Friends, Romans, Countrymen:
Lend me your ears. I have returned with comments about our lovely Northeast weather, which knocked out power to, roughly, 250,000 people early Friday morning. Now, I'm sure there are many of you out there who have lost power due to weather conditions. Many of you are in Florida, or, Hurricane Central.
One of the main differences is the time of year. Really. The temperature got up to 23 today and it was windy. People move to Florida to escape the term, "wind-chill factor" for a reason. It can be brutal. And though the people who work for National Grid (NY State's chief power company) were making double and triple-time pay, they deserved their money for what they had to endure, out in the elements.
One of the frustrating things about this one was that you'd have power outages on alternating streets. 60 % of the City of troy was without power, with many people being told that it may be 5-7 days before you might get power back. It doesn't sound so terrible (compared to New Orleans with Katrina), but freezing temps and no heat can cause big problems.
One of the problems I had is that when it did get warm and stuff melted a bit, I had water coming up from our sump that the the pump couldn't pump out without electricity. My main concern as the water rose was, that it would get high enough to douse the pilot light on our furnace. At that point it becomes a pain-in-the-ass drying all the mechanisms out, replacing parts, and getting things running again BEFORE your pipes freeze and burst. Tonight it'll be in the teens, so that will become a problem for many.
Initially, our power came back on at around 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Only to go out again about 5 minutes later when there was a power line explosion behind the Middle School. Eventuall, the power came back on, for good, at 12:40 a.m., 21 hours-or-so after it went out. The temp inside our house got down into the 40's.
Things Never To Underestimate When Contemplating Life:
1.- Heat.
2.- Electricity.
3.- Warm water.
4.- Hot food.
5.- Heat and warm shelter when it's 17 degrees outside and the wind is blowing around 20 mph.
6. -Heat.
7.- Heat.
8.- Outside temps ABOVE 50 degrees.
9.- Good neighbors--which should be Number 3.
When you have extra money and you're thinking of things to buy for your house, consider the following, in no particular order: Flashlights with fresh batteries; a generator (for running a sump pump or your refrigerator); A shopping bag or two with toiletries and the like, in case you need to go somewhere quickly.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER bring your charcoal grill INTO your house for warmth. Some idiots around here did and had to be rescued from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Natural Selection? You bet.
I'd like to publicly thank our very good friend Mary Burgess for giving us a place to keep warm for a couple of hours...which could have turned into an overnight.
I'd also like to thank our very good friend, Don Van Keuren, for bringing home a generator for us to use, so I could pump out my basement before the furnace needed repair. Super timely.
Sometimes you get the chance to Pay It Forward. Tonight, one of Connor's buddies is with us because his family's house has no power yet, even though they live 1 minute's drive away. We've had our power for 17 hours longer than them. Again...extremely difficult in the cold weather.
ONE MORE CELL PHONE PET PEEVE
Look, lady, I don't need to hear the ENTIRE conversation you're having with your white-trash, multi racial, whatever family, from 3 aisles over when I'm trying to grocery shop. Are you people kidding me? Tell me, do people actually look around to see who's around when they're on their cells? I understand having it on you so you can be reached whenever and wherever you are. But, Jesus Christmas, can you hold it the freak down please. Is there no limit to the lack of consideration with some people? We can now file this under the category, The Len Is Right Wake The Fuck Up!!! Moment. "Uh, Hello? There's other humans in the immediate area!! I don't need my 11-year old hearing about your yeast infection, okay?
More sporadic posts to follow. Good luck to my good friend, Roy, the G.B King and his wife, Sue. They still have no power. They Do have a place to stay, though. Good size family, and good people.
Hey, if you have similar experiences to share, please feel free to post them.
Peace to my People on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Remember, my loves, LEN IS RIGHT.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Monday, August 04, 2008
THE MOUNTAIN IS BRIAN KELLY
Minions:
I have a correction to make from my last post. The guy I named "The Mountian," who eventually won the poker tournament is named BRIAN KELLY, not Chris Ryan, as I originally wrote.
He was a gentleman the whole way at the tournament, my apologies for getting his name wrong. No one likes to lose, but you don't mind when the guy is friendly and unassuming. Congrats on the win, Brian. I hope to see you at next year's Gunther/Miles extravaganza.
Until next time,
I am,
Len Tollerton
I have a correction to make from my last post. The guy I named "The Mountian," who eventually won the poker tournament is named BRIAN KELLY, not Chris Ryan, as I originally wrote.
He was a gentleman the whole way at the tournament, my apologies for getting his name wrong. No one likes to lose, but you don't mind when the guy is friendly and unassuming. Congrats on the win, Brian. I hope to see you at next year's Gunther/Miles extravaganza.
Until next time,
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sunday, August 03, 2008
GRINDING IT OUT FOR 2ND PLACE
Yessir:
Yesterday, as previously mentioned, I attended the 3rd annual Gunther/Miles poker tournament in Guilderland. There ended up being 45 players, none of 'em bums, and there was some good competition.
The first competition was against the weather. We were supposed to begin around 4:00 and break for food around 6:00. Unfortunately, at 4:00 a super nasty looking bank of storm clouds rolled in and they decided to eat first, in case it got really windy (bad for an outdoor card game), and play after the storm passed. So, we got our food, and sat down at the card tables, underneath the huge tent (with 3 large steel poles) and ate while the rain fell like it does in Florida and the lightening crashed all around the surrounding woods. Nothing bad to report there. The storm passed in about a half an hour, by which time we were done with the food and the cards were in the air (being dealt).
Extreme Justin was the first of our group to bust out, as he kept an aggressive style even though he wasn't getting good cards. We have a different philosophy in our styles. I don't believe you can push aggressiveness unless you're getting cards, have won some pots, and have established a reputation. Many guys try to play aggressive in any condition, hoping to make a big hit. But oftentimes it ends up that you play very loose, even sloppy, and no one's afraid to call your bluffs. I believe you also have to know when to get away from a hand. Many people feel that once you've put a significant amount of money into a pot that you're "pot committed," and thus call every bet down to the end. If I know, or feel, I'm beat, I'll fold like a house of cards, no pun intended.
Don V.K. was next to bust out. Don's problem was he just couldn't catch any cards. This happens sometimes. It's happened to me enough times that I can see it coming an hour before it happens. I seem to know in my bones when it's not going to be my day at the card table. So, Don and Justin left the party by 7:30.
THINGS PROGRESS FOR dOTcOM
Meanwhile, our friend Chris DotCom was amassing a huge stack of chips and I think he may have been the tournament leader at one point. Chuck, the E.o.D. and I were hanging on by the skin of our teeth and Roy the G.B. King was holding his own. Just before the mid-way break, Chuck got into a pot that he didn't feel he could win at the end. He already had most of his stack in the pot, but felt he was probably beat if he went All-In. So he folded, and of course, never found out if the guy was bluffing or not. Chuck exited shortly after the break.
It was around this time that we got down to 4 tables and I started to get moved around as they consolidated. I changed tables 4 times, back and forth between 2 tables. Each time I moved I was starting to win a little, then I'd get moved, start to lose, go All-In and win, start coming back and then get moved again. But I kept grinding along and staying alive. Roy, however, was not so lucky. I think he started to have a bad run with no decent cards, like Don, and was soon out after the game broke down to 3 tables (maybe 2).
TURNING POINT #1
It was at this point, with 2 tables left, that I called an All-In bet with a guy while playing at a table with tourney-leader Chris. Unfortunately, Chris was involved in the hand also. I paired my Ace on the River (last card) and went All-In. Chris, unbeknownst to me, was also holding an Ace. When I went All-In, Chris says, "Dude, I've got you beat. Why are you doing this? Why don't you just Check all the way?" I shrugged my shoulders. Chris was nice enough to lay down his cards, and I won the hand over the other guys, staying alive in the tournament.
This is for Chris: Thank you, Chris, for letting me stay in the tournament. I know you ended up being jerked over this cause of where we ended up at the end of the tourney. But in truth, I would have folded for you in the same situation, and I REALLY appreciate you letting me stay in. You asked me for payment (like a tip) after I got paid, for helping me. This will have to be your payment. A public notice of Thanks. I hope in some way that you can bounce back from this, in time for next year's Gunther/Miles tourney.
As some of the better Gunther/Miles players got eliminated, I kept grinding away. I never accumulated many chips, but got the cards when I needed them to stay alive. We finally broke down to a Final Table of 9 players. Since they were paying the Top 8 spots, no one wanted to be the first out. Places 4-8 got their original Buy-In ($80) back. Besides Chris's large stack at the Final Table, another guy sat down with a large amount of chips. I don't remember his name. For the sake of the story, we'll call him The Mountain because he had this mountain of chips that he refused to stack. He just left them all piled up. I was able to win a couple of decent sized hands, then decided it was time to tighten up like a rectum. Unless I was getting a fairly premium hand, I folded. A couple of people got eliminated and I turned to Roy, who was watching from behind, and said, "I'm gonna show you how to Back-In to the money."
My theory here is to play very conservative, especially when you have a low number of chips and let the bigger stacks fight it out and eliminate each other. Anything marginal, card-wise, and I folded. And sure enough, it started to happen. At one point, Chris got a large portion of his stack devastated by The Mountain. Soon, the were only 5 players left, The Mountain, Jim, the Soccer Coach, Dot Com, this 55-ish year old woman named Candy, and myself. At this point the large stacks were The Mountian and Candy. I was still the short stack.
But as I predicted, the other players started to work on each other as I lurked from the shadows, hoping against hope that I could hold on and maybe catch a 3rd place finish. Shortly thereafter, Chris got beat again (maybe on a River card, I'm not sure) and was gone in 5th Place. Jim, the Soccer Coach, went All-In at one point and when the River card came up, he had thought he'd lost and was out. but I realized that the board held the best hand and Jim and The Mountian ended up splitting the pot. I knew, however, that Jim's time was coming. Soon after, I believe Candy took Jim out in 4th Place, and then there was 3. I turned to Roy and said, "That's how you Back-In to the money." He knows, believe me, he's done it himself. I noticed that The Mountain was playing every pot. He was also catching cards on the Turn and River, like Jamie Gold in 2006 at the World Series of Poker Main Event. I mean, this guy was living with the angels. I figured that Candy would get antsy and get all of her money in against The Mountian. It wasn't long till she had surrendered all of her chips to him and we were down to 2 players! Candy took home $210 for her 3rd Place finish.
Can you believe it? Am I a Master of Patience, or what? Now it's down to me and The Mountian. He's got me by a count of, like $110,000 to $10,000. No way I'm coming back from this, right? I mean, now I can't just hang around. Now it's all or nothing. I wait a couple of hands, get something to play, go All-In and win a few.
TURNING POINT #2
We're now at, like, $85,000 to $35,000, and I decide to push the action on a draw. Meaning I've got a makable hand, but I need help. Unfortunately, I can't get this guy to fold. He just keeps Calling every bet. So I go All-In and he calls. I can't remember the exact cards he had, but he turns over his hand, which gives him 2-pair. I have a King/6 in my hand (suited) and 4-ways to a Spade Flush. I either need a King, a Spade, or a 6 on the River to win. The bet was $32,400. The Mountian had already Called my bet. He was the leader. Then like magic, the 6 drops on the River and everyone starts cheering and High-5'ing me, as I now have the chip lead, like, $75,000 to $45,000.
Now Roy, Chuck and Chris are punching me and back-slapping me, and things are looking good. At this point, Sue and Joe Gunther and Nico Miles come out of the house carrying all the makings for fajitas for 50 people. I hadn't eaten in a while and the food is smelling good.
Anyway, now I have the chip lead, and things are looking good. I know how to push the advantage and close out a tourney, having won enough of them online. Unfortunately, the cards didn't go my way and with a pair of pocket 10's I go All-In. There's a pair of 6's on the Board after the Flop. Of course, The Mountain turns over a 6 and I know I'm gonna need Big Luck again, to escape. Not this time, fella. No more 10's and the night was over. A 2nd straight 2nd Place finish for Len Lazarus, the Assassin, and $600. The Mountain took home around $1300 and a nice gold bracelet.
I think The Mountian's name was Chris (?) His last name was Ryan. My head was so full that it all started to blur and I had to leave. You know, like, after taking a Final Exam in high school, your head is still full of all the knowledge, but you're just spent mentally and you go through the rest of the next hour or so on Auto-Pilot. That's what happened to me. I had to leave (Chris, Roy and Chuck were leaving and I was too jumpy to sit around). I relaxed after driving my car around for about 30 minutes and was able to go home and go to bed.
I want to send a Big Thank You out to Joe and Sue Gunther and tournament Director Nico Miles for, again, running a First-Class event. There were no controversies and after wondering if there were going to be any casualties during the storm, everyone had a great time. Thanks to everyone involved, it was a blast. Of course I wouldn't be this long-winded or gushing if I had busted out when Justin did. I guess everything is relative.
I provided the greatest example of Grinding and Luck to get to second place. Homage should be paid to the Master. I know you're all proud of me, as I am proud of DotCom for his play. This makes everyone RIGHT. Like, LEN IS RIGHT.
Have a great week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Yesterday, as previously mentioned, I attended the 3rd annual Gunther/Miles poker tournament in Guilderland. There ended up being 45 players, none of 'em bums, and there was some good competition.
The first competition was against the weather. We were supposed to begin around 4:00 and break for food around 6:00. Unfortunately, at 4:00 a super nasty looking bank of storm clouds rolled in and they decided to eat first, in case it got really windy (bad for an outdoor card game), and play after the storm passed. So, we got our food, and sat down at the card tables, underneath the huge tent (with 3 large steel poles) and ate while the rain fell like it does in Florida and the lightening crashed all around the surrounding woods. Nothing bad to report there. The storm passed in about a half an hour, by which time we were done with the food and the cards were in the air (being dealt).
Extreme Justin was the first of our group to bust out, as he kept an aggressive style even though he wasn't getting good cards. We have a different philosophy in our styles. I don't believe you can push aggressiveness unless you're getting cards, have won some pots, and have established a reputation. Many guys try to play aggressive in any condition, hoping to make a big hit. But oftentimes it ends up that you play very loose, even sloppy, and no one's afraid to call your bluffs. I believe you also have to know when to get away from a hand. Many people feel that once you've put a significant amount of money into a pot that you're "pot committed," and thus call every bet down to the end. If I know, or feel, I'm beat, I'll fold like a house of cards, no pun intended.
Don V.K. was next to bust out. Don's problem was he just couldn't catch any cards. This happens sometimes. It's happened to me enough times that I can see it coming an hour before it happens. I seem to know in my bones when it's not going to be my day at the card table. So, Don and Justin left the party by 7:30.
THINGS PROGRESS FOR dOTcOM
Meanwhile, our friend Chris DotCom was amassing a huge stack of chips and I think he may have been the tournament leader at one point. Chuck, the E.o.D. and I were hanging on by the skin of our teeth and Roy the G.B. King was holding his own. Just before the mid-way break, Chuck got into a pot that he didn't feel he could win at the end. He already had most of his stack in the pot, but felt he was probably beat if he went All-In. So he folded, and of course, never found out if the guy was bluffing or not. Chuck exited shortly after the break.
It was around this time that we got down to 4 tables and I started to get moved around as they consolidated. I changed tables 4 times, back and forth between 2 tables. Each time I moved I was starting to win a little, then I'd get moved, start to lose, go All-In and win, start coming back and then get moved again. But I kept grinding along and staying alive. Roy, however, was not so lucky. I think he started to have a bad run with no decent cards, like Don, and was soon out after the game broke down to 3 tables (maybe 2).
TURNING POINT #1
It was at this point, with 2 tables left, that I called an All-In bet with a guy while playing at a table with tourney-leader Chris. Unfortunately, Chris was involved in the hand also. I paired my Ace on the River (last card) and went All-In. Chris, unbeknownst to me, was also holding an Ace. When I went All-In, Chris says, "Dude, I've got you beat. Why are you doing this? Why don't you just Check all the way?" I shrugged my shoulders. Chris was nice enough to lay down his cards, and I won the hand over the other guys, staying alive in the tournament.
This is for Chris: Thank you, Chris, for letting me stay in the tournament. I know you ended up being jerked over this cause of where we ended up at the end of the tourney. But in truth, I would have folded for you in the same situation, and I REALLY appreciate you letting me stay in. You asked me for payment (like a tip) after I got paid, for helping me. This will have to be your payment. A public notice of Thanks. I hope in some way that you can bounce back from this, in time for next year's Gunther/Miles tourney.
As some of the better Gunther/Miles players got eliminated, I kept grinding away. I never accumulated many chips, but got the cards when I needed them to stay alive. We finally broke down to a Final Table of 9 players. Since they were paying the Top 8 spots, no one wanted to be the first out. Places 4-8 got their original Buy-In ($80) back. Besides Chris's large stack at the Final Table, another guy sat down with a large amount of chips. I don't remember his name. For the sake of the story, we'll call him The Mountain because he had this mountain of chips that he refused to stack. He just left them all piled up. I was able to win a couple of decent sized hands, then decided it was time to tighten up like a rectum. Unless I was getting a fairly premium hand, I folded. A couple of people got eliminated and I turned to Roy, who was watching from behind, and said, "I'm gonna show you how to Back-In to the money."
