Minions:
How are we all in the month of March, 2009? Are we feeling good? Are we movin' and shakin' it up? I figured it's been a month since I talked with you, so maybe I'd blog it up a little. I had hoped to become a professional blogger, but, I don't feel the need to be chatty everyday.
So, here in Albany, we've got a couple of messed-up situations going on. First, sickness. Because we never had a 1-2 week stretch where the temperature was consistently single-digits or below-zero, the germs that would normally have gotten killed off, stayed alive and sent ALOT of people a nice little bug. You get this cold for, like, a week. Then, you start to feel better for a few days, then it comes right back again and kicks your butt for a day or two. And, unfortunately, it's a viral infection, as opposed to bacterial, ergo no need for anti-biotics. You just have to suck it up and deal with it. To explain the severity of this, I'll use as an example, my friend Roy the G.B. King. Roy used to work a ton of overtime, and like me, may book off from work maybe once a year. Well Roy booked off twice in one week because of this flu-bug. I, myself, went to the doctor's a couple of times. Sucks.
Next up is an event which happened last Saturday (3/7). There is an unnamed 14- year-old girl that our family is friends with, my kids have always been in school with, we've known her whole life. Long story short, last week she was walking to her house from a shopping mall and got to the end of her street, when some dickhead by the name of Brian McArdle (27, from Albany) jumped out of his car and grabbed our friend. She had enough sense of being to punch him, scream, and run away. After she described the guy and his car to the police, the police were quickly able to track him down and arrest him. Now, I know that anyone out there reading this is an upstanding human. You don't read LIR if you're not a normal human. Can someone out there explain to me what is the attraction to scaring, hurting and scarring children? Is it possible to even rehabillitate a person after they do this? Where is this bastard going to live after this?
Do you know this girl is scared to come out of her house? The one bright spot in all this was, that the girl's father is a prison guard (not at the jail this guy went to), her uncle is up high in the Sherriff's association ( I think), in short, I'm sure this guy's first night in the pokey was not okey-dokey. Since then, the guy made bail, and the paper reported that the court found that he has the mental capacity of a second grader. Trust me, I could blog for an hour about this whole thing. but I'm not going to say anything you haven't already thought of. I'm just glad my friend is alright physically. Mentally, I'm sure it will take a while before she's over this.
You can read about this at www.timesunion.com Click on Archives and type in Brian McArdle to the Search box. Anyway.........
I want to welcome one new reader and one I didn't know I had. Hello to Mrs. P the Cupcake Maker, and hello to Julie, Sansone's sister-in law, whom I ran into with her husband, Don, at the doctor's the other day. All of a sudden she says, "Keep On Bloggin!" I was surprised and happy to know someone else besides my email list was reading my rants. Thanks Julie. I'm sorry I don't know your last name, or I'd give you an Official LIR Nickname. I'd just say Deb's Sis, but that seems like a lack of your own identity. The Tethers Girl? I don't know. I'll figure it out.
Oh, and so as not to belittle Mrs. P's arrival, I'd like to recommend that you all drop by Sunset Lanes in Colonie some Saturday morning (before April 11th), and try to score some of Mrs. P's baking samples. Her cupcakes are the best. I mean that from a food standpoint. Her first attempt at doughnuts was pretty good, too. Perhaps she'll give me contact info and you can place an order with her so she can become the true professional that she'd love to be. Hey, how about someone serve designer cupcakes instead if a big wedding cake at the next reception. Now there's an idea. Cause you know Len Loves cuppy-cakes, Yummm.
Alright sports fans, March Madness is here. The conference tourneys are drawing to a close and the Big One will start next week. Good luck to all you Bracket Pool players. I'm pretty sure I'll be submitting an entry to the GunMiles Pool.
Last Thursday night, this guy that bowls in a different league, but at the same time as my league, bowled a 278, 279, and 289, for an 846 Triple. I can't imagine being that consistent. He bowls in 3 leagues and works at the place, but still...........
Hey, if you're in the Capital District on Saturday night, March 28, our good friend, Roy is throwing a Texas Hold-'Em tourney at his house. $75 Buy-In. Contact me if you'd like to play.
Alright, that's it for now. I'll try to be back w/in the week. In the meantime, remember that to Be Right, you gotta be a minion at LEN IS RIGHT.
The Answer's new CD, Everyday Demons drops into stores on March 31st. If you like Zeppelin/Black Crowes-type rock, I strongly recommend you pick this one up. Go to MySpace.com and type in The Answer band.
Peace to my Minions on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
PHELPS AND A DAILY SMILE
My friends:
It's been a couple of weeks. A few pieces of news to share with you, PLUS, I've got something to say about a couple of things. First off, some news.
Last week, young son Jackson started to realize his rock and roll dream by playing a couple of songs at the Sand Creek Middle School 5/6 grade Variety Show. Jackson led his band, Frozen Sun, in rousing renditions of Judas Priest's "Breaking The Law", and AC/DC's TNT. We have some video tape of the show (not sure how I can get it online since it was done a a standard camcorder). Frozen Sun is made up of Jackson on guitar, his buddy C. J. on vocals, and this kid, Pete, on drums. At this point Jackson doesn't think he needs a bass player or a second guitarist, but as time goes on, he'll realize he needs, at least, a bass player. TNT came out alot better than Breaking the Law, but only cause the band didn't have alot of practice time. Nothing like seeing your 12-year-old son shaking his long, flowing, blonde hair around while flashing the devil's horns-hand sign on stage, and then hearing the crowd applaud at the end. He may now be the most popular kid in 6th Grade. May luck help us all. As the lyrics in TNT go, "Lock up your daughter/Lock up your wife/Lock up your backdoor and run for your life." Gird your loins, America, Frozen Sun is coming.
Last night at bowling, I threw 10 strikes in the first game and ended with a 286 (2 of them were of the 9-pin variety). then couldn't manage anything over 175. Talk about shooting your load all at once.
The new Ibanez SZ520 arrived yesterday and the shredding started in the house. As Jackson says, "Dad, that's a beautiful guitar." Shredalicious, baby!!
Now, onto my opinion section.
PHELPS AND THE BONG
If you read this blog, you'll already guess my opinion on this matter. Gold Medal winning swimmer, Michael Phelps, was photographed smoking a bong at a party. Here's my entire take on this. First off, when you're in the public eye, you've got to realize that there are going to be alot of people watching you and that you are under the microscope. Mike, close the door for goodness sake. Forget the fact that you are risking alot of endorsement money, and that you're supposed to be a role model. How about remembering these 2 words...CAMERA PHONE.
In my opinion, the camera phone is a bane to man's existence. We can't all be saints all of the time. And you have to realize that this little gem of technology allows for the "Scumbag Fringe" to take a picture of you in what may, or may not, be a compromising position. You wouldn't smoke that thing in front of a cop, right? Close the gosh darn door!! Would you go to a bar or restaurant and make out with another person while married, right? I mean, your chances of getting caught are increased exponentially with camera phones.
The lesson here is..."Know where you are, know who you're with, and if your actions seem somewhat shady, consider finding a private place to do said actions in. PRIVACY, my friends. Let's act smartly, shall we?
That being said, I hope the scumbag who took the picture and sold it to the Press, comes down with the Ebola virus and bleeds out of his/her eyes till dead, ya freakin' jerk. Phelps is under 25 years old, won how many Gold medals for America, and has to put up with assholes putting cameras all around him. I'm sorry, but legal or not, he's basically a kid. Let him let his hair down once in a while, huh? I also hope the companies that dropped their sponsorship of him go bankrupt. I'll bet the heads of those companies have done ALOT worse in their lives than smoke a little dope at a party. Here's a little message from Len Is Right. "SCREW YOU, YOU HYPOCRITICAL BASTARDS! YOU HOLIER-THAN-THOU SHITHEADS CAN KISS MY ASS. I'll actively boycott all of their products and stores from now on (once I get a list of which companies dumped him). Don't think I will? My grandfather got screwed out of his retirement pension by Sears, back in the 50's. Our family has boycotted their store for years. I relented for a time and bought a Craftsman drill 15 years ago. Then, I recently found out that they did this same thing to many other people in recent years. No more. THIS Tollerton will not shop at Sears again. I walk through their store to get to the rest of the mall, and I spit on the floor going in and coming out. Don't believe me? Come with me to Colonie Center someday and I'll be happy to do it for you.
OKAY LEN, STRESS IT DOWN A LITTLE
I've heard alot of people say that, "the things i do or say don't really have an impact on how the rest of the world turns. Oh no? I beg to differ. I think that even small actions or attitudes make an impact greater than you may think.
Check it out. Let's say I go to a restaurant and order a steak, cooked medium. Let's say the waiter brings it out and it's terribly overcooked. If the waiter says, "Jeez, I'm sorry, you're right, let me go get you another steak." You end up being appreciative and you go to the restaurant again. If the waiter says, "That's medium, sir, maybe next time you could ask for it Rare." Now, I get an attitude, call for the manager, complain about the steak, the waiter's glib response, and vow never to return to the restaurant again. I further tell anyone who'll listen what a shitty reataurant that is and warn people not to go there.
What if I'm having a crappy day and as I'm walking through a store or mall, someone bumps me, knocking a package out of my hand and just says, "Watch It." I get home and start yelling as soon as I come through the door, complaining about everything that's not right, thus affecting my family and everything they've got going on. Perhaps I blow off some good news from one of my kids and make him feel neglected or sad. If the person who bumped me were to have stopped, apologized and helped me pick up my things, making sure I was alright, when I get home, I say, "Wow I had a bad day, but I'm so happy to be home with you all. How was your day? Let's have a nice dinner."
You see? Just a small change in words or actions can have a ripple effect down the road that you couldn't even see or notice. Over the last 5 years, around Christmas time, I've gone out of my way (almost to a fault) to let people cut in front of me in traffic, or in a Cashier line, or to grab a parking spot. I figure I'm healthy enough to walk from a farther spot. I figure that the other person is in a major hurry or in a major need to get the last GI Joe with the Kung-Fu grip for little Egbert and maybe they need a break. Maybe by doing this, they'll go and have a nicer holiday and maybe they'll have a little more compassion or courtesy in their next encounter. Maybe by allowing them to get where they need, faster, they'll get to a necessary appointment on time and their world will be right, thus letting them give someone else a break. I know, I know, I'm assuming other people even think remotely like me. I'm jaded, I'm sure. But you know what? It's taken my stress level way down around the holidays. I end up smiling to alot more people and I feel better, instead of hateful.
SO, I HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!!! Try smiling at the next 10 or 20 people that you walk past. Just a smile. Or maybe a Hello. Something friendly. Maybe a small unseen gesture like rolling your neighbor's garbage can up to their house so they don't have to do it at the end of the day. Or maybe show some genuine concern when you see someone is feeling down. You might unwittingly bring a person out of a depression because they think that no one cares.
Hey, the dirt nap we take at the end is forever. And the world is going to go right on living and moving, whether you're here or not. 100 years down the road 99% of us will be forgotten to the point of the only record of your existence will be your birth and death records. Really, how many of you remember the neighbor of your parents who died when you were 3 years old? Not many. What I mean is, we're here for a short time, then we're gone forever. and unless you were a public figure, celebrity of sports or some other field, a serial killer or war criminal, chance are you'll be forgotten 20 years after you're gone. It's not the major imapct you make all the time. It's the little gesture that you might do, or the word of encouragement you may give that launches someone to do something great, or treat their family with love instead of anger. Think about it.
Take the LEN IS RIGHT CHALLENGE. Smile at the next 10 or 20 people you pass by. You'll probably never know what the effect is down the road. But I bet someone will get a positive feeling over it. The world will be a better place. Stress it down, my friends
You know that LEN IS RIGHT.
I love you, my Minions.
I am,
Len Tollerton
It's been a couple of weeks. A few pieces of news to share with you, PLUS, I've got something to say about a couple of things. First off, some news.
