle school championship basketball game in Monroe.

March was a combination of hockey in New Jersey, basketball in New York, and lacrosse at Brunswick. Plus it was another FCIAC boys basketball championship call. I'm proud of that.

April opened with Brunswick lacrosse and, finally, baseball came into the picture. Greenwich and Brunswick were both stars and there was even Greenwich softball broadcast.

Brunswick also dominated May with lacrosse, including the call of the second Prep National Championship as well as baseball.

Boomslang was also quite active.

Plus I was on the call for the FCIAC baseball championship as well as a couple of CIAC state playoff games in baseball. (Yes, please, and let's do more, OK thanks).

In June, I had a hotel room and called lacrosse and baseball championships in New Jersey.

I wouldn't call another game nearly a month but then began a stretch of Babe Ruth Baseball that I won't soon forget.

From July 10 until Aug 18 I called myriad games and the more Trumbull won, the more I traveled. My suitcase landed in Providence, RI and Fredericksburg, VA.

Oh, and there was the softball doubleheader on Staten Island, but don't remind Kathy Dempsey of 1) nearly getting ejected from a game and 2) running to play first base at the wrong base.

Suddenly, it was September and it was football time. Greenwich, Brunswick, and even Archbishop Stepinac. Plus soccer at Brunswick. And hockey. Wait, what?

The Connecticut Roughriders appeared for the first time and while there have only been a couple of games it's still been art of the story of 2023. It will continue into 2024.

That rolled into October. All of it.

November and December were active to finish the year with more football at Brunswick and Greenwich. Plus New York games at Mahopac (remember that place?). The GYFL also returned, with the call of their championship games.

And the Rockets Hockey Club of New Jersey. 

And Brunswick basketball.

And Iona Prep basketball.

And, finally, four games at Norwalk stretched over these two nights.

I thought about, and wanted to, go call tomorrow's Greenwich Winter Classic Hockey event. I figured I wasn't needed and, sometimes, it's just best to rest my voice and my brain. But know that I'd like to be there as I've loved the previous times I've done those games.

There's more to say there, including my frustration with WGCH (honestly) but we'll let it go at that. The games should be on WGCH and they're not.

So I'll just skip tomorrow.

Will 152 games happen next year? I'd rather not speculate and, frankly, who knows? Regardless, I'll take every call I can get and put my stamp on it as best as I can.

A good barometer is a night like this, when I drive away feeling a certain level of exhaustion. Plus a tinge of sadness because it's over.

Unless something happens before Sunday night, this game broadcast year is over. The next call is a week from tomorrow, as I dive into the Brunswick home schedule for hockey and basketball.

I remain overwhelmed by the love, support, and encouragement I receive for each broadcast. I remain honored that you would listen and even pay for me to do these games (silly me, I like being able to pay my bills).

I don't do it alone. Chris Erway, Bob Small, Sean Kilkelly, Shawn Sailer, Jeff Alterman, Dan Murphy, Kevin Devaney Jr, Wayne McGillicuddy, and Sean ... Adams, of course, all should be noted for the various ways they're a part of this. Then there are the many in this community that I talk to for one reason or another. My world of friends but also fellow broadcasters like Kevin Halpenny and others. So many others.

It's not an easy business but I do my best.

I'll fight hard for every call in 2024. I'll fight for its professionalism and integrity and that they're called appropriately.

I'll fight hard to train and support up-and-coming broadcasters as well. The job is to report, first and foremost. 

But, for tonight, I just want to express the pride I feel and the gratitude in my heart.

I'll do "Doubleheader" tomorrow to wrap up the year. Then we'll saddle up for the 2024 ride.

Please know I'll give it everything I have.

But, for now, with the last location being Norwalk, goodnight everyone.

The Jaylen Brown Game

 

Norwalk (left) and McMahon stand for the National Anthem

The scorecard sits on the clipboard in my backpack.

I don't think I need to take it back out because the memory is fresh in my mind.

Neither score made for the most exciting of nights.

Hamden 78, Amistad 46.

Norwalk 71, McMahon 61.

Hamden will play Norwalk tomorrow night in the championship game the Norwalk Holiday Basketball Tournament. Amistad will play McMahon in the third-place game.

Those are the basics of tonight.

Oh, and I was safely ensconced in my own press box at the top of the bleachers with a table and a platform.

I was unable to connect to the video camera so that the TV audience could hear the play-by-play but nothing I could do about that.

None of this matters.

Instead, when I pull back from tonight, it's not the final scores. It's not the broadcast perch. It's not the broadcast itself or my own voice having throat problems.

It's Norwalk's Jaylen Brown.

You see, I've written out many scorecards over the years. Too many basketball scorecards for sure.

My card is basic. I keep points, broken down into two and three-point shots as well as free throws. It doesn't have the ability to track rebounds or assists. For the purposes of what I do, my scorecard accomplishes enough.

I've seen players get 25 points. Maybe even 30.

But 44?

Forty-four?

Brown hit plenty of layups and midrange jumpers. 

He hit his free throws. 

He drained a few threes.

He did it all on the floor and didn't need any extra theatrics. His game was simply enough.

He was electric.

He put a charge in the crowd.

He dazzled me.

I don't get to see 44 points very often in high school basketball. Heck, I don't see it at any level of hoops very often.

This isn't Brown's first rodeo either. A senior for coach Garrett Hickey's Bears team, Brown scored 54 in a double-overtime win against Greenwich last season.

One player really can't do it all but Brown did a lot of it tonight for a spirited Norwalk squad against their crosstown rivals. That adds to just how impressive tonight's game was. A player stood out when the lights were shining the brightest.

In fact, Norwalk's student fan base chanted "You can't guard him" at one point and, honestly, it's hard to argue.

I was impressed.

Still, despite building up a big lead, McMahon chipped away and got the game juuuuuust close enough where Norwalk was getting a bit nervous.

But what can Brown do for you? He can take the ball, drive, and score. Again. And again.

Just like that, any McMahon momentum went poof.

It was Brown's night.

There are rare times when a game gets over and I want to say hello to a player. Tonight was one of those nights. That's how good Jaylen Brown was.

It was also an electric atmosphere that was so much fun to be a part of.

It was first-class treatment by Norwalk High School, from Coach Hickey to athletic director Doug Marchetti.

I think I should go back tomorrow night and see what Brown does for an encore in the title game against Hamden.