My theory here is to play very conservative, especially when you have a low number of chips and let the bigger stacks fight it out and eliminate each other. Anything marginal, card-wise, and I folded. And sure enough, it started to happen. At one point, Chris got a large portion of his stack devastated by The Mountain. Soon, the were only 5 players left, The Mountain, Jim, the Soccer Coach, Dot Com, this 55-ish year old woman named Candy, and myself. At this point the large stacks were The Mountian and Candy. I was still the short stack.
But as I predicted, the other players started to work on each other as I lurked from the shadows, hoping against hope that I could hold on and maybe catch a 3rd place finish. Shortly thereafter, Chris got beat again (maybe on a River card, I'm not sure) and was gone in 5th Place. Jim, the Soccer Coach, went All-In at one point and when the River card came up, he had thought he'd lost and was out. but I realized that the board held the best hand and Jim and The Mountian ended up splitting the pot. I knew, however, that Jim's time was coming. Soon after, I believe Candy took Jim out in 4th Place, and then there was 3. I turned to Roy and said, "That's how you Back-In to the money." He knows, believe me, he's done it himself. I noticed that The Mountain was playing every pot. He was also catching cards on the Turn and River, like Jamie Gold in 2006 at the World Series of Poker Main Event. I mean, this guy was living with the angels. I figured that Candy would get antsy and get all of her money in against The Mountian. It wasn't long till she had surrendered all of her chips to him and we were down to 2 players! Candy took home $210 for her 3rd Place finish.
Can you believe it? Am I a Master of Patience, or what? Now it's down to me and The Mountian. He's got me by a count of, like $110,000 to $10,000. No way I'm coming back from this, right? I mean, now I can't just hang around. Now it's all or nothing. I wait a couple of hands, get something to play, go All-In and win a few.
TURNING POINT #2
We're now at, like, $85,000 to $35,000, and I decide to push the action on a draw. Meaning I've got a makable hand, but I need help. Unfortunately, I can't get this guy to fold. He just keeps Calling every bet. So I go All-In and he calls. I can't remember the exact cards he had, but he turns over his hand, which gives him 2-pair. I have a King/6 in my hand (suited) and 4-ways to a Spade Flush. I either need a King, a Spade, or a 6 on the River to win. The bet was $32,400. The Mountian had already Called my bet. He was the leader. Then like magic, the 6 drops on the River and everyone starts cheering and High-5'ing me, as I now have the chip lead, like, $75,000 to $45,000.
Now Roy, Chuck and Chris are punching me and back-slapping me, and things are looking good. At this point, Sue and Joe Gunther and Nico Miles come out of the house carrying all the makings for fajitas for 50 people. I hadn't eaten in a while and the food is smelling good.
Anyway, now I have the chip lead, and things are looking good. I know how to push the advantage and close out a tourney, having won enough of them online. Unfortunately, the cards didn't go my way and with a pair of pocket 10's I go All-In. There's a pair of 6's on the Board after the Flop. Of course, The Mountain turns over a 6 and I know I'm gonna need Big Luck again, to escape. Not this time, fella. No more 10's and the night was over. A 2nd straight 2nd Place finish for Len Lazarus, the Assassin, and $600. The Mountain took home around $1300 and a nice gold bracelet.
I think The Mountian's name was Chris (?) His last name was Ryan. My head was so full that it all started to blur and I had to leave. You know, like, after taking a Final Exam in high school, your head is still full of all the knowledge, but you're just spent mentally and you go through the rest of the next hour or so on Auto-Pilot. That's what happened to me. I had to leave (Chris, Roy and Chuck were leaving and I was too jumpy to sit around). I relaxed after driving my car around for about 30 minutes and was able to go home and go to bed.
I want to send a Big Thank You out to Joe and Sue Gunther and tournament Director Nico Miles for, again, running a First-Class event. There were no controversies and after wondering if there were going to be any casualties during the storm, everyone had a great time. Thanks to everyone involved, it was a blast. Of course I wouldn't be this long-winded or gushing if I had busted out when Justin did. I guess everything is relative.
I provided the greatest example of Grinding and Luck to get to second place. Homage should be paid to the Master. I know you're all proud of me, as I am proud of DotCom for his play. This makes everyone RIGHT. Like, LEN IS RIGHT.
Have a great week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, August 02, 2008
NEW CARS FOR THE TOLLERTONS AND BIG POKER
Rightlings:
Hello, my people!! I trust your summer is progressing along nicely. It was a busy week, highlighted by the Tollerton couple taking posession of two new (or newer) cars. Also, the Big Poker tourney at the Gunther compound happens today. Big doings.
2 BLACK VEHICLES FOR LT AND PT
My beloved '99 Ford Crown Victoria recently turned 100,000 miles. Over the last year, I've been noticing the smell of anti-freeze coming from the car, but never saw a leak on the ground. I also could never find a loosely connected hose. So I began to suspect that there was a, possibly, bigger problem going on, like maybe a blown head gasket. (Expensive repair job)
Thus, it was time to start researching new cars. For the longest time, I've admired the body styling of the Nissan Altima. So, I started looking at Consumer Reports and found a bunch of cars I thought I'd enjoy driving. I test-drove the 2008 VW Jetta (peppy, well-built, very roomy for a smaller car, huge trunk), and the 2007 and 2008 Honda Accord (not bad, not as peppy, smaller trunk, by all reports very relaible). I then considered driving a Toyota Camry. The Camry is, pretty much, hands down, the most reliable car made today. You can figure an easy 150,000-200,000 miles with normal upkeep, though I would never own a car that long. I had planned on driving the Camry, but I really wanted to drive the Altima first.
After finding out that, reliability-wise, the 2006 is better than the 2007, I narrowed my focus. I was able to locate a 2006 Altima with a 6-cylinder, rather than the normal 4-cyl, at a small, local dealership. I went up to take a look. Once inside the car, I never had another thought about the Toyota Camry. This Altima had just under 25,000 miles and had been a lease car in Pennsylvania. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the car came with heated leather seats, power moonroof, and a Bose stereo. And quick? Crackuh puhleez! I fell in love as soon as I started driving it. When I got back to the dealership, we agreed on a price and I picked the car up last Friday. Maybe I'll take all of you for a ride in it.....if you're lucky!
My unnamed spouse has been driving around in a 2000 Chevy Blazer for a few years. What a piece of shit car that is. At first, PT liked it because she had a sense of security because of the 4-wheel drive, and it was high off the road. (I think secretly she wants to be an Ice Road Trucker) Unfortunately the vehicle has a history of wheel bearing problems and everytime a bearing went, it was about $900 to repair it. Plus, the gas mileage was terrible and she has to drive 35 minutes to get to work every day.
After doing minimal research, she decided that she'd be most happy with a Toyota RAV4. It only took one test-drive to confirm that decision. I really like the vehicle, myself. Unfortunately, because she's worried about me embarassing her while negotiaing, she went to make the deal by herself and, in my opinion, lays down too easy when trying to get a price, accepting at face-value what the dealer says. So, she probably could have gotten a better price if she'd done what I suggested, but she got the car she wanted, and feels she can afford the exhorbitant (IMO) monthly payment. It doesn't come out of my paycheck, and she's happy with the car she's drivng (a black 2008 RAV4). Now, I don't have to listen to her worrying about whether or not her car is going to fall apart. I don't expect to hear any of that till the car is paid off in 6 years, either.
It's fun having a new vehicle. Mine is a BAD mofo!!
BIG POKER
Today is the big annual poker tournament at the Gunther compound. For the last few years, Joe and Sue Gunther have had a poker tourney at their house in Guilderland. I've blogged about this before. Joe makes a few kegs of home-brew, and invites 30-40 players for a really competitive poker game, which they hold under tents in their beautiful back yard. Chuck, the E.o.D., Roy the G.B. King, and the DotCom Destroyer will be there with me, along with Extreme Justin and neighbor, Don V.K. Justin and Don haven't been to this place before and I'm looking forward to getting their take when they see this place. Sue and Joe have a great house (prob. $1 million), with a beautifully landscaped yard and in-ground pool. The basement is close to the size of my house and has all of the appointments for fun (bar, pool table darts, poker, etc...). I have been champing at the bit for this day to come. Last year, I couldn't hang out too long after busting out because there was a big birthday party going on at my house for my mother-in-law and her twin brother. This year, no committments. I'm booking off from work tonight, you dig?
I know that you do, because you know LEN IS RIGHT.
Tomorrow's post will talk about last night's dinner and a movie date with the lovely PT, celebrating our 22nd Anniversary. Now that this post is done, it's time for you to do one thing for me. You need to wish me good luck, out loud, so I can win the tournament tonight. So, right now, say out loud, "Good Luck, Len. You are still a poker God!" I thank you and hope to bring home the Big Money. Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Hello, my people!! I trust your summer is progressing along nicely. It was a busy week, highlighted by the Tollerton couple taking posession of two new (or newer) cars. Also, the Big Poker tourney at the Gunther compound happens today. Big doings.
2 BLACK VEHICLES FOR LT AND PT
My beloved '99 Ford Crown Victoria recently turned 100,000 miles. Over the last year, I've been noticing the smell of anti-freeze coming from the car, but never saw a leak on the ground. I also could never find a loosely connected hose. So I began to suspect that there was a, possibly, bigger problem going on, like maybe a blown head gasket. (Expensive repair job)
Thus, it was time to start researching new cars. For the longest time, I've admired the body styling of the Nissan Altima. So, I started looking at Consumer Reports and found a bunch of cars I thought I'd enjoy driving. I test-drove the 2008 VW Jetta (peppy, well-built, very roomy for a smaller car, huge trunk), and the 2007 and 2008 Honda Accord (not bad, not as peppy, smaller trunk, by all reports very relaible). I then considered driving a Toyota Camry. The Camry is, pretty much, hands down, the most reliable car made today. You can figure an easy 150,000-200,000 miles with normal upkeep, though I would never own a car that long. I had planned on driving the Camry, but I really wanted to drive the Altima first.
After finding out that, reliability-wise, the 2006 is better than the 2007, I narrowed my focus. I was able to locate a 2006 Altima with a 6-cylinder, rather than the normal 4-cyl, at a small, local dealership. I went up to take a look. Once inside the car, I never had another thought about the Toyota Camry. This Altima had just under 25,000 miles and had been a lease car in Pennsylvania. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the car came with heated leather seats, power moonroof, and a Bose stereo. And quick? Crackuh puhleez! I fell in love as soon as I started driving it. When I got back to the dealership, we agreed on a price and I picked the car up last Friday. Maybe I'll take all of you for a ride in it.....if you're lucky!
My unnamed spouse has been driving around in a 2000 Chevy Blazer for a few years. What a piece of shit car that is. At first, PT liked it because she had a sense of security because of the 4-wheel drive, and it was high off the road. (I think secretly she wants to be an Ice Road Trucker) Unfortunately the vehicle has a history of wheel bearing problems and everytime a bearing went, it was about $900 to repair it. Plus, the gas mileage was terrible and she has to drive 35 minutes to get to work every day.
After doing minimal research, she decided that she'd be most happy with a Toyota RAV4. It only took one test-drive to confirm that decision. I really like the vehicle, myself. Unfortunately, because she's worried about me embarassing her while negotiaing, she went to make the deal by herself and, in my opinion, lays down too easy when trying to get a price, accepting at face-value what the dealer says. So, she probably could have gotten a better price if she'd done what I suggested, but she got the car she wanted, and feels she can afford the exhorbitant (IMO) monthly payment. It doesn't come out of my paycheck, and she's happy with the car she's drivng (a black 2008 RAV4). Now, I don't have to listen to her worrying about whether or not her car is going to fall apart. I don't expect to hear any of that till the car is paid off in 6 years, either.
It's fun having a new vehicle. Mine is a BAD mofo!!
BIG POKER
Today is the big annual poker tournament at the Gunther compound. For the last few years, Joe and Sue Gunther have had a poker tourney at their house in Guilderland. I've blogged about this before. Joe makes a few kegs of home-brew, and invites 30-40 players for a really competitive poker game, which they hold under tents in their beautiful back yard. Chuck, the E.o.D., Roy the G.B. King, and the DotCom Destroyer will be there with me, along with Extreme Justin and neighbor, Don V.K. Justin and Don haven't been to this place before and I'm looking forward to getting their take when they see this place. Sue and Joe have a great house (prob. $1 million), with a beautifully landscaped yard and in-ground pool. The basement is close to the size of my house and has all of the appointments for fun (bar, pool table darts, poker, etc...). I have been champing at the bit for this day to come. Last year, I couldn't hang out too long after busting out because there was a big birthday party going on at my house for my mother-in-law and her twin brother. This year, no committments. I'm booking off from work tonight, you dig?
I know that you do, because you know LEN IS RIGHT.
Tomorrow's post will talk about last night's dinner and a movie date with the lovely PT, celebrating our 22nd Anniversary. Now that this post is done, it's time for you to do one thing for me. You need to wish me good luck, out loud, so I can win the tournament tonight. So, right now, say out loud, "Good Luck, Len. You are still a poker God!" I thank you and hope to bring home the Big Money. Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
LEN IS RIGHT POST EDITED
Minions:
I've had to edit my last post, in re my travails at work, because I was specific with certain aspects of the situation. The place I work can dismiss me if I am specific as to names, be they personal, corporate, or whatever, because it shines a bad light on the company, and I can probably be more productive for the family if I'm working.
So, the entire story is the same, I've just changed specifics so I can't be brought up on charges. Oh, they can bring me up on charges, but they can't make it stick without specifics.
Great country and great company, huh?
LT
I've had to edit my last post, in re my travails at work, because I was specific with certain aspects of the situation. The place I work can dismiss me if I am specific as to names, be they personal, corporate, or whatever, because it shines a bad light on the company, and I can probably be more productive for the family if I'm working.
So, the entire story is the same, I've just changed specifics so I can't be brought up on charges. Oh, they can bring me up on charges, but they can't make it stick without specifics.
Great country and great company, huh?
LT
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
HARASSMENT BEGINS AT WORK FOR LEN
Greetings:
A few weeks ago, I reported that I had nearly been fired for writing a couple of letters to management and 5 other employees, requesting that the other Crafts where I work stop doing my Craft's work. As I stated, the letters were as non-threatening as could be, just simple requests. Of course, as I expected, my requests were turned down.
Yesterday, the expected reaction to all this started, but in a different way than expected. I give you the following statements for your consideration:
A few weeks ago, I reported that I had nearly been fired for writing a couple of letters to management and 5 other employees, requesting that the other Crafts where I work stop doing my Craft's work. As I stated, the letters were as non-threatening as could be, just simple requests. Of course, as I expected, my requests were turned down.
Yesterday, the expected reaction to all this started, but in a different way than expected. I give you the following statements for your consideration:
- "We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough religion to make us love."
- "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike yor Christ."--Gandhi
- "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
- "I'm for the separation of Church and Hate."
- "Religions are just cults with more members."
- "Last time we mixed politics with religion, people got burned at the stake."
- "It's a scientific fact: Scum Always Rises To The Top."
- "Militant Agnostic. I don't know and you don't either."
The previous statements are from bumper stickers that I have all over my tool box at work. I've had these stickers on my box for almost 2 years and no one has said anything, other than to express that they liked my stickers.
So, yesterday, a Management employee , who is my main nemesis in my role as a Shop Steward, and who was one of 2 management people (along with our Facility Superintendant) who called me upstairs into the Manager's Office to chide me for writing the previously mentioned letters (that almost got me fired), called me into the backshop where I keep my toolbox, and told me that he had a complaint that someone was offended by the bumper stickers on my box.
In truth, there were 2 stickers on my box, not previously mentioned, that could have been deemed offensive. One was a decal with a picture of a hand giving "the finger." The other one was a small sticker that said, "Wake The Fuck Up." He told me I had to remove these stickers because they were offensive. Knowing that it was unlikely that someone really complained, but not wanting to argue and get myself in trouble, I agreed to remove both of those stickers. He then pointed to the stickers that had the religious statements above, and said that those had to be removed also because they were offensive religiously. He then stated that he, personally, was offended by the one that said, "It's a scientific fact: Scum always rises to the top."
I asked him to explain to me why they are offensive, and he just said they were, and that someone didn't like them, and they needed to be removed. I told him that I felt my Right to Free Speech was being violated and he said, "Not when it's offensive to others. Somebody complained and now I need you to remove these stickers." I said to him, "Why do I have to remove the one that says, "Militant Agnostic. I don't know and you don't either." That's a statement about myself. Isn't that my right to Religious Freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution?" He got mad at this point and told me to remove the stickers. He said I could keep the ones that said the following:
- "Freedom of Speech Means the Freedom to Disagree."
- "Evolution is just a Theory--Kind of like Gravity."
- The Price of Apathy is to be Ruled by Evil Men."--Plato
- "I Pledge Allegiance, not Thoughtless Obedience."
- "Your Silence Will Not Protect You."--Audre Lord
- There were also assorted sports teams stickers and band name stickers that I could keep, along with Union stickers.
What I ended up doing was removing, not only the "offending" stickers (because I didn't want to be charged with insubordination for refusing a directive), but I also removed ALL of the stickers, so as not to have any questions as to if I removed the correct ones. I then touched up the paint on the toolbox, so as to remove anything that could give them fodder to hassle me, or a reason to say I refused a directive.