Last week, young son Jackson started to realize his rock and roll dream by playing a couple of songs at the Sand Creek Middle School 5/6 grade Variety Show. Jackson led his band, Frozen Sun, in rousing renditions of Judas Priest's "Breaking The Law", and AC/DC's TNT. We have some video tape of the show (not sure how I can get it online since it was done a a standard camcorder). Frozen Sun is made up of Jackson on guitar, his buddy C. J. on vocals, and this kid, Pete, on drums. At this point Jackson doesn't think he needs a bass player or a second guitarist, but as time goes on, he'll realize he needs, at least, a bass player. TNT came out alot better than Breaking the Law, but only cause the band didn't have alot of practice time. Nothing like seeing your 12-year-old son shaking his long, flowing, blonde hair around while flashing the devil's horns-hand sign on stage, and then hearing the crowd applaud at the end. He may now be the most popular kid in 6th Grade. May luck help us all. As the lyrics in TNT go, "Lock up your daughter/Lock up your wife/Lock up your backdoor and run for your life." Gird your loins, America, Frozen Sun is coming.
Last night at bowling, I threw 10 strikes in the first game and ended with a 286 (2 of them were of the 9-pin variety). then couldn't manage anything over 175. Talk about shooting your load all at once.
The new Ibanez SZ520 arrived yesterday and the shredding started in the house. As Jackson says, "Dad, that's a beautiful guitar." Shredalicious, baby!!
Now, onto my opinion section.
PHELPS AND THE BONG
If you read this blog, you'll already guess my opinion on this matter. Gold Medal winning swimmer, Michael Phelps, was photographed smoking a bong at a party. Here's my entire take on this. First off, when you're in the public eye, you've got to realize that there are going to be alot of people watching you and that you are under the microscope. Mike, close the door for goodness sake. Forget the fact that you are risking alot of endorsement money, and that you're supposed to be a role model. How about remembering these 2 words...CAMERA PHONE.
In my opinion, the camera phone is a bane to man's existence. We can't all be saints all of the time. And you have to realize that this little gem of technology allows for the "Scumbag Fringe" to take a picture of you in what may, or may not, be a compromising position. You wouldn't smoke that thing in front of a cop, right? Close the gosh darn door!! Would you go to a bar or restaurant and make out with another person while married, right? I mean, your chances of getting caught are increased exponentially with camera phones.
The lesson here is..."Know where you are, know who you're with, and if your actions seem somewhat shady, consider finding a private place to do said actions in. PRIVACY, my friends. Let's act smartly, shall we?
That being said, I hope the scumbag who took the picture and sold it to the Press, comes down with the Ebola virus and bleeds out of his/her eyes till dead, ya freakin' jerk. Phelps is under 25 years old, won how many Gold medals for America, and has to put up with assholes putting cameras all around him. I'm sorry, but legal or not, he's basically a kid. Let him let his hair down once in a while, huh? I also hope the companies that dropped their sponsorship of him go bankrupt. I'll bet the heads of those companies have done ALOT worse in their lives than smoke a little dope at a party. Here's a little message from Len Is Right. "SCREW YOU, YOU HYPOCRITICAL BASTARDS! YOU HOLIER-THAN-THOU SHITHEADS CAN KISS MY ASS. I'll actively boycott all of their products and stores from now on (once I get a list of which companies dumped him). Don't think I will? My grandfather got screwed out of his retirement pension by Sears, back in the 50's. Our family has boycotted their store for years. I relented for a time and bought a Craftsman drill 15 years ago. Then, I recently found out that they did this same thing to many other people in recent years. No more. THIS Tollerton will not shop at Sears again. I walk through their store to get to the rest of the mall, and I spit on the floor going in and coming out. Don't believe me? Come with me to Colonie Center someday and I'll be happy to do it for you.
OKAY LEN, STRESS IT DOWN A LITTLE
I've heard alot of people say that, "the things i do or say don't really have an impact on how the rest of the world turns. Oh no? I beg to differ. I think that even small actions or attitudes make an impact greater than you may think.
Check it out. Let's say I go to a restaurant and order a steak, cooked medium. Let's say the waiter brings it out and it's terribly overcooked. If the waiter says, "Jeez, I'm sorry, you're right, let me go get you another steak." You end up being appreciative and you go to the restaurant again. If the waiter says, "That's medium, sir, maybe next time you could ask for it Rare." Now, I get an attitude, call for the manager, complain about the steak, the waiter's glib response, and vow never to return to the restaurant again. I further tell anyone who'll listen what a shitty reataurant that is and warn people not to go there.
What if I'm having a crappy day and as I'm walking through a store or mall, someone bumps me, knocking a package out of my hand and just says, "Watch It." I get home and start yelling as soon as I come through the door, complaining about everything that's not right, thus affecting my family and everything they've got going on. Perhaps I blow off some good news from one of my kids and make him feel neglected or sad. If the person who bumped me were to have stopped, apologized and helped me pick up my things, making sure I was alright, when I get home, I say, "Wow I had a bad day, but I'm so happy to be home with you all. How was your day? Let's have a nice dinner."
You see? Just a small change in words or actions can have a ripple effect down the road that you couldn't even see or notice. Over the last 5 years, around Christmas time, I've gone out of my way (almost to a fault) to let people cut in front of me in traffic, or in a Cashier line, or to grab a parking spot. I figure I'm healthy enough to walk from a farther spot. I figure that the other person is in a major hurry or in a major need to get the last GI Joe with the Kung-Fu grip for little Egbert and maybe they need a break. Maybe by doing this, they'll go and have a nicer holiday and maybe they'll have a little more compassion or courtesy in their next encounter. Maybe by allowing them to get where they need, faster, they'll get to a necessary appointment on time and their world will be right, thus letting them give someone else a break. I know, I know, I'm assuming other people even think remotely like me. I'm jaded, I'm sure. But you know what? It's taken my stress level way down around the holidays. I end up smiling to alot more people and I feel better, instead of hateful.
SO, I HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!!! Try smiling at the next 10 or 20 people that you walk past. Just a smile. Or maybe a Hello. Something friendly. Maybe a small unseen gesture like rolling your neighbor's garbage can up to their house so they don't have to do it at the end of the day. Or maybe show some genuine concern when you see someone is feeling down. You might unwittingly bring a person out of a depression because they think that no one cares.
Hey, the dirt nap we take at the end is forever. And the world is going to go right on living and moving, whether you're here or not. 100 years down the road 99% of us will be forgotten to the point of the only record of your existence will be your birth and death records. Really, how many of you remember the neighbor of your parents who died when you were 3 years old? Not many. What I mean is, we're here for a short time, then we're gone forever. and unless you were a public figure, celebrity of sports or some other field, a serial killer or war criminal, chance are you'll be forgotten 20 years after you're gone. It's not the major imapct you make all the time. It's the little gesture that you might do, or the word of encouragement you may give that launches someone to do something great, or treat their family with love instead of anger. Think about it.
Take the LEN IS RIGHT CHALLENGE. Smile at the next 10 or 20 people you pass by. You'll probably never know what the effect is down the road. But I bet someone will get a positive feeling over it. The world will be a better place. Stress it down, my friends
You know that LEN IS RIGHT.
I love you, my Minions.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, January 09, 2009
OH, HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED
Minions:
Just another short post to tell you about a groundshaking thing I saw today.
While at Planet Fitness today, I ran into Jess Koehler, daughter of longtime friend Kevin the Roller. Nothing strange about that. But lo, what did my eyes see Ms. Koehler wearing???
None other than a NY METS T-SHIRT!!!! With a number 5 on the back, for David Wright.
Let me explain. Jess and her mom Barb have been my arch-nemeses these past 10 years as baseball fans. As you know, I bleed the Blue and Orange of the Mets. These two ladies were hard-core Chipper "Make me puuuuuuuuke" Jones/Marcus Giles and their team the retched, hated, wish they all got ahtlete's foot Atlanta Braves. I mean, I HATE the Braves. And the Koehler women always hammered me with the successive Division Championships, while the Mets were awful. It was even better for them when the Braves beat the Mets in the playoffs.
Then, Marcus Giles left the Braves to start playing on the Padres. Jess started rooting for the Padres because of Giles. Jones, the piece of garbage, stayed with the Braves. Now Giles has signed with the HATED Phillies. Of course you know this means war.
But I get away from my point. The fact that anyone from the Koehler household is wearing a NY METS shirt is like fans of Derek Jeter walking around with Red Sox caps on. Can you dig that? Gotta give this an honest 6.2 on the Richter Scale.
I win.
LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Just another short post to tell you about a groundshaking thing I saw today.
While at Planet Fitness today, I ran into Jess Koehler, daughter of longtime friend Kevin the Roller. Nothing strange about that. But lo, what did my eyes see Ms. Koehler wearing???
None other than a NY METS T-SHIRT!!!! With a number 5 on the back, for David Wright.
Let me explain. Jess and her mom Barb have been my arch-nemeses these past 10 years as baseball fans. As you know, I bleed the Blue and Orange of the Mets. These two ladies were hard-core Chipper "Make me puuuuuuuuke" Jones/Marcus Giles and their team the retched, hated, wish they all got ahtlete's foot Atlanta Braves. I mean, I HATE the Braves. And the Koehler women always hammered me with the successive Division Championships, while the Mets were awful. It was even better for them when the Braves beat the Mets in the playoffs.
Then, Marcus Giles left the Braves to start playing on the Padres. Jess started rooting for the Padres because of Giles. Jones, the piece of garbage, stayed with the Braves. Now Giles has signed with the HATED Phillies. Of course you know this means war.
But I get away from my point. The fact that anyone from the Koehler household is wearing a NY METS shirt is like fans of Derek Jeter walking around with Red Sox caps on. Can you dig that? Gotta give this an honest 6.2 on the Richter Scale.
I win.
LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
1ST WEEK BOWLING RESULTS
Hey all:
Here are my scores from last night's bowling. Please remember that this is a 9-pin No-Tap format. This means if you get 9 pins on your first ball, it counts as a strike.
239, 250, 249. That equals 738 for my triple. In truth I probably would have averaged around 180, cause I'm good at converting my spares, especially 1-pin spares.
It turns out that there are only a few "serious" bowlers in the league. I would ut most of the people around a 140 average, if that. It was fun. First pitcher was on the house, there were 50/50 drawings throught the house, and our league gets 5 prize giveaways each week (pint glasses, free food at the snack bar, free games of open bowling and free Quick Draw plays. Very casual and just fun. A great format for couples who just want to have a good time and not worry about their scores, cause nothing's sanctioned.
All of the team names are beer names. My team is Heineken.
We still have spots open for 5 bowlers. So, if you're in the area and looking for something fun to do on Thursday nights, come and join the league.
Okay, it's 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Gotta get to the gym by 9:00. Talk with you soon, my minions. LEN IS RIGHT, let's not forget.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Here are my scores from last night's bowling. Please remember that this is a 9-pin No-Tap format. This means if you get 9 pins on your first ball, it counts as a strike.
239, 250, 249. That equals 738 for my triple. In truth I probably would have averaged around 180, cause I'm good at converting my spares, especially 1-pin spares.
It turns out that there are only a few "serious" bowlers in the league. I would ut most of the people around a 140 average, if that. It was fun. First pitcher was on the house, there were 50/50 drawings throught the house, and our league gets 5 prize giveaways each week (pint glasses, free food at the snack bar, free games of open bowling and free Quick Draw plays. Very casual and just fun. A great format for couples who just want to have a good time and not worry about their scores, cause nothing's sanctioned.
All of the team names are beer names. My team is Heineken.
We still have spots open for 5 bowlers. So, if you're in the area and looking for something fun to do on Thursday nights, come and join the league.
Okay, it's 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Gotta get to the gym by 9:00. Talk with you soon, my minions. LEN IS RIGHT, let's not forget.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Thursday, January 08, 2009
LEN STARTS BOWLING
Hello my friends:
Happy New Year and all that. I hope everyone is well and over the holidays. Wow, it can be stressfull, if for no other reason than the traffic. But I digress.
Hey, tonight I start in a bowling league at 9:00, at Sunset Lanes, where my kids bowl. I haven't been in a bowling league for, well, since high school. The normal bowling season is 33 weeks, from September to , like, April or May. For me, that's too damn long. So, I'm joining this 14-week league which starts tonight. It is a 9-pin No-Tap format, which means if you get 9 pins on the first ball, they count it as a strike. I know, sounds kind of queer. But it's just for fun and gets my feet wet for bowling more next year.
There are still spots left in this mixed league if anyone around here wants to join. The lanes buy the first pitcher of beer for each team. It's ony $11/week. From what I'm told there is quite an interesting crowd that bowls in this league. That info comes from the Lovely Wiccan, who bowls with or knows some of these people. I don't know if they're criminals, drunks, or just crazy people. I'm looking forward to observing this group of humanity. Hopefully there are not many of them who'd start a charcoal grill inside their houses. Stupid people are tough to deal with because they don't KNOW they're stupid, but feel a need to flaunt said trait at every opportunity.
