Hello my friends:
Warm and muggy in the Northeast. One day till the long-awaited Graduation Party extravaganza of friends Skyler and his cousin Meghan, children of Roy the G.B. King and the Edge of Darkness, respectively. The party will be at another family member's home, where there is an absolutely GREAT swimming pool. Looking forward to it as the family is a bunch of good people. Perhaps an impromptu Texas Hold-'Em tourney will materialize. All-In, baby!
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
And to what am I referring to? Kids. Or more accurately, kids playing sports in the yard, or during video games. When I was a kid and I'd play sports with my friends around the house, like whiffle ball or football or hoop, we would always have a running commentary going, like there was somebody broadcasting the games. I think even nowdays as an adult, my friends and I occasionally do it while we're on the golf course. (In high-class British accent)"We now go to the 14th tee, 182 yard Par 3, uphill and into the wind. Last year's Open Champion Chris Douglas will hit first. Oh, and he's hit a beauty. Tracking at the hole like a lawn-dart, you can almost hear the beeping as the ball homes in on its target. And OH MY!!, one bounce and off the flag stick, coming to rest 2 1/2 feet from the hole! He'll have a short birdie attempt from there. Now, Watervliet resident Robert the Bounty Hunter. Robert finished 367th in the U. S. Amateur Public Links and got a special exemption to be in this tournament when he beat the tournament Director in a heads-up poker game. Now The Hunter......Ian,... can you figure out why he's lined up so far to the left?" "Yes, Nigel, it's because Robert is a horrendous slicer of the ball." "I see. And Oh dear, you seem to be right, as is Robert, who has sliced his tee shot past the right-side bunker and into Old Butt-Crack Pond. What a shame."
That's kind of what we do today. And my kids, as I observe, do it too. What's strange is that my kids don't even watch sports on TV. I know that shocks all of you who know me, but it's true. Nevertheless, they give a broadcast, along with the "OH,what a great shot!!" kind of stuff they must hear from the TV when I watch sports. They're all great imitators, aren't they? Having kids makes you have to be careful of the things you say around the house. You might find the same sarcastic or vulgar stuff coming right back at you from the mouth of some kids, smart-ass or not.
GOOD-BYE TO THE SAUCE SITE.COM
July 31 will be the last day for www.thesaucesite.com I have decided to close it down and concenrtate more on this blog and erecting some other websites in order to generate some extra income for the family. Working at Amtrak in Rensselaer is the pits. I need 9 more years to get 30 and I need 17 more years to get to age 60 where I can retire. I am sure I can't take it that much longer, and I am bound and determined to find a niche in the marketplace, or somewhere out in the world, college degree or not, where I can excercise whatever talents I have and make the kind of income that I believe I should be making and be able to leave the esteem-sapping hole that is Amtrak. WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT THE WORKERS AT AMTRAK HAVE NOT HAD A RAISE IN 6 1/2 YEARS? That's not a misprint. Our last contract ran out in December of 1999. The management where I work is woefully sub-standard and exists somewhere in the 50's-70's era. I won't go into the whole thing now, but suffice to say, they need some management gurus who have kept up with modern management practices to come in, clean house of present management, and get the morale, caring, and production back up. We all do our job and get the trains out on time, but absolutely no one cares. Ah, c'est la vie. You don't like the station you're listening to, change it, if you get my drift.
Alright everybody, have a great weekend. I was able to get the second Pick in my Fantasy Football League's draft, so Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks will be coming to play for the Assassins in the Pit of Despair. Be VERY Afraid.
And if you do NOTHING else this weekend, please remeber that....LEN IS RIGHT!!
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, July 21, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Answering another from SHEISFROMHELL
Greetings Folks:
Just a shortie today. Had some insomnia problems yesterday and need to get some sleep. The midnight shift has finally caught up to me after 2 1/2 years, and I'm starting to feel it. Body isn't right, have gained a bunch of weight (from eating just before sleeping), and seem to have lost some mental sharpness from lack of sleep. Will be on this shift for one more week, then my job has been abolished and it's Vacation Relief and shift-bouncing for me. Oh well, at least I'll be able to sleep with my wife more than 2 nights/week.
Another Advice Question from SHEISFROM HELL:
aND i QUOTE..."Another Question....we are more than a week into this Middle East conflict and the US seems to be sitting back with their thumb up their ass. Pres. George W. Bush is saying he won't decide how Israelis should defend themselves.The White House believes that quickly ending the hostilities would be a bad thing - because it would leave the underlying problems unresolved.....what the F***??????"
Answer: First off, quickly ending ANY conflict would be bad for the Bush Administration because that would slow, or dry up, Defense production and affect the pocketbooks of Mr. Bush and his Texas cronies. From 2001 till now the Bush administration, in my opinion, has been all about lies, and taking care of his campaign contributors. He stole the election from Gore in 2000 with the Florida "chad" scandal. He's dropped the ball repeatedly when it mattered most (9-11, and Katrina/New Orleans). He's kept a foolish war going, allowing Americans to be killed for nothing that interests us. Saddam Hussein didn't send the terrorists. And IMHO he has just been complete embarassment to our country when dealing with foreign heads of state.
The fools in this country elected him TWICE! NO WAY did his first term justify him being reelected. But the Democrats sent another uninspiring dildo up against him. Kind of like Dukakis in the 80's. Anyhoooo.... the USA has been kissing Isreal's ass for decades and that won't stop because they are the military POWER in the Mid-East and they are backed up by an uber-wealthy Jewish Community, here in the States. Kind of like Irish taverns in NY City taking up collections for Irish causes and sending the money to the IRA. Plus, where do you think Israel gets alot of their military equipment from? I would bet it's us, the good ole' USA.
Don't look for any rapid solutions to anything from this guy. And don't look for anything to be satisfactorilly solved until 2008, when he is finally done in Office and hopefully the Dems can nominate someone who can do the job, looking out for Americans instead of lining his own pocket and allowing massive borrowing from other countries, like China and Japan. Bush has sold us to the Devil and may be part of the Demonic cabal himself. He's got to go. Him, Cheney the Great White Hunter, and the rest of their foolish supporters.
Hey, You wanted answers from Len Is Right? You got 'em. Didn't say they'd be liked or respected. Just Right. Book it, because Len Is Right. You know that.
What will be tomorrow's burning question from the minions be? Make sure to tune in again to the only place to retain your sanity.........LEN IS RIGHT!!
PLEASE VISIT MY LINKS. YOU WILL DEFINITELY FIND SOMETHING OF INTEREST. MY LINKS LOVE ME AND YOU SHOULD LOVE MY LINKS.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Just a shortie today. Had some insomnia problems yesterday and need to get some sleep. The midnight shift has finally caught up to me after 2 1/2 years, and I'm starting to feel it. Body isn't right, have gained a bunch of weight (from eating just before sleeping), and seem to have lost some mental sharpness from lack of sleep. Will be on this shift for one more week, then my job has been abolished and it's Vacation Relief and shift-bouncing for me. Oh well, at least I'll be able to sleep with my wife more than 2 nights/week.
Another Advice Question from SHEISFROM HELL:
aND i QUOTE..."Another Question....we are more than a week into this Middle East conflict and the US seems to be sitting back with their thumb up their ass. Pres. George W. Bush is saying he won't decide how Israelis should defend themselves.The White House believes that quickly ending the hostilities would be a bad thing - because it would leave the underlying problems unresolved.....what the F***??????"
Answer: First off, quickly ending ANY conflict would be bad for the Bush Administration because that would slow, or dry up, Defense production and affect the pocketbooks of Mr. Bush and his Texas cronies. From 2001 till now the Bush administration, in my opinion, has been all about lies, and taking care of his campaign contributors. He stole the election from Gore in 2000 with the Florida "chad" scandal. He's dropped the ball repeatedly when it mattered most (9-11, and Katrina/New Orleans). He's kept a foolish war going, allowing Americans to be killed for nothing that interests us. Saddam Hussein didn't send the terrorists. And IMHO he has just been complete embarassment to our country when dealing with foreign heads of state.
The fools in this country elected him TWICE! NO WAY did his first term justify him being reelected. But the Democrats sent another uninspiring dildo up against him. Kind of like Dukakis in the 80's. Anyhoooo.... the USA has been kissing Isreal's ass for decades and that won't stop because they are the military POWER in the Mid-East and they are backed up by an uber-wealthy Jewish Community, here in the States. Kind of like Irish taverns in NY City taking up collections for Irish causes and sending the money to the IRA. Plus, where do you think Israel gets alot of their military equipment from? I would bet it's us, the good ole' USA.
Don't look for any rapid solutions to anything from this guy. And don't look for anything to be satisfactorilly solved until 2008, when he is finally done in Office and hopefully the Dems can nominate someone who can do the job, looking out for Americans instead of lining his own pocket and allowing massive borrowing from other countries, like China and Japan. Bush has sold us to the Devil and may be part of the Demonic cabal himself. He's got to go. Him, Cheney the Great White Hunter, and the rest of their foolish supporters.
Hey, You wanted answers from Len Is Right? You got 'em. Didn't say they'd be liked or respected. Just Right. Book it, because Len Is Right. You know that.
What will be tomorrow's burning question from the minions be? Make sure to tune in again to the only place to retain your sanity.........LEN IS RIGHT!!
PLEASE VISIT MY LINKS. YOU WILL DEFINITELY FIND SOMETHING OF INTEREST. MY LINKS LOVE ME AND YOU SHOULD LOVE MY LINKS.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
2 SAUCES AND A MARINADE
Hey, how is everyone today?
Today is another beautiful summer day in the Northeast. High 80's and sunny. Finally, a real summer-like week of weather. Many people complain that it's been too hot, but not me. I wait out months of cold, windy, gray, crap weather for the hot and sunny. Bring it on baby!!
THE FIRST ADVICE QUESTION GETS ANSWERED
My friend, SHEISFROMHELL, posted the question: Why is it that an Amtrak engineer can drive a train but cannot use a phone?
ANSWER: This question, seemingly, is akin to "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?" First off, it must be noted that I know of the Amtrak Engineer of which you speak. His nickname at work is "The Big Dummy," which, unfortunately, tells you alot. I believe, at this point, that SHEISFROMHELL has one of two choices if she is to retain her sanity. NUMBER ONE: Call HIM on the phone and tell him to "shit or get off the pot." Explain things from beginning to end. Tell him to call or don't call again. Make plans a couple days in advance, like a scheduled date, or don't bother calling back, etc... NUMBER TWO: Blow him off and MOVE ON. If he can't think enough to call now, how will he be a year from now when it's time to remember your birthday, Valentine's Day, etc...? Don't you let the Big Dummy take girlfriend for a ride. You betta' than that, baby. You know you got it goin' on. Like the man in the Barber Shop says, "NEXT!!!" Of course you know....LEN IS RIGHT.
THE POST FOR TODAY
Today, I'm going to throw a little curveball at everyone. Instead of ranting about whatever hot topic is in my brain, I thought I'd do something that my Welcome area discusses. Sauce. And seeing that it's dead in the middle of summer, I thought I'd provide you with the recipes for 2 chilled sauces that are easy to make and one marinade to use on chicken, because I know you all love to do that grillin' in the HOT weather.
Horseradish Sauce
Here is the recipe to make Horseradish Sauce. This is great for using on sandwiches or as a dip. You can buy a pre-made bottled version in the grocery stores. A company called Woebber's makes an EXCELLENT Horseradish sauce. But many people like to use their own favorite, or fresh horseradish. Depending on your tolerance, you may want to kick up the heat by using a hotter horseradish. So, here goes:
Ingredients
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
Procedure
In a small bowl whisk together horseradish, vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise, ground red pepper and sour cream.
Very easy and super-fresh tasting
Cool Cucumber Dill Sauce
This sauce is a real winner in summer. It goes great as a chip/appetizer dip and as a cool sauce for salmon and other fish. I eat alot of fish in the summer, so I tend to seek out stuff to put on my dinners, cause I'm never satisfied with plain.
Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 large cucumber, peeled, sliced lengthwise, seeded and chopped
1 Tbs. dill weed, or to taste
kosher salt to taste
white pepper to taste
Preparation:
In a bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix to blend. Add cucumber and dill, and mix thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. Very easy, very quick, and it really can cool you down.
Three Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe
In many marinade recipes, they tell you to marinate for 1-2 hours. But since I like bolder flavors, I generally marinate for longer, and ideally, overnight if I remember. Chicken on the grill, baby. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!!
Ingredients:
1/2 c Fresh lime juice
1/2 c Fresh lemon juice
1/2 c Fresh orange juice
1/2 c Olive oil
4 Cloves garlic minced
2 ts Coarsely ground black-pepper
3 Crushed bay leaves
3 tb Chopped cilantro(also known as coriander)
Your choice of skinned-chicken parts
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in shallow wide mixing bowl.
Add chicken and marinate 1-2 hours. Longer for better flavor.
Grill or broil, brushing marinade on chicken 2-3 times.
NOW GO, MY MINIONS!! COOK! EAT! ENJOY!!
I don't know about you, but I seem to enjoy food more in the summertime. I think it's the fresher, non-hothouse produce. Doesn't a big tossed salad with lots of veggies, meats and cheeses with a gin-and-tonic or a fresh margarita always seem to taste better when you're sitting out on the patio, in shorts and flip-flops, instead of in the winter, indoors, staring out at the frozen tundra? It does to me.
You can find these recipes and MANY more at the Sauce Site.
http://www.thesaucesite.com
Taste the fresh goodness of life, my friends. Step out of your box when cooking and embrace experimentation. You may find some foods, sauces and techniques that become traditions that you can pass down to the rest of your family. Taste Life. LEN IS RIGHT loves ya baby!
Until next time, I am,
Len Tollerton
Today is another beautiful summer day in the Northeast. High 80's and sunny. Finally, a real summer-like week of weather. Many people complain that it's been too hot, but not me. I wait out months of cold, windy, gray, crap weather for the hot and sunny. Bring it on baby!!
THE FIRST ADVICE QUESTION GETS ANSWERED
My friend, SHEISFROMHELL, posted the question: Why is it that an Amtrak engineer can drive a train but cannot use a phone?
ANSWER: This question, seemingly, is akin to "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?" First off, it must be noted that I know of the Amtrak Engineer of which you speak. His nickname at work is "The Big Dummy," which, unfortunately, tells you alot. I believe, at this point, that SHEISFROMHELL has one of two choices if she is to retain her sanity. NUMBER ONE: Call HIM on the phone and tell him to "shit or get off the pot." Explain things from beginning to end. Tell him to call or don't call again. Make plans a couple days in advance, like a scheduled date, or don't bother calling back, etc... NUMBER TWO: Blow him off and MOVE ON. If he can't think enough to call now, how will he be a year from now when it's time to remember your birthday, Valentine's Day, etc...? Don't you let the Big Dummy take girlfriend for a ride. You betta' than that, baby. You know you got it goin' on. Like the man in the Barber Shop says, "NEXT!!!" Of course you know....LEN IS RIGHT.
THE POST FOR TODAY
Today, I'm going to throw a little curveball at everyone. Instead of ranting about whatever hot topic is in my brain, I thought I'd do something that my Welcome area discusses. Sauce. And seeing that it's dead in the middle of summer, I thought I'd provide you with the recipes for 2 chilled sauces that are easy to make and one marinade to use on chicken, because I know you all love to do that grillin' in the HOT weather.
Horseradish Sauce
Here is the recipe to make Horseradish Sauce. This is great for using on sandwiches or as a dip. You can buy a pre-made bottled version in the grocery stores. A company called Woebber's makes an EXCELLENT Horseradish sauce. But many people like to use their own favorite, or fresh horseradish. Depending on your tolerance, you may want to kick up the heat by using a hotter horseradish. So, here goes:
Ingredients
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
Procedure
In a small bowl whisk together horseradish, vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise, ground red pepper and sour cream.
Very easy and super-fresh tasting
Cool Cucumber Dill Sauce
This sauce is a real winner in summer. It goes great as a chip/appetizer dip and as a cool sauce for salmon and other fish. I eat alot of fish in the summer, so I tend to seek out stuff to put on my dinners, cause I'm never satisfied with plain.
Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 large cucumber, peeled, sliced lengthwise, seeded and chopped
1 Tbs. dill weed, or to taste
kosher salt to taste
white pepper to taste
Preparation:
In a bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix to blend. Add cucumber and dill, and mix thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. Very easy, very quick, and it really can cool you down.
Three Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe
In many marinade recipes, they tell you to marinate for 1-2 hours. But since I like bolder flavors, I generally marinate for longer, and ideally, overnight if I remember. Chicken on the grill, baby. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!!
Ingredients:
1/2 c Fresh lime juice
1/2 c Fresh lemon juice
1/2 c Fresh orange juice
1/2 c Olive oil
4 Cloves garlic minced
2 ts Coarsely ground black-pepper
3 Crushed bay leaves
3 tb Chopped cilantro(also known as coriander)
Your choice of skinned-chicken parts
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in shallow wide mixing bowl.
