Hi there. Well its been one busy week. Between checking out high school football practices and scrimmages, the visit to the Washington County Fair and some tropical storm action on Sunday, my plate was full.
I hope everyone is O.K. after Sunday's storm and the damage was minimal. I lucked out. My folks home in SC is O.K. Just some pine straw all over the place and they weren't even in the area. They were in Colorado at a wedding so everyone was spared and my home here didn't even see any branches come down with the high winds and heavy rain we got.
First is the high school football visits. The thing I was impressed with the most in visiting practices were the numbers. Especially in the smaller schools. They are holding steady or actually going up. Warrensburg had over 30 kids playing. Mike Leonbruno said they haven't had over 30 come out for the team in a couple of years. Lake George should be O.K and both Salem and Spa Catholic will be fine with there numbers too. Spa Catholics' size impressed me. Fort Edward's problem isn't so much the kids aren't going out for football, it's the lack of boys actually entering the school. With the big schools its always about who's going to step up from JV to the Varsity from graduation.
Impressions of what I saw.
Glens Falls, Hudson Falls and Lake George for them to be successful, the line play has to come together. Also Hudson Falls has find its next feature running back to run the power I formation it uses.
Fort Edward has that same problem in finding a running back to replace Justin White who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year.
South Glens Falls has a sophomore starting at QB and he replaces Jordan Greene who was a huge part of the offense for the Bulldogs the past two seasons. It will be interesting to see how the other receivers and backs respond to having an underclassman under center. It's normal at the small school level for a freshman or sophomore to start and play for 3 or 4 years. At the big schools, the kid is either an injury replacement or really talented.
The key to Queensbury is their line. If they are big and physical and can dominate a game, they can be tough to beat especially if they're ahead. When that tight double wing is clicking anyone can run the ball behind that line.
Warrensburg is now running Queensbury's offense and if they can pick up the nuances of the double wing quickly, they could surprise some people. One more thing about the Burgers. If the West Virginia and Wisconsin football programs had a baby, the helmet would look just like Warrensburg's new look. Having a hard time getting used to it. It's navy blue with a yellow gold W. I loved the Las Vegas gold with the navy blue W. I thought Warrensburg's navy blue jerseys with the gold pants were the sharpest looking home attire in the area.
One thing from my visit to the Washington County fair. Be careful what you wish for. I've told the story on more than one occasion how a couple of years ago I was at the fair, took the risk and ate an order of 6 fried Oreo's that were covered in powdered sugar and came with chocolate sauce to dip them in. Well I was wondering if anyone had ever tried dipping a Pop Tart in batter and frying it. I go past the guy who I bought the Oreo's from and guess what was staring at me right in the eye? Deep fried Pop Tarts! No I didn't try them. My priority was the maple house for a cup of coffee and some maple cotton candy. Maple sugar and caffeine in my system is a scary and potentially lethal combination ,but I have to admit it was soooo good.
Allright Yankee fans, we can officially throw A.J Burnett into the closet that includes Kei Igawa, Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano and Javier Vasquez.
Eli Manning in an interview with Michael Kay thinks he's an elite quarterback in the NFL. Look Forrest Gump, elite quarterbacks don't throw 25 picks like you did last year and can actually get the plays off before the play clock runs out like you seem not to be able to do on more than one occasion.
I think Derek Jeter will be just fine after breaking up with Minka Kelly, don't you? Someone is out there for him. As long as her last name isn't Kardashian I'll be fine.
Why couldn't Hurricane Irene's winds or heavy rains at least cause some damage to CitiField? I would have been very happy if that had happened.
Finally, on to the garden. It's been a good year so far. Tomatoes are being harvested and peppers and the potatoes are next on the list. Saturday I'm on the phone with my sister when I see two chipmunks chasing after each other around my patio. How cute! Now we have a "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" moment. One of the cute, furry little rodents heads for my tomato plants, climbs one of cages and picks one in his mouth. Brings it over to the patio and starts eating it while I'm watching through my patio doors. It eats half of it and then goes back for another! I knew I had deals with the hummingbirds and squirrels, but now I have to make peace with the chipmunks!