No, really, I'm psyched to be bowling. Something to do since I can't play golf right now.
LEN IS THE CURSE OF NEW TV SHOWS
It's true, or sure seems to be. In the last year, I've started watching Journeyman, New Amsterdam, My Own Worst Enemy, Dirty Sexy Money, Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone, Chuck, and Life On Mars. Only Chuck , Eli Stone and Life On Mars are still on any schedule. I think I may be the Kiss Of Death. Hey, is there a TV show out there that you really hate? Send me $10 and I'll be happy to start DVR-ing it and surer-than-shit it'll be cancelled. They talk about Focus Groups when deciding on new shows and audience reaction. They could use me as THE MUSH. The Mush is a guy who a bookie friend of mine used to know that would bring bad luck to anyone he was around. He's like a Cooler in Las Vegas. The casinos have people who they know are bad luck and they bring them to the tables to "Cool Off" a player who is on a roll and winning lots of money. I'm totally serious. I am THE MUSH for the TV industry. I think I could get the networks to pay me big dollarinis to predict what shows will be hits. Just let me watch a few and the ones I really like....shit-can them off of the schedule. Then, just keep on the putrid crap that I don't watch. Making MILLIONS, my friends.
R.I.P. Lydia King, the mother of good friend and card shark Kenny King. Also, R.I.P. to Rita Sansone, mother of close friend Tony Sansone, Jackson's godfather. Both ladies had to deal with throat cancer and Alzheimer's, respectively. My condolences to both families.
My friends, we have made it to the year 2009. I have not had a cigarette for 7 days. Onward.
Stay positive and optimistic and make 2009 a good one for you. I will keep you updated on my bowling scores. I figure I'll probably average around 180.
Let's see if LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace to you all.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Happy New Year and all that. I hope everyone is well and over the holidays. Wow, it can be stressfull, if for no other reason than the traffic. But I digress.
Hey, tonight I start in a bowling league at 9:00, at Sunset Lanes, where my kids bowl. I haven't been in a bowling league for, well, since high school. The normal bowling season is 33 weeks, from September to , like, April or May. For me, that's too damn long. So, I'm joining this 14-week league which starts tonight. It is a 9-pin No-Tap format, which means if you get 9 pins on the first ball, they count it as a strike. I know, sounds kind of queer. But it's just for fun and gets my feet wet for bowling more next year.
There are still spots left in this mixed league if anyone around here wants to join. The lanes buy the first pitcher of beer for each team. It's ony $11/week. From what I'm told there is quite an interesting crowd that bowls in this league. That info comes from the Lovely Wiccan, who bowls with or knows some of these people. I don't know if they're criminals, drunks, or just crazy people. I'm looking forward to observing this group of humanity. Hopefully there are not many of them who'd start a charcoal grill inside their houses. Stupid people are tough to deal with because they don't KNOW they're stupid, but feel a need to flaunt said trait at every opportunity.
No, really, I'm psyched to be bowling. Something to do since I can't play golf right now.
LEN IS THE CURSE OF NEW TV SHOWS
It's true, or sure seems to be. In the last year, I've started watching Journeyman, New Amsterdam, My Own Worst Enemy, Dirty Sexy Money, Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone, Chuck, and Life On Mars. Only Chuck , Eli Stone and Life On Mars are still on any schedule. I think I may be the Kiss Of Death. Hey, is there a TV show out there that you really hate? Send me $10 and I'll be happy to start DVR-ing it and surer-than-shit it'll be cancelled. They talk about Focus Groups when deciding on new shows and audience reaction. They could use me as THE MUSH. The Mush is a guy who a bookie friend of mine used to know that would bring bad luck to anyone he was around. He's like a Cooler in Las Vegas. The casinos have people who they know are bad luck and they bring them to the tables to "Cool Off" a player who is on a roll and winning lots of money. I'm totally serious. I am THE MUSH for the TV industry. I think I could get the networks to pay me big dollarinis to predict what shows will be hits. Just let me watch a few and the ones I really like....shit-can them off of the schedule. Then, just keep on the putrid crap that I don't watch. Making MILLIONS, my friends.
R.I.P. Lydia King, the mother of good friend and card shark Kenny King. Also, R.I.P. to Rita Sansone, mother of close friend Tony Sansone, Jackson's godfather. Both ladies had to deal with throat cancer and Alzheimer's, respectively. My condolences to both families.
My friends, we have made it to the year 2009. I have not had a cigarette for 7 days. Onward.
Stay positive and optimistic and make 2009 a good one for you. I will keep you updated on my bowling scores. I figure I'll probably average around 180.
Let's see if LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace to you all.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, December 13, 2008
NORTHEAST ICE STORM
Friends, Romans, Countrymen:
Lend me your ears. I have returned with comments about our lovely Northeast weather, which knocked out power to, roughly, 250,000 people early Friday morning. Now, I'm sure there are many of you out there who have lost power due to weather conditions. Many of you are in Florida, or, Hurricane Central.
One of the main differences is the time of year. Really. The temperature got up to 23 today and it was windy. People move to Florida to escape the term, "wind-chill factor" for a reason. It can be brutal. And though the people who work for National Grid (NY State's chief power company) were making double and triple-time pay, they deserved their money for what they had to endure, out in the elements.
One of the frustrating things about this one was that you'd have power outages on alternating streets. 60 % of the City of troy was without power, with many people being told that it may be 5-7 days before you might get power back. It doesn't sound so terrible (compared to New Orleans with Katrina), but freezing temps and no heat can cause big problems.
One of the problems I had is that when it did get warm and stuff melted a bit, I had water coming up from our sump that the the pump couldn't pump out without electricity. My main concern as the water rose was, that it would get high enough to douse the pilot light on our furnace. At that point it becomes a pain-in-the-ass drying all the mechanisms out, replacing parts, and getting things running again BEFORE your pipes freeze and burst. Tonight it'll be in the teens, so that will become a problem for many.
Initially, our power came back on at around 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Only to go out again about 5 minutes later when there was a power line explosion behind the Middle School. Eventuall, the power came back on, for good, at 12:40 a.m., 21 hours-or-so after it went out. The temp inside our house got down into the 40's.
Things Never To Underestimate When Contemplating Life:
1.- Heat.
2.- Electricity.
3.- Warm water.
4.- Hot food.
5.- Heat and warm shelter when it's 17 degrees outside and the wind is blowing around 20 mph.
6. -Heat.
7.- Heat.
8.- Outside temps ABOVE 50 degrees.
9.- Good neighbors--which should be Number 3.
When you have extra money and you're thinking of things to buy for your house, consider the following, in no particular order: Flashlights with fresh batteries; a generator (for running a sump pump or your refrigerator); A shopping bag or two with toiletries and the like, in case you need to go somewhere quickly.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER bring your charcoal grill INTO your house for warmth. Some idiots around here did and had to be rescued from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Natural Selection? You bet.
I'd like to publicly thank our very good friend Mary Burgess for giving us a place to keep warm for a couple of hours...which could have turned into an overnight.
I'd also like to thank our very good friend, Don Van Keuren, for bringing home a generator for us to use, so I could pump out my basement before the furnace needed repair. Super timely.
Sometimes you get the chance to Pay It Forward. Tonight, one of Connor's buddies is with us because his family's house has no power yet, even though they live 1 minute's drive away. We've had our power for 17 hours longer than them. Again...extremely difficult in the cold weather.
ONE MORE CELL PHONE PET PEEVE
Look, lady, I don't need to hear the ENTIRE conversation you're having with your white-trash, multi racial, whatever family, from 3 aisles over when I'm trying to grocery shop. Are you people kidding me? Tell me, do people actually look around to see who's around when they're on their cells? I understand having it on you so you can be reached whenever and wherever you are. But, Jesus Christmas, can you hold it the freak down please. Is there no limit to the lack of consideration with some people? We can now file this under the category, The Len Is Right Wake The Fuck Up!!! Moment. "Uh, Hello? There's other humans in the immediate area!! I don't need my 11-year old hearing about your yeast infection, okay?
More sporadic posts to follow. Good luck to my good friend, Roy, the G.B King and his wife, Sue. They still have no power. They Do have a place to stay, though. Good size family, and good people.
Hey, if you have similar experiences to share, please feel free to post them.
Peace to my People on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Remember, my loves, LEN IS RIGHT.
Lend me your ears. I have returned with comments about our lovely Northeast weather, which knocked out power to, roughly, 250,000 people early Friday morning. Now, I'm sure there are many of you out there who have lost power due to weather conditions. Many of you are in Florida, or, Hurricane Central.
One of the main differences is the time of year. Really. The temperature got up to 23 today and it was windy. People move to Florida to escape the term, "wind-chill factor" for a reason. It can be brutal. And though the people who work for National Grid (NY State's chief power company) were making double and triple-time pay, they deserved their money for what they had to endure, out in the elements.
One of the frustrating things about this one was that you'd have power outages on alternating streets. 60 % of the City of troy was without power, with many people being told that it may be 5-7 days before you might get power back. It doesn't sound so terrible (compared to New Orleans with Katrina), but freezing temps and no heat can cause big problems.
One of the problems I had is that when it did get warm and stuff melted a bit, I had water coming up from our sump that the the pump couldn't pump out without electricity. My main concern as the water rose was, that it would get high enough to douse the pilot light on our furnace. At that point it becomes a pain-in-the-ass drying all the mechanisms out, replacing parts, and getting things running again BEFORE your pipes freeze and burst. Tonight it'll be in the teens, so that will become a problem for many.
Initially, our power came back on at around 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Only to go out again about 5 minutes later when there was a power line explosion behind the Middle School. Eventuall, the power came back on, for good, at 12:40 a.m., 21 hours-or-so after it went out. The temp inside our house got down into the 40's.
Things Never To Underestimate When Contemplating Life:
1.- Heat.
2.- Electricity.
3.- Warm water.
4.- Hot food.
5.- Heat and warm shelter when it's 17 degrees outside and the wind is blowing around 20 mph.
6. -Heat.
7.- Heat.
8.- Outside temps ABOVE 50 degrees.
9.- Good neighbors--which should be Number 3.
When you have extra money and you're thinking of things to buy for your house, consider the following, in no particular order: Flashlights with fresh batteries; a generator (for running a sump pump or your refrigerator); A shopping bag or two with toiletries and the like, in case you need to go somewhere quickly.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER bring your charcoal grill INTO your house for warmth. Some idiots around here did and had to be rescued from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Natural Selection? You bet.
I'd like to publicly thank our very good friend Mary Burgess for giving us a place to keep warm for a couple of hours...which could have turned into an overnight.
I'd also like to thank our very good friend, Don Van Keuren, for bringing home a generator for us to use, so I could pump out my basement before the furnace needed repair. Super timely.
Sometimes you get the chance to Pay It Forward. Tonight, one of Connor's buddies is with us because his family's house has no power yet, even though they live 1 minute's drive away. We've had our power for 17 hours longer than them. Again...extremely difficult in the cold weather.
ONE MORE CELL PHONE PET PEEVE
Look, lady, I don't need to hear the ENTIRE conversation you're having with your white-trash, multi racial, whatever family, from 3 aisles over when I'm trying to grocery shop. Are you people kidding me? Tell me, do people actually look around to see who's around when they're on their cells? I understand having it on you so you can be reached whenever and wherever you are. But, Jesus Christmas, can you hold it the freak down please. Is there no limit to the lack of consideration with some people? We can now file this under the category, The Len Is Right Wake The Fuck Up!!! Moment. "Uh, Hello? There's other humans in the immediate area!! I don't need my 11-year old hearing about your yeast infection, okay?
More sporadic posts to follow. Good luck to my good friend, Roy, the G.B King and his wife, Sue. They still have no power. They Do have a place to stay, though. Good size family, and good people.
Hey, if you have similar experiences to share, please feel free to post them.
Peace to my People on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Remember, my loves, LEN IS RIGHT.
Monday, August 04, 2008
THE MOUNTAIN IS BRIAN KELLY
Minions:
I have a correction to make from my last post. The guy I named "The Mountian," who eventually won the poker tournament is named BRIAN KELLY, not Chris Ryan, as I originally wrote.