Add chicken and marinate 1-2 hours. Longer for better flavor.
Grill or broil, brushing marinade on chicken 2-3 times.
NOW GO, MY MINIONS!! COOK! EAT! ENJOY!!
I don't know about you, but I seem to enjoy food more in the summertime. I think it's the fresher, non-hothouse produce. Doesn't a big tossed salad with lots of veggies, meats and cheeses with a gin-and-tonic or a fresh margarita always seem to taste better when you're sitting out on the patio, in shorts and flip-flops, instead of in the winter, indoors, staring out at the frozen tundra? It does to me.
You can find these recipes and MANY more at the Sauce Site.
http://www.thesaucesite.com
Taste the fresh goodness of life, my friends. Step out of your box when cooking and embrace experimentation. You may find some foods, sauces and techniques that become traditions that you can pass down to the rest of your family. Taste Life. LEN IS RIGHT loves ya baby!
Until next time, I am,
Len Tollerton
Monday, July 17, 2006
A NEW FEATURE AT LEN IS RIGHT!!
My friends and avid readers:
Here at Len Is Right we are always striving to bring you the best in observations of life, sports, religion, food and my beloved sauces, and the world in general. We are always trying to make sure we stay on the cutting edge by bringing you the freshest of topics and giving you insights on how life should be lived, tolerated, and enjoyed as we here at Len Is Right see it.
Given that fact and given that our pledge to you, the faithful reader, is that we will strive to help you along in your search for truth, justice, and sanity in these trying times, Len Is Right will now bring you a New Feature. Starting today, and continuing from now on, Len Is Right will give you the Answers to all questions you may have. That is not to say that Len Is Right is turning into Ask Jeeves. Please read on....
ADVICE FOR ALL!!
That's right folks. Advice for all. This is NOT Dear Abby. I will not pull any punches. I will give you the advice that is needed without concern for feelings. Why? Because if you want the real answers, the real advice, you have to get it the Len Is Right way. And that's what I promise.
I know what you're wondering. What kind of person asks for advice at Len Is Right? Who is your advice for? Those are good questions. And our answer is, we have advice for the love-lorn. Advice for the morally bankrupt. Advice for the wandering of spirit. Advice for the confused. Advice for the stupid. Advice for the curious. If you need advice we have your answer. We'll tell you how to find the right mate. We'll tell you how to find the right job, how to deal with difficult people, and who to bribe when the chips are down. We'll tell you how much to tip, what cold medicines are best, and as you well know, what sauces to try. Which car to buy, which shoes to accessorize with, which style of condom to use, why teaching is the most important profession, which Running Back to start on your fantasy team, the pros and cons of charcoal and gas when grilling, and why you should NEVER, EVER say to a woman, "Hey lady, who lit the fuse on your tampon?"
C'MON LEN, WHAT'S THE CATCH?
The Catch, and there is a catch people, is that I require your participation. I can't answer questions and give advice if you're not willing to join the fray. So far, the only person who has left comments is the Edge Of Darkness. While this mirrors our Fantasy Football League (where I am the Commissioner), it would behoove others to write in. You can easily be a part of the LEN IS RIGHT community by just clicking on the Leave Comment button at the end of each fresh blog. I will then address your question in the next blog. If you are reluctant to leave your real name, give yourself an alias, like the Edge of Darkness, or Born To Eat Toast, or even Breaks Wind At Formal Dinners. Or, if you prefer, you can email me at inextools@hotpop.com
All we are asking is that you give Len Is Right a chance to prove two things. We can come up with an answer for any question, and that YOU are smart because you know that LEN IS RIGHT.
So, there it is. My challenge and cordial invitation to you. And please, please, please pass the site address on to your ENTIRE address list. Because, how can the world be made right if it doesn't know that Len Is Right? This act of selflessness will bring many thanks from ALL the people in your life when they realize that it was you that hooked them up with LEN IS RIGHT.
THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS ENLIGHTENMENT HAS BEGUN
...and you, my friends, are at the forefront. Accept the role of Pioneer. Realize the true greatness that is being thrust upon you. Embrace YOUR rightness. You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or you can teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Help the world to know that LEN IS RIGHT. I can't do it alone, though I try my best. Spread the Word, Sing the Chant, Be Right. Tell them all that LEN IS RIGHT.
Be at Peace.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Here at Len Is Right we are always striving to bring you the best in observations of life, sports, religion, food and my beloved sauces, and the world in general. We are always trying to make sure we stay on the cutting edge by bringing you the freshest of topics and giving you insights on how life should be lived, tolerated, and enjoyed as we here at Len Is Right see it.
Given that fact and given that our pledge to you, the faithful reader, is that we will strive to help you along in your search for truth, justice, and sanity in these trying times, Len Is Right will now bring you a New Feature. Starting today, and continuing from now on, Len Is Right will give you the Answers to all questions you may have. That is not to say that Len Is Right is turning into Ask Jeeves. Please read on....
ADVICE FOR ALL!!
That's right folks. Advice for all. This is NOT Dear Abby. I will not pull any punches. I will give you the advice that is needed without concern for feelings. Why? Because if you want the real answers, the real advice, you have to get it the Len Is Right way. And that's what I promise.
I know what you're wondering. What kind of person asks for advice at Len Is Right? Who is your advice for? Those are good questions. And our answer is, we have advice for the love-lorn. Advice for the morally bankrupt. Advice for the wandering of spirit. Advice for the confused. Advice for the stupid. Advice for the curious. If you need advice we have your answer. We'll tell you how to find the right mate. We'll tell you how to find the right job, how to deal with difficult people, and who to bribe when the chips are down. We'll tell you how much to tip, what cold medicines are best, and as you well know, what sauces to try. Which car to buy, which shoes to accessorize with, which style of condom to use, why teaching is the most important profession, which Running Back to start on your fantasy team, the pros and cons of charcoal and gas when grilling, and why you should NEVER, EVER say to a woman, "Hey lady, who lit the fuse on your tampon?"
C'MON LEN, WHAT'S THE CATCH?
The Catch, and there is a catch people, is that I require your participation. I can't answer questions and give advice if you're not willing to join the fray. So far, the only person who has left comments is the Edge Of Darkness. While this mirrors our Fantasy Football League (where I am the Commissioner), it would behoove others to write in. You can easily be a part of the LEN IS RIGHT community by just clicking on the Leave Comment button at the end of each fresh blog. I will then address your question in the next blog. If you are reluctant to leave your real name, give yourself an alias, like the Edge of Darkness, or Born To Eat Toast, or even Breaks Wind At Formal Dinners. Or, if you prefer, you can email me at inextools@hotpop.com
All we are asking is that you give Len Is Right a chance to prove two things. We can come up with an answer for any question, and that YOU are smart because you know that LEN IS RIGHT.
So, there it is. My challenge and cordial invitation to you. And please, please, please pass the site address on to your ENTIRE address list. Because, how can the world be made right if it doesn't know that Len Is Right? This act of selflessness will bring many thanks from ALL the people in your life when they realize that it was you that hooked them up with LEN IS RIGHT.
THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS ENLIGHTENMENT HAS BEGUN
...and you, my friends, are at the forefront. Accept the role of Pioneer. Realize the true greatness that is being thrust upon you. Embrace YOUR rightness. You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or you can teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Help the world to know that LEN IS RIGHT. I can't do it alone, though I try my best. Spread the Word, Sing the Chant, Be Right. Tell them all that LEN IS RIGHT.
Be at Peace.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Thursday, July 13, 2006
LANDLORDING AND THE ESPN SPORTS AUCTION
Hello everyone:
Thanks for stopping by Len Is Right. You are at the right place to clear your head of murky thoughts. Only clarity here as Len Is Right can only make you an ACCURATE thinker. Today, I'm going to discuss a few things and I'm going to stay as positive as possible, cause I don't want to drag anyone down into depression. Here goes:
LOSER TENANTS AND BEING A LANDLORD
I've owned a 2-family house since 1989. I moved out in 1997, and continued to rent out both halves. In all the time I've owned the house, I've run into all sorts of people. I've had tenants who were great, paid on time, took care of things, treated my house like it was theirs. I've also had tenants who were, for lack of a better term, scumbags. These would be people who were late on the rent every month, didn't mow the lawn or rake the leaves, as agreed to, or just blatantly destroyed stuff before they moved out.
These are some of the things you have to consider if you're going to own an income property. Another thing would be the hassle of finding new tenants. Screening people with a Tenant Questionairre is a must. You must get job info, past landlord info, and whether the prospective tenant likes it or not, bank account info. These days, you can't do enough to protect yourself. If a person is serious and is on the up and up, they won't mind giving you certain information to prove they are sincere and a good risk. It only takes a couple of times of getting burned my losers to learn the lesson.
Presently, I am trying to get rid of one of my tenants. She was an exemplary tenant for almost 1 year. Then, her ex-convict, formerly drunken husband gets out of jail, moves in without informing me and I find out he is very controlling. Now, she has changed and refuses to pay me for the last month's rent, saying she can use her Security Deposit, which violates her lease. My Tenant Agreements (leases) have always been on a month-to-month basis. This means that if one of us needs to make a change, you have to give thirty (30) days notice to the other person. I find this works better than a 1-year lease, because it seems to allow the tenant to lock-in for too long. The quicker that you can get them out, the better. While this may not be by the exact letter-of-the-law, it is usually acceptable to most people. As long as you come up with a plausible reason for them to leave, there is generally not a problem. Some people go out of their way to fight it. At that point you need to go through the expensive and time-consuming Eviction process. This is a pain in the butt, and usually gives them time to destroy your house. Once you get the police to show up, it ends quickly, but who wants to go through that? Now I have to decide whether to have the police remove her, or deal with her after she moves out in Small-Claims court and attempt to go on a campaign to sully her name at her workplace and anyplace else publicly where I can embarass her by telling people how she really is, OR I can take the High Road and chalk it up to experience and eat it. This is probably the way I'll go, because I can't let my life degenerate into those kinds of actions. If the apartment is left in bad shape or destroyed in any way, I'll just take her to court, and then have her husband sent back to jail for destruction of property.
Thus, it behooves you to do your homework beforehand when screening, although that's not a certainty because people can change and become losers overnight. Enough about that. On to something else.
THE ESPN JIMMY V AUCTION
Yesterday (July 12), ESPN held the 2nd annual Sports auction to benefit the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. The items auctioned off were autographed sports items (footballs, helmets, jerseys, etc...) and awesome sports-themed experiences (tickets, tours, and meet and greets to Monday Night Football games, College football games, etc...). Most of these items were very high priced ($250-$25,000). However, you could just make a small donation to help the cause. All day on ESPN Radio the different programs were centered around the items and the cause. One of the things they said was that each and every one of us either has had cancer, has a family member, or has a friend or acquaintance who has been affected by cancer.
During the day, the hosts played a couple of clips from the famous goodbye speech made by Jim Valvano before he died. In it, he said that there are 3 things each of us should make sure to do every day. One, Laugh. We should all laugh each day. Two, Think. We should all spend some time in thought each day. Give yourself a few quiet minutes out of your busy day to spend in quiet thought. It doesn't matter what you think about. Love, life, business, spirituality, sports, likes, dislikes, friends, whatever. And finally, we should each allow our emotions to be moved to tears everyday. Laugh, Think, and Cry once per day. He said if you do that, you will surely experience a full life. In short, take the time to taste life and experience true feelings. For, what is life if you go through cold, bitter, and unaware? It is a waste.
Many of the hosts took calls from people who had been affected by cancer in certain ways, and were helped by charity, or friends and family, etc... A couple of times, the hosts went completely quiet on air as they tried to reign-in their own emotions, sometimes unsuccessfully. One took the time to apologize about it. But as I listened, I felt that he was only showing a human side. Too many times I've wondered how some radio and TV newsmen manage to not tear-up or even break down in tears over heartbreaking stories (certain 9-1-1 stories come to mind) that they report. It's a job that I don't know if I could do.
If you'd like to make a donation to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, just dial
1-800-4-JIMMY-V.
KEEP LIVING THAT LIFE
Thanks to all of you who make a positive difference in the lives of friends, family and those around you. Continue to experience your total range of emotions. Take a little time each day to remember someone close to you who has left the earth. Taste life. You only get one. Don't waste your time wallowing in despair, sorrow, hate, anger, and spite. Life on Earth is too short. Make a donation to charity once in a while. Experiment with food when you cook. Try to have fun with everything you do. Squeeze the juice out of the fruit of life. It's full and you can never deplete it, till it's time to go. And even then it rejuvenates for those still left alive. Get your piece, drink that juice, taste that LIFE, baby!!!
Why should you do this? BECAUSE LEN IS RIGHT!!!!!!
But you knew that.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Thanks for stopping by Len Is Right. You are at the right place to clear your head of murky thoughts. Only clarity here as Len Is Right can only make you an ACCURATE thinker. Today, I'm going to discuss a few things and I'm going to stay as positive as possible, cause I don't want to drag anyone down into depression. Here goes:
LOSER TENANTS AND BEING A LANDLORD
I've owned a 2-family house since 1989. I moved out in 1997, and continued to rent out both halves. In all the time I've owned the house, I've run into all sorts of people. I've had tenants who were great, paid on time, took care of things, treated my house like it was theirs. I've also had tenants who were, for lack of a better term, scumbags. These would be people who were late on the rent every month, didn't mow the lawn or rake the leaves, as agreed to, or just blatantly destroyed stuff before they moved out.
These are some of the things you have to consider if you're going to own an income property. Another thing would be the hassle of finding new tenants. Screening people with a Tenant Questionairre is a must. You must get job info, past landlord info, and whether the prospective tenant likes it or not, bank account info. These days, you can't do enough to protect yourself. If a person is serious and is on the up and up, they won't mind giving you certain information to prove they are sincere and a good risk. It only takes a couple of times of getting burned my losers to learn the lesson.
Presently, I am trying to get rid of one of my tenants. She was an exemplary tenant for almost 1 year. Then, her ex-convict, formerly drunken husband gets out of jail, moves in without informing me and I find out he is very controlling. Now, she has changed and refuses to pay me for the last month's rent, saying she can use her Security Deposit, which violates her lease. My Tenant Agreements (leases) have always been on a month-to-month basis. This means that if one of us needs to make a change, you have to give thirty (30) days notice to the other person. I find this works better than a 1-year lease, because it seems to allow the tenant to lock-in for too long. The quicker that you can get them out, the better. While this may not be by the exact letter-of-the-law, it is usually acceptable to most people. As long as you come up with a plausible reason for them to leave, there is generally not a problem. Some people go out of their way to fight it. At that point you need to go through the expensive and time-consuming Eviction process. This is a pain in the butt, and usually gives them time to destroy your house. Once you get the police to show up, it ends quickly, but who wants to go through that? Now I have to decide whether to have the police remove her, or deal with her after she moves out in Small-Claims court and attempt to go on a campaign to sully her name at her workplace and anyplace else publicly where I can embarass her by telling people how she really is, OR I can take the High Road and chalk it up to experience and eat it. This is probably the way I'll go, because I can't let my life degenerate into those kinds of actions. If the apartment is left in bad shape or destroyed in any way, I'll just take her to court, and then have her husband sent back to jail for destruction of property.
Thus, it behooves you to do your homework beforehand when screening, although that's not a certainty because people can change and become losers overnight. Enough about that. On to something else.
THE ESPN JIMMY V AUCTION
Yesterday (July 12), ESPN held the 2nd annual Sports auction to benefit the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. The items auctioned off were autographed sports items (footballs, helmets, jerseys, etc...) and awesome sports-themed experiences (tickets, tours, and meet and greets to Monday Night Football games, College football games, etc...). Most of these items were very high priced ($250-$25,000). However, you could just make a small donation to help the cause. All day on ESPN Radio the different programs were centered around the items and the cause. One of the things they said was that each and every one of us either has had cancer, has a family member, or has a friend or acquaintance who has been affected by cancer.
During the day, the hosts played a couple of clips from the famous goodbye speech made by Jim Valvano before he died. In it, he said that there are 3 things each of us should make sure to do every day. One, Laugh. We should all laugh each day. Two, Think. We should all spend some time in thought each day. Give yourself a few quiet minutes out of your busy day to spend in quiet thought. It doesn't matter what you think about. Love, life, business, spirituality, sports, likes, dislikes, friends, whatever. And finally, we should each allow our emotions to be moved to tears everyday. Laugh, Think, and Cry once per day. He said if you do that, you will surely experience a full life. In short, take the time to taste life and experience true feelings. For, what is life if you go through cold, bitter, and unaware? It is a waste.
Many of the hosts took calls from people who had been affected by cancer in certain ways, and were helped by charity, or friends and family, etc... A couple of times, the hosts went completely quiet on air as they tried to reign-in their own emotions, sometimes unsuccessfully. One took the time to apologize about it. But as I listened, I felt that he was only showing a human side. Too many times I've wondered how some radio and TV newsmen manage to not tear-up or even break down in tears over heartbreaking stories (certain 9-1-1 stories come to mind) that they report. It's a job that I don't know if I could do.
