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.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Another milestone in the history of, "The Greenhouse Effect"
Hi there. On February 21st 2008, "The Greenhouse Effect" was launched on wckm.com along with 3 other blogs from the other on air staff members. Well 3 1/2 years and 249 entries later; we're still here and the only one left. Here it is folks, the 250th edition of,"The Greenhouse Effect."
When the idea of the blogs were first run by us, I was reluctant. My mind was changed by Dan and Mike. They said that it could be funny and serious at same time. Write it like a stand up monologue that you might perform on stage they told me and that's what I try to do.
In writing an edition, what I do is take notes during the week and then Sunday or Monday just sit in front of the lap top with those notes and type away. I'm also constantly editing spelling mistakes and grammatical errors after an entry has been published.
In looking back over the previous 249 editions, I've shared my many likes and dislikes. First up are the likes. Anthony Bourdain, Guinness beer, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, and I have a crush on woman named Lisa Roberston whose job it is to sell jewelry, fashion and beauty products on one of the home shopping networks. The two sports teams that I root for that seem to drive me nuts the most in entries are the Mets and Rutgers football.
Now for the dislikes. Sports agents, the NBA and its stars in general, Tiger Woods, the growing national debt and topping the list is Citi Field.
I have written many times about my passion for gardening, cooking, stand up comedy and commenting on the absurd in a humorous way in the mold of the late George Carlin, Dennis Leary, and more recently Bill Maher.
My favorite writers are Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom.
I like people or movie characters who display a certain amount of cockiness and arrogance to them.
I think that when ESPN does a 30 for 30 film series movie, or HBO does a sports documentary; its a must watch.
I'm a Travel Channel and Food Network junkie.
I've reminisced about Monmouth County New Jersey where I grew up. It was the best of both worlds. There was the shore to the east and if you headed west inland a bunch of corn and horse farms and a wonderful place called Delicious Orchards on route 34 in a town called Colts Neck.
I have a small, amazing group of friends whom I wouldn't trade for the world. I trust them with my life However, I don't trust them when it comes to setting me up on a date. I've discovered over time that when it comes to what traits you would like in a female companion and who your friends or family members think you should be with, you're on completely different pages. I shouldn't admit this, but they are probably right and more realistic about who I should be with too and on more than one occasion I've had someone say what I want doesn't exist or they're totally out of my league.
I really would like to have a steady girlfriend, but it's complicated.
I never thought I would be on Facebook, but I gave in, joined and I kind of like it.
Mom, people really do read, "The Greenhouse Effect." On more than one occasion she has asked, "Does anyone actually read your blog?" Yes they do. Commenting on entries, is a different story. In the 249 previous editions ,I have had a total of 8 comments from readers. I love hearing from you guys, so don't be afraid to comment.
In a future edition, Dan Miner is going ghost write it and I'm giving him the total freedom to write whatever he pleases.
I pick on Pete Cloutier often, but I consider Pete to be the crazy uncle that every family has that drives us nuts at times; but we love him at the same time because of that.
Finally, thanks to all the loyal readers who once or twice a week take a moment to look over, "The Greenhouse Effect." I look forward to writing it and already the notes for edition number 251 have been jotted down on the note pad and will be coming your way soon during the middle of the week. 250 entries, not a bad run and to quote Bourdain, "And I'm hungry for more."...Leccese out.
When the idea of the blogs were first run by us, I was reluctant. My mind was changed by Dan and Mike. They said that it could be funny and serious at same time. Write it like a stand up monologue that you might perform on stage they told me and that's what I try to do.
In writing an edition, what I do is take notes during the week and then Sunday or Monday just sit in front of the lap top with those notes and type away. I'm also constantly editing spelling mistakes and grammatical errors after an entry has been published.
In looking back over the previous 249 editions, I've shared my many likes and dislikes. First up are the likes. Anthony Bourdain, Guinness beer, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, and I have a crush on woman named Lisa Roberston whose job it is to sell jewelry, fashion and beauty products on one of the home shopping networks. The two sports teams that I root for that seem to drive me nuts the most in entries are the Mets and Rutgers football.
Now for the dislikes. Sports agents, the NBA and its stars in general, Tiger Woods, the growing national debt and topping the list is Citi Field.
I have written many times about my passion for gardening, cooking, stand up comedy and commenting on the absurd in a humorous way in the mold of the late George Carlin, Dennis Leary, and more recently Bill Maher.
My favorite writers are Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom.
I like people or movie characters who display a certain amount of cockiness and arrogance to them.
I think that when ESPN does a 30 for 30 film series movie, or HBO does a sports documentary; its a must watch.
I'm a Travel Channel and Food Network junkie.
I've reminisced about Monmouth County New Jersey where I grew up. It was the best of both worlds. There was the shore to the east and if you headed west inland a bunch of corn and horse farms and a wonderful place called Delicious Orchards on route 34 in a town called Colts Neck.
I have a small, amazing group of friends whom I wouldn't trade for the world. I trust them with my life However, I don't trust them when it comes to setting me up on a date. I've discovered over time that when it comes to what traits you would like in a female companion and who your friends or family members think you should be with, you're on completely different pages. I shouldn't admit this, but they are probably right and more realistic about who I should be with too and on more than one occasion I've had someone say what I want doesn't exist or they're totally out of my league.
I really would like to have a steady girlfriend, but it's complicated.
I never thought I would be on Facebook, but I gave in, joined and I kind of like it.
Mom, people really do read, "The Greenhouse Effect." On more than one occasion she has asked, "Does anyone actually read your blog?" Yes they do. Commenting on entries, is a different story. In the 249 previous editions ,I have had a total of 8 comments from readers. I love hearing from you guys, so don't be afraid to comment.