He was a gentleman the whole way at the tournament, my apologies for getting his name wrong. No one likes to lose, but you don't mind when the guy is friendly and unassuming. Congrats on the win, Brian. I hope to see you at next year's Gunther/Miles extravaganza.
Until next time,
I am,
Len Tollerton
I have a correction to make from my last post. The guy I named "The Mountian," who eventually won the poker tournament is named BRIAN KELLY, not Chris Ryan, as I originally wrote.
He was a gentleman the whole way at the tournament, my apologies for getting his name wrong. No one likes to lose, but you don't mind when the guy is friendly and unassuming. Congrats on the win, Brian. I hope to see you at next year's Gunther/Miles extravaganza.
Until next time,
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sunday, August 03, 2008
GRINDING IT OUT FOR 2ND PLACE
Yessir:
Yesterday, as previously mentioned, I attended the 3rd annual Gunther/Miles poker tournament in Guilderland. There ended up being 45 players, none of 'em bums, and there was some good competition.
The first competition was against the weather. We were supposed to begin around 4:00 and break for food around 6:00. Unfortunately, at 4:00 a super nasty looking bank of storm clouds rolled in and they decided to eat first, in case it got really windy (bad for an outdoor card game), and play after the storm passed. So, we got our food, and sat down at the card tables, underneath the huge tent (with 3 large steel poles) and ate while the rain fell like it does in Florida and the lightening crashed all around the surrounding woods. Nothing bad to report there. The storm passed in about a half an hour, by which time we were done with the food and the cards were in the air (being dealt).
Extreme Justin was the first of our group to bust out, as he kept an aggressive style even though he wasn't getting good cards. We have a different philosophy in our styles. I don't believe you can push aggressiveness unless you're getting cards, have won some pots, and have established a reputation. Many guys try to play aggressive in any condition, hoping to make a big hit. But oftentimes it ends up that you play very loose, even sloppy, and no one's afraid to call your bluffs. I believe you also have to know when to get away from a hand. Many people feel that once you've put a significant amount of money into a pot that you're "pot committed," and thus call every bet down to the end. If I know, or feel, I'm beat, I'll fold like a house of cards, no pun intended.
Don V.K. was next to bust out. Don's problem was he just couldn't catch any cards. This happens sometimes. It's happened to me enough times that I can see it coming an hour before it happens. I seem to know in my bones when it's not going to be my day at the card table. So, Don and Justin left the party by 7:30.
THINGS PROGRESS FOR dOTcOM
Meanwhile, our friend Chris DotCom was amassing a huge stack of chips and I think he may have been the tournament leader at one point. Chuck, the E.o.D. and I were hanging on by the skin of our teeth and Roy the G.B. King was holding his own. Just before the mid-way break, Chuck got into a pot that he didn't feel he could win at the end. He already had most of his stack in the pot, but felt he was probably beat if he went All-In. So he folded, and of course, never found out if the guy was bluffing or not. Chuck exited shortly after the break.
It was around this time that we got down to 4 tables and I started to get moved around as they consolidated. I changed tables 4 times, back and forth between 2 tables. Each time I moved I was starting to win a little, then I'd get moved, start to lose, go All-In and win, start coming back and then get moved again. But I kept grinding along and staying alive. Roy, however, was not so lucky. I think he started to have a bad run with no decent cards, like Don, and was soon out after the game broke down to 3 tables (maybe 2).
TURNING POINT #1
It was at this point, with 2 tables left, that I called an All-In bet with a guy while playing at a table with tourney-leader Chris. Unfortunately, Chris was involved in the hand also. I paired my Ace on the River (last card) and went All-In. Chris, unbeknownst to me, was also holding an Ace. When I went All-In, Chris says, "Dude, I've got you beat. Why are you doing this? Why don't you just Check all the way?" I shrugged my shoulders. Chris was nice enough to lay down his cards, and I won the hand over the other guys, staying alive in the tournament.
This is for Chris: Thank you, Chris, for letting me stay in the tournament. I know you ended up being jerked over this cause of where we ended up at the end of the tourney. But in truth, I would have folded for you in the same situation, and I REALLY appreciate you letting me stay in. You asked me for payment (like a tip) after I got paid, for helping me. This will have to be your payment. A public notice of Thanks. I hope in some way that you can bounce back from this, in time for next year's Gunther/Miles tourney.
As some of the better Gunther/Miles players got eliminated, I kept grinding away. I never accumulated many chips, but got the cards when I needed them to stay alive. We finally broke down to a Final Table of 9 players. Since they were paying the Top 8 spots, no one wanted to be the first out. Places 4-8 got their original Buy-In ($80) back. Besides Chris's large stack at the Final Table, another guy sat down with a large amount of chips. I don't remember his name. For the sake of the story, we'll call him The Mountain because he had this mountain of chips that he refused to stack. He just left them all piled up. I was able to win a couple of decent sized hands, then decided it was time to tighten up like a rectum. Unless I was getting a fairly premium hand, I folded. A couple of people got eliminated and I turned to Roy, who was watching from behind, and said, "I'm gonna show you how to Back-In to the money."
My theory here is to play very conservative, especially when you have a low number of chips and let the bigger stacks fight it out and eliminate each other. Anything marginal, card-wise, and I folded. And sure enough, it started to happen. At one point, Chris got a large portion of his stack devastated by The Mountain. Soon, the were only 5 players left, The Mountain, Jim, the Soccer Coach, Dot Com, this 55-ish year old woman named Candy, and myself. At this point the large stacks were The Mountian and Candy. I was still the short stack.
But as I predicted, the other players started to work on each other as I lurked from the shadows, hoping against hope that I could hold on and maybe catch a 3rd place finish. Shortly thereafter, Chris got beat again (maybe on a River card, I'm not sure) and was gone in 5th Place. Jim, the Soccer Coach, went All-In at one point and when the River card came up, he had thought he'd lost and was out. but I realized that the board held the best hand and Jim and The Mountian ended up splitting the pot. I knew, however, that Jim's time was coming. Soon after, I believe Candy took Jim out in 4th Place, and then there was 3. I turned to Roy and said, "That's how you Back-In to the money." He knows, believe me, he's done it himself. I noticed that The Mountain was playing every pot. He was also catching cards on the Turn and River, like Jamie Gold in 2006 at the World Series of Poker Main Event. I mean, this guy was living with the angels. I figured that Candy would get antsy and get all of her money in against The Mountian. It wasn't long till she had surrendered all of her chips to him and we were down to 2 players! Candy took home $210 for her 3rd Place finish.
Can you believe it? Am I a Master of Patience, or what? Now it's down to me and The Mountian. He's got me by a count of, like $110,000 to $10,000. No way I'm coming back from this, right? I mean, now I can't just hang around. Now it's all or nothing. I wait a couple of hands, get something to play, go All-In and win a few.
TURNING POINT #2
We're now at, like, $85,000 to $35,000, and I decide to push the action on a draw. Meaning I've got a makable hand, but I need help. Unfortunately, I can't get this guy to fold. He just keeps Calling every bet. So I go All-In and he calls. I can't remember the exact cards he had, but he turns over his hand, which gives him 2-pair. I have a King/6 in my hand (suited) and 4-ways to a Spade Flush. I either need a King, a Spade, or a 6 on the River to win. The bet was $32,400. The Mountian had already Called my bet. He was the leader. Then like magic, the 6 drops on the River and everyone starts cheering and High-5'ing me, as I now have the chip lead, like, $75,000 to $45,000.
Now Roy, Chuck and Chris are punching me and back-slapping me, and things are looking good. At this point, Sue and Joe Gunther and Nico Miles come out of the house carrying all the makings for fajitas for 50 people. I hadn't eaten in a while and the food is smelling good.
Anyway, now I have the chip lead, and things are looking good. I know how to push the advantage and close out a tourney, having won enough of them online. Unfortunately, the cards didn't go my way and with a pair of pocket 10's I go All-In. There's a pair of 6's on the Board after the Flop. Of course, The Mountain turns over a 6 and I know I'm gonna need Big Luck again, to escape. Not this time, fella. No more 10's and the night was over. A 2nd straight 2nd Place finish for Len Lazarus, the Assassin, and $600. The Mountain took home around $1300 and a nice gold bracelet.
I think The Mountian's name was Chris (?) His last name was Ryan. My head was so full that it all started to blur and I had to leave. You know, like, after taking a Final Exam in high school, your head is still full of all the knowledge, but you're just spent mentally and you go through the rest of the next hour or so on Auto-Pilot. That's what happened to me. I had to leave (Chris, Roy and Chuck were leaving and I was too jumpy to sit around). I relaxed after driving my car around for about 30 minutes and was able to go home and go to bed.
I want to send a Big Thank You out to Joe and Sue Gunther and tournament Director Nico Miles for, again, running a First-Class event. There were no controversies and after wondering if there were going to be any casualties during the storm, everyone had a great time. Thanks to everyone involved, it was a blast. Of course I wouldn't be this long-winded or gushing if I had busted out when Justin did. I guess everything is relative.
I provided the greatest example of Grinding and Luck to get to second place. Homage should be paid to the Master. I know you're all proud of me, as I am proud of DotCom for his play. This makes everyone RIGHT. Like, LEN IS RIGHT.
Have a great week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Yesterday, as previously mentioned, I attended the 3rd annual Gunther/Miles poker tournament in Guilderland. There ended up being 45 players, none of 'em bums, and there was some good competition.
The first competition was against the weather. We were supposed to begin around 4:00 and break for food around 6:00. Unfortunately, at 4:00 a super nasty looking bank of storm clouds rolled in and they decided to eat first, in case it got really windy (bad for an outdoor card game), and play after the storm passed. So, we got our food, and sat down at the card tables, underneath the huge tent (with 3 large steel poles) and ate while the rain fell like it does in Florida and the lightening crashed all around the surrounding woods. Nothing bad to report there. The storm passed in about a half an hour, by which time we were done with the food and the cards were in the air (being dealt).
Extreme Justin was the first of our group to bust out, as he kept an aggressive style even though he wasn't getting good cards. We have a different philosophy in our styles. I don't believe you can push aggressiveness unless you're getting cards, have won some pots, and have established a reputation. Many guys try to play aggressive in any condition, hoping to make a big hit. But oftentimes it ends up that you play very loose, even sloppy, and no one's afraid to call your bluffs. I believe you also have to know when to get away from a hand. Many people feel that once you've put a significant amount of money into a pot that you're "pot committed," and thus call every bet down to the end. If I know, or feel, I'm beat, I'll fold like a house of cards, no pun intended.
Don V.K. was next to bust out. Don's problem was he just couldn't catch any cards. This happens sometimes. It's happened to me enough times that I can see it coming an hour before it happens. I seem to know in my bones when it's not going to be my day at the card table. So, Don and Justin left the party by 7:30.
THINGS PROGRESS FOR dOTcOM
Meanwhile, our friend Chris DotCom was amassing a huge stack of chips and I think he may have been the tournament leader at one point. Chuck, the E.o.D. and I were hanging on by the skin of our teeth and Roy the G.B. King was holding his own. Just before the mid-way break, Chuck got into a pot that he didn't feel he could win at the end. He already had most of his stack in the pot, but felt he was probably beat if he went All-In. So he folded, and of course, never found out if the guy was bluffing or not. Chuck exited shortly after the break.
It was around this time that we got down to 4 tables and I started to get moved around as they consolidated. I changed tables 4 times, back and forth between 2 tables. Each time I moved I was starting to win a little, then I'd get moved, start to lose, go All-In and win, start coming back and then get moved again. But I kept grinding along and staying alive. Roy, however, was not so lucky. I think he started to have a bad run with no decent cards, like Don, and was soon out after the game broke down to 3 tables (maybe 2).
TURNING POINT #1
It was at this point, with 2 tables left, that I called an All-In bet with a guy while playing at a table with tourney-leader Chris. Unfortunately, Chris was involved in the hand also. I paired my Ace on the River (last card) and went All-In. Chris, unbeknownst to me, was also holding an Ace. When I went All-In, Chris says, "Dude, I've got you beat. Why are you doing this? Why don't you just Check all the way?" I shrugged my shoulders. Chris was nice enough to lay down his cards, and I won the hand over the other guys, staying alive in the tournament.