Four days til first football game on WWSC and five til I'm on a plane headed to South Carolina...Leccese out
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Going to camp and the Washington County Fair
Hi there. Just re-adjusting my body clock after a week of filling in for Dan on the Club and having fun with Pete. I tell people that one of the best things to do is a fill in stint on another show. It's a great change of pace and re-energizes you for your regular air shift. That's why you'll find me Saturday mornings on Hits 95 Nine. I love playing the more current music once a week and its more relaxed.
These next two weeks are going to be bear of a time for me This week its about heading to football training camps and the Washington County Fair Tuesday. Then the weekend comes and its all about more high school football. Definitely 3 and possibly 4 football scrimmages on Saturday, followed by Section 2 media day in Albany on Sunday. Then its ramps up getting all the stuff ready for the first broadcast September 3rd. Calling the high schools and getting rosters with numbers on them. Plus there's final 2 weeks of the Saratoga meet with the Travers this Saturday. I've still got to find time to get my car serviced and go to gym. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's called leaving for vacation on September 4th.
Moving on. The University of Miami is in some serious trouble with all the allegations that this Bernie Madoff wannabe ponzi schemer is spilling the guts about his ties to the program and what improper benefits he was giving athletes. I've written many times that the NCAA does a lousy job of policing its institutions and they don't have the family jewels to impose the Death Penalty on some of these schools who either commit major violations or are repeat offenders with their basketball and football programs.
Georgetown University's basketball team goes on a goodwill tour to China and what happens? One of the nastiest on court brawls takes place between the Hoyas and one of the pro teams over there. They were calling it awful and terrible. It brought a tear to my eye. Brought back memories of the "Hoya Paranoia" years when Patrick Ewing, Michael Graham, David Wingate and Horace Broadnax played for them in the 80's.
If you missed it, Dennis "The Worm" Rodman was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Look Rodman was eccentric but one hell of a defender and rebounder. He drove you nuts on the court with his antics. I watched his speech and he was humbled by the honor. Still trying to figure out how he got Carmen Electra to marry him.
Chris Mullin, one of my top 5 all time favorite basketball players on the face of the planet period was also inducted that night. It was good to be a St.John's fan when he played.
Went to the track Thursday and thanks to my lack of betting ability was able to lighten my wallet enough to make weight if I wanted ride in a steeplechase. The problem was the, "you have to be the this tall to get on the horse" sign. I was about 8 to 9 inches over.
I wanted to know what was so special about a "Shake Shack" burger. Tried one and it was no big deal. I've had better. At least now I don't have to go CitiField to get one. The best burger I've eaten hands down was at this sports bar called "Good Old Times" near Madison Square Garden. The fries were even better. They were that good! My dad and I could finish off a plate in record time before heading to a Rangers game.
I still don't get what the big deal is over the Iowa straw poll and how it will affect primary season when it starts next February in New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Tony Bourdain was asked a question of who he thought the worst cooks on the Food Network were. He said his usual two in Rachael Ray and Sandra Lee, but he also threw in Paula Deen that category and made his usual comments. Paula didn't take kindly to Tony's answer. Don't mess with her,Tony. She's one of those crazy aunt's you had growing up with a Southern accent to match.
Harvesting tomatoes finally along with the squash, cucumbers and beans. Up next potatoes. Lets hope those bags were worth the investment.
Finally, I'm bringing up Kim Kardashian's wedding for two reasons. One, I was very disappointed not to get an invitation to the nuptials because I'm willing to admit to being a Nets fan. And two. How much money do you think she made from the dollar dance?
Only 10 days til Rutgers home opener and 12 days til Niskayuna at Glens Falls. See you at the fair and don't bring any fried Oreo's over to me at our broadcast location please!..Leccese out.
These next two weeks are going to be bear of a time for me This week its about heading to football training camps and the Washington County Fair Tuesday. Then the weekend comes and its all about more high school football. Definitely 3 and possibly 4 football scrimmages on Saturday, followed by Section 2 media day in Albany on Sunday. Then its ramps up getting all the stuff ready for the first broadcast September 3rd. Calling the high schools and getting rosters with numbers on them. Plus there's final 2 weeks of the Saratoga meet with the Travers this Saturday. I've still got to find time to get my car serviced and go to gym. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's called leaving for vacation on September 4th.
