Sunday, May 30, 2010

Maybe I am Sheldon Cooper and spreading the mulch around

Hi there. Hope you all are enjoying the long weekend. Lot's of interesting topics to get to.
We'll start with MLB where the fightin' Phils had an interesting week. Got blanked in 4 of the 6 games they played and in the game they won Doc Halladay threw a perfect game.
3 teams who you should be taking notice of who might have been under your radar: Reds, Padres and Blue Jays.
After seeing the injury that occurred to the Halo's Kendry Morales after he hit a game winning home run on Saturday my advice is this. Act like you've done it before. And this goes out to all sports teams with their moronic post game victory rituals and celebrations. The worst are hockey teams, who it seems after every goal the 5 guys who are on the ice do this dumb skate along the bench thing where they either fist bump or high five their teammates.

I think Ike Davis should knock some sense into Ollie Perez and his bridge troll agent Scott Boras with a mighty swing of his Louisville Slugger to their heads. The light may go on in Ollie and he could fix what's wrong in Buffalo and try to save what's left of his career.
Love the Blackhawks/Flyers Stanley Cup final match-up. My prediction: Blackhawks in 6.
Calder Cup final prediction: Hershey Bears in 5 games over the Texas Stars.
Just what we hard core hockey fans needed. Being force fed even more Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin with the 2011 Winter Classic between the Pens and Caps at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Nothing against Heinz Field, but they should move it up the street to PNC Park.
I would be a lot more excited about the Super Bowl coming to the Meadowlands in 2014 if it were being played at the old Giants Stadium.

Could some one tell my why soccer uniforms are so boring looking?
I've tried really hard this year but no matter how much I've watched lacrosse on tv, I still don't have a clue about it and what goes on during a game. All I know is they have different length sticks and stuff. Now I know how people who don't understand hockey when they watch it on tv feel.
If you get a chance, watch the newest "Centerstage" on the YES network with Mike Tyson.
I'm becoming more intrigued by the "A-Team" movie that's coming out June 11th.
The cool thing about the guy who won this years' Indy 500 is he's married to the cute Judd.
We have this sales person at the radio station, (her initials are C.H.) who thinks that when I start sharing the harvest from the garden with my friends, she'll actually receive some of it. I'm laughing so hard at that notion, my ribs are hurting. She's sooooo delusional. Just take a number and wait at the back of the line.(And its a long one.)

Picked up some really nice eggs from a place near my home and these things are so big, I want to know what those chickens are being fed.
Leonard Nimoy wrote a book called, "I am not Spock." Years later he wrote the sequel called, "I am Spock." After watching the season finale's of the CBS comedies last Monday, I'm starting to think that maybe I'm Sheldon Cooper after all. "Big Bang Theory" was the best of the bunch. Sheldon meeting this online date that Howard and Raj set him up with at the end was worth the price of admission alone. "Two and a Half Men" is becoming so predictable and is reaching its point where the characters are getting stale. As for "How I Met Your Mother" it was kind of bland. Seeing Ted as a blond was the best of a weak effort.
Except for the potatoes, everything else in the garden is looking good so far early on. Greenbean, cucumber, and zucchini seeds have sprouted. Spread 21 bags of bark mulch this weekend. Just call me, "Mr Excitement!" Leccese out.

Monday, May 24, 2010

This past weekend was one of those that make you forget the -20 degree ones in January

