The World of the World Cup (With VIDEO)

I've watched some of the World Cup, and even talked about it a great deal on "The Press Box"; probably more than many thought I ever would. I remember Pele and the Cosmos, and had a vague interest in them. I watched parts of the previous Cups, including the '99 women. So to be honest, it makes sense that I would be interested as a sports fan, a radio personality, and a person who enjoys learning.

The ratings have been good, but not good enough to convince me that soccer is still anything more than a niche sport that fits in behind football, baseball, basketball, auto racing, golf, and hockey. In the good ol' US of A, it's just too boring. Nil-nil just isn't going to get it done.

This is not to be taken as a criticism, folks.

For my taste, I've enjoyed it and been into it. Heck, I can be honest and say it's boring and still like it. Double heck, I watched the Yankees and Phillies last night and can tell you that mowing the lawn was more enjoyable. Yet baseball still sits among the top loves of my life (Sean, Carrie, family, friends, baseball...sort of like that).

My interview last week with Kenn Tomasch helped open my eyes, in that I'm watching ball movement much more closely than ever. It also proved that, while not knowing all the rules and minutiae, I know the game pretty well. Much better than I ever gave myself credit for.

Of course, there have been plenty of critics. If you have a poor sense of humor, avoid Deadspins Drew Magary and his haters guide. My favorite part was this:

Italy: Worst f****ng floppers in the universe and I hate these f****ng cologne-wearing mama's boys with all my heart. Italy is the New Jersey of Europe. Go to an Italian train station sometime and try breathing in the air without wanting to heave out your insides.

How's that for your hot Italian guys, eh? I've actually heard and seen people talking and writing only about the men, and I don't mean their style of play. More like their style...um...elsewhere. Really? Haysooz Cristo, take a shower or something.

(Authors note: Just so we're clear, this is not Carrie that I'm writing about. I have way more respect for her knowledge and integrity than that. She is a sports fan, and male hotness has little or nothing to do with that. Plus she loves me. So there).

While on the politically-incorrect front, The Onion came up with this. I roared with laughter, especially when they put up the graphic about baseball and bunting being gay.

Soccer Officially Announces It Is Gay
Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Pete Dougherty of the Times-Union in Albany gets ESPN's take on the whole vuvuzela (which is South African for "annoying horn") thing. My take? Just turn the sound down. It's not like the talking heads have been bringing much to the table. I'm sorry, JP Dellacamera isn't calling the World Cup because?

By the way, we have a Cup on this continent, and it's Lord Stanley's.

On the other side, Kenn Tomasch posted this on Facebook, telling the haters to shut it. I believe that is fair.

Lastly, Rick Reilly gets into the act, going after vuvuzelas and everything else. I've heard several of the same complaints and yeah, I hate ties. Unless I'm wearing one.

Then again, I hate the shootout in the NHL. So what's the answer?

A Much-Needed Laugh (Or, You'll Get Nothing and Like It)

Nothing like Caddyshack, and this collection that I found via Stuck in the 80's proves why it might - MIGHT - be the most quotable movie ever. Funny thing is, they didn't get every great quote in here either.

From Ted Knight: "I sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. Felt I...OWED it to him!" That one is missing. Classic. Or the part where Chevy Chase sings, "I was born to love you. I was born to lick your face. I was born to rub you. But you were born to rub me first."

The link comes to you via the Huffington Post.

Rule 55 applies, and your mileage may vary.

It's Late, and I'm Blogging

I just got home from Brooklyn, and I'm not really sleepy. Oh I fell asleep for a few minutes on the train from Grand Central to Greenwich, and was pretty out of it on the subway, so I'm feeling relaxed. To be sure, I'll be asleep eventually and get a few hours before another day of running begins.

So I thought I would come over to Exit 55 to say hello. And so I have. And now I'll try to get some sleep. It's 1:41 AM.

Soccer, The World Cup, and Lack of Knowledge

If you haven't heard (because you've been on Mars, though I think they have ESPN there), the World Cup is coming (over-promoted by the Worldwide Leader, and if I hear U2's "City of Blinding Lights" one more time), and you're supposed to care about it.

We've talked about it on "The Press Box", I'm proud to say, and we'll continue to. The problem is nobody has answered a question for me:

Can you explain the game to me, and tell me why it is so great?

I asked a recent guest, and got some stuff about "strategy." That's it. Ryan DeMaria and I just stared at each other after that. I've watched a couple of games recently, and all I seem to be getting out of it is that the women were watching because the Italian guys are hot, that there are players on the English team they'd like to see (preferably personally), and not much else.

It would be like guys rooting for the Cowboys for their cheerleaders. Wait, you mean that really happens?

I'm serious about this. I'd like to grasp it. I don't hate the sport. I just don't understand it, and I've been talking about this for some time. For the most part, it seems to fall on deaf ears.

Here's what I see: kick, run, run, run, kick...wide. Throw the ball over the head. Kick. Line up in front of the net. A few saves (mostly right into the keepers' body), and so on. I also hear a lot of "oohs" and "aahs" from viewers, when it seems obvious to me that the ball is going nowhere near the net.

I suppose once my understanding comes together, then I'll begin to get into the history.

I've even suggested to Sean that he start playing. His mother played in her hometown rec league, and his grandfather coached. I would support him, though I don't suspect I would coach him. Sean declined the idea.

Look, I didn't really know a lot about playing another sport (and not enough about its history), so when Michael Breed and John Connelly asked me to be part of a golf show in 1999, I was dubious to say the least. Eventually I would come to co-host "Tee Time" (and even fly solo on occasion). Now I'm much more versed and love the game (and played yesterday at the annual Greenwich Football Tournament).

Maybe Carrie will be the one to educate me. That would be fine.. I've asked fellow broadcaster Kenn Tomasch for his knowledge, because I don't enjoy the mere waive of the hand that we ugly Americans give the sport. He'll be on "The Press Box" later today (Tuesday, June 8th).

I'd be happy to join the party. For right now, I feel like an outsider. I hate that feeling. I think anybody would.

To finish, here are a few videos. This commercial is very well done, but what put it over the top for me was the use of the song "Hocus Pocus" by Focus. I...love...that...song. The video link is here.


Speaking of Kenn Tomasch, he posted this video. Funny (and linked here).

Happy Birthday, Steven Bawol

Steven Bawol played for the Greenwich Cardinals football team and graduated from GHS in 2005. One night, in late 2007, Steven died in a one-car crash in Greenwich (thanks, Greenwich Post).

By all accounts, he was a great kid. Though I called his games with the Cardinals, I can't tell you I knew Steven (or Steve, as I called him). With such a large roster, it's difficult to know every player. What I can tell you is that I know his friends, specifically Nick Angotto. Over the past few years, I've watched his brother Colin play, and I got to know his parents (Mark and Susy) very well. There's also a third Bawol boy, Matthew.

I know, I know. Bad Rob! You're a reporter, a journalist for heaven's sake! Edward R. Murrow wants to see you immediately! How DARE you get friendly with the family?

Please.

Not only did I get to know his family, I regularly exchange thoughts with Susy on Facebook. So there.

Still we're getting off track here. The point is that Susy popped a message on Facebook last night, asking people to remember Steven on his birthday. If I've done my math right, Steve would have been 22 today.