Moving on. The University of Miami is in some serious trouble with all the allegations that this Bernie Madoff wannabe ponzi schemer is spilling the guts about his ties to the program and what improper benefits he was giving athletes. I've written many times that the NCAA does a lousy job of policing its institutions and they don't have the family jewels to impose the Death Penalty on some of these schools who either commit major violations or are repeat offenders with their basketball and football programs.
Georgetown University's basketball team goes on a goodwill tour to China and what happens? One of the nastiest on court brawls takes place between the Hoyas and one of the pro teams over there. They were calling it awful and terrible. It brought a tear to my eye. Brought back memories of the "Hoya Paranoia" years when Patrick Ewing, Michael Graham, David Wingate and Horace Broadnax played for them in the 80's.
If you missed it, Dennis "The Worm" Rodman was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Look Rodman was eccentric but one hell of a defender and rebounder. He drove you nuts on the court with his antics. I watched his speech and he was humbled by the honor. Still trying to figure out how he got Carmen Electra to marry him.
Chris Mullin, one of my top 5 all time favorite basketball players on the face of the planet period was also inducted that night. It was good to be a St.John's fan when he played.
Went to the track Thursday and thanks to my lack of betting ability was able to lighten my wallet enough to make weight if I wanted ride in a steeplechase. The problem was the, "you have to be the this tall to get on the horse" sign. I was about 8 to 9 inches over.
I wanted to know what was so special about a "Shake Shack" burger. Tried one and it was no big deal. I've had better. At least now I don't have to go CitiField to get one. The best burger I've eaten hands down was at this sports bar called "Good Old Times" near Madison Square Garden. The fries were even better. They were that good! My dad and I could finish off a plate in record time before heading to a Rangers game.
I still don't get what the big deal is over the Iowa straw poll and how it will affect primary season when it starts next February in New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Tony Bourdain was asked a question of who he thought the worst cooks on the Food Network were. He said his usual two in Rachael Ray and Sandra Lee, but he also threw in Paula Deen that category and made his usual comments. Paula didn't take kindly to Tony's answer. Don't mess with her,Tony. She's one of those crazy aunt's you had growing up with a Southern accent to match.
Harvesting tomatoes finally along with the squash, cucumbers and beans. Up next potatoes. Lets hope those bags were worth the investment.
Finally, I'm bringing up Kim Kardashian's wedding for two reasons. One, I was very disappointed not to get an invitation to the nuptials because I'm willing to admit to being a Nets fan. And two. How much money do you think she made from the dollar dance?
Only 10 days til Rutgers home opener and 12 days til Niskayuna at Glens Falls. See you at the fair and don't bring any fried Oreo's over to me at our broadcast location please!..Leccese out.
Monday, August 15, 2011
19 days til opening kick off
Hi there. Well August 15th has arrived and that means in 19 days John Pratt and I will be in the press box at Putt LaMay Field at Glens Falls High for the first football broadcast of the 2011 season on WWSC. My off season has ended and its back to doing play by play of high school football, basketball and ice hockey games on the radio. It's amazing how fast the 5 months have flown by since we wrapped up the 2010 -2011 school sports year in Utica.
I'll try to get to a practice or two this week, but its doubtful. I'm going to the track Thursday after I get done with the Morning Show. Next week the heavy work gets done. Getting out to morning practices at different schools everyday except for Tuesday when I'm at the Washington County Fair. Catching up with and talking to coaches I prefer watching practice with pads on as teams prepare for scrimmages next Saturday. I'll be heading to three of them that day. Fort Edward, Hudson Falls and a night scrimmage in Lake George. Then a week from Sunday its media day down at UAlbany where I can talk to the coaches of teams south of Saratoga and get rosters from them. They're are a couple of coaches I really have good relationships with and make a point to talk to. Classification football forces you to do so. Think about it. Hudson Falls plays teams like Cobleskill, Cohoes, and Schalmont. The small schools play Rensselaer, Catholic Central, and Bishop Gibbons. Its nothing like the good old days of the Foothills Council and Northern Adirondack League.
When it comes to the big schools like Queensbury, Glens Falls, S.Glens Falls and Hudson Falls, I wonder how competitive the teams will be in tough divisions and Class A is going to be real tough. Troy and Niskayuna have dropped from Class AA to Class A which already has Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake, Lansingburgh and never count out Amsterdam or Bishop Maginn.
