The Greenhouse Effect

A really great birthday and other thoughts on a Saturday

2012-02-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Lots to talk about even though there's no more football, so lets get started.
Leading off was birthday #46 on Tuesday. It was as close to a perfect day as I could possibly have. I've mentioned many times that I'm not big on celebrations. I prefer the low key approach. I was able to start my day with the best of group of friends a person could have. The freaks at Core. For the first time I actually did 3 classes in a day! I was gunning for a fourth, but stupid me misread a Facebook post and I missed taking a class with an instructor who I get to see maybe 2 or 3 times a year. The vibe and energy that you get from taking one of this persons classes is like an addictive drug. I also heard from a former co-worker in a text message and that made my day. I miss that person. Dan Miner is my best friend and he and Peter didn't disappoint in the gift department. I got 3 cool tee-shirts from the Morning Club and downstairs crew at the radio station. A Giants championship t-shirt. A t-shirt from the movie, "Anchorman, the legend of Ron Burgundy;" and a really funny t-shirt from that viral video, "The Honey Badger!" The Honey Badger craze is going around the radio station and it drives me nuts! I made a promise that I would wear that shirt to a fitness class and I intend to keep that promise. You wanna know why? "Honey Badger Don't Care!" LOL.
You win a Super Bowl and what happens next after the parades and celebrations die down? The line forms in front of Jerry Reese's desk looking for contracts to be re-negotiated. It's amazing how much players talk about how special a group a guys they are lucky to play with when they win a championship, but only if they've been taken care of financially. If I were Jerry Reese my big concerns would be in no order: Osi Umenyiora, Mario Manningham and Steve Weatherford. Victor Cruz, have another year like you did this year, and Mr.Mara and Mr.Tisch will take care of you. Same goes for you Jason Pierre-Paul.
On the Patriots side of the ball, with those 4 picks in the first and second rounds, get some receivers with a 4th gear to help out Brady, Welker, Gronkowski and Hernandez. One name Coach Belichick: Mohammed Sanu!
The last time Knicks fans were that excited about a Ivy League player making such a positive impact on their team, it was Bill Bradley. Jeremy Lin from Harvard. Enjoy the moment for as long it lasts and stay grounded. First Ryan Fitzpatrick and now Jeremy Lin. I'll put good money down on it that the alums of Harvard are loving every minute of this and they should. We need more good stories like that.
Now for the bad. The second most famous alumnus of Middletown South High School in Middletown NJ next to me, Knowshon Moreno from the Broncos got pulled over and charged with a DUI driving an uninsured Bentley. The best or worst part of it was the vanity plates on the vehicle. The plate read: SAUCED. I'm not making that one up. Too funny or sad depending on what angle you look at it.
Kimmy Kardashian wants her divorce settlement done in private. We suffered enough with the 2 hour made for tv marriage special. Look Kimmy, you owe us one after that 74 day sham of a marriage. Besides, you could make even more money selling the rights to the divorce hearings.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Rosie O'Donnell playing match maker by introducing Jenny McCarthy to Tim Tebow after McCarthy told Rosie that she had a crush on him. Tim, stay away from Jenny McCarthy. She's one bat sh-t crazy woman! Talk to Tony Romo, and ask about what it was like dating "Scary" Carrie Underwood. Find a nice "girl next door" type with the same passionate spiritual values you have and live happily ever after.
Normally on Valentine's day I would get to play, "Love Stinks" by J.Geils Band. Not this year. No Weird Al Yankovic medley of, "You Don't Love Me Anymore" and "One More Minute" either. It has stopped being funny. My parents have been together as a couple for 50 years now! Started dating in January of 1962. Remarkable isn't it? My Valentine's day? Gonna be broadcasting the Adirondack League Basketball Championship games at ACC. Should be 2 good ones.
Thanks again everyone for the great birthday and all the sincere wishes. You're the best...Leccese out.

Post Superbowl and other thoughts

2012-02-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Here I am on the eve of another birthday (I turn XLVI Tuesday if you want to know) and its been another one of those quiet weeks with not a lot that stuck out or caught my attention enough to make note of it.
As for the Super Bowl, it was a great game and I'm thrilled that the Giants won. No over analysis on who coulda, shoulda, or who didn't do what they were supposed to do. Eli Manning made one more big play than Tom Brady did; and when they had to, the Giants D made sure the field stayed just a little too long for Brady to make a comeback.
I didn't actually watch the game. NBC's coverge was and is awful to begin with. Enough of Dan Patrick, Bob Costas, Al Michaels and Cris Collingsworth. The theme with Faith Hill makes me want to sit in a corner while sucking my thumb in the fetal position. I listened to WFAN's broadcast with Bob Papa and Carl Banks. I didn't see any of the commercials or Madonna's halftime show with M.I.A and her flashing the "We're number 1!" sign to the camera with her middle finger.
I did see the Matthew Broderick commercial for Honda. It would have been better a better ad if Matthew had been driving in a S2000 sports car that he borrowed from Alan Ruck instead of a SUV. Ferris Bueller going through a mid life crisis.
HBO has done it again. Their latest sports documentary on Joe Namath is brilliant. It talks about this guy from Beaver Falls Pennsylvania who goes on to star for Bear Bryant at Alabama, plays for the Jets becomes "Broadway Joe" and was a matinee idol during his time. He also didn't duck the Suzy Kolber, "give me a kiss" incident; or his involvement in a night club he co-owned called, "Bachelors 3." Must watch for sports fans.
I get the impression my sister wants me to give up the radio gig. I think she either wants me to move down to South Carolina and open up one of those food trucks you see everywhere or open a restaurant that features American takes on classic Italian dishes. I'll tell you what I'm getting as a birthday present from her little clan in the next entry.
Normally when it comes to canned soup or entrees I sort draw the line since I'm a highly talented home cook and I can make it better myself. I am giving props to Campbells Slow Kettle style Burgundy Beef Stew. It wasn't half bad. In fact, it was actually delicious. I would buy and try it again.
Last in this weeks entry is my secret crush made it to the top of the list. In the recent askmen.com survey Sofia Vergara was number 1 on the list of most desirable women for 2012. Chalk up one for me. Hope Lisa Robertson doesn't get jealous, LOL. One of the good things about being single and not in a relationship or married is I can write these things and not have to worry about the consequences...Leccese out.

Blindsided by Buccaneer Bruce

2012-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hi there. This weeks entry (number 275 if you're keeping count) was supposed to be a short simple one that talked about the AFC and NFC championship games. Well I go to check my e-mails and the headline read, "Bucs to hire Schiano." I click on the headline and my heart sank. I was a quarterback who just got sacked by the legendary Leroy Selmon. The Tampa Bay Bucs were able to do what the University of Miami and Michigan couldn't do. Convince Greg Schiano to leave Rutgers for their head coaching job. Look I understand that change is part of what makes the world go round, and it was inevitable that the coach would leave someday for greener pastures. When it happens though, you're never prepared. Let me say this about Greg Schiano, if it weren't for him the only thing people would know about Rutgers football is that they played in the first college game against Princeton back in the 1860's. I've been a Rutgers fan since high school when my close friend Eddie Farley got a scholarship to play football for Dick Anderson when he became head coach at the school. So for about 20 years I had nothing to cheer about. Rutgers was that bad. Greg Schiano changed the losing culture into winning. It took a couple of years. Convinced great kids like Brian Leonard and Ray Rice to play for Rutgers and they started winning and got them to bowl games. He also ran a clean program and his kids were student athletes who graduated. You see Rutgers alums being drafted and playing in the NFL. Think about that kid Eric LeGrand. Greg Schiano was at his bed side every night after that accident on the field. Look at Eric LeGrand now and how's he's doing. He's going to walk again someday. Who ever Tim Pernetti chooses, that person has to replace the guy who made Rutgers relevant! Big shoes to fill. I compare the job Greg Schiano did at Rutgers to that of Bill Snyder at Kansas State. He took a program that was so low down on the totem pole and took them to heights that no one thought was possible.
As for the AFC and NFC championship games. They were amazing games and that's what makes the NFL so special at times. Both were classic 15 round heavyweight title fights and unfortunately only 2 had to be left standing. I was happy about the two that were left standing.
Joe Paterno's recent death reminded me of the passing of another coaching legend, Paul "Bear" Bryant. One month after he retired, he was gone. Don't judge Joe Paterno by what happened in the end and the Jerry Sandusky stuff. Remember him for all the good he did for Penn State and college athletics in general.
One non sports story. Tim Gunn of fashion and style fame said he hasn't had sex in 29 years. He's hasn't missed it. Good for him. I know that I'm not the most sexually experienced male on the planet. It's been the butt of many jokes among my friends and co-workers and I don't mind the barbs at all. I joke about it all the time. I'm not ashamed of it. Come on, I tell my listeners that two movies have been made about my life. "The 40 year old Virgin" and "Failure to Launch." However, in defense of my virginity I was brought up to believe and still do that you do it for the right reason. You love someone and it's part of the relationship process. I haven't met that person yet. I have had opportunities, but it wasn't right. The consequences weren't worth it. I hope that makes sense.
Superbowl prediction next week and thanks Coach Schiano, Piscataway won't be the same without you and that's what worries me...Leccese out.

Super Bowl picks and other thoughts

2012-01-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

Hi there. So my parents have left for their 3 month stay at the southern fortress of solitude in Fripp Island SC and what comes, SNOW. Great timing huh.
First in this edition is Super Bowl picks. Last week 3 for 4 with my only loss being the Giants. A few observations on the games from last weekend. The Niner team that you see now is nothing like the Joe Montana led teams from the 80's and early 90's. They were a finesse team that short passed and ran like the wind after the catch you to death. This years' edition plays a nasty defense and runs the ball effectively setting up the pass. The Saints only problem was the Niners got the ball last.
Rob Gronkowski is a stud tight end period and Adrian Hernandez compliments him well for the Patriots. Now if Bill Belichick remembers how coach a defense like he did with the Giants...I don't want to think about how good they will be again.
Ravens playing over their heads but are just doing enough to win.
Joe Flacco is becoming everyone's whipping boy. Ed Reed calls him out, and the other day one of his neighbors actually contacted the Ravens front office to let them know he was riding a skateboard in his driveway!
As for the Giants. They're not intimidated by a hostile crowd, because they have to deal with the home fans when they stink up the Meadowlands. Eli Manning was asked if he thought he was an elite quarterback along the lines of Brady, Rodgers, Big Ben in Pittsburgh and Drew Brees. He honestly answered yes and people laughed. Um, I think he's backed up those words.
Super Bowl Prediction. Patriots and the Giants in two weeks in Indy.
On to other things.
There is this product out there called "bacon lube." It's a bacon flavored and scented massage oil. The notion of rubbing a bacon scented oil on a woman's back is repulsive. I can picture it. Dim lights, candles, Marvin Gaye's 'Let's get it on" playing in the background and you're rubbing a hickory or apple wood smoked bacon oil on your girlfriend or wife's back while in the mood. I'm not thinking intimacy or intercourse, I'm thinking "what's for brunch and pass me a Mimosa."
I was disappointed when I didn't make the cut for that story on Glens Falls most eligible bachelors.
Last week it was Hostess bakeries and this week Kodak corporation filed for bankruptcy protection. Who's next, IBM?
I've got not one, but two "This weeks sign of the apocalypse."  Leading off, Lady GaGa is working with Harvard University to launch, "The Born this Way" foundation. Not in my lifetime would you think that would happen. I figured she would be honored by the schools' "Hasty Pudding" drama club.
Second one comes from Utah where the PC police swat team are at it again.  Corner Canyon High School is scheduled to open in September of 2013.  They let the students choose the mascot. The students chose the name, "Cougars" because of its closeness to BYU. The school board overruled the students and changed the name to Chargers because they thought the name "Cougars" would be offensive to older women! I live in Chestertown and I have yet to be asked to sign a petition by any middle age women wanting to change North Warren's mascot for that same reason.
Finally say a prayer for Gary Carter. "The Kid" has been fighting brain cancer and doctors found more tumors.  It's not looking good. What a heck of ball player he was and an even better person...Leccese out.

I am becoming Sheldon Cooper after all

2012-01-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well here we are and winter has finally arrived in our glorious tri-county area. Not much going on, but we do have some things to talk about.
First off NFL picks where on wild card weekend I went 2 for 4. Wins for the Giants and Saints, and losses on the Steelers and Bengals. Two observations from last weekends games. The Steelers looked like an old, beat up football team against the Broncos who can play some serious defense. The other one I have is for the first time in the two year history of the new Meadowlands stadium, Giants fans finally made the place feel like the old one that was across the parking lot where Lawrence Taylor, Simms, Parcells and Co. would make opposing teams lives miserable come December and January.
As for this weeks picks. Niners, Ravens, Patriots, and although my heart says go with the Giants, my head says take the Packers and that's my pick...The Packers
Maybe you've heard of the Sports Illustrated cover jinx or the Madden football video game cover jinx, Could there be a Post Star article curse? Well where I live in Chestertown they might believe it. Some nice articles have been written about the recent success of both the boys and girls basketball teams at North Warren. The Cougars boys team lost a couple of games and the girls team has been hit with the injury bug and have to play unbeaten Argyle tonight. The WWSC curse only seem to affect free throw shooters. We'll mention during the broadcast that a person or team hasn't missed a free throw and bazinga! Brick layer!
In our show prep there was a story of how some parents are upset with General Mills for coming out with Multi-Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios. With all the sugar loaded cereals out there, aren't their other cereals to boycott. We are talking Cheerios here. I don't ever remember Honey Nut Cheerios being boycotted. I just finished a box of the Peanut Butter ones and they are good.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Hostess Company has declared bankruptcy. I didn't think cutting back on my Twinkee, Ho-Ho, and Suzie Q intake would cause that much financial trouble. My apologies.
So I go into the new coffee shop that is a couple of steps down from the radio station to buy a chocolate chip cookie. Great place, you should stop in and try it by the way. Back to the story. I look up from staring into the display case and I see one of the fitness instructors from Core sitting at one of the tables there. Make a nice little wave. Awkward moment to say the least. I might have to do some extra crunches or push ups to wipe away the guilt.
If J-Woww does Dancing with the Stars, I may have to watch. On second thought, no.
The more and more I watch , "The Big Bang Theory" I'm discovering that I truly am Sheldon Cooper after all. I have a couple of female friends who could fit the Penny bill. Still looking for the, "Amy." I hate when Dan Miner and John Pratt are right...Leccese out.

The Invasion of the seed catalogs have begun

2012-01-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Happy New Year. I assume an overwhelming majority of you loyal readers did not ring in the new year like I did. In bed by 9:30pm and in a deep sleep not knowing whether the new year arrived or not.
O.K. its Wild Card weekend in the NFL and before I give you my picks, a re-cap of last weeks five. 2 for 5. Wins for the Chargers and the Cincinnati Bearcats in their bowl game. OT loss for Va Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Texans go for the win and botch a 2 point conversion and lose to the Titans on the final play, and finally there was West Virginia's 70 - 33 drubbing of Clemson in the Orange Bowl. I didn't see that one coming. Wild card weekend picks plus a bowl game. Bowl game. K-State over Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. NFL picks. Bengals, Saints, Giants and Steelers.
After looking at some of the scores in these bowl games, I would be very afraid if I were a defensive co-ordinator at a major college program.
Offensively these no huddle, spread, shotgun, pistol formations are driving me nuts. It must make the defensive guys wake up with nightmares screaming audibles watching qb's at the line of scrimmage moving their arms pointing out schemes and a speed of sound pace like they've downed 3 or 4 of those energy drinks loaded with caffeine.
If 2010 was the year of marital infidelity, 2011 should go down as the year of celebrity divorces. Katy Perry and Russell Brand no longer together after only 1 year.
Moving on. The invasion of the seed catalogs have arrived at the Garden Boys' home. The count is currently 9 and growing. And you thought the Christmas catalogs from gourmet food companies were endless.
I enjoyed the everything about the NHL Winter Classic, but I have to agree with John Tortorella about the officiating. I've mentioned this before: If the coaches and players have to address the media, so should the officials to explain calls and be under the same scrutiny.
I felt like a kid again watching the Alumni game. Seeing the Ranger players I grew up idolizing playing against some of the Flyer greats of the Broad Street Bullies of the 70's. You should have your hockey fan card taken away from you if you didn't get a chill seeing Bernie Parent play goal for those 5 minutes.
Three days into 2012 and states are holding caucuses and primaries that will affect the presidential election which occurs 10 months later. Is there any way we can like shrink the campaign time? The primary season goes on forever til like May. Then the lull until the conventions in August or early September followed by debates and the actual voting.
Tiger Woods ex Elin Nordegren buys a 12 million dollar mansion and bulldozes the thing to build something else on the property. I would love to see a place like that imploded with explosives shown on tv like they do old skyscrapers or sports stadiums.
Since I have Directv it doesn't affect me, but I'm feeling sorry for my Time Warner friends who've lost MSG Network over the usual right fees. The only thing I care about when it comes to MSG is the whole Buffalo Sabres bs.
I've changed my relationship status to "single" on my Facebook page. It's no longer complicated. It stopped being funny.
Well I've made through one week of the kindlier, gentler, less angry Ken Leccese. Giving up sarcasm is harder than I thought. I'm comparing this to being a batter at the plate. The pitcher gives him one right in his wheel house and instead of swinging for the fences, he keeps the bat on the shoulder and takes a called strike...Leccese out.

Saying Goodbye to 2011 and hoping for a better 2012

2011-12-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well here we are nearing the end of 2011 and looking forward to 2012. Personally 2011 like most years for me its had its peaks and valleys, and for once I would like a year that has nothing but peaks the size of Mount Everest and doesn't dip down into Death Valley.
Over the Christmas holiday I did practice safe skyping (I am the national spokesman, remember?) and there was no back trouble this year. Sorry Dr. MacNaughton, I'll be in for my regular treatment next week. As for my gifts. A nice selection of gift cards, some clothes I don't have to buy and a new toy.  A digital camera. I don't have to borrow Mike's now. He got a new camera for Christmas too. Now he has two old cameras in case someone else needs to borrow one. I also got to spend part of my Christmas Eve with my friends after Combat class at Core. They're like extended family and I love spending any time with them.
O.K. its the final week of Upset Specials and currently we are 3 for 4 with last weeks picks. Wins for NC State in the Belk Bowl, and both the Vikings and Bills delivered victories on Christmas Eve. The lone loss came from Western Michigan. Since I'm typing this entry before the Notre Dame plays Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl we won't know the outcome yet. This week, go with this 3 pack of bowl games. Cincinnati over Vandy in the Liberty Bowl, Clemson over W.Virginia in the Orange Bowl, and Va Tech over Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. Now for the pro upset specials. Houston as home underdogs beating the Titans, and the Chargers on the road beating Da Raiders at the Black Hole.
I'd feel a lot better about the Giants chances Sunday night against the Cowboys if the game was being played in Dallas. Why do I have this strange feeling that another embarrassing home clunker loss is going to happen.
I'm a huge fan of Bill Maher, but he lost a ton of my respect with a tweet of his regarding Tim Tebow's 4 interception performance against the Bills. It ranked up there with Hank Williams comments on Fox News. It was down right wrong. Look, I admit to being not the most spiritual person on the planet. However, I respect and admire people who do believe and are passionate about their faith. I just want that same respect back for my non belief instead of getting dirty looks and having theology lectures forced down my throat about how someone should be my personal savior. The other thing I found out about Bill Maher that he's a big time member of that idiotic animal rights group whom I despise.
Kimmy K and Kris Humphries shouldn't feel so bad anymore that their sham of a reality show marriage lasted only 74 days. One hit wonder Sinead O'Connor tied the knot for the 3rd time and it lasted only 18 days. She is quoted as saying, "I knew I had made a mistake 3 hours into it." No comment.
I've been working out over at the other gym I belong to this week and saw the photo shoot in Maxim magazine of Jenni "J-Woww" Farley from Jersey Shore. She's got a stunning body and great looks, but that smile. Ugghh!  Her picture is next to the definition of, "dumb brunette." in Webster's dictionary.
Now for the New Years resolutions. I'm trying to narrow it down to about 5, maybe 6. There's always the, "Big 3."  Save more money. Lose weight, and eat healthier. I have one challenge resolution. Being less sarcastic. I've been told that sarcasm is a form of anger. If this is true, I'm one really angry individual. That one is going to be tough.  The humor in this blog is built on sarcastic remarks about the world around me. I like getting those little digs on people because, well they can be...stupid.
Here's to a safe, healthy and prosperous 2012. I've got thank you cards to write...Leccese out.

I've been named a national spokesman and Christmas Wishes from the Greenhouse Effect

2011-12-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

Hi there and from all of the staff at The Greenhouse Effect to all my friends and loyal readers, nothing but the best for your Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah celebrations. I'll have another edition that involve new years resolutions next week.
First upset specials. A perfect 2 for 2 last week with the Colts and Seahawks coming up in the "W" column. A couple of bowl predictions. NC State in the Belk Bowl, Western Michigan in the Little Caesar's Bowl and the Golden Domers over Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl. Now for another pair of pro upset specials. Take the Bills at home over the Broncos and Tim Tebow, and your second is the Vikes on the road over the Redskins in DC.
Yes indeed its true, I've be named the national spokesman for a serious problem that occurs during the holidays. We all know about injuries and the rare fatality that occurs putting up the Christmas tree or elaborate outdoor light displays. I'm hear as National spokesman to preach the importance of safe Skyping. That's right injuries that can happen by video conferencing during the holidays. After injuring my lower back Skyping last Christmas, I was chosen to protect and warn those who intend to Skype the holidays the importance of sitting comfortably and relaxed so visits to the hospital emergency room or chiropractor won't take place. So make sure you have plenty of leg room, a comfortable chair or floor to sit in or on, and be properly hydrated with an appropriate beverage while celebrating the holidays in front of your video camera hooked up to or already in your laptop. It could save a life, mainly yours.
Other things. The Packers losing to the Chiefs. Nobody and I mean nobody saw that one coming. Even the Chiefs fans had marked that one in the loss column.
Shawn Marion of the Dallas Mavericks wants to be referred to as, "World Champion." I prefer one of the scrubs who play with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd.
So you want to own a piece of a sports team? Here's two options. Buy a 4 percent share of the Mets for 20 millions dollars, or for the bargain price of only $250.00 plus a $25.00 handling fee, own a share of the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are the better investment even though you really don't actually "own" a share of the team.
The other night I'm channel surfing and I see the music video for "All I want for Christmas is You" with Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber. For a woman in her early 40's who had twins, she lost that baby weight gain really well and looks phenomenal. Justin Bieber is only just 17 and some of the flirting that takes place in the video...well female teachers have been arrested for doing less with a male student.
Next week, fill in work for the Morning Club. Enjoy your holiday and remember to always practice safe Skyping...Leccese out.

Chocolate chips or no chocolate chips in the banana bread? To that question an answer I seek.

2011-12-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hi there. 9 days til Christmas and most of my shopping is done. I told you gift cards and specialty food items found in catalogs are the way to go. Just got to pick up something for my parents and a few stocking stuffers and Santa Kenny is done. Don't ask me to help with wrapping, its not a strong point. Remember that takes co-ordination and I'm not that. Putting on tags, that I can do and plus I write legibly.
Upset specials time and I was a perfect 0 for 2 last week. Now for another pair of pro upset specials. Next week starts college bowl predictions. First upset special is the Colts actually winning a game and beating the Titans at home. Second upset special. The Seahawks go into Chicago and beat the Bears who are without their starting qb Jay Cutler, top rusher Matt Forte, and now a wide out named Sam Hurd who got busted with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.
Ndamukong Suh and James Harrison. You just don't get it now do you? What color is the sky in your world?
I've been quiet on the Jerry Sandusky and Bernie Fine cases for good reason, but now after these two latest revelations. It is time write something. Yesterday, one of Sandusky's attorney's actually said that a reason he was in the shower with those boys was to teach them to properly use soap on their body. The legendary basketball coach Abe Lemon once said, "You know what they call the fellow who finishes last in his medical school graduating class? They call him Doctor." After hearing that statement I might have to change that to law school and lawyer. As for Bobby Davis and Mike Lang, they lost a lot of credibility in my opinion when Gloria Allred was by their side as council when they announced the defamation suit against Syracuse University and Jim Boeheim. She is without a shadow of a doubt the highest profile ambulance chasing lawyer in history.
Now that we're into high school basketball and hockey seasons, I took a look at the offensive numbers the Argyle Scots boys team have put up in their first 3 games. 92, 82, and 81 points. Impressive. The last time I saw team put up numbers like that, a certain number 32 who now plays for the Sacramento Kings was playing for Glens Falls High.
Ben Flajnick is the new "Bachelor." He turned down a date with Jennifer Love Hewitt! What are you nuts? Your man card deserves to be revoked for that one. If I was married or in a relationship and Jennifer Love Hewitt asked me out; I'd ask my wife or girlfriend for a hall pass to take advantage of that opportunity.
Kris Humphries goes on Good America thinking he was going to talk about his mom's cookie baking. Most of the talk was about his failed 74 day marriage to "you know who." He was slightly offended and a little upset. What did you think was the interview going to be about? The state of the NBA collective bargaining agreement talks or your true feelings about the Nets moving to Brooklyn next year?
So the NBA rejected the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers, but David Stern approved a deal to send him to the Clippers! LIfe isn't so bad after all.
Jennifer Aniston was named sexiest woman of all time in a recent edition of Men's Health magazine. If she's lucky, she's sneaks in at 9 or 10 on a good day.
Time Magazine named "The Protestor" as its "Man of the Year." That doesn't change my feelings towards those ones who are always around Centennial Circle on Sunday or on occasion in front of Congressman Gibson's office. Get a life!
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Howard Stern is replacing Piers Morgan as a judge on, "America's Got Talent."
Finally a British girl threatened to kill Santa and his reindeer if she didn't get at least two things on her Christmas list. Her mother said her daughter can be a little demanding at times. You think?
I want to bring in homemade banana bread for my fellow combat warriors after class Tuesday morning. So, should I add the chocolate chips or not?...Leccese out.

It could have been worse and its only a water heater

2011-12-09T05:08:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well here we are a little over 2 weeks away from Christmas. I still haven't done any shopping, except for that one gift for my Mom. How hard it is to buy gift cards anyway? Except what kind of a gift card do you give to a 6 year old?
So Wednesday night I get home knowing there might be 6 inches of snow overnight into Thursday morning. I parked my SUV down by my mail box at the bottom of the hill where I live thinking my folks are not around and it will be easy for my plow guy to get rid of all the snow on my driveway. Get home, drop the briefcase and head for my bedroom. Took one step and realized, "Houston ,we have a problem." Water heater dies and floods my bedroom. Called my contractor up, he pays an emergency visit. I've got the water shut off, a hose draining the remaining water from the tank, and a shop vac working overtime sucking up water. My Dad gets home and the two of us spent parts of the night and yesterday morning tearing up and removing the soaking wet carpet and padding. My room now looks like the Hits studio after the morning show gets done. The good news is damage was limited to just that one room and I get to pick out new carpet and maybe I'll paint the room over too.
Upset specials time. Not a good week. Another 1 for 3 week. Only winner Clemson. This week a pair of pros til bowl season kicks off. First Buffalo goes on the road to San Diego and knocks off the "not so super Chargers." Second upset special Vikings on the road in Detroit beating the Lions and I have no clue why they will.
Last weeks Giants/Packers game was one of those 15 round championship heavyweight fights from the past and in the end the champs had one more punch left in them to stay unbeaten.
Tim Tebow. In football, we are so obsessed with the "6ft 3 inch white stud with the cannon for an arm" or the "6ft 4 inch black american athletic quarterback who does everything and is like Houdini when he escapes the pocket and makes a big play type" qb. When the unorthodox types like Tim Tebow comes along, its like the space time continuum becomes screwed up. Look the guy wins and that's all that matters. Ugly wins isn't a stat. Who cares if he's passionate about his faith.
Bobby Valentine named manager of the RedSox. The media in Boston got an early Xmas present this year.
Another messing with the space time continuum. The Marlins and Angels are the ones who are overpaying for talent and not the Yankees.
Mets fans understand this. The team lost 70 million dollars last year! Jose Reyes wasn't going to take a fair market value contract from the them! The 140 million dollar payroll years didn't work. If I hear the, "but this is New York" or "we're becoming as relevant as the Royals or the Pirates." excuse one more time. Never mind what I'm going to do. I hear it enough from Knicks fans and now it will be why Chris Paul is going to the Lakers and why the Hornets didn't accept 2 bench scrubs and 3 City Dancers for the guard in a trade. My advice to Mets fans is this. Stop worrying about what the guys in the Bronx are doing. They play by a different set of rules than everybody else, O.K? Maybe fiscal responsibility and developing home grown talent will work out.
NHL realignment. Did you see what radical plan was approved by the Board of Governors? Why are the Panthers and Lightning in the same division as the Canadiens and Bruins? Did whomever came up with this solution pass geography? Every time I think Gary Bettman might not be such an idiot after all, he does something stupid like this.
It is just me or as you get older, "The Charlie Brown Christmas" becomes more depressing when you watch it?
If you want to set me off, bring up this topic. Christmas parties. Me not being in attendance at one of these functions is not going bring on one of the seven signs of the apocalypse. I'm not anti-social and I'm not a scrooge. I just can't stand them. I'm not good at small talk and they're not fun. If a sign of the apocalypse does happen though during the festivities, you have my permission to call me up on my cell phone, e-mail me home or work, or chew me out while I'm on the air and tell me I was wrong. Enjoy the weekend and help me with this one. How many different shades of beige are there?..Leccese out.