This is for Chris: Thank you, Chris, for letting me stay in the tournament. I know you ended up being jerked over this cause of where we ended up at the end of the tourney. But in truth, I would have folded for you in the same situation, and I REALLY appreciate you letting me stay in. You asked me for payment (like a tip) after I got paid, for helping me. This will have to be your payment. A public notice of Thanks. I hope in some way that you can bounce back from this, in time for next year's Gunther/Miles tourney.
As some of the better Gunther/Miles players got eliminated, I kept grinding away. I never accumulated many chips, but got the cards when I needed them to stay alive. We finally broke down to a Final Table of 9 players. Since they were paying the Top 8 spots, no one wanted to be the first out. Places 4-8 got their original Buy-In ($80) back. Besides Chris's large stack at the Final Table, another guy sat down with a large amount of chips. I don't remember his name. For the sake of the story, we'll call him The Mountain because he had this mountain of chips that he refused to stack. He just left them all piled up. I was able to win a couple of decent sized hands, then decided it was time to tighten up like a rectum. Unless I was getting a fairly premium hand, I folded. A couple of people got eliminated and I turned to Roy, who was watching from behind, and said, "I'm gonna show you how to Back-In to the money."
My theory here is to play very conservative, especially when you have a low number of chips and let the bigger stacks fight it out and eliminate each other. Anything marginal, card-wise, and I folded. And sure enough, it started to happen. At one point, Chris got a large portion of his stack devastated by The Mountain. Soon, the were only 5 players left, The Mountain, Jim, the Soccer Coach, Dot Com, this 55-ish year old woman named Candy, and myself. At this point the large stacks were The Mountian and Candy. I was still the short stack.
But as I predicted, the other players started to work on each other as I lurked from the shadows, hoping against hope that I could hold on and maybe catch a 3rd place finish. Shortly thereafter, Chris got beat again (maybe on a River card, I'm not sure) and was gone in 5th Place. Jim, the Soccer Coach, went All-In at one point and when the River card came up, he had thought he'd lost and was out. but I realized that the board held the best hand and Jim and The Mountian ended up splitting the pot. I knew, however, that Jim's time was coming. Soon after, I believe Candy took Jim out in 4th Place, and then there was 3. I turned to Roy and said, "That's how you Back-In to the money." He knows, believe me, he's done it himself. I noticed that The Mountain was playing every pot. He was also catching cards on the Turn and River, like Jamie Gold in 2006 at the World Series of Poker Main Event. I mean, this guy was living with the angels. I figured that Candy would get antsy and get all of her money in against The Mountian. It wasn't long till she had surrendered all of her chips to him and we were down to 2 players! Candy took home $210 for her 3rd Place finish.
Can you believe it? Am I a Master of Patience, or what? Now it's down to me and The Mountian. He's got me by a count of, like $110,000 to $10,000. No way I'm coming back from this, right? I mean, now I can't just hang around. Now it's all or nothing. I wait a couple of hands, get something to play, go All-In and win a few.
TURNING POINT #2
We're now at, like, $85,000 to $35,000, and I decide to push the action on a draw. Meaning I've got a makable hand, but I need help. Unfortunately, I can't get this guy to fold. He just keeps Calling every bet. So I go All-In and he calls. I can't remember the exact cards he had, but he turns over his hand, which gives him 2-pair. I have a King/6 in my hand (suited) and 4-ways to a Spade Flush. I either need a King, a Spade, or a 6 on the River to win. The bet was $32,400. The Mountian had already Called my bet. He was the leader. Then like magic, the 6 drops on the River and everyone starts cheering and High-5'ing me, as I now have the chip lead, like, $75,000 to $45,000.
Now Roy, Chuck and Chris are punching me and back-slapping me, and things are looking good. At this point, Sue and Joe Gunther and Nico Miles come out of the house carrying all the makings for fajitas for 50 people. I hadn't eaten in a while and the food is smelling good.
Anyway, now I have the chip lead, and things are looking good. I know how to push the advantage and close out a tourney, having won enough of them online. Unfortunately, the cards didn't go my way and with a pair of pocket 10's I go All-In. There's a pair of 6's on the Board after the Flop. Of course, The Mountain turns over a 6 and I know I'm gonna need Big Luck again, to escape. Not this time, fella. No more 10's and the night was over. A 2nd straight 2nd Place finish for Len Lazarus, the Assassin, and $600. The Mountain took home around $1300 and a nice gold bracelet.
I think The Mountian's name was Chris (?) His last name was Ryan. My head was so full that it all started to blur and I had to leave. You know, like, after taking a Final Exam in high school, your head is still full of all the knowledge, but you're just spent mentally and you go through the rest of the next hour or so on Auto-Pilot. That's what happened to me. I had to leave (Chris, Roy and Chuck were leaving and I was too jumpy to sit around). I relaxed after driving my car around for about 30 minutes and was able to go home and go to bed.
I want to send a Big Thank You out to Joe and Sue Gunther and tournament Director Nico Miles for, again, running a First-Class event. There were no controversies and after wondering if there were going to be any casualties during the storm, everyone had a great time. Thanks to everyone involved, it was a blast. Of course I wouldn't be this long-winded or gushing if I had busted out when Justin did. I guess everything is relative.
I provided the greatest example of Grinding and Luck to get to second place. Homage should be paid to the Master. I know you're all proud of me, as I am proud of DotCom for his play. This makes everyone RIGHT. Like, LEN IS RIGHT.
Have a great week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, August 02, 2008
NEW CARS FOR THE TOLLERTONS AND BIG POKER
Rightlings:
Hello, my people!! I trust your summer is progressing along nicely. It was a busy week, highlighted by the Tollerton couple taking posession of two new (or newer) cars. Also, the Big Poker tourney at the Gunther compound happens today. Big doings.
2 BLACK VEHICLES FOR LT AND PT
My beloved '99 Ford Crown Victoria recently turned 100,000 miles. Over the last year, I've been noticing the smell of anti-freeze coming from the car, but never saw a leak on the ground. I also could never find a loosely connected hose. So I began to suspect that there was a, possibly, bigger problem going on, like maybe a blown head gasket. (Expensive repair job)
Thus, it was time to start researching new cars. For the longest time, I've admired the body styling of the Nissan Altima. So, I started looking at Consumer Reports and found a bunch of cars I thought I'd enjoy driving. I test-drove the 2008 VW Jetta (peppy, well-built, very roomy for a smaller car, huge trunk), and the 2007 and 2008 Honda Accord (not bad, not as peppy, smaller trunk, by all reports very relaible). I then considered driving a Toyota Camry. The Camry is, pretty much, hands down, the most reliable car made today. You can figure an easy 150,000-200,000 miles with normal upkeep, though I would never own a car that long. I had planned on driving the Camry, but I really wanted to drive the Altima first.
After finding out that, reliability-wise, the 2006 is better than the 2007, I narrowed my focus. I was able to locate a 2006 Altima with a 6-cylinder, rather than the normal 4-cyl, at a small, local dealership. I went up to take a look. Once inside the car, I never had another thought about the Toyota Camry. This Altima had just under 25,000 miles and had been a lease car in Pennsylvania. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the car came with heated leather seats, power moonroof, and a Bose stereo. And quick? Crackuh puhleez! I fell in love as soon as I started driving it. When I got back to the dealership, we agreed on a price and I picked the car up last Friday. Maybe I'll take all of you for a ride in it.....if you're lucky!
My unnamed spouse has been driving around in a 2000 Chevy Blazer for a few years. What a piece of shit car that is. At first, PT liked it because she had a sense of security because of the 4-wheel drive, and it was high off the road. (I think secretly she wants to be an Ice Road Trucker) Unfortunately the vehicle has a history of wheel bearing problems and everytime a bearing went, it was about $900 to repair it. Plus, the gas mileage was terrible and she has to drive 35 minutes to get to work every day.
After doing minimal research, she decided that she'd be most happy with a Toyota RAV4. It only took one test-drive to confirm that decision. I really like the vehicle, myself. Unfortunately, because she's worried about me embarassing her while negotiaing, she went to make the deal by herself and, in my opinion, lays down too easy when trying to get a price, accepting at face-value what the dealer says. So, she probably could have gotten a better price if she'd done what I suggested, but she got the car she wanted, and feels she can afford the exhorbitant (IMO) monthly payment. It doesn't come out of my paycheck, and she's happy with the car she's drivng (a black 2008 RAV4). Now, I don't have to listen to her worrying about whether or not her car is going to fall apart. I don't expect to hear any of that till the car is paid off in 6 years, either.
It's fun having a new vehicle. Mine is a BAD mofo!!
BIG POKER
Today is the big annual poker tournament at the Gunther compound. For the last few years, Joe and Sue Gunther have had a poker tourney at their house in Guilderland. I've blogged about this before. Joe makes a few kegs of home-brew, and invites 30-40 players for a really competitive poker game, which they hold under tents in their beautiful back yard. Chuck, the E.o.D., Roy the G.B. King, and the DotCom Destroyer will be there with me, along with Extreme Justin and neighbor, Don V.K. Justin and Don haven't been to this place before and I'm looking forward to getting their take when they see this place. Sue and Joe have a great house (prob. $1 million), with a beautifully landscaped yard and in-ground pool. The basement is close to the size of my house and has all of the appointments for fun (bar, pool table darts, poker, etc...). I have been champing at the bit for this day to come. Last year, I couldn't hang out too long after busting out because there was a big birthday party going on at my house for my mother-in-law and her twin brother. This year, no committments. I'm booking off from work tonight, you dig?
I know that you do, because you know LEN IS RIGHT.
Tomorrow's post will talk about last night's dinner and a movie date with the lovely PT, celebrating our 22nd Anniversary. Now that this post is done, it's time for you to do one thing for me. You need to wish me good luck, out loud, so I can win the tournament tonight. So, right now, say out loud, "Good Luck, Len. You are still a poker God!" I thank you and hope to bring home the Big Money. Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Hello, my people!! I trust your summer is progressing along nicely. It was a busy week, highlighted by the Tollerton couple taking posession of two new (or newer) cars. Also, the Big Poker tourney at the Gunther compound happens today. Big doings.
2 BLACK VEHICLES FOR LT AND PT
My beloved '99 Ford Crown Victoria recently turned 100,000 miles. Over the last year, I've been noticing the smell of anti-freeze coming from the car, but never saw a leak on the ground. I also could never find a loosely connected hose. So I began to suspect that there was a, possibly, bigger problem going on, like maybe a blown head gasket. (Expensive repair job)
Thus, it was time to start researching new cars. For the longest time, I've admired the body styling of the Nissan Altima. So, I started looking at Consumer Reports and found a bunch of cars I thought I'd enjoy driving. I test-drove the 2008 VW Jetta (peppy, well-built, very roomy for a smaller car, huge trunk), and the 2007 and 2008 Honda Accord (not bad, not as peppy, smaller trunk, by all reports very relaible). I then considered driving a Toyota Camry. The Camry is, pretty much, hands down, the most reliable car made today. You can figure an easy 150,000-200,000 miles with normal upkeep, though I would never own a car that long. I had planned on driving the Camry, but I really wanted to drive the Altima first.
After finding out that, reliability-wise, the 2006 is better than the 2007, I narrowed my focus. I was able to locate a 2006 Altima with a 6-cylinder, rather than the normal 4-cyl, at a small, local dealership. I went up to take a look. Once inside the car, I never had another thought about the Toyota Camry. This Altima had just under 25,000 miles and had been a lease car in Pennsylvania. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the car came with heated leather seats, power moonroof, and a Bose stereo. And quick? Crackuh puhleez! I fell in love as soon as I started driving it. When I got back to the dealership, we agreed on a price and I picked the car up last Friday. Maybe I'll take all of you for a ride in it.....if you're lucky!
My unnamed spouse has been driving around in a 2000 Chevy Blazer for a few years. What a piece of shit car that is. At first, PT liked it because she had a sense of security because of the 4-wheel drive, and it was high off the road. (I think secretly she wants to be an Ice Road Trucker) Unfortunately the vehicle has a history of wheel bearing problems and everytime a bearing went, it was about $900 to repair it. Plus, the gas mileage was terrible and she has to drive 35 minutes to get to work every day.
After doing minimal research, she decided that she'd be most happy with a Toyota RAV4. It only took one test-drive to confirm that decision. I really like the vehicle, myself. Unfortunately, because she's worried about me embarassing her while negotiaing, she went to make the deal by herself and, in my opinion, lays down too easy when trying to get a price, accepting at face-value what the dealer says. So, she probably could have gotten a better price if she'd done what I suggested, but she got the car she wanted, and feels she can afford the exhorbitant (IMO) monthly payment. It doesn't come out of my paycheck, and she's happy with the car she's drivng (a black 2008 RAV4). Now, I don't have to listen to her worrying about whether or not her car is going to fall apart. I don't expect to hear any of that till the car is paid off in 6 years, either.
