Talking is not Recommended

 

Cardinal Stadium, 8 a.m.

My throat hurts.

You didn't ask but I'm telling you.

Nearly eight hours of talking on the air will cause that.

My marathon stretch of seven games -- one hockey and six football -- came to an end at 4 p.m. this afternoon.

I worked three of those games alone and four with Chris Erway.

There were goals and penalties and scuffles and a comeback and then more goals on Friday morning.

Then there were touchdowns and turnovers and tackles the rest of the way.

Brunswick got a last-second field goal to win

And a game-winning walk-off field goal -- the second one I've called in the fall of 2023.

There were emotions. Highs. Lows. Wins. Losses.

Thrills of victory and agony of defeat.

It was all capped off by four games today. In fact, let's list all seven.

1. Friday, 10 a.m.: New York Apple Core at Connecticut Roughriders hockey (Apple Core won 7-4)

2. Friday, 7 p.m.: Ridgefield at Greenwich football (Greenwich won 35-0)

3. Saturday, 4 p.m.: Williston-Northampton at Brunswick football (Brunswick won 24-22)

4. Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: GYFL Flag Football championship (Generals 27, Mavericks 7)

5. Sunday, 10 a.m.: GYFL Bantam championship (Crushers 19, Raiders 18)

6. Sunday, Noon: GYFL Junior championship (Generals 25, Crushers 0)

7. Sunday, 2 p.m.: GYFL Senior championship (Generals 20, Crushers 6)

There is no reward for this other than I did my job, spoke my words, and went home proud of the accomplishment.

I mean, I got some food -- including two large Jersey Mike's sandwiches. Oh, and there's money to be paid. We shouldn't do this for free (though there are circumstances).

And there was one interview, with Greenwich head coach Tony Morello. 

There were no interviews today because I'm sure the kids were content to just celebrate and go home without climbing to a press box to talk to some radio guy. I don't blame them. Too much gets put on interviews.

None of this makes me special. It doesn't make any of us special. We did our jobs.

I enjoyed giving the kids -- spaced in age from first graders to 20-somethings -- every ounce of what I had.

But at 4 p.m. this afternoon, after going off the air, I was talked out.

I was content to walk out of Cardinal Stadium with Chris Erway, laughing at our random nonsense before essentially shutting down.

I walked into the apartment, briefly caught up with Sean -- who was an incredible studio operator for today's games -- then crashed. 

No talking.

Honestly, I'd prefer to not even be thinking but that's just not me.

I haven't turned the TV on.

I even drifted to sleep for a few minutes.

The week ahead won't have a game in it but it will have other stresses.

The Greenwich Old Timers banquet is Thursday. My voice, energy, and stamina will need to return for that and it will.

In fact, I'll likely be fine by tomorrow.

But tonight I'd just like some peace.

I'm sure we'd all like that.

It was all wonderful. I enjoyed it.

Each game gave something.

Friday morning's hockey game was fast-paced with a challenging broadcast setup and lots of goals.

Friday night's football game was the first time Chris and I had worked together in a month and found the Cardinals remaining on top of the Connecticut football world.

Saturday's Brunswick season-ender had twists and turns, including Williston Northampton going for two and putting themselves up one late. But the Bruins furiously drove down the field before Oliver Reynolds ended his high school career with a 29-yard field goal to win it.

The flag football championship game this morning was the first of its kind for the GYFL. While we had option of not broadcasting it, I liked the challenge of trying it. Sure, it was awkward in spots but I gave it all I had. It was an honor to handle the call.

The bantam game was the game of the day with a one-point difference.

The junior game was played exceptionally with timely passes and strong running.

The senior game featured five touchdowns for Jake Leonard, whom I expect to see in a Greenwich High School uniform soon.

Anyway, I'm extremely proud but also tapped out.

A new week awaits.

New issues. New opportunities.

But, tonight, I'm out.

*****

OK, I'm out, but not before I had to update my bio to give to the Greenwich Old Timers for their banquet program.

I mean, given I'm not into being "about me," writing a bio is fairly painful. How does one encapsulate a career or a life?

Thus the conundrum.

Oh, and a headshot. I don't know what a good or appropriate picture of me is.

Anyway, it's done, but yeah.

That.

Sometimes Words Aren't Needed

 

As a man of words -- mostly spoken but many written -- it troubles me when I don't have words.

I'll have to talk today, as Brunswick hosts Williston Northampton in the season finale at Cosby Field.

I'll talk. I'll describe the action for the two-plus hours that the game takes before packing up and coming home.

Then I'll regroup for the four games I'm calling tomorrow.

But writing words such as in this post can be a challenge.

You know there are stories you can't tell. It's not your place.

You know you feel helpless. Is helplessness the worst feeling?

Honestly, I don't know. Obviously, pain varies in different circumstances but pain with helplessness is a whole different level.

But that's just it: I don't know. Does anyone?

As such, I'm rambling with a bunch of words on this computer screen.

I mean, I could bloviate about the Jersey Mike's sandwich that I'm finishing up.

It's me in a nutshell: boring.

Turkey, provolone, and Jersey Mike's "juice" and spices.

Oh, lettuce and tomato are also on it -- which I didn't ask for -- so I'll just take some of that off.

Mostly, the tomato. Sorry, I like my tomatoes in paste or sauce form. Always have.

It's also Veterans Day and I wish to tip my cap to many brave souls who have risked so much for our safety and way of life.

We've often been quite shameful in our treatment of veterans. Let's not be that way.

My dad was in the Army and I've written about that. He was honorably discharged and didn't get to go to Korea. It was something he thought was very important but it probably goes without saying that I'm sort of happy he didn't go, simply for his own health and safety.

Not going always stuck with him but he's still a veteran and there's always a flag placed on his grave.

So thanks, Dad. But also thanks to the uncles, cousins, friends, and strangers who risked for much.

I'll go talk for a few hours about a football game that I hope entertains and enlightens the audience. 

I hope it honors the athletes, coaches, and schools.

And I hope it allows everyone to check out of the real world for a few hours just as it does the same for me.

Game time is 4 p.m. on LocalLive and Robcasting.

Friday In Four Acts

 

SONO Ice House, Norwalk, CT.
The "booth" was at center ice

Act 1: A hockey rink in South Norwalk, CT

SONO, to be exact. The Connecticut Roughriders host the New York Apple Core and I've been asked to call the game from the SONO Ice House.

I've never worked there nor have I ever been to this rink. But as I walked in I discovered stands at the top of the arena behind the net. OK, that will do.

But, wait, there's no camera of play-by-play setup at all.

Upon meeting up with my contact there, he leads me back downstairs through the team bench onto the ice and into the joint penalty box/scorers booth.

That's where the setup is and boy it would get tight in there.

Still, there's a job to do and I'm there to do it. So I connect my equipment, we do a sound test, and I call the game. The Roughriders lost 7-4 but it was a game of twists and turns.

I pack up and jump back in the car to return to Greenwich.

No, really, that was the booth at ice side

Act 2: Back home

Sean and The Cat are in the apartment when I get home. 

I have a little time to zone out, eat some lunch, and prep for football. 