As for the small schools. The big' "N" word always comes into play. That word is numbers. How many kids will actually turn out? I'm seriously worried about schools like Salem, Fort Edward, Lake George, Greenwich and Warrensburg. I'll throw Corinth in that group too. Two or three injuries can put schools like that on the cusp of the required minimum amount of players needed to field a team. Will Saratoga Catholic have enough kids to come back and play a varsity schedule after not having enough last year? Soccer has nothing to do with the lack of kids playing football. You have to be really committed to playing football and hitting the weight room during the off season. Between summer jobs and other distractions, the kids aren't as motivated as they used to be. Times have changed from the days when you played because all your friends played and it was another way to hang out with them. Also football is an expensive sport to play, like ice hockey.
One more note. We'll be putting a WWSC sports page on Facebook that will highlight the games we are doing on the radio, the student athletes Joe Pezzulo will be featuring on the Sports Academy and other points of interest. I hope the rain stops...Leccese out.
I'll try to get to a practice or two this week, but its doubtful. I'm going to the track Thursday after I get done with the Morning Show. Next week the heavy work gets done. Getting out to morning practices at different schools everyday except for Tuesday when I'm at the Washington County Fair. Catching up with and talking to coaches I prefer watching practice with pads on as teams prepare for scrimmages next Saturday. I'll be heading to three of them that day. Fort Edward, Hudson Falls and a night scrimmage in Lake George. Then a week from Sunday its media day down at UAlbany where I can talk to the coaches of teams south of Saratoga and get rosters from them. They're are a couple of coaches I really have good relationships with and make a point to talk to. Classification football forces you to do so. Think about it. Hudson Falls plays teams like Cobleskill, Cohoes, and Schalmont. The small schools play Rensselaer, Catholic Central, and Bishop Gibbons. Its nothing like the good old days of the Foothills Council and Northern Adirondack League.
When it comes to the big schools like Queensbury, Glens Falls, S.Glens Falls and Hudson Falls, I wonder how competitive the teams will be in tough divisions and Class A is going to be real tough. Troy and Niskayuna have dropped from Class AA to Class A which already has Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake, Lansingburgh and never count out Amsterdam or Bishop Maginn.
As for the small schools. The big' "N" word always comes into play. That word is numbers. How many kids will actually turn out? I'm seriously worried about schools like Salem, Fort Edward, Lake George, Greenwich and Warrensburg. I'll throw Corinth in that group too. Two or three injuries can put schools like that on the cusp of the required minimum amount of players needed to field a team. Will Saratoga Catholic have enough kids to come back and play a varsity schedule after not having enough last year? Soccer has nothing to do with the lack of kids playing football. You have to be really committed to playing football and hitting the weight room during the off season. Between summer jobs and other distractions, the kids aren't as motivated as they used to be. Times have changed from the days when you played because all your friends played and it was another way to hang out with them. Also football is an expensive sport to play, like ice hockey.
One more note. We'll be putting a WWSC sports page on Facebook that will highlight the games we are doing on the radio, the student athletes Joe Pezzulo will be featuring on the Sports Academy and other points of interest. I hope the rain stops...Leccese out.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Eggplant parm at a Clam bake
Hi there and hoped you enjoyed reading edition #250. Well its back to business and I'll be honest with you, I'm starting to worry about myself. I've had three really great weekends in a row and I'm wondering if I could actually be happy for a prolonged period of time? I have written on a few occasions that I'm a glass half empty who wonders why its not completely full kind of person. I might have to go to a doctor to see if I'm feeling well or coming down with something. Me being content. It can't really be happening can it?
Leading off is, "Eggplant parm at a Clam bake." My friends Kathi and Will had a clam bake/summer party this past weekend and it was a great time. Just terrific company. Of course you bring either a side dish or dessert to share to go with the clams, burgers and hotdogs. So I made eggplant parm. It has now become my signature dish. Anyone who has ever made something for a potluck dinner or any type of, "bring a dish to share with friends" type event like that knows what I'm talking about. You make something and if it's a big hit, it becomes your signature dish. You're expected to bring it everytime you get invited to something like that. If you don't, well people wonder where hell it was because they were looking forward to you bringing it. Here's one thing about eggplant parm. It's a pain in the tuchis to make! Since I make everything from scratch, its even more time consuming One day had to make the marinara sauce. The eggplant itself is an all day affair. Between the peeling, slicing it really thin, pressing out the bitters from it and then finally frying it up. Get the idea. The easy part is actually putting it together and baking it in the oven.