I honored Susy's wish, and have taken it a step farther with this post. To close, I'm adding a video, in memory of Steve. A picture of my great friend Nick Angotto posing with his great friend shows up around the 1:04 mark.

I don't understand life and those in charge. Just sayin'.

I wish the Bawol family great strength on this day. The same strength that I've seen them demonstrate every day that I've known them since Steve died.

Michael Kay vs. Phil Mushnick

DING!

First, from The Big Lead. Then, go to this link from Neil Best, who is out of the Dolan's Witness Protection Program for now.

Wow. Michael Kay and I in lock-step. Weird.

John Wooden (1910-2010)

Allow the Great Scully to speak.

Farewell, Coach Wooden. I know you were a big Yankees fan. I know more so, that you were among the finest people this world has ever met. Thank you.

Linky Dinky Dinks!

Soooo much to put up. Some of it is old. You'll adjust.

Chuck Costello updates us on some good Greenwich baseball news. I'm sad to say that I haven't seen a single pitch of the 2010 Cards, but happy that Jesse Quinlan (good guy), Paul Silverfarb and others covered them. I'm also very happy for head coach Mike Mora (and his staff). Mike was named the FCIAC Coach of the Year.

I consider Mike a friend. Sorry if that's a conflict of interest. Which brings me to Jeff Pearlman and Jay Glazer. At the level that I work, it's quite easy to strike up relationships. It also used to happen during long train rides between riders and the old ballplayers, so I don't feel like it's anything new.

Speaking of Jeff, he writes about owing a man named John Degl an apology. Here's the twist: I know John Degl. I used to watch John and his brother (they were hardly babies, so it wasn't babysitting) a lot in the 80's. We'd play ball, shoot hoops, ride quads, bikes, etc. I know he turned into a great wrestler at Mahopac High and maybe he could be a bit of a bully (I get where Jeff is coming from). But to me, he was just John - a good kid. We're Facebook friends, and I hope he's a good man.

The Great Scully (in song), from Tom Hoffarth.

Benjamin Hill tells of mascot meanderings in the New York-Penn League. Specifically, this is at Tri City (they play in Troy, NY). I was just up that way last weekend.

Renegades season is approaching quickly, by the way! Looking forward to getting my game on again.

Brian Anderson says the Brewers booth isn't right without Mr. Baseball. Maybe not, but BA is doing a great job.

Great story of the Immaculate Reception from a media angle. Thanks to Mike Silverstein and the crew of Behind the Steel Curtain.

Perhaps you've seen it, butt if you haven't head to Stuck in the 80's for Lady Gaga, Elton John and others doing "Don't Stop Believin" and a link to the Great Springsteen doing Bryan Adams' "Cuts Like a Knife." Fun, fun stuff.

DO NOT READ IF YOU LACK A SENSE OF HUMOR!

Thanks, Carrie.

I'm not a religious guy, and have little patience for those who are hypocrites about it. You know the type: the ones who only decide to pay attention to their faith on the holy days (pick a religion, and you'll find a hypocrite in every one). I respect the person who goes to their faith because it gives them hope and comfort. Because it is what they believe. And most of all - they don't throw it in my face.

I once dated a born-again Christian. I can tell you, without question - it was a huge factor in our not surviving as a couple.

I want to believe, and sometimes, I do. But I can't take it when it impacts lives, relationships, understanding, and creates - of all things - terrorism, hatred, and war.

Thus, this picture cracked me up. Nice, considering I wasn't in the best of frames this morning. Yet there is a reason I've often used "Haysooz Cristo" instead of "Jesus Christ." Though I might use "Josh Christ" now.

We'll ignore the fact that the person in the picture is wearing a Red Sox hat. That's just too easy.

This wasn't meant to be a rant about religion, nor should it be taken as such. Sadly, people can't handle talking religion (it's in that category of "do not discuss").

Thus the reason that I titled the post the way I did. Which, of course, is sad.

Way To Go, Bud

We knew he would fail. Just knew it. Knew that those who are in charge are often gutless. Yet we hoped, as I wrote yesterday.

Bud Selig will not recognize Armando Galarraga's perfect game. No reverse of Jim Joyce's terrible call. It will stay as it is, and we move on.

Yet to those who say "Get Over It" (and you know who you are), let me ask this: what would be the harm? What are you afraid of? Galarraga pitched a perfect game. Recognize it. Show some onions for a change.

There would have been no precedent. This was a one-time thing.

Baseball had a chance. Bud Selig had a chance. And he failed. And the sport looks worse for it.

Nothing To Talk About Today...NOT!

So quite a night in the ol' sports world. As I was riding the Q across the Manhattan Bridge last night, ace producer Nick Angotto sent me a text with the news of Armando Galarraga's near-perfect game and the blown call by veteran umpire Jim Joyce.



I'm not going to wait for you to join me on "The Press Box" to give you my opinion. Umpires have screwed up magnificently in recent times, and have demonstrated their arrogance, led by master stooge Joe West. Joyce "manned up" and gets credit for that. Still shouldn't there be some kind of punishment for him?

Now to the bigger issue. You know this was a perfect game. I know this was a perfect game. The correct thing for Major League Baseball is for the Tigers to protest, and for MLB to make a (read closely) ONE TIME DECISION. It was a perfect game. Make it so officially. From the look of it, even Jason Douglas, the batter who hit the fatal grounder, was outraged by the call!

I've seen things like this happen before (four words: George Brett Pine Tar). Some would say that (another stooge) then-American League President Lee McPhail did the right thing by reversing the decision and making a mockery of his umpires. Well in this case, it wouldn't be making a mockery. It would be correcting an egregious error.

So Bud Selig, for once - ONCE - do the right thing.

You disagree? Two o'clock Eastern time, Lifestyle Talk Radio Network, 888-454-3378. I'll be waiting. We'll also get into the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, and (lost in the shuffle), the retirement of Ken Griffey, Jr.

Gotta Pick It Up Again

I just looked at my output for May.

Fifteen posts. That's it. Pathetic.

That goes with 14 for April.

I need to do better than that. I suspect there isn't a big hankering for your daily flavor of "Exit 55", but still. Sheesh.

Quick FCIAC Football-Related Posty

Hi all. Have you missed me? Er...no. OK.

Anywho, Mr. Tim Parry (he of the FCIAC Football Blog fame) is looking for help. He'd like to pick up a salesperson to assist with getting sponsors for the blog while it still exists. Tim wanted to sell the site, and has found no takers so far. So while he could just shut it down, Tim continues to write.

And we're better for it.

While we're talking football, allow me to proudly announce that the annual Greenwich Red and White football game will once again be broadcast on that little ol' engine known as WGCH (and WGCH.com). I'll be at the mic for the call, and a combination of fine souls will round out the broadcast. I don't have a game time yet, but I will pass along the details once they have been given to me.

Until then, stay tuned!

New Reality Show: "When Officials Go Overboard"

It's been a problem for years. Certain officials in certain sports who think we pay money to watch them. I get it - it's a hard job, and they have to have a bit of arrogance (or confidence) in their duties and be thick-skinned. Yet a line gets crossed, frequently. And that line was bulldozed this week by (as usual) "Country" Joe West, a fine Major League Baseball umpire, whose patience is even shorter than...believe it or not...yours truly.