Chris Erway eventually comes over to chat about things in the world. We have seen each other in about six weeks so it's a good chance to talk and review things about the game ahead of us.

As I'm parked in our driveway, blocking Sean, I leave my keys behind because Sean wants to go get some dinner. He can use my car.

Chris also parks his car in the driveway and we take note of his rear tire before heading to Cardinal Stadium.

It looked -- how shall I put this? -- low.

Big Tone! Coach of the Week!

Act 3: Friday Night Lights

It was our first time back in Cardinal Stadium in a few weeks.

We set up, had everything in place, and had some time on our hands.

We headed down to the field to say hello to head coach Tony Morello, who was recently named the New York Jets high school coach of the week.

It also happened to be senior night so we watched as the ceremony began before we headed back towards the booth.

The food trucks lined up, including the delicious Dough Girls Pizza. We grabbed a pie ... just in case our other dinner didn't show up.

We've been promised that tonight is the night we're getting free sandwiches from Jersey Mike's ("A Sub Above") as part of our postgame interview agreement.

But one thing we both know is that a hungry broadcaster is a bad broadcaster. 

So, pizza. And it's fantastic.

Yet not long after the broadcast has begun my phone blows up with texts. Jersey Mike's can't figure out how to get to us.

I mean, we're only in the stadium on the upper level in the booth. No big deal.

OK, they found us. We ate some and it was delicious. We took the leftovers home.

Greenwich won the game 35-0 and they're 9-0. They play Staples on Thanksgiving before the playoffs begin.

Subs, hats, football, and flat tires

Act 4: A dark corner

We returned to Chris's car to find that the tire was worse.

With fingers crossed we began the short drive back to The Presidential Suite but we barely made it out of Greenwich High School before realizing the tire was really bad.

We tried to get back to the apartment but then we heard noises.

Game over. We stopped.

Sitting at a street corner, Chris repositioned the car as I called Sean. We thought perhaps (foolishly, I know) we could inflate the tire.

Then we got a better look at it. Nope. It was toast.

Sean joined us in my car and that added better lighting to the situation as I began to work with the jack that was in the car.

It's the same kind of awful jack that I have in my car.

I twisted and turned and Chris tried to figure out if he had AAA roadside assistance. Well, he thought he did with the help of his wife, Genna.

Initially, we were also having trouble getting the lugnuts off when a strange, large, older gentleman approached the lug wrench and, within a minute or two, had each lugnut loosened.

Son of a gun. Sean wanted to know where his old man found such strength!

Me too, kid. Me too.

Still, the car needed to get off the ground. That's when a stranger pulled up next to us, and we decided AAA wasn't going to be an option.

The stranger (no, not the Billy Joel album) asked me if we needed help. I said we needed a good jack. We needed anything better than what we had.

He had something.

Sean had taken note of him down the street as if he was watching us. That had my radar heightened.

Admittedly skeptical of strangers and such good fortune, I watched the man as he worked. He certainly did have the kind of jack we needed and, quickly, had the car up, tire off, spare on, and car back down.

Then almost as quickly, he packed up and left with our thanks.

Chris headed home.

So did we.

I'm thrilled to be reminded of the good that there is in the world, despite any misgivings. It's easy to be skeptical, even if it's a healthy skepticism. This stranger was our savior at the end of a long day.

Chris will get a new tire tomorrow.

I'll go call Williston Northampton and Brunswick.

We'll likely both eat the remainder of our Jersey Mike's sandwiches.

Then we'll get back together on Sunday for the GYFL championships.

It feels like it was a whole day of making it work.

That's what we did.

Two Games? You Don't Say

 

3/24/14 -- Hockey setup in New Haven

I saw a member of the Play-by-Play group on Facebook post a video blog taking viewers along on his long day of broadcasting two football games.

Intrigued, I watched.

I'm not here to knock him at all. It was important to him so he broke down the whole thing, which was in addition to another post he put in the group before he did the two games.

To many of us, this is called "another day."

It got me thinking about the number of times that I've done something similar.

As in, oh, last Saturday.

Westhill/Greenwich at 1 p.m.

Trinity-Pawling/Brunswick at 6 p.m.

Eight quarters of football with a combined score of 67-8. I called the games alone. Of course, it's helpful that I had time to dash from Stamford to Greenwich to make a cup of coffee at home before heading to Brunswick (also in Greenwich, of course).

Not all days have been that easy-peasy.

3/24/14 -- Fairfield Prep won. Time to head to Mohegan Sun

There was the hockey and basketball weekend of 2014 that began on Friday night with a state championship hockey game between Daniel Hand and Amity in New Haven.

After going back to a hotel room in Shelton, I returned to New Haven the following more for Newtown/Smith-Tolland at 10 a.m. and Fairfield Pre/Darien at 2 p.m. Both were blistering state championship hockey games, with Newtown winning their title in overtime.

Exhausted but committed, I then packed up, jumped in my car, and drove to Mohegan Sun where I hurried into the arena to join my HAN Radio colleagues. They were already calling another game that I was going to jump on as a reporter but I got thrown out. 

By them. Not by security. Just wanted to clear that up.

So I cooled my heels with some Imus Bros. coffee and a Krispy Kreme donut before going back into the arena to call Bridgeport Central/Fairfield Prep at 8 p.m. Central was down 19 early in the second half before coming all the way back to win.

3/24/14 -- Bridgeport Central players climb into the stands
to celebrate their basketball championship

So, if you're keeping track, that was five games in 24 hours, and four on that Saturday alone. Plus I was there in time for the second half of a sixth if needed in any way.

Now, there are no medals to be handed out for this. There are occasional kind pats on the back and yes, sometimes I get a cookie.

But I love the process and the ability to present these games.

That's why I'm calling hockey tomorrow morning before heading to football tomorrow night.

Then football on Saturday afternoon.

Then four youth football games on Sunday.

That's why we do it what we do.

The video was an intriguing behind-the-scenes view of how this user conducted his day. That's his thing and he seemed satisfied.

3/24/14 -- Me, loving the chaos

I just have so many other stories. Let's see.

Greenwich football at Westhill before heading to Heritage Financial Park for Renegades baseball. Chris Erway finished the broadcast.

Greenwich football at Stamford High School heading to Heritage Financial Park for Renegades baseball. Chris Erway finished the broadcast.

Greenwich basketball at Greenwich High School before driving to Ridgefield for a Greenwich hockey game.

Trumbull hockey with Jeff Alterman before I had to leave him to join Chris Erway for the FCIAC wrestling championship in New Canaan.

Greenwich football before heading to Bridgeport for a Bluefish baseball game in the Atlantic League Championship.

Little League baseball in Trumbull in the morning. Then onto Babe Ruth baseball in Stamford and two more games there later. Or Babe Ruth baseball in Norwalk, packing up and going to Stamford for a Little League game before hustling back to Stamford for more Babe Ruth baseball.

A state football playoff game in West Haven before I drove down I-95 and changed in a rest area. Then I headed to Bridgeport to do a then-Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey game.

The Sound Tigers required a more professional look for their broadcast.

I mean, these are the ones I'm thinking of off the top of my head. None of this includes the number of times I've done four Babe Ruth baseball games in a day or youth hockey before going back to my hotel and then returning later for the rest of the docket -- five games total.