On to other things. Had an interesting 30 minutes on Saturday. First was the pharmacy, where I bought a new pair of sunglasses. I'm at the check out counter and the nice person working asked me a question. It was a Bill Engvall moment. Mind you I was wearing glasses and not contacts at the time. She asked, "Would you like me to cut the price tag off so you can put those on after you leave the store?" Sure and by the way my name is Mr.Magoo. Here's your sign. Right after that, I go pick up a four pack of Guinness and while waiting to pay, the woman behind me in line notices my beer and asks if I've made a Guiness float with vanilla ice cream. That caught me off guard. So I said yes and she replied, "they're delicious, aren't they?" I nodded. That gets brownie points in my book. It's like women and camping. I find it hard to believe that women really do like camping and it surprises me when I meet a woman who prefers and likes a darker beer like a stout or porter over an I.PA or traditional lager style.
It doesn't get any better than this for me. Anthony Bourdain was on "Real Time" with Bill Maher last Friday night. I haven't watched it yet. So don't tell me any details and if you've never seen "Titanic," I won't tell you that the boat sinks at the end of the movie.
Go to http://www.parade.com/ and read Mitch Albom's column about summer and kids. Just a great article. It will bring back some great summer time memories about your own childhood and make you think about today's kids and do they really have it better than we did?
I've got not one, but two "This weeks sign of the apocalype." Sign #1 comes from San Antonio Texas where a knife fight took place in a restaurant mens room between a Texas Longhorn football fan and a Oklahoma Sooners football fan. This occured before practice started! Now for #2. Animal Planet is premiering a new show called, "Hillybilly Handfish" about those guys who go into rivers and bring up these huge catfish by means of grabbing them with their hands after finding them in some mudhole on the bottom of the river. There's a Jeff Foxworthy, "you might be a redneck" joke somewhere in that one.
Please don't re-make "Dirty Dancing." I inflicted some serious trauma to myself during my senior year in college because of that movie. I get terrible flashbacks whenever I hear or play, "I've had the time of my life."
Six more days til the start of high school football practice. Eggplant parm guy...I mean Leccese out.
Leading off is, "Eggplant parm at a Clam bake." My friends Kathi and Will had a clam bake/summer party this past weekend and it was a great time. Just terrific company. Of course you bring either a side dish or dessert to share to go with the clams, burgers and hotdogs. So I made eggplant parm. It has now become my signature dish. Anyone who has ever made something for a potluck dinner or any type of, "bring a dish to share with friends" type event like that knows what I'm talking about. You make something and if it's a big hit, it becomes your signature dish. You're expected to bring it everytime you get invited to something like that. If you don't, well people wonder where hell it was because they were looking forward to you bringing it. Here's one thing about eggplant parm. It's a pain in the tuchis to make! Since I make everything from scratch, its even more time consuming One day had to make the marinara sauce. The eggplant itself is an all day affair. Between the peeling, slicing it really thin, pressing out the bitters from it and then finally frying it up. Get the idea. The easy part is actually putting it together and baking it in the oven.
On to other things. Had an interesting 30 minutes on Saturday. First was the pharmacy, where I bought a new pair of sunglasses. I'm at the check out counter and the nice person working asked me a question. It was a Bill Engvall moment. Mind you I was wearing glasses and not contacts at the time. She asked, "Would you like me to cut the price tag off so you can put those on after you leave the store?" Sure and by the way my name is Mr.Magoo. Here's your sign. Right after that, I go pick up a four pack of Guinness and while waiting to pay, the woman behind me in line notices my beer and asks if I've made a Guiness float with vanilla ice cream. That caught me off guard. So I said yes and she replied, "they're delicious, aren't they?" I nodded. That gets brownie points in my book. It's like women and camping. I find it hard to believe that women really do like camping and it surprises me when I meet a woman who prefers and likes a darker beer like a stout or porter over an I.PA or traditional lager style.