As I said on the air, I've called a lot of basketball and a lot of games. I can be impressed but I said "Wow" tonight.

Deservedly so.

It was impressive.

Perhaps the final two games of 2023 for me tomorrow.

(Update: After speaking with Norwalk coach Garrett Hickey, I learned Brown had 44 points so I"ve updated it. Forty-four points, seven rebounds, seven steals, five assists. Quite a night.)

Just Teaching

 

(Photo: CSB Media Arts Center)

I just walked in from teaching at CSB.

It was a long night.

I enjoy -- really, really, really enjoy -- passing on the stories and experiences that I've learned in the nearly 34 years since I graduated from CSB.

I enjoy trying to help these potential broadcasters find their potential and hope I can play a small part in helping them unlock their talent.

I wish I could teach a little more play-by-play but some nights the curriculum just doesn't have enough time for it.

Tonight was TV Sports Highlights night, which meant going into the TV studio to narrate a sports report.

Each student got a chance to run a camera, operate the teleprompter, cue up the highlights, and be the talent. 

I was the floor director.

My only gripe in any of this is if students aren't paying attention.

Respect, of course, is a two-way street. If you have to keep explaining the project then you wonder how you're failing. There's a disconnect somewhere.

But if there's a passion to learn then we're all good. There was definitely that.

For me, as the sports teacher, the first thing I aim to do in each session is to allay any fears.

Some think it's going to be references and concepts that they don't understand. These are the non-sports students, of course.

So it becomes about making them understand that they're going to learn things that can be used in other facets of broadcasting. I'm just trying to help them become more well-rounded.

I hope I helped this group in that way.

I also hope teaching helps me get better.

I'm excited to get back under the headset tomorrow for basketball.

Christmas in Connecticut

Rascal's brother says hello

It's over.

Not the entire season, but Christmas.

Oh, I know, it's 8:13 p.m. as I start writing and technically Christmas isn't officially over, but do we need to split hairs?

No, we needed to just get through the day.

Make the calls and text the texts.

Bite your tongue when that relative shows up or whatever causes tension.

My goal is to not be that relative. 

Thus, I arrive close to on time or perhaps fashionably late, bring whatever it is I'm supposed to bring, participate as appropriate, avoid bad topics, and do not overstay my welcome.

It seems like a simple formula but it's not perfect.

I was a few minutes early at my nephew's but he and his wife and kids seemed happy to have me there and I was happy to have a few minutes with them before everyone else showed up.

From there, it's catching up, eating, watching the kids open presents, and hopefully just having a pleasant visit.

Sean did his usual Christmas Day thing and went to his mother's. I get to see him for a little time every Christmas morning but otherwise, we don't spend the day together. It's a shame but, conversely, I'm glad he has the relationship that he has with his maternal grandparents. He got to see them today and that's important.

My sister, not wanting me to go home alone, told me to stop by her place after leaving my nephew's. Thus we watched a little football, talked, and I played with her grandson.

Somehow, that little boy is about to turn four. Time. It flies.

I was just happy he wanted the old dude to drive Hot Wheels cars and a Hess truck with him.

Oh, the old dude. My first stop of the day was to get coffee -- that was my job -- at Dunkin (DONUTS). I went to the location in Cheshire.

The one, you may recall, in which I was offered a senior discount a few years back. Neither Chris Erway nor Sean will let me forget it.

Alas, no discount came my way and that's too bad since the Box of Joe isn't cheap!

But, 'tis the season and all.

I am home alone now, still grateful for the passing of another Christmas and it not being quite as lonely as it has been in other years.

Oh, and for those wondering, the annual father/son Christmas Eve Movie and Food Festival was again a success.

We dined on succulent mozzarella sticks, boneless Buffalo Wings, and other delights.

Our movie selection was, well, diverse, starting with one including music from a band who was a little too New Wave at one time.

Yes. We watched American Psycho. What can I tell you? It's not exactly the most uplifting Christmas Even movie but so it goes.

"I think their undisputed masterpiece is 'Hip to Be Square'"

Then, while flipping through our various streaming packages, I came across Barbie. And yes, we watched it. We both liked it.

Sean headed off to his room after that but I was awake enough for one more. Despite the questionable and unfavorable reviews that I've read, I was intrigued by Bradley Cooper's Maestro, filmed in part in both Rye, NY, and Fairfield, CT.

In my opinion, it's clear Oscar bait, especially for Cooper and he'll likely get a nomination. Beyond that, it was fine.

A week from tonight, the holiday season will be over and whatever is "normal" will resume.

Your mileage may vary on whether or not that is a good thing.

For me, it's about survival.

I survived.

Focusing on the Good

 

Us -- 2020 in Mahopac

Regardless of the many mixed emotions that go through the holiday season, I normally find a point where I consider the blessings in my life.

I have Sean. No matter how I look back at my life -- and there are regrets, mistakes, etc -- I can never have him taken away from me.

Our relationship has been discussed and demonstrated on this very page many times. 

No matter what, in the darkest of times, he and I remained fiercely close.

It's a frankly effortless thing. Oh, it took work when our family first split up, through the awkward father/son Wednesday night dinners and the initial weekends spent with me but we got the hang of it.

Thankfully, that era is long over.

Now I get to watch as he figures out who he is.

But the blessings don't end with Sean. It includes Rascal/Squaky, the cat who has been more than just a pet.

Oh, sure, he's a cat -- we remind him of that many times daily -- but he's a companion and friend.

In truth, he's sort of a support animal to us in that he came here after Mom died and he's living his best life with us.

At least we think so.

I also have friends. Great friends. Incredible friends. To name them all wouldn't be fair because I always forget someone. 

I could just go with "Susan" and let that one name represent everyone whom I'm blessed to call a friend and loved one. Loyalty and respect mean so much to me and so those whom I can count on are the ones who find themselves in the inner circle.

I've also learned to move forward without some in life as necessary. It hurts and it's not my style but it's become necessary for survival.

And so, I do it.

With Mom in rehab after heart surgery, 2013

I have family also and believe me, I need them more than they know. Such definitions have been shattered and shifted over the years. 

I'll go to my nephew's tomorrow and see my sister along with her kids and grandkids. I know Kristy, Hector, and their kids are a call away, and would love for me to be down in North Carolina with them.

My cousin Kris and his wife Lori -- my Renegades colleague! -- are literally always there for us.