West and others get properly skewered here.

Most do a great job (including West, despite his obnoxious ways), but they need to stop being so confrontational and, frankly, giving their profession a bad name.

Rockin The Suburbs (With VIDEO)

Bring on Memorial Day Weekend. Bring on summer.

And take a moment to remember. That's why it's called "Memorial Day."

"Let me tell y'all what it's like. Being male, middle class and white." Yup yup. That's how I roll. Your video link is here.

Enter Sandman - The Smooth Jazz Version (With VIDEO)

Hat tip to my friend Lou Piccirillo for posting this on Facebook. Wow. Really well done, and linked here.


In case you need the original


And how can I possibly end without putting this up:

Writer's Block...Or Something (With VIDEO)

Has it really been 11 days since I posted something? Wow - my bad. Just haven't really been feeling it. I guess a little lazy, a lot busy, and some writer's block and so on.

Gotta start taking the laptop with me to Brooklyn, because Carrie, her pal Alison (who will probably object to my calling her "pal") and I got into a long chat about music, and what belongs in the genre of "classic alternative." I'd just like to say that, after Allison delivered a bashing to a particular band, she became my new best friend. Maybe such three-numbered bands are cool to hippy stoners still in college who are so screwed up that they don't know any better, but to those with discerning tastes, it's just crap.

So much more to say, but I promise to behave (Karma and all, you know). I sense a Rule 55 approaching, and fast!

It was purely awesome, and I didn't even start the conversation! We sat there and did thumbs-up and thumbs-down to those who belonged in the category. It was too much fun.

Then we went and ate Mexican food at the place on the corner. It didn't exactly sit well with me. Yet I would try it again - even if I could only eat the goat taco that Alison had!

Now if you want some REAL Classic Alternative, then I present to you The Smiths. We can go from there (plus it's my Rule 55).

The Smiths - How Soon is Now

Christopher! | MySpace Video

Now Pitching, Jason Intrieri! (With VIDEO)

Our second annual Breakfast and Baseball day included Bargains this time, as Jason Intrieri, Tim Parry, and your fancy blog writer sped off to the site of the first trip - Allentown for Waffle House, and Reading, where we took in the Reading Phillies and the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Plus we hit the Reading Outlets, where we picked up plenty of T-shirts and such, like a mighty fine retro Montreal Expos shirt, and a Rutgers Ray Rice jersey that cost me a mere $4.87!

Tim had the fine idea to have Jason throw out the first pitch at the Reading/Richmond game (one of about TWENTY people who did so!). Of course, Tim and I had to have fun with it, so we present the video to you, in full TIM-O-VISION!

Of course, only one of us was supposed to go onto the field with Jason, but we didn't let that stop us. After all, we're media!

The second trip was just as outstanding - if not better - than the first one, and we look forward to year three.

Very Inspirational

My friend and basketball broadcasting companion, Christine Baker, wrote a wonderful post on her blog about perspectives, and making lemonade out of the proverbial lemons.

I have no problem saying how much I treasure "One-Five's" friendship. So when she writes, I read.

It will take you a few minutes. Enjoy.

The Big Announcement

Earlier this week, I made a change on Facebook. To be exact, I changed my relationship status to "In a Relationship..." I figured that, if you know me, and have been paying attention, then it wasn't much of a secret. The Rule 55's, the jump in my step, the smile on my face. It was obvious.

Still, it didn't seem to be a big deal to me. Carrie and I have been together for a short time now and are motoring along nicely (at least until I do something stupid). We have laughed about titles, and I just wasn't sure making it "official" on Facebook was all that important. That kind of validation, while nice, doesn't seem necessary.

What troubled me was that I've walked a fine line here on the Big LeBlogski. I've made it known that I'm not big on giving away too much personal stuff, yet I can be like an open sore at times. So as usual, I was my typically contradictory self.

I know several bloggers, of course. Sean Kilkelly doesn't talk about personal stuff. Tim Parry would occasionally. Jeff Pearlman can often be an open book. I find I tend to lean towards his style - warts and all. Yet I figure Jeff has a line that he has drawn, and I believe in that as well. It's just always a question of figuring out where that line is.

There's much to work through. I mean, that's what relationships are, right? My God, we all know they're just not easy work. Distance between parties, a child, personality differences, money, yada yada yada. You've likely been in a relationship yourself, so you know the drill. Yet Carrie has shown me a lot. She has rebuilt the spirit that I so needed to have rebuilt. People have taken notice. The emails, personal messages, Facebook wall posts and comments have been touching. I'm simply amazed at how many people have reached out to me. At last check, 30 people have said they "like" the status on Facebook, while others have commented. I love the likes; they warm my heart. I kept updating Carrie as the day went on. For her, it was text messages and a few Facebook items.

Our story has already been pretty cool. Boy gets invited to meet friends (thanks, Mick and Gretchen) in Manhattan. Boy finds out it's a party for a friend (thanks, Susan). Boy considers bailing due to potential shyness. Boy reconsiders and goes to party, where girl (who organized the party) walks in and has an immediate impact. Boy and girl discover similar interests (Rangers and Yankees). Girl gives boy phone number. Text messages are sent and two days later, they talk on the phone.

There's a first date, at the site of the first meeting and it goes really well. Then the strange coincidences begin. I won't get into them all, but I'll tell you that Carrie knew me well before I knew her, as she discovered that she listened to the Greenwich/Staples football broadcast last November, and remembered the play-by-play guy who thought certain TV people acted "bush league."

I'm going to spare you the gushing and the mushy stuff. After many false starts, misunderstandings, and other relationship idiocy, I've found a companion. One who accepts me for being that most dreadful of characters: me. Every hurdle gets greeted with "we'll address it" or "we'll work around it." I like that in her. It's all part of what helps me stay grounded.

Oh we have our differences. It won't always be smooth sailing, but let me know if you've found a perfect relationship.

We'll see where it goes from here.

It's the start of something special for the superhero duo of That Guy and Whatshername.

You should meet her. You probably will.

I've changed my relationship status.

Goodbye, FCIAC Football Blog?

Tim Parry has decided to step away from his internet baby in favor of his real baby.

The FCIAC Football Blog is for sale.

He had a great, at times tumultuous, run. He had five years of bringing people together in and around the FCIAC football world. Sometimes controversial, always informative. It was a home for all of us to come together and unless someone else takes it over, it will be gone.

I don't think that person will be me. You need to wear a lot of hats and have a lot of time to run that blog. Of course, I'll contribute if asked, but that's that. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the blog goes away in favor of the more "corporate" entities, like the newspapers, MaxPreps and such. Personally, I would have my eye on Sean Patrick Bowley to be the go-to guy going forward.

Tim handled things with class, going so far as to invoke Rule 55 (minus a video). I give him credit for that because, while I know that William Raymond Parry will become the most important thing for Tim and his wife Ursula, I also know that there is more to the story.

Tim handled lots of crap - from coaches, players, fans, parents, and other members of the media. Despite his normal "I don't give a bleep" outer shell, I know it bothered him. He thought about walking away several times, and became known as being "Brett Favre-esque.". It comes with occasionally wearing your heart on your sleeve.