The Greenhouse Effect is a Christmas music free zone

2011-12-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hi there. O.K. 24 more days til Christmas and now that it's December I can start shopping. However the scrooge in me draws the line at decorating the house for 6 weeks. I dislike having to lug boxes from my garage, rearranging furniture to put up decorations and lights and then wrapping fake garland around my banister and on the mantle of my fireplace. No tree either. I don't send out Christmas cards and I really dislike the year in review letters that come with them. I don't need to be reminded how pathetic and sad my life is by reading a note from someone who's perfect life makes me feel even more inferior.
Upset Specials time boys and girls. Last week was a total loss except for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Fighting Irish over Stanford? Didn't happen. Bears over the Raiders?. Nope. Winnipeg Blue Bombers winning the Grey Cup? Chalk up another in the loss column with that pick. This week is another 4 pack. Pro upset special. Redskins over the J-E-T-S. Now for a, "3 is a magic number" college selections. Regular season game. Colorado State over Wyoming. Big 10 title game: Michigan State over Wisconsin. A.C.C. title game: Clemson over Va Tech.
There wasn't enough Guinness on hand to drown my sorrows after watching both Rutgers and the Giants not show up for their important games with UConn and the Saints. If I was back in Jersey, I would have thought about jumping off the Driscoll Bridge that spans the Raritan River on the Garden State Parkway.
Time to play that great game known as, "You make the call!" O.K. who was the bigger dumb a-- this past weekend in NFL games. Your choices. Ndamukong Suh who did the river dance on the arm of a member of the Packers Thanksgiving day, or the Bills Stevie Johnson who's td celebration acted like Plaxico Burress when he accidentally pulled the trigger. Now you make the call!
If I were an NHL coach, I'd be scared right now after seeing 3 of the fraternity get canned this week.
I don't what bored me more, seeing Sidney Crosby return from his concussions or the NBA coming to a collective bargaining agreement with its players.
Want to know the reason why there is labor peace in Major League Baseball. No Donald Fehr running the mlb players association! Gary Bettman and the NHL is doomed now that Fehr is in charge of the NHLPA and their labor agreement is up after this year.
I know it was nice seeing Kimmy Kardashian doing her part by helping serve thanksgiving dinner to needy folks along with other celebrities in L.A. Personally I think it would have been better time spent if she had been trying to work on her marriage problems. Now we find out that her sister Kourtney is pregnant again. Please just go away all of you with the name Jenner or Kardashian attached to it. That includes you to Bruce!
Just because I'm the Garden Boy doesn't mean I think about it 24/7. I'm getting seed catalogs already along with the endless Christmas catalogs in the mail. Too soon to start think about what to plant in 2012.
You want to what's wrong with the justice system. I'll tell you. The woman from Los Angeles on Black Friday who pepper sprayed anyone who would come near her so they wouldn't get near a video game she wanted to buy won't be charged because she acted in self defense. Point two. The man in Norway won't have to stand trial in the bombing and massacre at that teen camp because he isn't competent to stand trial. He was mentally capable of pulling the trigger and making that bomb, he can face the music. Also I have a feeling that the lunatic who shot those 8 people dead and wounded Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona will also not have to stand trial because he's nutty enough to make a can of mixed nuts jealous. It's not right.
Note to the protesters who claim they are part of the 99 percent. If you spent more time working harder trying to get ahead and less time protesting, there is that chance you could be part of the 1 percent you're complaining and protesting so much about.
I finally went to a Phantoms game Wednesday night. I think the team has potential to be a play-off contender. I have to ask this one question. Do we really need the video boards? I found them to be a distraction. My major gripe is that the scrolling message boards on the top and bottom of the center ice scoreboard are not used at all. I would like to know goal and penalty information not just from Dan announcing it over the P.A. system. The video boards are a waste of money if you ask me. I would have rather the money go to fixing up the locker rooms or a new ice resurfacer, preferably a Zamboni model.
Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.

It hasn't been the same for a long time. Miss you Uncle Tony and Aunt Jo

2011-11-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Here I am on typing away on Thanksgiving before an afternoon with my parents looking out at the bird feeder and hoping the finches and chickadees enjoy their holiday meal that I put out for them. Thanksgiving as a holiday is an afterthought for me now. I miss those days when I would be with my cousins and aunts and uncles in East Hartford Connecticut this time of year. Growing up in a large Italian-American family meant 4 days of eating, drinking, football, card games and as we got older seeing if potential spouses were worthy of joining our big clan. That's one thing I never got to do. Bring a girlfriend to the festivities. I would have loved to have my Uncle Tony give her his approval; or my aunts and female cousins test her toughness. The male cousins would torture, and I mean torture boyfriends as part of the ritual. I now enjoy working on air Thanksgiving morning and just relaxing the rest of the day. It's not the same and hasn't been for a long time.
Enough reminiscing. Upset special time! Split week. Won on the college as Kansas State beat Texas; and lost on the pro with Titans. Here we go. Got a batch of them for you. Pro upset special. No Jay Cutler, no problem for the Bears who are dogs on the road in Oakland. College upset specials. Got 2 for you this week. Big 10 plus two country first where the Golden Gophers of Minnesota are home against the Fightin' Illini of Illinois. Go with Minnesota. Second upset special, I'm thinking Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame going to Palo Alto and beating Andrew Luck and the Stanford Cardinal. The last pick is the annual "Pete Tobey Grey Cup upset special" pick. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeat the BC Lions for the CFL title. It's been a good year for the province of Manitoba. First they get the Jets back, and then they'll win the Grey Cup.
Can we get some good news in college sports? We all know what's going on at Penn State and Syracuse, but it didn't get better. You had the tragedy of Oklahoma State losing its womens' basketball coach and an assistant in a plane crash on a recruiting trip and after an Arkansas game football one of its players was found dead in his dorm room.
I found a good story. He's a walk-on freshman qb at Michigan named Alex Swieca who never played high school football. He actually went to Israel after graduating high school and was playing 8 man a side amateur football while living there for a year before going to college.. He sent a tape to one of the coaches and they are giving him the chance to be a part of the team. I'm rooting for this "Rudy" like kid to climb up the depth charts.
I'm happy for Tiger Woods that he was able win the clinching point for Team U.S.A in the Presidents Cup. Look, I know I've ripped him in the past. I want him to bounce back from his health problems and his marital infidelity. Note to the Ryder Cup selection committee, Freddie Couples has captained Team U.S.A for the past 2 wins in this event and don't you think its about time he deserves a Ryder Cup captaincy.
"Amish hate crimes." It doesn't seem right at all.
Another reason why Tony Bourdain is totally cool and the man. He appeared on "The Simpsons."
Jenny McCarthy is going on Match.com to find a boyfriend. I'm sorry. but she's like Chelsea Handler and Sarah Silverman. Very attractive, but one scary "I'm not going no where near her" type.
I thought about what female celebrity I would like to date JP and Mags, and its Sofia Vergara from Modern Family. The LA Clippers have a better chance of winning the NBA Championship that I have that ever happening.
Michelle Bachmann got all upset by the music that Jimmy Fallon played when she appeared on his show. Get over it. Lighten up. Be hopeful you might be considered for a cabinet position.
Saw this last weekend. There's an Entemann's cookbook out. If the famous crumb cake recipe is in, I just may have to buy it.
Twilight versus the Muppets this week at the movies. Should be an interesting battle at the box office this weekend.
799 kids were adopted this year. I can't thank you all enough for your continued generosity.
Enjoy the holiday. Go Middletown South Eagles and Rutgers...Leccese out.

Yoga Mats and McRibs

2011-11-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there. First off thanks to everybody for the continued support of our Adopt A Child program. We'll have close 700 hundred kids adopted in just 2 weeks. Amazing!
Leading off, Upset Specials! 2 for 3 last week with the Pitt Panthers and the Seahawks winning and the lone loss comes at the hand of UCLA. You get 2 this week. College is heading to the Big 12 where I'm liking the K-State Wildcats on the road over the Texas Longhorns. Pro upset special seeing the Titans on the road in Atlanta beating the Falcons.
My favorite player in the NFL maybe Bills receiver David Nelson. Not only is his girlfriend an NFL cheerleader, she's the ultimate rah rah. A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Plus he caught a td pass in last weekends' ass whooping. How cool is that and then you give the ball to her. You dah man David Nelson.
Now for the absurd. My favorite animal rights group (NOT!) hasn't been in the news lately so they've decided to be upset with a video game! Since everyone's favorite plumber Mario uses the suit of some mythical Japanese raccoon/dog like thing, it's like he's wearing fur or killing the mythical Japanese raccoon to wear his skin. I'm getting a migrane just writing this. Also they have this campaign about eating turkey for Thanksgiving using the family dog to make their point. Just poke my eye out with a ice pick please! Enough already! Vegans are evil and there's a reason why we are omnivores!
Speaking of shutting up. Steve Williams, its time to get over Tiger Woods. Stop complaining and whining about your firing. Don't use racially charged comments that expose your bitterness. Find the highest cliff in Christchurch New Zealand and jump.
Another just shut up. Sarah Palin giving her opinion on the Penn State scandal. Stick to letting Tina Fey imitate you.
Do we really need to have "Titanic" coming to theaters in 3-D? We already know the boat sinks in the end and Kate Winslet is hot.
Kozy Shack chocolate or rice pudding. Yummy.
Just when I was getting the craving for a McRib sandwich you find out about azodicarbonamide. It's a flour beaching agent that also happens to be used in making foam plastic gym mats and soles in shoes. I look down while working out and that craving goes away real fast. I'll wait til the Cheddar Melt comes back for a limited time.
Busy weekend ahead. Going to Lake George to watch my friends do the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on Saturday and Sunday I'll be driving the Hits 95 Nine vehicle in the South Glens Falls holiday parade. Wave to me...Leccese out.

23 years later and I'm still here.

2011-11-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well in this entry I'm going to reflect on 23 years of living, working and playing here in Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and Essex counties which is more than half of my 45 years and 9 months and all of my adult life.
Before I hop into the DeLorean with Doc Brown and Marty McFly, I have to give you this weeks Upset Specials! Perfect 4 for 4 last weekend. Now that's what I'm talking about!  The Rutgers Scarlet Knights came from behind in the 4th quarter to win in OT, and the other OT thriller saw Nick Saban discover he needs to recruit a kicker as the LSU Tigers beat the Crimson Tide. For the pros, Bengals beat Tennessee and the Giants knocked off the Patriots.
This weeks upset specials go something like this.  Three for you. College double shot where I like the Pittsburgh Panthers on the road against Louisville and one from out west, the UCLA Bruins go to Salt Lake City and knock of the Utes of Utah. For the pro, the Seahawks are 6 point dogs at home to the Baltimore Ravens, go with Seattle in this one.
O.K. time to give Eli Manning credit here. I love calling Eli, "Forrest Gump" because he drives me nuts with the same plain dumbfounded look on his face no matter what the situation. However he's not throwing interceptions and he's not screwing up when the play clock is winding down and he's audibilizing at the line of scrimmage and is forced to call a time out. Giants fans, do we miss Steve Smith and Kevin Boss now? I didn't think so. My dad loves Jake Ballard at tight end and Victor Cruz is turning into a player. If this other kid Rhamses Barden can stay healthy along with Manningham and Nicks, the Giants will have as good a young receiving corp as any in the league.
I know I should address the Penn State situation, but not right now.
When did the Marlins find the money to make big free agent offers to Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols, and Mark Buehrle?
Now this Duggar family has 19 kids and they want a 20th? Why? It's time to close the playground or get fixed like they do with male dogs and cats and start shooting only blanks.
If Kimmy Kardashian goes through with this divorce, she says she'll stay away from the dating pool for a year. I think VH1 should offer her a boatload of money for her own dating series like they did for Flavor Flav and Bret Michaels.
I'm still not having any need to watch or listen to New Jersey Nets games just yet. Stay locked out NBA.
I think the Time magazine, "Man of the Year" should be that aircraft carrier that was involved in the Bin Laden capture and got to hold a damm good college basketball game on its flight deck in the same year.
23 years ago in November of 1988, I left the comfort of Holmdel New Jersey and started my radio career in Ticonderoga New York at WIPS and WXTY. I was making real lousy money. Nobody got rich at that place. I worked with a great group. Dan Miner, Mike Douglas, Cass Seeley and a couple others. We were all in our early 20's and just doing what we thought was good, funny, irreverant radio.  We didn't know any better. And we were good. X-104 had this signal that could go from Burlington to Rutland and on a clear day you could hear us as far away as Montpelier. There were many days I wanted to quit and go home. It was a culture shock coming from a suburb of NYC. I couldn't find a decent pizza place or bagel shop and I could only get 2 tv stations. Channel 13 in Albany and Channel 3 in Burlington Vermont. Cable wasn't available where I live. That first year also happened to coincide with a little report called, "The Adirondacks in the 21st Century." That was an awful time. Protests, caravans of vehicles that slowed traffic on the Northway driving down to Albany. It wasn't great to be an out of towner looking to join the club. I remember one day watching the bi-centennial parade in Ti and mind you I was driving a Chevy Cavalier with NJ plates on them. Several of the locals were yelling, "Move back to Jersey you bum and leave us alone." I could have quit right then and be back on Jersey soil the next morning. Some how I survived with the help of Dan, the town of Whitehall, UVM hockey on Channel 3 and the Adirondack Redwings. I discovered that Queensbury, Glens Falls and Hudson Falls were a lot like my hometown. Except for the good bagel shop. Washington County with all the farms was like Colts Neck and the towns in the western part of Monmouth County. I thought I'd be staying in the area for 5 to 8 years max. Well I'm still here. Now and then I think about what would I do if that dream job doing sports talk or play by play on the radio in a big market comes my way that would force me to relocate. It would be a tough choice. I've met so many friends who I care about and wouldn't trade for the world. I'd have a hell of a time finding a place to workout at with those same type of classes. Saturday night hockey games at the Civic Center during the winter or a day in Saratoga during track season or Lake George in general. It doesn't get much better than that for me. I'm lucky. However there are still a few things after 23 years that I haven't done yet. Two that come to mind. I never eaten at Massie's Restaurant yet; and I haven't been to either the Hyde Collection or Chapman Museum in Glens Falls to walk around and see their exhibits. Don't you think its about time that I do those things?
As for the area I grew up in. It's now famous because of Snooki, The Sitch, Paulie D, and J-WWOW. So much for Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.
Still craving the cider and donuts from Delicious Orchards on Route 34 in Colts Neck, but luckily I can get those delivered to me when I need a fix...Leccese out.

Didn't see the Great Pumpkin again. You think it could at least happen just once,

2011-11-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well another Halloween has passed and another year sitting in a pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin to come. What happened, nothing. I even went to the guy in Chestertown who grows those 500 to 600 pound pumpkins and waited in his pumpkin patch. He also happened to be the contractor who finished some home renovations at the Leccese compound. I didn't want to get arrested for loitering.
O.K. on to other things. Like what happened last week. I had originally planned a special Halloween entry called, "Trick or Treat" ghost written by that highly respected radio personality Dan Miner. With all the stuff going on here at the radio ranch at 128 Glen Street, Dan was unable to find the time write it. But never fear loyal readers, Dan will take over "The Greenhouse Effect" in the near future.
Since we missed out on Upset Specials last week, we're doubling up this week and giving you 2 college and 2 pro. I am also using both my once a year Rutgers and Giants upset specials. For the college, first upset special I'm going with the Scarlet Knights to knock off "Da Bulls" of South Florida. Second college upset special. The big game this week in Tuscaloosa Alabama where Nick Saban's former team the LSU Tigers will roll tide over his current Alabama team. Now for the pros. First pro game, Giants over the Patriots in Foxboro or Foxborough which ever way you spell it. Second upset special, I like the Cincinnati Bengals on the road to beat the Tennessee Titans. Andy Dalton is doing an impressive job of making Bengal fans forget Carson Palmer and Chad 85.
For the longest time I have been the ultimate supporter and voice for Big East football, Now after West Virginia's defection to the Big 12, my opinion has changed and Big East football should be allowed to die with dignity. Pull the plug now. Let Rutgers, Louisville, UConn, South Florida and Cincinnati go to other conferences to play football and the other sports while the Big East should stick to being a basketball conference featuring those nice catholic schools like St.John's and Georgetown.
Note to NBA Commissioner David Stern. Tell players association head Billy Hunter that the work stoppage will only end when he says "Jump" and the reply is, "How High" and then Derek Fisher gets on his knees, kisses Stern's feet and goes to the commish, "we're not worthy." Make the rank and file suffer big time.
The fences are being moved in at CitiField to make it more home run friendly and the color of the outfield wall will change from "soot" to blue like it was at Shea Stadium. To quote Dan Miner, "Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes straight to the bone." No matter how much make-up or cosmetic changes you make to it, CitiField will always be one ugly ballpark.
What idiot schedule maker puts the Giants and Jets playing on the road the same weekend and the Pitt Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers playing at home on the same weekend. Doesn't make any sense.
In other news, the Khardashian/Humphries marriage lasted all of 74 days. It was doomed from the start! Not because of irreconcilable differences. Marriage is a 24/7 job! When you put together a wedding in 85 days and it's a 2 hour tv special, that's no way to begin. How can you start a life together and get to know someone when you're living with tv cameras in your face. Your first place isn't some nice loft apartment or starter home, it's a hotel suite that you share with your sister in law, her bratty kid, and boyfriend so the missus has another tv show to keep her 15 minutes of fame going a bit longer. Might as well have the divorce attorney's on speed dial with the pre-nup in a brief case attached with hand cuffs or living in Bruce and Kris Jenner's guest home.
Add the "X-Factor" to the endless list of mind numbing reality tv series that make me want to have my stomach pumped so I don't hurl. I thought my mother was a really intelligent person until I saw that she watches all that crap. And she does running commentary while the shows are on too!
I don't think Jeff Dunham is funny. He reminds me of one of those bad kiddie show hosts who pays to be on public access once or twice a week.
Why is everybody hating Nickelback all of a sudden? First fans of the Winnipeg Jets were upset that they played at the teams' home opening celebration in the city. Now Lions fans are angry because they'll be performing at halftime during its annual Thanksgiving game. It could be worse you know. Kelly Clarkson or Justin Bieber might be the halftime entertainment.
Good thing I'm not a current student at my alma mater Franklin Pierce in Rindge, New Hampshire. The neighboring towns of Jaffrey and Peterborough got 22 and 31 inches of SNOW during last weekends' storms.
Freak exile officially ended Monday when I became a member of Core, 2 months ahead of schedule. Time to get the Les Mills groove back in me with some Combat and Pump classes. Also want to try CXWorx.
Another high school football season ended last weekend for us on WWSC with losses by Queensbury and Ft.Edward in the sectional semi-finals. One last football note. The way Warrensburg was playing at the end of this season, I wouldn't want to have played them if they were in the play-offs. They could beat you up and wear you down physically like Queensbury does when the Spartans run that same double wing offense to perfection.
Got to figure out what to do with my Saturday afternoons' now until hockey and basketball seasons begin next month...Leccese out.

The stitches are out of my mouth and Upset Specials

2011-10-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there. It's been pretty much a quiet week, but I do have a couple of observations plus you get your Upset Specials. First the Upset Specials. Last week 1 for 2. Win on the UConn Huskies, lost on the Carolina Panthers. So this week to change up things, we'll start with the pro, where I see the J-E-T-S beating the San Diego Chargers. Now for your college, and in the battle for Kansas I'm going with the Jayhawks to beat the K-State Wildcats at home in Lawrence.
On to other things. For once I'm going to defend Rex Ryan. His latest controversy revolves around him saying that he would have won a couple of Super Bowl rings if he had gotten the Chargers Head Coaching job over Norv Turner. Good for him. If you actually listened to everything he said, he went out of his way to compliment Turner and Bolts GM A.J. Smith for the job they've done. What was he supposed to say, "I wasn't worthy of the gig and they chose the right guy?"
Sportsmanship or no sportsmanship, the whole Jim Harbaugh/Jim Schwartz post game handshake tussle was totally overblown. I don't think coaches should have to shake hands after a game. The players yes. If you lost, would you want to go out to mid field and shake the hand of the guy who beat you? This was not high school, pee-wee or college.
I wonder what intellectually challenged individual at the NHL made the decision to put the jersey numbers of its players on the front of the helmets this year. It looks stupid! Probably the same guy who decided that this area is the broadcast territory of the Buffalo Sabres.
As far as I'm concerned the NBA can stay in a work stoppage until the end of eternity or until I meet a woman and end up in a serious relationship. Which ever comes first.
Dan Wheldon's death was a horrible tragedy to a really good guy and classy individual. We all know the risk involved getting behind the wheel of one of those cars. Before we do anything crazy, let calmer heads prevail and we all can work together to make every aspect of racing safer from the cars, to the tracks so it doesn't happen again.
After seeing Lindsey Lohan in court the other day, I thought that is one messed up individual who has a lot of demons she needs to get out of her life and get her head back on straight.
Went to Core last Saturday during their official Grand Opening and it was nice to see that they adopted the colors of the Houston Oilers for their logo. Luv ya Blue! Just kidding! Felt real good to be back with my friends and the gym freaks again.
My niece Morgan Pavlot turns 6 years old Monday. Happy Birthday kiddo! Remember to share your Halloween candy with Mommy (who's my sister) O.K.
If you get a chance, check out and cheer on the athletes competing in the Special Olympics this weekend at different locations in the area.
High School football on WWSC at Fort Edward Saturday afternoon. Hope you can tune in..Leccese out.

Upset Specials and I'm craving a bacon cheeseburger

2011-10-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Lots to talk about now that its been 10 days since my dental surgery which consisted of multiple extractions, a bone graft, and a post put in for an implant that takes place in the near future. I actually came out of the surgery feeling that good that I wanted to take a fitness class at Core later that day just 7 hours after being sedated. I've been real careful with my eating and the good thing about having the surgery is that I've lost weight since I have no desire to eat at night and chewing in general still isn't a comfortable experience. I have been craving apple cider donuts or a bacon cheeseburger.
Upset specials first. Another 0 fer weekend. Iowa in Happy Valley, didn't happen. Cardinals beating the Vikes, ditto. First for the college where I'm going to the Big East (and what's left of the football playing schools) where the UConn Huskies are an 8 point underdog at home against the South Florida Bulls. Take the Huskies. Now for your pro upset special. Carolina Panthers knock off the Atlanta Falcons on the road in the Georgia Dome.
Notes on my favorite college and pro football teams. Rutgers first, where for the third straight year, Greg Schiano can't decide on a starting quarterback and he ends playing his back up who has happens to be a true freshman. How can you consistently win when you can't decide who's starting week after week? The defense has been downright nasty in a good way and I am pleased with the 4 and 1 start.
As for the Giants. Credit goes to Boomer Esiason for this observation. The Giants have this bad habit of playing these stinkers at home. Last year Cowboys and Eagles. Last week an embarrassment in the Meadowlands to the Seahawks.
I feel bad for the Colts and their struggles this year without Peyton Manning. I would be loving it more though if Tony Dungy were still coaching them.
As for the Jets and their disfunctional struggles. It's nice to see arrogance humbled.
Whether you loved him or hated him, Al Davis was a football lifer who loved the game, his team and he did it his way. He also was a visionary in the way offense was played and he was a big part of the NFL/AFL merger.
Those baseball picks I made were as bad as my upset specials!
Man am I sick of hearing about Dancin' with the Stars, The X-Factor, and any other lame white trash reality shows that are on tv.
Watched Tim Allen's new show, "Last Man Standing." I was hoping for at least one little grunt for old times sake, especially when he did that vlog thing during the show.
The Big Bang Theory is been spot on really funny this year.
That Toyota Prius commercial where the 18 people come together and create one person is just plain creepy if you ask me.
Maybe I should thank Hank Williams, Jr for comparing President Obama's golf game with John Boehner this past summer to if a German dictator who slaughtered millions of innocent people for their religious beliefs played golf with the Israeli prime minister. We won't have to hear the Monday night football theme ever again. Yes!!!!! Are you ready for some football?! Maybe.
Brandon Kelly, the guy who threw a hot dog a Tiger Woods last weekend while he was putting during a golf tournament over the weekend did it because he wanted to do something "courageous" and "epic." The idea came while watching the movie, "Drive." Stupid is a better word for it.
After hearing about this guy who hacked into about 50 celebrities e-mails, cell phones and other electronic devices, I have to wonder if they arrested him in moms basement typing away on his computer next to a microwave oven and freezer full of Hot Pockets.
When it comes to visionaries, I'd rank the late Steve Jobs up there with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison.
Finally, if you want to experience something truly incredible and meet some great people, stop by 15 East Washington Street Saturday between 7am and 3pm. It's the official Grand Opening of Core and you'll find out why I'm a gym freak. Just to let all the gym freaks know in advance, I have no surprises up my sleeve. No arrangements edible or floral. I did that thing in July when you didn't expect it. However, I will be ending my exile early. It could be as soon as two weeks or a month from now. Just make sure to save me a spot in Combat and Pump classes O.K. guys...Leccese out.

Screw the Buffalo Sabres and Upset Specials

2011-10-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Since I'm dealing with recovering from the serious oral surgery I had Wednesday, just a quick edition this weekend. I'll delve more into Hank Williams Jr, Nancy Grace and her flatulence, my disasterous baseball predictions and other stuff next week.
Upset special time and last week was 1 for 3 with the only winner being Clemson. Up first, the college upset special and I like the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road in Happy Valley knocking off Joe Pa and the Nittany Lions of Penn State. For the pro, the Cardinals are a surprising 2 pt dog on the road in Minnesota. I think they rebound from the Giants loss and take out the Vikings.
Hockey kicks off this weekend. Gotta love it. Hey Phantoms fans, you finally happy now that the weekly coaches show will be at some restaurant/bar? Leccese out.

Its October and here's your upset specials!

2011-09-30T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Just think, only 3 more months of til the end of the year. Is it just me or as you get older, time goes by faster? Leading off today's edition, "Opie's Upset Specials!" Last weekend was a split. Temple manhandled the ugly uniformed Maryland Terrapins and the Bears got manhandled by the Packers. This week you get a threesome. Not that kind of threesome! 2 college and 1 pro upset special. First the pro. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a rare underdog on the road against the Houston Texans. Take Big Ben and Hines Ward over the Texans. Now for your college double shot. Big Ten plus 2 leads off and I like the Nebraska Cornhuskers over the Wisconsin "we don't need no stinkin'" Badgers. Second college upset special comes from the ACC plus Pittsburgh and the 'Cuse. I like the Clemson Tigers going to Blacksburg Virginia to knock off the Va Tech Hokies.
So Syracuse's chancellor wants to play some its teams' basketball home games at Madison Square Garden when it joins the ACC. They want to be New York's team. I don't want to be around the campus for the protests by alums and students when the Duke or North Carolina game is moved to the Garden and will not be played in the Carrier Dome.
On to other things. One good thing about being a Mets fan is you get to watch from a distance Yankees and RedSox fans go at it all the time. Kind of sad and pathetic isn't it? Jose Reyes in trying to win the batting title, gets a bunt single in his first time at bat in the first inning and then gets pulled from the game. Nobody was happy about that. Would it have been better if he legged out a triple and got pulled? One more Mets note. GM Sandy Alderson has said the team is considering making major changes to the dimensions of CitiField to make it more hitter friendly. For once I'm keeping my CitiField hating mouth shut on that one. It's too easy.
Divisional play-off predictions. Yankees in 4, Rays in 5, Phils in 3 and the D-Backs in 4.
If Michael Leighton clears waivers and plays for the Phantoms this year, along with Jason Bacashihua that team will have one heck of a goaltending tandem that can carry a team deep in the play-offs.
We're building new studios and offices in Queensbury and one of the things I won't miss about working downtown (next to the parking situation) is seeing all the protestors that seem to gravitate around Centennial Circle. You people need to get a life!
If there was going to be a wardrobe malfuction on Dancing with the Stars, you would hope it would have happened to George Clooney's ex Elisabetta Canalis and not Nancy Grace.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse comes from the fourth hour of the Today show where a different member of the Khardashian family will co-host each day next week. That will be more painful to watch than the dental surgery I'm going to have and experience Wednesday.
Most of my garden has been dug up and my home is getting ready for some renovation work in the next couple of weeks. Football Friday night in Lake George and Saturday at Queensbury high on WWSC. Hope you can either tune in or if you can make it to the game, wave to me in the press box. Happy Birthday to "The Big Whistle" Dave Thomas...Leccese out.