But this is where I risk leaving people out. Kris's sister Kourtney helped us out with the very couch I'm writing to you from. Their sister Keli is someone we also try to connect with when we're in North Carolina (and we're unsuccessful every time, unfortunately). 

Kristy's sister Stephanie sent us one of the few Christmas cards we received this year. Her sister Laura will always be my first niece. They're all a call away and I know that.

The point is that it really should take a village (theoretical or otherwise) to survive in this world. Nobody should be alone. For, as Clarence the Angel inscribed to George Bailey at the end of It's a Wonderful Life, "No man is a failure who has friends."

I have employers who are also friends and I believe they'd each like more of my services. I'd like that also and I'm hopeful 2024 will be more fruitful but I'm grateful for the work I've received.

I miss both of my parents and I mourn them but I also recognize that I had them both in my life. No, I didn't have my dad long enough but I had him longer than a lot of others get to have a father.

So, while life is rarely easy, I can pause and recognize that I've been quite blessed.

John Nash -- the blogging co-conspirator -- wrote an exceptional post yesterday. One passage really grabbed me.

"I don’t love. I rarely play. I wake up and attack the day until I need a nap. Then I nap and I get through the remainder of the day until night falls and I lay down in my bed and close my eyes."

In many ways, that's me also. I try to love and play (some). But the rest? I wake up after not sleeping well (today included), perhaps grab a nap, and then go to bed.

They're full days, sure, but there's a certain level of wash, rinse, repeat. They're not all the same but, yet, there's a rhythm.

But I'm still here. I'm still grinding. I'm still standing (yeah, yeah, yeah).

Despite whatever is going on in your world, I hope you also pause to consider your blessings. They do exist. I hurt over some things -- some of them being my own doing -- but I know I need to be here for some.

And so, we prepare to turn the page on Christmas 2023.

May you find whatever brings you peace in this season.

Let's be good to each other. Let's understand each other.

Although it's been said many times.

Many ways.

Merry Christmas to you.

Can't We Just Have Peace?

 

Ocala is roughly an hour north on I-75 (Mar 2023)

For the most part, today was a quiet one.

Sean and I went to Wegmans to shop for Christmas Eve, which has become a night of food and movies.

For us, that means lots of appetizers and so on.

While many were in pure chaos, the two of us strolled along quietly, with a plan in place and willing to adjust as needed. Oh sure, we were impatient with those who couldn't handle the simple task of walking, but we had a backup plan if things didn't go our way.

Alas, all went well and that backup plan -- get to the store early tomorrow morning -- turned out to not be necessary.

We're fine now and will enjoy a quiet Christmas Eve.

We came home and I took to the task of watching football. Interstate 95 crept along out back. Astounding.

Anyway, thank you, Pittsburgh Steelers, for the gift of a proper thumping of the Cincinnati Bengals. TJ Watt is my spirit animal or something like that.

Don't ask.

But today is also the 51st anniversary of The Immaculate Reception and so, somewhere, I hope Franco Harris is smiling.

The play was all legal and legit and I don't care what Raiders fans tell you.

In my wild world, it's astounding to say I know a participant in that game, as Terry Hanratty was the backup to Terry Bradshaw on that day in Pittsburgh. It's another "pinch myself" type of thing. Incidentally, Terry's podcast, "Hanratty's Huddle" is being produced every week and now has a Facebook page. Please like, support, and spread the word!

I caught up on other items at hand today, like filling in spaces where possible on the broadcast schedule for January and February. It's looking like I'll be sufficiently busy but, to be honest, I always want more.

And there's the very frustrating WGCH factor for me.

It's frustrating because, once again, I pushed to get a schedule of games on the air and, so far, none of it has come to be. I even tried to encourage some sales and the emails haven't gone unanswered.

I realize others broadcast hockey but I think we should be back on Greenwich games (girls and boys) as well as basketball. Maybe even wrestling.

So far, nothing. Sure, I can put these on Robcasting (and probably will do a few) but there's likely no money in that for me. That, to be quite clear, is a downside.

These teams deserve better and I think I know what I'm worth.

All I can say is "check your local listings" for the games and, of course, everything gets archived both on Mixlr and Archive.org.

*****

Before we turn serious, I'm here to ask the "hive mind" for help. (I've never used that term before but, why not?)

I've been asked to do some research about streaming games but, in this case, it's for video.

I've done it, of course, but as "talent." I was a part of the building of the HAN Network but I wasn't involved in buying the equipment in that case. I was more of a sounding board in that case.

Incidentally, I'd love to know where that HAN Network equipment is, along with how to get the games that were put behind a paywall back out so that I could download them.

So I've never really had to build a video service from scratch. I'm looking for advice and reasonable costs. I'm trying to gather some information.

If there's a reason to explain further here, I will. For now, forgive my vagueness.

*****

I saw we had another barbaric shooting this evening. This time, it was in Ocala, FL. 

It hits a little closer when it's somewhere you're familiar with.

In this case, the shooting happened at the Paddock Mall, which opened in 1980.

To be clear, I've never been inside the Paddock Mall. I've eaten meals in Orlando and stayed in at least one hotel (likely more) but that's as much as I know of the city.

I drove by the Paddock Mall on State Route 200 in May, 1989, on my way home from my grandfather's funeral.

Ocala was always one of our places of note on the drive from Mahopac to the Tampa Bay area. We normally used State Route 40 to take us from Interstate 75 to US 301 but, in this case, I was driving and chose Route 200. Nobody in the car knew the difference.

But I'm wildly digressing.

Why is it that we can't go to the mall and simply do our shopping and get out?

What I've read indicated that one person is dead and another wounded.

On Dec. 23.

There's enough sadness for many surrounding the holidays. Why more?

I know some will want to debate the Second Amendment and I get that. Believe me, I do. All I can do is simply look at this my way.

You've gone to Paddock Mall to shop at Belk while the kids go to Hollister. Honestly, you just want to get a few last-minute items and snack on some Auntie Anne's pretzels. 

Instead, a person is dead and you're running for your life.

It's sick.

And, again, it happens too much.

However we want to put this, the fact is the gun is in the wrong hands. Can we at least agree on that?

Nobody should be living in fear of just going to the mall.

Not on Dec 23 or at any other time of the year.

Lives are shattered tonight.

So, again, we asked the unanswered question.