What Tim did was to offer an outlet for all of us. He didn't hide behind "sources." He was a freelancer for several outlets, even helping us out on WGCH whenever I reached out to him. Yet all it took is one notoriously bad apple to ruin things. Out of respect to Tim, I'll stop there.

He shared his info with all of us, and shared his passion for football with us as well. He built a community, without getting hung up on exclusivity. I see cooperation all the time in the media; it isn't always so cutthroat. Matt Levine and I work for "rival" stations yet are good friends and share info (Matt even just had me on his show). Paul Silverfarb (Greenwich Post) is happy to share. We're all in it together, and are a community. A brotherhood.

Others should try to follow that lead. Some still act like they're better than all of us. Like they think they still wear a fedora, smoke cigars while traveling on the train, and have a patented disregard for the "electronic" media types.

Tim was, and isn't, without his faults but I'm proud to call him a friend. He has caused his fair share of trouble, but he has also been there for me. When he would read something vague on the blog or Facebook, he would immediately reach out to me with a "what's going on?" He's loyal, and so am I. And it's a relationship we built because of?

The FCIAC Football blog.

And for that reason alone, I'm saddened by this news.

Happy Mother's Day! (With VIDEO)

Seems appropriate...


This Mother's Day weekend also seems like a perfect time to drop some more Rule 55's on your situation. In short, I'm having an amazing weekend.

I wish I could find the audio, but I once had my mom on the radio - 1990 was the year - on WMJV (Majic 105), which is now a country station.

Don't take your parents for granted, though that seems needless to say. I'll be with mine today, as we'll gather as a family on the chilly beach of Fairfield, Connecticut. She, my sister Laura, my sister-in-law Debbie, and my nieces Laura, Kristy, and Charity all deserve the best that their myriad kids have to offer. I hope Sean gives Sandi a nice day as well.

To those who are without their mothers, pause and remember them. Seems only fair.

Happy Mother's Day, one and all.

Jeff Pearlman on Marriage

My former "townie", Jeff Pearlman's blog continues to be a must-read. For every post that has me scratching my head (Sarah Palin), he writes 10 more that are really good. The one on my radar is about marriage. What makes it good, and what makes it real. I suppose the same can be said for close relationships as well.

My first wedding day (OK, my only wedding day to this point) was one of the great days of my life, up there with a cold Saturday in February, 2002 (Sean, naturally). I have no doubt that my next wedding day (IF there's a next one) will also be great. Yet as I acutely know, this marriage stuff isn't easy. It seemed like Sandi and I could work through anything, no matter what, and that just wasn't the reality. We shocked, disappointed, and angered many with our split. Now we're working at becoming friends again (how we first started, in 1987) and not being solely the owners and operators of Sean, Inc. I hate seeing it treated like a business relationship.

I didn't come here to discuss Sandi; you know my take on that . Of course, if any publisher wants to pay me big bucks to tell all, Sandi and I could really use the money to get out of debt. I'd change the names, make some stuff up, and throw it out there!

Despite my recent rash of Rule 55's that were as obvious as anything I've ever written, I stay away from being too personal. Yet I do trip from time to time. I think this is why I like Jeff's blog. He also lets most of it out - warts and all. His recent post about male ogling was great. I can't say I haven't made my share of comments, but I do tend to be of the more gentlemanly sort.

Linky Dinks

With things settling into a temporary normal for me, I'm making a stronger effort to blog away again. So, we need some links!

Please read the inspirational thoughts of my friend and WGCH colleague Darby Cartun. I've had the chance to get to know Darby much better since assisting her with her show (5-6 PM weeknights on WGCH). An interesting person. Read on.

The Ernie Harwell tributes are pouring in (rightly so). Brian Anderson is the voice of the Brewers on TV, along with TBS, and wrote a nice piece.

Ken Fang adds his thoughts and links.

Christopher Byrne says the MLB Network will re-air the interview Bob Costas did with Ernie Harwell. Not for the faint of heart. You will tear up.

This DID make me tear up. The great Scully (linked here, until the stooges at MLB take it down)

When Scully says "OK" at the end, you know his emotions are tugging at him.

Joe Posnanski also pays tribute to Harwell.

Elsewhere, Tommy Dee at the Knicks Blog is hopeful for bringing his online radio show to the airwaves. Of course, that means sponsors. I'm hopeful for him. He's one of "us"; the good guys around these parts.

Great read by former Astro, Yankee, and Ray, Morgan Ensberg. He takes on a Hall-of-Fame writer who must have needed to crank out a column and went after an easy target: Alex Rodriguez. I was bothered by it, and Ensberg serves it justice.

Lastly, our friend Ross at NYY Stadium Insider reports that the Bombers had their lowest attendance since opening the new digs. Last night's crowd was only 41,571. Of course, that is the paid attendance. The naked eye could easily see less than that, and I believe sports needs to begin publishing the "paid" and "turnstile" numbers. Let's be honest.

More to come!

Deep, Deep Words

Carrie forwarded this to me this morning, and it inspired me to link to it on the bloggo.

In short, scientists took a long, hard look at the words we use, and what it says about us. Yet it's not that simple. There's much more.

Allow yourself sixteen minutes and thirty-two seconds to listen closely to this podcast from WNYC radio. I did and it was fascinating.

I'm also worried what these words that I write here say about me. Besides the fact that I'm weird. Or an idiot. Or something. I already knew that.

Ernie Harwell (1918-2010)

The sports broadcasting industry is morning the death of one of our all-time true greats, and arguably our greatest gentleman.  Ernie Harwell succumbed to cancer at the age of 92.  I don't think I have the words tonight to express exactly how good he was at what he did, or how brilliantly decent of a man he was.  He was among the finest.  The Detroit Free Press described him like this:

He had a strong case as the most beloved figure ever in Michigan.

I'm not sure I disagree.

The "Freep" has a lot of info on the life and legend of Ernie Harwell. I only wish I had known of Mr. Harwell's passing while I was teaching at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting tonight. I would have explained this great man to my class.

This nice video from the Freep includes some play-by-play, and thoughts of others. (The link to the video is on this page)

(She's) Some Kind of Wonderful (With Video)

Another song that's been rattling around in my brain recently, along with "Out in the Street", "I Should Have Known Better", and even The Monkees' "I'm A Believer" (I watched Shrek earlier this week).  I've been putting together a playlist of all of these little nuggets for my iPod.

The song "Some Kind of Wonderful" or "(She's) Some Kind of Wonderful" was written by John Ellison and recorded by a band called Soul Brothers Six in 1967.  It hit the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 91.  Grand Funk Railroad made into a monster, peaking at number three in February, 1975.  Yet my favorite version is...SURPRISE!...the one by Huey Lewis and the News, from the album Four Chords and Several Years Ago, in 1994.  It went to number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the Adult Contemporary chart (or "AC Hell" as I call it).

It's even better live, as evidenced by their performance on the VHS (remember those?) Four Chords and Several Years Ago - The Concert.  Of course, no footage of that show exists on YouTube, but I found this double performance of "(She's) Some Kind of Wonderful" and "It's Alright" from, of all places, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  In fact, Leno even seems to be enjoying the music.  Your linky dink is here.