It's fun having a new vehicle. Mine is a BAD mofo!!
BIG POKER
Today is the big annual poker tournament at the Gunther compound. For the last few years, Joe and Sue Gunther have had a poker tourney at their house in Guilderland. I've blogged about this before. Joe makes a few kegs of home-brew, and invites 30-40 players for a really competitive poker game, which they hold under tents in their beautiful back yard. Chuck, the E.o.D., Roy the G.B. King, and the DotCom Destroyer will be there with me, along with Extreme Justin and neighbor, Don V.K. Justin and Don haven't been to this place before and I'm looking forward to getting their take when they see this place. Sue and Joe have a great house (prob. $1 million), with a beautifully landscaped yard and in-ground pool. The basement is close to the size of my house and has all of the appointments for fun (bar, pool table darts, poker, etc...). I have been champing at the bit for this day to come. Last year, I couldn't hang out too long after busting out because there was a big birthday party going on at my house for my mother-in-law and her twin brother. This year, no committments. I'm booking off from work tonight, you dig?
I know that you do, because you know LEN IS RIGHT.
Tomorrow's post will talk about last night's dinner and a movie date with the lovely PT, celebrating our 22nd Anniversary. Now that this post is done, it's time for you to do one thing for me. You need to wish me good luck, out loud, so I can win the tournament tonight. So, right now, say out loud, "Good Luck, Len. You are still a poker God!" I thank you and hope to bring home the Big Money. Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
LEN IS RIGHT POST EDITED
Minions:
I've had to edit my last post, in re my travails at work, because I was specific with certain aspects of the situation. The place I work can dismiss me if I am specific as to names, be they personal, corporate, or whatever, because it shines a bad light on the company, and I can probably be more productive for the family if I'm working.
So, the entire story is the same, I've just changed specifics so I can't be brought up on charges. Oh, they can bring me up on charges, but they can't make it stick without specifics.
Great country and great company, huh?
LT
I've had to edit my last post, in re my travails at work, because I was specific with certain aspects of the situation. The place I work can dismiss me if I am specific as to names, be they personal, corporate, or whatever, because it shines a bad light on the company, and I can probably be more productive for the family if I'm working.
So, the entire story is the same, I've just changed specifics so I can't be brought up on charges. Oh, they can bring me up on charges, but they can't make it stick without specifics.
Great country and great company, huh?
LT
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
HARASSMENT BEGINS AT WORK FOR LEN
Greetings:
A few weeks ago, I reported that I had nearly been fired for writing a couple of letters to management and 5 other employees, requesting that the other Crafts where I work stop doing my Craft's work. As I stated, the letters were as non-threatening as could be, just simple requests. Of course, as I expected, my requests were turned down.
Yesterday, the expected reaction to all this started, but in a different way than expected. I give you the following statements for your consideration:
A few weeks ago, I reported that I had nearly been fired for writing a couple of letters to management and 5 other employees, requesting that the other Crafts where I work stop doing my Craft's work. As I stated, the letters were as non-threatening as could be, just simple requests. Of course, as I expected, my requests were turned down.
Yesterday, the expected reaction to all this started, but in a different way than expected. I give you the following statements for your consideration:
- "We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough religion to make us love."
- "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike yor Christ."--Gandhi
- "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
- "I'm for the separation of Church and Hate."
- "Religions are just cults with more members."
- "Last time we mixed politics with religion, people got burned at the stake."
- "It's a scientific fact: Scum Always Rises To The Top."
- "Militant Agnostic. I don't know and you don't either."
The previous statements are from bumper stickers that I have all over my tool box at work. I've had these stickers on my box for almost 2 years and no one has said anything, other than to express that they liked my stickers.
So, yesterday, a Management employee , who is my main nemesis in my role as a Shop Steward, and who was one of 2 management people (along with our Facility Superintendant) who called me upstairs into the Manager's Office to chide me for writing the previously mentioned letters (that almost got me fired), called me into the backshop where I keep my toolbox, and told me that he had a complaint that someone was offended by the bumper stickers on my box.
In truth, there were 2 stickers on my box, not previously mentioned, that could have been deemed offensive. One was a decal with a picture of a hand giving "the finger." The other one was a small sticker that said, "Wake The Fuck Up." He told me I had to remove these stickers because they were offensive. Knowing that it was unlikely that someone really complained, but not wanting to argue and get myself in trouble, I agreed to remove both of those stickers. He then pointed to the stickers that had the religious statements above, and said that those had to be removed also because they were offensive religiously. He then stated that he, personally, was offended by the one that said, "It's a scientific fact: Scum always rises to the top."
I asked him to explain to me why they are offensive, and he just said they were, and that someone didn't like them, and they needed to be removed. I told him that I felt my Right to Free Speech was being violated and he said, "Not when it's offensive to others. Somebody complained and now I need you to remove these stickers." I said to him, "Why do I have to remove the one that says, "Militant Agnostic. I don't know and you don't either." That's a statement about myself. Isn't that my right to Religious Freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution?" He got mad at this point and told me to remove the stickers. He said I could keep the ones that said the following:
- "Freedom of Speech Means the Freedom to Disagree."
- "Evolution is just a Theory--Kind of like Gravity."
- The Price of Apathy is to be Ruled by Evil Men."--Plato
- "I Pledge Allegiance, not Thoughtless Obedience."
- "Your Silence Will Not Protect You."--Audre Lord
- There were also assorted sports teams stickers and band name stickers that I could keep, along with Union stickers.
What I ended up doing was removing, not only the "offending" stickers (because I didn't want to be charged with insubordination for refusing a directive), but I also removed ALL of the stickers, so as not to have any questions as to if I removed the correct ones. I then touched up the paint on the toolbox, so as to remove anything that could give them fodder to hassle me, or a reason to say I refused a directive.
When I asked the Management employee to give me the name of the person who was "religiously offended," so I could go up to the person and apologize for said offense, he wouldn't give me their name, saying that it would only lead to trouble. I asked him if that meant he didn't trust me and thought that I would do something to threaten the person. He said that he didn't want any 3rd-party conversations taken too far and problems to ensue. I then asked if I would be afforded the same courtesy if I was ofended by the myriad of stickers and pictures that are all over the shop on tool boxes and lockers? He said that if he thought they were offensive, then yes. I asked what determines something to be offensive. He just said, "We'll look at it and see."
So I ask ya, am I wrong to contact the ACLU? Has my right to Free Speech been violated? Do the Rules of Conduct and Diversity Training supercede the U.S. Constitution? It's possible that someone complained. Though after having no one complain after almost 2 years, I wonder if someone really DID, or is the company starting to wage a war of harassment on me for complaining that they were giving too much of my Craft's work away?
I'm asking any of my friends in the Legal field to contact me with their opinion. I do have a call into the ACLU now (waiting to be called back), to see if I have a leg to stand on, or if I should just go and be a "good little soldier" and let it go. This call for a response goes out to my friends Judge Toomey, Clem Parente, Packy McGraw, Gerry Leary, Will Anthony and Nick Mesiti. I realize that this is not all of your fields of expertise, but would like to get your opinion. My email address is ltollert@nycap.rr.com
Jeeez. Can you believe this shit? I don't know...maybe I'm wrong. But...how can that be?
LEN IS RIGHT CORRECTION ABOUT HEATH LEDGER
I received a complaint from one of my faithful readers (Uncle Bob the Mixologist), saying that I didn't give a fair shake to Heath Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight. He said that before I make that statement, that I should see the movie. He believes that Ledger's performance IS Oscar-worthy. Well, this time Bob is Right and Len is Wrong. Well, I'm wrong for making the statement without seeing the movie. He very well may have given the performance of a lifetime. I stand corrected for talking before I knew the facts. I will see the movie and give my opinion afterward. My complaint was more toward the hype by critics, and that Oscar sometimes gives an award based on sentimentality rather than who gave the best performance.
Alright. Have a great day, and I'll talk with you soon.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
THE SHARK, THE SYD, THE MOVIES
Hey Now!!
Here we go with another LIR post. A bunch of stuff to talk about.
THE SHARK
First, the Great White Shark, AKA Greg Norman. The Open Championship of golf (British Open) was held this past weekend. For the first 3 rounds, the leader was 53-yr. old Greg Norman. Norman was my favorite golfer back in the 80's-90's. He was the bridge, for me, between My all-time favorite, Jack Nicklaus and my present favorite, Tiger Woods. For a time, years ago, Greg Norman was as dominant as anyone had ever been in the sport, except for Major Championships. And except for an infamous meltdown in the '96 Masters, Norman could have, should have won, probably, 3 more Majors, but didn't because of lucky, unbelievable shots by other golfers (Larry Mize and Bob Tway for example).
Anyway, for 3 days last weekend, Norman played fantastic golf for the conditions and gave anyone over the age of 40 the hope of a really wonderful result. It would have been a win for the ages to be sure. Greg didn't have as good luck on Sunday's final round and finished 3rd, 6 shots behind the eventual winner. And it is my contention that if the stupid, freakin' hype-loving media would have left him WITHOUT asking about choking on Sunday, or what it would mean for a 53 year-old guy to win a Major, or whatever, and just let him play his game, he very well may have done it. Thanks to all of the sportswriters and TV reporters. Maybe you're supposed to be able to handle that at that level. But it was ridiculous, some of the questions he was asked. For me, it was a great thing to see, a hero in the lead after 3 rounds, 10 years after he lost his hold on being #1. I'll bet only folks from the United Kingdom were rooting for Padraig Harrington. I'm pretty sure that the rest of us were pulling for Greg Norman to pull an '86 Nicklaus on everybody. Nice job, Shark. We're all really proud of you.
THE SYD
We attended the graduation party of Sydney Luce, daughter of close friend Roy the G.B. King, over the weekend. Congratulations Syd, and best of luck at SUNY Geneseo in the fall. We had a nice time at the party, despite the crushing humidity on Saturday afternoon. Enjoyed seeing Chuck, th E.o.D. sitting up and taking nourishment. I was fairly subdued the whole time, cause I knew I had to go back to work that night at midnight, after being off a week for vacation.
THE MOVIES
Last week we saw two movies. I love giving my funds to Regal Cinemas. Anyway, we saw Hancock and Hellboy2. Obviously not date flicks. Both were enjoyable popcorn movies with ALOT of action. Will Smith played an unlikeable super hero, with Jason Bateman playing a guy trying to improve Hancock's image. Some good fun and a surprising twist in the middle that changes the movie.
Hellboy 2 was one for me and the boys. Lots of fantastic action, comedy and destruction from the big red guy and an evil elf that wants his race to control humans and the planet Earth. One of Hellboy's crime-fighting partners was this guy who was very fish-like. He ended up reminding us of C-3PO from Star Wars, only not as much of a priss. He would actually fight.
If you're looking for mindless action fun at the movies this summer, check out these two films. Our next two must-sees are Wanted and The Dark Knight. Oh, and by the way, can we just say that Heath Ledger did a fine job as the Joker and not ordain his job in the Dark Knight as the second-coming of God-like performances worthy of an Oscar, just because he's dead. If he hadn't died NONE of the critics would be giving anything more to this flick than kudos for action. Face it, the critics just want something to hype. Let's play off of the dead guy, shall we?
Alright, that's it for now. Just wanted to keep in touch. Football is just around the corner, folks. But first, I haven't played any golf in a month and I'm going to Florida on August 10th. I better get some practice in or my father-in-law's friends in Palm Harbor are going to take all my money and think I really DO suck (not just in April). Okay, I do. But only to the tune of shooting between 84-95. Not struggling to break 100 like in April.
This has been LEN IS RIGHT. I'll talk with you soon.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Here we go with another LIR post. A bunch of stuff to talk about.
THE SHARK
First, the Great White Shark, AKA Greg Norman. The Open Championship of golf (British Open) was held this past weekend. For the first 3 rounds, the leader was 53-yr. old Greg Norman. Norman was my favorite golfer back in the 80's-90's. He was the bridge, for me, between My all-time favorite, Jack Nicklaus and my present favorite, Tiger Woods. For a time, years ago, Greg Norman was as dominant as anyone had ever been in the sport, except for Major Championships. And except for an infamous meltdown in the '96 Masters, Norman could have, should have won, probably, 3 more Majors, but didn't because of lucky, unbelievable shots by other golfers (Larry Mize and Bob Tway for example).