When I asked the Management employee to give me the name of the person who was "religiously offended," so I could go up to the person and apologize for said offense, he wouldn't give me their name, saying that it would only lead to trouble. I asked him if that meant he didn't trust me and thought that I would do something to threaten the person. He said that he didn't want any 3rd-party conversations taken too far and problems to ensue. I then asked if I would be afforded the same courtesy if I was ofended by the myriad of stickers and pictures that are all over the shop on tool boxes and lockers? He said that if he thought they were offensive, then yes. I asked what determines something to be offensive. He just said, "We'll look at it and see."
So I ask ya, am I wrong to contact the ACLU? Has my right to Free Speech been violated? Do the Rules of Conduct and Diversity Training supercede the U.S. Constitution? It's possible that someone complained. Though after having no one complain after almost 2 years, I wonder if someone really DID, or is the company starting to wage a war of harassment on me for complaining that they were giving too much of my Craft's work away?
I'm asking any of my friends in the Legal field to contact me with their opinion. I do have a call into the ACLU now (waiting to be called back), to see if I have a leg to stand on, or if I should just go and be a "good little soldier" and let it go. This call for a response goes out to my friends Judge Toomey, Clem Parente, Packy McGraw, Gerry Leary, Will Anthony and Nick Mesiti. I realize that this is not all of your fields of expertise, but would like to get your opinion. My email address is ltollert@nycap.rr.com
Jeeez. Can you believe this shit? I don't know...maybe I'm wrong. But...how can that be?
LEN IS RIGHT CORRECTION ABOUT HEATH LEDGER
I received a complaint from one of my faithful readers (Uncle Bob the Mixologist), saying that I didn't give a fair shake to Heath Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight. He said that before I make that statement, that I should see the movie. He believes that Ledger's performance IS Oscar-worthy. Well, this time Bob is Right and Len is Wrong. Well, I'm wrong for making the statement without seeing the movie. He very well may have given the performance of a lifetime. I stand corrected for talking before I knew the facts. I will see the movie and give my opinion afterward. My complaint was more toward the hype by critics, and that Oscar sometimes gives an award based on sentimentality rather than who gave the best performance.
Alright. Have a great day, and I'll talk with you soon.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
THE SHARK, THE SYD, THE MOVIES
Hey Now!!
Here we go with another LIR post. A bunch of stuff to talk about.
THE SHARK
First, the Great White Shark, AKA Greg Norman. The Open Championship of golf (British Open) was held this past weekend. For the first 3 rounds, the leader was 53-yr. old Greg Norman. Norman was my favorite golfer back in the 80's-90's. He was the bridge, for me, between My all-time favorite, Jack Nicklaus and my present favorite, Tiger Woods. For a time, years ago, Greg Norman was as dominant as anyone had ever been in the sport, except for Major Championships. And except for an infamous meltdown in the '96 Masters, Norman could have, should have won, probably, 3 more Majors, but didn't because of lucky, unbelievable shots by other golfers (Larry Mize and Bob Tway for example).
Anyway, for 3 days last weekend, Norman played fantastic golf for the conditions and gave anyone over the age of 40 the hope of a really wonderful result. It would have been a win for the ages to be sure. Greg didn't have as good luck on Sunday's final round and finished 3rd, 6 shots behind the eventual winner. And it is my contention that if the stupid, freakin' hype-loving media would have left him WITHOUT asking about choking on Sunday, or what it would mean for a 53 year-old guy to win a Major, or whatever, and just let him play his game, he very well may have done it. Thanks to all of the sportswriters and TV reporters. Maybe you're supposed to be able to handle that at that level. But it was ridiculous, some of the questions he was asked. For me, it was a great thing to see, a hero in the lead after 3 rounds, 10 years after he lost his hold on being #1. I'll bet only folks from the United Kingdom were rooting for Padraig Harrington. I'm pretty sure that the rest of us were pulling for Greg Norman to pull an '86 Nicklaus on everybody. Nice job, Shark. We're all really proud of you.
THE SYD
We attended the graduation party of Sydney Luce, daughter of close friend Roy the G.B. King, over the weekend. Congratulations Syd, and best of luck at SUNY Geneseo in the fall. We had a nice time at the party, despite the crushing humidity on Saturday afternoon. Enjoyed seeing Chuck, th E.o.D. sitting up and taking nourishment. I was fairly subdued the whole time, cause I knew I had to go back to work that night at midnight, after being off a week for vacation.
THE MOVIES
Last week we saw two movies. I love giving my funds to Regal Cinemas. Anyway, we saw Hancock and Hellboy2. Obviously not date flicks. Both were enjoyable popcorn movies with ALOT of action. Will Smith played an unlikeable super hero, with Jason Bateman playing a guy trying to improve Hancock's image. Some good fun and a surprising twist in the middle that changes the movie.
Hellboy 2 was one for me and the boys. Lots of fantastic action, comedy and destruction from the big red guy and an evil elf that wants his race to control humans and the planet Earth. One of Hellboy's crime-fighting partners was this guy who was very fish-like. He ended up reminding us of C-3PO from Star Wars, only not as much of a priss. He would actually fight.
If you're looking for mindless action fun at the movies this summer, check out these two films. Our next two must-sees are Wanted and The Dark Knight. Oh, and by the way, can we just say that Heath Ledger did a fine job as the Joker and not ordain his job in the Dark Knight as the second-coming of God-like performances worthy of an Oscar, just because he's dead. If he hadn't died NONE of the critics would be giving anything more to this flick than kudos for action. Face it, the critics just want something to hype. Let's play off of the dead guy, shall we?
Alright, that's it for now. Just wanted to keep in touch. Football is just around the corner, folks. But first, I haven't played any golf in a month and I'm going to Florida on August 10th. I better get some practice in or my father-in-law's friends in Palm Harbor are going to take all my money and think I really DO suck (not just in April). Okay, I do. But only to the tune of shooting between 84-95. Not struggling to break 100 like in April.
This has been LEN IS RIGHT. I'll talk with you soon.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Here we go with another LIR post. A bunch of stuff to talk about.
THE SHARK
First, the Great White Shark, AKA Greg Norman. The Open Championship of golf (British Open) was held this past weekend. For the first 3 rounds, the leader was 53-yr. old Greg Norman. Norman was my favorite golfer back in the 80's-90's. He was the bridge, for me, between My all-time favorite, Jack Nicklaus and my present favorite, Tiger Woods. For a time, years ago, Greg Norman was as dominant as anyone had ever been in the sport, except for Major Championships. And except for an infamous meltdown in the '96 Masters, Norman could have, should have won, probably, 3 more Majors, but didn't because of lucky, unbelievable shots by other golfers (Larry Mize and Bob Tway for example).
Anyway, for 3 days last weekend, Norman played fantastic golf for the conditions and gave anyone over the age of 40 the hope of a really wonderful result. It would have been a win for the ages to be sure. Greg didn't have as good luck on Sunday's final round and finished 3rd, 6 shots behind the eventual winner. And it is my contention that if the stupid, freakin' hype-loving media would have left him WITHOUT asking about choking on Sunday, or what it would mean for a 53 year-old guy to win a Major, or whatever, and just let him play his game, he very well may have done it. Thanks to all of the sportswriters and TV reporters. Maybe you're supposed to be able to handle that at that level. But it was ridiculous, some of the questions he was asked. For me, it was a great thing to see, a hero in the lead after 3 rounds, 10 years after he lost his hold on being #1. I'll bet only folks from the United Kingdom were rooting for Padraig Harrington. I'm pretty sure that the rest of us were pulling for Greg Norman to pull an '86 Nicklaus on everybody. Nice job, Shark. We're all really proud of you.
THE SYD
We attended the graduation party of Sydney Luce, daughter of close friend Roy the G.B. King, over the weekend. Congratulations Syd, and best of luck at SUNY Geneseo in the fall. We had a nice time at the party, despite the crushing humidity on Saturday afternoon. Enjoyed seeing Chuck, th E.o.D. sitting up and taking nourishment. I was fairly subdued the whole time, cause I knew I had to go back to work that night at midnight, after being off a week for vacation.
THE MOVIES
Last week we saw two movies. I love giving my funds to Regal Cinemas. Anyway, we saw Hancock and Hellboy2. Obviously not date flicks. Both were enjoyable popcorn movies with ALOT of action. Will Smith played an unlikeable super hero, with Jason Bateman playing a guy trying to improve Hancock's image. Some good fun and a surprising twist in the middle that changes the movie.
Hellboy 2 was one for me and the boys. Lots of fantastic action, comedy and destruction from the big red guy and an evil elf that wants his race to control humans and the planet Earth. One of Hellboy's crime-fighting partners was this guy who was very fish-like. He ended up reminding us of C-3PO from Star Wars, only not as much of a priss. He would actually fight.
If you're looking for mindless action fun at the movies this summer, check out these two films. Our next two must-sees are Wanted and The Dark Knight. Oh, and by the way, can we just say that Heath Ledger did a fine job as the Joker and not ordain his job in the Dark Knight as the second-coming of God-like performances worthy of an Oscar, just because he's dead. If he hadn't died NONE of the critics would be giving anything more to this flick than kudos for action. Face it, the critics just want something to hype. Let's play off of the dead guy, shall we?
Alright, that's it for now. Just wanted to keep in touch. Football is just around the corner, folks. But first, I haven't played any golf in a month and I'm going to Florida on August 10th. I better get some practice in or my father-in-law's friends in Palm Harbor are going to take all my money and think I really DO suck (not just in April). Okay, I do. But only to the tune of shooting between 84-95. Not struggling to break 100 like in April.
This has been LEN IS RIGHT. I'll talk with you soon.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, July 12, 2008
G.B. KING'S NEW MANCAVE
Hiya folks:
Last night Kevin the Roller, Ken the King and I drove out to Scotia to the home of Roy the G.B. King to join Roy, Chuck, the recovering E.o.D., and Extreme Justin in the Grand Opening poker night at Roy's newly completed mancave.
Roy has been laboring for over a year to build this room in his basement, which includes a 46-inch LCD HDTV (which swings on a boom for viewing wherever you are in the room), new furniture and poker table. He did a really nice job on it, took his time with the planning and now it's ready for use.
We played our normal No-Limit Dealer Choice game (Hold-'Em, Omaha, Pineapple) and had a really good time. For the first time in 3 tries, Justin was the big winner. The last two times we played, Justin got nutted early and was gone within an hour. Not this time. I think the Roller ended up as the night's big loser (he doesn't like Omaha and Pineapple). For the first time in 3 or 4 times, I actually lost. I think my total for the night was -$50. No biggie. Win some, lose some.
On top of the fun, we also got to watch our beloved NY Mets win their 7th straight game. Hopefully the Phillies will fold in August.
Chuck, the E.o.D. seems to be recovering from his bypass surgery well. He passed up the delicious brownies baked by Roy's wife, Sue. The rest of us, however, did not. We scarfed them mofo's up real quick.
So, congrats on the opening of the Man Cave, Roy. Here's to many more poker nights in Scotia. The rest of you should stop by for a game sometime. Then you can see why LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace for the week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Last night Kevin the Roller, Ken the King and I drove out to Scotia to the home of Roy the G.B. King to join Roy, Chuck, the recovering E.o.D., and Extreme Justin in the Grand Opening poker night at Roy's newly completed mancave.
Roy has been laboring for over a year to build this room in his basement, which includes a 46-inch LCD HDTV (which swings on a boom for viewing wherever you are in the room), new furniture and poker table. He did a really nice job on it, took his time with the planning and now it's ready for use.
We played our normal No-Limit Dealer Choice game (Hold-'Em, Omaha, Pineapple) and had a really good time. For the first time in 3 tries, Justin was the big winner. The last two times we played, Justin got nutted early and was gone within an hour. Not this time. I think the Roller ended up as the night's big loser (he doesn't like Omaha and Pineapple). For the first time in 3 or 4 times, I actually lost. I think my total for the night was -$50. No biggie. Win some, lose some.
On top of the fun, we also got to watch our beloved NY Mets win their 7th straight game. Hopefully the Phillies will fold in August.
Chuck, the E.o.D. seems to be recovering from his bypass surgery well. He passed up the delicious brownies baked by Roy's wife, Sue. The rest of us, however, did not. We scarfed them mofo's up real quick.
So, congrats on the opening of the Man Cave, Roy. Here's to many more poker nights in Scotia. The rest of you should stop by for a game sometime. Then you can see why LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace for the week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, July 11, 2008
RUSH AT SPAC, BUT NOT MOHEGAN SUN/LEN ALMOST GETS FIRED
Hello there, minions:
Last Saturday night, son Jackson and I went to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to see the band RUSH play on the 2nd leg of their Snakes and Arrows tour. Coming along for the show was Jackson's friend C.J. and his dad, Clayton.
We had inside seats (as opposed to sitting on the lawn). Rush no longer has an opening band, because their song catalog is so large. So now, they come out and play for an hour and 15 minutes, take a 15 minute break, and then play for another hour and a half. I've gotta say, it was pretty loud inside. The band opened with my all-time favorite Rush song, Limelight. They employ video screens throughout the show which go back and forth from showing the band playing, to whatever the theme of the song they're playing happens to be. For instance when they do the song, Red Barchetta, which is about driving an illegal sports car in the future when there are no gasoline engines, the screens show a car going very fast along a winding road and the screen is your view, as if you were driving. So there was ALOT of sight and sound going on. These guys are virtuoso musicians and in my opinion, they were definitely on their game this night. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was definitely into it, singing along with most songs and cheering loudly after each song.
This proved to be a little too much for friend C.J., who was attending his first rock concert. At 11 years old, I don't think he was ready for the loudness of the music and the excitement and size of the crowd. His dad took him up onto the back part of the lawn where it was a little less intense and he was able to get a break. Next time, I think he'll be okay and ready for a show, because he'll know what to expect. The kids are now getting to the age where we'll just be dropping them off at shows (after age 15 or 16) with their friends, and summertime is concert time. Jackson spent the whole second set headbanging his long, blonde hair and holding up his hand with the "devil's horns" sign. I had to explain to him that Rush is not a metal band, so he had to change hand signs to the peace sign. (By the way, you know dad will probably be going to many of the same concerts the kids go to, because I like rock music)
NO MOHEGAN THIS TIME
Two nights later, I had tickets to the Rush show at Mohegan Sun. Since friend Roy was out of town, friend Chuck is recovering from heart surgery, and my other friends either couldn't get a day off from work, or couldn't afford the cost of the show, the hotel, and gambling, I was left to either go by myself or eat the tickets. Since it's no fun to go alone, I ended up eating the tickets. Brother-in-law Dave was supposed to go, but couldn't get it off from work. Too bad, because he's a drummer, and Rush's drummer, Neil Peart, was unbelievable all night at Saratoga. He did his customary 10-15 minute drum solo, and in my opinion, he is the only guy in rock who SHOULD do a solo. The concert drum solo has become so trite that I think it takes awayfrom the flow of most shows and reduces the amount of songs the band plays. But this guy is, hands down, the best. In the middl of the solo, his drum kit does a 180 degree spin and he re-seats himself and starts playing on electronic drums that have all sorts of sounds programmed into it. All of a sudden, you've got music and sounds going on that he is triggering with drum sticks. He ends up doing a straight jazz drum solo with jazz music and a film clip of Neil's idol, Buddy Rich, playing behind the kit. I think Dave would have really enjoyed it. Too bad.
I think people should take days off from work to enjoy life once in a while, other than weekends. Am I the only one that feels empowered by live music? C'mon, people, live a little!! Your job will still be there when you get back. That is, except, for friend Stan G., who is a rural route mail carrier and would probably get fired by the gestapo-like Post Office if he took an unscheduled day off. Stan and I were sidekicks just after high school and we went to every show that came to the area and many that were out of the area, back in the early 80's. Stan had a '73 Chevelle SS that was the concert ride and party boat during those years. Truly, I wonder how we made it home many nights, seeing as we were so horrendously impaired most times. But that's info for another post.
Eating $225 worth of tickets is NOT RIGHT!!
LEN ALMOST GETS FIRED FROM THE RAILROAD
As I may have stated before, I am now the Shop Steward of the Sheet Metal Workers Union where I work. For years now, management has liberally used a rule that allows other Crafts to do my union's work. Our last 2 Shop Stewards have laid down and been useless in arguing this rule. This rule, which is in our contract, was not negotiated, but imposed on my union by a Presidential Emergency Board in 1992. Anyway, I'm really tired of seeing it used. So I wrote some letters a couple of weeks ago to members of other Crafts who were doing our work. I asked them not to do our work anymore, or at least don't do it unless directed by a Foreman (refusing a directive can get you taken out of service for insubordination).
Well, the letter I wrote was written in a friendly tone, not threatening at all. Well, one of the Machinists felt threatened, even though his actions were jeopardizing, in the long run, my family's well-being. So, he went up to management with the letter and the letter was sent to the Railroad's Labor Relations Dept. in Washington. Labor Relations called my Union and told me they were recommending that I be fired for trying to cause a work slow-down. Luckilly, I was able to talk my way out of it, and I didn't get fired, or even disciplined. I was, however, asked not to write anymore letters to other co-workers. There's actually alot more to this story, but I won't bore you with it.
Suffice to say, LEN IS RIGHT, and the Railroad is WRONG. But you probably knew that, anyway. No matter. Right or wrong, they hold all of the cards, so I lose. But the fight goes on. If I don't put up resistance, I can't look at myself in the mirror, or look my family in the eyes. I'm sure you understand.