And yeah, feel free to roll with another Rule 55.  Most of you have it all figured out, and that's why you're in my "secret society", which comes with special WGCH decoder rings.  Or not.  We don't have the budget for it.

Simply, Incredibly Amazing (With Video)

I should have used this yesterday as a Rule 55.  No matter, it can still apply.

Hat tip to Facebook and old radio acquaintance Dennis Jackson for this.  One take.  Great job by the folks at Université du Québec à Montréal UQAM Canada..  Linked here.

Movin' Out (With VIDEO)

An obvious Rule 55 for you, as I sit in an otherwise empty house, except for Sean and Fred.  One last car load is packed, and I'll finish things up in the morning.

Sean and I decided we would "camp out" for the last night here, so we inflated our air mattresses, ate pizza while sitting on the counter, and are generally roughing it.  I don't have a pizza cutter or any cutlery, so we just ripped it apart.  Tomorrow we'll take a walk to the bagel place for breakfast.

It is all slightly reminiscent of the night his mother and I moved into our first apartment.  We ate wedges (grinders or hoagies, based on your regionalism) using a box as a table.  It's actually a nice memory.

Tonight won't be such a bad memory either.  We move out, and move on.

Live from Long Island, Mr. Billy Joel.  He's linked here for your pleasure.

Is There Anybody ALIVE Out There? (BRUUUUUUUCE...With VIDEO)

I'm awake, and feeling good.  Put on your best dress baby, and darling fix your hair up right.

If this song doesn't have you smiling, check your pulse.  Mr. Springsteen's video is linked here.

And, of course, we're Rule 55'ing this bad boy.

A Dad's Emotions

(Photo by RA - September, 2009)

This morning, I put Sean on the school bus.  Nothing new there - I've done it nearly every day for the past two years, and sometimes during Kindergarten as well.  Yet as I watched him, my throat began to tighten.  What the deuce was going on?

I still don't know.  Maybe it was the weather, as we have a third straight gloomy, cold day here in the 845.  Maybe it was knowing that he wouldn't be with me tonight, though I have to admit I doubt that one.

Maybe, just maybe, it was another round of questions from nosy neighbors, wanting to know about our status in the the house.  For just as open as I can be about everything, I can also go into "shutdown" mode.  I've stayed very tight-lipped about the house, and will continue to.  At least to my neighbors.  Oh it's worked its way back to me that there have been questions:

- When are you leaving?
- Who is moving in?
- Is it a family? (jeez, why not just go ahead and ask about race and religion while you're at it?)
- Where are you going?

The house was put on the market in May, 2008.  Of course, it was not the best time for such things but we had a lot of foot traffic, though we had few takers.  We had one, but the deal fell through.  In the meantime, the questions persisted, from "why did the Realtor sign disappear" to "I saw moving trucks.  What's that about?"  So here we are.

Obviously it's nobody's business, but the neighbors just want to know who is moving into their bucolic little heaven.  I understand that, and would love to stay.  No neighborhood is perfect but I've really enjoyed it here.  I think we could have made a lot more of it than we did.  For instance, it's amazing to me how we know faces, but not a lot of names, and I know virtually none of the last names around here (a few, but not many).  We never fraternized with the neighbors (not that there's a lot of that these days anyway) and I would have liked to, but things got...well...weird.  Too many questions, too few answers.

It was a nice place to build a life with a family.

Maybe - for a moment - I felt the end of this era whacking me in the chest.  Am I happy to have it all end this way?  No, but it's time.  I'm excited (more than you all might know) for new beginnings and new experiences.  I think that will all begin this Friday, when doors close and new ones open.

I'd like to think, right now, that we've found the lowest point.  Now the climbing begins.

So maybe, on this dreadful, chilly Tuesday, as my watched one of the things that brings me such joy in life get on that bus, I felt a tinge of regret.  Or frustration.  Or anger.

Or maybe I just miss my boy.

Ode to the Road (NY Route 22 - With VIDEO)

My Aunt Nina lives in Dover Plains, and we did the drive up to see her and my grandmother too many times for me to count. To do so, that meant eventually getting on New York State Route 22, the main drag on the eastern edge of the state. The route begins its journey in The Bronx at US 1 and climbs over 300 miles to just short of the Canadian border, where it now ends at US 11.

Note: it did go all the way to the border until 2008. This kind of truncation will never make sense to me. I digress.

I can't say I've driven the entire length of 22, though I've driven a fair share, from the southern terminus to Essex, where we caught the ferry to Vermont.

 So back to my Aunt Nina.  She emailed me a link to a video that musical artist Chris Cassone made for the song, "Route 22."  The song is pretty good, and I discovered that the album it is on was recorded in Mahopac (that's my hometown - once and again) and Patterson (another Putnam County town).  The video was filmed throughout the region, with an emphasis on Amenia (up in Dutchess County).

They also included footage of the Red Rooster in Brewster, a beloved Putnam County stop.  I would add that a trip to the Texas Taco in Patterson is essential also!

Cool stuff.  Enjoy it.  It's linked here.

OK Go - This Too Shall Pass (A Rule 55 Machine)

Thanks, Steph. Good song, awesome video. Rube Goldberg machines for everyone!

The video is linked here. If you don't recognize the band (OK Go), then perhaps you'll remember them from their treadmill video (of course, I can't embed it...meanies).


Why the Rule 55, you ask? Simply because. Good stuff...bad stuff...stuff that is neither good or bad and I just don't want to talk about it here. Missing people (OK, I shouldn't have said that) and so on.

Linky Dinks and Such (with VIDEO)

I’m trying a software package that I haven’t tried before (Windows Live Writer).  It came with Windows 7 in my new (refurbished) laptop.  We’ll see how this goes.

I haven’t been around to talk about the Ben Roethlisberger thing.  I’m sum it up: Jackass.  Does that work?  Let me add that Roger Goodell thinks he is God and is making an example of him.  I’ll further add that, despite Ben’s poor judgment, I don’t want the Steelers to trade him.  We love second acts and redemption (present company included).  Let’s see it.

Yet, as always, somebody just HAS to play the race card.  Why is Ben not being covered like Tiger?  Ben was out doing dumb stuff, yet he wasn’t married and, as such, wasn’t cheating and further – HE WASN’T CHARGED WITH A CRIME.  Yet we always bring it back to race.  Here’s more via the National Sports Journalism Center and Dexter Rogers.

There was a time when WGCH began to dabble in Stamford sports, like covering Trinity Catholic’s boys’ basketball team in the state championship.  At the same time, we were doing talk shows and such, and Amanda Pape was someone I interviewed as she was destroying scoring records in Stamford.  Amanda was inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.  Dave Ruden has more and I’m getting old.

Baseball is back in Richmond, VA (yay for that), and the guys at Bus Leagues Baseball put together a video of their home opener.  Wish I was there but I think the gods are telling me I belong right where I am (now we’re in Rule 55 territory).  The video is liked here.

I hope to get to a game, if my dear friends from R-VA will have me (by the way, get well soon, Rebecca).

Staying in the minors, the New York-Penn League is asking fans to pick an all-time team.  Ballpark Digest has more.

The Greenwich Red and White football game is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th.  Let’s just say I have a HUGE conflict with it and will hope to resolve it.  In the meantime, the 2010 football schedule is beginning to trickle out.  Tim Parry has some details.