If you'd like to make a donation to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, just dial
1-800-4-JIMMY-V.
KEEP LIVING THAT LIFE
Thanks to all of you who make a positive difference in the lives of friends, family and those around you. Continue to experience your total range of emotions. Take a little time each day to remember someone close to you who has left the earth. Taste life. You only get one. Don't waste your time wallowing in despair, sorrow, hate, anger, and spite. Life on Earth is too short. Make a donation to charity once in a while. Experiment with food when you cook. Try to have fun with everything you do. Squeeze the juice out of the fruit of life. It's full and you can never deplete it, till it's time to go. And even then it rejuvenates for those still left alive. Get your piece, drink that juice, taste that LIFE, baby!!!
Why should you do this? BECAUSE LEN IS RIGHT!!!!!!
But you knew that.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
RAINMAN, POKER, AND FUNERALS
What to talk about today? Several topics to whet the appetite, to be sure. First off, one of the weekend acivities and then we'll move on to a couple of other topics I've been thinking about.
RAINMAN AND THE DAYTONA AVE. POKER SHOWDOWN
This past Saturday, I attended the Daytona Ave. Summer Poker Showdown. I usually run this event, but this year the host, Big Ed, decided to take the reigns, allowing me to concentrate on my game and not be distracted by the logistical duties that go into running a tourney.
Many of the Usual Suspects were there. Myself, Big Ed, Little Ed, Fred, Roy the G.B. King, Kevin who lives lucky, and Pete the Rainman. Missing were DVK, Rob L., Ken King, Chuck the Edge of Darkness, and DotCom Destroyer.
I hadn't been in a tourney in a while. There were only 23 players, but a very competitive, very experienced group. My play was solid all day as I watched the Eds, then Fred, then Kev all get eliminated. Roy and I found ourselves sitting at the Final Table before long. I was fairly short stacked, but made a couple of huge moves and found myself close to the chip lead. One guy was knocked out and we were down to 8, when I had my first and only brain-fart of the day. I held K-Q suited in my hand and the flop comes up Q-4-9. The guy on my right me bets $3000. I go over the top of him and go All-In for $13,700. Before I can get the words "All-In" completely out of my mouth, I hear to my left, "All-In" from the voice of Rainman. I hadn't noticed that he was still holding cards. The original bettor now folds and I know I'm in trouble cause Rainman is such a crappy player, but with big-time luck, that I know he doesn't make this move w/o something. I'm right, and he turns over his Pocket 4's to make 3-of-a-kind and absolutely DECIMATES my stack. Now I'm the short stack and there's still 8 players left.
At this point I go into shutdown mode and proceed to fold and grind for 2 hours. With 6 players left, 2 of them with larger stacks than myself go All-In and Rainman calls. He knocks them both out on the same hand and now we are down to 4. I'm very happy because they are only paying 4 spots and one of the other guys is Roy. Because of where we are seated, everytime Roy deals, I am in the Big Blind. 7 straight times that Roy deals, I double up my stack (not alot), and am able to fold, UNTIL.....I, of course, get called by Rainman on an All-In and get knocked out in 4th place. Roy holds on for a few more hands to get 3rd. Raiman and the other guy play Heads-Up for the next 2 hours and Rainman finally takes him down to win his second tournament in his last 3 tries. Does he win by luck or skill? Definitely more luck, though I think his overall game has improved. I figure if I don't have the brain fart and stay within myself, things turn out differently. But who can say for sure? Maybe there was a bigger brain fart down the road and things turned out the best that they could have. Roy and I still have no plaques, while Pete the Rainman has 2. What does this tell us? I guess Roy and I are saps.
FUNERALS
Just a little opinion piece on funerals and a choice. The choice offered is either traditional casket and burial, or cremation. Here is my thinking on this. From a grief and mourning standpoint, the casket/burial method is best. You can actually see the person and seeing allows you to realize the finality of the situation. You can really get in touch with your grief when you see the body of a loved one. And in my opinion, that is the ONLY REASON to go for the casket/burial method. Folks, for many reasons, some of which I'll discuss, cremation is a FAR BETTER, more responsible choice of dealing with the remains of the departed.
First, it's ALOT cheaper. $1500-$2000 for cremation, as opposed to the price of a new car, in many instances, for the traditional method. Next, land space. Do we really need to devote more of our precious land space in this country to burying the dead? Eventually, generations down the road, we'll need the space, and people don't want to have to dig up graveyards at that point. Next, it helps the environment. Ashes biodegrade quickly, or are very easily stored at home in a small space.
I'm sure the casket manufacturerers will want my head for this, but it just makes more sense. What is the point of boxing and burying bodies? It does no one any good. It's not like we're going to use them again. We smartly harvest organs for transplant now. Why keep a carcass? The funeral industry, with the help of many organized religions, has been bilking mankind for centuries. What a scam. "Hey Jim, I've got a great idea. When people die, we'll sell their families a box for $5000. Then we'll get a law made that the box has to be put inside ANOTHER, heavier box for $3000. Then....get this...we'll sell them a 8x4x7 foot piece of land to bury the boxes in for another $1500. Then...are you ready?...we'll sell them a carved marble stone to mark the place where the box is buried, so they don't forget. Plus, we can charge them another grand or two to perform this service and say a few "prayers." I figure, anyone who dies, we can make anywhere from $7500-$20,000. People are dying EVERYDAY!!! We are going to CLEAN UP!! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
Folks, I believe, as time goes on, that it is our moral responsibility to cremate our dead. Please be real...they can't feel the flames. It's the smart choice...it's the moral choice...it's the right choice. If you really care about the Earth. If you really want to honor your departed loved ones. If you want to prove again that Len Is Right, you'll make this change in your thinking and embrace cremation. I'd love to hear your opinion. don't be afraid to leave a comment.
THE ALL-STAR GAME'S HOME RUN DERBY
Though it's fun to watch the 1st Round, I believe Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game should be done away with, or at least be changed. Why? I think it messes some of the competitors up as the season progresses. Guys that were swinging the bat well during the first half of the season, adopt a Home Run swing for the Derby. Then when they get back to the real games after the Mid-Summer Classic, they spend a couple of weeks trying to get their normal swings back. I don't think it's worth it
So how would I change it? I'd like to see a pitchers-only Home Run Derby. Or one for guys who are hitting below the Mendoza line (.200). Or how about a Home Run derby for bullpen catchers only? Because I'm telling you, if David Wright gets messed up in the 2nd Half, and it costs the Mets a playoff spot, or a World Series appearance cause he goes in the tank, I'm going to spit all the way to the Commissioner's Office.
There must be some other skills competition they can come up with besides the Power Show. Do a pitcher's Home Run Derby and maybe Throwing Acurately From the Outfield thing, along with a Run-The-Bases/Pickle competition. Everyone has fun and no one gets screwed up for the all-important 2nd-half pennant chase.
This is the way to do it folks, and you all know it because, as usual, LEN IS RIGHT
I am,
Len Tollerton
RAINMAN AND THE DAYTONA AVE. POKER SHOWDOWN
This past Saturday, I attended the Daytona Ave. Summer Poker Showdown. I usually run this event, but this year the host, Big Ed, decided to take the reigns, allowing me to concentrate on my game and not be distracted by the logistical duties that go into running a tourney.
Many of the Usual Suspects were there. Myself, Big Ed, Little Ed, Fred, Roy the G.B. King, Kevin who lives lucky, and Pete the Rainman. Missing were DVK, Rob L., Ken King, Chuck the Edge of Darkness, and DotCom Destroyer.
I hadn't been in a tourney in a while. There were only 23 players, but a very competitive, very experienced group. My play was solid all day as I watched the Eds, then Fred, then Kev all get eliminated. Roy and I found ourselves sitting at the Final Table before long. I was fairly short stacked, but made a couple of huge moves and found myself close to the chip lead. One guy was knocked out and we were down to 8, when I had my first and only brain-fart of the day. I held K-Q suited in my hand and the flop comes up Q-4-9. The guy on my right me bets $3000. I go over the top of him and go All-In for $13,700. Before I can get the words "All-In" completely out of my mouth, I hear to my left, "All-In" from the voice of Rainman. I hadn't noticed that he was still holding cards. The original bettor now folds and I know I'm in trouble cause Rainman is such a crappy player, but with big-time luck, that I know he doesn't make this move w/o something. I'm right, and he turns over his Pocket 4's to make 3-of-a-kind and absolutely DECIMATES my stack. Now I'm the short stack and there's still 8 players left.
At this point I go into shutdown mode and proceed to fold and grind for 2 hours. With 6 players left, 2 of them with larger stacks than myself go All-In and Rainman calls. He knocks them both out on the same hand and now we are down to 4. I'm very happy because they are only paying 4 spots and one of the other guys is Roy. Because of where we are seated, everytime Roy deals, I am in the Big Blind. 7 straight times that Roy deals, I double up my stack (not alot), and am able to fold, UNTIL.....I, of course, get called by Rainman on an All-In and get knocked out in 4th place. Roy holds on for a few more hands to get 3rd. Raiman and the other guy play Heads-Up for the next 2 hours and Rainman finally takes him down to win his second tournament in his last 3 tries. Does he win by luck or skill? Definitely more luck, though I think his overall game has improved. I figure if I don't have the brain fart and stay within myself, things turn out differently. But who can say for sure? Maybe there was a bigger brain fart down the road and things turned out the best that they could have. Roy and I still have no plaques, while Pete the Rainman has 2. What does this tell us? I guess Roy and I are saps.
FUNERALS
Just a little opinion piece on funerals and a choice. The choice offered is either traditional casket and burial, or cremation. Here is my thinking on this. From a grief and mourning standpoint, the casket/burial method is best. You can actually see the person and seeing allows you to realize the finality of the situation. You can really get in touch with your grief when you see the body of a loved one. And in my opinion, that is the ONLY REASON to go for the casket/burial method. Folks, for many reasons, some of which I'll discuss, cremation is a FAR BETTER, more responsible choice of dealing with the remains of the departed.
First, it's ALOT cheaper. $1500-$2000 for cremation, as opposed to the price of a new car, in many instances, for the traditional method. Next, land space. Do we really need to devote more of our precious land space in this country to burying the dead? Eventually, generations down the road, we'll need the space, and people don't want to have to dig up graveyards at that point. Next, it helps the environment. Ashes biodegrade quickly, or are very easily stored at home in a small space.
I'm sure the casket manufacturerers will want my head for this, but it just makes more sense. What is the point of boxing and burying bodies? It does no one any good. It's not like we're going to use them again. We smartly harvest organs for transplant now. Why keep a carcass? The funeral industry, with the help of many organized religions, has been bilking mankind for centuries. What a scam. "Hey Jim, I've got a great idea. When people die, we'll sell their families a box for $5000. Then we'll get a law made that the box has to be put inside ANOTHER, heavier box for $3000. Then....get this...we'll sell them a 8x4x7 foot piece of land to bury the boxes in for another $1500. Then...are you ready?...we'll sell them a carved marble stone to mark the place where the box is buried, so they don't forget. Plus, we can charge them another grand or two to perform this service and say a few "prayers." I figure, anyone who dies, we can make anywhere from $7500-$20,000. People are dying EVERYDAY!!! We are going to CLEAN UP!! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
Folks, I believe, as time goes on, that it is our moral responsibility to cremate our dead. Please be real...they can't feel the flames. It's the smart choice...it's the moral choice...it's the right choice. If you really care about the Earth. If you really want to honor your departed loved ones. If you want to prove again that Len Is Right, you'll make this change in your thinking and embrace cremation. I'd love to hear your opinion. don't be afraid to leave a comment.
THE ALL-STAR GAME'S HOME RUN DERBY
Though it's fun to watch the 1st Round, I believe Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game should be done away with, or at least be changed. Why? I think it messes some of the competitors up as the season progresses. Guys that were swinging the bat well during the first half of the season, adopt a Home Run swing for the Derby. Then when they get back to the real games after the Mid-Summer Classic, they spend a couple of weeks trying to get their normal swings back. I don't think it's worth it
So how would I change it? I'd like to see a pitchers-only Home Run Derby. Or one for guys who are hitting below the Mendoza line (.200). Or how about a Home Run derby for bullpen catchers only? Because I'm telling you, if David Wright gets messed up in the 2nd Half, and it costs the Mets a playoff spot, or a World Series appearance cause he goes in the tank, I'm going to spit all the way to the Commissioner's Office.
There must be some other skills competition they can come up with besides the Power Show. Do a pitcher's Home Run Derby and maybe Throwing Acurately From the Outfield thing, along with a Run-The-Bases/Pickle competition. Everyone has fun and no one gets screwed up for the all-important 2nd-half pennant chase.
This is the way to do it folks, and you all know it because, as usual, LEN IS RIGHT
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, July 08, 2006
YOU CAN DO IT!
Hey now!
Today, I'm going to write about motivation. I think that most of the time we are fairly happy in our lives and the choices we've made. Perhaps not. It's very possible that some of us are unhappy with our lives and have no idea how to get out of the ruts that we are in. Who knows? But today I have a message of hope to impart to you and a tip or two to positively move on. And trust me, no New Age guru bullcrap. Just some practical thoughts.
THE LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT
Recently, I've been reading some business books in order to change my way of thinking and hopefully get me to a place where I could leave America's railroad. Many of us, including myself, go through life wondering why our lives are not what we expect them to be. We get dissatisfied with our jobs, our personal relationships, our place in the world. We wonder who is to blame for our present situation and, at times, adopt a "Oh, Woe is me" attitude, which can lead to despair or apathy.
The Law of Cause and Effect states: Everything happens for a reason. For every effect there is a specific cause. Do not misunderstand this. It is not a New-Agey power of the universe thing. It is not the "God has a reason for everything" answer. It's about you (or us). We, individually, are the cause of things that happen in our lives. The way you think about things or view certain situations affect the outcome and many times determine the effects of things around you. Essentially, you create your entire world by the way you think.
What does this drivel mean? It means that when you set your mind to viewing things in a positive way, and expect good things and outcomes, they will generally turn out in a positive way. When you go through life with an upbeat, positive air about you, people get drawn to you and take confidence in having you around. This increases your confidence in yourself, because you believe you can accomplish anything. People that go through life bitter, fearful, and pessimistic, generally end up getting what they think. Disappointment. True, you at least don't get negative surprises when you are pessimistic.
HOW DO WE GO ABOUT STAYING POSITIVE?
Very simply, we must find a way to change our thinking. This can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. One way is NOT to "pre-judge." You must try not to go into life's situations with any pre-conceived notions. Keeping an open mind is the only way to successfully deal with the things that happen. Whether it's our love lives, our careers, or our recreational activities, we have to be open to deal positively with the things that go in in all situations.
Wallowing in self-pity accomplishes nothing. That may sound cliche', but really, it is a strong truth. Hey, we're all human, and we don't have to like or accept the bad or unfortunate things that happen in our lives. So, go ahead and give yourself 5 minutes to hate, despair, feel pity, cry, whatever. Then it's time to "hike up your pants" and get busy with a solution. The sooner you start working on a positive path, or solution, the sooner you can successfully move on with your life. Don't believe me? Why don't you test it out. The next time some unfortunate thing happens in your life, give yourself the 5 minutes to be miserable. Then come back to reality and start looking at positive ways to handle what's going on. Do not dwell on the self-limiting thoughts. Self-limiting thoughts act like brakes, stopping you in your tracks every time. Get rid of self-doubt and fear. The sooner you work towards a solution the better.
Confucius said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." You've got to start someplace. And only YOU can make the start. There comes a time that we have to stop relying on others and take the helm of responsibility and rely on ourselves for success. It's time to reject ANY limiting thoughts, whether from other people or from inside ourselves. If someone gives you an answer of "No," you must continue to move on till you find the answer "Yes." By beginning to expect the best and expect positives, I believe we can all achieve what we set out to do.
Remember, there is only one thing in life that you can actually control. And that one thing is the way that you think. You, yourself, are in control of the way you think. And it is the way we think that determines how successful we are in our life's situations. "Yes I Can," Yes We Will," or "I probably can't," "We probably won't." Whichever path you choose, is the end you'll get. I honestly believe that. And although it doesn't always seem as cut and dried as that. We can each make it that cut and dried. Like Nike's ad says, "Just Do It." Do our sports heroes, or our successful business moguls, or award-winning actors think they can't accomplish a certain task? The athlete wins a championship because they believe they can. The businessman is successful because he believes he can close the deal. The actor wins an Oscar because he/she believed in the role and immersed themself into and bought-into the role they were playing. Did someone else do these tasks for them? No, they took it on themselves, believed in the work and accomplished the task.
Only by taking it on, having belief in ourselves and adopting a positive mind-set can we all be successful in our lives. Get rid of the self-doubt. Get rid of the limiting fear. Get rid of the apathy and woe. It's all inside of you. You can do it AND you know it. How do we know it?
BECAUSE LEN IS RIGHT, of course.