It doesn't get any better than this for me. Anthony Bourdain was on "Real Time" with Bill Maher last Friday night. I haven't watched it yet. So don't tell me any details and if you've never seen "Titanic," I won't tell you that the boat sinks at the end of the movie.
Go to http://www.parade.com/ and read Mitch Albom's column about summer and kids. Just a great article. It will bring back some great summer time memories about your own childhood and make you think about today's kids and do they really have it better than we did?
I've got not one, but two "This weeks sign of the apocalype." Sign #1 comes from San Antonio Texas where a knife fight took place in a restaurant mens room between a Texas Longhorn football fan and a Oklahoma Sooners football fan. This occured before practice started! Now for #2. Animal Planet is premiering a new show called, "Hillybilly Handfish" about those guys who go into rivers and bring up these huge catfish by means of grabbing them with their hands after finding them in some mudhole on the bottom of the river. There's a Jeff Foxworthy, "you might be a redneck" joke somewhere in that one.
Please don't re-make "Dirty Dancing." I inflicted some serious trauma to myself during my senior year in college because of that movie. I get terrible flashbacks whenever I hear or play, "I've had the time of my life."
Six more days til the start of high school football practice. Eggplant parm guy...I mean Leccese out.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Another milestone in the history of, "The Greenhouse Effect"
Hi there. On February 21st 2008, "The Greenhouse Effect" was launched on wckm.com along with 3 other blogs from the other on air staff members. Well 3 1/2 years and 249 entries later; we're still here and the only one left. Here it is folks, the 250th edition of,"The Greenhouse Effect."
When the idea of the blogs were first run by us, I was reluctant. My mind was changed by Dan and Mike. They said that it could be funny and serious at same time. Write it like a stand up monologue that you might perform on stage they told me and that's what I try to do.
In writing an edition, what I do is take notes during the week and then Sunday or Monday just sit in front of the lap top with those notes and type away. I'm also constantly editing spelling mistakes and grammatical errors after an entry has been published.
In looking back over the previous 249 editions, I've shared my many likes and dislikes. First up are the likes. Anthony Bourdain, Guinness beer, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, and I have a crush on woman named Lisa Roberston whose job it is to sell jewelry, fashion and beauty products on one of the home shopping networks. The two sports teams that I root for that seem to drive me nuts the most in entries are the Mets and Rutgers football.
Now for the dislikes. Sports agents, the NBA and its stars in general, Tiger Woods, the growing national debt and topping the list is Citi Field.
I have written many times about my passion for gardening, cooking, stand up comedy and commenting on the absurd in a humorous way in the mold of the late George Carlin, Dennis Leary, and more recently Bill Maher.
My favorite writers are Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom.
I like people or movie characters who display a certain amount of cockiness and arrogance to them.
I think that when ESPN does a 30 for 30 film series movie, or HBO does a sports documentary; its a must watch.
I'm a Travel Channel and Food Network junkie.
I've reminisced about Monmouth County New Jersey where I grew up. It was the best of both worlds. There was the shore to the east and if you headed west inland a bunch of corn and horse farms and a wonderful place called Delicious Orchards on route 34 in a town called Colts Neck.
I have a small, amazing group of friends whom I wouldn't trade for the world. I trust them with my life However, I don't trust them when it comes to setting me up on a date. I've discovered over time that when it comes to what traits you would like in a female companion and who your friends or family members think you should be with, you're on completely different pages. I shouldn't admit this, but they are probably right and more realistic about who I should be with too and on more than one occasion I've had someone say what I want doesn't exist or they're totally out of my league.
I really would like to have a steady girlfriend, but it's complicated.
I never thought I would be on Facebook, but I gave in, joined and I kind of like it.
Mom, people really do read, "The Greenhouse Effect." On more than one occasion she has asked, "Does anyone actually read your blog?" Yes they do. Commenting on entries, is a different story. In the 249 previous editions ,I have had a total of 8 comments from readers. I love hearing from you guys, so don't be afraid to comment.
In a future edition, Dan Miner is going ghost write it and I'm giving him the total freedom to write whatever he pleases.