Off to a good start and Upset Specials

2011-09-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Got lots to cover so lets get hit the ground running with Upset Specials. Another 0 for 2 week. Tulsa lost to Oklahoma St in game that due to weather delays didn't finish til 3:35 in the morning! As for the pro, well so far this year the Kansas City Chiefs have been outscored by a combined score of 88 to 10!. First, this weeks college where the Temple Owls almost beat Penn State a couple of weeks ago. This week they get that upset win over the Maryland Terrapins and those ugly uni's they will wear this week! For the pro, this weeks slate of games doesn't blow me away but if I have to pick one, take the Bears as a home underdog to beat the Packers.
Football rules the world and once again we saw it agan has when Texas A@M bolts for the SEC and both Pitt and the 'Cuse leave the Big East for the ACC. The tv money that is passed out for football is mind blowing. If big time college football ever had a play-off. Third world countries could fix their economies with the money that the networks would pay for the rights to those games. I'm not kidding either. I'm unsure what to make of the Big East defections. I sense that somewhere down the road that the football playing schools will leave and the Big East will go back to being just a basketball conference made up of the catholic universities that don't play big time football. It has gotten out of hand and no one is guarding or protecting the cookie jar.
I saw a photo of vandalism that really torked me off. Someone actually stole the glasses off the statue of Ernie Harwell at Comerica Park in Detroit! That is so wrong. In Chicago, at the statue of Harry Caray in front of Wrigley Field, they put open cans of beer in his hand.
I discovered a new addiction online and its called World Golf Tour. They claim its the most life like golf game out there. I'm a believer. I putt as bad on that game as I do when I play real golf!
After seeing Win McMurry in a magazine, I might just have to start watching the Golf Channel and she has an open invite to join one of my foursomes anytime.
Admit it guys, you only watched the Emmy awards show to see what Sofia Vergara from Modern Family was wearing and how hot she was going to look.
I don't get what the big deal is about Will Arnett. Now he's got another new tv show. This time on NBC called Up All Night and it co-stars Christina Applegate.
Both the season premieres of How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory were awesome. I would mention some of the highlights but I don't want to give anything away if John or Dan hasn't seen them yet.
I think I have to find and try a pint of the new Ben and Jerry's flavor, "Schweddy Balls." Just the name itself must make it good.
Did you really think that Ron Artest, a.k.a Metta World Peace was going to win Dancing with the stars did you?
What a crying shame. Bethany Frankel was lost at sea for just only 20 hours. I would have liked it better if were like say... a week or more.
High School football the next two Friday nights in Lake George. Enjoy the weekend. Sending out some hellos to the gym freaks at Core...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and I need an adjustment

2011-09-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well before we get to this weeks Upset Specials which last week we went 0-2 as both Hawaii and the Vikings lost. A couple of things. Will anyone actually be watching the Emmy awards Sunday night? I didn't think so. Also a couple of notes came from one of Tinsletown's favorite actor/actress couples. First was seeing Angelina Jolie wearing a gold handcuff type accessory to her handbag. There's a lot of worse things in life than being handcuffed to Angelina Jolie don't you think? Also Brad Pitt said he made a mistake in marrying Jennifer Anniston. O.K. I would have to disagree, but he has seemed to have rebounded nicely from it. I wonder if Angelina at least got rid of any Billy Bob Thorton references whether it be through having body art removed or that vile of blood that she used to wear around her neck. That was just plain freaky even for vampire standards.
Well we finally have picked some peppers and the potatoes from the garden. I was somewhat disappointed with the yield from the potatoes. As for the peppers, considering that when I started them inside they were doing great. Put them outside to harden and get used to the outside, they were on the verge of, "I guess I'm going to have to replace them and buy a few plants from the local garden store." They came back from the dead and will make a nice early fall harvest along with some leftover eggplant and tomatoes that are still gowing.
I think I'm heading back to the chiropractor for a little treatment on my lower back. It had been feeling great with no problems. Yesterday I go into the gym to get my workout grove back in gear again. I sit down to change my sneakers and something all of a sudden didn't feel right. I think my body is rejecting Global Fitness and wants me join the freaks at Core, LOL.
Thanks to my friend Mark Mulholland for the nice story on Core he did on the local news Thursday night. He discovered what I've known and been around for years. An amazing group of people and I can't wait to be reunited. I think next week my exile will be reduced to under 100 days and counting.
Now for Opie's Upset Specials. First is the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs are 8 point dogs on the road in Detroit. Take the Chiefs as they rebound from that home humiliation loss to the Bills and take it all out on the Lions. Now for the college upset special. Three games featuring big time programs with great histories and tradition. Not touching any of those. Last year I picked the Tulsa Golden Hurricane over the Golden Domers of Notre Dame. This week I'm heading to Oklahoma where the wind blows mighty on the plain. Where the air is sweet, it smells like meat. (Oops, sorry I channeled Cloutier for a minute there!) I'm liking Tulsa as a home underdog to beat the Cowboys of Oklahoma State.
I don't what shocked me more in football last week. That Queensbury scored 48 points including 4 td passes in a loss; or the Bills scoring 41 and won on the road against the Chiefs. Football tonight on WWSC from Corinth...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and an unbelievable trip

2011-09-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well its good to be back from a 5 day trip to South Carolina. Perfect weather, had my fill of shrimp and fried oysters (not enough), and some amazing photos I got to take. I also played a lot of golf. The most beautiful golf hole I have ever played is the 9th hole at the Ocean Point golf links on Fripp Island.  A par 4 slight dog leg left that makes its way along the Atlantic Ocean. The view from the tee is breathtaking and if you're on the right side of the fairway, the ocean crashing up against the sea wall is killer. If the miracle occurs and I ever get married (don't hold out your hopes for that ever happening LOL!) I want the vows to take place on the 9th green and then have a best ball scramble format reception on that golf course!
I like to compare golf to that pretty girl you like. You talk, get to know her real well and discover you have some things in common. There's a connection. Then just when you're ready to ask her out, she punches you in the gut by telling you she's dating some guy ten times better than you. You become depressed and just when you've given up hope in never seeing or talking to her again, she breaks up with that guy and comes back into your life and the process starts over again. Now for the golf analogy. You think you're playing well and everything is good. Then wham the punch comes! You're spraying drives left and right missing the fairway, mishitting iron shots or missing every putt including the tap in gimmees.  And just when you're ready to chuck your clubs into some bottomless lake, you hit a perfect shot on some par three and tap in for birdie. All is good with the world again. It happened to me Wednesday.
Would someone tell Jets coach Rex Ryan to just shut up please! Get some duct tape for that fat a--es mouth and seal it real tight. Look I'm no Cowboys fan, but I'm making an exception Sunday night this one time.
Boy what a rough off season for hockey. First the deaths of enforcers Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak; and now the tragedy in Russia where 36 members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslav team died in a plane crash earlier this week on their way to their league opener.
Randy Edsall decided to leave UConn to coach at the University of Maryland. He said it was his dream job. Did you see the unis Under Armour gave the Terps to wear in their first game he coached for them? Man those things made anything the Oregon Ducks have been sporting the past few years fashionable and good looking. Talk about double bag ugly! Where's Tim Gunn when you need him?
Finally this weeks, "Opie's Upset Specials." Last week 1 for 2. Won on Northwestern and lost on Fresno State. First the college upset special where Hawaii heads to Seattle to take on the Washington Huskies.  Take those Rainbow Warriors who are actually playing at a time most people on the east coast can watch! Now for your first pro upset special. Interconference match up between the Chargers and Vikings in San Diego. I'm not sold on the 'Bolts who Peter King is picking to go the Superbowl against the Falcons. Go with Donovan McNabb and the Vikings in an upset.
Albany Academy at Hudson Falls on Talk 1450 WWSC Saturday at 1:30pm...Leccese out.

The return of Football and Upset Specials

2011-09-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here I am on the eve of another high school football season and with college kicking off this weekend and the pros next weekend its's time for the long anticipated return of...drum roll please! Opie's Upset Specials! Every week through the college and pro season I will pick two possibly more upsets and the motto is, "Don't bet the ranch, because you'll lose the ranch!" These are fun picks and not for serious betting or gambling purposes. If you listen to me, you have some serious issues and should talk to Dr.Drew Pinsky about this and other things. O.K with the NFL kicking off next Thursday night, I've got 2 college picks for you get you in the football mode. First we head to Chestnut Hill in Boston Mass to the house that Doug Flutie built known as Boston College. They open at home against the Wildcats of Northwestern from the Big 10 plus 2. Take the Wildcats over the Eagles. Second upset special takes us out west where the Bulldogs of Fresno State are 10 point underdogs to the Cal Golden Bears. Like the Bulldogs to beat Cal in this neutral site game being played at Candlestick Park.
First high school football broadcast is tomorrow at Glens Falls High. Glens Falls versus Niskayuna .1:30pm kick off with the pre-game at 1:20 on Talk 1450 WWSC. Looked over the schedule and I have to wonder what did Pat Liverio and the Amsterdam Rugged Rams do to anger the Section 2 scheduling committee? Playing their divisional games in the first 5 weeks. Plus what a tough way to open the season. Queensbury, Burnt Hills on the road and then Glens Falls. Well if you don't how good your team is going to be at the start of the year, this a good way to find out real fast.
Heading to South Carolina on Sunday for a couple days of rest, golf and some good seafood. Enjoy the long weekend...Leccese out!

Surviving Irene and time to kick off High School Football!

2011-08-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

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

Going to camp and the Washington County Fair

2011-08-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

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.

19 days til opening kick off

2011-08-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Eggplant parm at a Clam bake

2011-08-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Another milestone in the history of, "The Greenhouse Effect"

2011-08-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Going into gym freak exile

2011-08-01T04:47:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

My busy season has begun

2011-07-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

Hi there. Here I am typing away on my laptop pondering the world around me. I spent most of the weekend laying in front of the TV watching horse racing on TVG. There's nothing better in late July or August with nothing to do than watching the races. Even NBC and Versus will be showing an hour long Saratoga show on Saturdays. August 15th and football practice begins.

So Saturday morning I had one of those mornings that was just totally awesome. Had a great air shift on the sister station. If you didn't know by now, I work Saturday mornings on Hits 95 Nine from 6 to 9am. Afterward, headed to the track to pick up my media credentials and take care of a little radio station business that went perfectly. Then took care of something that hopefully this coming Saturday will make me to quote Barney Stinson, "Legen-dary." Finally, I picked up that big record you see in the photo which I had framed. It's a transcription disc from 1948 and its only one 2 pieces of radio memorabilia I own. Thanks to Chip Ordway for giving it to me. It will look great hanging on the wall over my desk at home.

One side note about my trip to Saratoga. On my way from the track I stopped by the East side recreation fields and checked out the football field. If I even mention wanting to broadcast a Saratoga Catholic home game, Dan and JP you personally have my permission to invoke the slap bet commissioner and give me 5 hard ones all at once to knock some common sense into me.

We had two horrible tragedies this weekend. First was the massacre in Norway. Norway of all places! The more and more we're hearing about this guy who acted alone, I've come to the conclusion that this hate filled individual was an almond or two short of a full can of mixed nuts!

Then there was Amy Winehouse who had such unlimited potential and an amazing talent but couldn't beat the horrible demons of drugs, alcohol, and other things that might have been inside of her. She was too young to die this way.

So what's going to drag on longer? The NFL labor talks or the national debt debate? Come on now lets get our spending under control and start playing some football damn it!

Note to Steve Williams. In the real world people do get fired. For 12 years you had the best gig in golf being the caddy and on course body guard to "Eldrick the Gimp" Woods. If you want some sympathy, go talk to Mark "Fluff" Cowan. You know who he is don't you? He was the guy that you replaced after Eldrick canned him. Not all caddie/golfer relationships last like Bruce Edwards with Tom Watson, Joe LaCava with Freddy Couples, and Herman Mitchell and Lee Trevino.

You think suffering a lower back impingement not once, but twice was tough? I'm in for the longest 5 months of my life. Gym freak exile here I come and I can't do anything about it. Well at least the track and high school football will keep me busy til November. I'll explain in the next edition...Leccese out.

Was that Jim Cantore or Mike Seidel I saw at the British Open when the heavy rains and wind hit

2011-07-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Hope you had a nice week. We start with the British Open or The Open Championship as they like to call over there on the other side of the Atlantic. Darren Clarke is a good guy who deserved to win a major. Felt bad for Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson who took the gas pipe. Sort of like my putting performance at Kingswood Sunday. Decent off the tee, rock solid with my irons, but on the greens...fuhgett about it! 3 was a magic number when it came to my putting. The hi-light of the tournament for me was seeing 61 year old Tom Watson hit a 178 yard 7 iron one bounce and in for a hole in one during the second round. The other was seeing the conditions that the golfers often played in. The wind and the rain. At one point I thought that Jim Cantore or Mike Seidel would be providing on course reporting following the leaders. Playing one of those links courses in the Britian, Scotland or Ireland is high on my bucket list.

What is wrong with our justice system? Roger Clemens perjury trial was declared a mistrial for some video that was seen on the second day of testimony. Casey Anthony is acquitted of murdering her 2 year daughter because the jury felt their wasn't enough evidence to convict her. Yet Plaxico Burress goes to jail for 21 months because he accidentally shot himself in the groin with an unlicensed gun in a nightclub.

In the last edition I wondered about Brian Wilson the Giants closer. Well after seeing the outfit he wore to the ESPY's, its has been confirmed that he is certifiably a freak.

I know we should be disappointed that the U.S womens' soccer team lost in the finals of the World Cup, but considering all the stuff that Japan has been through with the earthquake and tsunami. I'm kind of glad they won to boost the country's moral.

O.K. so doing the right thing and receiving a reward for being a good person happens to be taxable. Christian Lopez the lucky young man who caught Derek Jeter's 3000th hit not only got 4 tickets to every remaining home game regular season and play-offs in a luxury suite and some autographed items from Jeter, he was hit with a $14,000 gift tax bill from the IRS.

So tell me football fans, are we really gonna be that upset if we miss one meaningless exhibition game if the work stoppage goes on for another week or two. I didn't think so either.

Want to take a moment to wish nothing but the best to two of my good friends and fitness instructors who have big days coming up. First is Jenn Carbone. Congratulations on your wedding Tuesday. Many of us gym freaks who you teach wish you all the best for a long, happy marriage. Secondly, Jason Gardner is doing the Iron Man triathlon this weekend in Lake Placid. I know you'll do great. Next time I see you at gym freak get together, I'm buying a round and we'll toast your success. I won't take no for an answer either

Saratoga season starts Friday and in less than 30 days its the start of football practice. I am so psyched. Hi to all the rest of the gym freaks and instructors...Leccese out.

A new entry about a lot of nothing. Kind of like a Seinfeld rerun, but not as funny

2011-07-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hi there. So here I am in a really good happy place enjoying a Sunday afternoon writing this entry while watching a "No Reservations" marathon on the Travel Channel combined with the Guinness that I'm drinking by my side. This entry was inspired by one of Mike Lupica's columns, who I read religiously every Sunday morning before I watch, "The Sports Reporters."
Let us start with a trip to the dentist. Next to driving over bridges and open heights, I'm deathly afraid of the dentist. Thank god I didn't need braces growing up. That would have been a disaster! I fear and dread those trips to have my teeth examined twice a year. I'm not good in a dental chair. I will need some implants and cleaning done. I'll be O.K. since I'll be knocked out cold while the surgery takes place. Somehow I managed to survive and when the doctor put his arm around me and said, "I will help you get over this fear and I expect to see you sooner rather than later" I felt just a little bit better. Not really, but at least he tried to ease some of the fear.
Another thing I'm not good with are tools. Somehow I channelled Mr. Fix-it and actually replaced the ignition box in my Char-Broil professional 4 burner stainless steel grill. I love that grill! Any good cook or foodie knows the value and importance of a great grill and I've got one of those. Tim Allen and Bob Villa would have been proud of me. Took out some screws, removed a couple of side plates, opened up it up and got that bad boy working again like a finely tuned instrument. I felt so invigorated about my triumph that I wanted to head to the Craftsman Tool department at Sears and start looking at cordless power tools and ponder my next challenge.
Watched a Mets/Giants game hi-lights and I took one look at Giants closer Brian Wilson and wondered if that guy is in the witness protection program with that freaky looking beard of his. I've seen Halloween costumes and masks with better looking facial hair than his. Are you really growing it that way Brian, or is the government hiding you from somebody and is Brian really your name?
Derek Jeter who is the epitome of class got his 3,000 hit Saturday. You could be the biggest Yankee hater on the planet, but still like Derek Jeter. What was even classier was Christian Lopez, the young man who ended up with the prize ball, gave it back Jeter and really didn't want anything in return. The Yankees and Jeter gave him a lot of cool, good stuff. He made out O.K. However people are skewering this young man for not keeping the ball and making a fortune by selling it. You know what, there are still a lot good people in this world who are not consumed by greed or trying to get their 15 minutes of fame!
On a sadder note, you know by now what happened in Texas where a fan died trying to catch a ball thrown in the stands by outfielder Josh Hamilton. Leaned over the railing too far to grab it, fell about 20 feet, landed on his head and lost his life in a horrible tragic accident. You should say a prayer for both the family of this guy and Josh Hamilton. He feels real bad about this. I remember several years back a young hockey fan lost her life when a puck shot by Columbus BlueJackets forward Espen Knutsen accidentally struck her in the side of the head. Knutsen was never the same player.
Michael Douglas is one hell of an actor. Saw the sequel to "Wall Street" and it was an amazing film. Loved every minute of it. Really enjoyed the scene where Gordon Gekko bumped into Bud Fox at a charity function. "Greed is good, now it seems it's legal." to quote Mr. Gekko from the sequel.
I'm finding it hard to believe that their are that many women who really like camping. My idea of roughing it is not having room service, continental breakfast, or pay per view movies in the room at the hotel I'm staying at.
Political opinions aside, Anne Coulter is one attractive, woman who has the intelligence to go with the looks. The total package. And that's not the Guinness talking right now either.
Must watch music video, "Deer in Headlights" by Owl City. Any video that has the DeLorean time machine from "Back to the Future" is a good thing. The song itself isn't half bad either.
I mentioned this product in one my recent Facebook entries. Neutrogena Ultimate Sport SPF 70+ sun screen spray or lotion. It's good stuff...Leccese out.

Some thoughts on the 4th of July

2011-07-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hi there and Happy Birthday U.S.A. I celebrated the day that the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence (remember, it wasn't signed until August 2nd) by doing nothing after being on the air. In doing some deep thought I realize that I take some of the freedoms our founding fathers fought the British over for granted. I don't vote, even though I should. I don't believe its an honor to serve on a jury. I think it should be an option, like military service to our country. As a member of the media, I am privileged to be afforded a Bill of Rights amendment that allows for Freedom of the Press, but in many cases we abuse those freedoms and over step the boundaries of respect and good taste. We should learn to use restraint more often than not.
I try not to talk politics in this blog, but its a different story when the topic is the national debt. Enough with the bi-partisan bickering and lets gets this spending in a down cycle economy under control. You want to why I don't vote? Here's why. Because no politician on any level from local, state, or federal has given me an answer on what we should do eliminate the national debt! Its O.K. to tax the wealthiest Americans more and eliminate many corporate tax breaks. These people made money because they are smart and they've already got a team of good accountants with knowledge of the tax laws who can easily figure out how to outsmart the I.R.S! I also think congress should re-instate the line item veto. If the president thinks we can't afford something, cut in out. That will eliminate some or even a lot of the pork barrel spending we hear so much about.
The last time I saw a zoo of reporters and analysis outside of a courtroom like I've seen during this Casey Anthony trial, there was a white Ford Bronco and a pair of bloody gloves involved in some double murder trial back in 1994 and 95.
Just when I thought the Phantoms' parent club were going be twiddling their thumbs this off season, the Flyers make a huge splash like an over weight guy doing a cannonball off the high dive. Trading both Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, then signing 39 year old Jaromir Jagr? The goaltending situation is more cloudier than a rainy day. They now have Bryzgalov, Leighton, Backlund, Boucher and Bobrovsky. We still don't know who Joe Paterson is going to have play in net for him.
The NBA is in lockout or work stoppage. Who cares.
Congrats to Jimmer on being picked 10th overall. My advice to him is to rent and not buy a place in Sacramento, since the Kings maybe heading to Anaheim next year.
As a Mets fan, I feel bad for Jason Bay. This guy has been nothing but a class act and I wish he would get his stroke back. I want him to succeed sooo bad. He's fought through injuries and having to play home games in that joke of ballpark Fred Wilpon built to pay homage to the Brooklyn Dodgers doesn't help. The game winning hit over the Yanks Sunday might just get some of that confidence back.
Another level of fitness hell has frozen over. The guy who is trying to make friends with the weights is taking a second Body Pump class during the week. That is one more than the Body Combat class that I love so much.
I have this feeling I'm going to have a lonely next couple of months. A new gym is opening up owned by some of the fitness instructors who teach the Les Mills classes I take and many of my gym freak friends are defecting over. Unfortunately my contract doesn't end til early next year and it doesn't have an out clause I can invoke. I am so screwed big time.
Finally Joey Chestnut ate how many hotdogs at this years Nathan's Famous Contest on Coney Island? 62 of them....Leccese out.

With the 12th pick in the first round

2011-06-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

Hi there. This is one of those rare entries in the 3 1/2 year history of this blog where it was a very calm uneventful week. We'll open up with the passing of "The Big Man" Clarence Clemons. With all the great music that Bruce Springsteen has made, you think of 2 guys beside him. "Little" Steven VanZandt and Clarence Clemons. The E-Street band will go on but it won't be the same.
At least the team I picked to win the Stanley Cup won. Only in Canada could you have hockey hooligans after the riots that took place in Vancouver after the Canucks lost game 7! And it wasn't the first time they did it. They rioted after losing to the Rangers back in 1994! I have a lot friends who love the Bruins and I'm happy for all of them.
I think we should stage an octagon like MMA battle between the soccer hooligans from England and the Vancouver hockey hooligans. It would have to be somewhere other than New York which is the only state in the country that doesn't allow MMA stuff to take place.
Rory McIlroy had one of those great dominating weeks that all athletes dream of in winning the U.S. Open. So why did every member of the media constantly have to bring up his collapse in Augusta or mention Eldrick the Gimp? Ruined it for me.
During the tournament the city of Bethesda Maryland acutally shut down and fined a lemonade stand run by some kids raising money for a childrens cancer charity near the golf course because they didn't have the proper permits. We're talking about a lemonade stand, people! Kids learning to be entrepeneurs for a good cause.
Terell Pryor had a press conference to apologize for what he did to Coach Tressel and letting down all the fans of THEE Ohio State University. I would have cut him some slack. However when that bridge troll of an agent Drew Rosenhaus was sitting right next to him, I doubted his sincerity. Its like everytime there's a press conference with some female who claims some important male committed a crime against her, attorney Gloria Allred is standing by her side as her council.
You want to know where I see Jimmer going in the NBA draft Thursday? Either 12th to Utah or 15th to Indiana. I don't he'll slip to the Knicks at 17. They need rebounding help more than a point guard.
I would talk about the NHL draft, but since the Phantoms parent club have hardly any picks, what's the point. Are the Flyers even going to show up for the draft or just trade the rest of them for the signing rights to some other free agent they dont need?
Finally played some golf. Got a long way to go to get my game in shape for South Carolina in September...Leccese out.

It's not a weasel, its a marten!!

2011-06-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hi there. No golf this year and no body combat class in nearly 3 weeks makes Kenny a very unhappy person. With the rain we got this weekend, it was total bust trying to do anything. Well almost anything. I swept the downstairs of my garage. Talk about a pig sty!

I'm going to lead off with the latest in a long line of terrific HBO sports documentaries. This one on the Borg/McEnroe rivalry in tennis and the 80 final at Wimbledon. Once again just phenomenal. You don't have to be a tennis fan to like this one.

Mike Tyson was inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame this past weekend. It's a shame what happened to Mike after Cus D'Amato past away. If he had stayed alive, I don't think half the stuff that Mike Tyson brought up himself in and out of the ring would have happened. Yes in effect I'm blaming Don King for Mike Tyson's downfall.

I find it ironic that in light of the scandals that have hit the Tennessee, Ohio State, and USC athletic programs recently that Bristol Tech aired its 30 for 30 film called, "The Pony Excess" on the SMU scandal of the early 80's last weekend. I think the NCAA should be dangling the death penalty axe over big time college football and basketball programs to force them to clean up their acts.

You may or may not believe me when I say that I was more happy seeing Jason Kidd get a championship ring than LeBron James not getting one this year. What he did for the Nets in taking them to back to back NBA finals. The last person who gave the Nets that kind of swagger was Julius Erving and that was in the ABA almost 40 years ago!

Well so much for the Calder Cup prediction of the Aeros in five games. My friend Jerry is a Senators fan and I guess even Binghamton is entitled to win a Calder Cup once.

Anthony Weiner (Insert your own joke here.)

The garden is coming along nicely and lettuce is ready to be picked as you can see in the photo.

One more thing. On New Years Eve of 2008 I got on the scale and it read 242 pounds. I went on a strict weight loss and exercise program and lost 37 pounds over a period of 9 months. I was down to about 205. Well the other day I got on the scale and it read 239. Yup almost 2 years later I gained nearly all the weight I that I had worked so hard to lose back. I've been fighting for a long time to get my gym groove back and seeing that number on the scale may have been the thing to finally kick start it again. It also doesn't hurt that I've got a great group of gym freak friends on my side who will help me along the way in case I might slip. I'll update you on my progress...Leccese out

Another reason why I need a girlfriend and men get married

2011-06-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hi there. So last weekend I bought a new mattress and box spring set. Had it delivered, set up and my old set removed the other day in no time flat. That was the easy part. I went from a full size mattress to a queen size. Going from one size bed to a larger one means having to buy new sheets and a new bed spread set that comes with pillow covers and the thing you put between the mattress and box spring so you can hide stuff under the bed and nobody sees what's really under there. Who would of thought picking that stuff out could be so hard! I went to three or four different places and couldn't find anything I liked that would be tasteful and fit the decor of my home, yet have that hint of masculinity fitting of a single male. The sheets were another story. Now we're getting into fabric types like cotton blends and thread counts. Just one more reason why men get married and I need a girlfriend. To pick out bed sheets and other stuff like that for me.
One of the stores I went to in my search was one of those major chains with the initials B.B@B. I'd never been in a place like that (I never thought I would need to.) Half the store was about bedding and towels and the other half had the stuff you see on all those television infomercials.
SF Giants catcher Buster Posey got run over by Chris Cousins of the Florida Marlins in a home plate collision and now people are calling for protection of catchers in baseball like the NFL protects the quarterback. Look, its part of the game! We're over reacting here. Remember, the catcher has more protection than the guy running into him does. The guy you got to feel sorry for is Cousins who has apologized on more than one occasion, yet has received death threats from fans and Giants GM Brian Sabean has called him out as well.
I think it would be a lot simpler if we just let Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal play a winner take all 5 set final and not even bother to have 62 other players try to win the French Open. They are that far ahead of the competition.
Is Jim Dolan that stupid? The answer is a resounding yes. Letting Donnie Walsh go after he cleaned up the mess that the Knicks were in and making them a viable team again, not a good move. If Mr.Dolan even hints about bringing back Isaiah Thomas, David Stern should take the team away from him.
Sorry to see Shaquille O'Neill retiring after 19 seasons. There was something about, "The Big Diesel" that made him fun to watch. When he was in college at Louisiana State, one of his teammates was a guard named Chris Jackson. That guy could also play. The two of them were electrifying on the court together.
I forgot to mention in the last edition of a fourth out break of foot in mouth disease. Scottie Pippen became infected. He said in a radio interview that he thought LeBron James is better than Michael Jordan. I just want to know if he tested positive for any hallucinogenic drugs in his system. You're kidding me right? Scottie for that comment alone, you should be thrown out of the sidekick Hall of Fame. That's what you were on those Bulls teams, MJ's sidekick.
Still haven't played a round of golf yet. Got to figure out this thread count thing with the bed sheets first...Leccese out.

Still Complicated

2011-06-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

What's today? June 1st. The year is almost half over? Time is flying by way too fast. Last Saturday was one of those surreal days that you couldn't believe. I get home around 1pm after my workout and visit to the dry cleaners. The heavens opened up and around 4 1/2 hours later I couldn't believe the sight. The heavy rain and thunder already made the drenched ground even worse and turned roads and the golf course where I live into a mini-version of the Schroon or Hudson rivers. This is where having a decent cell phone comes in handy. Took some remarkable photos of the aftermath. It was amazing the sheer force and power of the rushing water. Unbelievable.
Last week we had an major outbreak of foot in mouth disease. 3 cases. Fred Wilpon in the New Yorker magazine. Tiki Barber comparing concealing an affair from his pregnant wife and hiding out to some one trying to avoid being tracked down and sent to a concentration camp by the Nazi's. Last but not least, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis saying without football on Sunday, we'll see a rise in the crime rates. At least Fred Wilpon admitted that he screwed up Citi-Field big time.
Does anyone really care who won Survivor, American Idol or Dancing with the Stars? I didn't think so either.
Hockey predictions - Bruins in 6 games, Aeros in 5.
Welcome back to the NHL Winnipeg. Hopefully the Jets name will be coming back as well.
I have no problem ripping Bristol Tech at the drop of a hat. Today they get complimented for two reasons. First one. Saturday mornings on Bristol Tech 2, Australian Rules Football! Yes! That is one of the things on my bucket list. To travel to Australia and see one of those games in person. Love watching that sport. It is sick and awesome in a good way. Remember playing, "Kill the guy with the ball" as a kid. That's what Aussie Rules reminds me of. 2 teams of 18 guys running around in total chaos beating up the one who has the ball while trying to score. The second compliment goes to "Outside the Lines" and their story last Sunday about 7 on 7 AAU touch football/passing leagues.
Jim Tressel, don't let the door hit you on the way out of Woody Hayes Hall at, "The Big Horseshoe!"
The garden is finally planted! My garden is like having thanksgiving with the family. Every year I claim I'm gonna cut back and plant less, but it ends up being the same or even more. Just like Thanksgiving. You want to cut back on what's going to be served, but nothing ever does get cut or left out of the menu. Big thanks to Dave Thomas for letting me borrow his Mantis tiller. That thing is great! Helped out a bunch with loosening up the soil.
Baseball fans, take a moment to think about and pray for Gary Carter and hopefully he'll beat those brain tumors they found. "The Kid" was one hell of a catcher for the Expos and Mets. Happy Birthday Cloutier and Dubray. Still complicated...Leccese out.

It's Complicated...