You've taken the first step to success and happiness.....you are here reading Len Is Right. That makes You right. See?.....You can do it. You already are.
In future posts, I will talk about goal setting and staying motivated. And you'll be here to read it, my friends. Why? Because you are smart and only smart people hang out at LEN IS RIGHT.
Be at peace.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Today, I'm going to write about motivation. I think that most of the time we are fairly happy in our lives and the choices we've made. Perhaps not. It's very possible that some of us are unhappy with our lives and have no idea how to get out of the ruts that we are in. Who knows? But today I have a message of hope to impart to you and a tip or two to positively move on. And trust me, no New Age guru bullcrap. Just some practical thoughts.
THE LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT
Recently, I've been reading some business books in order to change my way of thinking and hopefully get me to a place where I could leave America's railroad. Many of us, including myself, go through life wondering why our lives are not what we expect them to be. We get dissatisfied with our jobs, our personal relationships, our place in the world. We wonder who is to blame for our present situation and, at times, adopt a "Oh, Woe is me" attitude, which can lead to despair or apathy.
The Law of Cause and Effect states: Everything happens for a reason. For every effect there is a specific cause. Do not misunderstand this. It is not a New-Agey power of the universe thing. It is not the "God has a reason for everything" answer. It's about you (or us). We, individually, are the cause of things that happen in our lives. The way you think about things or view certain situations affect the outcome and many times determine the effects of things around you. Essentially, you create your entire world by the way you think.
What does this drivel mean? It means that when you set your mind to viewing things in a positive way, and expect good things and outcomes, they will generally turn out in a positive way. When you go through life with an upbeat, positive air about you, people get drawn to you and take confidence in having you around. This increases your confidence in yourself, because you believe you can accomplish anything. People that go through life bitter, fearful, and pessimistic, generally end up getting what they think. Disappointment. True, you at least don't get negative surprises when you are pessimistic.
HOW DO WE GO ABOUT STAYING POSITIVE?
Very simply, we must find a way to change our thinking. This can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. One way is NOT to "pre-judge." You must try not to go into life's situations with any pre-conceived notions. Keeping an open mind is the only way to successfully deal with the things that happen. Whether it's our love lives, our careers, or our recreational activities, we have to be open to deal positively with the things that go in in all situations.
Wallowing in self-pity accomplishes nothing. That may sound cliche', but really, it is a strong truth. Hey, we're all human, and we don't have to like or accept the bad or unfortunate things that happen in our lives. So, go ahead and give yourself 5 minutes to hate, despair, feel pity, cry, whatever. Then it's time to "hike up your pants" and get busy with a solution. The sooner you start working on a positive path, or solution, the sooner you can successfully move on with your life. Don't believe me? Why don't you test it out. The next time some unfortunate thing happens in your life, give yourself the 5 minutes to be miserable. Then come back to reality and start looking at positive ways to handle what's going on. Do not dwell on the self-limiting thoughts. Self-limiting thoughts act like brakes, stopping you in your tracks every time. Get rid of self-doubt and fear. The sooner you work towards a solution the better.
Confucius said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." You've got to start someplace. And only YOU can make the start. There comes a time that we have to stop relying on others and take the helm of responsibility and rely on ourselves for success. It's time to reject ANY limiting thoughts, whether from other people or from inside ourselves. If someone gives you an answer of "No," you must continue to move on till you find the answer "Yes." By beginning to expect the best and expect positives, I believe we can all achieve what we set out to do.
Remember, there is only one thing in life that you can actually control. And that one thing is the way that you think. You, yourself, are in control of the way you think. And it is the way we think that determines how successful we are in our life's situations. "Yes I Can," Yes We Will," or "I probably can't," "We probably won't." Whichever path you choose, is the end you'll get. I honestly believe that. And although it doesn't always seem as cut and dried as that. We can each make it that cut and dried. Like Nike's ad says, "Just Do It." Do our sports heroes, or our successful business moguls, or award-winning actors think they can't accomplish a certain task? The athlete wins a championship because they believe they can. The businessman is successful because he believes he can close the deal. The actor wins an Oscar because he/she believed in the role and immersed themself into and bought-into the role they were playing. Did someone else do these tasks for them? No, they took it on themselves, believed in the work and accomplished the task.
Only by taking it on, having belief in ourselves and adopting a positive mind-set can we all be successful in our lives. Get rid of the self-doubt. Get rid of the limiting fear. Get rid of the apathy and woe. It's all inside of you. You can do it AND you know it. How do we know it?
BECAUSE LEN IS RIGHT, of course.
You've taken the first step to success and happiness.....you are here reading Len Is Right. That makes You right. See?.....You can do it. You already are.
In future posts, I will talk about goal setting and staying motivated. And you'll be here to read it, my friends. Why? Because you are smart and only smart people hang out at LEN IS RIGHT.
Be at peace.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
VARIOUS TOPICS FOR TODAY
Hello everyone:
Today I'm going to jump around a bit, kind of like a kid with ADD, because I wanted to post but didn't have a rant. Here goes. And by the way, if you read this, please leave comments. It's the only way I know you're out there. You ARE out there aren't you?
TOPIC ONE---FLOODING
You read that right, my friends. I bring up flooding, because for the 5th time since 1989, a house I own in Waterford, NY got flooded out. This time the flooding occurred after a few days of HEAVY rain. This affected Upstate NY all the way down through parts of Pennsylvania. This flood could be categorized as "normal" because only the basement got filled. Luckilly, no water got up into the 1st floor. Since the basement was empty, except for the Hot Water tanks and Boilers for heating (this is a 2-family house), there was no considerable damage. We've changed the 2 HW tanks, so the tenants could take showers. Fortunately, there is no need for heat right now, so I can take the time to get a contractor in to service the boilers.
There are a couple of things about flooding that you should know if you've never experienced it first-hand. The number one thing is that you can't stop the water. You can jack your house up, you can try to build a retaining wall, you can put down many, many sandbags. But you can't stop the water from coming in. It's like eating soup with a fork.
In 1996, we experienced the worst flooding ever. The water rose to the top of our chain-link fence and got 2 feet up into the first floor. We had $35,000 worth of damage and were out of the house for 5 full months as the contractors gutted and rebuilt the whole first floor. What a nightmare. When you see flooding on the National news (like along the Mississippi), you don't really understand what happens, and you can't really feel for the people, unless you've actually been through it. It's wet, messy (the water brings a ton of river silt), and destructive.
TOPIC TWO---FANTASY FOOTBALL
Today I'm going to jump around a bit, kind of like a kid with ADD, because I wanted to post but didn't have a rant. Here goes. And by the way, if you read this, please leave comments. It's the only way I know you're out there. You ARE out there aren't you?
TOPIC ONE---FLOODING
You read that right, my friends. I bring up flooding, because for the 5th time since 1989, a house I own in Waterford, NY got flooded out. This time the flooding occurred after a few days of HEAVY rain. This affected Upstate NY all the way down through parts of Pennsylvania. This flood could be categorized as "normal" because only the basement got filled. Luckilly, no water got up into the 1st floor. Since the basement was empty, except for the Hot Water tanks and Boilers for heating (this is a 2-family house), there was no considerable damage. We've changed the 2 HW tanks, so the tenants could take showers. Fortunately, there is no need for heat right now, so I can take the time to get a contractor in to service the boilers.
There are a couple of things about flooding that you should know if you've never experienced it first-hand. The number one thing is that you can't stop the water. You can jack your house up, you can try to build a retaining wall, you can put down many, many sandbags. But you can't stop the water from coming in. It's like eating soup with a fork.
In 1996, we experienced the worst flooding ever. The water rose to the top of our chain-link fence and got 2 feet up into the first floor. We had $35,000 worth of damage and were out of the house for 5 full months as the contractors gutted and rebuilt the whole first floor. What a nightmare. When you see flooding on the National news (like along the Mississippi), you don't really understand what happens, and you can't really feel for the people, unless you've actually been through it. It's wet, messy (the water brings a ton of river silt), and destructive.
TOPIC TWO---FANTASY FOOTBALL
Here are my picks for the first Round of players that should be taken in any Fantasy Football draft. The first 3 guys are no-brainers. After that it's hit-and-miss. These picks are for a 12-team league with a Combinational Scoring system. The picks are as follows:
- 1. Shaun Alexander--SEA--RB--Proven commodity. Good team. 15 TD's per yr./5 straight years. Scored 27 last year.
- 2 . Larry Johnson--KC--RB--Great rookie season. Should be able to build on it. A stud.
- 3. LaDanian Tomlinson--SD--RB--Runs, throws, scores. The only drawback and question is his new untested QB. Will Defenses key on LT2?
- 4. Clinton Portis--WAS--RB--The Redskins may be ready to make a serious run. Could this be Portis' year to become the NFL's #1?
- 5. Peyton Manning--IND--QB--Always a first Round pick because of his prolific arm. Great offensive scheme. Experts believe rookie RB will not cause the Colts to lose a step. We'll see.
- 6. Tiki Barber--NYG--RB--Like Curtis Martin of a few years ago, this guy just keeps on getting it done. I have trouble pulling the trigger on any Giant, but until he breaks down, you've got to respect him.
- 7. Carnell "Cadillac" Williams--TB--RB--Should be able to build on great rookie season.
- 8. Rudi Johnson--CIN--RB-- Most experts don't like him this high, but with the Bengal offense, there's always scoring chances. He's a consistent performer.
- 9. LaMont Jordan--OAK--RB--Great runner who can score from anywhere. How many scoring chances will Randy Moss take from him? How will Moss' dangerous talents open up opportunities for Jordan?
- 10. Edggerin James--ARI--RB--Rock-solid talent who moves to a new team that now has, what I believe, to be one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Should be able to contend for a Wild-Card spot if O-Line holds up and QB stays healthy.
- 11. Sleeper First round pick. Ronnie Brown--MIA--RB--No Ricky Williams lurking on the sideline. This is Ronnie's team now. Alot depends on Culpepper's health.
- 12. Domanick Davis--HOU--RB--Why didn't this team draft Reggie Bush? Because they already had a proven scoring machine in their backfield. Will this team be mature enough to win 8 games? I don't know. This guy can score, that's for sure.
All of the picks are dependent on injury-free seasons. Draft at your own risk and good luck.
TOPIC 3--SUMMER CAMP
My older son is going to Volleyball camp for a week and to a Television Production class for a week. My younger son is doing baseball and soccer. I think week-long camps for kids in the summer are a great idea, if you can afford it. It gets them out of bed and active for a couple of weeks during the summer. And if you don't have a pool, boat, or camp, it keeps them away from the TV. I wish they had had sports camps when I was a kid. They only had regular camps and I wasn't into it as much as straight sports. Today, you can find almost any activity.
TOPIC 4--SHOUT OUTS
1. Hugo Kramm--Happy Birthday
2. Jim Bashford--great to talk with you the other day. It's been too long
3. Congress--Thanks for firing the 3-man Board of Directors for Amtrak. Maybe now we can get some money. People bitch about Amtrak, but how would you like to work at a place that hasn't given a raise to it's employees in over 6 years? Our last contract ran out in December of 1999.
4. The Universal Power--for killing Kenneth Lay. Now we don't have to spend any more money on this robbing bastard. I only wish they had let Islamic fundamentalists kidnap him and torture him. He got off easy.
This post is a shell of what it was supposed to have been. I had a nice post written earlier today, but the Blogger engine wouldn't publish it for some reason and then when I save it, it only saved a 3rd of it for me. I can't remember everything I originally wrote, so you've just read the watered-down version.
Live in Peace people. And of course, remember, LEN IS RIGHT
I am Len Tollerton
Monday, July 03, 2006
C'MON METS!!
Greetings all:
What is happening to my NY Mets? A week and a half ago we were riding high after taking 2 out of 3 in Toronto and getting ready to invade Boston and give them a reminder of the 1986 World Series.
3 games later after being swept out like kitchen floor dirt, we were sent to the Stadium to take on the Yanks. After a tough 2-0, 1-hit loss on Friday, the Metropolitans bounced back with an 8-3 trouncing of the Big Unit. Everything looked okay and it seemed like the team was back on track. We jump out to a 4-0 lead against Jaret Wright, and all of a sudden the roof caves in.
An 8-run 3rd, highlighted by an A-Rod grand slam and we lose 16-7 on national TV (ESPN). A couple of glaring deficiencies were brought to the forefront during that game. #1 was that without early-season, rookie sensation Brian Bannister, the Mets are a 2-3 pitcher starting rotation team. Cuban rookie Alay Soler was obviously brought up too soon. It is obvious that he is not ready to pitch in the Big Leagues.
Why? Because he's too scared to actually challenge hitters with his best stuff. He nibbles and tries to get calls on the outside of the plate. When the umpire doesn't call things his way, he ends up walking guys. Then when he actually does come in with a fastball, these professional hitters are sitting on it and crush him. Jorge Posada hit one in the second, A-Rod's slam in the 3rd and a guy with a .077 batting average hit a 2-run shot a few batters later. In between, there were a couple of well-struck doubles to the left field wall. I'm afraid GM Omar Minaya should be saying So-Long to Soler.
To add insult to injury, the Mets lost to the worst team in the NL, the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-1 tonight. Pedro Martinez was scratched from this start because of an injury, and the Mets had to use another rookie, John Mains, who hasn't really showed anything yet.
The Mets are slumping right now and I'm sure the ship will be righted after the All-Star break. But I think they also got too comfortable with their 10-12-game lead and lost a little of the hunger that is needed to drive you to a title. It's up to Manager Willie Randolph to light a fire under these guys' asses in the second half, or their time in the playoffs (assuming they don't fold) will be extremely short.
COME ON!! LET'S GO METS!!
Of course you know that.....LEN IS RIGHT!!
I am Len Tollerton
Please visit my sponsors links.
What is happening to my NY Mets? A week and a half ago we were riding high after taking 2 out of 3 in Toronto and getting ready to invade Boston and give them a reminder of the 1986 World Series.
3 games later after being swept out like kitchen floor dirt, we were sent to the Stadium to take on the Yanks. After a tough 2-0, 1-hit loss on Friday, the Metropolitans bounced back with an 8-3 trouncing of the Big Unit. Everything looked okay and it seemed like the team was back on track. We jump out to a 4-0 lead against Jaret Wright, and all of a sudden the roof caves in.
An 8-run 3rd, highlighted by an A-Rod grand slam and we lose 16-7 on national TV (ESPN). A couple of glaring deficiencies were brought to the forefront during that game. #1 was that without early-season, rookie sensation Brian Bannister, the Mets are a 2-3 pitcher starting rotation team. Cuban rookie Alay Soler was obviously brought up too soon. It is obvious that he is not ready to pitch in the Big Leagues.
Why? Because he's too scared to actually challenge hitters with his best stuff. He nibbles and tries to get calls on the outside of the plate. When the umpire doesn't call things his way, he ends up walking guys. Then when he actually does come in with a fastball, these professional hitters are sitting on it and crush him. Jorge Posada hit one in the second, A-Rod's slam in the 3rd and a guy with a .077 batting average hit a 2-run shot a few batters later. In between, there were a couple of well-struck doubles to the left field wall. I'm afraid GM Omar Minaya should be saying So-Long to Soler.
To add insult to injury, the Mets lost to the worst team in the NL, the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-1 tonight. Pedro Martinez was scratched from this start because of an injury, and the Mets had to use another rookie, John Mains, who hasn't really showed anything yet.
The Mets are slumping right now and I'm sure the ship will be righted after the All-Star break. But I think they also got too comfortable with their 10-12-game lead and lost a little of the hunger that is needed to drive you to a title. It's up to Manager Willie Randolph to light a fire under these guys' asses in the second half, or their time in the playoffs (assuming they don't fold) will be extremely short.
COME ON!! LET'S GO METS!!
Of course you know that.....LEN IS RIGHT!!
I am Len Tollerton
Please visit my sponsors links.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Barbecue Sauce Season
Hi again everybody:
Today's blog is going to be about one of the things in life that give me the most pleasure. Barbecue sauce. See, I love summer and everything that comes with it. I love the heat, the sports, the beach, and especially the foods that go along with summer. That means grilled meats, corn on the cob, fresh local fruit and vegetables. Of course, here in the Northeast, there is a very small window for enjoying fresh corn and tomatoes. You only really get a chance to have good locally grown corn and tomatoes (and other vegetables) from the middle of July till MAYBE the end of September. The rest of the time, we get it imported from other states or countries, or you get crappy hothouse stuff.
GRILLED MEAT AND BARBECUE SAUCES
Fortunately, the same is not true for grilling season. As soon as it's no longer freezing till it begins to freeze again, we're grilling. Now I don't delude myself into thinking I'm Bobby Flay. Nor am I interested in getting into grilling stuff to the level he does. But steaks, chicken, and ribs done on the grill are a thing of culinary beauty, in my mind. I've used a variety of methods for seasoning the meat I'm grilling on a certain day. You can MARINTATE, you can do the DRY RUB thing, or you can use BARBECUE SAUCE. There is also the choice of combining any or all of the three. But beware of overkill.