I pick on Pete Cloutier often, but I consider Pete to be the crazy uncle that every family has that drives us nuts at times; but we love him at the same time because of that.
Finally, thanks to all the loyal readers who once or twice a week take a moment to look over, "The Greenhouse Effect." I look forward to writing it and already the notes for edition number 251 have been jotted down on the note pad and will be coming your way soon during the middle of the week. 250 entries, not a bad run and to quote Bourdain, "And I'm hungry for more."...Leccese out.
When the idea of the blogs were first run by us, I was reluctant. My mind was changed by Dan and Mike. They said that it could be funny and serious at same time. Write it like a stand up monologue that you might perform on stage they told me and that's what I try to do.
In writing an edition, what I do is take notes during the week and then Sunday or Monday just sit in front of the lap top with those notes and type away. I'm also constantly editing spelling mistakes and grammatical errors after an entry has been published.
In looking back over the previous 249 editions, I've shared my many likes and dislikes. First up are the likes. Anthony Bourdain, Guinness beer, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, and I have a crush on woman named Lisa Roberston whose job it is to sell jewelry, fashion and beauty products on one of the home shopping networks. The two sports teams that I root for that seem to drive me nuts the most in entries are the Mets and Rutgers football.
Now for the dislikes. Sports agents, the NBA and its stars in general, Tiger Woods, the growing national debt and topping the list is Citi Field.
I have written many times about my passion for gardening, cooking, stand up comedy and commenting on the absurd in a humorous way in the mold of the late George Carlin, Dennis Leary, and more recently Bill Maher.
My favorite writers are Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom.
I like people or movie characters who display a certain amount of cockiness and arrogance to them.
I think that when ESPN does a 30 for 30 film series movie, or HBO does a sports documentary; its a must watch.
I'm a Travel Channel and Food Network junkie.
I've reminisced about Monmouth County New Jersey where I grew up. It was the best of both worlds. There was the shore to the east and if you headed west inland a bunch of corn and horse farms and a wonderful place called Delicious Orchards on route 34 in a town called Colts Neck.
I have a small, amazing group of friends whom I wouldn't trade for the world. I trust them with my life However, I don't trust them when it comes to setting me up on a date. I've discovered over time that when it comes to what traits you would like in a female companion and who your friends or family members think you should be with, you're on completely different pages. I shouldn't admit this, but they are probably right and more realistic about who I should be with too and on more than one occasion I've had someone say what I want doesn't exist or they're totally out of my league.
I really would like to have a steady girlfriend, but it's complicated.
I never thought I would be on Facebook, but I gave in, joined and I kind of like it.
Mom, people really do read, "The Greenhouse Effect." On more than one occasion she has asked, "Does anyone actually read your blog?" Yes they do. Commenting on entries, is a different story. In the 249 previous editions ,I have had a total of 8 comments from readers. I love hearing from you guys, so don't be afraid to comment.
In a future edition, Dan Miner is going ghost write it and I'm giving him the total freedom to write whatever he pleases.
I pick on Pete Cloutier often, but I consider Pete to be the crazy uncle that every family has that drives us nuts at times; but we love him at the same time because of that.
Finally, thanks to all the loyal readers who once or twice a week take a moment to look over, "The Greenhouse Effect." I look forward to writing it and already the notes for edition number 251 have been jotted down on the note pad and will be coming your way soon during the middle of the week. 250 entries, not a bad run and to quote Bourdain, "And I'm hungry for more."...Leccese out.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Going into gym freak exile
Hi there. Just wrapped up one of those feel good weekends' that I hope the good vibes will spill into Monday and Tuesday.
Right off the bat, "Legen-dary" happened. I often talk about a special group of friends I have who are affectionately known as the "gym freaks." These are the people I work out with and are loyal almost to a cult like following of Les Mills fitness classes. Four of the instructors have opened up a new studio dedicated to those classes here in town. It's called Core and you should check the place out on Washington Street. You'll understand why I talk so glowingly about them. They opened this past Saturday and when I found out a few months earlier they were doing this, I knew I had to surprise them and do something special. I had an "Edible Arrangement" sent. I thought it would be the perfect and appropriate thing. It almost didn't happen. The closest store was in Clifton Park and the only thing I could get delivered if I ordered online were chocolate covered strawberries. Lucky for me a new shop opened in Saratoga just in the nick of time and I was able to get one of those neat arrangements delivered. They were totally caught off guard and blown away. Just like I had hoped. A simple flower arrangement or plant just wasn't gonna cut it for this group.