I’ll give you another “Rule 55” type of comment.  If things go the way I think they might, the 2010 football season will be a lot of fun.

For me.

Ross over at NYY Stadium Insider has some insights on some of the idiocy going on in the new House on E 161st St.  The Yankees don’t need to act like this.  Maybe chief mouthpiece Randy Levine (and Lonn Trost) can look into this stuff.

More links to come, but I have to get on the air with “The Press Box!”

What a Hit (From Number 55 - With VIDEO!)

In case you didn't see this last night, have a look at what the Bruins' Johnny Boychuk(great hockey name) did to Matt Ellis of the Sabres.

"A freight train with a number 55 on it."

Look, Up in the Sky! (Not exactly, and sure, we'll Rule 55 this...With VIDEO!)

From Mick.  Thanks.  No commentary about the play-by-play.  I'll let that stand as is.

Other people are buying into the legend of the Rule (I got a message the other night that referenced it).  I like when I can educate those who are already so educated.

Video link is here.

Kownacki leaps over the catcher @ Yahoo! Video

Rule 55 Rides Again (and is explained, in case you wondered...with VIDEO, of course)!

Purely because Tim Parry asked, and Carrie wondered what it was, our dear friend returns from a short hiatus.  The Rule 55 in question is legitimate and not bad - not at all.  The reason is simple: the other day, on Facebook, I wrote I "will always have Grand Central" (Terminal/Station - your pick) as my status.  Tim questioned if this was a Rule 55 in the making, and I decided that it just might be.  I was in New York the other night, and uttered those words.

Those of you looking for the full story know where to find me.

The video/song here has nothing to do with anything (sort of).  The song and the movie that it is from have been in my head for a few days.

You can find all of the examples of Rule 55 via this link.  The rule is invoked when there is something to say (good or bad) and yet inappropriate to talk about on the blog.  I started doing it very early on, and Sean Kilkelly gave it the name.

Without any further ado, ladies and gentlemen...wait for it...you know what's coming...THE BEATLES! (and it's linked here)

Matt Brown Charity Game Article

Hi all.  So sorry for being invisible.  Trust me, this lack of a computer thing is brutal.  It will all be over soon.

In the meantime, please have a read of this article that I wrote on the Matt Brown Charity Game, played last Saturday in Bridgeport.  My friend Paul Silverfarb, Sports Editor at the Greenwich Post, got Sean and I credentials to attend the game, and the Sound Tigers matchup that night.  Another friend, Phil Giubileo, "voice" of the Sound Tigers, invited us to visit him in the booth to say hello.  We also hung out with many good people, from Richie and Rit Spazzano to Ricky Piper, to Kelly, Dawn, and everyone else.  Plus we spent the majority of the day with my good friend, Chris Kaelin and his family (or at least a portion of his family).

Good times, great cause.

The link that contains the article will eventually go away, so I've posted the text of the article below (and was Paul was kind to edit very little of it).  Pictures from that day, and Opening Day of Sean's baseball season, are here.

Greenwich ice hockey shows support for Brown

Written by Rob Adams, Special for the Greenwich Post
Friday, 16 April 2010 05:37 

 

Matt Brown couldn’t have scripted it any better.

One team was trailing 4-3 with under a minute to go. The losing team pulled their goalie for an extra attacker and they found the back of the net, ending the game in a 4-4 tie.

Unfortunately, Brown couldn’t be at the game, which was played in his honor at the Arena at Harbor yard in Bridgeport, home of the AHL’s Sound Tigers.

The left wing from Norwood, Mass., who turned 16 years old on Sunday, is in an Atlanta hospital, recovering from an on-ice hit in a January game that left him with injured third and fourth cervical vertebrae, and his story has had a profound impact on the Greenwich High School boys varsity hockey team.

The Cardinals began raising money for Brown’s medical expenses during the winter sports season, culminating in the charity game this past Saturday in Bridgeport.

The Sound Tigers, an affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders, donated the ice time and proceeds from ticket sales to the Matt Brown recovery effort, to assist in paying the multitude of medical bills for Brown. In total, the Cardinals and their supporters raised approximately $20,000.

“I went to college with Mike Brown, Matt’s father,” said Peter McHugh, a longtime friend of the Brown family. “We all have kids this age. It’s a tragedy and you’re just dying to do something, give something back.”

The game featured members and guests of the Greenwich High School Cardinals against coaches and guests of the Greenwich Blues. The Cardinals were coached by Richie Spezzano, father of last season’s tri-captain Rit Spezzano, along with Chris Kaelin of WGCH Radio.

The Blues were led by McHugh. McHugh and the Spezzanos spearheaded the effort to raise money for Brown.

“I thought it was a great game,” McHugh said. “Tying it up at the end like that, us old guys, that was pretty fun.”

Mike Silva’s goal with 25 seconds to play earned the Blues the tie in a game in which individual accomplishments mattered very little. All players wore jerseys with the number three on the back, which was Brown’s number with the Norwood Mustangs. Those jerseys, instead of the traditional colors of either the Blues or Cardinals, were blue for the Cardinals and white for the Blues. The scoreboard inside the Arena at Harbor Yard listed the teams as “Matt” and “Brown.” Yet even in this game, there was controversy — albeit jokingly.

“That goal should have been called back,” said Cardinals net minder Ricky Piper of Silva’s tying tally. “He (McHugh) was all over me in the crease.”

Still it was all in good fun, as teams helped raise money for a good cause.

“It was a wonderful experience to be on the ice, and an honor to be there for such a great cause,” added Kaelin.

“The game should have ended in a 3-3 tie,” Richie Spezzano said. “That would have been fitting. I hope to meet Matt Brown personally when he walks out of the hospital in Atlanta.”

Brown would probably enjoy that—a chance to meet his new friends for the first time from Greenwich.

Rob Adams is the sports director of WGCH Radio in Greenwich and both he and his son Sean were honorary coaches for the Cardinals on Saturday.

The Team Name Conundrum

This will be Sean's fourth year playing baseball in the Carmel Sports Association, and my fourth as a coach. From the first year, Sean and I have prepared ourselves for what team we got assigned to. The CSA uses Major League Baseball team names and logos on the hats and shirts. In our first year, in the Tee Ball division, we were the Giants (and the Angels were the only other team). OK, nothing to be too troubled by. The second year, our first in Soft Toss, we were the Braves. Last year, we were the Phillies. The other options were the Brewers and Astros.

Then came this year. The choices? The Pirates, Indians, Diamondback, Nationals, Rangers, and...ugh...Red Sox.

I can't even imagine how my dear son would have reacted if I had told him that he had to wear a Red Sox hat and shirt all year. At the top of his most hated sports franchises sits baseball's entries in Boston, and New York in the National League.

Just so we're clear, I didn't raise Sean to act like this:

What would I have done, you ask? Been a good sport about it all - and probably wouldn't have worn the hat.

I feel bad for my coaching companion of these three years. Dave Sweet is a Mets fan (poor guy) and yet he had to suck it up and be a Phillie and Brave. Dave also suggested making us the Red Sox this year, simply to get even with me. I can't say that I blame him.