Hi there. Hope you enjoyed the fact it was 80 degrees and sunny. A couple of weekends' ago I worked on changing the color of my patio from black to a color that more resembles concrete. This weekend it was cleaning a couple of pieces of patio furniture and what a pain in the tuchis! It took 3 of those magic eraser type cleaning pads and some Clorox Clean-up to get that chair and foot rest back to its original color of white. Also got the rest of the garden in. The eggplant, peppers, green beans, zucchini, and cucumbers are in the ground. Next up, 20 bags of bark mulch that needs to be spread.
Got some good news from the folks in Virginia. I can get estimates on that big spruce tree that needs to be removed. I also asked about the construction of the new Southern "Fortress of Solitude" in SC. They've cleared the land and are getting ready to start construction. Well about 2 hours before they were going to start pouring the concrete pilings, the county where this home is located told the builder that they erred in the approval process and the builder has to do a different style. It will add 15g's to the cost of the home. I'm getting the impression that nobody on the island or in that county wants my parents or this builder to actually be there.
On to other things. Sorry I missed the farewell special to Brooks and Dunn on CBS Sunday night. I guess those episodes of "Gary Unmarried" and "Accidentally on Purpose" that haven't aired yet are being saved for some other night where they need filler.
So the Mets took 2 of 3 from the Yankees over the weekend. Big deal.
So who had the better weekend? Jordan Spieth, the 16 year old golfer who was in contention at the Byron Nelson or Justin Romero who at 13 became the youngest to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest? That's got to be one cool way to impress teenage girls or get an easy "A" grade on the, "How I spent my Summer Vacation" essay.
Speedy recovery to NASCAR driver Brian Vickers who is dealing with blood clots.
Does anyone realize that thoroughbred racing in New York is on intensive care and its heartbeat is becoming more fainter everyday? The possibility of NYRA shutting down after the Belmont Stakes is scaring the crap out of me. VLT's are not the real solution, just a band-aid to stop the bleeding.
Saturday night I enjoyed a nice strip steak cooked on the grill with a Guiness on the side while sitting in my just cleaned patio furniture that's on my now clean patio enjoying the view of the lake I live on. One of those moments in live you savor.
"Land of the Lost" was one really stupid, crappy movie that had you laughing because it was just that bad.
Lisa Roberston, you finally have some competition in the, "I have a secret crush on you" department. Her name is Patricia Kara from "Deal or No Deal." I envy you, Howie Mandell.
The first season of Johnny Bravo is coming out on DVD June 15th. It was one of Hanna Barbara's last cartoons they produced and Seth McFarlane, the man behind "Family Guy" worked on the show as an animator and producer. It's really funny in the classic Hanna Barbara way.
Season finale time tonight for the the CBS comedies. O.K. guys (Mike, Dan, Pete and John) don't get any ideas after watching, "Big Bang Theory." You'll fail miserably and besides you need to start thinking about turning your attention in finding someone for me over to Darrin. There's still hope for him...Leccese out.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Golf and the garden means my back might be just a little sore

Hi there. Another weekend has ended and I'm sitting here typing away on the laptop, noshing on a slice of pizza; homemade of course (more on that later). It was a weekend of golf and the garden. Took my annual trip up to 1000 Acres Ranch and played the nine hole course there. It's a beautiful little layout with 3 holes that play along the Hudson. It came out of the winter in good shape. Since it was my first time out, I went in with no expectations and I actually played decent. I was pleasantly surprised the way I drove the ball off the tee. The irons and putting game will come together soon enough.
The other thing I did was the final soil preparation for the vegetable garden. Nothing beats getting a little dirty adding the natural organic soil enricher (it was cow manure O.K.!) and the time release fertilizer mixing and raking it just right. The tomatoes are in the ground and maybe next weekend I'll get the peppers and eggplant in their containers, and put potatoes in. Every couple of years I grow potatoes. Believer it or not, there is nothing better than growing, digging up and then eating a home grown potato.
I don't know what I was more happy about: the Canadiens beating the Penguins and Sid the Kid; or the Celtics knocking off LeBron and the Cavs. I'll go with the Celtics. With the Pens losing, it means no more will be hockey played at the Igloo. I love that place, and have seen two games there. On my first trip to Pittsburgh they had the roof open. One of those times I wish my sister was still living there.
As for the Flyers comeback over the Bruins. Been there, seen that act once already. It was called '89 Adirondack Redwings when they beat the Hershey Bears after being down 3 to 0.
I personally think that LeBron will go play for the team that will enable him to sell the most sneakers and jerseys.
I found it interesting that the 16 year old woman who Lawrence Taylor engaged in sexual congress with said she didn't want to ruin his reputation. Sorry to break the news to you kid, but LT's reputation was ruined long before he paid for your services.
As much as I was disappointed that Super Saver didn't win the Preakness, a part of me was rooting for Yawanna Twist that horse that was foaled in Fort Edward.
Both Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom had humorous observations regarding the triple crown. Albom was wondering if NYRA and Belmont Park should ask the right hold the Belmont Stakes just once ahead of the other two triple crown races so it could mean something, and Lupica noted the next time we'll see a Triple Crown winner is when the movie, "Secretariat" hits theaters this summer.
VH1 just finished running a series called, "Undateable." It's in that, "I love the 80's" genre. I've been watching trying to figure out how many of the 100 things on the list I'm guilty of.
Still trying to figure out how and why singer Katy Perry is number 1 on Maxim's annual, "Hot 100" list.
On to the pizza. Yes I can make my own and do so every once in awhile. I wonder if that was on the "Undateable" list. Tried out a new pizza dough recipe and loved the results. When it comes to pizza, there is only one way to go and that's thin crust. The two things I hate the most about Chicago are the Cubs and deep dish pizza.
Dan told me that we've hired someone new to join our little on air radio family. I hope he warned her about us (especially Cloutier and Dubray) and the hazards working here on the island of misfit toys. Just kidding Mikey, I really didn't mean you...Leccese (the "undateable" list is right now at 20) out.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Good thing I didn't put those plants out after all