2011-05-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hi there. So another weekend has descended upon us and will it ever stop raining!
O.K. now that I've got that off my chest. On to other things.
According to some biblical scholar no one has ever heard of, the world is going to end Saturday May 21st at 6pm. In fact some guy from Staten Island actually took his life savings of around 150 grand and put it on billboards and buses telling of this impending doom. If it is true, to quote Dan Miner. "Have a great night, everybody!"
This week we found out that the most recent governor of California and the world's number 1 most wanted terrorist mastermind had the same needs that most males have. But did we really have to find out about them?
Enjoyed the HIMYM finale. One problem though. Technically, its against the law to blow up or implode old buildings in New York. Now I have to wait two more years til the "mother" is revealed. At this rate, I might just want Stella to come back and be her after all. On second thought...Nah!
I read somewhere that the city of Los Angeles is now looking into banning flavored milks from school lunch rooms. Give me a break. Bake sales, anything with nuts in it, and now chocolate milk! Am I missing anything? Chocolate milk is good for you! I also saw a story on one of the network evening news casts about peanut allergies and the reporter went into a classroom and he had to use hand sanitizer as he entered the classroom. Might as well had one of those devices you walk through at the airport. Also they showed kids who have those food allergies sitting away from everybody else during lunch.
If this rain would ever stop, I could like start getting the soil ready to plant my veggies.
Is there any garden shop in our area that sells Ghostbuster Eggplant seedlings? I would like to buy a couple. White eggplant tastes better than purple or black eggplant.
I'm finding it hard to convince the hummingbirds that come to the feeder at my home to stay there long enough so I can take a picture of them.
Ann Curry is a deserving, worthy replacement for Meredith Veira, but couldn't the Today Show give Hoda Kotb the gig so she wouldn't have suffer anymore by working with Kathie Lee Gifford?
If the Flyers or Phantoms decide not to make any more moves before the team heads to training camp in September, they got the most important one right. Bringing back Joe Paterson as head coach. The Phantoms played some scary good play-off caliber hockey during the second half of the season and Joe Paterson was the main reason why.
Finally, I didn't think changing one little innocent thing on my Facebook profile would cause such a commotion. Sending out some love and props to my fellow gym freaks...Leccese out

Weekend Musings

2011-05-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

Hi there. First off Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there and I hope you enjoyed your special day.
I want to get this off my chest first. My one thought that occurred to me after the events of last Sunday night is can we now begin the healing process towards the people of the Muslim faith in this country.
I blame Rob Burnett for ruining television as we know it. He brought us Survivor, then we had American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, The Amazing Race... the list of bad reality tv series' goes on and on. Now we have, "The Voice" which is American Idol except the judges have their backs turned. Bruce Springsteen was so right when he sung
"57 channels and there's nothing on!"
The other day I wake up early, turn on the tv and I see this infomercial for this kitchen gadget called the, "Sous Vide Supreme." Who's hosting the demonstration, none other than my favorite Top Chef contestant, Richard Blais! You just won Top Chef All-Stars and now your hawking some product that most people will use for a month and it will eventually end up wasting closet space! You want to know what "sous vide" cooking is? Just drop a package of frozen corn in butter sauce in a pot of boiling water and wait 20 minutes. Simple as that.
I have to ask all the "How I Met You Mother" fans out there. Who is officially the more annoying girlfriend that Ted has dated, Stella or Zoey? I'm leaning towards Zoey. Why hasn't Robin had a good story line this year? Outside the Robin Sparkles tv show episode, its been all about Barney, Marshall and Ted. It's time to just tell us who the mother is now and end the series.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse: Kendra Wilkinson is going to write a book about motherhood. I have to ask this question. Will it have pictures in it so it will be easier for her to follow along?
For the longest time I haven't had that drive when I go the gym to workout. I used to strive for 60 minutes on the days I didn't take a class. Now I fight to get through 40 minutes. I just want to get it over and done with.
NBC did a good job on the Kentucky Derby, it would have been great if they didn't have a 2 hour pre-game show complete with a red carpet type thing. I think its officially time to put Bob Costas out to pasture. As a horse racing fan, I was curious who would replace Tom Durkin up in the booth. I figured Trevor Denman would be on the mic for the run for the roses, but I was surprised to hear Larry Collmus the voice of Monmouth Park. Good choice. How many days til opening day at Saratoga? It can't come soon enough.
Note to Sandy Alderson, please sign Jose Reyes to that contract extension. He makes the occasional bonehead play now and then, but he also is the most electrifying player the Mets have out in the field.
The golf world lost one of its greats with the passing of Seve Ballesteros. This guy was not some robot with the perfect golf swing every time that was groomed at some country club with a swing coach. He was a scrambler who learned the game on his own and made shots that nobody else could. He also had a passion for the game and you see it and feel it when watching him on tv. Mom and Dad have returned from South Carolina and they look good. Those daily walks on the beach, playing golf and tooling around Fripp Island in the golf cart is keeping them active and young. I just hope they can keep that going for a long time. I'm not finished with them yet.
Finalizing the plans for my trip to the southern fortress of solitude in South Carolina to see what gives Mom and Dad such pleasure.
One more note from Fripp Island. Last year a gentleman decided to retrieve a golf ball from a water hazzard while playing golf on the island. The genius stuck his hand in the water and was attacked by an alligator who lived in the hazzard. His son told him not go after it. There are also warnings on the course. He did it anyway. The genius got a nice 7 figure settlement. I think the jury should have given him cost of medical expenses and a nice ball retriever with a 12 foot extension for his trouble.
A week after planting lettuce seeds, I saw some sprouts and I've got the hummingbird feeder out. Spring has finally arrived...Leccese out.

The arrival of mud and black flies

2011-04-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi there. We start off with good news from Easter Sunday. I did not either hurt or aggravate my back video conferencing on Skype with my family who were in South Carolina like I did at Christmas time. Easter was both Skype and pain free.
We fought and won the American Revolution so we'd no longer be ruled by the British Monarchy. So how come we are still obsessed with them 245 years later? Example, at the home page on my laptop, it had a page that you could go to and send a congratulatory message to the happy royal couple on their impending nuptials. Personally, I would have been more impressed if they announced a royal elopement or they snuck off and got married by Elvis at one of those chapels in Las Vegas. Does Will and Kate have a bridal registry and what do you give a royal couple as a gift? Crystal champagne flutes, candle sticks, gift cards to Harrods?
Speaking of getting married, maybe there's hope for me after all. I read where Rob "Deuce Bigalow" Schneider tied the knot. Who's up next, David Spade?
One more wedding note before we move on. This young lady named Robin goes to a Milwaukee Brewers game with a banner proposing marriage to Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun. The delusional fan made the mistake of putting her cell phone number on the banner and it managed to make it on camera. Bad move. Robin you've got as much of a chance of marrying Ryan Braun as I do of marrying my secret crush, Lisa Robertson. Slim and not gonna happen.
NBC pulled the plug on Paul Reiser's new show after only 2 episodes! It wasn't all that bad. Come on peacock network execs, don't you remember "My Two Dads." Now that was bad!
Check out the video on You Tube in which Billy Crystal stars with Helen Mirren and Rob Reiner in a spoof to the sequel of, "When Harry Met Sally." Very funny.
One more funny note. HBO did an hour long round table comedy discussion called, "Talking Funny" with Ricky Gervais, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Louis CK. (Who the heck is Louis CK anyway?) It was and is a fascinating and humorous program that really gives you insight on the world of stand up comedy.
Is it just me or is there a lack of interest in the NFL draft this year while the fiasco known as the collective bargaining agreement negotiations hangs over it like a 2 ton weight?
With both the Rangers and Knicks making quick first round play-off exits, does that mean the Madison Square Garden renovations will be completed ahead of schedule?
Who would have thought that Mariano Rivera would have more blown saves than Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez at any point of the baseball season.
Would like to power wash the patio and start lettuce seeds if we get a few dry days in row...Leccese out.

Yo Russell Stover, where the heck are the Jelly Beans in my coconut nests?

2011-04-22T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hi there and a Happy Easter. Oh there are so many good juicy things to talk about. Lets start with major league baseball. First is the Barry Bonds trial where the government spent 75 million dollars to prosecute and try the former Pirate and Giant on a variety of charges and the only one they got him on was obstruction of justice. I've written this many times regarding the P.E.D era in major league baseball and how the blowhard purists like Bob Costas and George Will want all the records either stricken from the books or an asterisk put in front of them. Leave the records in place. Since there was nothing in the collective bargaining agreement that said they couldn't use them, nothing was done wrong. The person that should have been gone after on any criminal charges was Donald Fehr, head of the players union. If you've ever heard Marvin Miller speak, he is even more defiant than Fehr is on the topic.
Other baseball news, Major League Baseball is taking control of the Dodgers while the McCourts go through a nasty, messy divorce. Why couldn't Bud Selig do that for us Mets, Royals, and Pirates fans too please!
I guess $425,000 doesn't go that far anymore. I didn't realize how high the cost of living in Cincinnati really is where Reds pitcher Mike Leake was caught shoplifting 6 shirts worth just around $60.00.
Happy Birthday Giants first baseman Brandon Belt. The team got you a little present. It's a bus ticket to Fresno! You've been demoted to Triple A. Don't forget to make a wish and blow out the candles!
Its time for the first soccer mention of the year and it comes from the MLS where the scariest mascot is that of the Portland Timbers. Timber Joey is a real life lumberjack with a chain saw so big that it would make Tim Allen go back to "Tool Time" if you know what I mean . When the Timbers score a goal, he fires up that big old bad boy and actually cuts off a piece from this huge log that's on the sideline. I'm not making this one up.
Poor Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana is touring South America and Australia and is also not debuting any of her new music back here. She feels unloved in her home country. Thanks for not sharing the new material. I might just plan and hold a, "Party in the U.S.A" over that revelation!
Now for some really serious stuff. Last football season a young man named Declan Sullivan died when a 40 foot hydraulic lift he was video taping a Notre Dame football practice on blew over in a 53 mph wind gust. The final investigation found that no one was at fault or to blame. Excuse me. This comes from a university where they fired George O'Leary before he ever coached a practice because they found inconsistencies on his resume! Brian Kelly keeps his gig after a student volunteer dies while taping one his practices! Big time Division 1 uber conference college football is becoming totally out of control and is so screwed up. Our biggest complaint about the sport is we don't have a play-off to determine who is number 1!
You gotta love our beloved New York state legislature. Instead of trying to figure out how stimulate economic and business growth by cutting back on all the red tape. They are creating lists of risky and dangerous activities at summer camp. On the lists: dodge ball, kick ball, wiffle ball, red rover, and freeze tag among others. Now the reason behind this is that they don't want kids getting hurt and many places don't have adequate medical staff to care for the scrapes and bruises. Let's see we have a child hood obesity probem and kids are spending way too much time inside playing video games, texting, and watching television. So how do we rectify the problem? Not by saying games are dangerous. Not by regulating fat, salt and sugar in the foods they eat. Not by banning toys in fast food kids meals. It's up to the parents to force their kids outside and play. Take away the video game, cell phone and laptop for a while. Limit the trips to the fast food restaurant. There was something in our show prep where a woman in her divorce papers asked for $60.00 a week from her ex to fund her one of her kids fast food restaurant habit! Portion control and healthier choices!
I've been reading a lot about school budgets in the daily and weekly newspapers. It is a hot topic to say the least. Somethings' got to give. You want everything to be the status quo and yet you don't want taxes being raised or jobs, sports, or other programs cut to balance the budget. There's got to be some compromise on both sides no matter how painful the cuts maybe.
The eggplant seeds finally sprouted. I have this feeling that I'll be buying some plants for the patio.
F.Y.I - There will be no Skyping Easter with the family. The folks and kid sister will be celebrating in South Carolina with no video hook up to me here where there is still snowpiles behind my driveway. My back is appreciating that very much after what took place Christmas. I guess I'll just have watch the Heritage Classic from Hilton Head on tv to get my fix of the area. However I am planning to make a trip down there in September.
Finally my favorite Easter Candy is the milk chocolate coconut nest made by Russell Stover. One little problem. They're making them different now and they're screwing you out of the jelly beans that used to be in them. What's up with that?..Leccese out.

Welcoming the arrival of Mud Season

2011-04-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Finally getting to writing this latest entry after filling in for Dan and Pete. I've mentioned this before, but if you have ever been in the studio to see first hand how The Morning Club works, you know its not easy with even with two people taking care of the various elements. Having one person is like climbing a different high peak every morning. You have to be really organized. It's fun but it zaps your energy. By the time 10am comes along, you're gassed. Welcome back boys. It's amazing what 3 days of weather with temperatures in the 60's and 70's will do to melt the snow. It's been a very uneventful 10 days and we'll start off with, "The Masters." It's been 25 years since Jack Nicklaus made his magical run to a sixth green jacket on the back nine. I remember watching the whole thing in my dorm room at Adams Hall at Dean College in Franklin Mass. I told my friends I was skipping dinner that afternoon cause I didn't want to miss anything. It was worth it. Even the two slices of bad pizza from that Greek place down the street from my dorm actually tasted O.K for once. This may seem wrong, but I didn't care who won as long as it wasn't that guy named Eldrick. I was rooting so hard against him. I have this feeling that as long as his back holds up, Freddy Couples will always be in contention at some point during the tournament. He has this way about him, 20 years after he won his green jacket. After that horrendously bad start, seeing the Phantoms turn things around and the buzz that Civic Center had as the team was winning at home at the end of this year, it brought back those great memories when opposing teams dreaded coming into Glens Falls on a Saturday night to play the Wings with a packed house when they were coached by Bill Dineen or Barry Melrose. Note to John Paddock, Paul Holmgren and the Brooks Brothers. The first decision to be made this off season is bringing back Joe Patterson at any cost! In an earlier entry I wrote how the Phantoms should ignore the Redwings past here and create their own identity. I was wrong and I apologize to the fans. I watched with an open mind Paul Reiser's new show on NBC. I was a big "Mad About You" fan. Come on guys admit it, you had the hots for Helen Hunt big time! You hoped that somewhere, out in the real world was a woman who looked and acted like Jamie Buchman. I know I did. I loved the show until they had the kid. Then it went downhill. I thought the opening was great with the monologue that showed photos of "Mad About You." The game show was a riot! So these last two items come from the show prep service we get. The first being this kid in Virginia gave up talking for Lent. He did it because of his faith and he truly believes it. That's honorable. I think we all know a few people who we wish would do the same thing as that kid. Also from our show prep service was a study done by a university in Spain that found drinking beer was a good way to replenish nutrients after a workout. I'll raise my pint of Guiness to that one. Bad news is I work out at 10am and it wouldn't look good to have one after my hour of cardio or fitness class before heading for the office 5 days a week. I guess the chocolate milk will still have to do for now. Tomato seeds are planted. Pepper plants are growing. I just wish the stinking eggplant seeds would finally germinate!..Leccese out.

Is it really April?

2011-04-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I took one look at the calendar and saw it was April 3rd. Boy the first 3 months of the year went by like a blur! Well maybe it was because I was congested and my back hurt most of the time. So Butler and UConn are playing for the national championship in Houston. Please all you media hounds and they're have been a ton of you working the room speculating when Butler coach Brad Stevens will get a boat load of Benjamins, Lincolns and George Washingtons to leave the Bulldogs for some uber conference team that needs to be re-built. I know you probably will some day, but for now if you and your family are truly happy Brad Stevens stay at Hinkle Fieldhouse and enjoy the ride. Same thing goes for you Shaka Smart over at VCU. Baseball season has arrived and before you fans start jumping off the South Glens Falls bridge because your team has no hope, wait at least til Memorial Day. A couple of last thoughts from spring training. First we have the Orioles' Jake Fox who broke some unwritten rule about swinging at 3-0 pitch during a blowout with runners on. Not only did he get harassed by Jim Leland but by his own manager Buck Showalter. I've never understood why on a 3-0 count any batter would put the bat on the shoulder and take a pitch. The pitcher has to throw a strike so swing at it. Jake if you want to make nice with Jim Leland, just send him a carton of smokes and I think everything will be fine. Then there's Brian Cashman, Yankees GM who scolded the Mets for the way they used pitcher Pedro Feliciano. Feliciano has apparently a little shoulder stiffness. This coming from a guy who signed Carl Pavano and Kei Igawa. Brian find that episode of the Brady Bunch and learn what "caveat emptor" means! Finally we have Rays third baseman Evan Longoria who along with teammates David Price and Reid Brignac had the home they were renting during spring training broken into. A variety of watches, electronics items and a big screen tv were stolen. Oh and one other thing. Longoria had his AK-47 assault rifle stolen! Excuse me! As the face of the franchise, how do you explain to the kids who look up to you that you own one and it wasn't locked up in a secure gun cabinet! The best line came from the local sheriff's office. "Perfectly legal." I wanted to throw up when I read that line. Getting away from baseball. After watching the progress of the Phantoms lately, as much as I want the season to come to an end, there's a part of me that wishes that there was a couple of more home games. Love watching Matt Read, both Mike and J.P.Testwuide, Harry Zolniercyk, and Erik Gustafsson play. Friday night I thought the ref blew a great opportunity to take control of the game early when he gave unsportsmanlike conduct penalties to Matt Clackson and Leblond from Albany in the first period. After what had happened during the previous game in Albany, I would have tossed both of them out to send a message to both benches not to let the game degrade into some scene out of, "Slap Shot." What idiot schedule maker at the AHL came up with the brilliant idea to have the Rochester Americans come into Glens Falls for their only visit on a Monday night? I think Stan Lee is losing his mind. The man behind Marvel Comics is planning a new animated series around Arnold Schwarzenegger called, "The Governator." That is just as brilliant an idea as the NHL Guardian Project. You're saying what the heck is the NHL Guardian Project? Find out and you'll be shaking your head wondering, "Huh?" I love this story from Florida where a 17 year girl forced her Mom to buy her a car at gunpoint! The child even pistol whipped Mommy! Mom did not want to press charges because her precious little girl had been accepted to several Ivy League schools. The gun was a stolen one, too. I know that colleges besides SAT scores and grades want to know what activities, clubs and sports that perspective students are involved in before accepting them. Taking a stolen firearm and forcing mom at gunpoint to buy car for you does not look good on the transcript. Finally this weeks sign of the apocalypse comes Rutgers University where Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison will be giving the commencement address and everybody's favorite vertically challenged cast member from "Jersey Shore" Nicole Polizzi spoke to students. I'm not making this up but Snooki got 2 grand more to speak than the Nobel Prize winner. Snooki got 32 thousand, while Toni Morrison got only 30 thousand. Just when I thought the dumbing down of America had hit rock bottom, the canyon has been dug a little bit deeper...Leccese out!

A little basketball, some Bourdain and other thoughts from the weekend

2011-03-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well here's your Final Four. Kentucky, UConn, Butler and the Rams of Virginia Commonwealth. So I'm watching the Kentucky/North Carolina game and here I am rooting for the TarHeels even though I picked Kentucky to beat UNC to make the Final Four. Let's just say all four of those Elite Eight games were incredible and that's just one of the reasons why these three weeks are some of the best in sports. How cool is it that it's Butler and not Duke making it back to Final Four! That will be one heck of semi-final game when two of the best young coaches in college basketball in Brad Stevens of Butler and Shaka Smart from VCU match minds. You look at UConn and what they've done winning 9 games in the last 19 days and think how tough the Big East really was this year. They finished ninth during the regular season. Watching BYU lose to Florida was tough, but Arizona beating Duke later that night helped me get over it a lot faster. I know the BYU/Florida game went into overtime, but I thought both teams shot the ball poorly. You could have built a nice fireplace or outdoor barbecue with the bricks they were laying. I got asked a question from a friend about who's the player of the year in college. I should have took the fifth for fear of prosecution. Sorry everybody, you're gonna hate my answer. My choice is Kemba Walker from UConn. "The Leccese Curse" reared its ugly head. Last week, I declared how pleased I was that I didn't have listen to Gus Johnson calling any action during the first couple rounds of the tournament. So I rush home to watch BYU Thursday night and who's doing the play by play in New Orleans? If you guessed Gus Johnson, you move on to the bonus round. So Knicks fans how's that Carmelo Anthony trade working out? Not so good right now huh? The only "D" I've seen from the Knicks lately are the ones in the last names of D'Antoni and Stoudemire. When I wasn't watching college basketball, The Travel Channel had a "No Reservations" mini marathon on. You know my feelings about Tony Bourdain. Nuff said. Lawrence Taylor got six years probation for his rape charge of an underage girl. He goes on Fox News for an interview with Sheppard Smith and some of his answers made Charlie Sheen's recent rants sounding like Charlie was a card carrying member of Mensa. Sorry L.T., I admit that I'm not the most sexually experienced male on the planet, but unlike you I have never had or never will have the desire to hire a prostitute or female escort to improve my experience level. You claim all males have done it or want to do it. Orioles manager Buck Showalter recently contracted a case of foot in mouth disease. He made disparaging comments about both Derek Jeter and Red Sox's GM Theo Epstein. Talk about attacking two tank battalions with a BB gun. Who was he getting advice from, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson? So I got these tomato seeds from one of the garden supply companies that I order stuff from. I wanted to know what variety of tomato they were because it didn't say on packet. I contact the company to find out and they replied back, "We don't know either." That will be a big help to me when I start them in the next week or two and the label that I make to identify them says, "Don't a have clue what kind of tomato this is." This weeks' sign of the apocalypse comes from England where an appliance company is selling refrigerators with the likenesses of Prince William and Kate Middleton on them. I have one question. How much will it cost Prince Charles for the rehearsal dinner and bar tab at the reception? I didn't miss the Federation Tournament of Champions being held at the Civic Center this year did you?. Finally, thanks Jimmer Fredette...Leccese out.

Just because the calendar officially says its spring, doesn't mean it really is.

2011-03-21T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hi there. So if we are to get 4 to 8 inches of wet snow on this the second day of spring, at least I know my cars are parked in the right spot so the guy who plows my driveway has plenty of room to put the stuff.
Bracketology update. Big East basketball suddenly morphed into Big East football. 11 teams got in, only 2 are left. UConn and Marquette. My two Big East final four picks both went down in the second round. So who do I have left of my final four predictions? Kentucky and Duke. If you want to call Butler a Cinderella, remember they lost in the championship game last year. They are no Cinderella. This years Cinderella's would be Richmond or VCU.
The whole CBS/TNT/TruTV/TBS thing is a good idea, but it needs some tweaking. It was painful watching Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith as studio hosts, and Marv Albert doing college basketball didn't seem right. He was always the voice of pro basketball to me. On the positive side, I didn't have to suffer like a person who just had a root canal having to endure listening to Gus Johnson.
The best part of watching and listening to the BYU games over the weekend wasn't seeing Jimmer do what he did on floor. I was lucky to see him do enough of that in high school. It was hearing Verne Lundquist and Billy Rafferty mentioning Glens Falls, Lake George and our little part of the world itself. The Cougars need to improve on their rebounding and low post defense if they want to make it to the Final Four.
One more basketball note. Saw the Bristol Tech 30 for 30 movie on the Michigan Fab Five. It was good, however Jalen Rose has gotten a whole mess of criticism for some comments he made about Grant Hill and other African American Duke teammates. He felt that way when he was 18 years old! Times change and your opinions change as you get older. When I was 18 I hated Georgetown, John Thompson and everything about the Hoyas! Now I appreciate how great those Georgetown teams were and the job that John Thompson did coaching them. If you wanted to attack a member of those Duke teams Jalen, it was Christian Laettner. Nobody liked him.
Met fans, its been a rough winter for us. Between the new management team, financial troubles and this lawsuit hanging over the Wilpons head by Irving Picard; it's been painful. The light at the end of the tunnel has been lit! Both Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez are gone!
I'm hoping Jason Isringhausen makes the team as its eighth inning guy.
I might just take a pass on the two Phantoms' home games this weekend just so I don't have to suffer through watching that guy who dances like a fool and throws t-shirts to fans.
Football fans, if you get a moment; say a prayer for a fast recovery to Steve Sabol who has a brain tumor. One big part of the NFL's success and popularity can be attributed to Ed and Steve Sabol.
No matter what your political opinions are, the bottom line is Bill Maher is one funny individual and "Real Time" is a must watch on HBO. The "New Rules" segment is my favorite and the captions are brilliant.
I know last week I made, "The Greehouse Effect" a Charlie Sheen free zone, but I'm rescinding that edict for one week. He makes this weeks sign of the apocalypse because his so-called, "one man show" has sold out in all 7 cities he plans on appearing in.
If "Two and Half Men" isn't gonna be on the CBS Monday night line-up next tv season, could you move "The Big Bang Theory" back to Monday's and into that time slot?
Speaking of one man shows, Paul Reubens, a.k.a PeeWee Herman is performing on Broadway doing a show with the characters from "Pee Wee's Playhouse." I watched it Saturday night and it was great. It will bring back some memories for fans of the tv show. You think he could convince Laurence Fishburne to go on stage and appear as "Cowboy Curtis" for one night?
This was the first weekend in a long time I wasn't congested and my back didn't hurt. I also worked out on a treadmill at the gym Thursday and Friday. It felt good.
To everybody at Big Brothers/Big Sisters, I will be back to bowl next year.
One of the best smells in the kitchen is when bread dough rises and you get that, "the yeast is activated" smell. You lift the towel or plastic wrap off the bowl and it hits you. It's intoxicating.
Finally, garden 2011 was officially started with pepper and eggplant seeds being planted. I looked out at where the raised beds are going in with 2 feet snow covering the area and I'm dreading all that work I have ahead of me when the snow finally melts and the mud finally dries out...Leccese out.

Bracketology time!

2011-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there.
Well it has arrived. That magical time of year known as the NCAA Division 1 Mens Basketball Tournament. I'll give you my Final Four predictions right off the bat and heeeere they are: Duke, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. Sorry Jimmer fans, I see the BYU Cougars losing to Pitt in the Southeast Region final. As for a couple of Cinderella or mid-major teams who could make a dent in the plans of some uber conference teams; I'll throw out 2 to watch for. Richmond and Utah State.
Unless you win your conference tournament, I don't care how tough a schedule you play or what conference you come from. If you have at least 10 losses you don't deserve an at large bid. Understand that Michigan State, Tennessee, Marquette, Illinois, Penn State and that includes you too Michigan.
I'm going to have a hard time getting used to seeing Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith as studio hosts.
My favorite announcers to listen to while watching the tournament are Sean McDonough and Bill Rafferty.
I have to ask, who at the NCAA came up with the dumb idea a few years back to have all the basketball courts at the tournament venues look the same? Sort of boring and drab looking to me.
Now for a couple of non tournament thoughts. With the high school sports season on WWSC having come to a close, I want to thank all the athletic directors and coaches at the high schools we cover for putting up with me and John for another year. Your kindness and co-operation in helping us put a good product out over the air is invaluable. I hope you also understand we truly like coming to your school and broadcasting the games
My favorite one of those credit card commercials with the vikings is the one where they go to New Orleans. The goat with the sunglasses singing is fall off the couch funny. Even better than the Las Vegas one.
Finally, here's the real reason I joined Facebook. Very simply, shameless, self-promotion! It's all about me! Getting the word out on the WCKM and Hits 95 Nine pages about where and when the next high school football, basketball, or hockey game on WWSC would be. I also wanted to get the word out letting you readers know that I wrote a new edition of this blog or places I will be on location at.
Don't forget Bowl for Kids Sake Sunday in S.Glens Falls at 12:30pm...Leccese out.

Taking in a lot of hockey and some other random thoughts

2011-03-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Did you remember to set your clocks ahead an hour? Just relaxing and sitting in front of the laptop after a long Saturday of watching hockey. Don't get me wrong I love the game and could do nothing all day but watch marathons on NHL Network or MSG. It was the trip to Utica and back that wore me out. You want to why going to state tournaments are special. The volunteers. Those people are the backbone of what makes these events great. I saw people who I haven't seen in a couple years remember me and there was such a good vibe in the building. I've watched the Queensbury Spartans play all year and trust me it was shock to the system to see them dominated and humbled by one tough Cazenovia team. I want thank Scott Stuart, Dean Williams and those kids on the QHS team for a great year and it was a pleasure and privilege calling your games.
If the head coaches at RPI, Union, or for that matter any Division 1 hockey program read this blog; you'll have a hard time convincing me that Kevin Valenti isn't good enough to play on your teams.
I want to also thank the listeners for their patience about the delay at the start. The Queensbury game was the second of the day and was scheduled for 12:30. However the first game went into overtime, plus their was a 30 minute delay when a pain of glass broke and needed to be taken care of. John and I were just as anxious to get going.
Two more notes about Utica. I find hard to believe that no other city bid against Utica for the rights to the State hockey championships. And no matter how much paint or polish you give to it, the Aud is still a dump.
I have one more high school hockey game to think about. My alma mater Middletown South is playing in a NJ state championship game today. GO EAGLES!
On to the Phantoms. Great job with the Hall of Fame ceremonies Saturday night. Barry Melrose, Jody Gage and Hugo Belanger were well deserved inductees. They are the epitome of class and what makes Glens Falls a great hockey town. Hugo was one of a few reasons you wanted to watch the Icehawks/Frostbite play. I wish I could have met Jody Gage. Note to Coach Melrose. When are you going introduce me to John Saunders so I can beg him to put me on The Sports Reporters?
I'm liking Dax more and more, but I'm still not convinced that he's really a beaver.
Yes, I will be renewing my Phantom season ticket for next year as soon as my tax refund comes.
Jimmer Fredette went off on New Mexico for 52 points Friday night! What a stupid idea to go to bed early.
I wish Big East football was more like Big East basketball.
Unfortunately life isn't fair and many times it deals you a real crappy hand on occasion. That's how I feel about the tragedy that happend to that kid from Michigan Wes Leonard. Made a game winning shot in a big high school basketball game and loses his life right after due to an enlarged heart. It also happened locally to a kid named Cole Roque from Whitehall who was studying at RPI and was one hell of a football player.
The Greenhouse Effect is officially a Charlie Sheen and NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement free zone. No more mentions for either of them til sanity, a settlement or labor deal is done.
I'm not cuckoo for the new Cocoa Puff donut! Not chocolaty enough for my taste buds.
Bowl for Kids Sake is next Sunday and you can donate to team CKM at our Facebook page or be listening to Hits 95 Nine for the annual Bowling Ball auction. Thanks to Eric Thomas and the folks at 900 Global for the donation. This years bowling ball looks just like a soccer ball. It's cool looking, trust me. Unfortunately, I won't be bowling this year unless my chiropractor performs a miracle on my back in the next 7 days. I've mentioned on more than one occasion that Bowl for Kids Sake is my favorite thing we do here at the radio station. I'll have to admit it's been a really frustrating time for me recently. I just want this stupid head cold, congestion thing to go away for good and my back to get better so I can golf and go to the gym to workout and take fitness classes. I really miss seeing my friends there and you know who you are. I've been befriending and sending friend requests to you on Facebook.
Bracketology coming up later in the week...Leccese out.