LIR would like to welcome new readers, leggy Wendy from the Railroad and Stan G. to the Len Is Right family of minions. From now on they will be referred to as Leggy Wendy and Stan G on posts. Kind of like Jen Came, who by the way is happily expecting a new baby in about 6 months. Congrats to Jen Came (hopefully, she did!!)
Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Last Saturday night, son Jackson and I went to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to see the band RUSH play on the 2nd leg of their Snakes and Arrows tour. Coming along for the show was Jackson's friend C.J. and his dad, Clayton.
We had inside seats (as opposed to sitting on the lawn). Rush no longer has an opening band, because their song catalog is so large. So now, they come out and play for an hour and 15 minutes, take a 15 minute break, and then play for another hour and a half. I've gotta say, it was pretty loud inside. The band opened with my all-time favorite Rush song, Limelight. They employ video screens throughout the show which go back and forth from showing the band playing, to whatever the theme of the song they're playing happens to be. For instance when they do the song, Red Barchetta, which is about driving an illegal sports car in the future when there are no gasoline engines, the screens show a car going very fast along a winding road and the screen is your view, as if you were driving. So there was ALOT of sight and sound going on. These guys are virtuoso musicians and in my opinion, they were definitely on their game this night. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was definitely into it, singing along with most songs and cheering loudly after each song.
This proved to be a little too much for friend C.J., who was attending his first rock concert. At 11 years old, I don't think he was ready for the loudness of the music and the excitement and size of the crowd. His dad took him up onto the back part of the lawn where it was a little less intense and he was able to get a break. Next time, I think he'll be okay and ready for a show, because he'll know what to expect. The kids are now getting to the age where we'll just be dropping them off at shows (after age 15 or 16) with their friends, and summertime is concert time. Jackson spent the whole second set headbanging his long, blonde hair and holding up his hand with the "devil's horns" sign. I had to explain to him that Rush is not a metal band, so he had to change hand signs to the peace sign. (By the way, you know dad will probably be going to many of the same concerts the kids go to, because I like rock music)
NO MOHEGAN THIS TIME
Two nights later, I had tickets to the Rush show at Mohegan Sun. Since friend Roy was out of town, friend Chuck is recovering from heart surgery, and my other friends either couldn't get a day off from work, or couldn't afford the cost of the show, the hotel, and gambling, I was left to either go by myself or eat the tickets. Since it's no fun to go alone, I ended up eating the tickets. Brother-in-law Dave was supposed to go, but couldn't get it off from work. Too bad, because he's a drummer, and Rush's drummer, Neil Peart, was unbelievable all night at Saratoga. He did his customary 10-15 minute drum solo, and in my opinion, he is the only guy in rock who SHOULD do a solo. The concert drum solo has become so trite that I think it takes awayfrom the flow of most shows and reduces the amount of songs the band plays. But this guy is, hands down, the best. In the middl of the solo, his drum kit does a 180 degree spin and he re-seats himself and starts playing on electronic drums that have all sorts of sounds programmed into it. All of a sudden, you've got music and sounds going on that he is triggering with drum sticks. He ends up doing a straight jazz drum solo with jazz music and a film clip of Neil's idol, Buddy Rich, playing behind the kit. I think Dave would have really enjoyed it. Too bad.
I think people should take days off from work to enjoy life once in a while, other than weekends. Am I the only one that feels empowered by live music? C'mon, people, live a little!! Your job will still be there when you get back. That is, except, for friend Stan G., who is a rural route mail carrier and would probably get fired by the gestapo-like Post Office if he took an unscheduled day off. Stan and I were sidekicks just after high school and we went to every show that came to the area and many that were out of the area, back in the early 80's. Stan had a '73 Chevelle SS that was the concert ride and party boat during those years. Truly, I wonder how we made it home many nights, seeing as we were so horrendously impaired most times. But that's info for another post.
Eating $225 worth of tickets is NOT RIGHT!!
LEN ALMOST GETS FIRED FROM THE RAILROAD
As I may have stated before, I am now the Shop Steward of the Sheet Metal Workers Union where I work. For years now, management has liberally used a rule that allows other Crafts to do my union's work. Our last 2 Shop Stewards have laid down and been useless in arguing this rule. This rule, which is in our contract, was not negotiated, but imposed on my union by a Presidential Emergency Board in 1992. Anyway, I'm really tired of seeing it used. So I wrote some letters a couple of weeks ago to members of other Crafts who were doing our work. I asked them not to do our work anymore, or at least don't do it unless directed by a Foreman (refusing a directive can get you taken out of service for insubordination).
Well, the letter I wrote was written in a friendly tone, not threatening at all. Well, one of the Machinists felt threatened, even though his actions were jeopardizing, in the long run, my family's well-being. So, he went up to management with the letter and the letter was sent to the Railroad's Labor Relations Dept. in Washington. Labor Relations called my Union and told me they were recommending that I be fired for trying to cause a work slow-down. Luckilly, I was able to talk my way out of it, and I didn't get fired, or even disciplined. I was, however, asked not to write anymore letters to other co-workers. There's actually alot more to this story, but I won't bore you with it.
Suffice to say, LEN IS RIGHT, and the Railroad is WRONG. But you probably knew that, anyway. No matter. Right or wrong, they hold all of the cards, so I lose. But the fight goes on. If I don't put up resistance, I can't look at myself in the mirror, or look my family in the eyes. I'm sure you understand.
LIR would like to welcome new readers, leggy Wendy from the Railroad and Stan G. to the Len Is Right family of minions. From now on they will be referred to as Leggy Wendy and Stan G on posts. Kind of like Jen Came, who by the way is happily expecting a new baby in about 6 months. Congrats to Jen Came (hopefully, she did!!)
Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, July 04, 2008
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Hello folks:
I hope you are enjoying your Independence Day holiday. My friend Roy, the G. B. King is, cause he's on vacation. It's gorgeoues outside today. We'll be doing a little grilling with the Moms here at Stover Place. I haven't decided about fireworks yet. The crowd down at the Empire State Plaza will be LARGE and PT hates crowds. Besides, my neighbors will all be blowing off stuff till 1 a.m. anyway.
RUSH CONCERT
Tomorrow is the big day. After a lively Dungeon and Dragons game with the boys, it'll be up the Northway with Jackson, his buddy C.J. and his dad, Clayton, to see the band that you all need to see. This is the second straight summer that Rush has played at SPAC. I've praised this band many times previously, so I won't bore you. But it's the highlight concert of the summer for me. I think it'll be C.J.'s first rock concert. Good band to start your career off with. Besides seeing Bobby Sherman when I was a little kid, my first concert was the Doobie Brothers at SPAC in 1977. My buddy Todd's first show was the locally INFAMOUS Black and Blue (Sabbath/Oyster Cult, respectively) concert at Lebanon Valley Speedway in 1980. That was a good one to start with. Never in my life have I been at such an event. When we first pulled up to the parking lot, there was a line of fifteen or twenty guys that you had to drive by and they all were offering some kind of drug. All of the classics were represented. Then, they wouldn't allow bottles in, so people rolled kegs into the infield on hand trucks and just drank. One guy came walking in carrying a Matt's beer ball. Remember those? Did you have one as a lampshade in your apartment? Then some guys carried in these 10-foot tall wooden crosses and stood them up and set them on fire during Sabbath's set. Later, after it got dark, Blue Oyster Cult came out and I got to see laser lights for the first time. Motorcycles, jeans bandannas, halter tops, ciggys, party, just whatever you can imagine. Some people would call it the height of the classic 70's outdoor concert. Others would call it the nadir of human behavior. I wouldn't want to do it all the time. But once in a while.......what fun.
Unfortunately, the reason for its infamy was because some people got killed on the way home. Alot of people walked to the show, or just parked their cars along the road on the way in and decided to walk the rest of the way. A couple of people got hit by a truck and got killed, leaving the show. Also, an inebriated concert-goer trespassed on someone's property and received a shotgun blast to the chest. It was the last concert that they EVER had at the Lebanon Valley Speedway.
THE CHICAGO CUBS AND THE END OF THE WORLD
The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball, leading the NL Central. It's been, what, 90-100 years since they won the World Series, right? Well, I'm thinking that for as good as the Cubs are playing right now, that they'll again fade in the end of summer and will not win again this year. But folks, we here at LEN IS RIGHT have the answer for all you long-suffering Cubs fans. Your team is going to FINALLY win the World Series in the fall of 2012. It will coincide with the end of the world, as seen by the Aztec calendar, which as we know, has been the be-all, end-all for a few years. So, ya know, I'm kinda thinking...I gotta be a Cub hater in 2012. I'm really rooting for them from now till 2011. I may even have to make my beloved Mets my 2nd favorite team until then because I'd like to see the Aztecs proven wrong. I'm also hoping that they ended their calendar because they ran out of chalk or something. Can you see Montezuma saying to his staff, "Pedro! Juan! Qetzqetl!! Enough of this calendar crapola. Let's go to the beach. I feel like a Corona or two. Maybe if we end it there, the fools in the future will think it's significant. Am I a funny fuckin' Yucateccan, or what?"
So, Go Cubs!! At least until 2012. Then, it's "Up Yours, Cubs!!"
ONE REASON I LOVE BASEBALL
We have alot of reasons to dislike pro sports, but I can give you a reason to love baseball. The reason lies in the play known as the bottom of the 9th Walkoff Home Run. Any time a game-winning walk-off homer is hit, the guy who hit it comes to the plate and is mobbed by his teammates. Watching that always brings me back to my youth when any kid that hit any homer, always got mobbed by his teammates when he came to the plate to score. It didn't have to be a game-winner. Any homer. And whether you're a sports fan or not, former or present athlete or not, experienced it first hand or not, it doesn't matter. And no play in any other sport is as cool as the game-winning homer. When you see a professional baseball player get mobbed by his teammates after hitting the big homer, you can see on everyones face that they're all back to being kids. And salaries and championships and endorsement deals, for a few seconds, don't matter. It's all the love of the sport, the love of a game. It takes us back to when we were kids and summers were carefree. Just for a few short seconds it all comes rushing back. Kids on a dusty Little League field, all running out of the dugout to greet the kid who hit one out. For that reason, I will ALWAYS love baseball.
Enjoy the holiday weekend. Party responsibly. LEN IS RIGHT loves his minions. Vote the poll question.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I hope you are enjoying your Independence Day holiday. My friend Roy, the G. B. King is, cause he's on vacation. It's gorgeoues outside today. We'll be doing a little grilling with the Moms here at Stover Place. I haven't decided about fireworks yet. The crowd down at the Empire State Plaza will be LARGE and PT hates crowds. Besides, my neighbors will all be blowing off stuff till 1 a.m. anyway.
RUSH CONCERT
Tomorrow is the big day. After a lively Dungeon and Dragons game with the boys, it'll be up the Northway with Jackson, his buddy C.J. and his dad, Clayton, to see the band that you all need to see. This is the second straight summer that Rush has played at SPAC. I've praised this band many times previously, so I won't bore you. But it's the highlight concert of the summer for me. I think it'll be C.J.'s first rock concert. Good band to start your career off with. Besides seeing Bobby Sherman when I was a little kid, my first concert was the Doobie Brothers at SPAC in 1977. My buddy Todd's first show was the locally INFAMOUS Black and Blue (Sabbath/Oyster Cult, respectively) concert at Lebanon Valley Speedway in 1980. That was a good one to start with. Never in my life have I been at such an event. When we first pulled up to the parking lot, there was a line of fifteen or twenty guys that you had to drive by and they all were offering some kind of drug. All of the classics were represented. Then, they wouldn't allow bottles in, so people rolled kegs into the infield on hand trucks and just drank. One guy came walking in carrying a Matt's beer ball. Remember those? Did you have one as a lampshade in your apartment? Then some guys carried in these 10-foot tall wooden crosses and stood them up and set them on fire during Sabbath's set. Later, after it got dark, Blue Oyster Cult came out and I got to see laser lights for the first time. Motorcycles, jeans bandannas, halter tops, ciggys, party, just whatever you can imagine. Some people would call it the height of the classic 70's outdoor concert. Others would call it the nadir of human behavior. I wouldn't want to do it all the time. But once in a while.......what fun.
Unfortunately, the reason for its infamy was because some people got killed on the way home. Alot of people walked to the show, or just parked their cars along the road on the way in and decided to walk the rest of the way. A couple of people got hit by a truck and got killed, leaving the show. Also, an inebriated concert-goer trespassed on someone's property and received a shotgun blast to the chest. It was the last concert that they EVER had at the Lebanon Valley Speedway.
THE CHICAGO CUBS AND THE END OF THE WORLD
The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball, leading the NL Central. It's been, what, 90-100 years since they won the World Series, right? Well, I'm thinking that for as good as the Cubs are playing right now, that they'll again fade in the end of summer and will not win again this year. But folks, we here at LEN IS RIGHT have the answer for all you long-suffering Cubs fans. Your team is going to FINALLY win the World Series in the fall of 2012. It will coincide with the end of the world, as seen by the Aztec calendar, which as we know, has been the be-all, end-all for a few years. So, ya know, I'm kinda thinking...I gotta be a Cub hater in 2012. I'm really rooting for them from now till 2011. I may even have to make my beloved Mets my 2nd favorite team until then because I'd like to see the Aztecs proven wrong. I'm also hoping that they ended their calendar because they ran out of chalk or something. Can you see Montezuma saying to his staff, "Pedro! Juan! Qetzqetl!! Enough of this calendar crapola. Let's go to the beach. I feel like a Corona or two. Maybe if we end it there, the fools in the future will think it's significant. Am I a funny fuckin' Yucateccan, or what?"
So, Go Cubs!! At least until 2012. Then, it's "Up Yours, Cubs!!"
ONE REASON I LOVE BASEBALL
We have alot of reasons to dislike pro sports, but I can give you a reason to love baseball. The reason lies in the play known as the bottom of the 9th Walkoff Home Run. Any time a game-winning walk-off homer is hit, the guy who hit it comes to the plate and is mobbed by his teammates. Watching that always brings me back to my youth when any kid that hit any homer, always got mobbed by his teammates when he came to the plate to score. It didn't have to be a game-winner. Any homer. And whether you're a sports fan or not, former or present athlete or not, experienced it first hand or not, it doesn't matter. And no play in any other sport is as cool as the game-winning homer. When you see a professional baseball player get mobbed by his teammates after hitting the big homer, you can see on everyones face that they're all back to being kids. And salaries and championships and endorsement deals, for a few seconds, don't matter. It's all the love of the sport, the love of a game. It takes us back to when we were kids and summers were carefree. Just for a few short seconds it all comes rushing back. Kids on a dusty Little League field, all running out of the dugout to greet the kid who hit one out. For that reason, I will ALWAYS love baseball.
Enjoy the holiday weekend. Party responsibly. LEN IS RIGHT loves his minions. Vote the poll question.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sunday, June 29, 2008
EDDIE IZZARD AT RADIO CITY AND GET SMART
Hello minions:
Well, I awake today a little sleepy. The family and I got back from NY City on the train at 2:30 a.m. after seeing comedian/actor Eddie Izzard at Radio City Music Hall. By the time we got into bed, it was about 3:00.
First off, I'd like to say thanks to my friend, Marc Reiter in NYC, for hooking us up with great seats to a Sold Out show. We ended up sitting Center Stage around the 12th Row. My family and I are big fans of Eddie Izzard, because of his previous standup routine, Dressed To Kill, and his roles in Oceans 12 and a bunch of other stuff. He is also currently starring with Minnie Driver on TV's The Riches, in case you don't know who he is. All you need to remember is ,"CAKE OR DEATH!"
Eddie's comedy is actually history-based. What I mean is, he goes through world history and gives his extremely humorous take on the events that have shaped the world. And I'm talking all the way back to the dinosaur age.
Because of a late-departing train, we weren't able to have a proper sit-down dinner when we got to the City. So, we did the tourist hotdogs from a cart and a gyro for me. The walking traffic on this day was very heavy. I mean, there were times when there were a hundred people in an intersection and no one was moving, cause there was no place to go. I heard one native NYer say, "Well, I guess it's tourist season." After the show, the walking traffic was even heavier, because all of the theaters were letting out. (Obviously we were right around Broadway and Times Square, so that's to be expected.) We ended up jumping into cabs in both directions because of the humidity and traffic. Didn't feel like showing up to the show all sweaty.
Anyway...Eddie Izzard was a scream and we all really enjoyed the show. So much so, that at breakfast this morning, we were all quoting lines from Izzard's routine that we remembered. That's how we work it at the Tollerton house.
GET SMART
Alright, whether you were a fan of the TV show, or never ever saw it, I'm going to recommend that you go see Get Smart at the movies. You will laugh your ass off. Steve Carrell and Alan Arkin are both very funny. There was on scene where we could hardly breathe, because we were laughing so hard. The kids liked it alot, too, but I think PT and I enjoyed it more because we were familiar with the original show.
If you're looking for some comedic entertainment this summer, I recommend going to see Get Smart. Very funny and the theater is Air Conditioned. Do this because.............................. LEN IS RIGHT!!
I love ya, America. Be well.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Well, I awake today a little sleepy. The family and I got back from NY City on the train at 2:30 a.m. after seeing comedian/actor Eddie Izzard at Radio City Music Hall. By the time we got into bed, it was about 3:00.