Hi there. One of the things about late April and early May is that weather wise it teases you. It gives you about 2 weeks of above average temps and then, WHAM! Hits you with a dose of reality and sends the thermometer dropping back into the 40's and 50's. You're thinking maybe I can get some plants out early and enjoy a longer growing season, but no. My tomato plants are liking the fact that just when I thought it was safe to get them outside and in the ground, mother nature had other plans and they're back inside sunning on a window sill.
Where to begin this week? O.K. lets start with Lawrence Taylor and another major screw up. Paid $300.00 for an evening with a child. I love the fact that the media was calling the guy who set Taylor up a "bad pimp." Are their such people as "good pimps." Do good pimps set up their ladies with health insurance and a 401k plan? Taylors' attorney seems like a real winner too. I took one at his lawyer and the things that came to mind were either "ambulance chaser" or the movie "My cousin Vinnie." At what point do we give up on guys him? When do the multiple chances finally run out? When are we going to realize that Lawrence Taylor is a habitual offender. Look at Tim Welsh, the former Bristol Tech analyst who got a second to coach hoops at Hofstra. Got busted for DWI and was fired without the chance to coach one game. It was his first offense, but a good move by the Pride to say no way, we don't want that baggage attached to us.
I hope Bret Michaels is doing better after his recent health scare. Bret seems like a nice guy and I have to admit his "Rock of Love" series on VH1 was a sneak peak, guilty pleasure you hated to admit to anyone you liked watching. He's thinking that he should settle down and get married. I can see it now. "Rock of Love IV. Finally getting hitched!" The last episode ends at some wedding chapel in Vegas. Still hoping VH1 takes me up on my idea for "Garden of Love." Not gonna happen, O.K I can accept that.
Watched the HBO special on the Philadelphia Flyers and the only problem I had with it was too much Dave Schultz. Otherwise it was terrific.
Sunday morning I go get my paper and some total stranger left a present in my mailbox. An open container of beer. Look, I appreciate your generosity. However if you're going to share and leave a cold one, could you at least make it a Guiness instead of that crappy American pilsner.
With all the wind and crazy weather we had this weekend that included a power outage at my place, I managed to find a window of calm and hit a bucket of golf balls at the driving range. Golf is a crazy game and I wondered how could hit my driver fine at the range, but tee up on the first hole and I'm killing worms as the ball stops just past the ladies tee box.
Now for something hard. Saying goodbye to John "Max" McDonnell who left our radio family Friday for a new career challenge. Max, I'm sorry I drove you nuts sometimes. You're a good friend and we've had a lot of great times, especially on the golf course. He was the driving force behind getting a lot of sponsors for the games you hear on the WWSC. Now what am I gonna do when I want to play golf for free somewhere? You think Mr Ashworth could hook me up at the Country Club? That will never happen and besides I forgot my photo is up at the clubhouse on the board that reads, "Under no circumstances are you to let these hackers on the course."
Finally the other day I brought something out of my clothing archives and wore it to the office. My Adirondack Lumberjacks jersey. Hard to believe its been 10 years since I called games for them. Read an article that day on Heather LaVine, who I worked with when she was with the team. I purposely took a detour on the way home and drove passed East Field. So many memories. Most of the them good. A part of me thought about wanting to call Darren Williams owner of the Golden Eagles and ask him if I could call one game for them sometime this season. Then I realized that chapter in my life had already been written...Leccese out.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Ernie Harwell was a friend to everyone, even me