I never quite saw the logic in having some of the more polarizing teams as a possibility. While you can't make everybody happy, the majority of people have strong feelings about the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox (ESPECIALLY in New York!), and Phillies. It would make sense, to me, to stay away from these teams.

Mike Berg, the commissioner of the CSA, has suggested the possibility of using minor league teams in the future, and that is an idea that I absolutely love. The logos are so fun, and the teams are so harmless, with little or no allegiances. I think that's a winner.

Fortunately, we'll be the Pirates this year, so no worries. Now if I could only have my old Pops Stargell era hat again, life would be grand.

A Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words (Depending on How Long This Post Is)

(Photo by Carrie)

My friends Mick and Gretchen (not to be confused with her twin, Evil G), invited me to meet them in New York City last Saturday to hang out with them. I didn't question why, but Mick told me before I jumped on the train, that the purpose of the get-together was a birthday party for an old friend of his. For a moment, my usual pangs of feeling uncomfortable in an unknown crowd (known as "shyness") made me consider bailing, but I ultimately went with a "why not" approach.

What a night.

I enjoy gathering at a local watering hole, but normally within an hour or two, I'm done. I can't hear anyone speak, I'm bored, etc. This place (The Long Room, on 44th St.) had none of those trappings. OK, I'll grant you that it's not the kind of place where the bartender does many buy backs, but the guy was funny (had a good Irish brogue), the decor was classy, and the beer list was plentiful. In other words, it's typical New York (midtown Manhattan).  Plus the atmosphere was such that you could hear yourself think. All in all, the place is a winner - and a short walk to Grand Central Terminal (perfect for us hayseeds from the sticks).

When I jumped on my train in Southeast (the former "Brewster North"), it was 65 degrees. I opted for short-sleeves, jeans, and sneakers (not my usual look but hey, gotta work with what's available). Stepping into the NYC air from Grand Central felt like stepping into another world - low 50's. Suddenly I was sorry I didn't bring a jacket.

I got there before Mick and Gretchen, and made the mistake of strolling to Times Square. Wow - what a cattle farm that is. I quickly spun around and returned to the pub, and we walked in. Mick's friends joined us a bit later. At first I felt like the proverbial outsider but soon found this group to be fun, funny, and engaging. It would make the night a total success to stay in touch with some of these people - that's how likable they seem.

Mick's friend, the guest of honor, was extremely happy to see Mick and Gretchen, and smiled sweetly when introduced to the stranger from the north. There was no phoniness in her greeting, which made me feel welcomed. She also got to plant a kiss on the bartender's lips - at his request, of course. Ah, the silliness of such an evening. That would bring me to the picture above.

I don't mind getting my picture taken. Sometimes I like the way I look, and sometimes not so much. This picture had all of the usual trappings. Carrie, the clear organizer of the party, hit a local dollar store to buy a tiara for the guest of honor, and "party princess" hats for the other women. When Carrie took hers off, I snagged it (always looking for a laugh, I guess). Carrie couldn't resist taking a picture of me, and I happily obliged with a face worthy of such a moment.

It's called not taking myself too seriously.

What I initially thought was a night that would have me home by 11 or so found me getting invited to continue the pub crawl (which I had to decline due to Metro North's schedule) and curling up in my bed at three in the morning. Of course, money - indeed the root of truly all evil - dictated that, and even if I did carry on, I wouldn't be doing much more. Just too expensive.

So I opted for a black and white cookie at Grand Central, and headed for home.

Life really isn't too bad these days (and I don't mean to imply that it ever is). Sure, I'm kind of finding myself, and we all know I take some steps forward, and some backwards. But I like how things are going. No doubt if someone is interested in money, then they would be better off running away from me, especially right now. Yet I'm not such a bad catch, I suppose.

I often talk about survivors, and how I admire them. I found myself thinking of the following quote, from The Shawshank Redemption. Spoken by Morgan Freeman's character Red, it strikes me as a metaphor for someone who has gone through a lot but has made it out alive (forgive the NSFW language):

Andy Dufresne - who crawled through a river of shit and came out clean on the other side.

I think that just about says it all.

(I didn't quite get to a thousand words. Oh well.)

A Week Early, But Still... (With VIDEO)

Not surprising...the taxman wants a piece of me. Not a terrible amount but all in all, just another brick in the wall (ooooh sorry...wrong band).

The link is here to a trippy video from The Beatles' cartoon series featuring one of George Harrison's finest compositions, and of course, it gets played something fierce every April 15th.

By the way, whoever did John Lennon's voice in this series clearly never heard John speak.

Happy Easter!

Thanks, Mick.

Linked here.

Hi, Everyone (With VIDEO)

The posts are few and far between these days because I'm now without a laptop. The infamous elbow of Matt Weinberger wrecked my laptop screen back on February 20th. Dell fixed it - or thought they fixed it. Then the screen died and here we are. I'll be receiving a new computer eventually.

So let's see if I can do better than my last post. Today, I'll spare you any life updates and such. No vague mentions of anything, and please let me say - once and for all - that I'm not making any references to my marriage or Sean's mother. We get alone just fine, with a common goal - Sean! In fact, I just saw Sandi a few hours ago for Sean's physical and we chatted, focused on Sean, and I wished her a belated happy birthday (she's joined the 4-0 club).

I don't really get into my relationships here(at least not in-depth). You might notice I've made no reference to if I'm dating, have dated, and so on. I've also never gotten into the demise of my marriage. What good would it do? There are too many variables, and too many opinions, so it's best to let it go.

My concerns of date are: Sean, career, finances, personal, etc. Sometimes the stress gets to be too much (like the way I handled something in the pediatrician's office before - I snarled but felt badly for it and calmed down) but I'm overall doing well.

The motto remains: KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Hopefully I've cleared everything up. Thanks for being patient with me as I maneuver through this transition of homes and the lack of a PC. And now here's something we hope you really like!

Stay thirsty, my friends!

Phil Mushnick: Clueless

Every post related to the New York Post curmudgeon could be have the same title.

Yet some days he outdoes himself.

I don't even know where to begin. His obnoxious take on Erin Andrews? Missing Billy Packer?

I think it was probably the fact Phil gets upset that Bill Raftery says "ONIONS!" (meaning: "guts" or, GASP! "balls"). That sent me over the edge.

Phil, go out. See a play. Watch the birds in Central Park. Do you have kids? Go see them. Do something; anything.

Are you ever happy? Do you ever have fun?

Just curious.

I'm Still Around

Hi all, I'm still here. There's a lot going on right now - a lot of transition - so I've been laying low. Silence from me can also be a sign that there are things to talk about that would just...be...wrong. So I stay away out of fear that if I start writing, I'll explode and let it all out. The fallout is never good.

Since you haven't asked, I'll just say that I'm fine. Had a good but busy weekend. Didn't see as much of Sean as I would have liked to. Wanted to go hit some baseballs in the batting cages, but they were closed (FAIL!). Met some great people - Brittany and Kristi are amazingly fun (and I'm now "Jerk Face").

Sure there was frustration, but when isn't there? Messages and emails that went unanswered (to multiple people)...issues that are unresolved...blah blah blah. Yet it's fine. I'm in a good place, and can only keep getting better.