In a future edition, Dan Miner is going ghost write it and I'm giving him the total freedom to write whatever he pleases.
I pick on Pete Cloutier often, but I consider Pete to be the crazy uncle that every family has that drives us nuts at times; but we love him at the same time because of that.
Finally, thanks to all the loyal readers who once or twice a week take a moment to look over, "The Greenhouse Effect." I look forward to writing it and already the notes for edition number 251 have been jotted down on the note pad and will be coming your way soon during the middle of the week. 250 entries, not a bad run and to quote Bourdain, "And I'm hungry for more."...Leccese out.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Going into gym freak exile
Hi there. Just wrapped up one of those feel good weekends' that I hope the good vibes will spill into Monday and Tuesday.
Right off the bat, "Legen-dary" happened. I often talk about a special group of friends I have who are affectionately known as the "gym freaks." These are the people I work out with and are loyal almost to a cult like following of Les Mills fitness classes. Four of the instructors have opened up a new studio dedicated to those classes here in town. It's called Core and you should check the place out on Washington Street. You'll understand why I talk so glowingly about them. They opened this past Saturday and when I found out a few months earlier they were doing this, I knew I had to surprise them and do something special. I had an "Edible Arrangement" sent. I thought it would be the perfect and appropriate thing. It almost didn't happen. The closest store was in Clifton Park and the only thing I could get delivered if I ordered online were chocolate covered strawberries. Lucky for me a new shop opened in Saratoga just in the nick of time and I was able to get one of those neat arrangements delivered. They were totally caught off guard and blown away. Just like I had hoped. A simple flower arrangement or plant just wasn't gonna cut it for this group.
Right off the bat, "Legen-dary" happened. I often talk about a special group of friends I have who are affectionately known as the "gym freaks." These are the people I work out with and are loyal almost to a cult like following of Les Mills fitness classes. Four of the instructors have opened up a new studio dedicated to those classes here in town. It's called Core and you should check the place out on Washington Street. You'll understand why I talk so glowingly about them. They opened this past Saturday and when I found out a few months earlier they were doing this, I knew I had to surprise them and do something special. I had an "Edible Arrangement" sent. I thought it would be the perfect and appropriate thing. It almost didn't happen. The closest store was in Clifton Park and the only thing I could get delivered if I ordered online were chocolate covered strawberries. Lucky for me a new shop opened in Saratoga just in the nick of time and I was able to get one of those neat arrangements delivered. They were totally caught off guard and blown away. Just like I had hoped. A simple flower arrangement or plant just wasn't gonna cut it for this group.
The sad thing is I can't join Core until the new year because of my current gym membership. It's killing me inside that I won't be among the freaks and instructors right away. However, they will continue to inspire me during this so called "exile." I'll work out harder knowing that everyday will bring me closer to joining them and being a part of the group again. I haven't been in yet. I know I should go, but I don't want to until I can be a member. I want feel like that little kid on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa to come. Get back that extra little bit of adrenaline that goes through your body in anticipation knowing you'll be taking class with a particular instructor and the smile you get when you see them before it starts. Also there's that look of surprise when they're not expecting to see you in class and you show up. They are truly a special group and their friendship means so much to me.
Enough gym freak talk. On to other things. How come the Houston Astros can get three prospects from the Phillies for Hunter Pence, and Mets GM Sandy Alderson only managed to nab the Giants top pitching prospect who by the way has an ERA of 3.99 in Single A for 5 time All-Star Carlos Beltran? The other thing I found interesting about the whole Beltran thing was his deal he signed with then Mets GM Omar Minaya. What idiot team would agree to a contract that included a clause in it that would not include arbitration and the team would get draft picks if the player rejected it for free agency? That is about as boneheaded as the trade the Mets made with the Rays for Victor Zambrano and they gave up Scott Kazmir. Typical Mets management.
One more Mets note. There nothing more exciting in baseball than watching Jose Reyes leg out a triple.
Enough gym freak talk. On to other things. How come the Houston Astros can get three prospects from the Phillies for Hunter Pence, and Mets GM Sandy Alderson only managed to nab the Giants top pitching prospect who by the way has an ERA of 3.99 in Single A for 5 time All-Star Carlos Beltran? The other thing I found interesting about the whole Beltran thing was his deal he signed with then Mets GM Omar Minaya. What idiot team would agree to a contract that included a clause in it that would not include arbitration and the team would get draft picks if the player rejected it for free agency? That is about as boneheaded as the trade the Mets made with the Rays for Victor Zambrano and they gave up Scott Kazmir. Typical Mets management.
One more Mets note. There nothing more exciting in baseball than watching Jose Reyes leg out a triple.
Hold on. In the time it's taken you to read this entry up to this point, we had 6 more NFL free agent signings.
Did we really need a live action movie dedicated to the Smurfs and did it have to be in 3-d too?
Found it humorous to know that in the askmen.com annual survey it found that among the female and male celebrities that men are sick of hearing about the most topping the list were Lady Gaga and Justin Beiber.
My favorite thing we do at the radio station takes place Tuesday. The annual Celebrity Go-Cart race for 6 local charities at Adventure Racing. Remember all that day when you ride the carts, Adventure Racing will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to our charities. So bring your kids and channel that little kid in you and help us out by taking a turn on the track.
3 more NFL free agent signings and 2 trades have occurred and did the Patriots really trade for both Albert Haynesworth and Chad Eighty Five a.k.a Ocho Cinco?
See you in 5 months gym freaks or are we officially Core freaks now?..Leccese out.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
My busy season has begun
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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Was that Jim Cantore or Mike Seidel I saw at the British Open when the heavy rains and wind hit
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.
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.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A new entry about a lot of nothing. Kind of like a Seinfeld rerun, but not as funny
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.
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.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Some thoughts on the 4th of July
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.
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.
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