Hi there. Before I get to Ernie Harwell, I have to bring up the incident in Philadelphia Monday night where the junior mensa society member decided to take a stroll in the outfield during the Cards/Phils game. This kid could be one of the poster children for why parents should be allowed to kill their young. There's this statement printed on the back of your ticket telling you that entering the field of play is grounds for ejection and criminal prosecution. The P.A. announcer before and on occasion during the game will remind you about the policy. The kid asked his dad before hand if he should attempt the stunt and dad said he didn't think it would be a good idea. He still did it! I wonder if Penn State where this oustanding young person will be attending college is regretting that decision to admit him. Now if you think that the security used excessive force in using the Taser on him. I'll give you 2 names and maybe you'll change your minds: Monica Seles and Tom Gamboa. Nuff said.
Now on to Ernie Harwell who lost his life to cancer at the age of 92. This man was larger than life itself and if you didn't like Ernie Harwell, you need to seek therapy so the therapist can slap you and tell you to snap out of it. Six years ago, WWSC was invited to Cooperstown to broadcast the Hall of Fame game. It was our first time and the Tigers and RedSox were playing. Ernie was there. I asked the reps from the Hall if Ernie would be able to come down to our broadcast spot so we could say hello and shake his hand. Unfortunately it couldn't be arranged. Fast forward to 2 years later. Ernie was at Hall of Fame being interviewed for its "Voices of the Game" series. I managed to get one of the few tickets available for it. It was 90 incredible minutes. Afterward, I got to meet and speak with him. Told him my story and as I was leaving he said, "Ken, I'm sorry about the the Hall of Fame game, but I'm glad we finally met. Thanks for coming. Was it worth the wait?" I responded by using one his words. "Absolutely!" I was on cloud nine driving home that day...Leccese out.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

I feel your pain and can relate to you Jeff Feagles

Hi there. Just to let everybody know, I will not be fined by either Clay Ashworth or Dan Miner for criticizing NBA officials in, "The Greenhouse Effect" unlike what David Stern did to Dwight Howard in his blog. Yep the supreme dictator and fearless leader of the Association made Mr. Howard cough up 35 thousand George Washingtons' after he criticized refs in a recent blog entry of his.
Also what idiots did the voting for Association MVP and what drugs were they on when they cast the ballots? I'm sorry, but Kevin Durant had a better year than LeBron James. The final tally wasn't even close! Where would the Thunder be without him? I'm smelling hanging chads somewhere.
I want to take this time to thank the following teams for appearing in the playoffs and remind them to take a copy of the home edition as a consolation prize as the door hits you on the way out. See you next year Devils, Heat, Sabres, Nuggets, Kings, Trailblazers, Bobcats, and a special mention goes out to the Mavericks and Capitals. Alexander Ovechkin, not tonight.
I had no idea who was going to win the Kentucky Derby in the slop at Churchill Downs but man, what is it with Calvin Borel. The way he guided Super Saver through the muck to victory. He's been aboard 3 of the last 4 derby winners. I love watching him ride. I haven't felt that way about a jockey since those days sitting in the grandstand at Monmouth Park seeing Julie Krone.
So Eldrick missed the cut at Quail Hollow. On to other things
Friday, Giants punter Jeff Feagles announced this retirement after 22 years in the NFL at the age of 44. He said that his body wasn't responding the way it used to. Being age 44, I know that same feeling all too well. I was hoping to hit the driving range and get my golf swing in shape. However after a weekend of pulling out trees, more raking, and finally pressure washing a really dirty and disgusting looking patio; my tender back wanted nothing to do with my golf game just yet. I usually workout at the gym 5 to 6 times a week and there have been many days I didn't want to get on that bike, treadmill or elliptical.
I've been reading a lot in the local papers about how schools are desperately trying to keep spending under check and minimizing tax increases in this economic downturn by cutting sports and other programs, eliminating teaching positions and trimming any fat left. I've also read where programs that were originally eliminated from budgets, all of sudden are back from the dead. You can't have it both ways people.
Isn't great to know we live in a country where our freedom of speech and religion is protected and that we don't live in fear of retribution for disagreeing. A militant religious group threatened the creators of South Park for a depiction of their prophet in a recent episode. If any one has seen South Park over the years, every religion has been a target.
Hockey fans, a new HBO sports documentary on the Philadelphia Flyers and the Broad Street Bullies of the mid 1970's premieres Tuesday night. It should be a good watch.
Admit it AHL fans, (including this one) we had a feeling the Devils would come back to Albany.
I sent the invitation in to my cousins' wedding that takes place next month. I didn't write a humorous, sarcastic response. I wanted to, but I just checked off I would be showing up and wanted the chicken as my entree. Sorry to disappoint you readers.
You know you've been taking a certain fitness class for a long time when a piece of music is brought back and you actually remember when it was used the first time and what routine you did to it.
Finally, if you didn't know I work Saturday mornings on our sister station, Hits 95 Nine. The most annoying song on this 3rd rock from the sun planet of ours is hands down, "Hey Soul Sister" by the group Train. If alien visitors were in the neighborhood and heard this song, they would make the conclusion that there is no intelligent life here. Make it stop John Pratt and please end my suffering...Leccese out.