Right off the bat, "Legen-dary" happened. I often talk about a special group of friends I have who are affectionately known as the "gym freaks." These are the people I work out with and are loyal almost to a cult like following of Les Mills fitness classes. Four of the instructors have opened up a new studio dedicated to those classes here in town. It's called Core and you should check the place out on Washington Street. You'll understand why I talk so glowingly about them. They opened this past Saturday and when I found out a few months earlier they were doing this, I knew I had to surprise them and do something special. I had an "Edible Arrangement" sent. I thought it would be the perfect and appropriate thing. It almost didn't happen. The closest store was in Clifton Park and the only thing I could get delivered if I ordered online were chocolate covered strawberries. Lucky for me a new shop opened in Saratoga just in the nick of time and I was able to get one of those neat arrangements delivered. They were totally caught off guard and blown away. Just like I had hoped. A simple flower arrangement or plant just wasn't gonna cut it for this group.
The sad thing is I can't join Core until the new year because of my current gym membership. It's killing me inside that I won't be among the freaks and instructors right away. However, they will continue to inspire me during this so called "exile." I'll work out harder knowing that everyday will bring me closer to joining them and being a part of the group again. I haven't been in yet. I know I should go, but I don't want to until I can be a member. I want feel like that little kid on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa to come. Get back that extra little bit of adrenaline that goes through your body in anticipation knowing you'll be taking class with a particular instructor and the smile you get when you see them before it starts. Also there's that look of surprise when they're not expecting to see you in class and you show up. They are truly a special group and their friendship means so much to me.
Enough gym freak talk. On to other things. How come the Houston Astros can get three prospects from the Phillies for Hunter Pence, and Mets GM Sandy Alderson only managed to nab the Giants top pitching prospect who by the way has an ERA of 3.99 in Single A for 5 time All-Star Carlos Beltran? The other thing I found interesting about the whole Beltran thing was his deal he signed with then Mets GM Omar Minaya. What idiot team would agree to a contract that included a clause in it that would not include arbitration and the team would get draft picks if the player rejected it for free agency? That is about as boneheaded as the trade the Mets made with the Rays for Victor Zambrano and they gave up Scott Kazmir. Typical Mets management.
One more Mets note. There nothing more exciting in baseball than watching Jose Reyes leg out a triple.
Enough gym freak talk. On to other things. How come the Houston Astros can get three prospects from the Phillies for Hunter Pence, and Mets GM Sandy Alderson only managed to nab the Giants top pitching prospect who by the way has an ERA of 3.99 in Single A for 5 time All-Star Carlos Beltran? The other thing I found interesting about the whole Beltran thing was his deal he signed with then Mets GM Omar Minaya. What idiot team would agree to a contract that included a clause in it that would not include arbitration and the team would get draft picks if the player rejected it for free agency? That is about as boneheaded as the trade the Mets made with the Rays for Victor Zambrano and they gave up Scott Kazmir. Typical Mets management.
One more Mets note. There nothing more exciting in baseball than watching Jose Reyes leg out a triple.
Hold on. In the time it's taken you to read this entry up to this point, we had 6 more NFL free agent signings.
Did we really need a live action movie dedicated to the Smurfs and did it have to be in 3-d too?
Found it humorous to know that in the askmen.com annual survey it found that among the female and male celebrities that men are sick of hearing about the most topping the list were Lady Gaga and Justin Beiber.
My favorite thing we do at the radio station takes place Tuesday. The annual Celebrity Go-Cart race for 6 local charities at Adventure Racing. Remember all that day when you ride the carts, Adventure Racing will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to our charities. So bring your kids and channel that little kid in you and help us out by taking a turn on the track.
3 more NFL free agent signings and 2 trades have occurred and did the Patriots really trade for both Albert Haynesworth and Chad Eighty Five a.k.a Ocho Cinco?
See you in 5 months gym freaks or are we officially Core freaks now?..Leccese out.
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