Anyway, for 3 days last weekend, Norman played fantastic golf for the conditions and gave anyone over the age of 40 the hope of a really wonderful result. It would have been a win for the ages to be sure. Greg didn't have as good luck on Sunday's final round and finished 3rd, 6 shots behind the eventual winner. And it is my contention that if the stupid, freakin' hype-loving media would have left him WITHOUT asking about choking on Sunday, or what it would mean for a 53 year-old guy to win a Major, or whatever, and just let him play his game, he very well may have done it. Thanks to all of the sportswriters and TV reporters. Maybe you're supposed to be able to handle that at that level. But it was ridiculous, some of the questions he was asked. For me, it was a great thing to see, a hero in the lead after 3 rounds, 10 years after he lost his hold on being #1. I'll bet only folks from the United Kingdom were rooting for Padraig Harrington. I'm pretty sure that the rest of us were pulling for Greg Norman to pull an '86 Nicklaus on everybody. Nice job, Shark. We're all really proud of you.
THE SYD
We attended the graduation party of Sydney Luce, daughter of close friend Roy the G.B. King, over the weekend. Congratulations Syd, and best of luck at SUNY Geneseo in the fall. We had a nice time at the party, despite the crushing humidity on Saturday afternoon. Enjoyed seeing Chuck, th E.o.D. sitting up and taking nourishment. I was fairly subdued the whole time, cause I knew I had to go back to work that night at midnight, after being off a week for vacation.
THE MOVIES
Last week we saw two movies. I love giving my funds to Regal Cinemas. Anyway, we saw Hancock and Hellboy2. Obviously not date flicks. Both were enjoyable popcorn movies with ALOT of action. Will Smith played an unlikeable super hero, with Jason Bateman playing a guy trying to improve Hancock's image. Some good fun and a surprising twist in the middle that changes the movie.
Hellboy 2 was one for me and the boys. Lots of fantastic action, comedy and destruction from the big red guy and an evil elf that wants his race to control humans and the planet Earth. One of Hellboy's crime-fighting partners was this guy who was very fish-like. He ended up reminding us of C-3PO from Star Wars, only not as much of a priss. He would actually fight.
If you're looking for mindless action fun at the movies this summer, check out these two films. Our next two must-sees are Wanted and The Dark Knight. Oh, and by the way, can we just say that Heath Ledger did a fine job as the Joker and not ordain his job in the Dark Knight as the second-coming of God-like performances worthy of an Oscar, just because he's dead. If he hadn't died NONE of the critics would be giving anything more to this flick than kudos for action. Face it, the critics just want something to hype. Let's play off of the dead guy, shall we?
Alright, that's it for now. Just wanted to keep in touch. Football is just around the corner, folks. But first, I haven't played any golf in a month and I'm going to Florida on August 10th. I better get some practice in or my father-in-law's friends in Palm Harbor are going to take all my money and think I really DO suck (not just in April). Okay, I do. But only to the tune of shooting between 84-95. Not struggling to break 100 like in April.
This has been LEN IS RIGHT. I'll talk with you soon.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, July 12, 2008
G.B. KING'S NEW MANCAVE
Hiya folks:
Last night Kevin the Roller, Ken the King and I drove out to Scotia to the home of Roy the G.B. King to join Roy, Chuck, the recovering E.o.D., and Extreme Justin in the Grand Opening poker night at Roy's newly completed mancave.
Roy has been laboring for over a year to build this room in his basement, which includes a 46-inch LCD HDTV (which swings on a boom for viewing wherever you are in the room), new furniture and poker table. He did a really nice job on it, took his time with the planning and now it's ready for use.
We played our normal No-Limit Dealer Choice game (Hold-'Em, Omaha, Pineapple) and had a really good time. For the first time in 3 tries, Justin was the big winner. The last two times we played, Justin got nutted early and was gone within an hour. Not this time. I think the Roller ended up as the night's big loser (he doesn't like Omaha and Pineapple). For the first time in 3 or 4 times, I actually lost. I think my total for the night was -$50. No biggie. Win some, lose some.
On top of the fun, we also got to watch our beloved NY Mets win their 7th straight game. Hopefully the Phillies will fold in August.
Chuck, the E.o.D. seems to be recovering from his bypass surgery well. He passed up the delicious brownies baked by Roy's wife, Sue. The rest of us, however, did not. We scarfed them mofo's up real quick.
So, congrats on the opening of the Man Cave, Roy. Here's to many more poker nights in Scotia. The rest of you should stop by for a game sometime. Then you can see why LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace for the week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Last night Kevin the Roller, Ken the King and I drove out to Scotia to the home of Roy the G.B. King to join Roy, Chuck, the recovering E.o.D., and Extreme Justin in the Grand Opening poker night at Roy's newly completed mancave.
Roy has been laboring for over a year to build this room in his basement, which includes a 46-inch LCD HDTV (which swings on a boom for viewing wherever you are in the room), new furniture and poker table. He did a really nice job on it, took his time with the planning and now it's ready for use.
We played our normal No-Limit Dealer Choice game (Hold-'Em, Omaha, Pineapple) and had a really good time. For the first time in 3 tries, Justin was the big winner. The last two times we played, Justin got nutted early and was gone within an hour. Not this time. I think the Roller ended up as the night's big loser (he doesn't like Omaha and Pineapple). For the first time in 3 or 4 times, I actually lost. I think my total for the night was -$50. No biggie. Win some, lose some.
On top of the fun, we also got to watch our beloved NY Mets win their 7th straight game. Hopefully the Phillies will fold in August.
Chuck, the E.o.D. seems to be recovering from his bypass surgery well. He passed up the delicious brownies baked by Roy's wife, Sue. The rest of us, however, did not. We scarfed them mofo's up real quick.
So, congrats on the opening of the Man Cave, Roy. Here's to many more poker nights in Scotia. The rest of you should stop by for a game sometime. Then you can see why LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace for the week.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, July 11, 2008
RUSH AT SPAC, BUT NOT MOHEGAN SUN/LEN ALMOST GETS FIRED
Hello there, minions:
Last Saturday night, son Jackson and I went to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to see the band RUSH play on the 2nd leg of their Snakes and Arrows tour. Coming along for the show was Jackson's friend C.J. and his dad, Clayton.
We had inside seats (as opposed to sitting on the lawn). Rush no longer has an opening band, because their song catalog is so large. So now, they come out and play for an hour and 15 minutes, take a 15 minute break, and then play for another hour and a half. I've gotta say, it was pretty loud inside. The band opened with my all-time favorite Rush song, Limelight. They employ video screens throughout the show which go back and forth from showing the band playing, to whatever the theme of the song they're playing happens to be. For instance when they do the song, Red Barchetta, which is about driving an illegal sports car in the future when there are no gasoline engines, the screens show a car going very fast along a winding road and the screen is your view, as if you were driving. So there was ALOT of sight and sound going on. These guys are virtuoso musicians and in my opinion, they were definitely on their game this night. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was definitely into it, singing along with most songs and cheering loudly after each song.
This proved to be a little too much for friend C.J., who was attending his first rock concert. At 11 years old, I don't think he was ready for the loudness of the music and the excitement and size of the crowd. His dad took him up onto the back part of the lawn where it was a little less intense and he was able to get a break. Next time, I think he'll be okay and ready for a show, because he'll know what to expect. The kids are now getting to the age where we'll just be dropping them off at shows (after age 15 or 16) with their friends, and summertime is concert time. Jackson spent the whole second set headbanging his long, blonde hair and holding up his hand with the "devil's horns" sign. I had to explain to him that Rush is not a metal band, so he had to change hand signs to the peace sign. (By the way, you know dad will probably be going to many of the same concerts the kids go to, because I like rock music)
NO MOHEGAN THIS TIME
Two nights later, I had tickets to the Rush show at Mohegan Sun. Since friend Roy was out of town, friend Chuck is recovering from heart surgery, and my other friends either couldn't get a day off from work, or couldn't afford the cost of the show, the hotel, and gambling, I was left to either go by myself or eat the tickets. Since it's no fun to go alone, I ended up eating the tickets. Brother-in-law Dave was supposed to go, but couldn't get it off from work. Too bad, because he's a drummer, and Rush's drummer, Neil Peart, was unbelievable all night at Saratoga. He did his customary 10-15 minute drum solo, and in my opinion, he is the only guy in rock who SHOULD do a solo. The concert drum solo has become so trite that I think it takes awayfrom the flow of most shows and reduces the amount of songs the band plays. But this guy is, hands down, the best. In the middl of the solo, his drum kit does a 180 degree spin and he re-seats himself and starts playing on electronic drums that have all sorts of sounds programmed into it. All of a sudden, you've got music and sounds going on that he is triggering with drum sticks. He ends up doing a straight jazz drum solo with jazz music and a film clip of Neil's idol, Buddy Rich, playing behind the kit. I think Dave would have really enjoyed it. Too bad.
I think people should take days off from work to enjoy life once in a while, other than weekends. Am I the only one that feels empowered by live music? C'mon, people, live a little!! Your job will still be there when you get back. That is, except, for friend Stan G., who is a rural route mail carrier and would probably get fired by the gestapo-like Post Office if he took an unscheduled day off. Stan and I were sidekicks just after high school and we went to every show that came to the area and many that were out of the area, back in the early 80's. Stan had a '73 Chevelle SS that was the concert ride and party boat during those years. Truly, I wonder how we made it home many nights, seeing as we were so horrendously impaired most times. But that's info for another post.
Eating $225 worth of tickets is NOT RIGHT!!
LEN ALMOST GETS FIRED FROM THE RAILROAD
As I may have stated before, I am now the Shop Steward of the Sheet Metal Workers Union where I work. For years now, management has liberally used a rule that allows other Crafts to do my union's work. Our last 2 Shop Stewards have laid down and been useless in arguing this rule. This rule, which is in our contract, was not negotiated, but imposed on my union by a Presidential Emergency Board in 1992. Anyway, I'm really tired of seeing it used. So I wrote some letters a couple of weeks ago to members of other Crafts who were doing our work. I asked them not to do our work anymore, or at least don't do it unless directed by a Foreman (refusing a directive can get you taken out of service for insubordination).
Well, the letter I wrote was written in a friendly tone, not threatening at all. Well, one of the Machinists felt threatened, even though his actions were jeopardizing, in the long run, my family's well-being. So, he went up to management with the letter and the letter was sent to the Railroad's Labor Relations Dept. in Washington. Labor Relations called my Union and told me they were recommending that I be fired for trying to cause a work slow-down. Luckilly, I was able to talk my way out of it, and I didn't get fired, or even disciplined. I was, however, asked not to write anymore letters to other co-workers. There's actually alot more to this story, but I won't bore you with it.
Suffice to say, LEN IS RIGHT, and the Railroad is WRONG. But you probably knew that, anyway. No matter. Right or wrong, they hold all of the cards, so I lose. But the fight goes on. If I don't put up resistance, I can't look at myself in the mirror, or look my family in the eyes. I'm sure you understand.
LIR would like to welcome new readers, leggy Wendy from the Railroad and Stan G. to the Len Is Right family of minions. From now on they will be referred to as Leggy Wendy and Stan G on posts. Kind of like Jen Came, who by the way is happily expecting a new baby in about 6 months. Congrats to Jen Came (hopefully, she did!!)
Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Last Saturday night, son Jackson and I went to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to see the band RUSH play on the 2nd leg of their Snakes and Arrows tour. Coming along for the show was Jackson's friend C.J. and his dad, Clayton.
We had inside seats (as opposed to sitting on the lawn). Rush no longer has an opening band, because their song catalog is so large. So now, they come out and play for an hour and 15 minutes, take a 15 minute break, and then play for another hour and a half. I've gotta say, it was pretty loud inside. The band opened with my all-time favorite Rush song, Limelight. They employ video screens throughout the show which go back and forth from showing the band playing, to whatever the theme of the song they're playing happens to be. For instance when they do the song, Red Barchetta, which is about driving an illegal sports car in the future when there are no gasoline engines, the screens show a car going very fast along a winding road and the screen is your view, as if you were driving. So there was ALOT of sight and sound going on. These guys are virtuoso musicians and in my opinion, they were definitely on their game this night. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was definitely into it, singing along with most songs and cheering loudly after each song.