First off, I'd like to say thanks to my friend, Marc Reiter in NYC, for hooking us up with great seats to a Sold Out show. We ended up sitting Center Stage around the 12th Row. My family and I are big fans of Eddie Izzard, because of his previous standup routine, Dressed To Kill, and his roles in Oceans 12 and a bunch of other stuff. He is also currently starring with Minnie Driver on TV's The Riches, in case you don't know who he is. All you need to remember is ,"CAKE OR DEATH!"
Eddie's comedy is actually history-based. What I mean is, he goes through world history and gives his extremely humorous take on the events that have shaped the world. And I'm talking all the way back to the dinosaur age.
Because of a late-departing train, we weren't able to have a proper sit-down dinner when we got to the City. So, we did the tourist hotdogs from a cart and a gyro for me. The walking traffic on this day was very heavy. I mean, there were times when there were a hundred people in an intersection and no one was moving, cause there was no place to go. I heard one native NYer say, "Well, I guess it's tourist season." After the show, the walking traffic was even heavier, because all of the theaters were letting out. (Obviously we were right around Broadway and Times Square, so that's to be expected.) We ended up jumping into cabs in both directions because of the humidity and traffic. Didn't feel like showing up to the show all sweaty.
Anyway...Eddie Izzard was a scream and we all really enjoyed the show. So much so, that at breakfast this morning, we were all quoting lines from Izzard's routine that we remembered. That's how we work it at the Tollerton house.
GET SMART
Alright, whether you were a fan of the TV show, or never ever saw it, I'm going to recommend that you go see Get Smart at the movies. You will laugh your ass off. Steve Carrell and Alan Arkin are both very funny. There was on scene where we could hardly breathe, because we were laughing so hard. The kids liked it alot, too, but I think PT and I enjoyed it more because we were familiar with the original show.
If you're looking for some comedic entertainment this summer, I recommend going to see Get Smart. Very funny and the theater is Air Conditioned. Do this because.............................. LEN IS RIGHT!!
I love ya, America. Be well.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Monday, June 23, 2008
MARY McCORMACK AND THE DEATH OF CARLIN
Hello Minions:
I trust everyone had a great weekend. Today was the last day of school for my kids. They're very happy to be done, obviously. My unnamed spouse and I spent almost $1000 on summer camp activities for them this year. Connor is taking Digital Video production and next week has camp for volleyball in preparation for the JV volleyball season, which starts the end of August.
Jackson is taking song writing "architecture", and bowling. It's better than sitting in the house and video-gaming, so I'm sure it'll be worth it. They've really liked all the camps we've sent them to in the past, so...GAME ON, summer's here!!
MARY McCORMACK
USA Network has a new series called In Plain Sight. It's about the Witness Protection Program and stars Mary McCormack as US Marshall Mary Shannon. The show deals with people getting into the program and then some of their difficulties down the road. Mary Shannon is a tough-talking, no-nonsense Marshall who's personal life is a bit of a roller coaster. Needless to say, she's not perfect and is very cynical. Mary McCormack used to be on The West Wing and played Howard Stern's wife, Allison, in the movie, Private Parts.
Okay...my unnamed spouse is really into Denis Leary, Hugh Laurie (House), and lately, Trace Adkins. Well, for me, Mary McCormack is floating my boat these days. I mean, I just think she is super hot. She does an absolutely great job sporting tight jeans and I think she's drop-dead gorgeous. You can have your Eva Longorias and your Charlize Therons (both lovely women in their own rights). I'm taking Mary McC. And I've heard recent rumors that she has been trying to contact me for the purpose of having my children. Apparently, she's read LEN IS RIGHT, and has given up on the rest of the male population in order to get next to me. And really, who can blame her? With all the cookie-cutter, buffed bodied, non-hairy and non-bald men in the California area, you'd think I wouldn't have a chance. But Lo and Behold, she's willing to risk a scandal and is going to try to steal me from my aforementioned unnamed spouse, now that she's got regular work on television. She knows that I require my wimmins to have their own job. Wish me luck. You'll soon be seeing me on the red carpets around the world as Mary takes me as her date to premieres and parties. We won't stay at the parties long, however, because she just can never wait to get back and get all sweaty with a balding, hairy-bodied love pig. That's where I come in. Don't worry, my unnamed spouse, I'll send money home to you when Mary gets paid. Oh, and did I tell you? This has afforded me the chance to say, "Piss Off!" to Amtrak. If I had only known sooner, I wouldn't have wasted 20-some years on the railroad. Me and Mary McCormack, baby, Top of the World!!!
THE DEATH OF GEORGE CARLIN
In the early 70's my parents' friends and one of my childhood friends had a few of George Carlin's comedy albums. Class Clown and Toledo Window Box were the names of the albums I remember. I was probably a little young to be hearing this kind of stuff. But I couldn't believe how funny George Carlin was. I saw him live, once, in 1980 at the Colonie Colisseum, an old outdoor theater around here, that has since closed.
I will always remember George's comedy changing over the years. As he got older, he became more curmudgeon-like and his humor dealt with, what I believe, were some very practical views on the world and less on ridiculousness. He was one of the first people who publicly showed an atheistic view of the world, and I believe he was one of my first influences towards being agnostic or atheistic. That's NOT a bad thing. He was one of the first people who really made sense to me in that regard. And he did it all with humor.
Our country has taken a couple of big icon hits this last week. First Tim Russert passed and now, George Carlin. And though their religious views couldn't have been any more opposite, I think they both may have been able to be great friends, respecting each other's views and having a big laugh at the end.
I think that would have been one hell of a Meet The Press episode. "This is Meet The Press, and I'm Tim Russert. On today's show, we'll discuss the world and how screwed up it really is. This is Heaven, so we have all the time in the world, so to speak. We'll be speaking with the recently deceased and VERY welcome George Carlin, former Pope John Paul II, the late comedian Bill Hicks, John Lennon, and just for shits and giggles, Adolph Hitler. This promises to be very interesting. This is Meet The Press."
The ratings would skyrocket. I think alot of people would tune in to see the dead having a conversation, don't you? I think Russert would have to be very much on his toes to avoid having a public bitch-slapping happen on his show. But always with a smile.
George, I saw your most recent HBO special and thought it was your best in years. You looked like you were showing your age, but your vitriol was still in high-gear. I and many of the rest of the humans on Planet Earth will miss your slanted take on the world, and your humor. You helped us look at words alot differently, and you helped us all take ourselves a little bit less seriously. It says something for you when you know that people really look forward to seeing you. To hear a roomful of people roaring laughter at your words must be as great as a musician hearing a crowd of people singing along with his/her songs.
Though George and I don't believe in Heaven or Hell, if there is a Heaven, I'm sure God would want to have George around for a few laughs when things got a little serious. Here's hoping that if all that's true, that George can influence God to comedically bring about the demise of some of the world's biggest losers. Like, maybe George could get Osama Bin Laden to croak while having a gay 3-some, while eating a pulled pork sandwich. Or maybe he could get DICK Cheney to meet his demise while buying crack in South Central LA. I could come up with a ton of them, but I'll stop here.
Rest In Peace, George Carlin. And lets remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I trust everyone had a great weekend. Today was the last day of school for my kids. They're very happy to be done, obviously. My unnamed spouse and I spent almost $1000 on summer camp activities for them this year. Connor is taking Digital Video production and next week has camp for volleyball in preparation for the JV volleyball season, which starts the end of August.
Jackson is taking song writing "architecture", and bowling. It's better than sitting in the house and video-gaming, so I'm sure it'll be worth it. They've really liked all the camps we've sent them to in the past, so...GAME ON, summer's here!!
MARY McCORMACK
USA Network has a new series called In Plain Sight. It's about the Witness Protection Program and stars Mary McCormack as US Marshall Mary Shannon. The show deals with people getting into the program and then some of their difficulties down the road. Mary Shannon is a tough-talking, no-nonsense Marshall who's personal life is a bit of a roller coaster. Needless to say, she's not perfect and is very cynical. Mary McCormack used to be on The West Wing and played Howard Stern's wife, Allison, in the movie, Private Parts.
Okay...my unnamed spouse is really into Denis Leary, Hugh Laurie (House), and lately, Trace Adkins. Well, for me, Mary McCormack is floating my boat these days. I mean, I just think she is super hot. She does an absolutely great job sporting tight jeans and I think she's drop-dead gorgeous. You can have your Eva Longorias and your Charlize Therons (both lovely women in their own rights). I'm taking Mary McC. And I've heard recent rumors that she has been trying to contact me for the purpose of having my children. Apparently, she's read LEN IS RIGHT, and has given up on the rest of the male population in order to get next to me. And really, who can blame her? With all the cookie-cutter, buffed bodied, non-hairy and non-bald men in the California area, you'd think I wouldn't have a chance. But Lo and Behold, she's willing to risk a scandal and is going to try to steal me from my aforementioned unnamed spouse, now that she's got regular work on television. She knows that I require my wimmins to have their own job. Wish me luck. You'll soon be seeing me on the red carpets around the world as Mary takes me as her date to premieres and parties. We won't stay at the parties long, however, because she just can never wait to get back and get all sweaty with a balding, hairy-bodied love pig. That's where I come in. Don't worry, my unnamed spouse, I'll send money home to you when Mary gets paid. Oh, and did I tell you? This has afforded me the chance to say, "Piss Off!" to Amtrak. If I had only known sooner, I wouldn't have wasted 20-some years on the railroad. Me and Mary McCormack, baby, Top of the World!!!
THE DEATH OF GEORGE CARLIN
In the early 70's my parents' friends and one of my childhood friends had a few of George Carlin's comedy albums. Class Clown and Toledo Window Box were the names of the albums I remember. I was probably a little young to be hearing this kind of stuff. But I couldn't believe how funny George Carlin was. I saw him live, once, in 1980 at the Colonie Colisseum, an old outdoor theater around here, that has since closed.
I will always remember George's comedy changing over the years. As he got older, he became more curmudgeon-like and his humor dealt with, what I believe, were some very practical views on the world and less on ridiculousness. He was one of the first people who publicly showed an atheistic view of the world, and I believe he was one of my first influences towards being agnostic or atheistic. That's NOT a bad thing. He was one of the first people who really made sense to me in that regard. And he did it all with humor.
Our country has taken a couple of big icon hits this last week. First Tim Russert passed and now, George Carlin. And though their religious views couldn't have been any more opposite, I think they both may have been able to be great friends, respecting each other's views and having a big laugh at the end.
I think that would have been one hell of a Meet The Press episode. "This is Meet The Press, and I'm Tim Russert. On today's show, we'll discuss the world and how screwed up it really is. This is Heaven, so we have all the time in the world, so to speak. We'll be speaking with the recently deceased and VERY welcome George Carlin, former Pope John Paul II, the late comedian Bill Hicks, John Lennon, and just for shits and giggles, Adolph Hitler. This promises to be very interesting. This is Meet The Press."
The ratings would skyrocket. I think alot of people would tune in to see the dead having a conversation, don't you? I think Russert would have to be very much on his toes to avoid having a public bitch-slapping happen on his show. But always with a smile.
George, I saw your most recent HBO special and thought it was your best in years. You looked like you were showing your age, but your vitriol was still in high-gear. I and many of the rest of the humans on Planet Earth will miss your slanted take on the world, and your humor. You helped us look at words alot differently, and you helped us all take ourselves a little bit less seriously. It says something for you when you know that people really look forward to seeing you. To hear a roomful of people roaring laughter at your words must be as great as a musician hearing a crowd of people singing along with his/her songs.
Though George and I don't believe in Heaven or Hell, if there is a Heaven, I'm sure God would want to have George around for a few laughs when things got a little serious. Here's hoping that if all that's true, that George can influence God to comedically bring about the demise of some of the world's biggest losers. Like, maybe George could get Osama Bin Laden to croak while having a gay 3-some, while eating a pulled pork sandwich. Or maybe he could get DICK Cheney to meet his demise while buying crack in South Central LA. I could come up with a ton of them, but I'll stop here.
Rest In Peace, George Carlin. And lets remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, June 21, 2008
KATHY GRIFFIN AT THE PALACE
Hello there, my friends:
Last night, the bride and I went with the lovely Sansone couple of Rensselaer to the Palace Theater in downtown Albany, to see comedienne Kathy Griffin. I have always loved going to the Palace for shows, especially rock concerts, because it is an older, beautiful place that has really great sound and great views. Since the refurbishing project of a couple of years ago, the old place is really a stunner.
If you know Kathy Griffin (from her standup routines, or her Bravo reality show, My Life On The "D" List, you'll know she is a wicked, acerbic wit that isn't afraid to dish about ALL of the celebrities she comes in contact with. She was famously banned from "The View" on ABC for revealing to an audience that Barbara Walters prefers Astro-Glide personal lubricant to KY Jelly. Needless to say, she doesn't pull any punches.
If you know her work, then you know that most of the crowd that goes to see her is either female or gay (gay and lesbian). We found this out when Ms. Griffin took an impromptu poll during the show and we found out that only about 10% of the audience was actually Straight men. To those men, she surmised that they were at the show purely because their wives or dates promised them a certain sexual favor for escorting them to the show. Sansone and I were pleasantly surprised to find we'd be getting lucky that night, because we had NOT made that bargain with our wives, so luckily there was going to be a bonus. (My apologies to our family members and, most of all, my fahter-in-law for revealing the previous info. Oh yeah, and Patty and Deb, too.)
We began at the Victory Cafe, which is a short walk from the Palace. The place was packed and we couldn't get a table, so we ate appetizers and had cocktails at the bar. During this time, we ran into an incredibly drunk former classmate of mine who we spoke to for a while despite his copiously impaired demeanor. For those of you who went to school with me, I won't name this guy, but will identify him as the Cadet Colonel and Valedictorian of the CBA Class of '81. He has actually become balder than I am. Hey...it can happen!
On our walk to the Palace, Mrs. Sansone, who was wearing fairly sexy heely shoes, re-injured her knee, which has a torn ACL and it was a painful, hobbling, assisted walk the rest of the way. The show was nice, but I expected deeper digs from Ms. Griffin, although I've gotta give her props for having super-fresh material (she had just written stuff earlier in the day about Jamie Lynn Spears and her new baby and Michelle Obama's appearance on "The View." All-in-all it was a good show. The lesbians in the crowd were VERY vocal. I was somewhat surprised at how much some lesbians ACTUALLY look like men. And I mean more manly than ME!! And I'm a hairy guy. So, you do the math.
Afterwords, we made a stop at Applebees in East Greenbush. I enjoyed the show, but what I really enjoyed was hanging out downtown with good friends, good food and drinks, on a beautiful night in Albany. Can't wait for the next time.
NEXT UP: The RUSH concert on July 5th at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
ALSO: I HAVE CONCERT TICKETS FOR SALE ON eBay RIGHT NOW.
There are 2 tickets for Rush 7/5/08 at SPAC....2 tickets for Rush at Mohegan Sun on 7/7/08 and 2 tickets for Neil Diamond at Albany's Times Union Center (formerly the Pepsi Arena) for August 20, 2008. My member name is NYCROWN99, so if you see the auctions, you'll know to bid on mine.
As always, please remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Last night, the bride and I went with the lovely Sansone couple of Rensselaer to the Palace Theater in downtown Albany, to see comedienne Kathy Griffin. I have always loved going to the Palace for shows, especially rock concerts, because it is an older, beautiful place that has really great sound and great views. Since the refurbishing project of a couple of years ago, the old place is really a stunner.
If you know Kathy Griffin (from her standup routines, or her Bravo reality show, My Life On The "D" List, you'll know she is a wicked, acerbic wit that isn't afraid to dish about ALL of the celebrities she comes in contact with. She was famously banned from "The View" on ABC for revealing to an audience that Barbara Walters prefers Astro-Glide personal lubricant to KY Jelly. Needless to say, she doesn't pull any punches.
If you know her work, then you know that most of the crowd that goes to see her is either female or gay (gay and lesbian). We found this out when Ms. Griffin took an impromptu poll during the show and we found out that only about 10% of the audience was actually Straight men. To those men, she surmised that they were at the show purely because their wives or dates promised them a certain sexual favor for escorting them to the show. Sansone and I were pleasantly surprised to find we'd be getting lucky that night, because we had NOT made that bargain with our wives, so luckily there was going to be a bonus. (My apologies to our family members and, most of all, my fahter-in-law for revealing the previous info. Oh yeah, and Patty and Deb, too.)
We began at the Victory Cafe, which is a short walk from the Palace. The place was packed and we couldn't get a table, so we ate appetizers and had cocktails at the bar. During this time, we ran into an incredibly drunk former classmate of mine who we spoke to for a while despite his copiously impaired demeanor. For those of you who went to school with me, I won't name this guy, but will identify him as the Cadet Colonel and Valedictorian of the CBA Class of '81. He has actually become balder than I am. Hey...it can happen!
On our walk to the Palace, Mrs. Sansone, who was wearing fairly sexy heely shoes, re-injured her knee, which has a torn ACL and it was a painful, hobbling, assisted walk the rest of the way. The show was nice, but I expected deeper digs from Ms. Griffin, although I've gotta give her props for having super-fresh material (she had just written stuff earlier in the day about Jamie Lynn Spears and her new baby and Michelle Obama's appearance on "The View." All-in-all it was a good show. The lesbians in the crowd were VERY vocal. I was somewhat surprised at how much some lesbians ACTUALLY look like men. And I mean more manly than ME!! And I'm a hairy guy. So, you do the math.