Today, I'm going to talk about Barbecue Sauce. Now in past blogs I've discussed my love of Sweet Baby Ray's Original. This is the sauce I'm presently in love with. It's sweet and tangy and it complements ribs and chicken wonderfully, without taking away from the taste of the meat. Sweet Baby Ray's is available in many grocery chains across the country, so you should have no trouble finding it if you wish to try it. I think you'll be glad you did.
But there are alot of other top-quality sauces out there. One such product comes from one of my favorite Rib chains. Have you ever heard of Sticky Fingers? My buddies and I came across this place in 2005, while on a trip to the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, GA. We stayed in Columbia, SC, and found this great restaurant while looking for a place to eat on our first night. Sticky Fingers offers 5 different kinds of BBQ sauce to have on your ribs or chicken.
Today's blog is going to be about one of the things in life that give me the most pleasure. Barbecue sauce. See, I love summer and everything that comes with it. I love the heat, the sports, the beach, and especially the foods that go along with summer. That means grilled meats, corn on the cob, fresh local fruit and vegetables. Of course, here in the Northeast, there is a very small window for enjoying fresh corn and tomatoes. You only really get a chance to have good locally grown corn and tomatoes (and other vegetables) from the middle of July till MAYBE the end of September. The rest of the time, we get it imported from other states or countries, or you get crappy hothouse stuff.
GRILLED MEAT AND BARBECUE SAUCES
Fortunately, the same is not true for grilling season. As soon as it's no longer freezing till it begins to freeze again, we're grilling. Now I don't delude myself into thinking I'm Bobby Flay. Nor am I interested in getting into grilling stuff to the level he does. But steaks, chicken, and ribs done on the grill are a thing of culinary beauty, in my mind. I've used a variety of methods for seasoning the meat I'm grilling on a certain day. You can MARINTATE, you can do the DRY RUB thing, or you can use BARBECUE SAUCE. There is also the choice of combining any or all of the three. But beware of overkill.
Today, I'm going to talk about Barbecue Sauce. Now in past blogs I've discussed my love of Sweet Baby Ray's Original. This is the sauce I'm presently in love with. It's sweet and tangy and it complements ribs and chicken wonderfully, without taking away from the taste of the meat. Sweet Baby Ray's is available in many grocery chains across the country, so you should have no trouble finding it if you wish to try it. I think you'll be glad you did.
But there are alot of other top-quality sauces out there. One such product comes from one of my favorite Rib chains. Have you ever heard of Sticky Fingers? My buddies and I came across this place in 2005, while on a trip to the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, GA. We stayed in Columbia, SC, and found this great restaurant while looking for a place to eat on our first night. Sticky Fingers offers 5 different kinds of BBQ sauce to have on your ribs or chicken.
- Carolina Classic
- Carolina Sweet
- Memphis Original
- Tennessee Whiskey
- Habanero Hot
You can get a rib sampler platter with all 5 sauces. Each of the first 4 are awesome and should be sampled by everyone who likes BBQ sauce. The Habanero Hot is another matter. The words Hot and Heat don't begin to describe this stuff. I have no problem with spicy foods. And in truth, this sauce has some great, smoky, Habanero flavor. For about 2-3 seconds. After that, you'd better have a way to put out the fire. And don't even try to douse it with water, because hot pepper is not water soluble. You'll need cole slaw, or fries, or ice cream...something with fat. Pal, let me tell you this stuff is Flaming.
Unless you're from the south, you may not have heard of Sticky Fingers. If you'd like to try out their sauces let me recommend you go to http://www.thesaucesite.com and click on Barbecue Sauce. This will bring you to my link for Sticky Fingers, where you can purchase any of their fine products online.
One other site I'd like to suggest you try, if you're at all adventurous, is the Barbecue Store. Again, you can find the link for this site at http://www.thesaucesite.com and click on Barbecue sauce. The link is about halfway down the page. This site has everything from grills and grill parts, to barbecuing woods for your grill or smoker. And of course they have a HUGE selection of rubs and sauces. Just look for The Barbecue Store when visiting The Sauce Site.
DRY RUBS
I use different kinds of Dry Rubs when I grill steak. I'm not big on putting BBQ sauce on steak. So I like to season liberally with a good rub. I first started experimenting with your typical Montreal Steak seasoning. Of course, being the way I am, I was not satisfied with just one kind of mass-produced spice product. So Now I just make my own using whatever I happen to have on hand. Salt, pepper, granulated garlic (not powder) are 3 of my staples. I like Emeril's Original or Bayou Blast. I also like ground Cayenne pepper.
Your best bet when making your own rub is to experiment. Assuming you keep alot of different spices on hand, the thing to do is to just start mixing. Take a small bowl or tea cup and just start throwing stuff in. Use spices that you are fond of and build from there. Spread a very thin coat of mustard or olive oil on your steak. Then spread your rub mixture on both sides and gently massage the steak, making sure to keep both sides coated. Refrigerate.
ONE CAVEAT TO GRILLING STEAK--Any grilling or barbecuing book you read will tell you that before you put the steaks on the grill it is best to take the steaks out of the fridge for while before grilling and letting them get to room temperature. This, I think, ensures that the steaks stay their juiciest during the cooking process and doesn't "shock" the meat with the quick and severe change in temperature.
As i always say...Don't be afraid to experiment. You'll be surprised at what great flavors you can discover. And as you all know....LEN IS RIGHT.
Till next time, I am Len Tollerton
Friday, June 23, 2006
MY GRATITUDE AND MY APOLOGIES
Just an add-on to today's previous post. While reading through some other blogs, both on blogspot and other blog groups, it has come to my attention that my blogs are WAY TOO LONG. And though my blog is obviously the most pertinent of any blog out there, I would like to apologize to those of you who sit through my wind bag endless rants when they are posted.
And though I know YOU KNOW that LEN IS RIGHT, I will try to scale back my rants to something that can be read inside of one to two minutes.
I appreciate everyone indulging me and apologize again for the length (when will I ever be able to say those words?)
LEN IS RIGHT. LEN IS RIGHT. LEN IS RIGHT.
READ ON, MacDUFF!!
And though I know YOU KNOW that LEN IS RIGHT, I will try to scale back my rants to something that can be read inside of one to two minutes.
I appreciate everyone indulging me and apologize again for the length (when will I ever be able to say those words?)
LEN IS RIGHT. LEN IS RIGHT. LEN IS RIGHT.
READ ON, MacDUFF!!
WHY I HATE ORGANIZED RELIGION
Hey World, what's up?
My last post had to do with the U.S. Open. I never mentioned the winner's name, which is Geoff Ogilvy. He did what he had to at the end, and sat by as the last two groups gagged on the last hole, to back into the title. I think you'll be hearing alot more from this Aussie youngster. But that's not what I want to talk about today.
OKAY SATAN, WHY DO YOU HATE RELIGION?
Simply stated folks, I hate organized religion because it has become the root of alot of the evil in our world today. I know you think this might just be about Islam-bashing, but read on. I will get to the Muslims in time. But I think I'll start right at home.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
I grew up a Catholic, went to a Catholic elementery school till 4th grade, sent my kids to a Catholic school for a while, and occasionally still attend Catholic church services, but only for Christmas and to be with the family. My problems with the Catholic church stem from the hoarding of wealth, and the need to hold people down with some of their foolish rules. What is a foolish rule? No meat on Fridays during Lent (why?) Get your baby baptized right away, cause if it dies it won't go to heaven. (c'mon, will ya?) You're not allowed to receive Communion unless you go to Confession (now called Reconciliation). Do you think Jesus would deny someone a meal, just because they didn't apologize for their sins? Please.
I recently saw a picture of Pope Benedict. He was dressed in red shoes, a gold lame outer robe, a high "House of Whoville" hat and a "fabulous" ceremonial walking stick or shepherd's hook...I don't know. He'll dress like that, but doesn't want people to see or read The Da Vinci Code because he thinks it'll make people think strangely about the Church. He has no tolerance for gays, but dresses like a radical drag queen with archaic and UNREALISTIC beliefs.
But as long as we give the Church our money, we can get into heaven. Toe the line and you will be saved. Isn't this why Martin Luther broke with the church in the 1500's?
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIANS, AND ANY OTHER FUNDAMENTALIST CHRISTIAN NEO-RIGHT WING ORGANIZATION THAT PROFESSES TO KNOW IT ALL
First, the Jehovahs. Dude, 144,000 people are all God is accepting into heaven? The rest will either be born again to live on the planet, or stay dead in their graves (if you don't accept Jesus as your personal savior)? You holier than thou snobbish bastards. I'll bet you the million dollars that I don't have that NONE of the Jehovahs I know, or know of, are on the guest list. "C'mon Marge, it's our turn to get into heaven. We've both been exemplary Jehovahs all of our lives. There must be room for us. What??!! What do you mean we can't get in? I prayed and built 5 Kingdom Halls myself! I never acknowledged Christmas, Easter, or my, or anyone else's birthday, and never sang a song for pleasure. I deserve a spot next to the Father, dammit! Oh shit, I didn't mean to say dammit! I meant to say, why me Lord? I thought I was on ther guest list. Ahhh forget it Marge. I guess they lost our Reservation. Now we have to spend eternity alongside the Tollertons. Ahhh shit!!"
This whole rant doesn't just apply to the Jehovahs. It applies to all you condescending, looking-down-your-nose, holding your hand up in the air to Jesus while you sing hymns, know it all, insufferable pains in the ass Born Again Christians and Fundamentalists who think that your intolerance of others who haven't accepted Jesus is what's going to save you in the long run.
Wake up, cause here's The Message from Jesus. Live in Peace. Love Your Fellow Man (person for PC-ness). You think you have all the answers and that you know what He would say. What Would Jesus Do? Who Knows? I can tell you he probably wouldn't be practicing Intolerance of any kind. Do you think he's going to send all Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, and Muslims to hell? Some of each group probably deserve it, but I doubt the majority do, just because they haven't accepted Jesus into their lives. Crackuh Puhhleeez.
MUSLIMS AND THE ISLAMIC PEOPLE OF THE WORLD
Look folks, we know you're not all like the terrorists of the world. We know that the VAST majority just want to live in peace, enjoy their lives, raise their children without the probability of horrific violent death just like the rest of the Western world. Most of us in America realize that the people in our country go over the top with the way we act. Too much consumtion of food, gas, alcohol, drugs, entertainment, freedom. We can understand why many other nations hate our country. We know you just want to respect the Koran, and observe your own religious practices.
But tell me, WHY DOES EVERYONE IMMIGRATE TO AMERICA? Because here, you have the freedom to be whomever you want to be. You can own a bodega, you can watch TV, you can go to school wherever you want, you can take care of your family, you can practice your religion. How many Americans leave to move to other countries?
In the Islamic faith there are many different sects that claim to be the one true way. The Shiites, the Sunnis, etc...ad nauseum. They believe if they kill the Infidel they'll be guaranteed a place in heaven and be given 72 virgins to spend eternity with. Hey guys... guess what....any man that wants to hang out with 72 women everyday is either gay, deaf, or has a death wish. C'mon dude. 72 virgins? Chances are all 72 of them are fat, toothless and don't bathe on a regular basis. Jeez, Allah, sign me up for that. I want decadence in heaven with women who refuse to bathe or shave (the reason why they're virgins), instead of some gorgeous blonde, with a body that moves mountains, and has a plan for personal hygiene right here on Earth. Terrorist for what reason? Get Real!
THE JEWS
No offense folks, but let's face it. You've got ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. You've got most of the wealth. You control most of the entertainment, sports and banking worlds. None of you are destitute. You've never been poor. You've never been persecuted. At least no one who has lived in the last 100 years in America. Oh sure, your ancestors were kept down. You didn't have your own homeland till 1948 (Israel), or the 1920's if you consider Hollywood, Long Island, and Miami (until the Hispanics took over a few years ago). Now you have a monopoly on most of the rest of Florida.
And still you bitch about EVERYTHING. My food's not right. Mel Gibson's movie made us look bad (please, it made Italians look worse). I can't get good coffee. My son married a Gentile. Who shops at Wal Mart? Oh, we can't let our kids hang out with Asians. Yada-yada-yada. Shut up and try getting along with the rest of us without hoarding EVERYTHING! You don't need to own the whole world. You can't take it with you. And your kids are probably going to put it up their nose or spend it on a (Ethnicity of your choice) stripper. How 'bout playing nice and getting along, huh?
THE BUDDHISTS
Have you ever met a violent, complaining, holier-than-thou, snobbish, pain-in-the-ass Buddhist? No. I didn't think so. Peace, harmony, happiness, and love are what real Buddhists are about. They worship the Earth and things in nature around them.
Those people I respect. If I was to bring myself to join an organized religion, it would be the Buddhists. You want to know where REAL POWER comes from? Look down. You're standing on it. The Earth, people. It's the only real, tangible, unstoppable force you need be concerned with. Did God or Allah, or Jesus or Siva, or any of the other deities send the earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, blizzards, heat waves, or humidity? NO! NO! NO! The power of the Earth sent it all to you. The planet does what it wants. It pays no attention to God or Satan. And there's not thing one any of you out there can do about it. When the planet belches lava, or cracks and swallows half a city along with 100,000 people, or Katrina storms and destroys New Orleans, do you think that was Sodom and Gomorrah? Afraid not folks. It was just the Planet Earth reminding us who is Boss. Mother Earth.
I know this because.....LEN IS RIGHT, dammit. I invite your comments.
Please click on the new links I have posted and visit my sponsors. There's alot of quality stuff there. Also, check out The Sauce Site for some great add-ons to all your meals.
http://www.thesaucesite.com
I am,
Len Tollerton
Thanks for visiting and reading my rant.
My last post had to do with the U.S. Open. I never mentioned the winner's name, which is Geoff Ogilvy. He did what he had to at the end, and sat by as the last two groups gagged on the last hole, to back into the title. I think you'll be hearing alot more from this Aussie youngster. But that's not what I want to talk about today.
OKAY SATAN, WHY DO YOU HATE RELIGION?
Simply stated folks, I hate organized religion because it has become the root of alot of the evil in our world today. I know you think this might just be about Islam-bashing, but read on. I will get to the Muslims in time. But I think I'll start right at home.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
I grew up a Catholic, went to a Catholic elementery school till 4th grade, sent my kids to a Catholic school for a while, and occasionally still attend Catholic church services, but only for Christmas and to be with the family. My problems with the Catholic church stem from the hoarding of wealth, and the need to hold people down with some of their foolish rules. What is a foolish rule? No meat on Fridays during Lent (why?) Get your baby baptized right away, cause if it dies it won't go to heaven. (c'mon, will ya?) You're not allowed to receive Communion unless you go to Confession (now called Reconciliation). Do you think Jesus would deny someone a meal, just because they didn't apologize for their sins? Please.
I recently saw a picture of Pope Benedict. He was dressed in red shoes, a gold lame outer robe, a high "House of Whoville" hat and a "fabulous" ceremonial walking stick or shepherd's hook...I don't know. He'll dress like that, but doesn't want people to see or read The Da Vinci Code because he thinks it'll make people think strangely about the Church. He has no tolerance for gays, but dresses like a radical drag queen with archaic and UNREALISTIC beliefs.
But as long as we give the Church our money, we can get into heaven. Toe the line and you will be saved. Isn't this why Martin Luther broke with the church in the 1500's?
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIANS, AND ANY OTHER FUNDAMENTALIST CHRISTIAN NEO-RIGHT WING ORGANIZATION THAT PROFESSES TO KNOW IT ALL
First, the Jehovahs. Dude, 144,000 people are all God is accepting into heaven? The rest will either be born again to live on the planet, or stay dead in their graves (if you don't accept Jesus as your personal savior)? You holier than thou snobbish bastards. I'll bet you the million dollars that I don't have that NONE of the Jehovahs I know, or know of, are on the guest list. "C'mon Marge, it's our turn to get into heaven. We've both been exemplary Jehovahs all of our lives. There must be room for us. What??!! What do you mean we can't get in? I prayed and built 5 Kingdom Halls myself! I never acknowledged Christmas, Easter, or my, or anyone else's birthday, and never sang a song for pleasure. I deserve a spot next to the Father, dammit! Oh shit, I didn't mean to say dammit! I meant to say, why me Lord? I thought I was on ther guest list. Ahhh forget it Marge. I guess they lost our Reservation. Now we have to spend eternity alongside the Tollertons. Ahhh shit!!"
This whole rant doesn't just apply to the Jehovahs. It applies to all you condescending, looking-down-your-nose, holding your hand up in the air to Jesus while you sing hymns, know it all, insufferable pains in the ass Born Again Christians and Fundamentalists who think that your intolerance of others who haven't accepted Jesus is what's going to save you in the long run.
Wake up, cause here's The Message from Jesus. Live in Peace. Love Your Fellow Man (person for PC-ness). You think you have all the answers and that you know what He would say. What Would Jesus Do? Who Knows? I can tell you he probably wouldn't be practicing Intolerance of any kind. Do you think he's going to send all Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, and Muslims to hell? Some of each group probably deserve it, but I doubt the majority do, just because they haven't accepted Jesus into their lives. Crackuh Puhhleeez.