45 going on 75

2011-03-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hi there.
As we get older, our body tends to not work like it did when we were younger and I am starting to believe its true. For example, my back is like a piece of Fillet Mignon steak, very tender. I've had problems with it off and on for more than 20 years now. Well Thursday was a day I wish I could have been shot. I don't know what I did to it, but whatever it was it wasn't good. Between that and the sinus infection, I was one seriously hurting individual. My 67 year old father looked and felt younger than I did. I could barely walk and the coughing and blowing my nose didn't help the cause either. You know you're in pain when moving your foot to press the gas pedal or brake causes anguish. It didn't help that I had a 100 mile round trip drive to drop my Dad off at the airport in Albany.
I've spent most of my spare time at home on my stomach with an ice pack to my back. I've turned the corner and the treatments and the occasional Advil have helped the healing process. Somehow I was walking normally and managed to do the hockey game we had Saturday night unscathed and actually felt pretty good afterward. At least I had a voice. My partner JP couldn't make the broadcast. I guess someone likes me after all.
Speaking of that hockey game, I had a feeling Queensbury would win when it was 2-0 at the end of the first period. Kevin Valenti's first goal was thing of beauty. One more thing, I have a ton of respect for those play by play guys who broadcast minor league games. They have 18 minutes to kill between periods. The average in high school is about 10 to 12. When the ice re-surfacer was having troubles in between the first and second periods, I had to use all my games notes and my knowledge of those machines to describe the problem and get through an extended break in the action.
I applaud BYU for their decision to suspend Brandon Davies from the basketball team. I was considering going to out to Provo thinking I might have a year of eligibility left and try out as a walk on, however it was pointed out to me that I drink tea so I'm in same boat Mr.Davies was in. More colleges should have honor codes like that.
Is it that hard to figure out how to distribute 9 BILLION DOLLARS Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith? Come on guys don't screw this one up. Get the deal done now!
Last Year it was Tom Hanks with Bosom Buddies and this year it will be John Travolta appearing at this years TVLand Awards with the cast of "Welcome Back, Kotter." That's totally cool.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. I joined Facebook. I know I said I wouldn't, but I needed to as way to promote what I do and what we do on the radio station. I wanted to post stuff on the CKM Facebook page and the only way I can do it is if I had a page of my own and was made an administrator.
Get well soon Serena Williams. Tennis needs you.
Seeing Mark Roth who has been recovering from a stroke he suffered a few years back really depressed me. He will always be my favorite pro bowler of all time.
Have you noticed the Phantoms have won their last 3 games at home. By coincidence I haven't been to the last 3 Phantoms home games.
There's some great kids out there and a bunch of them raised over 326 thousand dollars at the South Glens Falls dance marathon this past weekend.
Getting close to planting those eggplant and pepper seeds and spring is officially two weeks away...Leccese out.

In search of the elusive Meatball Sub after a blizzard

2011-02-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well just when you thought we've had enough snow to last us for a while, guess what happens? A good 12 inches gets dumped on us as we head into March. So here I am at home after the drive from downtown Glens Falls. The new SUV is very adept in snow I might add. So I didn't want to cook tonight and I was also in the mood for something quick and easy. I decided to get just a meatball sub. I go the national franchise chain place where I have enough points on my card that I don't have to pay for it and was disappointed to find out that the two locations I stopped into didn't have any meatballs left. Bummer. On to other things.
Note to Charlie Sheen. Go back into detox and when you're thoroughly dried out, get on your knees and start kissing the ring of Chuck Lorre. You're killing that cash cow of a sitcom you star in and trust me nobody wants to hire you the way you're acting in public now. Nobody I know is clamoring for "Major League 4" or "Hot Shots, 3 is a magic number!"
Did anybody realize that last Sunday was "Hockey Day in America?"
So Dax is a beaver? I wouldn't have guessed that in a million years. No really, he's a beaver?
The Phantoms actually paid that guy to fly in from L.A.; dance around like a fool and throw t-shirts to the crowd last Friday night! Where's Claude Scott and his trumpet when you need him.
Got sectional hockey tomorrow and that means no trip down to Hudson Valley Community College for sectional basketball. The McDonough Center gym is huge and the shooters backdrop can be as bad as the Civic Center's.
Jimmer Fredette is on tv Saturday at 2pm on CBS.
Finally got the DVD of Billy Joel's "Last Play at Shea." Just seeing the parts with Paul McCartney was worth the price alone. Great watch. Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out

Be my Valentine?..I don't think so...

2011-02-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Post Valentine's/Super Bowl/Birthday edition. Lot's to cover so lets get started.
As for the Superbowl. You don't win games committing 3 turnovers, it's that simple. Didn't really pay attention to the commercials and I could care less about the halftime show.
The night before the big game when we had that snow thunderstorm, it was one of the few times in the 30 years of living in the area that I thought I might actually die. The wind, the lightning, and the thunder scared the living you what out of me.
So, if we have this global warming thing supposedly happening, how do you explain the weather in Dallas Super Bowl week? It didn't look like 70 degrees and sunny the entire week to me.
There's worse things in life than being caught on camera being fed popcorn to you by Cameron Diaz, Alex Rodriguez. Like having to explain to a grand jury or senate hearing your use of P.E.D's. I'd be bragging to everyone. "Hey, did you see who I was with at the Super Bowl!" "That's right, the girl from There's Something About Mary!"
As for the birthday it was nice and quiet and uneventful. How much trouble could one get into on a Monday anyway? One recommendation for those on the verge of celebrating. If you're in a funk like I have been for the longest while, don't watch City Slickers. I watched before the Super Bowl. It will make you more depressed. I could relate to Billy Crystal's character. However I have no desire to go on a cattle drive plus every time I see Norman the calf, I swear off eating Veal Parm.
The only thing I know about the Grammy's was that some guy named C-Lo Green sang with the Muppets dressed like some George Clinton wannabe and Lady GaGa with the egg thing. Is she some sort of performance artist trying redraw that fine line or just a certified freak? My money's on being a freak.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Adam Sandler got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his new movie which he co-stars with Jennifer Aniston was tops at the box office this past week.
Bill O'Reilly interviewing the president before the Super Bowl on Fox was as bad as watching Keith Olbermann host"Football Night in America."
If they ever wanted to do a "Major League 4" they could use Charlie Sheen's real life porn, drugs, and booze addictions and write a script around his character Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn.
I had a fantasy sports owners' worst nightmare last Wednesday during the 8-6 Bruins win over the Habs. Two of my three goaltenders squared off against each other.
You want to why the Phantoms are going to continue to suck? Here's why. The parent club in Philadelphia made a trade Monday for Kris VerSteeg from Toronto and swapped both a first and third round pick in the upcoming 2011 draft. When you're trying to win the Stanley Cup, often times draft picks and prospects become assets in trades. The farm club often gets the short end of the deal.
Adirondack League basketball championship games on WWSC tonight. Should be a couple of great games between Argyle and Lake George. One more high school sports note. The first draft of the 2011 football schedule was released. Only 6 1/2 months til opening kick-off September 2nd! Leccese out.

Just toss the coin and kick off the damm ball will you please!

2011-02-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Not only is it Superbowl weekend but the day after brings the arrival of another birthday. If you want to know my age, it's the same number as the Superbowl and just like the big game I've adopted the roman numeral system to give out my age. Monday I turn XLV. How will I spend it you ask? Calling the Hudson Falls/Glens Falls basketball game at Glens Falls high on WWSC. It could be worse.
Opie's Upset special prediction on the game itself. Pittsburgh 24 Green Bay 20.
With all the icy weather that the Dallas area received during Superbowl week, you think that the NFL is having second thoughts about having 2 of its next 3 big games in Indianapolis and New York? At least the game in Indianapolis will be played indoors.
I have one wish for Sunday's game. That one of the punters hit the "mega tyrannosaurus rex jumbo tron" scoreboard that hangs over the field so we can watch Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones have some sort of medical episode like a seizure or heart attack. Hopefully it will look like a scene from "Sanford and Son," when Fred would grasp his heart and say, "Elizabeth the big ones' coming. I can feel it now!"
Did St. John's really beat Duke by 15 last Sunday? I thought they stopped playing basketball at St. John's when Lou Carnesecca retired and Chris Mullin and Mark Jackson both graduated.
If you're gonna sue the Wilpons, don't you think it should be for a really good reason. Like why did they build such a joke of a ball park like Citi-Field. Not due to the fact they are rich and were friends with that dirt bag Bernie Madoff and may have profited from that Ponzi scheme.
The most exciting basketball player to watch in the city of Los Angeles is not a Laker, but in fact it's Blake Griffin of the Clippers. Your eyes are not deceiving you. I just wrote he plays for the CLIPPERS!
When I saw that picture of Jimmer Fredette holding one of our "Player of the Game" plaques in Sports Illustrated this past week, it made me proud that I get to broadcast those games.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse is a triple header. 1. "Dallas" is coming back to tv and 79 year old Larry Hagmann will be a part of the cast. 2. A script for the "Mighty Ducks 4" is in the works; and here's the clincher : Larry the Cable Guy has got a new tv show on of all places, "The History Channel!" Brutal, absolutely brutal.
If the groundhog had seen his shadow on Wednesday, I was calling Andrew Zimmern and have him do a special "Bizarre Foods" that debunks animal weather myths and have Mr Zimmern eat the creatures that are involved with them. Does groundhog taste like chicken, Andrew?
I'm not crazy about the new Phantoms mascot, "Dax" but if Dave Raymond had a hand in it, I'll give him a chance to win me over in time.
Throwing out some props to Chip Ordway and a story done about him on the local Fox affiliates' news cast. Check it out at their website online.
I was saying to Dan that we haven't had a good goalie fight in a long time. Sorry to say that the Brent Johnson/Rick DiPietro bout did not count as a "good" goalie fight.
One more thing before I wrap up. With all the bad weather we had earlier this week, I originally planned to spend a night in town at a hotel. Well the storm let up enough so I didn't have to, but I didn't want to cook. I got take out from an Italian place. If you want to one reasons we're becoming an obese society, two words: portion control or in this case too much portion. I got a cup of soup, entree, and dessert. My so-called meal for one was enough for 2. I'm getting 4 meals out of it. The dessert I'm saving that for Monday as my XLV birthday treat after the basketball game.
Started ordering the seeds and starter kits for garden 2011. They don't call me the "Garden Boy" and this blog "The Greenhouse Effect' for nothing you know...Leccese out.

Some quick Thursday thoughts

2011-01-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Some quick words of wisdom to help you get over a football free (sorry, the Pro Bowl and Senior Bowl don't count!) weekend. What makes it even more dull is the Phantoms are on the road Saturday and the NHL is in its All-Star break.
If I read one more post in Tim McManus' fine column about the lack of fighters or a coaches show at some restaurant, I'm gonna take a sledge hammer to some helpless computer and beat the crap out it!
Instead of getting a new mascot, why don't we just rent "Tux" from the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins when the Pens aren't playing on the same night at home that we are?
I think Johan Backlund is actually starting to get back into solid form, but why do I have this uneasy feeling whenever he touches or plays the puck and he's been doing it a lot more. Has he been taking goaltending lessons from former Flyer Ron Hextall?
So the Super Bowl features two great traditional franchises and everybody says it will be a boring affair. Just because neither team has cheerleaders as eye candy on the sideline. Big deal. This is a killer match-up.! Just seeing Jerry Jones' disappointed face when all those Cheeseheads and Steelers fans pour into Cowboys Stadium is worth watching the game for that reason alone.
Been hearing a lot about Jimmer Fredette's exploits all over the media. Been there, done that, and already seen it. But I have to admit it is kind of cool.
One more thing. ABC/Bristol Tech turned back the clock last Saturday by airing the Pro Bowlers Tour. Loved every minute of it! I spent many a Saturday afternoon as a kid watching Chris Schenkel and Nelson Burton, Jr. Kind of felt sorry for the guy who only bowled only a 100 in that one game. It's like watching a pro golfer shoot in the 80's in a major championship. You feel for the guy but at the same time its nice to see one of those top pros have a bad day like that. It makes feels better for only being mediocre at a sport.
Enjoy the weekend. Maybe I'll order my seeds or even better check out the latest NHL Guardian in time for the All-Star game...Leccese out.

I just don't like Slater!

2011-01-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hi there. It was just a matter of time. 3 snow storms in less than 2 weeks. The folks are headed down to South Carolina to the fortress of solitude on Fripp Island for the winter. My Mom wanted to stay here for another week or two, but Dad kind of laid the law down and said he was going there without her. Got to love my crazy parents! I actually wouldn't have minded them sticking around for another week. Miss you Mom and Dad!

O.K. on to some NFL play-off observations. How come Rex Ryan has become suddenly humble when talking about Mike Tomlin and the Steelers after all the smack talk the past two weeks before facing the Colts and Patriots. I don't like throwing the race card around, but would you want to attack Coach Tomlin on Martin Luther King Day? I didn't think so either.

Hello Packer fans. Have you forgotten about what's his name, number 4 yet after seeing Aaron Rodgers doing what he has been doing these last couple of weeks? By the way that Number 4 guy filed his retirement papers with the NFL offices. How soon does he rescind those same papers for the upteenth time?

Mike Martz has little to do with the Bears success. It comes down to this. Good defense, solid running game, and a quarterback managing the game with minimal mistakes. Of the 4 teams left. 2 of the QB's are managing the games without making mistakes, the other two are legit Top 10 QB's. Did you notice that all the winning teams had great pass rush schemes?

I think Tom Brady will be able to forget the Jet loss as soon he spends a couple of days with Mrs. Brady (we're not talking Carol either) and not think about football during that time. He'll be O.K. trust me. I would if I were married to his wife.

As for the Ravens, I'm torn. Love Ray Rice. Can't stand Ray Lewis. It was nice to see another team besides the Giants fall apart like that in front of my eyes.

If the Phantoms played the Syracuse Crunch say like 50 times, they'd be a contender for the Calder Cup this year.

Saturday night observing the mascots at the Phantoms game, one stood out and if you were there I hope you noticed too. The person who was in Tux, the Penguins mascot was phenomenal! That person must have taken lessons from Dave Raymond, who was the original Philly Phanatic. One more mascot note. There was this one person dressed as Big Foot, at first I thought it was "Chaka" from "Land of the Lost.

Seeing photos of the freak who went on that shooting rampage in Tuscon 10 days ago gives me the chills and it concerns me that there are more like him waiting in the wings.

Had a great time in Warrensburg at their first,"Dancing to Make a Difference" Marathon. I was originally was supposed to be there for only an hour, but stayed for 2. If I hadn't had my Phantoms tickets I would have gone earlier and hung out even longer. Nice going kids and when I come back next year, I'm bringing some my friends from the radio station to experience the fun I had. Thanks to everyone up there.

2011 seed catalogs have arrived. I'm circling what seeds and materials I need and I've found something new for the garden. It's called, "The Potato Planter."

Finally, last Friday from the show prep service we get had a story about a guy who was in a sports bar somewhere in Illinois. He smashed up a photo that was behind the bar of A.C. Slater, a.k.a Mario Lopez from "Saved by the Bell." He told the police his reason for doing it was, "I just don't like Slater!" I'm making that my new mantra in life. If I do or say anything either positive or negative for any reason, my reply might just be, "I just don't like Slater!" Leccese out.

Sunday Brunch thoughts and some other stuff

2011-01-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Sunday morning and I'm just biding time til my one hour of watching Bristol Tech at 9am.
As for Wild Card weekend in the NFL. I didn't watch either game yesterday. The results. Nobody and I mean nobody saw that coming. O.K, a lot of people thought the Jets would beat the Colts. How it happened? Nick Folk out Vinatieried Adam Vinatieri and kicked a game winning field goal as time ran out. Now for the Seahawks. Look, no matter how bad your record is if you win the division you play in, you're entitled to be in the play-offs. How did Seattle put up 41 on the Saints with no running game? Next weekend will be a different story. Seeing Pete Carroll on the sideline with a smile on his face after leaving So Cal and claiming he knew nothing of the violations and the Reggie Bush fiasco while in charge just rubbed me the wrong way. Sure you didn't know anything, Pete? You get a hefty pay raise to bolt to the NFL while the Trojans are put on probation. It was like in the 80's during Iran/Contra and George Bush claimed he didn't know what President Reagan was doing. You were the Vice President, how could you not know something went on!
Kind of ironic that Queensbury High cancelled it's Nordic Invitational ski race in advance because of a lack of snow and a day before the event was to take place, 12 inches of the white stuff fell on the area.
If the snow that we got was the heavy, moisture laden, wet type. I wouldn't have been shoveling.
I am this close to getting back on a treadmill. I miss being at the gym and taking Pump and Combat classes. The back is getting and feeling better and I only have to go for treatment at the chiropractor only once a week. 5 years ago I was there 3 times a week for 3 months. I was that messed up and out of alignment.
Only in golf can a viewer who is watching a Tour event on TV call the network, point out a rules violation and get a golfer disqualified? I love would to be able to do that in other sports. I would be so watching the NBA every night and calling David Stern every 30 seconds.
I am so behind on "How I Met Your Mother" and "Big Bang Theory" watching this year.
Haven't seen him in a while, but there he was, "The Man" Anthony Bourdain on Top Chef All-Stars as a judge. Him and Tom Colicchio are two of the coolest guys around.
So the folks are home and Mom is doing some cleaning. Her dining room table looks like a bomb was dropped on it and left all this debris. It's the least of her worries she says.
Phantoms goalie Brian Stewart wins 3 straight games, wins player of the week and gets rewarded by being sent to Bakersfield of the ECHL.
Retiring Phlex and installment of video boards are the least of the teams worries. Ticket pricing, the sound system, continued locker room improvements and a lack prospects in the junior and college ranks who could develop into viable pros at the NHL level would be my top concerns if I were the Brooks group.
Who'd a thought that both the hottest pro coaching and playing prospect came from that football factory known as Stanford! So Cal and the entire SEC and Big 10 conferences must be having heart palpitations right now.
Between seeing the Eric LeGrand interview and Andrew Luck's decision to stay in school it made me believe that there are still some good things about big time Division 1 college athletics. Maybe like all good news stories, we don't see or hear enough of them
Finally, Cloutier goes out to Vegas this week and what was going on out there. Both the Consumer Electronics Show and the Adult Entertainment Expo. Pete still found the time to sit front of slots machine and play. I never knew he had that type of stamina...Leccese out.

Killing gift cards and other weekend thoughts

2011-01-04T03:57:00.000-08:00

Hi there and Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed the New Year and haven't already failed in your efforts to keep your resolutions.
Most of the weekend seemed like a blur. I'm not a big New Years celebration type person and I had to be at the radio station at 4:30 New Years' morning, so I was in bed by 9:30. Friday and Saturday I was at one of 3 places. Home, the office and the Civic Center for the 2 Phantoms games. Sunday it was the post holiday clean-up. Trip to the landfill, exchange a gift, and write thank you notes to family members who sent me a gift and to the people who made contributions to the Operation Santa Claus charity auction.
The hardest part of my Sunday revolved around believe it or not...gift cards. I have this box that I keep them in. Besides the 9 new ones I received this Christmas, in this box were 11 old ones that had either expired or had small amounts on them that I didn't know how much. I spent 30 minutes online, typing in codes and getting the amounts, writing them on post it notes and sticking them to the cards. Yesterday, I mailed out 4 old expired cards to one local business and going to 4 other businesses killing their cards off. I also discovered in my card collection that my favorite places are Red Lobster and Panera Bread.
I'm going to the chiropractor Wednesday to have my back treated so I can workout and take fitness classes again pain free. By coincidence, I got this card in the mail from the place I used to go to offering me a free session. Not gonna happen.
On to other things. It was nice to see the Big Ten humbled going 0 for 5 in New Years Day bowl games. Upset Special wise, total loss except for TCU's win in the Rose Bowl. On a follow up note, Notre Dame did beat Miami in the Sun Bowl.
Come on Randy Edsall, leaving UConn for the Maryland job? You're kidding me right? Didn't like playing second fiddle to Geno Auriemma and Jim Calhoun now did you.
So the Pitt Panthers hire this guy to replace Dave Wannstadt and end up firing him after 2 weeks on the job because he assaulted a woman over the weekend. Brilliant. That goes down with Notre Dame's smart hire of George O'Leary from Georgia Tech who was found to had lied on his coaching resume a few years back.
The Browns fired Eric Mangini and does anyone care that he actually was fired?
Forrest Gump of the NFL, namely Eli Manning said he is not a 25 interception quarterback. You're half right Forrest. You're a 18 directly picked off and 7 tipped balls by your receivers that got picked off qb. Eli, remember when you throw the ball, the guys on your side have a lower case "n y" on the helmets.
A miracle has finally occurred. An Adirondack Phantom won AHL Player of the Week! I shouldn't complain though, the team is starting to play better and winning 5 of your last 7 is a nice roll considering the abyss the team is already in.
Has the Tournament of Roses parade folks started scraping the bottom of the barrel when Paula Deen was named Grand Marshall? Or is this something Jeff Foxworthy can use in his, "You Might be a Redneck" routine?
Was briefly depressed when I found out that both Shania Twain and Valerie Bertinelli re-married over the weekend. However my spirits quickly rebounded when Elizabeth Hurley announced she is back in the dating pool...Leccese out.

Saying Farewell to 2010 and the final batch of Upset Specials

2010-12-31T04:21:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well here we are on the verge of another new year and the chance for some renewed optimism. We'll start with the final edition of "Opie's Upset Specials!" Yup this is last batch as this is the final week of the NFL regular season. So far 2 for 3 with wins for Syracuse and the Bengals, Giants took the gas pipe and we have one unknown since Notre Dame won't play til later today. For this final week, another 4 pack. Pro pick one, Browns over the Steelers in Cleveland. Pro pick two, love the Dolphins who are 6 and 1 on the road but only 1 and 7 at home to beat the Patriots in Foxboro. Two Bowl Picks: TCU over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl and Michigan State over Alabama in the Capital One Bowl.
This was the first year in a long time that WWSC didn't broadcast any Grandstanders hockey and there was a good reason. Location, location, location. If the games were at the Civic Center we would have tried to do at least one day, but with the Phantoms home, the games were at the Rec Center. Besides being cold, the Rec Center is a logistical nightmare. With all the technological advances, you still can't get cell service in the building. That's a big strike against us broadcast wise. The occasional home game is O.K., but having to spend between 5 and 6 hours for the two games we would normally do is tough.
I want to comment on Brett Favre, but this is a Jenn Sterger free zone.
Heading back to the chiropractor for some treatment on my back, which is acting up again.
I didn't comment on this last week, but what am I gonna do on Saturday mornings when I get off the air at 9am and head home or to the gym for combat class? This weeks sign of the apocalypse came when I heard the news that my favorite personality on Bristol Tech radio, Erik Kuselias is leaving for of all places The Golf Channel. E.K. gonna miss you. Why couldn't you stay and permanently replace that guy who starred with Zach and Slater on "Saved by the Bell, the College years" who co-hosts the morning show. Oops, my bad, wrong Golic.
Note to Rob Botruck, voice of the Phantoms. When you go over the pronunciations of players names with Dan before the game, also go over the names of the ref and linesmen. You butchered one real bad Wednesday night.
Why would anybody want to drop Nicole "Snooki"Polizzi enclosed in glass ball to ring in the New Year? That's crazy. Dropping her on her head to ring in the New Year, now that I would pay good money to see that happen.
I've made my resolutions for 2011 and they are the usual. Lose weight and eat less and healthier. Save more money. Golf more. Make time to visit my family more often then just seeing them at funerals or weddings. Head down to South Carolina and relax for a couple days at the family compound on Fripp Island, and one more. I'm gonna try harder to ignore the people and stuff that surrounds me that drives me insane and not comment about it. Just keep my mouth shut, put my nose to the grind stone and work just a little harder and not be distracted.
Finally thanks to all you loyal readers for overall another good year. "The Greenhouse Effect" is just another diversion from life's daily grind. Looking forward to another crazy, up and down 2011 and hope you can join me on the e-ticket ride...Leccese out

Skyping Christmas, Upset Specials and other stuff

2010-12-25T05:07:00.000-08:00

Hi there and Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Joyous Festivus and Holiday Salutations from the home office in Chestertown. First up on this Christmas Day is a stocking full of Upset Specials. 1 for 3 last time out with both the Vikes and Navy losing and the Jets winning. All right this week got a 4 pack for you. Two pros and two bowl games. Bowl game picks. Like K-State over the 'Cuse in the Pinstripe Bowl and the Golden Domers of ND over Miami in the Sun Bowl. For the pros, I haven't used my Giants upset special yet, so I'll take 'em over the Pack at Lambeau. My second pro pick is the Bengals knocking off the Chargers at home in Cincy.
I've made many strides in embracing technology this year. Got a new cell phone and I now text and take pictures using the phone. Bought a new car with sensors everywhere, I even managed to transfer points from 2 old Subway cards to a new one. Impressed yet? Now its Skype. My folks are in NC at my sisters and we are doing Christmas this year using video hook up on the lap tops. This thing is totally cool. What's next, we'll figure that one out at a later date. I guarantee it is not gonna be Facebook, so don't get any ideas.
I'm still trying to figure out what really happened in the last 8 minutes of the Giants/Eagles game. Did the Giants suddenly play that badly or did the Eagles all of sudden play that good and were toying with Big Blue the whole time?
Did we really need to see Rex Ryan and his wife on video talking about foot fetishes? How does this stuff show up and where do they find it? It would have been a lot funnier if Tom Coughlin was the one caught on a video with his wife. Since it is Rex Ryan, just seems like another normal day at the Jets offices down in Florham Park.
It's nice to know that the Mets are flying so well under the radar this off season that Norad and the Defense department can't detect them.
Let me get this straight. So these kids from Ohio State will be suspended for 5 games next year for selling and trading stuff they got for playing and winning in various games. They the traded stuff for services at a tattoo parlor! Body art for Christ sakes! Pathetic if you ask me. About 20 years ago, Rick Telander wrote a great book about college football called, "The One Hundred Yard Lie." I might have to read it again.
One more college note. A couple of Mississippi State basketball players got into a fight with each other in the stands watching another tournament game in Hawaii. I saw the clip and I don't whether to laugh or shake my head at it all.
No matter how much layering you wear and how warm you may think you may be, the Glens Falls Rec Center is one freakin' cold building to watch and broadcast a hockey game from.
Its been a couple of years since I last saw him, but when Joe Patterson's picture was shown in the Post Star upon the announcement of him becoming Phantoms coach earlier this week, I didn't even recognize him. I thought he looked kind of like one my co-workers who works Saturdays and no it is not Chip or Gonzo.
Enjoy your Christmas and Boxing day...Leccese out.