Afterwords, we made a stop at Applebees in East Greenbush. I enjoyed the show, but what I really enjoyed was hanging out downtown with good friends, good food and drinks, on a beautiful night in Albany. Can't wait for the next time.
NEXT UP: The RUSH concert on July 5th at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
ALSO: I HAVE CONCERT TICKETS FOR SALE ON eBay RIGHT NOW.
There are 2 tickets for Rush 7/5/08 at SPAC....2 tickets for Rush at Mohegan Sun on 7/7/08 and 2 tickets for Neil Diamond at Albany's Times Union Center (formerly the Pepsi Arena) for August 20, 2008. My member name is NYCROWN99, so if you see the auctions, you'll know to bid on mine.
As always, please remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
BYE, BYE WILLIE
Minions:
The Mets fired Willie Randolph and two of his coaches last night. I've always liked Willie, but I thought there was some serious fire lacking this year. And while I think the fault lies, ultimately, with the players, I just don't think they've been playing like they were hungry...like in 2006.
I think Billy Wagner was right when he made an offhand comment to the tune of, "Go ask the guys who played the game. Oh, that's right, they already left." I think the Mets probably wouldn't be remiss in firing Omar Minaya, too. I haven't liked the fact that he's been going after, or sticking with, players who are beyond their prime. It's time to make this team young again, and develop the Minor League talent, or trade for guys who are still hungry and in their 20's.
Every once in a while you have to have a shake-up. Maybe this will be the wakeup call for the Mets. Maybe it's time for Fred Theadore to be named as manager. He ceretainly couldn't do any worse than anyone else. (Fred is a friend, if you don't know him already.)
Can we lure Bobby Valentine back from Japan? At least he got ejected from a game for arguing once in a while. JEEEEEEZZZ.
I am,
Len Tollerton
The Mets fired Willie Randolph and two of his coaches last night. I've always liked Willie, but I thought there was some serious fire lacking this year. And while I think the fault lies, ultimately, with the players, I just don't think they've been playing like they were hungry...like in 2006.
I think Billy Wagner was right when he made an offhand comment to the tune of, "Go ask the guys who played the game. Oh, that's right, they already left." I think the Mets probably wouldn't be remiss in firing Omar Minaya, too. I haven't liked the fact that he's been going after, or sticking with, players who are beyond their prime. It's time to make this team young again, and develop the Minor League talent, or trade for guys who are still hungry and in their 20's.
Every once in a while you have to have a shake-up. Maybe this will be the wakeup call for the Mets. Maybe it's time for Fred Theadore to be named as manager. He ceretainly couldn't do any worse than anyone else. (Fred is a friend, if you don't know him already.)
Can we lure Bobby Valentine back from Japan? At least he got ejected from a game for arguing once in a while. JEEEEEEZZZ.
I am,
Len Tollerton
TIM RUSSERT AND JUDGE TOOMEY
My friends:
With this post, I'd like to just throw my two cents in on top of the already heaping pile of adulation and sadness at the death of NBC's Tim Russert.
I only watched Meet The Press once in a while, I must admit. I'm not much of a political guy, so often, the show did not interest me. However, I would like to say that I had alot of respect for Tim Russert because he was always there. He always asked the tough questions, or the ones that NEEDED to be asked. Although I believe that the NBC news department will feel the biggest void at Tim's passing, I think ALL of America should feel a sense of loss. Mr. Russert's passing leaves us without a strong, guiding voice in political news and that's big considering we're in the middle of a Presidential election. NBC's reporting of Mr. Russert's death and the tributes that have followed have been poignant and heartfelt. They've also given us some insight into the man behind the scenes. From these, I've gleaned that our country is much better off having had him in the position he was in, and that we have all, truly, lost someone that mattered to us, even though we might not know it right now. In the coming months and years, I think the fall-out of losing Tim Russert will be felt by all Americans.
So, how do we bounce back from all of this? Who can we look to to step in and try to fill Tim Russert's seat on Meet the Press? Well, we can sit idly by as NBC trots out journalists and talking heads to just fill a chair, but I truly have the answer for you, folks. I happen to know someone who I think could ably fill the bill.
My high school friend, Judge Paul Toomey of Averill Park, NY is my pick for the new host of Meet The Press. Why? Well, let me tell you. I've known Paul since 9th Grade. The first day I met Paul, I was struck by the fact that he already knew what he wanted to do with hs life. He was going to be a lawyer and, hopefully someday, the Mayor of Albany. Paul comes from a long line of lawyers and his sister is also a judge. Paul was the only kid I knew who was into politics in high school. He always used to talk with the teachers about stuff going on in the City of Albany, like he had an inside track or an ear to the wall. I remember the day that my wife and I were able to break the news to Paul that he had passed the NY State bar exam. (We knew someone at the NY State Board of Law Examiners who gave us the early news) Paul set up a table with champagne in his driveway to surprise his wife, Lisa, when she came home from work.
Since then Paul has become the head of the NY State Legal Resource Center (helping other judges in the State make correct decisions), and has become a local judge, himself. While listening to the tributes NBC did on Tim Russert, I was struck by how much his life parallleed Paul's. They both went to Catholic schools and faith played a large part in both of their lives. They were both fiercely devoted to their favorite sports teams (Tim, the Bills and Nationals. Paul, the Packers and the Mets). Their families are the most important things in their lives. They both have deep love of politics. People generally perk up when both enter the room, looking to get in some conversation time or an opinion from someone in the know. Both speak well in public and have both been teachers. I have often been counseled by Paul in any number of topics (legal, family, relationships, etc...) and have often been brought back in from the ledge, so to speak, when my emotions got the best of me and I needed the calming influence of someone who was objective and level-headed. David Gregory of NBC news related a story that when his first son was born, Tim Russert made him a pillow with his name on it, and that was Tim's "signature gift" for all of his friends' newborns. When my first son, Connor was born, Paul called me and told me to appreciate my first 2 weeks with my baby, because he would never be that small again. Looking back, my eyes still well up the same way they did the day he said those words to me. He was right. You can't get time back and we had better all appreciate each passing day. Finally, the guy has always had his finger on the pulse of politics (especially local) during his adult life. People have, it seems to me, always asked for his opinion or help. And although there have been times when he has become easily offended by personal comments, I think he, more than anyone I know, would be perfect in the role of Meet The Press moderator. I also know, without a shadow of doubt, that he is reading this and saying out loud, "Dude, you're fuckin' crazy." Yes, my friend the judge occasionally uses the term "Dude."
So, NBC executives TAKE NOTE!! When looking for an able, politics-loving, sharp replacement for Tim Russert, who, despite his lack of experience as a journalist, would do the same kind of homework and would approach the job with the same zeal as Tim Russert, look no further than Averill Park's own son of Albany, Paul Toomey. No, he is not your typical pretty-faced broadcaster talking head. He is, in my opinion, the PERFECT option for NBC news. And although Paul may think I'm joking around, I am completely serious. Vote For Pedro? No. NBC needs to Vote For Paul.
If you know Paul, please feel free to leave a comment. If you don't know Paul, all you REALLY need to know is, LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace to my people.
I am,
Len Tollerton
With this post, I'd like to just throw my two cents in on top of the already heaping pile of adulation and sadness at the death of NBC's Tim Russert.
I only watched Meet The Press once in a while, I must admit. I'm not much of a political guy, so often, the show did not interest me. However, I would like to say that I had alot of respect for Tim Russert because he was always there. He always asked the tough questions, or the ones that NEEDED to be asked. Although I believe that the NBC news department will feel the biggest void at Tim's passing, I think ALL of America should feel a sense of loss. Mr. Russert's passing leaves us without a strong, guiding voice in political news and that's big considering we're in the middle of a Presidential election. NBC's reporting of Mr. Russert's death and the tributes that have followed have been poignant and heartfelt. They've also given us some insight into the man behind the scenes. From these, I've gleaned that our country is much better off having had him in the position he was in, and that we have all, truly, lost someone that mattered to us, even though we might not know it right now. In the coming months and years, I think the fall-out of losing Tim Russert will be felt by all Americans.
So, how do we bounce back from all of this? Who can we look to to step in and try to fill Tim Russert's seat on Meet the Press? Well, we can sit idly by as NBC trots out journalists and talking heads to just fill a chair, but I truly have the answer for you, folks. I happen to know someone who I think could ably fill the bill.
My high school friend, Judge Paul Toomey of Averill Park, NY is my pick for the new host of Meet The Press. Why? Well, let me tell you. I've known Paul since 9th Grade. The first day I met Paul, I was struck by the fact that he already knew what he wanted to do with hs life. He was going to be a lawyer and, hopefully someday, the Mayor of Albany. Paul comes from a long line of lawyers and his sister is also a judge. Paul was the only kid I knew who was into politics in high school. He always used to talk with the teachers about stuff going on in the City of Albany, like he had an inside track or an ear to the wall. I remember the day that my wife and I were able to break the news to Paul that he had passed the NY State bar exam. (We knew someone at the NY State Board of Law Examiners who gave us the early news) Paul set up a table with champagne in his driveway to surprise his wife, Lisa, when she came home from work.
Since then Paul has become the head of the NY State Legal Resource Center (helping other judges in the State make correct decisions), and has become a local judge, himself. While listening to the tributes NBC did on Tim Russert, I was struck by how much his life parallleed Paul's. They both went to Catholic schools and faith played a large part in both of their lives. They were both fiercely devoted to their favorite sports teams (Tim, the Bills and Nationals. Paul, the Packers and the Mets). Their families are the most important things in their lives. They both have deep love of politics. People generally perk up when both enter the room, looking to get in some conversation time or an opinion from someone in the know. Both speak well in public and have both been teachers. I have often been counseled by Paul in any number of topics (legal, family, relationships, etc...) and have often been brought back in from the ledge, so to speak, when my emotions got the best of me and I needed the calming influence of someone who was objective and level-headed. David Gregory of NBC news related a story that when his first son was born, Tim Russert made him a pillow with his name on it, and that was Tim's "signature gift" for all of his friends' newborns. When my first son, Connor was born, Paul called me and told me to appreciate my first 2 weeks with my baby, because he would never be that small again. Looking back, my eyes still well up the same way they did the day he said those words to me. He was right. You can't get time back and we had better all appreciate each passing day. Finally, the guy has always had his finger on the pulse of politics (especially local) during his adult life. People have, it seems to me, always asked for his opinion or help. And although there have been times when he has become easily offended by personal comments, I think he, more than anyone I know, would be perfect in the role of Meet The Press moderator. I also know, without a shadow of doubt, that he is reading this and saying out loud, "Dude, you're fuckin' crazy." Yes, my friend the judge occasionally uses the term "Dude."
So, NBC executives TAKE NOTE!! When looking for an able, politics-loving, sharp replacement for Tim Russert, who, despite his lack of experience as a journalist, would do the same kind of homework and would approach the job with the same zeal as Tim Russert, look no further than Averill Park's own son of Albany, Paul Toomey. No, he is not your typical pretty-faced broadcaster talking head. He is, in my opinion, the PERFECT option for NBC news. And although Paul may think I'm joking around, I am completely serious. Vote For Pedro? No. NBC needs to Vote For Paul.
If you know Paul, please feel free to leave a comment. If you don't know Paul, all you REALLY need to know is, LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace to my people.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRED---BAD DAY FOR G.B.KING
Hey there:
Last post was May 14th. Sorry for the gap. Got a couple of updates and stuff I just wanted to mention real quick.
First, I'd like to wish our very good friend, Fred "The Stat Man" Theadore, a happy birthday today. Fred's home this week taking care of things around the house while his lovely bride recovers from some surgery. So, Fred, make sure you keep busy and walk the damn dog, will ya? Happy Birthday, my friend.
My close friend Roy "G.B. King" Luce is having a very bad day today. First, he calls me this morning to tell me that his brother, Chuck (the previously oft-mentioned Edge of Darkness), won't be able to play in the big scramble golf outing this Friday because he had t go in for EMERGENCY TRIPLE-BYPASS SURGERY this afternoon (he's actually on the table as I type this). I guess he started feeling really crappy over the weekend at the Tulip Festival in Albany, and his wife tricked him into a doctor's appointment. Good thing she did. they started the angioplasty and stopped part-way up his leg and already knew he was in trouble. So, he's on the table today. Chuck doesn't smoke cigs, and doesn't inhale cigars he smokes, so I gotta believe it's mostly dietary. Whatever. Dude, we're pulling for you and sending positive energy your way. If you're home by Thursday night, maybe you can come out to the course and cheer us on. Jeff The Palooka will take Chuck's place on the team. With Jeff and Chris the DotCom Destroyer on our team, Roy and I will only have to drink and enjoy the outdoors on Friday. Get well soon, Chuck my brother.
But that wasn't all that made Roy's day shitty. Roy's 8-year-old dog hasn't been eating over the last week or so. So they took it to the vets and today go the Worst Possible News. Stomach and Liver cancer. The best and least cruel decision was made, and Casey, a beautiful black Lab with 2 surgically repaired knees had to be put down this a.m. What a shame. It came on so fast there was nothing they could do.
So, the Luce family of Scotia, Ballston Spa, and Wilton have had better days. I apologize to the Luce's for posting this info on the WEB. It's the only way some of our friends would find out and they'd want to know. If you have a wy to contact Roy, send him and Chuck some positive thoughts. SEND THE LOVE, MAN!!!
I don't know where to go with this post from here. Everything else is going well. No complaints. I'm having fun with my new Takamine Acoustic Guitar (GS440), which I picked up lightly used, on eBay for 1/2 the price of a new one. Beautiful sound and low action on the strings makes it play a little easier than my Esteban dreadnought acoustic.
Alright, hopefully back soon, when I can think of something to write. Later. This is LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Last post was May 14th. Sorry for the gap. Got a couple of updates and stuff I just wanted to mention real quick.
First, I'd like to wish our very good friend, Fred "The Stat Man" Theadore, a happy birthday today. Fred's home this week taking care of things around the house while his lovely bride recovers from some surgery. So, Fred, make sure you keep busy and walk the damn dog, will ya? Happy Birthday, my friend.
My close friend Roy "G.B. King" Luce is having a very bad day today. First, he calls me this morning to tell me that his brother, Chuck (the previously oft-mentioned Edge of Darkness), won't be able to play in the big scramble golf outing this Friday because he had t go in for EMERGENCY TRIPLE-BYPASS SURGERY this afternoon (he's actually on the table as I type this). I guess he started feeling really crappy over the weekend at the Tulip Festival in Albany, and his wife tricked him into a doctor's appointment. Good thing she did. they started the angioplasty and stopped part-way up his leg and already knew he was in trouble. So, he's on the table today. Chuck doesn't smoke cigs, and doesn't inhale cigars he smokes, so I gotta believe it's mostly dietary. Whatever. Dude, we're pulling for you and sending positive energy your way. If you're home by Thursday night, maybe you can come out to the course and cheer us on. Jeff The Palooka will take Chuck's place on the team. With Jeff and Chris the DotCom Destroyer on our team, Roy and I will only have to drink and enjoy the outdoors on Friday. Get well soon, Chuck my brother.
But that wasn't all that made Roy's day shitty. Roy's 8-year-old dog hasn't been eating over the last week or so. So they took it to the vets and today go the Worst Possible News. Stomach and Liver cancer. The best and least cruel decision was made, and Casey, a beautiful black Lab with 2 surgically repaired knees had to be put down this a.m. What a shame. It came on so fast there was nothing they could do.
So, the Luce family of Scotia, Ballston Spa, and Wilton have had better days. I apologize to the Luce's for posting this info on the WEB. It's the only way some of our friends would find out and they'd want to know. If you have a wy to contact Roy, send him and Chuck some positive thoughts. SEND THE LOVE, MAN!!!
I don't know where to go with this post from here. Everything else is going well. No complaints. I'm having fun with my new Takamine Acoustic Guitar (GS440), which I picked up lightly used, on eBay for 1/2 the price of a new one. Beautiful sound and low action on the strings makes it play a little easier than my Esteban dreadnought acoustic.
Alright, hopefully back soon, when I can think of something to write. Later. This is LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
WHO'S IN FIRST??
Minions:
I trust everyone has gotten along alright since my last post, some 3 1/2 centuries ago. Man, the weather yesterday and today in Albany has been beautiful. 70's, sunny, breezy, fairly perfect.
So, let me ask ya. What is the name of the team currently occupying First Place in the American League East? No, snobs, it's not the Red Sox nor the Yankees. It is , in fact, the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays. Check the date, please. We're not talking 2 weeks into the season, where everyone is 7-5 and tied for First. We're talking May 14th. This qualifies, I believe, as the latest point in the season that the Rays have been in First Place. At this time, the Florida Marlins are also atop the NL East, so the folks in Florida have already began their fantasy dream end of season. And isn't it kind of weird that the Marlins always come back to the top a couple of years after winning a title and then dump their entire team for salary reasons. It's kind of like Wayne Huizinga likes to play with the fans once in a while (Is he still the Marlins' owner?).
My hope for the Rays is that they can compete throughout the summer and maybe grab a Wild-Card. Not likely, but it would make for a fun summer if they stood toe-to-toe with the Sox and Yanks. As for the Marlins, screw them, the Braves and the Phillies. Lets Go Mets.