I love telling these stories. No question about that. It's great fun to do this and the video in question inspired this post.

We all have these stories so I'm nothing special.

Despite writing a blog, that's where I leave it. I don't post it in groups for the attention.

It's not about me.

It's simply doing the job.

Because that's what I do.

I talk.

The Ghost and Mr. Adams

 

A screenshot from today's show

I can understand the issue when reviewed logically.

My mother's Facebook account sprung to life today and, for a moment, raised a hair of concern.

Or chills.

Of course, for those new to the blog, my mother died in Sep 2020. She was a rather fanatical social media user. We can't speak of her social media account without saying it in her voice, using her intonation.

It was never Facebook. It was"Faaaaaaaacccccebook."

If you heard it, you knew it and didn't forget it.

But let's return to today.

I was hosting "Doubleheader" on WGCH, which also happens to air on Robcasting and Facebook Live. To be exact, the Facebook Live edition runs in a "raw" format, which is to say without any sound from the radio station. Thus, there are no commercials, theme music, or interaction with the studio.

This has nothing to do with the larger story but I felt it was worth repeating. And, to be very clear, the Facebook Live edition is simply in addition to the radio. It has always been a radio show first. I do know there are those who watch the Facebook feed and I'm all for trying to attract more eyes and ears to the audience.

I have access to several groups and accounts in my own Facebook world. That includes WGCH, Robcasting, and so on.

And my mother's account.

I'll log in occasionally to check on things there. I'll clear up any notifications and make sure everything is up to speed. On rare occasions, I'll post -- noting that it's me doing so -- to thank users who have wished her a happy birthday.

But, in this case, I accidentally switched over to her account. The moment I did that, my Facebook Live feed of today's "Doubleheader" shut down.

I immediately set up a new Facebook Live feed and proceeded with the show.

Then things began to buzz (thanks, Mrs. D).

Oh, I had gone back on the air but on my mom's account. Oops.

If you're not expecting it, it's a little disconcerting to see the account of someone who has passed spring back to life -- literally.

However, there was no ghost or divine message from Nancy, though I will tell you I used to watch Casper the Friendly Ghost with her when I was little.

But, today, it was just me. 

Her idiotic son.

Rushing to get his dumb radio show back live on social media.

It was purely a dumb, silly mistake.

I also have access to her Twitter/X account, which she basically never used. I often joked about taking that over also but, no, I never have. So if that springs to life, then we'll really have something to talk about.

While I like doing what I can to keep my parents very much in the present, this was not one of them.

Thank you for your concern.

We now return to our regularly scheduled program.

*****

I wasn't supposed to do "Doubleheader" today because Brunswick had a home soccer match. However, they played at Cosby Field and that presents an issue.

The LocalLive camera at Cosby Field doesn't have an audio jack for me to plug into. In fact, a videographer shows up for football and lacrosse games there so I run audio to them. But, in this case, no videographer meant no audio.

I could have done an audio-only broadcast and considered doing that but, honestly, not many would listen to it.

Thanks again to Brunswick Soccer for having me around for the games that I did get to call. I enjoy it, especially since the athletes appreciate it and I appreciate the opportunity to keep sharpening my soccer skills.

We'll see you next year.

You Never Know

 

Maybe I've told this story before and if you've heard it, please indulge me.

So, beginning in 1999, I worked for a company in Norwalk. While I wasn't doing broadcasting, it was more marking and data-based and it kept me close to Greenwich and WGCH to do radio work.

That came in handy since I was continuing to get more reps as a valued studio person and, eventually, a play-by-play announcer.

One November day in 2000 I got a call from our esteemed news director at the time, Jim Thompson. Jim had begun to utilize me as a backup new anchor so his call wasn't a complete surprise.

In this case, it was election day and he was asking if I would go to a campaign headquarters to be a reporter.

I was flabbergasted.

Sure, I had news chops and, generally, I have overall radio chops. But reporting on election night from a town and a state that I didn't know much about politically?

How would I prepare for such a thing?

I pushed back, saying that I didn't know anything about what I was covering but Jim was nonplussed. He needed my help and he would assist in making sure I didn't look like a fool.

I mean, that's the very thing. I didn't want to embarrass anyone, including the radio station.

But on election night 2000, the same night of hanging chads in Florida, I was standing the headquarters of Stephanie Sanchez, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 4th District. She was running against the Republican, the longtime incumbent.

I think Jim felt that given I worked in Norwalk and that he expected Sanchez to come up short, this was a soft landing for me.

I remember feeling like a complete fish out of water but I did as I was told. I called in shortly after 8 p.m. for my first "hit" of the evening. They are all the same: people filing in, lots of red, white, and blue, what we're expecting tonight, etc.

I exhaled.

Sanchez would eventually show up and a roar greeted her. I'd speak with her a few times and she was always kind.

Upon her arrival, I got in place to ask her to go on the air. Except, I wouldn't be doing the interview. 

Jim would, which was smart but I still took it as a challenge. That wouldn't happen again.

I stood by as supporters hugged her and a photographer snapped away. A day later, a coworker brought in a copy of the picture of Sanchez in full embrace, with a scowling person standing in the background.

Yup. I got busted. I'll post the picture if I can find it. I was somewhat embarrassed.

Anyway, I did get Sanchez on the air with Jim and I continued to report on numbers as they came in.

Eventually, Sanchez conceded and I got in position to air that as best as I could.

With that, I learned my work is done after the speeches.

I survived.

Wouldn't you know, I've been asked back to be a reporter on election night ever since? I've only missed a few years due to other duties, such as game broadcasts. 

I'll never admit it's my favorite thing because I still feel so out of touch but, at the same time, that challenges me.

Last year, for instance, Chris Erway joined me and it was like we could break into play-by-play. We've done that a couple of times and have been a solid professional duo.

Then laughing hysterically off the air.

Oh I've had nights where virtually nobody would talk to me. They'd either avoid eye contact or just brush me off.

Jim Campbell, who handles the other post on our WGCH coverage, does an outstanding job of getting interviews. Heck, I was with Republicans a few years ago and knew people in the room and still couldn't get a guest. 

Tonight, I will once again be among the GOP, and I might have Sean along to watch the whole thing. Chris can't make it this year even though he was interested. 

Safe to say, there's always next year and oh my I prefer to not think about next year.

So join us tonight at 8 p.m. as Tony Savino expertly anchors our coverage. He'll have guests in the studio as they break down the Greenwich, Connecticut, and national elections of note.

Jim will be at Democratic headquarters.

I'll be with the Republicans.

You can hear it all on WGCH at 1490 AM and online at wgch.com.

Not bad for the sports guy who was also just the guy running controls in the studio.

I tell students all the time to take every opportunity and run with it. You become more valuable that way.

That's why I've survived in this business.

That and my ability to adjust at the last minute. I've learned that's a skill that I don't give myself enough credit for.

Oh, and please vote. Regardless of the election, please use your voice however you choose, preferably with your conscience and not on a line.

The Monday Schedule

 

One of the teams on the upcoming schedule

I'm not a man of words tonight.