Why?

Last Minute? No Problem

 

It was a day for running around when my phone buzzed.

Immediately, my guilty conscience kicked in.

What did I do wrong?

Nothing, it turns out.

Kevin Devaney Jr and LocalLive needed a broadcaster today at Iona Prep for a basketball game. The Gaels were hosting the Cardinal Hayes Cardinals in an intriguing Catholic School league matchup.

I figured they were in a bind asking for someone just a few hours before tipoff and I was in a spot that I could probably help.

But, there I was, out and about, with things to do and no time to prep for anything. I wasn't even sure I could put together a scoresheet with rosters in time.

The game was at 4 p.m. and it was around 11:30 a.m. when I got the text.

I didn't hesitate. I said yes.

I went on with my day.

Thanks to Kevin, I had a link to the rosters and, wisely, I had my computer with me. So, while I ate lunch, I jumped online and assembled a scorecard.

The last thing was to stop back at the apartment and print it.

I made a cup of coffee and jumped right back in the car.

I walked into Iona Prep -- a school I had never worked at before -- around 2:45. The junior varsity game was going on.

I was able to find the spot in the bleachers where the broadcaster set up is and figured out where I had to plug in my audio.

So, if you're keeping score, I was able to prepare for a complete game broadcast -- in a place I've never worked before -- in a span of a little over three hours.

Not the recommended 20 or whatever some say is necessary.

Charts? Graphs? Colored pens? Extemporaneous notes? 

I didn't have time or space for any of the above.

Panic wasn't necessary. What was necessary was to trust what has always worked for me. I had the necessary equipment and, once I got the rosters into my scoresheet format, I knew it would be OK.

But I didn't just want OK. I wanted people to like the presentation.

I wanted a new audience to say that like the new guy to come back.

And, as I've always believed, I want to be seen as a go-to. Thus, how could I say no unless I had something else going on?

As always, I knew -- so long as I had access to my computer and the internet -- I could make it all work.

I set up among the fans in the small gym but no one paid me any mind.

I had the advantage of the public address announcer nearby and, without him knowing, I was able to pick up little things as the game went along.

A good PA announcer can be a huge advantage to a play-by-play announcer. I try to make that a two-way street.

The game was good. Initially, that was about it. Cardinal Hayes opened up a double-digit lead until late in the third quarter. As for the fourth began, the Cardinals had a nine-point lead.

A comeback by the Gaels would create a great atmosphere and, as a result, an even better broadcast for me to call.

That's what happened. In the end, the shots that fell for Cardinal Hayes early on stopped and the Gaels answered.

Final score: Iona Prep 71, Cardinal Hayes 63.

I was packing up when the Iona Prep AD stopped by to see how things went. He told me they had the game on outside of the gym and they were watching. The reviews were favorable.

I'll work in a comfortable, pleasant atmosphere like that every time.

There are those in this business who wouldn't say yes to this job today. They want hours to prepare. That's a philosophy I don't understand but the good news is their "no" opens the door for my "yes."

I mean, why not accept the challenge? I loved it. The idea of whipping things together on the fly and heading to a different place was appealing. There's always a slight fear of the unknown but those who embrace it will figure it out.

The reward isn't in getting praise. It's in feeling the pride of a good job. No, it wasn't perfect, but I was somewhat satisfied.

As I went to leave I told the AD I hoped to return.

He said I was welcome back anytime.

This is what keeps me going. Any game, any site, any opportunity.

There are at least four more stories to tell before 2023 comes to an end.

Just Laugh

 

Life is too short.

If this holiday season has shown me anything, it's that. But, then again, I'm acutely aware of it.

I've watched loved ones hurting this season, missing others at this time of year. It's served as a reminder that we need to be good to each other and not take life for granted.

For me, it's always laughter that helps.

I find it sad when people get so dumb about things that they drop you or block you on social media. Or, worse, eliminate you from real life.

Some "friends," right?

The reason? Well, for one, I'm honest. I'm real. I don't like BS, to be blunt.

I don't handle arrogance and know-it-alls well. And, eventually, I'll call it out.

Admittedly, I didn't handle some of it well and I regret that. But calling people "lazy" because you ride on a high horse doesn't sit well.

The thing is, as I said, life is too short. So let's have it out like gentlemen and move on, you know? I mean, it doesn't have to be a screaming match, but people can exchange ideas and agree to disagree. That's what should have happened.

Instead, I watched as one person literally deleted every exchange they'd ever had with me -- including removing a recommendation he wrote about me (and one I wrote about him). 

Trying to have fun with it, I posted something snarky. My attempt to use humor failed as that led to a blockathon in which this soul blocked me on every account possible.

It was stunning and sad.

And a few other things.

In another case, I was removed during a person's "cleaning." Why? They didn't get the attention they were seeking from me.

I've told you before I detest enablers. So, in an attempt to diffuse that, I muted this person so that I could still occasionally check on them but not see everything. 

I figured it was easier for my blood pressure.

But, as a result, they didn't get the likes and interactions they needed.

So they dropped me.

It's just not how I am.

It's also not the first time.

I'm loyal. Always. In the case of each person, I defended them for one thing or another over the years but, as always, I remained honest.

And then? I hit the wall. I reached my limit.

There was a third situation and, in this case, I decided to politely confront. Sometimes, defending oneself is necessary. So, I did.

It's silly but so it goes.

It's too bad because, generally, I'm not one to remove people from my life. I tend to let life just happen. Sometimes people just drop out for one reason or another. In these two cases, that was not the case.

So I look at both of these situations with mixed emotions.

But I'll say this: I know who I am, regardless of what they might think of me.

And thus, I laugh.

I laugh to relieve stress and, often, hide the pain.

And I laugh because I like to laugh.

It's when I don't laugh that one should worry.

And so I had some fun at my own expense today, using the Funko Pop vinyl figures to do so.

Utilizing AI, a user can enter a bunch of parameters and a Pop figure can be created.

So, I did that, saying that I wanted short hair, a navy suit and tie, black shoes, and a sports broadcaster headset. I didn't say anything about glasses or anything else.

The result was humorous.

I know how to laugh at myself, and when I posted it on social media, I did just that thing. I noted the hair and, frankly, the weight of the figure. 

This dude is too chiseled. 

Many laughed and that was the point.

I didn't post the other one I made. In this case, you could go to Funko's website and build your own. They didn't have a headset but they did have a microphone.