Sunday Brunch, Upset specials and some random thoughts

2010-12-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Shopping is all done, and I'm just enjoying some scrambled eggs and toast while killing time til the Giants/Eagles game. First order of business. Upset specials. Went 1 for 2 last week. Lost on the Da Raiders, won on da Dolphins. O.K. now for this weeks selections 2 pro and bowl game. First choice, Jets over the Steelers for no reason than they've never won in Pittsburgh, and there is a first time for everything. Well almost everything. Second upset special. Vikings over the Bears Monday night and the only reason why is they are playing that game at home outdoors. The way the Vikes used to play them. Now for a bowl pick. Navy over San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl on Thursday.
In looking over the bowl match-ups. Utah and Boise State who have 3 losses combined will play against each other in the Las Vegas Bowl Wednesday night, while a 7-5 Michigan team gets a New Years Day trip and a million dollar bowl pay off in the Gator Bowl against 8-4 Mississippi State. Huh?
Yes, I'm thrilled that the home game the Vikings will be playing at the University of Minnesota is outdoors. I think its great. And what's even better is they will be having their 50th anniversary celebration as well. The best cold weather team of all time was the Bud Grant coached Vikings of the late '60's and '70's.
I want to know the guy who went to a Las Vegas sports book and placed a crazy bet that a rookie quarterback from Fordham would make his first NFL start before Tim Tebow. He's a rich man now.
Note to all the Tim Tebow naysayers. Does the name Doug Flutie mean anything to you?
The UConn Huskies womens basketball team will play against Ohio State and try to tie the UCLA mens record of 88 straight wins. On any level that kind of streak is legit.
If Michael Vick is in so much debt, how come he managed to save enough money to buy a 90 thousand dollar Porsche as a gift for his finace and not tell the people he owes he did it.
Last Saturday 112 thousand fans crammed into Michigan Stadium to watch an outdoor college hockey game. You think that the NHL might be able to add 50 thousand temporary seats to Heinz Field for the Caps/Pens game on January 1st.
Last Saturday I also watched not one, but two must see sports documentaries. First up was "Lombardi" on HBO. Unbelievable. The second was on ESPN. I'm not calling them Bristol Tech this time. The 30 for 30 film "Pony Excess" on the SMU Mustangs of the 80's was just phenomenal! Yes, both of those films were that good!
So the Big Ten(who will soon have 12) is thinking of not naming its two divisions "Legends" and "Leaders" after all. I was listening to the radio the other day and someone suggested the "Bo" and "Woody" divisions. Sure, I'm all in favor but only if Michigan plays in the "Woody" division and Ohio State is in the "Bo" division. My sick, perverted mind loves that one. Besides when I think of the name Bo, Schembechler doesn't come to mind first. The last names of Jackson, Diddley and Duke are ahead of him on my list.
I wonder if HBO is having second thoughts of doing that "24/7" series on the Outdoor Classic now that the Caps have lost 8 in row.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. The NHLPA has named Don Fehr as its new executive director. I'm convinced that Don Fehr, to get even with all the kids who picked him last all those years ago is trying to ruin all of pro sports. First he messed up baseball and now he's getting his grimy little fingers into hockey. I would never call for a lockout or not play a season, but I were Gary Bettman, I would definitely consider it now that Don Fehr is leading the players.
The Phantoms finally win 2 in a row and the Christmas break comes and they don't play for a week! Talk about bad luck.
Finally, I thought it couldn't get any worse than Train's "Hey Soul Sister." It has and it comes in the form of a song by the Plain White T's called, "Rhythm of Love." Leccese out

Upset Specials and my thoughts on Jimmer Fredette

2010-12-10T04:48:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well its two weeks til Christmas and excitement of the "Hometown Classic" has died down a few decibels. More on the game later. Upset specials first and it was another 0 fer last weekend. Nebraska...loser. Florida State...loser. Last but not least Panthers...loser, but at least it was close. Now for this weeks. 2 pro for you loyal readers since the college season is over except for the bowl games. First pick, Da Raiders over Jacksonville. Last time I picked Oakland in an upset special, it was reluctantly, well they "reluctantly" put up 59 on the Broncos in that game. This time its a lock. Second upset special. The Dolphins over the Jets.
As much as I enjoyed seeing Rex Ryan humbled Monday night, as a Giants fan who has seen his team get humbled not once, but twice at home by the Titans and Cowboys the true test of how good the Jets are will be how they get off the mat against Miami. Games like that happen. Its happened to the all the so-called "good teams" this year. Your team is 9-3 Jets fans and look who you've lost to. Ravens, Packers and Patriots. All play-off caliber teams!
Honestly Yankee fans, did you really think that Derek Jeter wasn't going to re-sign? You know they were gonna get the deal done. Didn't you?
Sorry Colin Cowherd, I disagree with you that Yankee/RedSox hot stove news and signings are good for baseball.
Sylvester Stallone will be inducted into the boxing hall of fame for his contributions to the sport with the "Rocky" movies. People are in an uproar. Why? They should also induct Robert DeNiro and "Raging Bull." Even baseball's stuff shirts lighten up and allow contributions to the sport in their hall. John Fogarty's song "Centerfield" was given that accolade this year. I stopped being interested in boxing when Mike Tyson hooked up with Don King and his downward spiral began.
If the Islanders played the Phantoms, who do you think would win? Think about it.
Now for thoughts on Jimmer Fredette. He's a great kid who's got his head on straight. Covering and broadcasting Glens Falls basketball games his senior year was like covering a bunch of rock stars. If Glens Falls was playing, the gym would always be packed. Home or away. I even criticized him for one dumb play. It was in the state championship game against Peekskill. Jimmer had the ball with 17 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. He didn't milk the clock down to 10 seconds before making his move and shot. Threw up a 3 with time left and missed. Peekskill would get the rebound and make a shot before the buzzer went off. 4 point swing right there. I remember talking to him after one game and the amount of "Player of the Game" plaques he got over the 4 years from us could probably fill up all of the wall space of a small apartment. We were joking around and I said to take one with him to BYU so he wouldn't forget us. I also said it should be a football plaque because he was one heck of a tight end and linebacker. He was that good of an athlete. I didn't go Wednesday night. I watched at home. Dave Strader was calling the game and the chance to hear him do play by play was worth driving home for. I thought the game was good. I think it would have been nice for the Glens Falls band to be wearing BYU t-shirts and playing all of their stuff they do if the game was being played in Provo. One more note. With the charity auction taking place, I'm gonna miss the 2 by 4 that Jim Duggan signed for us. It's been in the office that I share with Dan and Mikey since last March when I did the appearance. I think Clay even put it on the payroll and signed it up for the 401K program. Its been around that long...Leccese out.

The Doctor is in and Upset Specials

2010-12-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well the best news in a long time was the return of Dan to his post next to Cloutier on the morning show. I don't know how he does it for such a long period of time? The radio station has been like a sports teams' disabled list. One person goes on and as soon as they're healthy another takes his or her place. Dan is back, but Dave Thomas is on the shelf again with his knee acting up. Mikey has been sick, Pete's battling respiratory problems, and D.A. is always complaining about something being wrong with him. I might be the healthiest of them all and I'm popping glucosamine pills like M@M's for my sore knees.
Upset special time. Last weekend was a total loss. 0 for 3. Michigan, the Carolina Panthers and my CFL pick were all losers. This week here we go. Another 3 pack. Two college and one pro. Big 12 Championship game. Go with the Nebraska Cornhuskers over the Oklahoma Sooners. In the ACC title game put the ranch on the Florida State Seminoles over the Virginia Tech Hokies. Pro upset special. I like the Buffalo Bills beating the Minnesota Brett Favre's.
Would the so called tape head "experts" at Bristol Tech have their lips surgically removed from the buttocks of the SEC and Big 10 conferences please! Enough already. I want to throw up. How come nobody says that the Big East is really competitive this year? So they don't have any teams in the top 25. All they do slam the conference saying they don't deserve a spot in a BCS bowl. I would like to take the 2 by 4 I got from Jim Duggan and knock some sense into Herbstreit, Corso, and the rest their cronies on Game Day. When the Big 10 or SEC is having a down year, its because the conference is really tough. Not the Big East though. They say the conference sucks.
Who cared about LeBron James returning to Cleveland anyway. We're talking about the NBA people!
I actually watched with interest the announcement of where they'll play the Soccer World Cups in 2018 and 2022. And you thought I didn't like soccer. I was actually disappointed that the U.S. lost the 2022 bid to Qatar.
I thought the Phantoms would be bad, I didn't think they would be this bad!
There's something wrong when the Yankees decide start being fiscally responsible and have chosen Derek Jeter as the first contract to try it out on. They must have forgotten about Carl Pavano and A.J Burnett.
Get ready Glens Falls, Jimmer Fredette and the BYU Cougars are coming to town!..Leccese out.

Thoughts of giving thanks and upset specials

2010-11-26T04:35:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well I survived another holiday unscathed. My giving of thanks later on. Upset specials first. Last week another 1 for 2 weekend. Win on Oregon State, lose on the Broncs. Now for the this weeks'. In the alternate universe known as, "Leccese Bizarro World" tomorrow's Michigan/Ohio State game would end in a scoreless tie with no overtime. Well in the real world someone has to win. My college upset special is the Wolverines knocking off those annoying Buckeyes. Now for the pro, some interesting match ups and for some unknown reason I like the Panthers over the Browns. Plus one more for you. In honor of the Canadian Football League final this weekend its the, "Pete Tobey" upset special. Love the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the Montreal Alouettes. Pete is the high school football writer for the Post Star and he does a great job. He also happens to be a CFL fan like me. Sorry about your Stamps, Pete.
Here was the only football score I truly cared about yesterday. Middletown South 20, Middletown North 7. Go Eagles!
There's a part of me would love to make the trip the Hartford on Sunday to see the Phantoms play against the team formally known as the Hartford Wolfpack now known as the Connecticut Whale.
I've been asked by family members what I want for Christmas this year. I've said nothing. There is nothing I really want or need.
I kind of felt sorry for the Mets. On the day they announce Terry Collings as their new manager, the Yankees still managed to steal the back pages of all the NYC tabloids over the Derek Jeter negotiations. If I were the Metropolitans, let 'em have it and just go about your business under the big radar that is the Bronx Bombers. Fix the ship Sandy, and win some games. Then they'll notice.
I know its been a year since Eldrick's fall from grace, so please stop harping on him for not really telling us the truth. It's nobody's business but his.
If there was a mental condition called, "clinical frustration" I'd be the poster child for it and visit a therapist and ask for prescription medication with minimal side effects to combat the malady.
Everybody has been asking me what's going on with Dan. Here's what happened. We'll all know about his high blood pressure scare. Well the combination of the medicine he's been taking along with the stress involved affected him to the point where it made him ill and he needed to take some time off. He's been feeling a lot better and is this close to coming back. Trust me, we all miss him. I found a photo of the two of us that was taken 20 years ago horsing around on the ice after a Redwings game. We weren't making a lot of money and we didn't know any better. There are moments when I think I was better off then, than I am now as I look out at the 25 thousand dollar SUV I bought 3 months ago and I go over my 401K with my Dad.
Finally, I'm thankful for an understanding family and group of friends who make me feel like I belong, although in most cases I don't. I'm thankful that in a time where the economy is down and hasn't yet rebounded, the company I work for has bucked the trend and been successful. I'm also thankful to live in a country although far from perfect, is better than an overwhelming majority of the places. Remember this quote from Phil McConkey, "The Grass is always greener my a--." Leccese out.

Love handles don't help my putting and Upset Specials

2010-11-19T04:49:00.001-08:00

Hi there. It's another Friday and that means "Opie's Upset Specials." Last week 1 for 2. Syracuse knocked off my boys from Piscataway on a last minute field goal and the Patriots won thumping the Steelers in the 'Burgh. As for this weeks, your college upset special has the Oregon State Beavers defeating the SoCal Trojans in LA and as for the pro, I'm liking the Broncos over the Chargers.
After watching the Giants/Cowboys mess (and boy was it a mess!) you'd think that after spending 1.6 BILLION dollars to build a new stadium the Giants and Jets could have hired a decent electrician to keep the lights on or the greatest groundskeeper to have a grass field instead of this pro-turf crap that is popping up everywhere.
I think its kind of neat that Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field are hosting college football games this weekend.
I love this controversy over Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars. As long as the public gets to vote, you know the worst dancer won't always be kicked off the show. It's like when fans get to pick the All-Stars in baseball and basketball.
For a country that fought for its independence from a monarchy almost 240 years ago, why did NBC do an hour long special on its "Dateline" show about the engagement of Prince William?
This week sign of the apocalypse. Schools are banning cupcakes from being brought into class when a kid celebrates his or her birthday. It promotes childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is caused by parents who don't tell their kids to go outside and make them run around and play instead of being on cell phones or playing video games. It's also caused by lack of portion control, and the convenience of eating at a fast food restaurants a majority of the time. We love to blame everyone and everything for what's wrong with kids. It starts with the parents.
Finally a quick thought on some news from the PGA tour. First Eldrick the gimp is now on Twitter. Also some thoughts from John Daly who had surgery to lose weight. He blames his new found skinniness on his putting troubles, claiming the love handles gave him a spot to put his elbows which helped his putting. Funny, no matter what weight I've been at, my putting has never been affected. It just sucks whether I'm skinny or a few pounds over...Leccese out.

Upset Specials

2010-11-12T11:28:00.001-08:00

Hi there. With Dan being out sick its been a crazy week and when he returns, I'll bring back the "A" material. But for now I'll hit on two things "Opie's Upset Specials" and the Phantoms. Upset specials first. Last week when 1 for 2. Won on LSU over Alabama and lost on the Bills. College upset special. I've decided to use my once a football season Rutgers upset special this week and they are home dogs to the 'Cuse. They haven't played at home since the Eric LeGrand injury. This week they lay it all on the line and take out all the pain and tears against the Orange. Now for the pro, take the Patriots on the road in Pittsburgh over the Steelers. This should be one heck of a football game.
Now for my take on Greg Gilbert firing. I know the overwhelming majority of fans wanted him gone because the team was under performing. Congratulations either the genie in the bottle granted your wish or Santa Claus came with an early Christmas present. This team isn't very good to begin with. When it comes to prospects, the Flyers are ranked in the bottom third among NHL teams. Last year if you remember they traded their first round and a third round pick to Anaheim for Chris Pronger. It's hard to have a barn full of thoroughbreds when you not given any horses to fill it. One more thing before I go. Stop your whining about their not being a coaches show! Doing one is not on the job description they give you when you get hired...Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and more raking the yard

2010-11-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Another rainy Friday and we kick off another compelling edition with, "Opie's Upset Specials!" We are on scary good roll having won 7 of 8 and are now 9 and 10 at the midway point of the year. Well we'll be going over the .500 mark with these two picks. College upset special first. Take the LSU Tigers over the Crimson Tide of Alabama. For the pro, the Buffalo Bills have been this close to knocking off the Chiefs and Ravens the last two weeks and I like the Bills to get there first win over Da Bears in Toronto.
Other things. We start off with politics where our new Governor elects' girl friend is that smokin' hot Martha Stewart wannabe Sandra Lee. I can see it now. Coming to the Food Network it's, "A Semi-Homemade Inaugural Ball."
I'm not making this up. A guy in Nebraska dressed as a breathalyzer machine for Halloween gets busted for driving under the influence.
Here's another good one. Victor Gradowski is being inducted into White Castle's "Cravers Hall of Fame." He achieved this dubious honor by eating at the restaurant every Friday for 4 straight years. Nice to know he set his sights high.
Got to love the city council in San Francisco. They've passed a law banning toys from being included in kids meals that are considered not nutritious. You want to know why people aren't voting? That's why. Instead of working to solve real problems like crime, budget deficits, improving education and infrastructure, our lawmakers are passing legislation banning Happy Meals. Are cracker jacks included in this law, because its a coated popcorn and peanut snack that includes a surprise for kids!
Had a McRib the other day. Still holding out hope that someday the fried apple pie will make a breif comeback too.
With no hockey or high school football this weekend, got to finish raking those leaves and white pine needles. Remember to turn back the clocks before you go to bed Saturday night and "Adopt a Child" kicks off Monday...Leccese out.

A sense of emptiness and other observations

2010-11-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well another season of high school football on the Mighty 1450 WWSC has ended. It was an interesting year to say the least. Thanks to all the coaches for the help as always. I don't have the same enthusiasm for the upcoming high school basketball and hockey seasons that I do for football season. As soon as the school year ends in June, I start thinking about the schedule of games we will do on the air and waiting in anticipation for that first practice in August.
A couple of notes on that last game we did Thursday night. Those orange numbers could be hard to see at times on the black jerseys that Schuylerville wears. I got to give Greg O'Connor credit, there was about 3 or 4 times during the game where his quarterback had me totally fooled on the ball fakes. In fact on the second play from scrimmage, the refs were fooled as well and they blew the whistle thinking the play had stopped when in fact the Schuylerville QB pitched the ball to the other back and was running down the sideline for a touchdown. I also noticed that both teams were well aware of the others' return game on kick-offs.
Another perfect 2 for 2 weekend on the upset specials. Tulsa knocked off Notre Dame and the Pack beat the Jets. so after a horrible 2 and 9 start, in the past 4 weeks I'm a smoking hot 7 for 8.
Pondering the Notre Dame tragedy. Forget about the 50 mph winds for just a second. Why was the kid 50 feet in the air in the first place? Did he really have to be that high up to film practice? Practice, we're talking about practice.
Loved the throwback unis worn by the Patriots and Calgary Flames this past weekend.
How come whenever the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium is talked about, it is often referred to as "Jerry Jones' 1.1 billion dollar Taj Mahal or football palace."? Maybe I've missed hearing it during a broadcast, but the New Meadowlands Stadium cost 5oo million dollars more to build than Jerry's place and whenever the Giants or Jets play at home I never hear the place referred to as, "The 1.6 billion dollar facility that John Mara, Steve Tisch and Woody Johnson built."
Anytime the Cowboys have a bad year like the one they are having this year, I think of my favorite Wellington Mara quote, "It's nice to see arrogance humbled."
Watching Brett Favre sadly reminds me of seeing Johnny Unitas when he played his last year for the Chargers or Joe Namath with the Rams.
My gut feeling is that the majority of Mets fans' like Sandy Alderson accepting the job as the Amazin's GM, but he won't survive in New York.
The World Series is great feel good match up between the Giants and Texas Rangers. Unfortunately feel good match-ups don't drive television ratings, which are down 25 percent.
When I go to a sporting or any event at the Civic Center, I go to relax and have a good time. I don't want to be bombarded by protesters or volunteers for candidates running for political office telling me I should support their man or woman as I'm approaching or entering the building. Take the hint. Go away!
The Civic Center had an almost too nice feel to it Saturday night. Who ever thought that any visit by the Rochester Americans would have that. I used to love when the Amerks would come and play the Redwings. A couple Booster Club buses filled with their fans and that, "We hate you and you hate us" play-off type atmosphere no matter time of year it was.
More on the Phantoms. You want to why attendance is down. A few thoughts. The team isn't very good and sorry all you Greg Gilbert haters, its not completely his fault! Also, who thought up the ticket price structure. The seats behind the goal should be the cheapest in the building, not the second most expensive. Also, could the on ice promotions people return the "Chuck a Puck" contest to between the second and third periods instead of it taking place after the game.
I like Phlex as a mascot. Anything is better than Chilly.
I hope that animal rights group doesn't get their pants up in a bunch over that clip of Zenyatta's trainer giving her a beer as part of her lunch on the "60 minutes" feature done about her last night.
We're in a economic recession and I wonder if some unions really know that.
Note to the editor of the PostStar. I'll start voting when I hear a candidate talk to me about the issues that matter to me and want to do something about them with reasonable, common sense solutions. Just like that female whom I would like to go out with, I haven't met one yet...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and Random Thoughts waiting for the Great Pumpkin

2010-10-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Yes even pumpkin patches have wireless Internet connection and so we kick off this edition with "Opie's Upset Specials!" Last week another 2 for 2 weekend. Wisconsin barely got by Iowa and I reluctantly took the Raiders over the Broncos. Well the da Raiders reluctantly put up 59 and lit up the Broncos. So after a slow start I been 5 for 6 the last 3 weeks. This week we're gonna get a little risky, no 3 point spreads this time. Going with the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes heading into South Bend to beat the Golden Domers and for the pro, take the Packers over the J-E-T-S Jets.
What was more shocking? The Raiders 59 points or the Browns spanking the Saints.
The Association kicked off another season...Boring!
I think Mets fans were celebrating more over the fact that the Yanks and Phils lost, than the Rangers and Giants fans were that their teams' won the pennant and are playing in the World Series.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. The season finale of "Jersey Shore" was the most watched show in the history of MTV.
It's nice to know that Charlie Harper isn't much of a character stretch for Charlie Sheen.
Only in New York City could a tree house in a backyard be illegal. Apparently a women spent 5g's to build a tree house for her 3 daughters to play and hang out in. A neighbor complained saying the tree house was unsafe and there was no construction permit. Since the neighborhood is in a historic landmark district, a permit was needed. A permit to build and occupy a tree house! This woman had to spend another 5g's to defend the tree house. Luckily, the Landmark Preservation Commission had some common sense and granted the tree house a permit. And we want to know why our kids are becoming screwed up, robots. Too much structure and not enough letting kids daydream and just be kids. We think they have these problems like ADD, ADHD, OCD or they are Bi-Polar. We send them to therapist who give them all these drugs to calm them down and balance the chemical imbalances. Parents, kids are going get scrapes and bruises when they fall down. Kiss the boo boo and put a band aid on it to make it better They'll be picked on by other kids and will get into the occasional fight. But eventually they make up, calmer heads prevail and act like nothing happened.
I know Halloween is supposed to be a fun holiday for kids, but there is something disturbing about seeing pets in costume. Even adults getting dressed up can be a sad exercise and I shake my head sometime. If you have any leftover Snickers' on November 1st, I'll be glad to help dispose of them in a safe and proper manner...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and other thoughts

2010-10-22T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Friday's arrived and that means, "Upset Special" time. College upset special takes us to the Big Ten where the Wisconsin Badgers fresh off the big win over Ohio State hits the road to Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City and knocks off the Iowa Hawkeyes. As for the pro, lot of pick 'em games and some of the other lines are brutal this week. If I have to pick a game, which I do. I reluctantly go with the Raiders over Denver.
Couple of other things. That World Series prediction I made. The Curse showed its ugly head. So much for Yankees in 5 and Phils in 6.
So Tuesday night I tune in to Spike for the Scream 2010 awards and specificially for the "Back to the Future" tribute. It was great except for one little thing. Who stepped out of the DeLorean when it drove out on the stage none other than David Spade. He did the introduction of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Man I can't stand that guy. Miner thinks I'm jealous cause he got the same thing that Dubray has with women. He's probably right.
Speaking of Dan, last night was the annual Bearskin Bowl, now the Ray Chandler Memorial football game in Lake George between the Lake George and Warrensburg faculty. Had a blast as always but with Dan's recent health scare I was worried about him. He was fine and felt great afterward. I hope the swelling has gone down in his hand after he blocked that pass that Doug Duell threw. Thanks to everyone who showed up and watched. Playoff football from Hudson Falls tomorrow on 1450 WWSC...Leccese out.

When this blog hits 88 miles per hour you're gonna see some serious... and other observations

2010-10-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

Hi there. 1 for 2 on the upset specials. Winning the college, and losing on the pro. Having spent most of weekend watching or listening to football games one thing happened in each game it was the one thing you didn't want to see. A player taken off the field on a stretcher immobilized due to a possible head or neck injury. I saw it at the game we had on WWSC Friday night and while watching the Giants/Lions game Sunday and then listening to the Rutgers/Army game Saturday. It puts into perspective how violent football and the collisions really are in the game. I hope all three of those young men are going to be all right, especially the Rutgers kid who right now is paralyzed from the neck down.
There's nothing better than having both Michigan and Ohio State lose on the same day.
It's official. The tie-breaker formula for determining the Section 2 football play-off seedings are as confusing the BCS formula. So Glens Falls with a 1-4 record in A Northwest is in and Granville who goes 3-3 in C North is not. Huh?
How can you not like Glens Falls mayor Jack Diamond who volunteers his time and works on the chain gang at Glens Falls High School football games. You'd never see Bob Regan on the sidelines doing that.
Aren't you glad you're not playing football in Section 7. Ticonderoga had to play at Tupper Lake on Friday night and drive there in a snowstorm. The one year I did football on the radio up there we had wind, rain, and freezing cold, but luckily no snow. A few years back we did a regional football game in Ausable Valley. It was sunny that day but when you looked west there was a snow covered Whiteface Mountain staring at you from a distance.
My first impression of the Phantoms this year. Johan Backlund is going to have nightmares with the amount of rubber he's been seeing.
I'm not much into politics, but I was thinking about the governor's race. I would be a little apprehensive about voting for the candidate who was a former state D.A. Remember what happened to the last guy we elected governor who had that job. That's how we got into this mess to begin with.
Am I the only person who is happy that we've had no increase in the rate of inflation? If we only increased spending every year by the rate of inflation, we'd be better off. But that's too easy for the budget makers on any level of government to understand.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Jackass 3D made 50 million dollars at the box office this weekend.
Another sign I'm getting old. My favorite movie of all time is celebrating its 25th anniversary later this month by releasing all 3 movies on Blu-ray.
This is a plea to the CEO of Tiffany and Company. Would it be possible to take the blocker off your employees work station computers that allow your employees to read blogs like this one? My cousin works for you and you've blocked access so she can't read "The Greenhouse Effect" during a break. I need all the readers I can get and its not like some porn site that Cloutier would view.
Finally, Saturday I was at the funeral for my Aunt Jo. I've often said that when one of my family members pass away I feel empty like their wasn't closure. I wish I could have done one more thing or spent that extra time with them. But not in case. I had closure with her and went to this somber occasion to celebrate her life knowing everything will be O.K. I spoke with my aunt about 6 weeks ago and we just talked on the phone catching up. You name it, we talked about it. I found out a couple days later she was going in for surgery and unfortunately she past away due to a stroke while recovering in the hospital. She didn't want me or any of my cousins to worry, so she didn't tell us. That's the kind of person she was. Always worrying about us and being their for us. There's this old saying about it takes a village to raise a child. In my family that village was and continues to be the size of Manhattan. The aunts, uncles, and cousins always looking out for us and each other, making us better, more complete people. Understanding those quirks and the eccentric qualities (especially mine) that may not make sense to most folks. I'm lucky to have them all. Hopefully the next I travel to Connecticut or anywhere on family business, it won't be for a funeral. To quote my aunt, "Happy Thanksgiving Everybody."Leccese out.

Upset Specials and another reason why I need a girlfriend

2010-10-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Rainy Thursday night and we kick off the weekend with your upset specials and last week had the first 2 for 2 week. Dodging the raindrops we open with the college. Heading to Texas and we're giving you a Big 12 minus Nebraska and Colorado soon upset. How 'bout them Cowboys as in Oklahoma State knocking off the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Now for the pro. Sorry Coop, but I like the Bucs over the Saints.
Here's your MLB Championship Series predictions. Yankees in 5, Phils in 6.
Is there anyway the Wilpons could convince Bobby Cox to delay the retirement for a few more years and come and manage the Mets?
Two classy moves by MLB teams this past week. Number 1 the Giants who in the middle of their celebration in beating the Braves stopped and honored Bobby Cox with a tip of the cap and a round of applause. Number 2 the Rangers who instead of dousing themselves with champagne, went with the Ginger Ale so teammate Josh Hamilton (who has overcome both drug and alcohol addiction) could be a part of it after beating the Rays.
There are a lot of happy fast food loving fans drooling right now with the announcement that McDonalds is bringing back the McRib Sandwich next month. Yo Ronald, how 'bout bringing back the Cheddar Melt Sandwich and the fried apple pie too. Love that rye bread bun!
Finally, my niece Morgan Pavlot is turning the big 5 years old in about 10 days. So the other day I talk to her and ask what she wants as a present from Uncle Kenny. This is where being married or in a serious relationship with a female comes in handy. The girlfriend or wife could pick it out and get for me. I get the card and we both look good.
Football in Corinth Friday night and Dan will be filling in for me Saturday at Glens Falls while I attend a family function. Stay dry and hopefully I'll get back in time for opening face off against the Devils...Leccese out.

Game On! and other weekend observations!

2010-10-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Finally a 2 for 2 upset special weekend! The 'Cuse knocked off S.Florida and Eagles beat the Niners.
With no football game to call Friday night and the Yankees in a travel day, I got to watch my favorite college team from Piscataway NJ come from behind again and beat UConn. Huskie coach Randy Edsell must feel like the Twins do when they play the Yankees.
You want to know who is the most popular player on a football team? The backup qb.
So the old ball coach Steve Spurrier had a little magic left in him when the SC Gamecocks beat the Crimson Tide of Alabama. Nick Saban was left wondering if Forrest Gump had any eligibility left.
I said some prayers and unfortunately they weren't answered when the new polls came out and the Buckeyes from Ohio State were at number 1. I am so sick of Bristol Tech and CBS and their lips being surgically attached to the buttocks of the SEC and Big Ten conferences when it comes to college football.
I have a question to ask NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Who came up with the schedule that has the Giants playing only one divisional game in the first half of the season?
From the what can I do for an encore department. Ranger rookie Derek Stepan scored a hat trick in his first NHL game against the Sabres. Lets hope its not the only 3 he'll score this season.
Nick Johnson must feel like the most forgotten Yankee alive after seeing Lance Berkman come through for them against the Twins. One more thing Yankee fans. Has Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson make you forget Damon and Matsui yet?
Can someone explain to me the big deal about Glee?
My folks are back home for about 2 weeks and I discovered they have this guilty pleasure. I saw them watch this show on the History Channel called, "Swamp People." I thought I was bad when I admitted watching Brett Michaels on "Rock of Love."
The southern fortress of solitude in South Carolina is finished and the closing takes place sometime next week.
If CBS wants to add a soap opera back to its day time lineup, it should consider the latest Brett Favre drama with all this stuff and allegations regarding Jenn Sterger and a massage therapist. Not even the greatest creative writer of my lifetime would ever think up that stuff.
Every once in a while I'll check out the WCKM facebook page which by the way you can click on at the top of the WCKM website homepage. Have you noticed its either all about Mike Dubray or Cloutier getting ragged upon...again.
Have you been talking to my mom Chip? People really do read the "Greenhouse Effect." Maybe more people would if we posted on the WCKM Facebook page that Mike really writes it and show a picture of him at his workstation typing away.
Blossom and Sheldon, now that's a funny couple.
Time for this weeks sign of the apocalypse and we have 2 of them. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has a dating show in the works. (I think we should sign Cloutier up as the dirty old man suitor and see how long he lasts). The other is that Mike Myers is going be the voice of Pepe LePew in a live action movie. Mike, do your fans a favor. Remember you tried that once in, "The Cat in the Hat." Mel Blanc must be turning over in his grave...Leccese, I mean Dubray out.

Upset specials and a few words of wisdom from "The Ladies Man" Mike Dubray

2010-10-07T11:27:00.001-07:00

Hi there. Are you ready for some football? First the upset specials. College is up first and I like the "Cuse" as in Syracuse heading down to Tampa and winning at South Florida. Pro upset special. Eagles Sunday night over the 49ers. By the way odds makers must be sniffing glue or liquid paper again. They actually had the Bills favored over the Jaguars.
Doc Halladay pitches a no-no in his first play-off start against, "The Big Broken down Red Machine." Doesn't get much better than that now does it?
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Lady Gaga and Yoko Ono did a duet together on stage in London.
Hockey season is here and already the Phantoms' parent club has goaltending problems. Michael Leighton has an achy breaky back and is out 6 to 8 weeks.
Have a recommendation for everyone. Go to Post Star dot com and the Phantoms Forum column. Tim McManus' podcast this week features Dan. It's an interesting interview and you'll enjoy it.
More props to the Post Star and Pete Tobey's column about the small numbers certain football teams in the area have.
There was a story that came out of British Columbia earlier in the week where 100 women got into a brawl while watching a male entertainer perform. The booze was flowing freely and this all happened during a fundraiser! Dubray was telling me this used to happen to him all the time (that is many women fighting over him) when he wasn't involved in a serious relationship. Now for some words of wisdom from Mike, "Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers; what you do today, might burn your a-- tomorrow." Glens Falls and S.Glens Falls Saturday on the Mighty 1450...Leccese out.