We're taking it easy here, although I've been working all day.

It's a time of arranging calendars and seeing if I can make game broadcasts happen.

You might recall that I did a Connecticut Roughriders hockey game back in September. I enjoyed it though I thought it might be a one-time thing. They have a broadcaster and I was there to be a fill-in. But the team, or at least the person I was contacted by, felt otherwise and said I'd be back.

In a spot like that patience is absolutely necessary. Their other broadcaster was supposed to go over the schedule with me so we could come up with more games for me to call but that conversation never happened. No big deal since we're all busy.

So my contact reached back out and handed me a few more games. The first one is this Friday at 11 a.m. in Norwalk.

The other games were the first ones noted on my 2024 calendar. 

Friday's game could be one of seven that I would call between Wednesday and Sunday afternoon.

You know, standard operating procedure for me if possible.

Currently, I'm working on seeing if we can get the GYFL -- the Greenwich Youth Football League -- back on WGCH for the first time in a few years.

I first called the GYFL back in the early 2000s when management told me we would be doing the games. Admittedly, I was skeptical, especially since we weren't going to the booth at Cardinal Stadium. Instead, we went to Western Middle School, where there was no booth and no power. 

Upon arrival, there was a generator and a flatbed truck.

We made it work and it was actually fantastic. It was so fantastic that I had to ask people at the field to turn their radios down because our voices were bouncing around so much that there was feedback.

We've done it several times since, including once or twice when I wasn't even available. On other occasions, I did it alone.

Keep in mind it's three games. As you can imagine, it's a bit of a long day. But while I strive for the broadcasts to sound professional and make the kids feel like they're "big time," there's also fun charm to the day.

The kids love the attention. So do the families. So long as I have rosters and any information, we can make it work. Then it turns into being a blast.

So, in almost all certainty, I will be at Cardinal Stadium on Sunday for a long but fun day.

Hey, if I'm in my usual booth and I have some food/coffee, I'll be fine.

They also have a Graduation Bowl the day after Thanksgiving and I plan to be there for that too.

What I've learned is that not everyone in our business would be up for doing these things. They feel that the conditions have to be just right, while my thing is to be able to do anything.

I've even heard some say this is beneath them. Admittedly, I don't like that attitude.

We're all different and so it goes.

So it's a night of plugging into the calendar as best as I can.

I'm committed to Brunswick for hockey and basketball once again but I'm really trying to make WGCH a player in Greenwich sports again beyond just football. I've identified some games but there's more work to do.

It's a matter of getting the sponsors needed to afford it.

We have people who can run the studio and we have at least one announcer (hi). 

So, yeah, I want to see games get carried, whether it's on LocalLive, WGCH, or Robcasting. Or Hudl, which Greenwich High is now using.

Indeed, I said I wasn't a man of words tonight, but these are the words that I have.

It's All Because of You

 

I'm no Beatles expert.

I'm knowledgeable, yes, and can hold my own in many conversations, but that's where it ends.

So when the Fabs released what's being called "the last Beatles song" on Thursday, I was obviously interested.

OK, I was actually refreshing my phone constantly, waiting for the song to load into my Apple Music app.

Finally, along I-80 in Pennsylvania, shortly after 10 a.m. on Thu, Nov 2, 2023, I pressed play.

Still, I managed my expectations appropriately. I didn't expect anything that could be found on Revolver, for instance. I expected something along the lines of the curios that were "Free as a Bird" and "Real Life," released in the mid-90s as part of the Anthology series.

"Now and Then" is a perfectly lovely song that was originally written by John Lennon in the late 70s. He put it down on a cassette tape with him singing and playing piano.

The "Threetles" or "Threatles" (Paul, George, and Ringo) took a stab at it in the 90s but, thanks to the technology of the time, it didn't quite work. George was dismissive of it.

Here, in the 2020s, technology advanced to where John's vocal could be lifted from the tape without the piano drowning him out. Some guitar parts that George recorded in 1994 were also included, while Ringo and Paul laid down new parts to complete the song in the past year.

The reaction has been exactly what I expected and feared.

It's all too much.

As I mentioned, my expectations were appropriate, if not lowered. Expecting a new "Strawberry Fields Forever" or "I Want To Hold Your Hand" or anything truly classic is simply not fair. These guys made some of the greatest music ever and continued to do some tremendous work into the 70s as solo artists. 

The late 70s were an interesting time for John Lennon, given he was out of the public eye musically. He was the dad strolling around New York with his wife and son who would go back to their apartment in the Dakota and play some music.

I personally don't think Double Fantasy -- John's final album in his lifetime, released just before his murder in 1980 -- was a masterpiece. "(Just Like) Starting Over" was a good song. But, being fair, it isn't "Imagine" or ""Instant Karma!"

So, given the track record, it's fair to say that a quality song was expected. No doubt had he finished it, I suspect John might have tweaked the words and perhaps more. We'll never know.

I find myself simply happy to have this addition to Beatles Universe. So many armchair critics have been heard from since Thursday and I suppose I'm throwing my thoughts in as well.

The song -- big shock -- rushed to the top of the streaming and download charts and will be a huge seller. 

And it's OK if you want to say I'm biased because I like both the song and video (directed by Peter Jackson). The melody of the song has been stuck in my head since a little after 10 on Thursday morning. 

The video -- predicted to be a tearjerker -- didn't have that effect on me. I like it, of course. I love seeing the four in any form, but I appreciated the archival footage of John and George with now 83-year-old Ringo and 81-year-old Paul. And, of course, plenty of footage of the four of them together on the long and winding road back to their youths was a nice touch.

I made sure to watch the video alone to see exactly how it would impact me and, while I was touched, that was it. That's no crime.

I guess the critics fall into a couple of camps. Some just want to criticize because that's who they are. Some just want to criticize The Beatles because of course they do. Some simply expected too much.

I got what I wanted and, bias or not, I'm happy. Content even. The band that I grew up with -- the one I first remember hearing -- has produced a form of "new" content, 53 years after breaking up and almost 43 years after a member died. It's not garbage. It's not awful.

It's -- if you allow yourself to feel it -- quite good.

"Now and then, I miss you," the chorus goes. Isn't that what we all feel? Or at least all fans feel?

The song doesn't tarnish their reputation and it is a fine gift to all of us. For sure, we're talking about The Beatles and that's also a good thing. Then again, we've never truly stopped talking about them and that is the power they have held on us since 1964 (or even earlier).

Everyone is entitled to their opinion (me included) and I understand all of the takes in their own context.

Yet I'm reminded of Paul's response to the question of if The Beatles (aka "The White Album") was too long or too self-indulgent.

"It was great, it sold, it's the bloody Beatles White Album… shut up."

That's the way I'm feeling as well.

It's the bloody Beatles and I'm happy. 

That's enough for me.

Two Game Day

 

First stop: Westhill High School

Reality returned with a thump this morning.

The cat tried to have me up to feed him at 4 a.m. I declined.

I tossed and turned and stayed in bed a bit longer, finally giving in.

I had two games to prepare for so it was just as I well as I got down to work.

Rosters were procured, scorecards were created, and I considered taking my printer outside like the scene in Office Space where Peter, Michael, and Samir smash their faulty one.