Oh, and this one could also have a buddy.

So, without further ado...

He's probably still too skinny (I'm not proud of that) but the addition of the black cat had me roaring.

And so, with that, we keep moving forward and laugh our way to another day.

You've Got Some Explaining To Do

 

Behind the scenes of The Honeymooners

Lists. I'm a sucker for them.

Best baseball players (Babe Ruth, of course). Best bands (The Beatles, of course). Best football players (Jim Brown, of course).

Whatever it is, I'll likely immerse myself in it.

Tonight, I got a look at Variety's 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.

As is always the case, I didn't agree. Yet it's not the worst list I've ever seen.

I'll go ahead and cheat for you by listing the top 10 here.

10) Roots

9) The Mary Tyler Moore Show

8) Seinfeld

7) The Wire

6) Sex in the City

5) Breaking Bad

4) The Simpsons

3) The Sopranos

2) Mad Men

1) I Love Lucy

Generally speaking, this is a critic's dream list. These are all critical sweethearts.

The 100 shows on the list are a collection of other critical darlings and, overall, I don't mind what they picked. Admittedly there are a bunch of shows that I've never watched so it's not fair for me to comment on.

As always, I and others will say "What about (insert show here)?" 

Two shows that admittedly spring to mind for me are The Odd Couple and, especially, The Honeymooners (or any Jackie Gleason show).

But what show do you pull?

I figure -- if I may speak bluntly -- The Honeymooners isn't appropriate for 2023 and that hurts it. However, with as much bluster as Ralph Kramden may have uttered, it's quite fair to say that his seemingly-beleaguered wife Alice was the one who truly ruled the apartment inside 328 Chauncey Street in Brooklyn.

"Bang! Zoom!" was an empty threat. It was a comic trademark that doesn't fit today. 

Ralph was a caricature and his outbursts were necessary for the show, which usually resulted in Alice setting things straight.

So, once we get beyond that, the laughs accumulated in the classic 39 episodes between 1955-1956 are among the hardest I've ever chortled. Watching  Ed Norton "address" the golf ball, seeing Ralph play a version of "Name that Tune" (incorrectly), or viewing Noton watch "Captain Video" are among the funniest things TV has ever seen, Lucille Ball included.

Ralph and Norton dancing "The Huckelbuck?" Hysterical.

As much as I revere I Love Lucy, number one is too high for me. Oh, I realize it's important and part of the reason for that was the savvy that Ball and Desi Arnaz had, including the smarts to make sure there was an archive of their show by filming it. They revolutionized TV beginning in 1951.

It's an iconic show.

For me, The Sopranos is number one. The depth of storytelling exhibited in the show, combined with fascinating characters and legendary acting placed it in a different stratosphere for me. We had simply scratched the surface of James Gandolfini's brilliance and we're truly blessed to have those shows to watch for years to come.

And while I mean no offense -- honestly, I loved the show, especially in the early years -- there's zero chance I'd leave The Simpsons in the top 10, especially over shows like Seinfeld, All in the Family, and M*A*S*H. What The Simpsons does have is longevity but does that mean the writing still holds up?

By the way, All in the Family at 16 is a crime. Oh, and The Golden Girls at 18 made me laugh out loud. Then again, let's not delve into Sex in the City at 6. At that point, we will start nitpicking the whole thing but, isn't that the fun of it all?

I realize I'm likely forgetting shows that I'll scratch my head at for it not being on this list but, overall, this list isn't that bad.

But no Doctor Who or Monty Python's Flying Circus or Frasier or Better Call Saul? I'm honestly trying to not pull any shows off this list...but yeah, I'd pull some for sure.

However, Variety didn't ask for MY top 100.

It's just a list I agree with and, honestly, I can't tell you a single list I'll ever agree with.

It's part of the game, I guess.

Anyway, discuss.

Lacking Bandwidth and Digressing

 

Probably not what I had in mind but it will have to do
(Graphic: Lifewire)

As a writer, I wrestle with topics all the time.

There are things I want to write about but I don't have the energy.

Or the "bandwidth."

I suppose they're almost one and the same but either way, I lack both tonight.

As the year gets ready to expire it's the time in which everything begins to get reviewed and broken down.

Best this and top ten that and so on.

In general, I usually lack that bandwidth because I don't have the energy or recall to grab the top 10 favorite posts or anything like that. 

In fact, I just glanced at the most read, and, from what I think I can tell, the most read post written in 2023 is the one to announce the schedule for the New England baseball tournament that took place in Rhode Island back in July.

No doubt that's a big part of my story of 2023, I'll say that. From Trumbull to North Providence to Providence back to Connecticut before heading off to Virginia, the ride of the Trumbull Babe Ruth team was a special journey.

I treasured that a lot and miss it. I've glanced to see if there will be any local tournaments in 2024 and, so far, the answer is no. I'll keep my options open of course and we never know what will happen.

That is also part of why I will call more games this year than any other one since I first began calling games in 1999.

The thing of course is the constant struggle between wanting as many games as I can get versus as many quality broadcasts as I can get. I see others bragging about the number they've called and I just shake my head.

It serves as a reminder of the lean years of games when WGCH really let me (and the audience) down by eliminating basically everything except football. This was before HAN Radio/Network or LocalLive or Robcasting.

So I only did a small handful of games and put everything I had into them. At worst, I could hold my head high despite the paltry number.

I'm hoping I can feel the same way after I finish the year next week. I've picked up four more basketball games with a holiday tournament in Norwalk and I'm really hoping to snag a few others.

If not, we'll be ready and hit the ground running in January with Brunswick.

Even when I can't put everything into a broadcast in terms of preparation and so on, I put all I have into the description and details while wrangling other items on the fly. That chaos works best for me and keeps the broadcast from feeling scripted.

That's why I'm so proud of the ability to accept a request to do a game with minimal time. I've discovered there are those who would turn that work down for whatever reason. My feeling is "thank you" because I'll take it and run with it.

And that, I suppose, is at the heart of the topic I wanted to get into tonight but I still feel I lack the dexterity to discuss it.

Or I just wanted to use the word "dexterity."

But I think back to those days in Trumbull and North Providence as we danced around any fear of rain and thunder while calling up to four games a day. While I'm sure quality dipped at moments during those days I absolutely treasured that challenge of seeing if I could pick myself up even when I struggled. 