So there. I'll be back writing again soon. Maybe later today, who knows? Links to send out...sadly, more death to discuss...pictures to post...and rants to be raged! Plus baseball is nearly upon us (Joe Mauer staying with the Twins is a good thing), and my college basketball pool is in the dump (Kansas? Really? Rock, Chalk, YOU SUCK...just kidding).

Stay thirsty, my friends!

Ron Lundy (1934-2010)

Not a good week for my broadcasting heroes. I'm blessed with many voices that have influenced me in one way or another. Of course, I'd be talking of Vin Scully, Don Imus, and so on. Last week, I wrote of the passing of Merlin Olsen. I just found out that Ron Lundy, a New York icon, one of the stalwarts of "Music Radio" 770 WABC, has died at the age of 75. Lundy might have been the very first in that long line of influential voices for me.

Ted David, one of the contributors to the New York Radio Message Board, made the announcement under an hour ago.

David Hinckley in the New York Daily News, noted that Lundy had been ailing.

Ron Lundy greeted us - his listeners - the same way every day, with an enthusiastic "HELLO, LOVE!" He breathed life into each song that was cued up on 770 AM. You never had a sense there was such a thing as a bad time with Ron Lundy. His voice spoke of the South (from Mississippi) and the listener could sense the warm ocean breeze and a mint julep.

Yet he loved New York City, where he made his professional name, working on WABC from 1965 until its very last minute as a music station, in 1982, then on WCBS-FM from 1984 until 1997, when he returned to Mississippi for good.

Even then - at the bitter end of WABC - Lundy was still upbeat. That was purely his style, and we were better for it.

Besides "HELLO, LOVE!", Lundy was known for always saying that New York was "The greatest city in the world!" and, at the end of each air shift, telling listeners, "I had a GOOD time today!"

To think back on hearing Ron Lundy on the radio is to think of "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)", "The Night Chicago Died", and "Seasons in the Sun." It's hearing him intro any song by the "king of rock and roll" as "ELLLLLVIS!" It's The Beatles, even if he might have missed out on the W-A-Beatle-C years.

Those were some amazing times on radio in New York. WABC was blessed to have a lineup including the "Morning Mayor" (Harry Harrison), Lundy, and the biggest start of them all (and Lundy's best friend), the great Dan Ingram. While I loved Lundy, Ingram was perhaps the greatest DJ of all-time, and I'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who could talk up a record better.

Yet they had a ying and yang, did Lundy and Ingram. To put it simply, Ingram was a rascal. Lundy wasn't. Someone might want to break it down further than that, and so be it. That's enough for me.

Steve West runs a tremendous radio site called Airchexx. I encourage any of you interested in the earlier days of the DJ business to head over there and listen to some of what Steve has. Tonight he is paying tribute to Ron Lundy by running several of his old air checks on his webstream, ThunderFM. While there, download some of the Ron Lundy audio from over the years.

Ron Lundy's Wikipedia page is here.

Kent Primary School on the Radio

Today was one of the coolest editions of The Press Box that we've done. In fact, it was one of the cooler things I've done on the radio.

I had the idea to take the show to Sean's school, Kent Primary School. Thankfully the school liked the idea, and it all came to fruition today. Ryan DeMaria and I hosted the show from a conference room, and we had Sean, his teacher, his principal, and all of his classmates on as guests. They sang a song for us and told us about sports, their favorite players, and favorite teams.

I'm told that the kids were really excited in the days leading up to the show, and they seemed to enjoy themselves.

The show will be on the Lifestyle Talk Radio Network archive for the next month.

My eternal thanks to Sean's teacher, Jennifer Byrd, Kent Primary's principal, Joan Pinkerton, and all of the students for allowing Ryan and I to bring the show to their school. Also thanks to our guy in the studio, Justin Woliner, and to Don Verity and the folks at Hudson Valley Talk Radio for loaning their equipment to us.

Lisa on the Radio

My friend Lisa is a music enthusiast (I was going to say "nut", but she might get offended). We used to work together a short lifetime ago, and we've stayed close friends ever since.

Lisa and her husband Lou are huge fans of 107.1 The Peak, the brilliant radio station that happens to be a member of the Pamal family (as in Hudson Valley Talk Radio). Among Lisa and Lou's Facebook friends is Bruce Figler, one of The Peak's great DJ's (and we've since become friendly as well - a really good guy).

What this seems to have all led to was Lisa visiting The Peak's studios to serve as a guest DJ on their new music show hosted by Chris Bro, Next.

Lisa recorded her show and it is on Next's blog. She did a great job, and there's a cute picture of Lisa and her daughter, Samantha.

Mother of three (add Joey and Evan to the mix), wife, small-business entrepreneur (Lisa's Gourmet Cookies), and defender of all causes (very charitable). Plus she once made an exceedingly unbearable business very bearable (I had a terrible virus). Now she's a DJ!?! She's an impressive person.

Saturday Morning Linky Dinks

Before we float away in four to six inches of rain (!), let's rock our links out.

The tributes for Merlin Olsen continue to roll in. The NFL does their part, while Dick Enberg comments on the loss of his longtime broadcast partner (via Tom Hoffarth).

The New Era Pinstripe Bowl (via River Ave. Blues)? Really? Can we get more obnoxious? This, friends, is why the Winter Classic won't be coming to the Stadium anytime soon.

Now, would I go to the bowl game? Sure - I have nothing against that. What I do have something against is the decision-making (non-baseball edition) going on among the Bomber brass. Don't get me wrong: I love the Steinbrenners, and Brian Cashman (Cash-money) is the man. After that, we get into the people who like being a part of the Yankees just so they can go play the "Chuck Schumer" role. You know - the "I-love-to-stand-at-every-press-conference-and-be-in-front-of-the-mics-and-cameras" types.

John Miley created a collection of remarkable baseball broadcasts. I'm thrilled to say that I own a few of them, such as the game in which Roger Maris hit his 61st home run in the 1961 season. Major League Baseball tried to bully Mr. Miley about ownership rights and the almighty dollar (think of their behavior regarding YouTube). Mr. Miley fought, and won (from the Journal of Sports Media).

Jeff Pearlman thinks Erin Andrews shouldn't go on Dancing with the Stars. I disagree. See, here's the thing. Erin Andrews was the victim of a thoughtless, stupid crime. She was a dancer in college. She was interested in doing the show, if only to bring attention to women who are victimized. Yet ultimately she worried about her credibility. Then her family told her to do it. That's enough for me.

Yet there's more. Take Barbara Walters, for instance. Walters has done it all - first female anchorperson. Host of The View. Host of 20/20. A legendary interviewer. A legendary journalist. Yet does anyone remember when she once dressed as a Playboy bunny? How's her credibility?

In the end, you know what? Leave her alone.

I didn't really breakdown the Oscars in my usual way. I was out of touch with the movies, and was recovering from a virus. As such, I slept through a large chunk of the show. Yet I saw the tribute to John Hughes (from Stuck in the 80's). Nice.

Lastly, sometimes blog writing can be thankless, depending on the audience. Tim Parry has nearly pulled the FCIAC Football Blog a few times, and now the writer of the FCIAC Hockey Blog says he is done (via John Nash on the Hour Sports Minute). That's a shame.

Stay dry today!