Then, a flash from the heavens presented itself in the form of the Brunswick winter schedules! I quickly went to work on typing them into my spreadsheet to begin the task of picking which games I would cover. 

Oh, and I added Greenwich basketball as well, though I'm waiting for the finished hockey rosters also. I'm trying to get it all back on the air in some form. It's time for us to do much better.

Anyway, time was ticking down so I packed up and went to Stamford for the first game of the day, as Greenwich played Westhill.

In short, the Vikings have never beaten Greenwich. The scores have rarely been close and today was no exception.

But first, I watched the Senior Day ceremony when I made a realization. The roster I had was absolutely, completely wrong. The public address announcer introduced players that I didn't see on my roster.

It turns out he had the ability to print me up a correct roster and I was happy to email him a copy of the Greenwich one. That made for a pleasant visit to Westhill's press box.

Rosters, friends. In numerical order. And accurate, please. It makes a huge difference.

As for the game, well, Greenwich continued their winning ways. It was 7-0 early and 22-0 after the first quarter. The final score was 43-8.

With the clock having run out quickly, I recorded my world-famous postgame interview and got back in the car before driving back to Greenwich. In fact, I had enough time to run home and make a cup of coffee.

I needed an energy boost.

After a quick visit with Sean, I was out the door again with java in hand. I then stopped for a late lunch before heading to Brunswick.

Next stop: Cosby Field

It was Senior Night for the Bruins and the ceremony was in full swing. The seniors were honored and I watched from the stands as it went on.

At 7 p.m. it was time for game two, as the Bruins hosted Trinity-Pawling. This is not a vintage T-P team, though they're a spirited bunch.

The Bruins had more answers, taking the game 24-0. They play again next Saturday to wrap up the season against Williston Northampton.

Greenwich plays at home next Friday for Senior Night as they host Ridgefield. Chris Erway and I will get Jersey Mike's sandwiches!

Football and the fall sports season are quickly winding down. Thanksgiving will soon be here and any playoffs to cover will follow.

Hockey and basketball will soon be here and that's why I'm pulling those schedules together. That task will carry into tomorrow.

But, today, it was well over four hours of calling football alone. I expect no praise for this as I was just doing my job.

People who don't understand think doing two games in a day is nuts. I get that, but it doesn't really bother me, especially when there's sufficient time between the contests. At no point did I feel rushed trying to get from Westhill to Brunswick.

Many of my broadcasting brethren do this a lot. I thrive on it.

In fact, it all worked great. I had plenty of room in Westhill's booth and had my usual spot at Wick.

Greenwich and Brunswick each got wins to make the home fans happy.

So I'm back home and ready to take it easy. I'm pleased both games went off well but I'll admit I'm pretty tired.

Tomorrow will be a low-key day as I concentrate on these schedules.

At least I think it will be low-key.

It's time to sleep.

Now and Then

 

The view from our seats before the game

It took 19 years and a couple of words to make it happen.

"We need to come back to a game," Sean told me in July.

After initial hesitation, our two-day, one-night trip to Pittsburgh became a reality.

We're back home now, after spending some 14-plus hours in my cousin's truck.

After countless jokes at Kris's friend, Danny, who's probably our friend now too.

After myriad one-liners from the stealthy Sean.

And after good meals, laughs, and one good football game.

I was up at 4 a.m. Thursday morning. No, that was not the game plan but I also have a cat (as if you didn't know).

We were out the door shortly before six and at Kris's house by seven.

By the way, the thermometer showed 33 degrees when I got out of bed.

I smiled at that. You see, the Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in ... yup ... 1933.

We were on the road at 7:11 a.m. and were in Scranton, PA before nine.

Oh, and in a Waffle House shortly after.

From there, it was a drive of interstates (81, 80, 99) and four-lane roads with traffic lights (U.S. 22) and then that combined with U.S. 30 and Interstate 376 as we entered the Steel City.

Finally, we checked into our hotel, which looked like it had been converted from a Ramada Inn of another generation. No matter, it was clean and comfortable.

Heading back into the Burgh, we went straight to Primanti Bros., the downtown bar and sandwich shop that has taken on a life of its own. It also now has multiple locations.

Kris said the pastrami was very good. Danny seemed pleased with his Pittsburger. Sean loved his Pittsburger and, once again, my Ragin Cajun chicken sandwich was fantastic. OK, service was slow but it didn't deter us.

That's the thing. I had a plan set in my mind. Up, leave Greenwich, head to Kris's, maybe hit Waffle House, check out the outlet center across the street from the hotel with a Steelers Pro Shop, then Primanti's, the park at Station Square, and go to the game.

The thing is it all worked. Like, so easily. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

So, yeah, after Primanti's, we walked around the Strip District for a few minutes. It was much quieter than it was in July because 1) it was a Thursday night and 2) it was getting chilly. Sadly, even though I was up to treat myself to something in the Strip, I just couldn't find that sweatshirt, jacket, jersey, or anything else. So it goes and I'm proud that I didn't waste money just because.

We drove to Station Square next, where we found parking with ease at a shockingly reasonable cost. Among the many things that were so wonderful about this experience was the way everyone took care of each other. There were no discussions of "who owed what." We just made it work and it appeared any debts got paid with virtually no discussion.

We parked and headed to our next mode of transportation: the Gateway Clipper fleet of boats. Remembering my 2004 game with the Warzoha's of Greenwich, I took copious notes as to how they did Steelers games. Taking a boat out of Station Square that docked at Acrisure Stadium a few minutes later was inspired.

That still works in 2023.

This also pleased Sean, who didn't know I had this trick up my sleeve until I mentioned it in passing.

I was so thrilled -- so, so thrilled -- to be among fellow Steelers fans. Haven't spent my entire life in the New York tri-state area, one deals with Giants and Jets fans and, sadly, Patriots fans. Then there are other fanbases, including the Steelers.

Last night, it was a sea of black and gold, with an occasional outlier.

Despite all plans having worked so far, there was still one last thing: the tickets. I wouldn't truly relax until we were inside the stadium.

Minutes after stepping off the boat, the ticker reading beeped with a positive welcome.

We were in.

This is literally what it's all about

Our seats were high above the end zone and, frankly, they were great. The game unfolded right in front of us and we were to settle in among so many grumpy (and eventually inebriated) fans who were there to bask in their collective religion on the gridiron below.

Oh, I had a beverage as well, as Danny and I each bought a round of IC Light but neither one of us felt any ill effects.

I should also mention that all survived the early November chill, using multiple layers. It was cold, sure, but we've experienced much worse.

Kenny Pickett is rolling out

The game was outstanding. It was low-scoring, tense, penalty-filled. The Steelers looked sharp early but Tennessee took a 13-10 lead at halftime and 16-13 after three quarters.

And I knew what was coming. I kept warning Sean.

"Renegade is coming," I said. "It feels like a good time for it."

"You keep saying that," he said.

But I knew. It was early in the fourth quarter and the Pittsburgh defense was back on the field.

"Watch the screen," I said, looking at the scoreboard. "Watch. It's going to fade out."

The crowd of 65,969 knew it too.