You've turned 60 and now need hip replacement surgery Charlie Brown!

2010-10-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Where to start. I first want to apologize to all the people who listen to WWSC and to our games on WWSC. We had a serious transmitter malfunction caused by all the rain we got late in the week and were unable broadcast the two football games we had planned for Friday and Saturday. This was the first Saturday in either September or October in a long time that I had the afternoon off from calling a football game. I got a lot accomplished at home with tearing down the garden and taking apart my raised beds, but I missed being at Hudson Falls. I felt like Charlie Brown because the games we would have done ending up being good ones. Lake George driving for the winning touchdown in the last 2 minutes and Granville picks off a pass inside their 5 yard line to get an important win. Then Saturday the Tigers handed a very good Schuylerville team their first loss of the year. Good Grief!
Upset specials. Another waisted 0 for 2 weekend. Stanford at one point was beating Oregon but the Ducks rolled on to win easily. As for the pro, I've admitted on more than one occasion that I'm a loyal Giants fan. I'm also a realistic Giants fan. I didn't expect that Sunday night. I'm glad they won, and with all the talk about the pass rush, the secondary played a heck of a game. The offensive line though is finally starting to show their age and Brandon Jacobs has got to have some sense knocked into him and realize that he is a straight ahead, hit the hole hard and run over someone with his size runner. He's not a cutback, make a move runner.
Tiki Barber got booed at halftime and deservedly so. He could have said those words any other week and not have the towns people go after him with pitch forks and torches. But the week he was being honored with 29 others in the first Giants Ring of Honor was bad timing.
Omission from last weeks pleasantly surprised list of high school football teams. The Whitehall Railroaders. 3-1 with 2 winnable games left on the schedule. Could be a number 2 seed in Class D.
On to the New York Mets. Cleaned house yesterday. Omar and Jerry, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Thanks for trying though. As for Fred and Jeff talking about these last 4 years and the pain and suffering they experience with every loss and how the Mets are a family business. You want to talk about family business, The Maras owning the Giants are a family business. They're proud of their history, even the 18 years of lousy football that I grew up with in the entire decade of the 70's and the first part of the 80's. You two are ashamed of the Mets and its history! From that joke of a ballpark tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers that you built with the rotunda honoring a great man who never played for the team, the stupid upper deck that hangs over in right field, and other moronic features, to the black caps and hideous looking plain white unis with the stupid stripe that the team primarily wears at home. The one thing I do have compassion for with the Wilpons is the Yankee factor. No matter how the Mets go about things with the new GM, most Met fans see how the Bronx Bombers do business and want them to do it that way. That is win at all costs. And there is nothing wrong with that. I think that the Mets should be more fiscally responsible and cut payroll saying only the Yankees can be the Yankees. Look at the model of the Minnesota Twins or Tampa Bay Rays and use their success as the new template.
I was cleaning out my desk at home and discovered some interesting items in one of the drawers. I found 4 or 5 decks of playing cards and this bag with a bunch of collector pins from various hockey teams and events I've attended. It's amazing some of stuff you that didn't remember having.
My favorite comic strip Peanuts turned 60 last weekend. Charlie Brown and his friends are on the verge of collecting social security. Must be harder to kick that football Chuck, and I bet the little red haired girl has lost her luster by now...Keep hanging out in the pumpkin patch Linus, you dirty old man...Leccese out.

Soggy and I mean soggy upset specials

2010-09-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hi there. While we write through the rain drops, we delve into this weeks upset specials. First the college. Stanford is a 7 point underdog heading to Eugene Oregon to take on the Ducks. Stanford is legit and I think they'll win outright. Andrew Luck is one heck of a QB. Now for the NFL. What odds maker in their sane mind thinks the Giants are 4 points better at home against DA Bears? I know there will be some big ceremony announcing the Giants Ring of Fame at halftime, but remember the last time the G-Men played a game with a special significance. The Panthers spanked them last December. Take the Bears. I also think some consideration should go to the Redskins who are 6 point dogs as they head to Philly and the Donovan McNabb welcome home dinner. Stick with the Bears though.
Unless your last name is Brees, Brady or Manning (not Eli) the most popular player on any football team is the back up QB.
What did Granville do to anger the schedule makers this year? After their game at Lake George, the combined records of the last 4 opponents the Horde will have faced is 10 and 2! I hear Mario Torres is a nice guy.
The Tamarac Bengals are 4-0. Who'd a thunk it.
Good match ups this week in Class D. The top four teams are all playing each other. Cambridge/Rensselaer and Whitehall/Fort Edward.
I hope the sick individuals who caused that kid from Rutgers to commit suicide get charged with murder or some sort of crime for what they did and not get just a slap on the wrist.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is going to write a book! Hope there's pictures in it so the people who will actually buy it will be able to follow along.
Hope to see you at the games in Lake George and Hudson Falls that we're doing on the Mighty 1450 WWSC this weekend...Leccese out.

What day of the week is it, I have to ask?

2010-09-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there. This weekend was such a blur! I do know that I went 1 for 3 in the upset specials. Cowboys won over the Texans and the college upset selections were a bust. Ole Miss put up 55 on Fresno State and the Boston College offense didn't bother to show up at home against Va Tech. So for the year after 4 weeks, I'm 2 and 7. Remember as much as I take picking the games somewhat seriously, they are basically something fun to get you into the weekend.
I knew I was really tired Saturday morning when I skipped the green tea for a large coffee from the fast food place across the street from the radio station. I like coffee but only on that rare occasion. Saturday morning was one of those rare occasions.
We've made it through the halfway point of the high school football season and here's a list of the teams that have caught my attention so far this season. Troy, Burnt Hills, Amsterdam, Schuylerville, Cambridge, Chatham, Albany Academy, Schalmont, and Hoosick Falls.
These are the teams that have been a pleasant surprise: Lake George, Queensbury, Tamarac, Greenwich and I'll include Glens Falls in the mix.
Teams that have been a disappointment: Granville and Hudson Falls.
Had a great time in Schuylerville and at Hickory Ski Center Sunday. Hopefully Mike will put some of the photos I took from those places on our facebook page. It was tough missing Taste of the North Country. I'm also proud of the fact that between the cider and donuts and a beer tasting going on at the Ski Center, I didn't partake in any of them while at was those places.
The only down side of the weekend was I wish more people would have showed up at the football game we did in Warrensburgh Saturday. Friday night under the lights at S.Glens Falls was amazing. It was a packed house.
Here's some advice to all those people who I saw protesting both in front of the Civic Center and up the hill by the traffic circle downtown Sunday afternoon. Look in the mirror and say to yourself, "I really need to find a hobby and get a life!"
Lindsay Lohan has officially become what I like to call a "multiple train wreck."
One more sports note. It was in last Tuesday's Post Star. It was announced that the Hartford WolfPack are being turned over to new managment and will change their name sometime this season to the Connecticut Whale. The man behind this change is one Howard Baldwin, the same man who nearly 40 years ago founded the then New England Whalers of the WHA, moved them to Hartford and owned the team for 15 years before selling in 1988. I'm curious and need to know why he is doing this? There's a part of me that thinks he is totally nuts. At the same time the idea that the man who first brought major league pro hockey to Hartford back in 1974 has come back and is trying re-ignite the fan base who very much still do love their Whalers and I happen to be one of those fans, is intriguing. Have "Brass Bonanza" digitally re-mastered and get ready to crank it at the XL Center...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and Uncle Pete, what is a MILF?

2010-09-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Happy Friday. Upset specials kick off this entry and you get 3 for price of 2. 2 college and 1 pro. First the college. Heading to beautiful Chestnut Hill in Boston Mass where the BC Eagles play the VaTech Hokies in the house that Doug Flutie built. The ACC is down overall this year, (although Miami had a nice win last night over Pitt) and in the game BC is a home underdog to Frank Beamers boys. Eagles win. The other college upset special comes to us from the alma mater of one Eli Manning. The Ole Miss Rebels taking on Fresno State. The Bulldogs are like Boise State in the fact they're not afraid to take on anybody at anyplace. Like the Bulldogs in a mild upset. Now for the pro. This may not seem like much of an upset but in the battle of Texas, go with the Cowboys over the Texans on the road in Houston.
Other stuff. I almost had a heart attack yesterday morning when I heard Pete utter the term MILF on the air when I filled in for Dan who was on his way to the doctor. He almost killed two of us at the same time. Good thing Dave Thomas wasn't listening, he might have had the hat trick! The best part was Pete really didn't know what it meant! The other thing that was racing through my mind at the time was hearing the news story about how Katy Perry was apparently wearing something a little too inappropriate on a Sesame Street segment with Elmo. Parents were upset. The dirty, raunchy, sarcastic side of me was in 5th gear thinking of stuff. Brilliant stuff I might add.
Last nights "The Big Bang Theory" season premiere was fall off the couch histerical. Could they either move it back to Monday nights or flip flop it with TJ Hookers' new show so it doesn't conflict with "Community" on NBC?
I forgot to mention this Monday, but Saturday morning it was really neet seeing all those people lined up down Glen Street wrapping itself around Oakland Street near the bridge waiting on line to buy tickets for the BYU/Vermont basketball game in December. You know this will be a sell-out. I find it hard to believe that Jimmer Fredette's dad Al had to wait online to get more tickets. Why is everyone so upset with Joe Torre? He goes Mike Francessa's afternoon talk show on WFAN and was asked about the Mets manager job. His reply was that he would be curious if the job became available. How is that insulting to Jerry Manuel?
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Keanu Reeves said he would like to make another sequel to "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." No, anything but that. I can picture it now. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are back as the Wild Stallions in "Bill and Ted Bury Rufus!" Personally, I'd rather see a sequel to "The Replacements."
I don't like writing or discussing politics in the "Greenhouse Effect" but "Real Time" with Bill Maher is one funny show even without all the political discussion.
So Wednesday morning I go to try again for the upteenth time to make friends with the weights and take "Body Pump" at the gym I work out at. It was sunny when I got there. Little did I know that while class was going on, the heavens opened up and their was a rain shower. No confirmation that a level of H-E-double hockey sticks froze as well.
Busy weekend ahead. Football games Friday night and Saturday afternoon on the Mighty 1450, then Sunday remotes in Schuylerville and Warrensburg. See you around...Leccese out.

There's been a lot of ugly football so far

2010-09-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Its been one of those odd weeks that are pretty much hard to describe. First we review the upset specials and after 3 weeks I'm 1 and 5. Northwestern beat Rice and the Rams took the gas pipe against the Raiders. Still lots of time and picks left to get back to the .500 mark.
There is a part of me that is so glad to see both the Vikings and Cowboys at 0-2.
I didn't get a chance to comment on this last week, but sometimes you have wonder how competent NFL officials really are when the Lions and Calvin Johnson got completely hosed on that TD call in the Bears game that would have given them the win. I thought the rule was the ball must cross the plane of the goal line, and the receiver must have possession of the ball in the end zone? He did both. So he was down, the play was supposedly over and he dropped the ball. The official claimed no touchdown because the process wasn't complete. Huh? The process wasn't complete! What completes the process? Doing a dance so the official can give Johnson a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty? Sometimes the rules in the NFL are interpreted so ridiculously to the letter of the law.
It's deja vu all over again. Last year it was Erin Andrews and this year its Ines Sainz. However, how seriously can you take the Azteca network? They sent one of their eye candy reporters to a Super Bowl media day wearing a wedding dress and having her propose to Tom Brady? No one was right in that whole mess. The Jets behavior. The NFL. Most of all Ms. Sainz herself who got her more than 15 seconds of fame over this whole thing.
How soon will be it before Notre Dame wins a big game and Brian Kelly gets a 10 year contract extension like Charlie Weis got ? I give Mike Lupica credit for coming up with that one.
My fantasy hockey draft is tonight. I'm starting to get the NHL/AHL itch. My early take on the Phantoms is the parent club in their desire to win the Stanley Cup has traded away too many draft picks leaving the cupboard bare for Greg Gilbert.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Hulk Hogan is going to star in a tv show where he is going to rule and preside over sibling disputes. I love the Hulkster, but its time to just go to the old wrestlers home and hang out with the rest of the aging Hulkamaniacs.
After watching the season premiere of "Two and a half Men," I think it's time to end the
shows run.
Can't wait to see the new Wall Street sequel, "Money Never Sleeps." Note to Michael Douglas. Get better. I know you can beat this cancer. Greed is good...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and "Game Over, Jacks Win!"

2010-09-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there. It's gonna be a short and sweet entry number 201. Upset specials. First the college. In the battle of the, "My football teams' smarter than your football team." The Rice Owls host the Northwestern Wildcats and are a touchdown home underdog. Take the Owls outright. Now for the pro, take the St Louis Rams over the Raiders on the road in Oakland.
For a couple of years my friends have been encouraging me to join in one of those office pool type things where they do pick football games. So I finally say yes and guess who won the first week? Give it up to Leccese! Some of the same friends are in my fantasy hockey league. Just to remind you guys, who was lasts years' champion? It's the year of Leccese and I'm looking for a repeat.
One more thing before I leave. 10 years ago I was at East Field doing baseball play-by-play when the Adirondack Lumberjacks won the Northern League championship in a 3 game sweep. My last out call sounded like John Sterling on a caffeine and crack binge. I think I might just have to wear the championship ring I got just for this one day. Where does the time fly?
See you in Fort Edward for high school football on Saturday...Leccese out.

Another milestone in the history of, " The Greenhouse Effect"

2010-09-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well we've reach another milestone in the history of the "Greenhouse Effect" This is edition number 200! I remember when the idea to write the blog was given to me. I thought Dan and Mike were one cashew short of a can of mixed nuts crazy. However I've come to love writing it and look forward to every Monday or Friday when I can get creative.
It's been a relatively calm week. Upset special wise went 1 for 2. The Texans upset the Colts, however Miami did lose to the Buckeyes.
O.K. football fans, its only 2 weeks and it is not time yet to threaten to jump off the tallest building or highest bridge you can find ending your life because your favorite team sucked after only one or two weeks. Virginia Tech fans, you maybe the exception. Lose a tough one to Boise State and then get humiliated at home by James Madison. There is room on the ledge for you.
I watched a couple minutes of the Boise State/Va Tech and I've got to ask who is coming up with these double bag, beer goggle ugly futuristic uniforms that these teams come out with and wear? It was bad enough when the Mighty Swoosh people punished the Oregon Ducks by having them wear the duds all year long, but now all the big time U's whose apparel are under the control of Pat Knight will wear some form once this year.
Between the blowhards that are the New York Jets and the blowhard that is Ray Lewis, I hope tonight's Ravens/Jets game ends in a scoreless tie. Maybe that will shut em both up for one brief moment.
I might be the only one who'd rather watch the Pirates/Mets than either Monday Football games tonight.
I had a Dubray moment. Friday night I was chopping peppers and putting them in a freezer bag. I thought I had thoroughly washed and cleaned my hands. Wrong! That was one pretty painful sensation I felt as I removed the contact lens' from my eyes later that evening.
When is the new tv season starting? I could use a fix of "How I Met Your Mother" and "Big Bang Theory" real bad.
I find it hard to believe that a school the size of South Glens Falls has only 27 varsity football players on its roster.
I forgot to set my DVD on record so I could watch the VMA's last night on MTV. What am I gonna do now? I am so pathetic.
Upset specials and edition number 201 on Friday...Leccese out.

Upset Specials time!

2010-09-10T03:43:00.001-07:00

Hi there. Well from what I've been hearing, last nights Saints/Vikes affair was just as ugly a game as the high school one we did on WWSC. John and I got the better of the deal not having to suffer through the performances by Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews. I love the Lake George Drum Corp. Last nights Corinth/Lake George game had 9 turnovers. 7 fumbles, 2 interceptions and a blocked punt. It wasn't pretty, but when you in look in the "W"column it still counts.
On to this weeks upset specials. I'll open with the pro upset special. There are some intriguing match ups making this a fun opening week. I'm throwing a dart blindfolded (Oops sorry didn't mean to graze you Darrin) and it hits the Houston Texans as home underdogs knocking off the Colts. If this game was played in Indy, I'm no where near that game. Now for the college upset special. Big time games played by big time programs in Week 2 like Michigan/ND, Penn St/Alabama, Oklahoma/Fla. St., and I'm picking one of them. In the great state of Ohio in the capital city of Columbus, the Miami Hurricanes will defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. I'm not making this up. You can buy a KISS snuggie. We're talking about a stinkin' bathrobe that you wear backwards people!!!!!!
Enjoy the football and I'll see you at Queensbury High Saturday...Leccese out.

You can feel the change in the air already

2010-09-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

In honor of the 100th episode of, "No Reservations" I shall begin this entry the way Anthony Bourdain opens his show. I'm Ken Leccese. I write a blog, call sports on the radio, I cook, I garden and I'm hungry to meet a really attractive intelligent women and.....never mind.
It was not a good start to the upset specials. UConn got thumped by Michigan, and SMU tried to make a comeback but fell short against Texas Tech. Hey its early and next week I get to pick a pro game.
I think everyone who was at the "Jug Game" was stunned how Glens Falls played and won it. They beat up Hudson Falls playing the Tigers' game and the play of the Indians' offense and defensive lines were just impressive. We gave the Player of the Game plaque to one those lineman, but entire group truly deserved it.
Picked my new Nissan Murano on Tuesday and I must say it is one sharp looking SUV. There's something about the black cherry color that makes it even more sweeter looking. It also has a lot of horsepower in that engine and at times I feel like I'm holding it back when I'm driving.
The way the Padres are taking the gas pipe having lost 10 in a row, I might have to rethink that National League manager of the year award to Bud Black and give to Dusty Baker of the Reds.
I didn't realize that the U.S.Open tennis tournament is going on.
Trying to figure out the dumber move in college football. BYU deciding to become an independent or the Big 10 plus 2 divisional alignment where they do not having Michigan and Ohio State in the same one.
Rutgers beating up on some 1aa team doesn't really count as far as I'm concerned.
Saw this movie in its entirety the other day and I must say that "Role Models" was one funny flick.
You want to know the best bun to put a burger on. Take my advice. If you can find them, Anzio and Sons Ciabatta rolls. Put your best juicy, beefy goodness with a slice of cheese and some bacon between the toasted top and bottom parts. One bite and you'll be in heaven.
If I had known that it was my friend Monica's birthday the other day, I would have wished her one. Nobody tells me anything at the gym.
As summer comes to a close, I actually made it to the track and went to a Valley Cats game. I just wish I had played more golf. There's still a little time left for the golf though.
Got another crazy week ahead. Filling in for Cloutier in the co-host chair for 3 days. Then not one, but 2 football games this week. I haven't had a normal on air week in nearly a month...Leccese out.

Are you ready for some football and the anticipated return of "Opie's Upset Specials!"

2010-09-03T04:34:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well the calendar has turned the page to September and it means that football is back. So how does WWSC kick off the year with its first broadcast? With the "Jug Game!" If we didn't do that game, I would be exiled back to Section 7 to broadcast high school football.
Let's cut to the chase and may I have a drum roll please. Here it is, the long anticipated return (O.K. knock off the chuckling back there) of "Opie's Upset Specials" Every week during the regular season I give you two upsets to be on the look for. One college and one pro. Since the NFL gets underway next weekend, you'll get 2 college picks. Pick number 1. I'm heading to the big house in Ann Arbor Michigan where the Rich Rodriguez Battan death march is underway. Well the pace picks up a bit as the UConn Huskies knock off the Wolverines. Game Number 2 is Sunday where the Mustangs of SMU have some fun with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Here's the happy recap. UConn on Saturday and SMU on Sunday.
Enjoy the weekend and I'll see you at the Jug Game! Leccese out.

3 football scrimmages, 2 trips to the fair and I bought a new SUV (sung to the tune of "The 12 days of Christmas")

2010-08-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hi there. It's been one heck of a busy week. I filled in on the morning show over on the sister station while John Pratt went to Florida on vacation. I'm not making this one up. He threw his back out the first full day he was there. I have three injury theories. Number One. He bent over and pulled something when he went to raid the mini-bar in the frig. (John, you do know you have to pay for the food and drinks that you take from it.) Number Two. He got whiplash from going too fast on the spinning tea cup ride; and number three: their was an unfortunate incident on "It's a Small World."
Did a lot of people watching this week. I hope Mark Griffin and I weren't the only ones who took notice of the fact that the scariest looking people on the planet can be found at a county fair. Man, talk about one heck of a freak show. You saw them in their glory. Checking out the exhibits, playing games, riding the rides along the midway and eating anything fried or on a stick. Diet, exercise, moderation and sense of style are some of the words not to be found in those folks vocabulary. I also kept a promise to a friend and went to the resort he owns to see a band play. Observing people in that element, watching them drink adult beverages and what happens during and afterward is a trip. It makes for great material in this case for the blog or my stand up act. What is it about the songs, "Sweet Home Alabama" or "All Night Long" by ACDC. I don't get it. Note to the bartenders. Tell the boss to add Guinness to beer list, please.
I watched 3 football scrimmages Saturday and was at the Section 2 football media day at UAlbany Sunday. A couple of observations. Hudson Falls looks potentially good; and Section 2 Class D teams here's a warning. Moriah from Section 7 is a big team with big numbers. There is a good chance they could make a third straight trip to Syracuse. Be afraid, be very afraid. As for media day, I was disappointed that no teams from our area showed up. I go so I can talk to coaches and get rosters from those schools who will be on a game of the week against one of the locals we cover.
You want to know how big "The Jug Game" is going to be. Here's how big. They were taking pre-orders on t-shirts promoting the return of the HF/GF game at Hudson Falls' scrimmage and they were expecting the shirts to sell out.
I feel real bad for the Nationals because after all the protecting, babying, pitch counts, and limiting of innings, Steven Strassburg still has to undergo Tommy John surgery.
With all of the kaos that I encountered this week, I managed to buy the replacement for my Saturn Vue. I really wasn't thinking seriously about a new or pre-owned SUV, but this particular vehicle fell into my lap and I couldn't say no it. It helped that it was one of the models I liked and was considering buying anyway. Thanks Cloutier, I'll tell Chris Della Bella to send you the finders fee for that sale.
Eldrick and Elin got a divorce. Excuse me for yawning. Moving on.
Paris Hilton got arrested for cocaine posession. That's not hot.
Note to NYRA. You were this close to having a perfect weekend. Great weather, big crowds, amazing finish in the Travers, and Rachael Alexandra. Persistantly spoiled the party with an amazing stretch run in the Personal Ensign. To quote Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much."
Garden update. Harvested potatoes (yessss!) and more peppers. I'm thinking homefries for breakfast. I'm getting sick of seeing zucchini. I would like to see some red tomatoes and eggplant real soon. To quote Judge Smails in Caddyshack, "Well, we're waiting."
In the next entry, the long awaited return of ,"Opie's Upset Specials!"
See you at the Jug Game...Leccese out.

Stop nagging me about not being on Facebook!

2010-08-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there. There is nothing better on a rainy day than sitting in front of my laptop typing away creating another riveting entry in "The Greenhouse Effect." Sometimes I feel like Stephen J. Cannell at the end of all his tv shows when he's meticulously finishing a script and he rips the final page from the typewriter and in the end it says "A Stephen J. Cannell Production" with the music stinger.
Where to start. Thanks to everyone who participated, contributed money, and volunteered their time to help us with the go-cart race. Next to Bowl for Kids Sake, its my favorite thing we do charity wise. I rode the carts after it was over and I felt for the drivers. Those go-carts could haul and you got pretty rattled around making turns and you could see the rubber coming off the tires.
I'm not backtracking on my opinion of Rex Ryan, but I'm going to defend him. We've all heard about his overuse of salty language on "Hard Knocks," but I think he should tell Tony Dungy to just bleeping shut up and go bleeping away. When did Tony Dungy become such a hot piece of bleep and the moral conscious of the NFL? If it weren't for Peyton Manning you'd still be nothing more than a choke artist coach who constantly whines about things being unfair. Remember, Chucky Gruden took the same Bucs team he had the year before to a SuperBowl win the next season.
Watching Brett Favre's return to the Vikes and the scene that was made on his arrival at training camp kind of reminded me of that white Bronco driving down I-5 in LA sixteen years ago.
The two best sports writers hands down are Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom and I always try to read their columns whenever possible.
The feistiness, denial and just plain stupidity Roger Clemens is showing these days must be making Donald Fehr and Marvin Miller proud. If Clemens does take a hit over these allegations, I hope its with the same piece of broken bat he flung at Mike Piazza.
Been to 4 high schools to watch football practice and talked with coaches about the upcoming season. Hudson Falls looks good and they've got numbers that a lot of schools wish the Tigers had. Lake George, Warrensburg, and Glens Falls are all young and raw. I was shocked by numbers at Lake George. They were down, but they also didn't have freshman practicing with the varsity.
My friend Mike Rowe was back in town for a wedding and he took time to teach the fitness class I take at the gym. It was just like the good old days when you didn't want to miss one of his classes and you were jokingly scolded for not showing up. A bunch of us combat veterans were there and we had a blast hanging out.
Dave Thomas will be filling in for me this week while I go across the hall and do the morning show on the sister station. I also have two days at the Washington County Fair. I promise that there will be no eating of deep fried Oreo's this year not even if Lisa Robertson or Patricia Kara showed up with them and personally fed them to me. Eating those things that morning were like the classic SNL "Little Chocolate Donuts" commercial with John Belushi.
Finally, a note to my all caring friends and younger sister. Quoting Susan Powter, "Stop the Insanity!" No more mentions, suggestions, or dropping of hints that I should come into the 21st century and join Facebook. It's not gonna happen! Now if you go to the top of the website, you'll see that WCKM and WCQL is on Facebook. I've checked out the WCKM page and discovered that many our staff has befriended it. Why? I don't get the whole Facebook/Twitter thing. If a current friend or family member wants to get in touch with me, they know where I am and they have my e-mail address and cell phone number and can either text or call me. If any of my former high school or college friends wanted to find me, don't you think they would have stayed in touch after all these years or found me by now? All they have to do is google my name if they remember how to spell it. I've made big strides this year in getting a new cell phone. I know how to text, I can download ringtones and I just learned how to send photos to peoples' phones and e-mail addresses.
Jug Game in two weeks...Leccese out

Just call me "Hands of Stone" and other observations

2010-08-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi There,
Before we get to the other stuff, I'll start off with what happened Saturday night. Went with Dan and the Ashs' to Joe Bruno Stadium to see the Valley Cats play the Staten Island Yankees. If you've never been to a game at HVCC, go. It's a nice minor league ballpark and the prices are fair. The highlight of the trip was dinner at Ted's Fish Fry, which is one of Miner's favorite places. Now for the low lights. First, I directed the driver to the wrong entrance. Then Yankees got clobbered 11 to 2 and to top it off my mediocre athletic ability got showed off. During the game a foul ball goes over our heads, takes a bounce off the walk way, hits a light pole and comes back our way. It was beggin' for me to catch it and be a hero. But nooooo! I had the ball in my sights, hits my outstretched left hand and I couldn't snag the dang thing. Now you know why I don't play softball or give massages. Hands of Stone. Those who can't play the game either end up broadcasting or keeping score. I do both.
Football and other fall sports get under way and for me the first thing when I go check out practices is always look at the numbers of kids playing. Especially with smaller schools like Warrensburgh and Fort Edward. Two or three key injuries and the season teeters on the brink of extinction. Its harder to get kids to make that kind of commitment to football. With jobs, girlfriends, the so-called extreme sports and computers; the desire to actually do 2 a day practices, hit the weight room, make football not an easy sell. I know kids who play often tell me they'll go knocking on their friends doors begging them to try out and join them on the team. There is something still cool about wearing a varsity jacket right?
How many straight years can Mets fans endure the wheels falling off the bus? A couple of collapses, injuries and now this past week the teams' pitching ace is served a civil lawsuit over rape charges and the closer beats up his girlfriends father in the teams family room in front of children and is charged with assault. Francisco Rodriguez also has had runs ins with a coach, team executive, and a Yankee before a game last year. Anger management classes is just the start K-Rod. I don't think a complete house cleaning is in order. I would love Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz to sell to someone who'll first re-establish the Mets history to Mets fans. Next they need to find a team leader who give this team some swagger. The last two guys who took that job and relished it were dumped; and now the guy who should be the leader Jeff Francoeur has been buried in a platoon with the return of Carlos Beltran.
Brandon Phillips just shut up please! That brawl in the first inning of the Cards/Reds game was such a moronic display of idiocy. Hope the foot in mouth disease is being treated. Any simpleton knows you never diss your opponent like that right before you play 'em with first place on the line.
SF Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez also joined Brandon Phillips in the nurses office for foot in mouth disease when he predicted the Giants would sweep the Padres this weekend. Didn't happen now did it John? One more note on the flailing friars of San Diego. Can we just get it over with and hand the NL manager of the year award to Bud Black now please.
I may have hands of stone, but if a foul ball is headed for my girlfriend, unless she was an allstar softball player in high school or college; I'm re-enacting the scene from, "The Bodyguard" where Kevin Costner dives in front of Whitney Houston to save her from getting shot. You've been living in a cave recently if you haven't seen the video of that guy at the Astros game with his hat turned sideways dissing his woman and letting her get plunked. Moron. He was probably worried his beer would be spilled. They interviewed the happy twosome during the game and they later appeared on the CBS Morning Show. CBS really has a morning show? I did not know that.
To quote Bob Uecker from "Major League" in regards to Dustin Johnson and the 2 shot penalty assessed to him for grounding his club on the 18th hole at the PGA championship, "Personally I think he got hosed on that call." That was one mighty small bunker. Looked like trampled ground to me.
I'd rather be strapped to a chair with duct tape and forced to watch "Paul Blart, Mall Cop" or any other movie starring Kevin James and Adam Sandler than watch "Hard Knocks" on HBO.
It must have been one really slow news day for Bill O'Reilly. Why is he dissing Jennifer Aniston for her desire to have a child and raise it as single parent?
Talk about stating the obvious. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi said she is not a role model! No duh!
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Forgive me, its technically from last week. Kate Gosselin went on a camping trip in Alaska with Sarah Palin. That one made my skin crawl. I'm not making some of this stuff up people.
The age spots have been exploding all over my arms and body with the knowledge that two of my favorite movies "Caddy Shack" is now 30 years old and "Back to the Future" is 25.
Finally, two things to leave you with. The go-cart race is coming up this Wednesday and WCKM is now on Facebook. Check it out and be our friends, please...Leccese out.