NEW BUSINESS
I trust everyone has gotten along alright since my last post, some 3 1/2 centuries ago. Man, the weather yesterday and today in Albany has been beautiful. 70's, sunny, breezy, fairly perfect.
So, let me ask ya. What is the name of the team currently occupying First Place in the American League East? No, snobs, it's not the Red Sox nor the Yankees. It is , in fact, the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays. Check the date, please. We're not talking 2 weeks into the season, where everyone is 7-5 and tied for First. We're talking May 14th. This qualifies, I believe, as the latest point in the season that the Rays have been in First Place. At this time, the Florida Marlins are also atop the NL East, so the folks in Florida have already began their fantasy dream end of season. And isn't it kind of weird that the Marlins always come back to the top a couple of years after winning a title and then dump their entire team for salary reasons. It's kind of like Wayne Huizinga likes to play with the fans once in a while (Is he still the Marlins' owner?).
My hope for the Rays is that they can compete throughout the summer and maybe grab a Wild-Card. Not likely, but it would make for a fun summer if they stood toe-to-toe with the Sox and Yanks. As for the Marlins, screw them, the Braves and the Phillies. Lets Go Mets.
NEW BUSINESS
Well, did you submit an answer to my first poll question? I'm going to try and load another one today. Let's see, how 'bout some bullet point topics to talk on.
- Good friend Roy the G.B. King returned from his annual camping trip in the Adirondacks. This year's trip took Roy and his buds from school to 13th Lake. I know nothing about the other 12 lakes.
- Got to see Pat Cusato and Marc Reiter for lunch last week. Both are fellow 1981 grads of CBA (high school). Pat and his wife had quadruplets about 4 yrs. ago. They have 6 kids and little sleep. Marc works for QPrime, which manages Metallica, Shania Twain, Nickle Creek and a whole host of other big-name music acts. Marc was in town to receive some prestigious bullshit alumni award from the school. I put that in there to make Marc laugh.
- Our 14-yr old, Connor, is in Washinton, DC this week with the rest of the 8th Grade from Sand Creek Middle School. As a matter of fact, last night they got to go to Camden Yards and watch the Orioles defeat the Red Sox in come-from-behind fashion.
- The Mediteranean screen house is up out back and soon we will be having the occasional outdoor Friday night poker game. We'll be playing Hold-'Em, Omaha, and Pineapple (a form of Hold-'Em). No Limit, of course, max $40 buy at a time. Reserve a seat now. I'm looking for 6-10 players.
- Rob and Melissa Lindley welcomed Ava Marie into the world a week or two ago. Congrats to all the Lindleys and Keeverns. As my Jewish doctor likes to say, "Mazel Tov!!"
- Our 11-yr. old, Jackson, is going to the Bronx Zoo on Thursday. I hear it's a really nice zoo, though I've never been. The one downside to going is getting out of the place and back onto the Taconic State Parkway. Since people generally leave there around dinner time, the traffic coming out of the City is brutal. I hope they have good weather.
- Jackson is also playing Rec soccer right now. He likes playing goalie best, but is happy switching around also.
- Harley, the Bionic Wonder Dog is doing really well recovering from surgery for a torn ligament. The doctor said he would heal faster with the more expensive procedure, and he was right. He's ready to run and jump now. We have to really hold him back for his own protection.
- My un-named significant other is DONE with her class for the year. Does that mean they are done with school early? No, no, no. This means she has had ENOUGH of the children in her 5th grade class and WANTS it to be over NOW. She went from liking them, to being okay with them, to viewing them with utter disdain. C'Mon Summer!!
- Upcoming on June 6 is the Capital District Printers golf outing at Orchard Creek in Altamont. This is a scramble event and I will be playing with a team from Newkirk Printing. The Len Is Right team will be led by the DotCom Destroyer (the best of us--a consistent 70's shooter with MAD distance, Chuck the Edge of Darkness (the only one of us who actually works in the Printing Industry), Roy the G. B King (Chuck's brother--he has a newly-found long game, but his short game is in need of work), and yours truly, Len Is Right. I actually won a Closest-To-The-Pin prize last year and was introduced as Len Isright. We finished 2nd last year with a score of 9-under par. We're determined to take the title this year.
- The staff here at Len Is Right would like to send a big WELCOME HOME to our friend Sgt. Mike Wesoloski, who is finally home for good from his 1-year stint in Iraq. Mike, thanks for your service, we all really appreciate it. I hope it wasn't all for nothing. You certainly didn't need to go to Iraq to have appreciation for your family and your home. I'm glad your back safe and without injury.
Okay, that's it for now. Please remember to answer the poll question. I bid you peace and good sleep. Please always know that unless otherwise stated, LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sunday, May 04, 2008
NEW POLL QUESTION FEATURE
Hey All:
Haven't been posting recently. But I finally found a way to insert poll questions on this thing, so hopefully there will be a new poll question or two posted daily or at least bi-weekly (not to be confused with pro golfer Boo Weekly).
There will hopefully be a proper blog post this week. Until then feel free to answer the question. Have a great week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
and this is LEN IS RIGHT.
Haven't been posting recently. But I finally found a way to insert poll questions on this thing, so hopefully there will be a new poll question or two posted daily or at least bi-weekly (not to be confused with pro golfer Boo Weekly).
There will hopefully be a proper blog post this week. Until then feel free to answer the question. Have a great week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
and this is LEN IS RIGHT.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
MASTERS WEEKEND
Minions:
How was your weekend? Pretty quiet over here in Colonie. Yours truly stepped out on Friday evening with good friend Tony Sansone for a couple of cocktails at the Fuller Roadhouse and then a couple more at Appletini's.
Friend Sansone stopped with the alcohol early on and switched to Red Bulls. This signaled me that he was planning on being out late. I don't get into caffeine, so no Red Bull, and I've gotta go easy on the drinking because I worry about DWI's. It ended up being an early night for me because I was done. I felt bad, however, cause Tony was hepped up on the Bull. I'm hoping he went out for a couple of more drinks closer to his house on the way home.
You know, I've kind of realized that going out drinking, for me, is a waste of time, unless there's a band I like playing, because I'm not a big drinker. I generally don't engage in talking to any women, because I'm married. I mean, I'll go out and stay out. I guess I just wasn't into it as much as I'd thought I would be. Sorry Tone. Maybe next time, I'll be more into knocking back some drinks.. Only...you'll have to drive for me to do that. I just won't take the risk. I guess I've become old and boring. I should probably live in Amsterdam, Holland. THOSE bars I'd probably stay out all night. I think you get my drift.
THE MASTERS
Okay, I could tell on Saturday that Tiger was not going to win the Green Jacket this year without help from the leaders. Why? When I see Tiger lipping or just missing putts by a c-hair, I know it's not his week. Today, after making this 75-foot putt on the 11th hole for Birdie, I figured Tiger was going to run and steal the tourney, by putting alot of pressure on the eventual winner, Trevor Immelman. But when Tiger missed a short Birdie attempt on 13, I pretty much turned off the TV, knowing I'd only be watching to see if Immelman was going to have a back-nine meltdown. And except for one hole, it didn't happen. So, congrats to him. See ya at the U.S. Open in June.
Alright, let's hear from you people. Anyone feel like responding with column suggestions, comments, hard-to-ask questions? Is anyone besides Tom the Big-Game Hunter and BVA in FLA, and good friend Mary Burgess reading or responding? C'mon people, I need ya. You know I love ya. Get back to me.
I am,
Len Tollerton
How was your weekend? Pretty quiet over here in Colonie. Yours truly stepped out on Friday evening with good friend Tony Sansone for a couple of cocktails at the Fuller Roadhouse and then a couple more at Appletini's.
Friend Sansone stopped with the alcohol early on and switched to Red Bulls. This signaled me that he was planning on being out late. I don't get into caffeine, so no Red Bull, and I've gotta go easy on the drinking because I worry about DWI's. It ended up being an early night for me because I was done. I felt bad, however, cause Tony was hepped up on the Bull. I'm hoping he went out for a couple of more drinks closer to his house on the way home.
You know, I've kind of realized that going out drinking, for me, is a waste of time, unless there's a band I like playing, because I'm not a big drinker. I generally don't engage in talking to any women, because I'm married. I mean, I'll go out and stay out. I guess I just wasn't into it as much as I'd thought I would be. Sorry Tone. Maybe next time, I'll be more into knocking back some drinks.. Only...you'll have to drive for me to do that. I just won't take the risk. I guess I've become old and boring. I should probably live in Amsterdam, Holland. THOSE bars I'd probably stay out all night. I think you get my drift.
THE MASTERS
Okay, I could tell on Saturday that Tiger was not going to win the Green Jacket this year without help from the leaders. Why? When I see Tiger lipping or just missing putts by a c-hair, I know it's not his week. Today, after making this 75-foot putt on the 11th hole for Birdie, I figured Tiger was going to run and steal the tourney, by putting alot of pressure on the eventual winner, Trevor Immelman. But when Tiger missed a short Birdie attempt on 13, I pretty much turned off the TV, knowing I'd only be watching to see if Immelman was going to have a back-nine meltdown. And except for one hole, it didn't happen. So, congrats to him. See ya at the U.S. Open in June.
Alright, let's hear from you people. Anyone feel like responding with column suggestions, comments, hard-to-ask questions? Is anyone besides Tom the Big-Game Hunter and BVA in FLA, and good friend Mary Burgess reading or responding? C'mon people, I need ya. You know I love ya. Get back to me.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, April 05, 2008
HARLEY'S BIG DAY AND THE RETURN OF MLB
Minions of mine:
Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I have substituted going to the gym for time spent blogging. Rest assured, I will try to balance things more effectively. Lately I have been without anything funny to blog about and I am not sure that you want to read me bitching about stuff every day. And believe me, I can complain about stuff till the cows come home. That gets old after awhile. Jeez, if I only did that, you people would label me a curmudgeon. I can't have that....I WON'T have that.
HARLEY'S BIG DAY
Yesterday (4/4) we finally got around to having our dog, Harley's, rear, left cruciate ligament and knee repaired. We ended up going for the "Gold-Standard" operation for a couple of reasons. The main reason was his age (3 1/2). We wanted to make sure that his knee would be stable throughout his life. He runs around like a maniac and the lesser, more commonly used surgery didn't seem like the best option in the long-run. This to the tune of $3160. Hey it's only money, right?
So, the surgery went very well. This morning, we went to Pattersonville (about 1/2 hour away from Colonie) to pick the pooch up. Poor dog. They've got him in one of those Elizabethan collars (like an inverted funnel) to keep him from licking and chewing on the incision. His knee has about 15 staples in it, which get removed in 2 weeks. Till then we have to keep him on a leash whenever we take him outside. He has to keep the collar on unless we're sitting right there with him. He can't be allowed upstairs or up onto the furniture cause he could, I guess, tear out the screws. So, the next two weeks, till he gets his staples out, are going to be a pain-in-the-neck. After that, we won't have to be as protective. The surgeon told us that because of the slope in the top of a dog's femur (large leg bone) is too angled, that there's a 50% chance that he could blow the other knee out, one day. I told him that the lesser procedure would have to be used at that point, because I'm only going to the well once. Spending $6000, let alone $3000 on a dog is LUDICROUS. Not gonna happen. The $1500 procedure will have to suffice. Hopefully, it won't be an issue. The dog should be 50% recovered in 2 weeks, 75% in 8 weeks and fully healed in about 16 weeks. We'll see.
BASEBALL IS BACK
April is here, my friends, and that means the return of America's pasttime. Hopefully, my beloved NY METS will make it to the World Series this year. I have become extremely tired of the Mets looking like they're the best and then continually disappointing me. Of course......I could be a Yankees fan. But that's another discussion.
Baseball means that Spring is really here and Winter is finally leaving. The color green will now take over, leaving the grey to sleep until November. When things are green, I feel the most alive. The planet is vibrant and I can live in shorts and tees instead of jeans and flannels and coats. Welcome back, indeed.
THE GYM
The staff here at Len Is Right (me) have now been to the gym 12 times in 3 weeks. I go on Mon days, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I do 1/2 hour on the Elliptical machine, then I hit the weight machines and the crunch bench. I really only intend on doing 45 minutes-1 hour, but end up being there 1 1/2 hours. Getting healthy takes time. But I feel really good and hopefully by the end of 2008, I will have dropped between 30 and 50 pounds. That's my goal. However, it would probably do me well to cut down on eating copious amounts of food. I have cut down, but I'm not going to go on any big diet. I think what will work for me will be to stay active in the gym. So, now it's got to become a way of life for me. My friends Kevin The Roller and Tony, Jack's godfather have been big into working out for YEARS. Kevin is in his 50's and has been working out for 30 years. Tony's nephew is a competitive body-builder, so he's been working out for years and is now an absolute nut about it. I think he can squat about 575 lbs. Freakin' freak of nature.
Last week my older son, Connor, rolled a 196, 212, and 150 in a Pepsi-sponsored bowling tournament. The 558 triple was his highest series ever, as well as his 212 game. His average is 145. He was very happy with his accomplishment. I think when we get him a new bowling ball and change his grip to full-fingertip, he will start averaging in the 170's. He's got a very consistant shot. The 212 was Con's 3rd 200 game of the year and his 2nd 500 series. While it's true that there are a bunch of kids his age who are better, I think his confidence is rising and he may be able to make the high school team in a couple of years, if he sticks with it. Now if I could get him to get over being a clueless dolt most days, we'll really be doing something.
Jackson, my 11-year old, averages about 130 and also had 2-200 games this year. He also won the trophy for high triple (552) in his age division. He is not nearly as consistent as his brother but throws a devastating ball sometimes, so the potential is definitely there. He'll be getting a heavier ball next year, and will be moving up to Connor's division, so I expect him to get his average at or above 150. It's one of the few things they get along doing together.
THE SHRINK
I've now met with my shrink about 8 times. I think we've both begun to realize that I'm pretty much done with his help. I'm mentally healthy as I've always been. I just needed to sort some things out and stop beating myself up over the things I've done in my life and start giving myself some credit. What happened in the past is the past. I can atone for my shortcomings to a point. but I've also got to realize that I'm better than I give myself credit for.
Of course, you all already knew that, didn't you? Ohterwise, you wouldn't be my minions. You are my minions because you are smart and because you know that LEN IS RIGHT.
Be at Peace.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I have substituted going to the gym for time spent blogging. Rest assured, I will try to balance things more effectively. Lately I have been without anything funny to blog about and I am not sure that you want to read me bitching about stuff every day. And believe me, I can complain about stuff till the cows come home. That gets old after awhile. Jeez, if I only did that, you people would label me a curmudgeon. I can't have that....I WON'T have that.
HARLEY'S BIG DAY
Yesterday (4/4) we finally got around to having our dog, Harley's, rear, left cruciate ligament and knee repaired. We ended up going for the "Gold-Standard" operation for a couple of reasons. The main reason was his age (3 1/2). We wanted to make sure that his knee would be stable throughout his life. He runs around like a maniac and the lesser, more commonly used surgery didn't seem like the best option in the long-run. This to the tune of $3160. Hey it's only money, right?
So, the surgery went very well. This morning, we went to Pattersonville (about 1/2 hour away from Colonie) to pick the pooch up. Poor dog. They've got him in one of those Elizabethan collars (like an inverted funnel) to keep him from licking and chewing on the incision. His knee has about 15 staples in it, which get removed in 2 weeks. Till then we have to keep him on a leash whenever we take him outside. He has to keep the collar on unless we're sitting right there with him. He can't be allowed upstairs or up onto the furniture cause he could, I guess, tear out the screws. So, the next two weeks, till he gets his staples out, are going to be a pain-in-the-neck. After that, we won't have to be as protective. The surgeon told us that because of the slope in the top of a dog's femur (large leg bone) is too angled, that there's a 50% chance that he could blow the other knee out, one day. I told him that the lesser procedure would have to be used at that point, because I'm only going to the well once. Spending $6000, let alone $3000 on a dog is LUDICROUS. Not gonna happen. The $1500 procedure will have to suffice. Hopefully, it won't be an issue. The dog should be 50% recovered in 2 weeks, 75% in 8 weeks and fully healed in about 16 weeks. We'll see.
BASEBALL IS BACK
April is here, my friends, and that means the return of America's pasttime. Hopefully, my beloved NY METS will make it to the World Series this year. I have become extremely tired of the Mets looking like they're the best and then continually disappointing me. Of course......I could be a Yankees fan. But that's another discussion.
Baseball means that Spring is really here and Winter is finally leaving. The color green will now take over, leaving the grey to sleep until November. When things are green, I feel the most alive. The planet is vibrant and I can live in shorts and tees instead of jeans and flannels and coats. Welcome back, indeed.
THE GYM
The staff here at Len Is Right (me) have now been to the gym 12 times in 3 weeks. I go on Mon days, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I do 1/2 hour on the Elliptical machine, then I hit the weight machines and the crunch bench. I really only intend on doing 45 minutes-1 hour, but end up being there 1 1/2 hours. Getting healthy takes time. But I feel really good and hopefully by the end of 2008, I will have dropped between 30 and 50 pounds. That's my goal. However, it would probably do me well to cut down on eating copious amounts of food. I have cut down, but I'm not going to go on any big diet. I think what will work for me will be to stay active in the gym. So, now it's got to become a way of life for me. My friends Kevin The Roller and Tony, Jack's godfather have been big into working out for YEARS. Kevin is in his 50's and has been working out for 30 years. Tony's nephew is a competitive body-builder, so he's been working out for years and is now an absolute nut about it. I think he can squat about 575 lbs. Freakin' freak of nature.