But, at first, just a static shot of the field stayed on the screen.

And then ... fade to black.

It was time for "Renegade," the song by Styx that has become a staple of Steelers football for over 20 years.

Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life

From the long arm of the law

Lawman has put an end to my running

And I'm so far from my home

The words rang out with a heartbeat as a sea of yellow towels began to dance in unison. It was getting louder.

Oh Mama, I can hear you a-cryin'

You're so scared and all alone

Hangman is comin' down from the gallows

And I don't have very long 

YEAH!

The music continued and the throng began waving their Terrible Towels. While my Towel was at my side, and Sean had one of his own (a gift from his dad), neither one of us waved them because we both wanted to bask in the spectacle. The roar was intense. Surely the defense would make a big play.

Here we go, Steelers, here we go!

Then Will Levis, who played his high school ball at Xavier of Middletown, CT, fired a 21-yard pass.

"Renegade," my fanny.

I sat down, in Section 523, Row T, Seat 21, and cast my gaze at the field, with a certain hopelessness. It was the same feeling I had at my first World Series game, back in 1998, as the Yankees were down 5-2 to the San Diego Padres. The Bombers then scored seven runs to win.

In this case, as I was thinking we should start walking back towards the entrance to get the boat back to the parking lot, Kenny Pickett and the Steelers marched 92 yards over 11 plays.

The drive was keyed by a Pickett to Diontae Johnson 32-yard reception on third-and-six at the Steelers' 45.

Now, they were in field goal range. But, nah, go get this done.

Still, the crowd (me) grumbled about penalties and ineffective play-calling.

Then Pickett shut us all up, hitting Johnson for a three-yard touchdown. It was 20-16 Steelers. 

We moved to the other side of the stadium, placing ourselves in a position to dash to the boat.

It wasn't easy, and much credit goes to Levis for making things tense, but the Steelers got a later interception to ice the game.

In the meantime, a woman caught my eye and asked me for a favor. She asked me to go to section 145 and find her husband as well as her obviously drunk and sick friend's husband.

I laughed and walked away. Sure, I'll just yell out their names and they'll come a-running.

I rolled my eyes, looked back at her, and said I couldn't find them. I mean, what?

She walked by me.

"Thanks a lot," she muttered. 

I laughed harder.

Steelers Nation fills in on the boat following the win

We caught the boat back to the car and, despite an obnoxiously lengthy delay at a traffic light, were back at the hotel within a half-hour of returning to the car.

Sean and I turned our hotel light out after 1 a.m.

Hours later, I was on the phone with Tony Savino from the lobby of the hotel to do my Friday morning sports chat.

Then we pulled ourselves together and had breakfast (Waffle House, of course).

Then we did a quick local shopping run before going back into Pittsburgh to take a ride up the Duquesne Incline.

Then, sadly, we began the grinding drive home.

Lori, Kris's wife, was waiting when we walked in with pizza.

Finally, Sean and I returned to Greenwich. Sean has work to do at WGCH tomorrow morning and I have two football games to call.

But let this be the first of many trips like this.

I can't possibly thank Sean, Kris, and Danny enough. Each one became deeper Steelers fans this week as a result of this. None are likely as "die-hard" as I am but each had their level of rooting interest. Sean made it quite clear that he was annoyed when the Steelers were losing and how much seeing them win in person was important. 

I was resigned to understanding that it's sports: sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. I have zero control.

But I sit here simply overwhelmed with gratitude for this experience.

This is where I was -- in a car on I-80 West in Pennsylvania -- when I put an AirPod in my ear to listen to the last song by The Beatles for the first time. Thus, the name of this post.

And I love the song. I don't care how many ways critics want to twist it. I don't care how you compare it to "Free as a Bird" or any other song for that matter. I love it.

I know it's true

It's all because of you

And if I make it through

It's all because of you

Thank you, lads.

Including the three that led me back to Pittsburgh. 

Or, should I say, that I was allowed to guide to Pittsburgh.

I truly hope this picture reflects the joy that this trip produced

I'm forever indebted to each of them. Each one isn't going to show their emotions, and I did a decent job of hiding mine. But through the laughs, cheers, and Danny's thanking me, I got it.

What an experience. 

Truly.

Thank yinz, Steelers Nation. 

You outdid yourselves.

We'll do it again soon.

Humbly, I now go to bed.

Exhausted and exhilarated.

With music -- sweet sounds -- ringing in my ears.

A Pittsburgh Party

 

This is going to be a long day and I'm ready.

It starts the usual way: wash, rinse, repeat.

There will be breakfast.

And miles. Lots of miles.

Sean and I are first heading to Ulster County to meet up with Kris and Danny. Kris has volunteered to drive so I'm happy to cut a little of the chaos off for them. Then we'll leave my car there.

Then? Miles. Minutes.

Out through Middletown and Port Jervis and into Pennsylvania. I-84 will carry us towards Scranton, where "The Office" theme song will tingle in my ears.

Oh, and if I haven't mentioned it, the Scranton area has two -- TWO -- little establishments called Waffle House.

But I digress.

Heading down I-81 Scranton will turn to Moosic and onto Wilkes-Barre.

Then we'll connect with I-80.

Then the wilderness.

Much like other trips in 2023, I don't know where we'll stop or what we'll find. We won't -- at least based on my research -- have Wawa to rely on. We'll need to stop for fuel and food somewhere for sure.

Eventually, we'll likely hook up with I-99, much despised in the road enthusiast world for being out of the numbering scheme for such roads and for being a bit of a red tape mess due to one person's ego.

But, it exists and will get us where we need to go.

The roads and numbers will continue on until we reach Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Home of the six-time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Yes, I'm packed. Of course, I am. Is Sean? I don't worry about him. I trust him to be ready. He'll have his nouse-cancelling headphones and whatever device he wants to bring. He handles car trips like a pro. 

And me? I'll be a traveler! I mean, I won't be driving for once. But, as I've been told, I'm the tour guide.

Yes, I've done my homework. We know where the hotel is. We know where we probably want to eat. We have a decent idea of what we want to do. I have a clue on where I want to park and how I want to get to Acrisure Stadium.

From there, are you ready for some football?

Quarterback Kenny Pickett says he's playing. Whether he will or not is still a question in my mind. The Tennessee Titans are starting Will Levis at QB. Levis played high school ball at Xavier.

You know, Xavier in Middletown, CT. A team that Greenwich has played a few times over the years.

So we have storylines and lots more to get excited about.

Road trip.

Food.

Family.

Fun.

Football.

Steelers football!

If you have Amazon Prime, look for us. I'll no doubt be in a Terry Bradshaw black number 12 football jersey.

We'll be there.

One last thing: the Texas Rangers won their first World Series last night. On that note, we say farewell to our beloved National Pastime for 2023. I miss it already but wait patiently for that first sound of ball hitting glove in February.

Hello, November

 

The candy corn is gone and, just as quickly, the shrieking sound of Mariah Carey has taken its place.

Blech.

November is when the days get shorter and the lights get brighter.

It also gets colder.

It's when baseball officially puts the tarp on the season and the NFL, NHL, and NBA heat up.

It's also when I complete another year in this life but that is truly not relevant.