More than anything, I treasured knowing there was an audience and that they cared. On the day when Trumbull wasn't playing and all of the families were listening to my call from the beach. I mean, how cool is that?

When you do something and it actually matters? That's special.

Or when all of the families asked if I would do one of the World Series games from Virginia, so I set it up where I could do it via my phone and AirPods while sitting in a high-back chair down the left field line? It was so much fun, despite the result for Trumbull and their fans.

These are the experiences that I love. Whether it's Brunswick, Greenwich High, Trumbull, Norwalk, Waterford (can't forget about them!) or anywhere else, there's a kind worldwide audience that wants to hear their games get covered.

Huh. You mean people are interested? Sponsors might want to contribute to getting those on the air?

Who knew?

That's bandwidth for another time.

I'll find a way to discuss that other topic when the time is right.

School is in Session

 

Minnesota Vikings announcer Paul Allen is known for his, 
let's say, effervescent style

It probably comes as no surprise that I get a lot of play-by-play samples sent to me.

Some come from broadcasters who want their work critiqued.

Some come from friends wanting my opinion of another broadcaster's call.

The latter happened today (and happens more frequently).

Let's face it, I'm a tough judge, but so long as you can report the basics, the worst I will say is "meh."

So I had one sent to me and I've decided I won't share it here.

It was a lot of yelling.

The thing about an exciting moment -- no matter how exciting -- is you still have to deliver the details.

Yelling a bunch of words doesn't serve your audience. 

Worse, both announcers yelling doesn't serve anyone.

So I was sent a Twitter/X link to the call in question and, shockingly, I wasn't a fan. But, ever the teacher, I felt that I could talk to the broadcasters and coach them.

For the record, I didn't reach out to them and, to be honest, I sense it would have been a waste of time.

Another broadcaster did chime in and they were firm. Of course, that was met with defensiveness.

The person calling the play was a high schooler. The problem here -- hiding under the guise of "they're just kids" -- is they don't get better with that approach.

The critiquing broadcaster was nonplussed. They reminded the high schooler that they would have received harsh criticism at the same age and that if they wanted to get better, they better learn to handle it.

Whether they'll heed the words or not is to be determined.

Sadly, we live in a world where we just want -- and even expect -- praise. You know, the "everybody gets a trophy" thing.

It's long been my contention that many young broadcasters aren't getting the training and assessment necessary to improve. They're simply walking into broadcasts and just going. I'm certainly in jumping into the deep end but I'd rather see the opportunity to learn first.

If you join us at WGCH, you're not likely not jumping on play-by-play to start. You're being guided along somehow. Plus, anyone joining us steps into an established booth if it's Chris Erway next to me.

Look, I didn't like the calls that the high schooler posted. Both were just yelling and words were unintelligible. 

That doesn't mean they can't improve. There's so much that goes into calling a game -- cadence, story-telling, understanding of the big moment, etc -- that it's not as easy as many think.

In truth, anyone can call the highlights, once they learn to control the moment.

That's what it's all about. For me, I call it, give the excitement deserved, and get out of the way.

Shawn Sailer will always point to my KC Cunningham call in the state hockey semifinals when Greenwich beat Glastonbury. In my opinion, I was probably too loud and perhaps I should have gotten out of the call quicker but some people love it so I guess it's fine.

But brevity is always the soul of radio and so I'm always pursuing making the call, letting the crowd take over, and then recapping the play.

The Ryan Preisano buzzer beater in basketball is another example. That was a video (and radio) call so it was important to describe quickly.

Again, the winning moment was loud and I added the "It's insanity in here!" line before getting out of the way.

They used the call on ESPN so I guess I can't complain, right?

If the high school broadcaster really does care about this, he'll learn from it.

Take the criticism, assess it, and use it as motivation.

I'll be rooting for that.

No Waffling Here

 

No, it's not perfect. It didn't have to be.

This madness began in 2020.

Well, actually it began in stages in 1968 but that's for a psychiatrist.

So, for our purposes, let's jump ahead to 2020, OK?

Ah yes, the summer of our discontent (aka, "COVID").

Everyone was trying to make the best of things. We had another "new normal" on our hands.

In fact, in an attempt to enjoy our beloved Waffle House, Mom had me drive her and Sean out to Allentown, PA for Father's Day in which we ate breakfast while sitting in her car.

It was Father's Day and it was for me but, believe me, it was also for her. We spent the day just driving around and really not going into too many places since not a lot was open. 

She got out of the car once -- to step into a Wawa. That was it. I needed no further signs that her health was very bad.

I digress.

Later, I noticed that Waffle House was pushing their food mixes on their website. You could order a waffle mix, hashbrowns, grits, and even syrup and coffee to make at home.

For whatever reason (likely money) we never ordered it.

As we hit the fast-forward button I knew I'd check their website occasionally to see if the mixes were still there and they were.

Not too long ago, Sean asked about it and it reminded me to check again.

Move to Black Friday, Cardinal Stadium, in the time before the GYFL Graduation Bowl kicked off.

I was back on the Waffle House website after a reminder that they were holding a Black Friday sale.

And there, available for purchase, on sale, was the bundle of joy.

- Two boxes of waffle mix.

- Two containers of hash browns.

- One bag of grits.

- One bottle of syrup.

Consider whatever deity you choose but I reached for the credit card. The purchase -- a quick strike early Christmas present for both Sean and me -- was on the way.

There was just one thing needed: a waffle iron!

I had one -- a long ago Belgian waffle maker, given to me by Sean's mother. We tried it several months ago with some store-bought waffle mix and the results were lackluster. The iron was done. 

Plus I've always preferred what is actually known as "American" style waffles anyway. That is the fluffier, thinner style served at Waffle Heaven On Earth.

That's what led me to Waffle House in the first place, back in the 70's.

I found an iron on Amazon (just search "Waffle House waffle iron") and it pops right up.

The iron showed up quickly and it waited for waffles. The Waffle House bundle was delayed to the point that I began to wonder what was going on. 

Supply chain issues?

Rampant theft of the heavenly goodies?

Were Rudolph and Santa absconding with our box of deliciousness?

The dry email I received said the order had been delayed but would be forthcoming.

Finally, some three weeks after it had been ordered, the box arrived! There was much rejoicing!

Ah, but we needed supplies. A quick trip to the grocery store and we were ready to go.