Last week my older son, Connor, rolled a 196, 212, and 150 in a Pepsi-sponsored bowling tournament. The 558 triple was his highest series ever, as well as his 212 game. His average is 145. He was very happy with his accomplishment. I think when we get him a new bowling ball and change his grip to full-fingertip, he will start averaging in the 170's. He's got a very consistant shot. The 212 was Con's 3rd 200 game of the year and his 2nd 500 series. While it's true that there are a bunch of kids his age who are better, I think his confidence is rising and he may be able to make the high school team in a couple of years, if he sticks with it. Now if I could get him to get over being a clueless dolt most days, we'll really be doing something.
Jackson, my 11-year old, averages about 130 and also had 2-200 games this year. He also won the trophy for high triple (552) in his age division. He is not nearly as consistent as his brother but throws a devastating ball sometimes, so the potential is definitely there. He'll be getting a heavier ball next year, and will be moving up to Connor's division, so I expect him to get his average at or above 150. It's one of the few things they get along doing together.
THE SHRINK
I've now met with my shrink about 8 times. I think we've both begun to realize that I'm pretty much done with his help. I'm mentally healthy as I've always been. I just needed to sort some things out and stop beating myself up over the things I've done in my life and start giving myself some credit. What happened in the past is the past. I can atone for my shortcomings to a point. but I've also got to realize that I'm better than I give myself credit for.
Of course, you all already knew that, didn't you? Ohterwise, you wouldn't be my minions. You are my minions because you are smart and because you know that LEN IS RIGHT.
Be at Peace.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
THE FOX TROT AND MY UNION
Hiya folks:
This past Monday was Dance Lesson #3. After reviewing what we've learned with the Waltz and the Swing, we learned a new step...The Fox Trot.....oh boy!!
Actually it wasn't too bad. We (the Tollerton couple)still are most comfortable dancing with each other. The Fox Trot has the man (leader) taking 2 slow steps forward and then a step to the left and then close the feet to get back to your original position. Unlike the Waltz and Swing, where you can pretty much stay in a "box" the whole time, the Fox Trot lets you roam all over the dance floor. It is done in 4/4 time as opposed to 3/4 for the Waltz. Next Monday is our final lesson, unless we decide to continue. I'm not sure how the other person (my nameless dance partner) feels about continuing. I would do it if she really wanted to, but I don't get that impression.
If you've ever wanted to try it, I suggest getting off the wall and going for it. You only feel like a spaz for a short time. After a while, just like everything else, it becomes easier.
UNION NEWS
Len Tollerton is now the Shop Steward for Sheetmetal Workers Local 398. I accepted the position, basically, because no one else wanted to do it. My union has become very small and somewhat powerless over the years. You see, the railroad would like to eliminate Sheetmetal Workers (pipefitters) and have the other crafts just take over our work. As a matter of fact, the railroad would just as soon have only one Union, with everyone able to do all jobs. This might work if they were willing to give training to everyone, so we could all do each other's work. Without training, there's just no way. I mean, would you feel safe doing electrical work, dealing with 480V of power, w/o the necesary training? Well, that's what my railroad would like us to do.
Anyway, I'm really just responsible for writing up time-claims (claims for pay if another craft does my Union's work), defending my union members in discipline hearings, and trying to make sure open jobs are covered with Overtime. They say some people are born to greatness and others have it thrust upon them.. I fall into the 2nd category. I think my Union brothers AND local management wanted me to take this position because I don't flip out as quickly as my predecessors. I don't freakin' know. Hopefully, I'll do a respectable job.
NCAA HOOP TOURNEY
Who gives a flyin' shit??!! No, I'm kidding. I know there are alot of you out there who have been hard at work filling out your bracket sheets, hoping to find the Sleeper, like last year's George Mason University, who will surprise alot of people and go deep into the tourney. My pick for tourney greatness this year? A #4 Seed is my pick. That would be the Pitt Panthers. From what I've heard, they are the hot team right now, physical, and playing with confidence. Just remember, when filling out your sheets, that at least 2 #1 seeds will probably make it to the Final Four. Good Luck.
I went back to the gym and started working out again. Looking to lose, like, 40-50 pounds. I think I can do it just through exercise and portion control. Hopefully, I'll lose a significant amount over then next year. Oh, but how my body hurts. Too much idle time. The initial aches and pains are the only bitch I have with working out. I get no pleasure from being in the gym. But it's my best bet. Good luck to me, right?
Thanks for visiting LEN IS RIGHT. I hope to be back soon with something interesting, and not just this day-by-day tripe. I've got to find a new issue with which I can rant like an animal and make you all remember why I am like a god among men. I know you ladies out there will always feel that way about me, but Ii need to get some cred with the fellas. Peace, I'm out!
I am,
Len Tollerton
This past Monday was Dance Lesson #3. After reviewing what we've learned with the Waltz and the Swing, we learned a new step...The Fox Trot.....oh boy!!
Actually it wasn't too bad. We (the Tollerton couple)still are most comfortable dancing with each other. The Fox Trot has the man (leader) taking 2 slow steps forward and then a step to the left and then close the feet to get back to your original position. Unlike the Waltz and Swing, where you can pretty much stay in a "box" the whole time, the Fox Trot lets you roam all over the dance floor. It is done in 4/4 time as opposed to 3/4 for the Waltz. Next Monday is our final lesson, unless we decide to continue. I'm not sure how the other person (my nameless dance partner) feels about continuing. I would do it if she really wanted to, but I don't get that impression.
If you've ever wanted to try it, I suggest getting off the wall and going for it. You only feel like a spaz for a short time. After a while, just like everything else, it becomes easier.
UNION NEWS
Len Tollerton is now the Shop Steward for Sheetmetal Workers Local 398. I accepted the position, basically, because no one else wanted to do it. My union has become very small and somewhat powerless over the years. You see, the railroad would like to eliminate Sheetmetal Workers (pipefitters) and have the other crafts just take over our work. As a matter of fact, the railroad would just as soon have only one Union, with everyone able to do all jobs. This might work if they were willing to give training to everyone, so we could all do each other's work. Without training, there's just no way. I mean, would you feel safe doing electrical work, dealing with 480V of power, w/o the necesary training? Well, that's what my railroad would like us to do.
Anyway, I'm really just responsible for writing up time-claims (claims for pay if another craft does my Union's work), defending my union members in discipline hearings, and trying to make sure open jobs are covered with Overtime. They say some people are born to greatness and others have it thrust upon them.. I fall into the 2nd category. I think my Union brothers AND local management wanted me to take this position because I don't flip out as quickly as my predecessors. I don't freakin' know. Hopefully, I'll do a respectable job.
NCAA HOOP TOURNEY
Who gives a flyin' shit??!! No, I'm kidding. I know there are alot of you out there who have been hard at work filling out your bracket sheets, hoping to find the Sleeper, like last year's George Mason University, who will surprise alot of people and go deep into the tourney. My pick for tourney greatness this year? A #4 Seed is my pick. That would be the Pitt Panthers. From what I've heard, they are the hot team right now, physical, and playing with confidence. Just remember, when filling out your sheets, that at least 2 #1 seeds will probably make it to the Final Four. Good Luck.
I went back to the gym and started working out again. Looking to lose, like, 40-50 pounds. I think I can do it just through exercise and portion control. Hopefully, I'll lose a significant amount over then next year. Oh, but how my body hurts. Too much idle time. The initial aches and pains are the only bitch I have with working out. I get no pleasure from being in the gym. But it's my best bet. Good luck to me, right?
Thanks for visiting LEN IS RIGHT. I hope to be back soon with something interesting, and not just this day-by-day tripe. I've got to find a new issue with which I can rant like an animal and make you all remember why I am like a god among men. I know you ladies out there will always feel that way about me, but Ii need to get some cred with the fellas. Peace, I'm out!
I am,
Len Tollerton
Monday, March 17, 2008
1776, JOHN ADAMS, AND NEW AMSTERDAM
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
I hope everyone had a great weekend with absolutely no DWI problems. Did anyone go to their local St. Patrick's Day parade? We missed the one in Albany on Saturday. I think it's because I didn't want to bring the kids to some Irish bar and have a few drinks and then have to drive home.
1776
Last weekend, I took the family to see 1776 at the New York State Theater Institute in Troy. This has been our (me and She Who Wishes Not To Be Mentioned By Name) favorite musical for years. We both first saw it when we were in 7th Grade. Our Jr. High School sent all the classes over to the High School to watch the movie. Really great show, great songs, and fairly accurate. If you ever get the chance to rent the movie or see a live production of the show, I think you'll enjoy it. Which leads me to last night....
JOHN ADAMS ON HBO
Last night HBO started running their mini-series of John Adams, adapted from the recent biography that was in the bookstores. It stars Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as John and Abigail Adams, and although a tad slow, I really enjoyed the first 2 parts. The Revolutionary War is my favorite section of history and this mini-series paints, I believe, an unflinching, uncompromising picture of what life was like in the late 18th century. It is amazing to me what our Founding Fathers accomplished when trying to break free of England's rule. The scenes of people fighting small-pox is enough to know how difficult times were back then.
It got us to thinking about how lucky we are in today's world, in America, with our shopping malls and iPods, our coffee shops on every corner, our ability to get clothing and food and any other form of good, service, or entertainment we can think of, whenever we want it, especially here in the USA. We are truly lucky. Many of these things may not have been possible without the sacrifices that were made in the 1770's by people who were willing to put their heads in the hangman's noose because of what they believed in. Men like Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, and George Washington truly were heroes greater than any sports star we could ever hope to admire. To think about what it would take, in today's society, to do the things they did, boggles my mind. I don't think anyone today has that kind of staying power to see through their plans to make a better world. Today if that kind of stuff was tried, some secret government agency would kill the people and their families.
I have a T-shirt with a quote made by Benjamin Franklin in the 1770's. It reads," Those that are willing to sacrifice essential liberties in order to obtain temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Read that quote again and think about if it applies to today's world. Think about what it's like going to the airport and what you have to go through to get on a plane. Or, think about what the Bush administration wanted to do in regards to monitoring emails and phone calls in order to "protect" us from terrorists. We have turned our country into a State of Paranoia in order to make sure NOTHING can happen to us. And we, as a Nation, let the goverment do what they wanted. Obviously, these are just 2 examples of what I mean. But think about it....have we given up essential liberties we enjoyed, just to obtain a little temporary safety? Now, because of that, we lose out on many of our freedoms because of paranoia. When it comes to terrorists, you just can't stop them all can you?
What color does Homeland Securtiy have us under today? Orange, green, pink? (Pink is to protect us from Gay terrorists who want to color-coordinate our neighborhoods.....FABULOUS!!)
I rant on, but what I'm saying is, just once in a while, try to remember how lucky you all are to live in this country. Remember that while you're playing golf 3 times a week, while you're gossiping about the neighbors, while you're enjoying the 4th set of repeats of Rachael Ray on the Food Network, that there are thousands of troops all over the world trying to protect our way of life. Remember that there was a group of citizens who fought and died, or lost their families, homes and all they owned, just to make for us a new Nation. I doubt anyone in the USA would be willing to lay it all out there for the same kind of cause today. The best chance we have to conduct a revolution nowdays is to go to the voting booths and exercise your right to vote. And not just every 4 years for the Presidential election, but every year. We have a chance every year to voice our opinion. We may not always be heard, but enough people speaking usually gets someone's attention. Have the guts to throw people out of office. It's your right. Don't let down your Forefathers.
NEW AMSTERDAM
A new TV show started on FOX about 3 weeks ago, called New Amsterdam. It's a show about a guy who is a detective in present day America. The guy was born in 1642 and has been alive ever since. He saved a Native American back in the day, from a brutal attack. The woman laid a spell on him that would allow him to NOT age (past 35), or die until he finds his "One True Love." In the ensuing years, he has had many families (wives and kids), and has had to watch them all die from old age, all while he never aged or died. In the show there is an older (65 yrs. old) man who he hangs out with, who turned out to be his son. In any event, he solves crimes now, using his past experiences (in flashbacks) to help him with cases, all while still searching for "The One." I think it's a pretty cool show. Check it out if you get the chance.
LEN IS RIGHT about all of these things written today. Take it to the bank. I will be back this week with more. We have to discuss several things. Among them, the NCAA hoop tourney and some recent movies I've seen. Until then, be well. By the way, Jackson rolled a 203-519 this week at bowling. Dance Lesson #3 starts in 2 1/2 hours. See ya.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I hope everyone had a great weekend with absolutely no DWI problems. Did anyone go to their local St. Patrick's Day parade? We missed the one in Albany on Saturday. I think it's because I didn't want to bring the kids to some Irish bar and have a few drinks and then have to drive home.
1776
Last weekend, I took the family to see 1776 at the New York State Theater Institute in Troy. This has been our (me and She Who Wishes Not To Be Mentioned By Name) favorite musical for years. We both first saw it when we were in 7th Grade. Our Jr. High School sent all the classes over to the High School to watch the movie. Really great show, great songs, and fairly accurate. If you ever get the chance to rent the movie or see a live production of the show, I think you'll enjoy it. Which leads me to last night....
JOHN ADAMS ON HBO
Last night HBO started running their mini-series of John Adams, adapted from the recent biography that was in the bookstores. It stars Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as John and Abigail Adams, and although a tad slow, I really enjoyed the first 2 parts. The Revolutionary War is my favorite section of history and this mini-series paints, I believe, an unflinching, uncompromising picture of what life was like in the late 18th century. It is amazing to me what our Founding Fathers accomplished when trying to break free of England's rule. The scenes of people fighting small-pox is enough to know how difficult times were back then.
It got us to thinking about how lucky we are in today's world, in America, with our shopping malls and iPods, our coffee shops on every corner, our ability to get clothing and food and any other form of good, service, or entertainment we can think of, whenever we want it, especially here in the USA. We are truly lucky. Many of these things may not have been possible without the sacrifices that were made in the 1770's by people who were willing to put their heads in the hangman's noose because of what they believed in. Men like Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, and George Washington truly were heroes greater than any sports star we could ever hope to admire. To think about what it would take, in today's society, to do the things they did, boggles my mind. I don't think anyone today has that kind of staying power to see through their plans to make a better world. Today if that kind of stuff was tried, some secret government agency would kill the people and their families.
I have a T-shirt with a quote made by Benjamin Franklin in the 1770's. It reads," Those that are willing to sacrifice essential liberties in order to obtain temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Read that quote again and think about if it applies to today's world. Think about what it's like going to the airport and what you have to go through to get on a plane. Or, think about what the Bush administration wanted to do in regards to monitoring emails and phone calls in order to "protect" us from terrorists. We have turned our country into a State of Paranoia in order to make sure NOTHING can happen to us. And we, as a Nation, let the goverment do what they wanted. Obviously, these are just 2 examples of what I mean. But think about it....have we given up essential liberties we enjoyed, just to obtain a little temporary safety? Now, because of that, we lose out on many of our freedoms because of paranoia. When it comes to terrorists, you just can't stop them all can you?
What color does Homeland Securtiy have us under today? Orange, green, pink? (Pink is to protect us from Gay terrorists who want to color-coordinate our neighborhoods.....FABULOUS!!)
I rant on, but what I'm saying is, just once in a while, try to remember how lucky you all are to live in this country. Remember that while you're playing golf 3 times a week, while you're gossiping about the neighbors, while you're enjoying the 4th set of repeats of Rachael Ray on the Food Network, that there are thousands of troops all over the world trying to protect our way of life. Remember that there was a group of citizens who fought and died, or lost their families, homes and all they owned, just to make for us a new Nation. I doubt anyone in the USA would be willing to lay it all out there for the same kind of cause today. The best chance we have to conduct a revolution nowdays is to go to the voting booths and exercise your right to vote. And not just every 4 years for the Presidential election, but every year. We have a chance every year to voice our opinion. We may not always be heard, but enough people speaking usually gets someone's attention. Have the guts to throw people out of office. It's your right. Don't let down your Forefathers.
NEW AMSTERDAM
A new TV show started on FOX about 3 weeks ago, called New Amsterdam. It's a show about a guy who is a detective in present day America. The guy was born in 1642 and has been alive ever since. He saved a Native American back in the day, from a brutal attack. The woman laid a spell on him that would allow him to NOT age (past 35), or die until he finds his "One True Love." In the ensuing years, he has had many families (wives and kids), and has had to watch them all die from old age, all while he never aged or died. In the show there is an older (65 yrs. old) man who he hangs out with, who turned out to be his son. In any event, he solves crimes now, using his past experiences (in flashbacks) to help him with cases, all while still searching for "The One." I think it's a pretty cool show. Check it out if you get the chance.
LEN IS RIGHT about all of these things written today. Take it to the bank. I will be back this week with more. We have to discuss several things. Among them, the NCAA hoop tourney and some recent movies I've seen. Until then, be well. By the way, Jackson rolled a 203-519 this week at bowling. Dance Lesson #3 starts in 2 1/2 hours. See ya.
I am,
Len Tollerton
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