But it's a month that is quite busy. Over these next 30 days, we'll see numerous football broadcasts, including a Thanksgiving tradition and the playoffs. Yes, Greenwich will be participating.

Brunswick will wrap up its 2023 football and soccer campaigns during the month.

Oh, and I'll start figuring out my plan for winter coverage. I'll speak quite plainly: I've sent schedules to WGCH to see if we can focus on things other than postgame interviews. In my extensive research, I've found our audience wants game broadcasts. Imagine that?

Often, I get other games thrown my way. While I can't do them, I was just offered field hockey championships in New Jersey. 

New Jersey. 

I get asked to call championships where I can be a part of the Garden (State) party frequently.

I worked hard for that pun.

I enjoy those NJ calls when I can do them but am truly baffled why we're not doing more closer to home.

If anyone knows what can get us out of Connecticut broadcasting jail, please advise.

It's not like we're newbies who don't know the state or are away at college for most of the year or whatever. Chris and I literally call games in Connecticut. We call -- gasp -- high school games here.

November will also feature GYFL events, with the youth football league championships and the Graduation Bowl. Those will air either on WGCH or Robcasting (or both).

Additionally, the Greenwich Old Timer's Award Dinner is this month. I've been hesitant to say that I will be serving as emcee but I think it's time to admit that I will serving as emcee, taking over for Mark Yusko. The details need to get ironed out but I know the routine and so long as that hasn't changed we should be fine.

Of course, I'm off to Pittsburgh for two days, so let's throw that into the November stuffing.

Again, I work hard on these puns.

There are myriad shows and podcasts as well, with episodes of "The Clubhouse" (like tonight at 7 p.m.) and "Doubleheader" throughout the month.

Hopefully, we'll get more Boomslang basketball on as well.

And whatever else falls to us. People frequently assume "you're too busy" (I hear it all the time) but just ask. You never know what magic I can work.

Lastly, of course, are the holidays. I don't mind Thanksgiving to an extent (mostly because of football). Christmas is a different beast. So, once again, let's just survive it and get to January in one piece.

So, there you have it, November. Be good to us.

Survival would be nice.

Happiness would be best.

The Setup (or How I Spent My Halloween)

 

Whammy! Maybe this should be my costume

It's Halloween and, well, I've got nothing.

OK, not nothing, but really not Halloweenesque.

Sadly, my life doesn't lend itself to going out for Halloween. So it goes. 

I'm watching the World Series instead.

That's not exactly scintillating tonight.

But while going through my memories this morning on Timehop, I came across the picture at the top of the post.

It was taken on Oct 31, 2011 at Cardinal Stadium.

The details are memorable. Halloween that year was a Monday and why would the Cardinals be playing on a Monday?

I'm glad you asked. The game was originally supposed to be played on Saturday. In fact, it was homecoming as Greenwich was scheduled to host Westhill.

However, Mother Nature reared her head, preparing to bless us with a nor'easter.

But, as of that Saturday morning, the game was still on as scheduled. I think the powers-that-be thought there was a window to get the game in.

Sean -- then just nine -- drove with me to the game. Knowing what we were driving into, I packed sleeping bags, air mattresses, and anything I could think of. You know me: always prepared.

There was actually a soccer game at the stadium that day so we set up and watched as they played.

In the snow. Because it began to dump and accumulate.

With game time getting closer, Greenwich Athletics' master of everything, Brian Kennedy, caught my eye at the bottom of the bleachers. He then pulled his finger across his throat.

No game today. He would eventually explain that it was -- you guessed it -- rescheduled for Monday. I called Bob Small at WGCH, who put me on the air via cell phone and I explained the situation to the audience. 

Chris Kaelin, there to work the sideline for us, offered to let us come crash at his place. That's probably what I should have done.  

I even gave a semi-thought to just staying in the press box since there was a heater but I knew that wasn't realistic. Lastly, I thought we would just go to the station. After all, I had spent the night there before and I would do it again.

But, leaving Cardinal Stadium, the roads seemed OK. I decided to make a run for it to see if we could get home. It would probably take us a little longer than our usual 45 minutes.

Oh, we got home. 

Three hours later.

We nearly crashed on the Taconic State Parkway near Millwood and then got stuck just north of Jefferson Valley. A stranger appeared out of nowhere and pushed us out after an hour and asked for nothing. He disappeared just as quickly as he showed up.

We then slid down Secor Road and, with an even bigger hill in front of us, I pulled into an empty lot and walked the final stretch home.

We dug it all out the next day, I worked on Monday morning and went back to Cardinal Stadium. Needless to say, Sean wasn't with me. Nor were Sean Kilkelly, Chris Erway, or Ryan Demaria. Chris Kaelin and I called the game with Paul Silverfarb. Greenwich won 41-7.

But what really inspired me to write this post was the booth setup. Let's go back to that Halloween broadcast in 2011.

There's so much going on there, besides my pack of Bachman pretzel rods (still my favorite). There are three headsets, featuring two Telex monsters that date back to at least the early 90s (and likely earlier). I got them when WREF closed in 1996.

I can see the wireless microphone and its receiver. I also see the Behringer mixer that we used and would eventually replace (twice).

A desk lamp I bought from Target for $7 is there along with a small clock/thermometer from LL Bean.

Also, I spy my small digital radio in the window to the right. For the record, that's how we got the audio return from WGCH. Yes, that's correct. We listened to the radio. In this setup, with an antenna on the roof of the press box, and a MARTI unit behind me, we had no direct contact with the studio other than cellphone.

Besides the electronics are notebooks and my trusty binder, along with rosters.

There's not a lot of room to spread out, is there? So guess how and why I learned to be self-sufficient in terms of preparation.

This would eventually change drastically. That Telex headset on the right had a broken mic arm on it that was held together by tape. Sometimes, I'd have to hold it by hand. Eventually, I was able to afford a real headset. Not one I inherited from a radio station. I bought my first Audio-Technica headset not long after this picture was taken.

Let's move forward to opening day, 2023. Obviously, the booth has changed. More specifically, it was rebuilt and we have a ton of room.

Now there's a computer and a different, more sophisticated mixer (Zoom PodTrak P8) for the space at Cardinal Stadium. A separate headphone amplifier isn't necessary (I forgot to note that in the 2011 picture) and we go via the internet to have direct contact with the station.

I run a cable to and from the public address booth to give them our audio for their video broadcast on Hudl and to get audio from public address announcer Nick Fesko.

What took me an hour to set up back then is done within 20 minutes now.

Let me post a picture that I put on here from St. Joseph last Saturday to show you our smallest footprint.

Now, the mixer is replaced by my Zoom PodTrak P4, which I could hold in the palm of my hand. My headset goes into that, as does the crowd mic that is sticking out the window. A USB cable connects to my MacBook. I use a cellphone -- either mine or WGCH's -- for data to have contact with the station.

This same setup will be back with us on Saturday at Westhill High School, except I'll need a second headset for Chris Erway. However, no connection with the public address announcer will be necessary.

But, again, this setup is done within 20 minutes.