It felt like Christmas Day this morning, except I chose jazz for the music and not the caterwauling of some American diva.

Or Maroon 5.

Nothing would deter us ... except me, who can screw up a scrambled egg.

Oh yeah, that's the first thing I had to do. I had to add an egg to get the mix started.

Dutifully, I grabbed an egg and the other supplies, following along with the directions on each box.

The waffle iron warmed up as I mixed it all up.

I carefully did as I was told for the waffles and hash browns. The grits would have to wait. Mom loved her grits so we'll have them in honor of her eventually.

Sean passed through the kitchen and chatted with the cat while Miles Davis sounded out. There is something just perfect about jazz while making a Sunday morning breakfast.

I took a deep breath and began to put the waffle batter on the iron.

Things seemed like they were ... dare I say? ... OK.

The key for us was to keep the iron set to the lightest cooking. We wanted the floppier quality more likely to be found in Hellertown, PA or Fayetteville, NC or Wesley Chapel, FL. 

Or whatever Waffle House location we might be in. Shockingly, I've never listed them all.

I pulled the first waffle off the iron. It looked OK. It even smelled OK.

I made more (there would be leftovers). 

I turned to the hash browns.

I stepped -- briefly -- into Sean's room and called out.

"POUR TWO SCATTERED, COVERED..."

He knew I was imitating the language and cadence of a Waffle House employee, relaying instructions to those doing the cooking.

Soon it was done.

I'll spare you the tension. Shockingly, an order of Waffle House, delivered to us for us to create at home, was about as good as it could possibly be. 

I can't stress enough that I fully expected it to be disappointing. No, not because of them but because of me. I'd mix something wrong or burn something or it would just not be right.

But it all worked just fine. Sean was happy and, honestly, so was I.

It didn't have to match. Honestly, that wouldn't be ideal because going to the restaurant is part of the experience.

Nobody gets in fights or throws chairs at the hours when we visit. So Sean didn't need to hit me in the head.

It's a peaceful, almost friendly vibe when I go.

And this was a nice home edition of the Waffle House game.

Let's consider this store #0055. The first location in New England. (No, not really)

Next time, we need to create the full All-Star Special by adding ham or bacon or sausage, some scrambled eggs and toast.

But for today, I couldn't possibly be happier.

Powerless

Mason and Lewis Streets, Greenwich, 2012
after Superstorm Sandy

 

We're supposed to have a pretty big storm before mid-day Monday.

Rain, wind, mass hysteria, and so on.

There's at least a chance that power will be lost.

We've been fortunate that we have not lost power in the Presidential Suite since we moved in. I think there might have been a brief loss of power once when I wasn't here but Sean said it came back on quickly. So to be more accurate we haven't lost power for any long amount of time.

In fact, I think the last power outage we experienced was from tropical Storm Isaias in the summer of 2020. We were still living in Mahopac at the time and we lost power in the early afternoon. I was ready to not host my show when Bob Small at WGCH asked me to do whatever I could do to make the show happen. The station thought it would be good to have a live voice who could serve as a "local" show, despite my being 30 miles away.

So I drove to the nearby McDonalds because I thought I'd be able to ping off their wifi to get online. Cell phone towers took a big hit in the area. 

However, service wasn't possible from the parking lot, and going inside wasn't an option due to COVID regulations at the time.

Instead, I got just enough cell service to stay on the air from the parking lot via phone.

So, I hosted the show from my car. In fact, it's in my archive here. Bob thought, at worst, I could report from my perspective and pivot if news broke. At best, the show was some comfort food for listeners.

We got power back a few hours later, which tended to happen at my mom's house. If we lost power for any length of time then it was likely bad. The location of her house wasn't far from a power substation and that apparently worked in our favor.

When many were out for days or weeks following Superstorm Sandy, we were out roughly 24 hours.

Even the great power outage of 2003 wasn't too bad, despite the insane heat that night. We got power back later that night and were able to fire up air conditioning.

Things weren't quite the same when I lived in Carmel. I watched as my neighborhood stayed dark and other areas got their power back.

So far, I've seen the part of Greenwich I live in be an area that either doesn't lose power or doesn't lose it for long.

That is optimal, to say the least.

I've often said that an occasional power outage can be healthy. It's sometimes a necessary evil. It forces us to get creative. It makes us -- dare I say -- put the devices down (gotta conserve the battery) and talk to each other.

It also makes us lean on the radio since it can run via battery!

But, let's face it, nobody wants a power outage, and I'm certainly not rooting for one.

Are we ready if necessary? I think we are though you just never know.

We have food and drinks. We have batteries and flashlights and so on.

I have my Paul McCartney book and other things to occupy me.

Our cars have gas.

We have supplies for the cat and, if for some reason we'd have to leave, we'd be set as best as possible.

Of course, this is all conjecture, but one can never be too certain.

Whatever this storm is, stay safe and dry.

Monitoring the Holiday Blues

 

WSNO Radio is lighting up the holiday tunes

I realize I've written about the feeling of a holiday malaise previously but I think it's time to check back on that as we're 10 days from Christmas.

For some, it is an acute issue where they are struggling with even putting a happy face on for the sake of their kids and other family members.

For me? Meh. I'm mostly trying to avoid the form of loneliness that I encounter each season. Now, before you say "but you're with Sean" or any other companionship, it's just not that simple. Also, Sean will go to his mother's on Christmas morning.

We spend Christmas Even together and will once again do dinner and some movies. It's one of our traditions and we both like that.

As far as I know, I have plans and I believe I'm heading to brunch with family on Christmas Day. Don't misunderstand me on this. I very much enjoy the group that I'll spend the time with and family remains so important to me. However, as it tends to be brunch, I'll be back home sometime in the afternoon.

Even decorating for us is minimal. Sean doesn't mind and we just think our place is a bit small to do too much. So we don't do a tree for instance though perhaps we'll reconsider that in the future if we find something appropriate.

But that's my thing. I'll get through it as I usually do and then hold on until January when it feels like the shackles come off.

To many, this is sadly their first holiday season without a loved one. Those loved ones often counted Christmas as their favorite holiday and that only adds to the sadness of the season.

In such a case, anything can trigger the sorrow. All it takes is a favorite holiday song or a movie or some other memory. It's a difficult roller coaster of emotions.

No matter what, there's an empty plate at the dinner table, be it physically or not.