MUSLIMS AND THE ISLAMIC PEOPLE OF THE WORLD
Look folks, we know you're not all like the terrorists of the world. We know that the VAST majority just want to live in peace, enjoy their lives, raise their children without the probability of horrific violent death just like the rest of the Western world. Most of us in America realize that the people in our country go over the top with the way we act. Too much consumtion of food, gas, alcohol, drugs, entertainment, freedom. We can understand why many other nations hate our country. We know you just want to respect the Koran, and observe your own religious practices.
But tell me, WHY DOES EVERYONE IMMIGRATE TO AMERICA? Because here, you have the freedom to be whomever you want to be. You can own a bodega, you can watch TV, you can go to school wherever you want, you can take care of your family, you can practice your religion. How many Americans leave to move to other countries?
In the Islamic faith there are many different sects that claim to be the one true way. The Shiites, the Sunnis, etc...ad nauseum. They believe if they kill the Infidel they'll be guaranteed a place in heaven and be given 72 virgins to spend eternity with. Hey guys... guess what....any man that wants to hang out with 72 women everyday is either gay, deaf, or has a death wish. C'mon dude. 72 virgins? Chances are all 72 of them are fat, toothless and don't bathe on a regular basis. Jeez, Allah, sign me up for that. I want decadence in heaven with women who refuse to bathe or shave (the reason why they're virgins), instead of some gorgeous blonde, with a body that moves mountains, and has a plan for personal hygiene right here on Earth. Terrorist for what reason? Get Real!
THE JEWS
No offense folks, but let's face it. You've got ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. You've got most of the wealth. You control most of the entertainment, sports and banking worlds. None of you are destitute. You've never been poor. You've never been persecuted. At least no one who has lived in the last 100 years in America. Oh sure, your ancestors were kept down. You didn't have your own homeland till 1948 (Israel), or the 1920's if you consider Hollywood, Long Island, and Miami (until the Hispanics took over a few years ago). Now you have a monopoly on most of the rest of Florida.
And still you bitch about EVERYTHING. My food's not right. Mel Gibson's movie made us look bad (please, it made Italians look worse). I can't get good coffee. My son married a Gentile. Who shops at Wal Mart? Oh, we can't let our kids hang out with Asians. Yada-yada-yada. Shut up and try getting along with the rest of us without hoarding EVERYTHING! You don't need to own the whole world. You can't take it with you. And your kids are probably going to put it up their nose or spend it on a (Ethnicity of your choice) stripper. How 'bout playing nice and getting along, huh?
THE BUDDHISTS
Have you ever met a violent, complaining, holier-than-thou, snobbish, pain-in-the-ass Buddhist? No. I didn't think so. Peace, harmony, happiness, and love are what real Buddhists are about. They worship the Earth and things in nature around them.
Those people I respect. If I was to bring myself to join an organized religion, it would be the Buddhists. You want to know where REAL POWER comes from? Look down. You're standing on it. The Earth, people. It's the only real, tangible, unstoppable force you need be concerned with. Did God or Allah, or Jesus or Siva, or any of the other deities send the earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, blizzards, heat waves, or humidity? NO! NO! NO! The power of the Earth sent it all to you. The planet does what it wants. It pays no attention to God or Satan. And there's not thing one any of you out there can do about it. When the planet belches lava, or cracks and swallows half a city along with 100,000 people, or Katrina storms and destroys New Orleans, do you think that was Sodom and Gomorrah? Afraid not folks. It was just the Planet Earth reminding us who is Boss. Mother Earth.
I know this because.....LEN IS RIGHT, dammit. I invite your comments.
Please click on the new links I have posted and visit my sponsors. There's alot of quality stuff there. Also, check out The Sauce Site for some great add-ons to all your meals.
http://www.thesaucesite.com
I am,
Len Tollerton
Thanks for visiting and reading my rant.
Monday, June 19, 2006
THE U.S. OPEN REPORT
Hello everyone:
Well, we made it back Friday, after a VERY long day at the U.S. Open. I hope everyone had a fun Father's Day and were able to get full use out of the warm, sunny weather we had over the weekend.
THE 106th U.S. OPEN FROM WINGED FOOT
Okay here's the journal of the day as it went on Friday. The guys showed up at my house at 5:10 a.m. We stopped at a local roadside diner for breakfast (the pancakes were the biggest I've ever seen, covering the ENTIRE plate.
We ate pretty quickly and set out. As we were approaching the NYS Thruway, Roy asks the Palooka if he has the tickets. Palooka says, "Oh shit, I left them home." So we make a detour to Palooka's house, and pick up the tickets. Okay, now we can set out. We make a leisurely 2 hour drive to Westchester Community College and park the car. Then it's on to the metal detector area. Let me tell ya, these folks left no stone unturned, don't ya know. The magnetic, handheld wands picked up the slightest bit of metal you may have had in your pocket. The stopped my for having a dime and nickel in one pocket and the aluminum foil paper that was in my cigarette pack. These people were serious....no smiles.
We then got on shuttle buses and drove for another half-hour, during which the Palooka bitched the entire time about how stupidly this system was set up. We finally got on the grounds around 10:00 a.m. After watching a few groups that were playing on adjacent holes, we began to move around the course.
CONDITIONS AT WINGED FOOT
I'd like to describe the conditions of the course very quickly, for those of you who have never been to a major tournament. First off, the fairways. If you were to picture a really thick, coarse, carpet-like piece of felt, that would describe the fairways. Really, it was like hitting off of indoor/outdoor carpeting, with a padding underneath.
The bunkers were large and somewhat trecherous, but the edges were cut so sharp that you may have been able to tear your pants on them. The greens, of course, were gorgeous, well-maintained, and VERY fast. Oh, and undulating. Not too many dead-flat areas. The crowd was polite and friendly. Then, of course there was...................
THE ROUGH AT WINGED FOOT
If you thought you were a frustrated hacker, you had to see the pro's going out of their minds over this rough. So you say, "Big Deal," rough is rough...it's just long grass. That's what I thought until I actually felt the grass. Normally, if you put your hand down into 5-6 inch-long grass it just moves around with no problem. Here at Winged Foot, I never felt anything like this. Picture, if you will, putting your hands into a large box of rubber bands. Your fingers slide in w/ no problem and immdiately get tangled up and you have to work on removing them. As you walk along, your sneaker treads get caught up in the grass. So you can see, especially if you watched the tournament on TV, why the pro's were only able to advance the ball a short distance when they were unlucky enough to get buried in the rough. I think you may have been able to find alot of lost items in the rough.
We were disappointed that Tiger Woods was rusty after his long layoff. He was never a factor and, indeed, missed his first cut, ever, in a major. We saw some nice shots, but only mediocre putting. The temperature hovered around 85 all day. Beers were $5 and $6, and the most expensive food item was $7 (a chicken Caesar wrap). Basically, we walked around, ate and drank all day, while trying to find places in the shade that would give us a good view of the action on the greens.
We finally got back to the car at around 8:00 p.m. (that after spending $154 on overpriced stuff in the Merch Tent). After a cold beer or two, we got back on the highway. Things were going great until we got a few miles north of Poughkeepsie where we came to a dead stop. There had been a serious accident up ahead. So serious, in fact, that they had to bring in a helicopter to take away the injured. We found out later that a 9-year-old was killed. So we sat for 2 1/2 hours until everything was cleaned up. We got back to my house at 1:45 a.m., almost 21 hours after we had left.
THE LEN IS RIGHT TAKE ON THE U.S. OPEN
I was hoping Colin Montgomerie, Steve Stricker, or Phil Mickelson would win on Sunday. After a tremendous birdie putt on the 17th hole, Monty faded on 18 with a double-bogey. Mickelson proceded to have one of the greatest mental meltdowns in history giving away the lead and the title over the last 3 holes. Very un-Phil-like. He will probably beat himself up over this for a while, and he should. He made inexcusable mistakes that cost him his 3rd Major title in a row. But this is what makes the U.S. Open so tough to win and so appreciated for years afterward.
All in all, it was a fun, tiring, long day. If this tournament is played in a location near where you live, and you like golf, by all means go and be a spectator at the U.S. Open The rough was CRAZY, do you hear me? The greens were slick and very undulating, and I'm sure it was an exercise in frustration for most of the golfers. I think if I had played the same conditions, I may have carded a 145. But only if I hit 80% of the fairways. If I'm in the rough, all bets are off.
Happy belated Father's Day to all of those out there who have begat heirs. Until next time, remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Well, we made it back Friday, after a VERY long day at the U.S. Open. I hope everyone had a fun Father's Day and were able to get full use out of the warm, sunny weather we had over the weekend.
THE 106th U.S. OPEN FROM WINGED FOOT
Okay here's the journal of the day as it went on Friday. The guys showed up at my house at 5:10 a.m. We stopped at a local roadside diner for breakfast (the pancakes were the biggest I've ever seen, covering the ENTIRE plate.
We ate pretty quickly and set out. As we were approaching the NYS Thruway, Roy asks the Palooka if he has the tickets. Palooka says, "Oh shit, I left them home." So we make a detour to Palooka's house, and pick up the tickets. Okay, now we can set out. We make a leisurely 2 hour drive to Westchester Community College and park the car. Then it's on to the metal detector area. Let me tell ya, these folks left no stone unturned, don't ya know. The magnetic, handheld wands picked up the slightest bit of metal you may have had in your pocket. The stopped my for having a dime and nickel in one pocket and the aluminum foil paper that was in my cigarette pack. These people were serious....no smiles.
We then got on shuttle buses and drove for another half-hour, during which the Palooka bitched the entire time about how stupidly this system was set up. We finally got on the grounds around 10:00 a.m. After watching a few groups that were playing on adjacent holes, we began to move around the course.
CONDITIONS AT WINGED FOOT
I'd like to describe the conditions of the course very quickly, for those of you who have never been to a major tournament. First off, the fairways. If you were to picture a really thick, coarse, carpet-like piece of felt, that would describe the fairways. Really, it was like hitting off of indoor/outdoor carpeting, with a padding underneath.
The bunkers were large and somewhat trecherous, but the edges were cut so sharp that you may have been able to tear your pants on them. The greens, of course, were gorgeous, well-maintained, and VERY fast. Oh, and undulating. Not too many dead-flat areas. The crowd was polite and friendly. Then, of course there was...................
THE ROUGH AT WINGED FOOT
If you thought you were a frustrated hacker, you had to see the pro's going out of their minds over this rough. So you say, "Big Deal," rough is rough...it's just long grass. That's what I thought until I actually felt the grass. Normally, if you put your hand down into 5-6 inch-long grass it just moves around with no problem. Here at Winged Foot, I never felt anything like this. Picture, if you will, putting your hands into a large box of rubber bands. Your fingers slide in w/ no problem and immdiately get tangled up and you have to work on removing them. As you walk along, your sneaker treads get caught up in the grass. So you can see, especially if you watched the tournament on TV, why the pro's were only able to advance the ball a short distance when they were unlucky enough to get buried in the rough. I think you may have been able to find alot of lost items in the rough.
We were disappointed that Tiger Woods was rusty after his long layoff. He was never a factor and, indeed, missed his first cut, ever, in a major. We saw some nice shots, but only mediocre putting. The temperature hovered around 85 all day. Beers were $5 and $6, and the most expensive food item was $7 (a chicken Caesar wrap). Basically, we walked around, ate and drank all day, while trying to find places in the shade that would give us a good view of the action on the greens.
We finally got back to the car at around 8:00 p.m. (that after spending $154 on overpriced stuff in the Merch Tent). After a cold beer or two, we got back on the highway. Things were going great until we got a few miles north of Poughkeepsie where we came to a dead stop. There had been a serious accident up ahead. So serious, in fact, that they had to bring in a helicopter to take away the injured. We found out later that a 9-year-old was killed. So we sat for 2 1/2 hours until everything was cleaned up. We got back to my house at 1:45 a.m., almost 21 hours after we had left.
THE LEN IS RIGHT TAKE ON THE U.S. OPEN
I was hoping Colin Montgomerie, Steve Stricker, or Phil Mickelson would win on Sunday. After a tremendous birdie putt on the 17th hole, Monty faded on 18 with a double-bogey. Mickelson proceded to have one of the greatest mental meltdowns in history giving away the lead and the title over the last 3 holes. Very un-Phil-like. He will probably beat himself up over this for a while, and he should. He made inexcusable mistakes that cost him his 3rd Major title in a row. But this is what makes the U.S. Open so tough to win and so appreciated for years afterward.
All in all, it was a fun, tiring, long day. If this tournament is played in a location near where you live, and you like golf, by all means go and be a spectator at the U.S. Open The rough was CRAZY, do you hear me? The greens were slick and very undulating, and I'm sure it was an exercise in frustration for most of the golfers. I think if I had played the same conditions, I may have carded a 145. But only if I hit 80% of the fairways. If I'm in the rough, all bets are off.
Happy belated Father's Day to all of those out there who have begat heirs. Until next time, remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Thursday, June 15, 2006
THE U.S. OPEN AND THE N.Y. METS
My very good friends:
I return to post the night before the big pilgrimage to Winged Foot for the 2nd round of the U.S. Open. I have also returned to turn the screws a little tighter, whether it brings the jinx, or not.
THE U.S. OPEN AT WINGED FOOT
There's not much to say here, folks. The course just laid waste to the pro's and made them look like a bunch of us guys. Was that beautiful, or what? I mean, I probably would have carded a 145. But one guy under par? One stinkin' guy? Oh, the words that come to mind......Precious.....Sweet.....Gnarly, dude......How'd that feel? I hope I don't get any tick bites wading through the 5 to 8 inch rough tomorrow. Jesus, we might be able to find Hoffa and Amelia Earhart if we look good enough.
Do you think the members of Winged Foot let the children who live in the surrounding area go sledding on the greens in winter time? Perhaps the U.S. Olympic ski team could practice moguls and the downhill around the greens areas. Maybe Bode Miller could show up for a medal next Olympics if he were to practice at Winged Foot. Jeez, it could only bring in more membership dues money for the club, right? "I say, Harriet, is that man snow boarding off the 10th green?"
"Why yes, Reginald, I believe he's pulling a 540 tail grab with an Ollie."
"Oh Harriet, talk like that some more, I believe my member moved."
" Oh, Dahling."
Look for me, Roy, Chuck, and the Palooka on TV tomorrow as we will be the ones knuckle deep in our noses when the camera pans by as Tiger (a 6-over 76 and 7 shots back of Monty after Round 1) pulls out his new Titleist Machete Iron to negotiate a particularly tough lie on the 16th, hoping to make the cut as the sun begins to set. Soccer hooligans, my arse!!
http://www.usopen.com
THE NEW YORK METS
Oh, how sweet it is! Yeah, it may be too early to crow, but we might as well be 1986-style pains in the asses while we can. The rest of the National League, the Eastern Division especially, can just kiss our ass right now. I think we may have already clinched a Wild-Card spot (barring injury of course). It is June 15, and the Metropolitans are 9.5 games up on the 2nd place Phillies. And when, my friends, when was the last time the Mets had a 12 game lead on the HATED Braves from Atlanta? I hope the fans in Atlanta remember what it was like when Sherman came through during the War Between the States. Burn you mofo's, burn.
Hey, how're them Yankees looking right now, huh? I'd say they're looking old. Let me hear it people...."SWEEEEET." The Baltmur Oreos come to town to try to cool down the Mets over this weekend. It's been a long time coming. If I was in the stands I'd begin a European Soccer Fan chant in the stands. "Oh, We Play Hard! We give Our All! So You Can Kiss Our Bats And Kiss Our Balls!" THAT, my friends, would be the highlight to my baseball season. To hear the whole crowd at a Mets game singing like a Eurpoe soccer crowd, the words I've just written.....why I could die a happy man. LET'S GO METS!!
You can follow the goings on in baseball at: http://www.mlb.com
Well, folks, it's off to bed for your ranting blog master, as I have a 5:00 a.m. departure time. Enjoy the sunny, warm weekend. Please remember that Len Is Right.
Cause I am,
Len Tollerton
I return to post the night before the big pilgrimage to Winged Foot for the 2nd round of the U.S. Open. I have also returned to turn the screws a little tighter, whether it brings the jinx, or not.
THE U.S. OPEN AT WINGED FOOT
There's not much to say here, folks. The course just laid waste to the pro's and made them look like a bunch of us guys. Was that beautiful, or what? I mean, I probably would have carded a 145. But one guy under par? One stinkin' guy? Oh, the words that come to mind......Precious.....Sweet.....Gnarly, dude......How'd that feel? I hope I don't get any tick bites wading through the 5 to 8 inch rough tomorrow. Jesus, we might be able to find Hoffa and Amelia Earhart if we look good enough.