I thought this might give everyone an idea of just what goes into putting our broadcasts on the air -- whether it's on WGCH, the Brunswick setup on LocalLive, or the plain Robcasting audio-only setup. The pieces change a little but, overall, we've refined things so much.

Perhaps this gives you insight into why we do things the way we do. We work in very limited spaces so we're thrilled to have backed way down on the amount of equipment and setup time. Thus, while we've thought about bringing a wireless microphone back into our kit, we have a hint of hesitancy. It's just another thing to lug and I've gotten good at carrying things myself.

So, happy Halloween, all. Clearly, I'm trying to be a radio sports director this year.

Boo.

Sgt. Pepper's Overrated Joshua Destruction

 

(Photo: Reddit)

I found myself in a music conversation today.

Which normally means I wind up in trouble.

Look, I have strong takes on what I think is good and what is not (and what is overplayed). That doesn't mean I'm correct.

The topic got going today because I saw a tweet asking about the most overrated album ever.

The answer I saw the most was actually the answer I agreed with. 

U2's The Joshua Tree.

Before you assume I hate U2, I don't I own most of their music and would gladly listen to any of the early 80s work or Achtung Baby.

Again, I own The Joshua Tree. I even like songs on it ("With or Without You," "Where the Streets Have No Name") while if I never heard "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" again, I'd be good.

That's literally the only song that has ever caused me to walk out of a concert, as I used that to go to the men's room at Madison Square Garden years ago.

OK, that was also arguably the worst concert I've ever been to but so it goes. I thought the setlist wasn't great but I digress.

However, plenty of responders to the overrated tweet took umbrage with The Beatles, especially Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

I get it and I don't. Not everyone understands it. Sgt Pepper is, to be honest, much like the movie Citizen Kane. People don't love the story nor do they understand what the fuss is about.

While Sgt. Pepper will never be my favorite Beatles album I quite understand how it changed rock and roll. I also don't think it's the best Beatles album, preferring Revolver and Rubber Soul and probably even Abbey Road. In fact, I think Revolver is the greatest album ever.

But back to Sgt. Pepper. I can rave with the best of them about the true hits -- even if nothing was released as a single. The title track, "With a Little Help From My Friends," and "A Day in the Life" remain truly great works. 

I'd love to have been alive in 1967 to have put the record on the turntable and heard the crowd noise before the thumping opening notes kicked in.

But, as time has gone on, my appreciation for songs like "Getting Better," "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" and "She's Leaving Home" has grown. Admittedly I've never really loved George Harrison's "Within You Without You" but I do love the whimsy of Paul McCartney's "When I'm Sixty-Four."

Anyway, this wasn't meant to be a post about Sgt. Pepper but I guess I've made my case of why it's not overrated. Nor is the album that inspired it, Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys.

But, as this is always subjective, your mileage may vary.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac and the catalogs of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin also received heat in the post on Twitter/X. Also, the Eagles are always an easy target and I will admit I understand why. Nevermind by Nirvana was also mentioned a lot.

I generally disagree with that entire paragraph. I can still listen, for instance, to The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and Houses of the Holy and enjoy them.

On the other hand, I'd say Appetite for Destruction is a bit overrated but I've explained numerous times I just wasn't in the right place to be dazzled by Guns 'n Roses.

Of course, I saw one person say "Anything by Bon Jovi" and I just smiled.

And, if I'm being honest, I'm not going all in and saying more.

The thing is that when something becomes popular, it immediately earns critics. As that popularity grows, so do the critics. When it becomes arguably iconic, well, here we are.

You've no doubt read my takes on the most overrated/overplayed songs in the past. I think there's a special place in hell for basically anything by John Mellencamp but most notably "Jack and Diane." 

So we all have our opinions. I suppose the thing that grinds my gears is when someone gets so entrenched in an opinion that they fail to recognize any other side.

Oh, wait, that sounds like politics.

The answers to this topic fascinated me and that's why I decided to bring it up today. I'd like to think we all have those things that we simply get sick of or don't understand the hype.

I suffered the indignity of seeing Nickelback on my TV last night performing "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" so I think I've dealt with enough and thus this exercise was enjoyable.

Oh, and Maroon 5 still sucks.

(Sorry, John. I had to) 

Trying To Say The Right Thing

It's National Cat Day so he gets the honor of this picture.
Otherwise, he has nothing to do with this post

 

Life, as we know, can be cruel.

A family friend's husband passed away this week as cancer reared its ugly head again. I feel for Debbie, whom I've known since birth. I didn't know her husband Carmine well but he seemed like a good man and was lost far too soon.

Thanks to Debbie's sister, Renee, for keeping us in the loop on this sad news. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get to Mahopac for the services.

Funny thing about that, and I'll always believe it. I'll always feel -- strongly -- that having loved ones before and/or after someone passes is more important than being around for the ceremony of the wake and funeral.

In a perfect world, we get to everything but, sometimes, life just doesn't allow us to be in that place. So I'd rather be a phone call or message away.

There were those who didn't show when Mom died in 2020 and, while it would have been a lovely gesture, their support after everything was over spoke more. It always will.

But that's a personal thing and a matter of opinion.

The circle of life reared its twisted mind with the announcement on social media of a new baby on the way to the brood as my niece is pregnant. We look forward to the addition to the family next year and only hope that the child doesn't follow her father's choice of sports teams.

I kid.

Sort of.

I've done well with Sean so I'll take my victory there. He and I are preparing for Pittsburgh on Thursday, despite the Steelers' putrid performance today against Jacksonville. Two key Steelers -- quarterback Kenny Pickett and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick -- left today's home game with injuries. 

Obviously, when one is going to travel close to seven hours to see a football game, one hopes for certain players to be active. Yet one has no say in that matter so, while I was excited to see Pickett play in person, we'll see what impact his rib injury has.

These factors can't ruin the trip. The journey and the experience will have to rule.

Oh, and I haven't packed yet, though I have a fair idea of what I'm going to wear Thursday night, with temperatures dipping towards the 30s at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers that form the Ohio River.

You know. Three Rivers.

Layers will be needed. Lots.

But enough about that. My mind just keeps going back to the complexities of the circle of life and family. 

I hurt for my friends -- the ones I've told you about in the post but there are others who are dealing with the test of a life and such pain that they are almost numb at this point. It's their story to tell and I'm here for their support.

It's just horrible and will always test faith. I can't fathom some higher power allowing that kind of pain.

But from our perspective -- that of a supporter -- being there is really all we can do. We can't change things. We can't make anything go away. We're the shoulder to lean on and it can be such a helpless feeling.

Especially from a distance yet all we can do is our best.

Selfishly, I'll offer that it's frustrating and disheartening at times because you want to make the pain go away. But, on the other hand, see it as the honor of being their rock, if that's how they see you.

They've put their faith in you.

That matters.

You don't need to fix anything. You don't need to have all of the answers or any answers at all. You just need to listen.

Be patient.

Hug, if needed.

And once in a while, nudge them. Of course, do that gently because, even then, it might fail.

So here's the takeaway. Good or bad, I'm here. 

Always here.

A text away.

A call away.

With the very sad passing of Matthew Perry this weekend, I can only think of the line from the "Friends" theme song.

"I'll be there for you."