Seven days til the start of football practice

2010-08-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Ladies and Gentlemen we interrupt the beginning of the latest entry of "The Greenhouse Effect" to inform you after 4 months being late, the State of New York finally has a budget signed, sealed and delivered!!!!! All these years I tought it was Joe Bruno and Sheldon Silver being pigheaded. The truth has come out. It's the entire state legislature that is totally out of touch with reality and plain screwed up.
I would like to formally apologize to LeBron James for my rants about his free agency and drama that concluded with "The Decision" on Bristol Tech. No hard feelings I hope. After the return of that soap opera known to us all,"As the Brett Favre Turns." Compared to that fiasco, "The Wooing of LeBron" and "The Decision" was tame. Brett Favre is as big a drama queen as Ali Fedotowsky from "The Bachelorette."
If I ran my Dads' business into the ground the way Jeff Wilpon and Jim Dolan are doing with the Mets and Knicks, Big Ken Leccese would disown me, have me written out of the will and asked that I change my name.
More on the Knickerbockers. What photos or other incriminating stuff does Isaiah Thomas have on Jim Dolan that would cause him to bring him back as a consultant. After what he did to send the Knicks into a tailspin and on the same level of embarrassment and humiliation to the Association as the Clippers and Nets do, I wouldn't trust Zeke coaching or consulting a team of 5 and 6 year olds.
So A-Rod finally did hit that 600th Home Run. That's nice to hear.
Would someone tell "Fudgy the Football Coach" a.k.a Rex Ryan to shut up his big blowhole. Use number 150 for duct tape. Sticking it on Rex's mouth to silence it!!!! I hope he trips one day and lands on the guy who wears the firemans' hat and Bruce Harper jersey and does the J-E-T-S chant and suffocates him.
Buck Showalter returned to managing with the Orioles. Just remember this fans in Charm City. The guys who replaced him in New York and Arizona won the World Series the year after he was canned. Plan ahead so you can find his successor and the parade route when you end the World Series drought.
Rays manager Joe Maddon complained after a pop fly hit the catwalk in play at Tropicana Field that caused his team to lose. After this horribile occurance that should convince anybody that a new ballpark is needed in the Tampa/St.Pete area. Mr.Maddon if I had the power, I'd send you CitiField with a big red bow on it. Wait a minute. That's not an adequate major league ballpark either. Sorry Joe, you're out of luck.
After the debut Blue Jays rookie catcher J.P.Arencibia had Saturday going 4 for 5 with 2 home runs, I'd quit now and leave while on top.
I love the prep material we use on the air radio and this week I found out a lot about myself from it. I found out that I'll need at least 1.5 million dollars for an attractive woman to go out with and possibly marry me. The other discovery is 3 of the top 4 cars on the least likely to be stolen list I either own or want to own.
To add insult to injury, one my co-workers at the radio station had no idea I was filling in doing the morning show with Pete. Just stab me in the heart with a broken beer or wine bottle please.
If you think Bristol Tech sideline reporter and stalker victim Erin Andrews is attractive, wait til you see her sister! I saw a photo of her with Erin at a premier for a movie she is in and it made me wish I had learn to play a keyboard instrument. Yes my friends the gene pool has been kind to both of the Andrews girls.
Awwww poor Eldrick Woods is in a slump. If I gave the violinist a 20 dollar bill, you think he leave and go over and play for that cute couple canoodling at table 4.
Went to the track Wednesday and although I didn't win on any of the bets I placed, it was great way to spend the afternoon. Next time, I'm getting grandstand reserved seats so I could sit in the shade. Next weekend its off to Troy and a minor league baseball game.
I'm starting to sense it. High School football practice starts in 7 days. Training camp visits, scrimmages and media day in 2 weeks. Those nine months between seasons' somehow fly by real fast...Leccese out.

Did you ever just have one of those days?

2010-08-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hi there. There's nothing better after a nice quiet weekend of just relaxing at home then to kick off a new work week than to have a couple of things happen to you and it feels like you've been hit by lightning not once, but twice within the same 4 hour period. So, I'm driving into the radio station Monday morning at 4:30 when I got pulled over by one of Warren County's finest for speeding. Me of all people. I was lucky to get off with a nice warning to be more careful. Thanks officer, and I promise to be less of lead foot. There was strike one. The second strike came when I was told that a co-worker was leaving and her last day was Friday. I was totally caught off guard by that hit and I'm having a real hard time accepting it. It's really depressing me. She's an amazing person and I let her know my feelings in a text. It will be even harder for me to say goodbye in person and I'm dreading that moment. It's been that strange of a day.
On to other things.
Chelsea Clinton got married over the weekend and I have wonder how her husband Mark is addressing her parents? This is not your typical in-law situation. Her dad is a former two term U.S. President and Mom is the current Secretary of State. Calling them Mom and Dad just doesn't seem very copacetic now does it?. Plus you have secret service people everywhere. Don't want to screw anything up or big brother will be watching and all over you like white on bread.
Normally this blog is an "American Idol" free zone. But not today. First Simon leaves the show, and now Kara has been fired. All that is left is Randy and that guy who seems to be hosting everything on TV and radio. As for Ellen, don't let the door hit you on the way out. I make no apologies by saying I find Ms.DeGeneres void of any talent and just plain annoying. Go back to doing Very Fine juice commercials.
You make the call. Who's more screwed up. Lindsey Lohan or Mel Gibson.
How come every team who wanted to make a trade for a big time player did so but the Mets. You even had the Padres and Rangers (who are technically bankrupt) making deals and all they parted with were a couple of low minor leaguers and some bats and balls thrown in to help sell souvenirs.
Football training camps have opened and you want to why there is a need for a new collective bargaining agreement in the NFL. Sam Bradford the number 1 pick in the draft who hasn't played a down for the Rams will get 50 ma-ma-million dollars guaranteed. That's why.
VH1 must be real happy that Terrell Owens signed with the Bengals. I'm still trying to figure out that one.
Hard to believe that the NHL actually used some common sense and voided the 17 year deal the Devils offered Ilya Kovalchuk. Bad news guys. Heeeee's back. Donald Fehr formally the head of the Major League Baseball Players Union is helping the NHLPA and contract negotiations on their new CBA is coming up faster than you think.
Why do they call it a lockout when a sports league and its players don't have a collective bargaining agreement? Wouldn't a true lock out be when there is an agreement in place and the owners decide not play?
The zucchini harvest has begun and also the first yellow pear tomatoes are being picked for those needing a garden update.
Finally, this weeks sign of the apocalypse. I saw a commercial advertising a snuggie in athletic department t-shirt grey that reads, "Property of Snuggies Athletic Department XXL." We're talking about a stinking bathroom that's been turned around so you wear it with the back in front!..Leccese out.

Is summer really half over already?

2010-07-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I'm finding it hard to believe that Saratoga is open. July went by like a blur. Here I am writing this entry and watching TVG at the same time. I've got to get to the track this year on a day where there is no giveaways and I can get kind of dressed up, actually sit inside, and watch the races with binoculars. I don't get the tailgating/picnic, watching on tv screens thing. Every year I say I plan on going to the track and I end up not going at all. The other thing I promise to do every year is go check out the Valley Cats play either Brooklyn or Staten Island. Doesn't happen either.
A couple of weeks ago Sly Stallone regretted making Rocky V, now he said the worst movie he ever made was "Stop, or my Mom will Shoot." I feel vindicated. However Dan in his infinite wisdom said that "Rhinestone" was the worst. He may be and probably is right.
First it was LeBron James and now it is Chris Paul wanting to play for a winner and uber star loaded team. CP3 (what's with that?) has asked to be traded. By the way, the price tag on the Golden State Warriors sale was 450 million dollars. My mouth is still not off the ground with that price. When the Warriors sell for that high an amount, how much does that make the Lakers or Celtics worth?
Every once in a while a puff of white smoke comes from the Civic Center and the Phantoms announce a signing. The parent club recently makes a deal with Tampa and Stevie Y and all they get in return is another defenseman and a 4th round pick for Simon Gagne?
If you've never seen "Man versus Food" on the Travel Channel and you want to know what its like, come to the radio station and see Mike Dubray eat. He puts hot sauce and spicy stuff on everything. The other day he ordered a package of these dried ghost chilis that are the hottest pepper on earth. He then proceeded to sprinkle them on a sub sandwich. Seeing him eat this lethal concoction and writhe in pain as his stomach and digestive systems were being disintegrated from the inside out was priceless. His facial expressions are even better and worth the price of admission alone. I wonder if he does it just to get sympathy from the female constituency who works at the radio station?
Wasn't there any way for the Mets to keep Carlos Beltran, Luis Castillo and Ollie Perez on the disabled list and away from the team? They were doing well without them and since their return, the bats have taken the gas pipe and the life of the team has been taken out of it like the air being released from a balloon. If it weren't for Mariano Rivera closing games in the Bronx, I think Mets fans would like Francisco Rodriquez a lot more.
Read something in Pete Tobey's most recent football column that made me kind of depressed. Saratoga Catholic isn't fielding a football team this year. They only had 12 kids sign up. Hopefully next year the Saints will be back.
Remember if you do head to the track and bet, stay away from Steeplechase races and those first time 2 year old starter races. Hope you're cashin' em and not trashin' em...Leccese out.

First harvest has occured and other notes of interest

2010-07-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Well, how was your weekend? The only thing I didn't do this weekend was type this entry. Spend the weekend cleaning, doing a remote, weeding the garden, baking, watching the British Open, creating questions for the contest I do in the afternoon, and I also managed to play 18 holes of golf.
Since it hasn't been mentioned in a while, first you get a garden update. We had some carnage. Bambi paid a visit and decided to eat the green beans and impatiens that run along one side of my home. I could tell, because the hoof prints were in the soil. He just walked along and feasted.
Somehow out of the remnants there is hope. The mentally challenged venison ate the leaves and not the buds and flowers, so beans are actually growing. We also had first harvest. The mystery peppers turned out to be jalapenos and this is the earliest I've harvested peppers ever. I use them make a really good vodka sauce that I serve over pasta. The rest of the stuff is coming along nicely, although I would like to see some eggplant.
To quote Bryant Gumbel, on to other things. The British Open. It's my favorite of the majors. Watching American PGA tour pros play courses that don't come close to what they are used to at home is a joy. Instead of going over there to practice beforehand, they should head to a under maintained muni or public course and play 18 to work on their shot making. I've written this many times, but at the top of any bucket or if I had 24 hours to live list, I want to play a British Open course. The winner Louis Oosthuizen looked unflappable. After hearing how his name is pronounced, it sounded like some style of Belgian or other imported beer I might want to try.
Is it that much of a slow sports day when Joe Girardi gets second guessed for how he managed in the All Star game?
The Golden State Warriors just sold for how much? Are you sure it was the Warriors? What are the Lakers or Celtics really worth then?
I sort of owe LeBron James an apology. I've been raking him through the coals for his reality tv drama that eventually became his decision to sign with the Heat. I forgot that for the last 3 or 4 years we've been treated to, "As the Brett Favre Turns." That saga hasn't ended yet.
NBA owners are crying poverty as the upcoming collective bargaining agreement is about to expire but how can we believe them with all the max contracts they've passed out like PEZ and the Warriors sold for how much again.
Note to Erin Andrews. Your "feel sorry for me for my privacy was violated" act is starting to run thin. She was on Dancing with the Stars. She was manning the red carpet at the Bristol Techie Awards and did you she how she was attired? It wasn't a conservative pant suit. Now she is suing the hotel chains where the perv did the filming. Enough already. Maybe we should cancel the entire college football season so we don't have so see her sideline eye candy act.
One of the things I take great pride and joy laughing at is going to a bar or wedding and watching people dance. It can be as humorous as a good HBO or Comedy Channel stand up special. You find a nice quiet place to take your beverage and observe, get a chuckle, and just shake your head in bewilderment.
I'm becoming a fan of McDonalds new Smoothies.
Why did Disney make a sequel to Tron 28 years after it originally came out?
More and more I'm starting to believe that Dan Miner and Mike Dubray know everybody and everyone...Leccese out.

Yes, Mom people do actually read "The Greenhouse Effect."

2010-07-12T08:06:00.001-07:00

Hi there. Hope you survived the sauna like weather we've had the past week. I actually went swimming not once, but twice in the lake I live on and it was great. Its one of those cold spring fed lakes so you'd be enjoying the bath like warm temps then WHAM! Get hit one of those springs bubbling up and get shocked back into reality. Remember all you gardeners out there, when you have temps like we've had, really soak your plants in the morning. Don't water them at night.
The way Bristol Tech hyped the LeBron James affair was a total joke and an embarrassment. We're talking about a 25 year old basketball player picking what team he is going to play for! "The Decision." Sounds like what we should call the coverage of the upcoming mid term elections in November, not a hoops players telling us whose 9 figure salary offer he's accepting. The only real winner in this whole calamity was the Miami Heat. Not only did LeBron come across class less in his handling of this, but Dan Gilbert owner of the Cavs really improved his chances of joining Mensa with his crybaby, sour grapes, calling LeBron out letter to fans. You think they also could have chosen a better place to hold the announcement than community gym in Connecticut?
Didn't Knicks management learn their lesson the first time? They asked Isaiah Thomas for help in convincing LeBron to play for them You think Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley or Patrick Ewing would have been better choices? But noooo, they chose the guy who made them awful and irrelevant to start. Isaiah must have some serious dirt on James Dolan. One other thing on the Knickerbockers. David Lee plays with his heart on a sleeve for the team for 5 years and then gets shipped off to Golden State in a sign and trade? Red Holtzman must be turning in his grave.
Is there anyway the Mets and Pirates could make a deal in which the Mets trade CitiField for PNC Park straight up so they'd be playing their home games in a real nice ballpark?
Here's this weeks sign of the apocalypse and we have two. Up first T.O. and Chad 85 each have their own tv shows on VH1; and batting second it must be a real slow news day when some annoying American Idol runner up who won't go away like Carrie Underwood makes the front page of the paper for getting married to some hockey player from the Ottawa Senators. We are truly becoming a country of obese, stupid people.
Have you seen clips from the animated feature, "Despicable Me?" Those yellow things look like someone somehow managed to bring Twinkies to life. And we all know Twinkies have a life of their own.
Sylvester Stallone said he regretting making Rocky V. He felt fans of the Rocky films didn't want to see Rocky on the downside like that. No duh! What he should have admitted regretting was making such fine cinematic tour de forces like, "Over the Top," "Oscar," and "Stop or My Mom Will Shoot."
NBC should re-title "America's Got Talent," to "America's Got Way Too Much Time on its Hands"
Now that the World Cup is over, I'm going to miss those vuvuzelas. I would love to see and hear those annoying horns blare during golf tournaments or tennis matches.
I didn't want to bring up the passing of a legend, but Bob Sheppard was the epitome of eloquence and class the way he manned the Public Address system for the Yankees and Giants. My favorite Bob Sheppard moment was a tv commercial he did a few years ago for NFL.com. He's sitting poolside with a laptop explaining that he can follow his favorite team anywhere. He sees a play on the screen and then grabs a microphone and announces, "Ball carried by Barber" which went over the Giants Stadium speakers...Leccese out.

Celebrating the 4th of July typing away on the laptop

2010-07-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hi there. So here I am relaxing on this day that our country's founding fathers signed its Declaration of Independence some 234 years ago getting caught up with views and observations of the world.

That photo you see is the progress on the "Fortress of Solitude" being built in South Carolina.

I love the fact people have these crazy ideas on how to punish BP for the disaster, catastrophe, whatever you want to call it in the Gulf of Mexico. One mensa member actually called the radio station Friday and wanted us to support his idea of a, "No Drive Day." The day he chose was September 3rd. The start of the Labor Day Weekend. Not gonna happen. BP is punishing itself enough without our help. It's stock is dropping like a lead balloon in shallow water (the stockholders must be giddy over that one) and the PR nightmare of everyday seeing footage on tv or reports from the other media is punishment enough. What would and will drive me nuts is if the CEO and other execs get huge performance bonuses after all this mess does finally end.

I wonder though when does the resiliency of the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama finally run out? Just when they thought they were on the upswing after Hurricane Katrina hit, they get punched in the gut again. Those are people to admire.

Sometimes I wonder what women see in certain men. Like David Spade for example. He's kind of funny at times, but what's his secret? Heather Locklear, Pamela Anderson, Julie Bowen, and last week I saw a photo of him out with Padma Lakshmi from "Top Chef." I don't get it.

Now onto sports. So John Isner wins this tennis match that takes like 11 hours to play and then goes out in straight sets in his next match? It doesn't seem fair now does it.

The U.S. loses to Ghana in the World Cup and the reaction from the majority of people here is, "Nice try. Good news, only 30 days til the starting of football training camps." Speaking of football, only 2 months til "The Jug Game."

Is it just me or are soccer goalies totally clueless on how to stop a penalty kick? The most visually impaired people on the planet can score on one. I love watching these guys dive before or just after the ball barely is off the shooters foot. They go one way and the ball ends up going the other way. I think they need lessons from hockey goalies on how to stop them. Its very comical.

I have to ask. If you were a betting person, what would place a 10 spot on happening first. Yours truly getting married or the US winning the World Cup? And no you can't choose the third option of neither happening in your lifetime!

If you had Brazil or England in your World Cup office pool...You Lost!!!!

With all the talk of LeBron James and what team he'll eventually sign with, when it does finally happen are we gonna see white smoke coming out of a chimney somewhere in Akron Ohio like we do in Vatican City when the College of Cardinals chooses a new pope? You get the feeling it will happen that way. Black smoke, hasn't made up his mind. White smoke, he's signing and then a 2nd story balcony door will open up and here comes LeBron wearing that teams jersey.

I watched the NHL draft last week and a couple of observations came to mind. Steve Yzerman, general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Just doesn't sound right. How nervous were the kids who got drafted by Tampa, Carolina and Rangers feeling. You go up on stage and waiting are legends like Yzerman, Ron Francis, and Mark Messier to shake your hand? Did the Flyers actually have picks in this years' draft? It's starting to remind me of the last few years the Redwings were in town. Two words: Bare cupboard. Philly better have some diamonds in the rough that we've never heard of coming to the Phantoms or this is going to be a long, rough year for Greg Gilbert and us fans.

Between the World Cup and Wimbledon, Bristol Tech exiled the College World Series to ESPN 8 or whatever. It was kind of sad, because it was being played for the last time in one the great venues in college sports. Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. The Series is staying in Omaha Nebraska, but moving to a new ballpark in the downtown area.

Finally, take a moment on this July 4th to think about how fortunate we are to be living here in the U.S. We're not perfect. Many have sacrificed their lives to defend it. Many have come here to make a better life from themselves and made our country a better place at the same time. We're still growing and learning who we are as a nation after all these years after the initial fight for independence. Let's just keep learning and appreciate what we've got and not let it slip away...Leccese out.

Just a quick note that I'm still alive

2010-06-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I know I have been sort of slacking lately with entries but this week I'm pulling double duty as Donna Frank, our production guru is on her honeymoon. I've got 3 quick things and I'll write the usual jam packed entry this weekend
First off Donna, you looked stunning last Saturday and congrats to you and John on your new life together. That makes now 2 weddings I've made it through this past month unscathed.
Second, Dan Miner congrats to you on winning your 3rd NYSBA award. Nobody deserves it more than you man.
And finally Happy 40th birthday to my kid sister Kelly. I am so proud of what you've accomplished. You're an amazing person and a great mother and wife. Hey sis, guess what? You're old now!!!!HAHA!!!Leccese out

P.S. Don't forget your vuvuzelas when you go to Summer Jam Saturday night.

And the Oscar for the best flop by a player during the World Cup goes to...

2010-06-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hi there. F.Y.I-"The Greenhouse Effect" is a vuvuzela free zone. Hard to believe but leading off is the World Cup of soccer. Next thing you know lacrosse will lead off an edition. Everybody's commenting about how the U.S. got screwed on a bad call during the game with Slovenia in which they came back from the dead to end the game in a 2-2 tie. I played soccer as a kid right up until my freshman year in high school and I still don't understand what the heck the off side call is. I've actually watched a lot of both games featuring the U.S. and I hope to watch some of the game with Algeria. Look, soccer officials just blow a whistle and point. They don't explain the call and every once in a while will put up a yellow or red card. They are still better than NBA officials.
So the Lakers won the NBA championship. Wait a second while I'll yawn with my mouth open. If you think that Kobe Bryant is the greatest Laker player of all time due to the fact he's now won 5 rings, you don't know anything about the rich history of the Lakers. Biggest spoiled brat in Lakers' history, hands down. Greatest of all time? He doesn't even make my starting 5. That honor goes to Earvin Johnson, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan, and Elgin Baylor.
Was I really watching golf last Sunday or "Survivor?" I know the U.S. Open is supposed to be the toughest test of golfs' four majors, but that was so not fair.
I was just one game off on my Hershey Bears winning the Calder Cup prediction.
I might save that River Rats coffee mug I own and not donate it to a charity garage sale now that the new team will be know as the Devils.
On to other things. First KFC came out with the Doubledown Chicken Sandwich; now Friendly's (whom I once was an employee of a long time ago) has come out with the, "Grilled Cheese Burger Melt." It's a burger that is between not one; but two grilled cheese sandwiches. This sandwich has 15 hundred calories! I'm trying to eat that many in a whole day. I would have to walk on a inclined treadmill at a minimum of 4 mph for 1 hour and 20 minutes just burn off that sandwich. Did Adam Richman help develop this monster? Who says America is an obese country and its people live an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. My car was getting serviced last week and while waiting in the repair shop, I saw a commercial for a product called Huggies Jean Diapers. The commercial alone is in the, "Did I really see what I just saw?" category.
Garden update. Potatoes have started growing (finally), everything else is coming along nicely. Seeing some real small tomatoes and peppers, and the big spruce tree is coming out in next 2 weeks.
Stupid squirrels. They are destroying my hummingbird feeders by eating the plastic yellow flowers that the birds stick their beaks in to get at the nectar in the feeder. I can live with those rodents at the regular bird feeder during winter, but don't mess with the hummingbirds. Bastards.
Had a great time with Dan last Thursday visiting Johnsburg Central School and talking with the 4th, 5th and 6th graders about what we do at the radio station. I have a blast going to schools talking to the kids and doing that sort of thing.
Finally, while talking with Dan on the drive to North Creek I told him I have just about given up any and all hope in finding a nice woman to have a relationship with. He said my problem has been I want a Barbie doll. He's only half right. I do want a Barbie Doll. I want M.B.A or Ph.D Barbie. Someone with a high I.Q. to go with the Ford Modeling Agency looks and in shape body.
Thank you both Ben Osborn and David Miller...Leccese out.

Surviving Bike Week and a Wedding

2010-06-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there. This was definitely a week that tested my patience. First it was Bike Week and of course the wedding of my cousin took place(Yes its over!!!!!) and I survived both of them.
As for the suit, I ended up buying the one I originally tried on first. Went with the black t-shirt, ultra casual look to go with it. When you see an overwhelming majority of the guys wearing black or midnight blue suits with collared shirts and ties and your wearing tan with black you tend to stick out like a sore thumb. I was second guessing the t-shirt look. The reception, it was tasteful and classy. The food was good, beer choices were mediocre. I could have used a Guiness real bad. I was really proud of myself when it came to eating healthy. Just ate the entree. Stayed away from hors d'oeuvres, bread, and the dessert table with the exception of 2 chocolate dipped strawberries. The band was pathetic. Sorry guys, take my advice and stay away from any James Brown or Commodores song; and please pick up the tempo if you're gonna play "The Authority Song" by John Mellancamp. I also didn't have to suffer further by watching any females do the "Electric Slide" or "Macarena." I did meet my cousins' husband Jonathan. He's a really nice guy and she lucked out in finding him. We had a great conversation. Good thing he has never read this blog. One more wedding note. Did you ever notice that after the first drinks are poured guys start unbuttoning the top button on their shirts, loosen the tie and sometimes roll up their shirt sleeves?
Onto other things. I watched the first half of the England/USA soccer game and I don't what teams' goalkeeper I felt more sorry for. Robert "Hands of Stone" Green from England or the USA's Tim Howard with that hideous looking jersey and shorts he wore. I would like to say his mother dresses him funny, but that would just insult his Mom. I don't think that color he was wearing can be found anywhere in nature.
Dan and I were talking about the World Cup and I said I was somewhat interested and compared it to those people who get into watching the hockey during the Winter Olympics.
What's going on with college football? First Nebraska goes to the Big 10. Colorado is headed to the PAC-10. Even everybody's favorite Cinderella, Boise State is jumping to a more competitive conference. Football drives the college sports bus people and right now that bus is reminding me of the one in the movie, "Speed." I thought that the Big East would be the first to head for a premature burial and not the Big 12.
USC got a so called "major" punishment from the NCAA last week over the Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo messes. It was nothing more than getting rapped once on the bare knuckles with a ruler. So the football team looses some scholarships, and no bowl games for two years. If you really wanted to stick it to the Trojans, take away their share of the money they would receive from bowl games and the NCAA basketball tournament. If you didn't know, all the money teams in a conference earn from appearing in bowls and the basketball tournament get pooled together and divided equally.
I told you Blackhawks in 6.
A piece of advice for Tom Izzo. You'd be making a huge mistake leaving Michigan State for the Cavs.
Congrats to Fort Ann on winning a state baseball title. I know that school is just about over, but the start of football practice is like 65 days away. Summer vacation will go by really fast...Leccese out.

I thought it would be easy to find a suit and other observations

2010-06-06T16:31:00.001-07:00

Hi there. Nothing beats a little light reading after having endured a rainy Sunday.
These past two days were an example of why I wish I was married or in a relationship. The nuptials of my cousin and her fiance take place next weekend. I figured I could pick out a nice multi-functional suit that would look stylish whether wearing a dress t-shirt or a collared shirt and tie. I have been totally out of my element. When you're married or in a serious relationship, your wife or girlfriend helps in picking out clothing, especially dress clothing. If she likes it, you're not under that certain level scrutiny when you go to one of those dress up type events. You want her to be proud of how good you look, and not "I can't believe he wore that!" We all know it does go both ways.
On to other things. Wednesday night in Detroit. We all saw the play a gazillion times by now, and yes Jim Joyce screwed up. I always love the chance to butcher an umpire or referee, but for a change I'm giving Jim Joyce props. He had the family jewels to face the media, say he messed up and apologize for it. Armando Galarraga also handled this situation with class as well. I don't want to beat an already dead horse even further, however outside his name being put in a group with 20 guys who've thrown perfect games, the one hit didn't effect the earned run average and besides if it was that close a play, doesn't the tie go to the runner?
Jim Joyce received death threats for his screw up. I wonder why the Chairman of BP whose company has caused an a major environmental disaster with this oil spill, not gotten similar threats against his life. This guy should be changing his name every 5 minutes and in the witness protection program.
It's been a long time since I had no interest in a Triple Crown race, but I didn't watch the Belmont.
Two retirement announcements this week that made me feel just a little older: Junior Griffey and jockey Richard Migliore.
Here's this weeks sign of the apocalypse. There were protests outside during the National Spelling Bee.
Another sign of the apocalypse. A New York City woman named Debrahlee Lorenzana has filed a lawsuit claiming she was fired from her job at a bank because she was too attractive and her being too attractive was causing a distraction.
I have to ask this question with the World Cup starting this week. Do we have any of those soccer hooligan types who root for team U.S.A? I feel America is being left out in all the fun.
I laugh at the surveys where in certain European countries men would give up sex if their team won the World Cup.
I'm sticking with Blackhawks in 6 games.
I was reading the latest edition of "Sports Illustrated" and it talked with Jordan Spieth, the 16 year old high school junior who made the cut at the Byron Nelson and finished 16th. He said teeing off on the first hole during round one that Thursday was the toughest thing he ever had to do. The second toughest. Asking a girl to the prom.
A level of h-e-double hockey sticks froze for a brief moment the other morning while I was reading the weekend magazine in the Post Star. It was an article on what could be done to improve the NBA. I actually agreed with one of the articles' suggestions that was brought up by one of the leagues' big time bridge troll agents that I love so much.
Listening to Bristol Tech radio you get total over kill in regards to the Lakers/Celtics final series. This caught my attention. 5 of the 10 starters in game 1 did not attend college.
Aren't their more important issues for mayors to worry about in their cities other than trying to convince LeBron James to play for an NBA team?
John Wooden was just a simple man who coached basketball and life who became larger than life itself after he stopped coaching. Right until he past away at age 99 on Friday, he never stopped teaching us about life.
It will be strange next season not seeing Tom Rentz on the Corinth bench come basketball season. Enjoy retirement Tom, you've earned it.
One good thing about going my cousins' wedding. It should make for some real good material for the next edition. When her sister got married a few years ago, it made for some good laughs when I got on stage and was doing stand up...Leccese out.

Maybe I am Sheldon Cooper and spreading the mulch around

2010-05-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

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.