Do you think the members of Winged Foot let the children who live in the surrounding area go sledding on the greens in winter time? Perhaps the U.S. Olympic ski team could practice moguls and the downhill around the greens areas. Maybe Bode Miller could show up for a medal next Olympics if he were to practice at Winged Foot. Jeez, it could only bring in more membership dues money for the club, right? "I say, Harriet, is that man snow boarding off the 10th green?"
"Why yes, Reginald, I believe he's pulling a 540 tail grab with an Ollie."
"Oh Harriet, talk like that some more, I believe my member moved."
" Oh, Dahling."
Look for me, Roy, Chuck, and the Palooka on TV tomorrow as we will be the ones knuckle deep in our noses when the camera pans by as Tiger (a 6-over 76 and 7 shots back of Monty after Round 1) pulls out his new Titleist Machete Iron to negotiate a particularly tough lie on the 16th, hoping to make the cut as the sun begins to set. Soccer hooligans, my arse!!
http://www.usopen.com
THE NEW YORK METS
Oh, how sweet it is! Yeah, it may be too early to crow, but we might as well be 1986-style pains in the asses while we can. The rest of the National League, the Eastern Division especially, can just kiss our ass right now. I think we may have already clinched a Wild-Card spot (barring injury of course). It is June 15, and the Metropolitans are 9.5 games up on the 2nd place Phillies. And when, my friends, when was the last time the Mets had a 12 game lead on the HATED Braves from Atlanta? I hope the fans in Atlanta remember what it was like when Sherman came through during the War Between the States. Burn you mofo's, burn.
Hey, how're them Yankees looking right now, huh? I'd say they're looking old. Let me hear it people...."SWEEEEET." The Baltmur Oreos come to town to try to cool down the Mets over this weekend. It's been a long time coming. If I was in the stands I'd begin a European Soccer Fan chant in the stands. "Oh, We Play Hard! We give Our All! So You Can Kiss Our Bats And Kiss Our Balls!" THAT, my friends, would be the highlight to my baseball season. To hear the whole crowd at a Mets game singing like a Eurpoe soccer crowd, the words I've just written.....why I could die a happy man. LET'S GO METS!!
You can follow the goings on in baseball at: http://www.mlb.com
Well, folks, it's off to bed for your ranting blog master, as I have a 5:00 a.m. departure time. Enjoy the sunny, warm weekend. Please remember that Len Is Right.
Cause I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
FIELD DAY AT SCHOOL AND THE WORLD CUP
Good Day my friends.
I'm hoping this post finds everyone doing well and starting to enjoy the summer. The rain looks like it's starting to ebb and we may get some decent weather up in the great Northeast. At least for the next few days.
FIELD DAY AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Today my son Jackson's school held their annual Field Day. This consists of all the classes broken into 4 teams each, and competing in 12 different events. Parents were enlisted to man the different stations and set-up food, water slide, and a host of other fun activities. I was stationed at the Tug-Of-War. We all had a great time cheering everyone on and making sure everyone had fun. I tried to make sure that all the kids were into it, but were not so competitive that they had hard feelings after losing. It turned out really well, though I was a tad hoarse afterward. I DID almost suffer a broken finger when one lovely 3rd grade girl, angry over her team's loss, tried to twist my fingers off when I went around giving everyone high-fives. Is this how soccer hooligans get their start? Or maybe youth sports parents who want to beat up coaches? "Honey, honey, you're breaking my finger!!! This is just for fun, no need to injure the nice volunteer."
THE WORLD CUP
I just got done watching a thrilling match between Poland and Germany. Germany won in Overtime, 1-0, on a late goal, with Poland a man down because of a red-card penalty. This game was played in Dortmund, Germany, in the largest soccer venue in that country. There were 67,000 screaming fans, most pulling for the home team, though Poland was well-represented in the stands.
As most of us know, the U.S. team was embarassed by the Czechs, 3-0 in the flattest, most uninspired performance I think our national team has ever put out. It's like we have all these hopes that this World Cup will finally be the one where we gain some respect in the world soccer community. As usual, we showed why our national sport is baseball. I, personally, have never been a big fan of soccer, though I will give it a try every once in a while. Today's Poland/Germany game was fast-paced and actually interesting to watch.
The one thing I dearly love about watching soccer or rugby in frome Europe, or Australian rules football from down-under is listening to the fans sing fight songs throughout the game. I mean, you may think that college football or basketball fans are rabid. You may think the Cheese-heads up in Green Bay or the redneck Nascar fans are the most ardent followers of their respective teams. But you haven't seen anything till you've seen and heard a European soccer or rugby crowd sing for, scream for, cheer for and harrass the teams playing on the field of those games. You never see national pride like you do during the World Cup. And though the "hooligans" get out of hand at times, Americans can only hope to show the outright passion of these maniacs who genuinely live and die with the outcome of their city's or country's games. It is a refreshing departure from some American sports crowds (like the Florida Marlins and their 6.700 fans that showed up at Dolphins Stadium the other night). Even if a European team sucks and is in last place, the stands are still full and their fans are still as boisterous as if they were leading the Division. Cheers to all of them. If the Americans ever field a team that gets to a Final or wins the World Cup, we had all better just prepare for the coming of Armageddon, because the world will surely come to an end when that happens. Visit all the goings on at:
http://www.fifaworldcup.com
THE U.S. OPEN
Yeah, baby!! I am off to the U.S, Open on Friday!!! Our national golf championship is taking place in Westchester County at the Famed Winged Foot Golf Club. I'm going with my friends Roy (the G.B. King), Chuck (the Edge of Darkness), and Jeff (the Big Palooka). We will be leaving at 5:00 a.m. and making the 2 hour drive to Mamaronek. The four of us went to the Masters in 2005 and the chance to actually be present for the U.S. Open is a chance we can't pass up. The 3 of them attended U.S. Opens at Shinnecock and at Bethpage Black on Long Island when they were played there over the last few years. This will be my first Open and I'm stoked. If I remember, I'll try to pick you all up a ball marker. You can check out all the goings on at the U.S.Open at: http://www.usopen.com
LEN IS RIGHT.....but....
as stated in a previous post, I SUCK at handicapping horse races. The horses I picked for the Belmont Stakes didn't finish in the money. But see, what DOES make Len Right is that I'm smart enough to know that I suck at handicapping, thus I DON"T BET.
The moral...A man's got to know his limitations.
HOW ABOUT A NEW CROCK POT OR SOME GREAT WINE?
Okay, it's shameless shill time here at Len Is Right. I'd like to point your attention to the right to the link section and ask you to check out the links to Crock Pot.com and Wines Direct.com
I don't know how many of you own or have used a crock pot for slow cooking, but they work really well and are really versatile. If you haven't checked them out before, or in a while, take a look at all the different kinds and sizes there are now. They even come in different themes (Nascar and other decorations) and there is even a table-top BBQ model, which looks really interesting.
Also, i know you wine lovers out there usually just go to the local liquor store for your favorite vino. But if you get the chance, take a look at the link for WinesDirect.com. You may find something that you haven't tried before.
Okay, that's all for now. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone has a great weekend. Look for me on TV on Friday afternoon. I'll be wearing my white Universal Studios hat, cheering Tiger Woods and the rest of the competitors (except Vijay Singh) at the U.S.Open. GOING TO THE OPEN, BABY!!!
Of course, Len Is Right.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I'm hoping this post finds everyone doing well and starting to enjoy the summer. The rain looks like it's starting to ebb and we may get some decent weather up in the great Northeast. At least for the next few days.
FIELD DAY AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Today my son Jackson's school held their annual Field Day. This consists of all the classes broken into 4 teams each, and competing in 12 different events. Parents were enlisted to man the different stations and set-up food, water slide, and a host of other fun activities. I was stationed at the Tug-Of-War. We all had a great time cheering everyone on and making sure everyone had fun. I tried to make sure that all the kids were into it, but were not so competitive that they had hard feelings after losing. It turned out really well, though I was a tad hoarse afterward. I DID almost suffer a broken finger when one lovely 3rd grade girl, angry over her team's loss, tried to twist my fingers off when I went around giving everyone high-fives. Is this how soccer hooligans get their start? Or maybe youth sports parents who want to beat up coaches? "Honey, honey, you're breaking my finger!!! This is just for fun, no need to injure the nice volunteer."
THE WORLD CUP
I just got done watching a thrilling match between Poland and Germany. Germany won in Overtime, 1-0, on a late goal, with Poland a man down because of a red-card penalty. This game was played in Dortmund, Germany, in the largest soccer venue in that country. There were 67,000 screaming fans, most pulling for the home team, though Poland was well-represented in the stands.
As most of us know, the U.S. team was embarassed by the Czechs, 3-0 in the flattest, most uninspired performance I think our national team has ever put out. It's like we have all these hopes that this World Cup will finally be the one where we gain some respect in the world soccer community. As usual, we showed why our national sport is baseball. I, personally, have never been a big fan of soccer, though I will give it a try every once in a while. Today's Poland/Germany game was fast-paced and actually interesting to watch.
The one thing I dearly love about watching soccer or rugby in frome Europe, or Australian rules football from down-under is listening to the fans sing fight songs throughout the game. I mean, you may think that college football or basketball fans are rabid. You may think the Cheese-heads up in Green Bay or the redneck Nascar fans are the most ardent followers of their respective teams. But you haven't seen anything till you've seen and heard a European soccer or rugby crowd sing for, scream for, cheer for and harrass the teams playing on the field of those games. You never see national pride like you do during the World Cup. And though the "hooligans" get out of hand at times, Americans can only hope to show the outright passion of these maniacs who genuinely live and die with the outcome of their city's or country's games. It is a refreshing departure from some American sports crowds (like the Florida Marlins and their 6.700 fans that showed up at Dolphins Stadium the other night). Even if a European team sucks and is in last place, the stands are still full and their fans are still as boisterous as if they were leading the Division. Cheers to all of them. If the Americans ever field a team that gets to a Final or wins the World Cup, we had all better just prepare for the coming of Armageddon, because the world will surely come to an end when that happens. Visit all the goings on at:
http://www.fifaworldcup.com
THE U.S. OPEN
Yeah, baby!! I am off to the U.S, Open on Friday!!! Our national golf championship is taking place in Westchester County at the Famed Winged Foot Golf Club. I'm going with my friends Roy (the G.B. King), Chuck (the Edge of Darkness), and Jeff (the Big Palooka). We will be leaving at 5:00 a.m. and making the 2 hour drive to Mamaronek. The four of us went to the Masters in 2005 and the chance to actually be present for the U.S. Open is a chance we can't pass up. The 3 of them attended U.S. Opens at Shinnecock and at Bethpage Black on Long Island when they were played there over the last few years. This will be my first Open and I'm stoked. If I remember, I'll try to pick you all up a ball marker. You can check out all the goings on at the U.S.Open at: http://www.usopen.com
LEN IS RIGHT.....but....
as stated in a previous post, I SUCK at handicapping horse races. The horses I picked for the Belmont Stakes didn't finish in the money. But see, what DOES make Len Right is that I'm smart enough to know that I suck at handicapping, thus I DON"T BET.
The moral...A man's got to know his limitations.
HOW ABOUT A NEW CROCK POT OR SOME GREAT WINE?
Okay, it's shameless shill time here at Len Is Right. I'd like to point your attention to the right to the link section and ask you to check out the links to Crock Pot.com and Wines Direct.com
I don't know how many of you own or have used a crock pot for slow cooking, but they work really well and are really versatile. If you haven't checked them out before, or in a while, take a look at all the different kinds and sizes there are now. They even come in different themes (Nascar and other decorations) and there is even a table-top BBQ model, which looks really interesting.
Also, i know you wine lovers out there usually just go to the local liquor store for your favorite vino. But if you get the chance, take a look at the link for WinesDirect.com. You may find something that you haven't tried before.
Okay, that's all for now. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone has a great weekend. Look for me on TV on Friday afternoon. I'll be wearing my white Universal Studios hat, cheering Tiger Woods and the rest of the competitors (except Vijay Singh) at the U.S.Open. GOING TO THE OPEN, BABY!!!
Of course, Len Is Right.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, June 09, 2006
WHAT'S UP PEOPLE!
Len Is Right is back again with a new post. It's been a few days since my last post and I've got just a few short notes, Larry King-style, to put out, just so you don't forget about me.
THE KID FROM BROOKLYN
First off, I'd like to point you to an interesting website www.thekidfrombrooklyn.com Folks, if you click on this website and go to the video page, you'll get a kick out of what you hear. The big man in the videos is this guy, Mike, who loves to go on these 1-2 minute rants on just about any topic out there. One Warning: He does use a bit of profanity, so don't watch them around the kids, okay? This guy makes me laugh, especially when he gets out of breath. He's right on with alot of his views, in my opinion, and usually makes me chuckle for a few minutes. Check him out, but beware, he's loud.
TONY'S KNEE SURGERY
Our good friend, Tony Sansone, had a scope on his knee yesterday to clean up his torn meniscus cartiledge. Now, I know about knee surgery, having undergone ACL reconstruction back in '95. A scope isn't really too bad, especially with today's technology. A major reconstruction is, obviously, alot tougher because it is invasive and you need to reeducate your muscles in that area. Rehab can take around 6 months depending on how stringent you are about going to therapy. The more you do, the faster you are back in action.
I'd also like to relate one of the really bad things about knee injuries. If you end up getting fluid in your knee and it becomes difficult to bend it, the doctor usually suggests getting the knee drained. Well I'm here to tell you that the ONLY good thing about getting your knee drained is the end result, the ability to bend your knee and walk normally again. Let me explain the procedure and why I hate it. First, they have to numb your knee. The way they do this is by sticking a novocaine-filled needle into the center of your knee. They usually have you hold onto a pillow while they do this, because it flat-out hurts. And unlike other surface-based pain, this pain is in the center of your knee and there's no way for you to rub it to ease the pain. That's the worst. Next, they take an even bigger needle with a fat syringe on it and stick that into the center of your knee, and start draining fluid. As the syringe fills up, there is some relief. That is, until the syringe is full and they have to get a new one. While they change syringes, they leave the needle in your knee and everytime they do something, the needle moves around inside your knee. There might be novocaine in there, but it still hurts and it's very disconcerting feeling something sharp moving around in the center of your knee. Finally, it's over and you get down off the table and take your first few ginger steps. Ahhh, now you can bend your knee. Hopefully your knee won't swell up again and you have to get it drained again.
THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL KNEE REHAB
There are many factors that go into successfully rehabbing one's knee. Being serious about your therapy regimen is a must. However, the MAJOR key to survivng this whole ordeal is one word. ICE .
Ice is a must. It is your best friend at the end of your therapy session. It is a necessity every day after walking around. Ice will keep the swelling down and the need for another draining kept to a minimum. Anyway, we here at Len Is Right would like to wish a speedy recovery to Tony Sansone. I know he's going to be itching to get back into the gym and back to work laying ties for the America's railroad.
THE BELMONT STAKES
This seems to be an anti-climax after the Derby winner broke his leg and Preakness winner, Bernadini, is passing on this race. Of the 12 horses entered, it seems that only 5 are given much of a chance. Right now, I'm seeing alot of press on Sunriver and High Finance. The opening line had Bluegrass Cat (2nd in the Derby) as the early favorite. I think his Derby result was a fluke. Steppenwolfer is a very late closer and supposedly has never had to deal with this long of a race. Will he be there at the end. I have absolutely no idea here, so I'm just going to throw an Exacta Box pick out there for you. High Finance and Steppenwolfer. Good Luck.
STARS I'VE SEEN ENOUGH OF FOR A WHILE
The following is a list of people whose faces I could go at least 5 years and not see, and it would be okay with me. Overexposure has just made me tired of them. Feel free to chime in with your votes.
THE KID FROM BROOKLYN
First off, I'd like to point you to an interesting website www.thekidfrombrooklyn.com Folks, if you click on this website and go to the video page, you'll get a kick out of what you hear. The big man in the videos is this guy, Mike, who loves to go on these 1-2 minute rants on just about any topic out there. One Warning: He does use a bit of profanity, so don't watch them around the kids, okay? This guy makes me laugh, especially when he gets out of breath. He's right on with alot of his views, in my opinion, and usually makes me chuckle for a few minutes. Check him out, but beware, he's loud.
TONY'S KNEE SURGERY
Our good friend, Tony Sansone, had a scope on his knee yesterday to clean up his torn meniscus cartiledge. Now, I know about knee surgery, having undergone ACL reconstruction back in '95. A scope isn't really too bad, especially with today's technology. A major reconstruction is, obviously, alot tougher because it is invasive and you need to reeducate your muscles in that area. Rehab can take around 6 months depending on how stringent you are about going to therapy. The more you do, the faster you are back in action.