In reality, there is almost no avoiding this month so it's just important to survive by simply going day by day.

Minute by minute (thanks, Doobie Brothers) if that's best.

Yes, some can avoid it by going to a remote island or some location where the holidays aren't acknowledged but my guess is that simply wouldn't be financially possible. At least not for me.

So, again, go easy on those who might appear to demonstrate Grinch-like moods. Most of us can make the best of it. We can muster a smile and just play along without letting on what the feeling is underneath.

Others might not be able to.

Just be patient.

January is almost here.

Sending Love Through Sadness

 

(Photo: Michelle McLoughlin/Reuters)

There are days you just don't want to remember. 

Oh, it's important to never forget history, however painful, but you still don't want to remember those moments.

Dec 14 is one of those days. Around Connecticut, it will always be a reminder of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

I have no words about it. I mean, I guess I have a few but everything just comes off the wrong way.

My memories have been written before. 

From a distance -- and I was fortunate enough to be quite a distance from it that morning -- I can still remember getting that first message about something going on near Danbury.

Newtown, to be exact.

My day carried me up to Kingston, NY for shopping. That still feels so callous to me but I can only say I didn't know any better. I leaned on a rack of clothes in a Marshall's and became glued to Twitter that day, following the sources that I could remotely trust.

While all I could do was hurt for the families and those impacted.

And think of Sean.

Sean, thankfully, was also miles from Connecticut, in his own school. Any concern for him, of course, was radional but when you're a parent rationality tends to go out the window.

I knew he was safe and, as I learned, a few years older than the victims. Still, like them, he was still an elementary student and your mind can't help but drift to "what if?"

So I know he was safe. Still, I'm his father and I couldn't be with him.

I drove back to Mahopac later that day and passed the exit I would use to see him. I just wanted to hug him.

That's an example of single fatherhood being awful.

Being helpless is not a strong suit of mine.

We'll always ache over that day.

Given where I lived then -- and live now -- the story will always hit close to home.

I've covered Newtown sports and have broadcast from there.

Nobody -- no town -- ever deserves that spotlight.

We, of course, are frankly no better today, are we? 

School shootings continue at a disgusting rate. 

And no politician has done a damn thing to stop it and keep our children safe.

I've probably written too often that schools are supposed to be a safe place for the students but we know they're not. We know the drill. If it's not the bullying or the pressures of being a kid it can be violence.

Sadly, that's all we do. We all just keep repeating ourselves.

Nothing changes.

Today, we remember those 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

We also think of those who are suffered in some way as a result. The trickle-down affected many.

And we remain horrified and outraged.

And sad.

Hello, Winter

 

I got the first basketball call done today, as Brunswick fell to Avon Old Farms.

While I have called Boomslang games since then, it had been several months since I had called high school hoops.

I expected a little bit of rust but it wasn't too bad. 

As usual, I was ready. I'd done my prep. At least I thought I had.

I had talked with Brunswick head coach Steve Juricek and assistant coach Zach Dobbs.

I felt good and had everything pulled together before seeing my Hunt Scanlon colleagues for a nice holiday luncheon at a nearby restaurant.

A restaurant that Sean and I walked to.

The concept is still so foreign that it is wonderful.

So was lunch.

I was in the Dann Gym on King Street roughly an hour before game time because, when covering Brunswick, setup is so easy. I established a table using two chairs, and set up my mixer, computer, headset, and crowd mic, before running my audio to the LocalLive input on the wall behind me.

Everything was set. I was able to catch up with several familiar faces before chatting with head football coach Wayne McGillicuddy. We were walking about the Avon Old Farms team when he glanced at my roster.

"That's all wrong," he said.

Those weren't the names I had

I still don't know what happened but the roster indeed was not right. The good news is, when covering basketball, there's an official scorebook that I can go to, especially since I stand right behind the scorer's table at Brunswick.

So I took a picture of the book from the Avon Old Farms scorekeeper and assessed the situation.

I began to write the correct names in as the seconds ticked down to the opening tip.

Panic achieves nothing. I'd done my due diligence and had been burned. Now it was time to do what I could to mitigate the situation and get on the air.

I'll spare you another rant about rosters for tonight.

Once the broadcast began there were moments when I definitely felt good. The description felt sharp and the stories were being told. But I had moments where I stumbled.

Nothing fatal. Just like Brunswick, it's best to simply move on to the next game.

While that's currently scheduled for January, I'm going to try to get a few more broadcasts in before the end of 2023.

Games in the Attic

 

Notes, meet folder.

There's always one last thing to do when one season ends and another begins: file the notes.

This is for those who think we don't put a lot of thought and work into what we do.

I've got them all.

Want to see that first scorecard from 1999? I've got it.

The first Renegades broadcast I worked (2001)? Got it.

The first Greenwich football broadcast I did play-by-play on? You'll find it.

Oh, you'll also find rosters, programs, and other notes.

It's organized in folders by season and there are now over 25 years strong.

Why keep it all? 

Well, before you put me in the category of being a "hoarder," hear me out. It's a completely logical explanation in that you never know. 

Do you know how many people I meet -- even all these years later -- and wonder if I have a roster with them?

John Sullivan. Chris Erway. John Marinelli. Anthony Morello. Anthony Volpe.

Others.

All of those names are in the archive. 

If I want to look back at the Greenwich/Wilton game in 2001, I have the scoresheet to do so.

These archives are important to the history of these teams as well as to my own ... GASP! ... preparation.

History matters in my opinion. A lot.

I considered what I would have to do with the archive when we moved out of Mahopac in 2022. I never intended to get rid of it and kept my fingers crossed that I could keep it. Fortunately, it's in my attic and I have no plan to dispose of it.

The walk-off winners, no-hitters, game-winning scores, and more are reflected in this collection of papers.

That doesn't mean there aren't a few missed games over the years. Indeed, bad weather destroyed a few and a couple of others simply don't exist.

But of the nearly 1800 game broadcasts, I'm willing to guess the percentage I don't have is very low.

I'm proud of that.

I'm willing to bet most of my brethren have a similar archive. Yet, honestly, I can't concern myself with that.

This is my archive.

My thing.

And part of how I prepare.

Not so lazy, huh?

Oh, and a new folder begins tomorrow with Brunswick basketball hosting Avon Old Farms. 

Game time is 4:30 and will be carried on LocalLive and Robcasting.