I'd also like to relate one of the really bad things about knee injuries. If you end up getting fluid in your knee and it becomes difficult to bend it, the doctor usually suggests getting the knee drained. Well I'm here to tell you that the ONLY good thing about getting your knee drained is the end result, the ability to bend your knee and walk normally again. Let me explain the procedure and why I hate it. First, they have to numb your knee. The way they do this is by sticking a novocaine-filled needle into the center of your knee. They usually have you hold onto a pillow while they do this, because it flat-out hurts. And unlike other surface-based pain, this pain is in the center of your knee and there's no way for you to rub it to ease the pain. That's the worst. Next, they take an even bigger needle with a fat syringe on it and stick that into the center of your knee, and start draining fluid. As the syringe fills up, there is some relief. That is, until the syringe is full and they have to get a new one. While they change syringes, they leave the needle in your knee and everytime they do something, the needle moves around inside your knee. There might be novocaine in there, but it still hurts and it's very disconcerting feeling something sharp moving around in the center of your knee. Finally, it's over and you get down off the table and take your first few ginger steps. Ahhh, now you can bend your knee. Hopefully your knee won't swell up again and you have to get it drained again.
THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL KNEE REHAB
There are many factors that go into successfully rehabbing one's knee. Being serious about your therapy regimen is a must. However, the MAJOR key to survivng this whole ordeal is one word. ICE .
Ice is a must. It is your best friend at the end of your therapy session. It is a necessity every day after walking around. Ice will keep the swelling down and the need for another draining kept to a minimum. Anyway, we here at Len Is Right would like to wish a speedy recovery to Tony Sansone. I know he's going to be itching to get back into the gym and back to work laying ties for the America's railroad.
THE BELMONT STAKES
This seems to be an anti-climax after the Derby winner broke his leg and Preakness winner, Bernadini, is passing on this race. Of the 12 horses entered, it seems that only 5 are given much of a chance. Right now, I'm seeing alot of press on Sunriver and High Finance. The opening line had Bluegrass Cat (2nd in the Derby) as the early favorite. I think his Derby result was a fluke. Steppenwolfer is a very late closer and supposedly has never had to deal with this long of a race. Will he be there at the end. I have absolutely no idea here, so I'm just going to throw an Exacta Box pick out there for you. High Finance and Steppenwolfer. Good Luck.
STARS I'VE SEEN ENOUGH OF FOR A WHILE
The following is a list of people whose faces I could go at least 5 years and not see, and it would be okay with me. Overexposure has just made me tired of them. Feel free to chime in with your votes.
- Paris Hilton and her balloon-headed ex-friend Nicole Richie
- Brangelina--Does anyone really care where Brad and his screwball girlfriend have their baby? Go away already.
- Barry Bonds and anything to do with steroids.
- Jessica Simpson
- Lindsay Lohan
- Tom Cruise--no psychotherapy needed there, huh? Why does Katie Holmes always look scared yet sedated?
- Dubya--How fast can the next election come?
- Protesters of the Da Vinci Code---get a freakin' life.
- Nick Lachey, Ryan Seacrest, and the rest of the self-promoter useless talking heads in the world.
- The Gyllenhall (spelling?) family...Jake and Maggie, you are a couple of creepy looking people. Please stop our nightmares.
- James Blunt--"You're Beautiful" No you're not...you suck.
- Mischa Barton--please
- Rain in the Northeast. This summer is shaping up to be a loser. Where is the sun?
Okay folks, we've about made it to the end of the schoolyear and half-days start next week. Get ready parents. Get those vacation plans set and enjoy. This is truly the best time of the year. Get yourselves outside and have some fun.
Peace to all. Talk to you soon. As always....Len Is Right. A motto. A Credo. A way of Life.
I am Len Tollerton
Sunday, June 04, 2006
FINALLY BACK WITH SOME TOPICS
Hello all:
Welcome back. I apologize for not posting since May 27. Time constraints and writers block again. On Friday June2, I played in an all-inclusive golf outing with 3 of my closest golfing buddies. The outing was a scramble format with a shotgun start. If you've played in one of these, you know it is designed to give everyone a chance at maikng a contribution to the team. It's alot of fun and can end up being pretty competitive.
THE PRINTERS' OUTING AT ORCHARD CREEK
I've got to tell you about this outing because it was truly the classiest, well-planned, and well-run outings I've ever played in. First off, we checked in at 8:00 a.m. We all received a sleeve of balls and were able to buy-in to a 50/50 raffle. We then went into the clubhouse and enjoyed a complimentary breakfast of coffee, juice, danish fresh-fruit, etc.... At 9:00 we all went out to our starting holes (there were 120-140 golfers, ergo a shotgun start), and proceded to try to get a jump on the rest of the field. My group started at a 145-yd Par 3. Our closest tee shot came within 11 feet. Not bad, but not close enough to win one of the closest-to-the-pin contests. The putt was makeable, but we weren't able to grab the birdie with 4 attempts. This was a true omen for how our day would go. One of our team, Dot-Com Destroyer, is a solid 6 handicap, and it was pretty much the Dot-Com show most of the day. Yours truly can crank out drives in the 240-280-yd. range. But this guy, who is about 3 inches shorter and 80-100 lbs. lighter just blows the ball past me. Our other 2 partners, the G. B. King and The Edge of Darkness were playing injured (one with a 2 inch gash on his thumb, the other playing for the 1st time after fairly serious back surgery in the late winter).
We got hot over the last 7 holes and were able to card a 6-under par 65. On the course we were playing, Orchard Creek in Altamont, N.Y., we thought that would, at least, be good enough for 2nd place prize money. More on that later.
When we came off the course after 10 holes (the turn), it was lunch time. We were pleasantly surprised to see hot dogs, sausage sandwiches and grilled ribs, along with all the water, soda, and beer you wanted. There were also kegs going out on the course, in case anyone felt a tad dehydrated. After chowing down, we made our way back onto the course to finish the last 8 holes of our round. We did okay, but not as well as we expected. We didn't get our approach shots close enough to the holes, we didn't chip the ball particularly well, and we missed FAR TOO MANY putts. If you don't give yourself a chance to make short putts, and can't sink the 10-20 footers with 4 chances, you're not going to win a scramble. We had a great day, however, laughing and goofing around, so the golf was kind-of secondary.
After golf, the outing moved a few miles down the road to Pickard's Grove, which sits at the base of the mountain below Thatcher Park (a famous state park in upstate NY). This place is one of those classic clam-bake locations, with indoor/outdoor tables, horseshoe pits, large bar, clam bars, etc... This place was clean, the staff was very friendly, there was plenty of room, and the food was great. Food? Hot dogs, sausage, clam chowder, raw clams and oysters (as much as you could eat...and I can pound the raw bar, let me tell ya), chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, bevarages. That was for the first 3 hours.
THE AWESOMELY GREAT SUCKOUT ON THE G.B.KING (ROY LUCE)
During that time the four of us amused ourselves with a couple of $20 Hold-'Em tournaments. After 2 major suck-outs, I was able to send GBK and Edge O D packing, leaving me and the Dot-Com Destroyer to battle it out for the money. Less than 5 hands later, it was over and I was the winner. The suckout I pulled on GBK, with a suited 10-3 in my hand, was a thing of beauty as a 3 and a 10 came on the board to knock out his lower 2-pair, which he caught early on. Definitely a questionable call after GBK went All-In, but my mind was on glomming some more raw clams and my stomach made my decision for me. When I sucked-out the winning hand, GBK was left to run for drinks, shaking his head and talking to himself all the way. I believe he was seeing black at this point. If he hadn't been knocked out at that point, he would have certainly gone on TILT and busted out soon after. A second tournament found me and GBK battling it out at the end for the money, and the tables were turned as he pulled a 3rd seven on the river when CLEARLY dominated by my A-J and 2 pair. Paybacks can indeed be a bitch. But it was fun.
My only complaint of the day was the stalls in the Men's room at the Grove. When you sat down, the door was right against your knees. It made it a little tough to do your business. But what was worse was when I stood up and had to pull my pants back on. I couldn't bend over or I would have hit my head on the door and fallen backward onto the toilet. So, here I am, trying to get into Limbo dancing position to grab my underwear and pants and get myself back out to the festivities. I'm lucky I didn't pull a muscle in my back trying to get to my dropped pants.
Anyway......at 6:30, out came the dinner. Some got steak, some got lobster, plus 1 1/2 dozen steamed clams (as if I hadn't had enough clams already). While we were eating they gave out 10 50/50 cash prizes, and the awards for the winning teams and the four closest to the pin and 2 men's and women's longest drive contests. The winning team ended up shooting 12-Under 59! A great score to be sure, but on a tough course like that, they either were knocking down alot of putts, or cheating their asses offf. When 2nd place was announced with a 9-Under and 3rd was 8-Under, we realized that we just didn't play well enough. I'm sure all 3 teams didn't cheat their way to those scores, so they must have played alot better than us. I happened to win a closest-to-the-pin for the 6th hole (3 ft. 2 in) and won a $25 gift card to the golf course. After this they gave away about 30 smaller prizes, which included a grill, a cordless drill, a screened tent, a huge cooler and stand, and a host of other neat stuff. Then they gave away the big prizes, which included a 20" LCD flat screen TV, a DVD/VCR combo, and a digital camera.
After that we left because we were tired, full, and didn't want to play anymore cards. We were a little disappointed that we didn't come in to the money as a team. But we all had a great time, alot of laughs and a terrific day overall. It's good to golf with your friends. Thanks to Chuck "The Edge Of Darkness" Luce, my brother, for inviting me to the outing. I hope it will grow to be a tradition.
A COUPLE OF FINAL POINTS
Welcome back. I apologize for not posting since May 27. Time constraints and writers block again. On Friday June2, I played in an all-inclusive golf outing with 3 of my closest golfing buddies. The outing was a scramble format with a shotgun start. If you've played in one of these, you know it is designed to give everyone a chance at maikng a contribution to the team. It's alot of fun and can end up being pretty competitive.
THE PRINTERS' OUTING AT ORCHARD CREEK
I've got to tell you about this outing because it was truly the classiest, well-planned, and well-run outings I've ever played in. First off, we checked in at 8:00 a.m. We all received a sleeve of balls and were able to buy-in to a 50/50 raffle. We then went into the clubhouse and enjoyed a complimentary breakfast of coffee, juice, danish fresh-fruit, etc.... At 9:00 we all went out to our starting holes (there were 120-140 golfers, ergo a shotgun start), and proceded to try to get a jump on the rest of the field. My group started at a 145-yd Par 3. Our closest tee shot came within 11 feet. Not bad, but not close enough to win one of the closest-to-the-pin contests. The putt was makeable, but we weren't able to grab the birdie with 4 attempts. This was a true omen for how our day would go. One of our team, Dot-Com Destroyer, is a solid 6 handicap, and it was pretty much the Dot-Com show most of the day. Yours truly can crank out drives in the 240-280-yd. range. But this guy, who is about 3 inches shorter and 80-100 lbs. lighter just blows the ball past me. Our other 2 partners, the G. B. King and The Edge of Darkness were playing injured (one with a 2 inch gash on his thumb, the other playing for the 1st time after fairly serious back surgery in the late winter).
We got hot over the last 7 holes and were able to card a 6-under par 65. On the course we were playing, Orchard Creek in Altamont, N.Y., we thought that would, at least, be good enough for 2nd place prize money. More on that later.
When we came off the course after 10 holes (the turn), it was lunch time. We were pleasantly surprised to see hot dogs, sausage sandwiches and grilled ribs, along with all the water, soda, and beer you wanted. There were also kegs going out on the course, in case anyone felt a tad dehydrated. After chowing down, we made our way back onto the course to finish the last 8 holes of our round. We did okay, but not as well as we expected. We didn't get our approach shots close enough to the holes, we didn't chip the ball particularly well, and we missed FAR TOO MANY putts. If you don't give yourself a chance to make short putts, and can't sink the 10-20 footers with 4 chances, you're not going to win a scramble. We had a great day, however, laughing and goofing around, so the golf was kind-of secondary.
After golf, the outing moved a few miles down the road to Pickard's Grove, which sits at the base of the mountain below Thatcher Park (a famous state park in upstate NY). This place is one of those classic clam-bake locations, with indoor/outdoor tables, horseshoe pits, large bar, clam bars, etc... This place was clean, the staff was very friendly, there was plenty of room, and the food was great. Food? Hot dogs, sausage, clam chowder, raw clams and oysters (as much as you could eat...and I can pound the raw bar, let me tell ya), chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, bevarages. That was for the first 3 hours.
THE AWESOMELY GREAT SUCKOUT ON THE G.B.KING (ROY LUCE)
During that time the four of us amused ourselves with a couple of $20 Hold-'Em tournaments. After 2 major suck-outs, I was able to send GBK and Edge O D packing, leaving me and the Dot-Com Destroyer to battle it out for the money. Less than 5 hands later, it was over and I was the winner. The suckout I pulled on GBK, with a suited 10-3 in my hand, was a thing of beauty as a 3 and a 10 came on the board to knock out his lower 2-pair, which he caught early on. Definitely a questionable call after GBK went All-In, but my mind was on glomming some more raw clams and my stomach made my decision for me. When I sucked-out the winning hand, GBK was left to run for drinks, shaking his head and talking to himself all the way. I believe he was seeing black at this point. If he hadn't been knocked out at that point, he would have certainly gone on TILT and busted out soon after. A second tournament found me and GBK battling it out at the end for the money, and the tables were turned as he pulled a 3rd seven on the river when CLEARLY dominated by my A-J and 2 pair. Paybacks can indeed be a bitch. But it was fun.
My only complaint of the day was the stalls in the Men's room at the Grove. When you sat down, the door was right against your knees. It made it a little tough to do your business. But what was worse was when I stood up and had to pull my pants back on. I couldn't bend over or I would have hit my head on the door and fallen backward onto the toilet. So, here I am, trying to get into Limbo dancing position to grab my underwear and pants and get myself back out to the festivities. I'm lucky I didn't pull a muscle in my back trying to get to my dropped pants.
Anyway......at 6:30, out came the dinner. Some got steak, some got lobster, plus 1 1/2 dozen steamed clams (as if I hadn't had enough clams already). While we were eating they gave out 10 50/50 cash prizes, and the awards for the winning teams and the four closest to the pin and 2 men's and women's longest drive contests. The winning team ended up shooting 12-Under 59! A great score to be sure, but on a tough course like that, they either were knocking down alot of putts, or cheating their asses offf. When 2nd place was announced with a 9-Under and 3rd was 8-Under, we realized that we just didn't play well enough. I'm sure all 3 teams didn't cheat their way to those scores, so they must have played alot better than us. I happened to win a closest-to-the-pin for the 6th hole (3 ft. 2 in) and won a $25 gift card to the golf course. After this they gave away about 30 smaller prizes, which included a grill, a cordless drill, a screened tent, a huge cooler and stand, and a host of other neat stuff. Then they gave away the big prizes, which included a 20" LCD flat screen TV, a DVD/VCR combo, and a digital camera.
After that we left because we were tired, full, and didn't want to play anymore cards. We were a little disappointed that we didn't come in to the money as a team. But we all had a great time, alot of laughs and a terrific day overall. It's good to golf with your friends. Thanks to Chuck "The Edge Of Darkness" Luce, my brother, for inviting me to the outing. I hope it will grow to be a tradition.
A COUPLE OF FINAL POINTS
- The NY Mets are still in first place (Hear that Mrs. Koehler?)
- I will soon have a Fantasy Football Directory site up and running with articles and opinions. You can see it at www.thefantasyfootballpicks.com , but it's not fully ready yet. I hope some of my friends will post their fantasy opinions on the site when I get everything ready.
- My wife, Patty, and I went to see the Da Vinci Code last week. She had read the book and I hadn't. I knew the premise and went in with an open mind. I was glued to the edge of my seat for 2 1/2 hours. What a great murder mystery and story. Whether you buy-in to the idea or not, it's a great movie. I wouldn't watch it again, however, because once all of the shocking turns and twists are revealed, there's no surprise anymore. Kind of like watching M. Night Shamawhatever's Sixth Sense.
- I am OFFICIALLY tired of rain. Things are saturated around here.
- I thought Over The Hedge was cute, but not great.
- I find a chunky Brittany Spears alot more attractive than a Paris Hilton or Nicole ("how do you like my huge head and skinny body?) Ritchie.
- I'm rooting for the Dallas Mavericks because I'm a Dirk Nowitzki fan, although I HATE the NBA.
- I listen to Mike and Mike in the Morning every weekday morning on ESPN radio.
- We are in the process of planning a LARGE 20th anniversary party for our yard in August. You had better hope you're on the invite list. We are taking applications for a lottery-type approval list now.
- Projects for this summer (if it stops raining) are painting the outside foundation of my house, painting the shed in the backyard, pressure-washing the house, and selling my 2-family house in Waterford (it's on the market now).
- Right now I'm using charcoal to grill with instead of gas. It takes a bit longer, but to me the taste is worth it.
That's all for now folks. I really need to sit down and write more often. I'm sorry if you're a regular reader and I've been neglecting you over the last week. If there's a topic you'd like me to write about, please submit to me via email or post a comment on this site. Hey Chuck, give me something REAL to sink my writing teeth into. Anyone else?
Just don't be offended by my take on things, because you know...LEN IS RIGHT.
Thanks to all my readers.
I am Len Tollerton
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