This proved to be a little too much for friend C.J., who was attending his first rock concert. At 11 years old, I don't think he was ready for the loudness of the music and the excitement and size of the crowd. His dad took him up onto the back part of the lawn where it was a little less intense and he was able to get a break. Next time, I think he'll be okay and ready for a show, because he'll know what to expect. The kids are now getting to the age where we'll just be dropping them off at shows (after age 15 or 16) with their friends, and summertime is concert time. Jackson spent the whole second set headbanging his long, blonde hair and holding up his hand with the "devil's horns" sign. I had to explain to him that Rush is not a metal band, so he had to change hand signs to the peace sign. (By the way, you know dad will probably be going to many of the same concerts the kids go to, because I like rock music)
NO MOHEGAN THIS TIME
Two nights later, I had tickets to the Rush show at Mohegan Sun. Since friend Roy was out of town, friend Chuck is recovering from heart surgery, and my other friends either couldn't get a day off from work, or couldn't afford the cost of the show, the hotel, and gambling, I was left to either go by myself or eat the tickets. Since it's no fun to go alone, I ended up eating the tickets. Brother-in-law Dave was supposed to go, but couldn't get it off from work. Too bad, because he's a drummer, and Rush's drummer, Neil Peart, was unbelievable all night at Saratoga. He did his customary 10-15 minute drum solo, and in my opinion, he is the only guy in rock who SHOULD do a solo. The concert drum solo has become so trite that I think it takes awayfrom the flow of most shows and reduces the amount of songs the band plays. But this guy is, hands down, the best. In the middl of the solo, his drum kit does a 180 degree spin and he re-seats himself and starts playing on electronic drums that have all sorts of sounds programmed into it. All of a sudden, you've got music and sounds going on that he is triggering with drum sticks. He ends up doing a straight jazz drum solo with jazz music and a film clip of Neil's idol, Buddy Rich, playing behind the kit. I think Dave would have really enjoyed it. Too bad.
I think people should take days off from work to enjoy life once in a while, other than weekends. Am I the only one that feels empowered by live music? C'mon, people, live a little!! Your job will still be there when you get back. That is, except, for friend Stan G., who is a rural route mail carrier and would probably get fired by the gestapo-like Post Office if he took an unscheduled day off. Stan and I were sidekicks just after high school and we went to every show that came to the area and many that were out of the area, back in the early 80's. Stan had a '73 Chevelle SS that was the concert ride and party boat during those years. Truly, I wonder how we made it home many nights, seeing as we were so horrendously impaired most times. But that's info for another post.
Eating $225 worth of tickets is NOT RIGHT!!
LEN ALMOST GETS FIRED FROM THE RAILROAD
As I may have stated before, I am now the Shop Steward of the Sheet Metal Workers Union where I work. For years now, management has liberally used a rule that allows other Crafts to do my union's work. Our last 2 Shop Stewards have laid down and been useless in arguing this rule. This rule, which is in our contract, was not negotiated, but imposed on my union by a Presidential Emergency Board in 1992. Anyway, I'm really tired of seeing it used. So I wrote some letters a couple of weeks ago to members of other Crafts who were doing our work. I asked them not to do our work anymore, or at least don't do it unless directed by a Foreman (refusing a directive can get you taken out of service for insubordination).
Well, the letter I wrote was written in a friendly tone, not threatening at all. Well, one of the Machinists felt threatened, even though his actions were jeopardizing, in the long run, my family's well-being. So, he went up to management with the letter and the letter was sent to the Railroad's Labor Relations Dept. in Washington. Labor Relations called my Union and told me they were recommending that I be fired for trying to cause a work slow-down. Luckilly, I was able to talk my way out of it, and I didn't get fired, or even disciplined. I was, however, asked not to write anymore letters to other co-workers. There's actually alot more to this story, but I won't bore you with it.
Suffice to say, LEN IS RIGHT, and the Railroad is WRONG. But you probably knew that, anyway. No matter. Right or wrong, they hold all of the cards, so I lose. But the fight goes on. If I don't put up resistance, I can't look at myself in the mirror, or look my family in the eyes. I'm sure you understand.
LIR would like to welcome new readers, leggy Wendy from the Railroad and Stan G. to the Len Is Right family of minions. From now on they will be referred to as Leggy Wendy and Stan G on posts. Kind of like Jen Came, who by the way is happily expecting a new baby in about 6 months. Congrats to Jen Came (hopefully, she did!!)
Be well and enjoy the weekend.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, July 04, 2008
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Hello folks:
I hope you are enjoying your Independence Day holiday. My friend Roy, the G. B. King is, cause he's on vacation. It's gorgeoues outside today. We'll be doing a little grilling with the Moms here at Stover Place. I haven't decided about fireworks yet. The crowd down at the Empire State Plaza will be LARGE and PT hates crowds. Besides, my neighbors will all be blowing off stuff till 1 a.m. anyway.
RUSH CONCERT
Tomorrow is the big day. After a lively Dungeon and Dragons game with the boys, it'll be up the Northway with Jackson, his buddy C.J. and his dad, Clayton, to see the band that you all need to see. This is the second straight summer that Rush has played at SPAC. I've praised this band many times previously, so I won't bore you. But it's the highlight concert of the summer for me. I think it'll be C.J.'s first rock concert. Good band to start your career off with. Besides seeing Bobby Sherman when I was a little kid, my first concert was the Doobie Brothers at SPAC in 1977. My buddy Todd's first show was the locally INFAMOUS Black and Blue (Sabbath/Oyster Cult, respectively) concert at Lebanon Valley Speedway in 1980. That was a good one to start with. Never in my life have I been at such an event. When we first pulled up to the parking lot, there was a line of fifteen or twenty guys that you had to drive by and they all were offering some kind of drug. All of the classics were represented. Then, they wouldn't allow bottles in, so people rolled kegs into the infield on hand trucks and just drank. One guy came walking in carrying a Matt's beer ball. Remember those? Did you have one as a lampshade in your apartment? Then some guys carried in these 10-foot tall wooden crosses and stood them up and set them on fire during Sabbath's set. Later, after it got dark, Blue Oyster Cult came out and I got to see laser lights for the first time. Motorcycles, jeans bandannas, halter tops, ciggys, party, just whatever you can imagine. Some people would call it the height of the classic 70's outdoor concert. Others would call it the nadir of human behavior. I wouldn't want to do it all the time. But once in a while.......what fun.
Unfortunately, the reason for its infamy was because some people got killed on the way home. Alot of people walked to the show, or just parked their cars along the road on the way in and decided to walk the rest of the way. A couple of people got hit by a truck and got killed, leaving the show. Also, an inebriated concert-goer trespassed on someone's property and received a shotgun blast to the chest. It was the last concert that they EVER had at the Lebanon Valley Speedway.
THE CHICAGO CUBS AND THE END OF THE WORLD
The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball, leading the NL Central. It's been, what, 90-100 years since they won the World Series, right? Well, I'm thinking that for as good as the Cubs are playing right now, that they'll again fade in the end of summer and will not win again this year. But folks, we here at LEN IS RIGHT have the answer for all you long-suffering Cubs fans. Your team is going to FINALLY win the World Series in the fall of 2012. It will coincide with the end of the world, as seen by the Aztec calendar, which as we know, has been the be-all, end-all for a few years. So, ya know, I'm kinda thinking...I gotta be a Cub hater in 2012. I'm really rooting for them from now till 2011. I may even have to make my beloved Mets my 2nd favorite team until then because I'd like to see the Aztecs proven wrong. I'm also hoping that they ended their calendar because they ran out of chalk or something. Can you see Montezuma saying to his staff, "Pedro! Juan! Qetzqetl!! Enough of this calendar crapola. Let's go to the beach. I feel like a Corona or two. Maybe if we end it there, the fools in the future will think it's significant. Am I a funny fuckin' Yucateccan, or what?"
So, Go Cubs!! At least until 2012. Then, it's "Up Yours, Cubs!!"
ONE REASON I LOVE BASEBALL
We have alot of reasons to dislike pro sports, but I can give you a reason to love baseball. The reason lies in the play known as the bottom of the 9th Walkoff Home Run. Any time a game-winning walk-off homer is hit, the guy who hit it comes to the plate and is mobbed by his teammates. Watching that always brings me back to my youth when any kid that hit any homer, always got mobbed by his teammates when he came to the plate to score. It didn't have to be a game-winner. Any homer. And whether you're a sports fan or not, former or present athlete or not, experienced it first hand or not, it doesn't matter. And no play in any other sport is as cool as the game-winning homer. When you see a professional baseball player get mobbed by his teammates after hitting the big homer, you can see on everyones face that they're all back to being kids. And salaries and championships and endorsement deals, for a few seconds, don't matter. It's all the love of the sport, the love of a game. It takes us back to when we were kids and summers were carefree. Just for a few short seconds it all comes rushing back. Kids on a dusty Little League field, all running out of the dugout to greet the kid who hit one out. For that reason, I will ALWAYS love baseball.
Enjoy the holiday weekend. Party responsibly. LEN IS RIGHT loves his minions. Vote the poll question.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I hope you are enjoying your Independence Day holiday. My friend Roy, the G. B. King is, cause he's on vacation. It's gorgeoues outside today. We'll be doing a little grilling with the Moms here at Stover Place. I haven't decided about fireworks yet. The crowd down at the Empire State Plaza will be LARGE and PT hates crowds. Besides, my neighbors will all be blowing off stuff till 1 a.m. anyway.
RUSH CONCERT
Tomorrow is the big day. After a lively Dungeon and Dragons game with the boys, it'll be up the Northway with Jackson, his buddy C.J. and his dad, Clayton, to see the band that you all need to see. This is the second straight summer that Rush has played at SPAC. I've praised this band many times previously, so I won't bore you. But it's the highlight concert of the summer for me. I think it'll be C.J.'s first rock concert. Good band to start your career off with. Besides seeing Bobby Sherman when I was a little kid, my first concert was the Doobie Brothers at SPAC in 1977. My buddy Todd's first show was the locally INFAMOUS Black and Blue (Sabbath/Oyster Cult, respectively) concert at Lebanon Valley Speedway in 1980. That was a good one to start with. Never in my life have I been at such an event. When we first pulled up to the parking lot, there was a line of fifteen or twenty guys that you had to drive by and they all were offering some kind of drug. All of the classics were represented. Then, they wouldn't allow bottles in, so people rolled kegs into the infield on hand trucks and just drank. One guy came walking in carrying a Matt's beer ball. Remember those? Did you have one as a lampshade in your apartment? Then some guys carried in these 10-foot tall wooden crosses and stood them up and set them on fire during Sabbath's set. Later, after it got dark, Blue Oyster Cult came out and I got to see laser lights for the first time. Motorcycles, jeans bandannas, halter tops, ciggys, party, just whatever you can imagine. Some people would call it the height of the classic 70's outdoor concert. Others would call it the nadir of human behavior. I wouldn't want to do it all the time. But once in a while.......what fun.
Unfortunately, the reason for its infamy was because some people got killed on the way home. Alot of people walked to the show, or just parked their cars along the road on the way in and decided to walk the rest of the way. A couple of people got hit by a truck and got killed, leaving the show. Also, an inebriated concert-goer trespassed on someone's property and received a shotgun blast to the chest. It was the last concert that they EVER had at the Lebanon Valley Speedway.
THE CHICAGO CUBS AND THE END OF THE WORLD
The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball, leading the NL Central. It's been, what, 90-100 years since they won the World Series, right? Well, I'm thinking that for as good as the Cubs are playing right now, that they'll again fade in the end of summer and will not win again this year. But folks, we here at LEN IS RIGHT have the answer for all you long-suffering Cubs fans. Your team is going to FINALLY win the World Series in the fall of 2012. It will coincide with the end of the world, as seen by the Aztec calendar, which as we know, has been the be-all, end-all for a few years. So, ya know, I'm kinda thinking...I gotta be a Cub hater in 2012. I'm really rooting for them from now till 2011. I may even have to make my beloved Mets my 2nd favorite team until then because I'd like to see the Aztecs proven wrong. I'm also hoping that they ended their calendar because they ran out of chalk or something. Can you see Montezuma saying to his staff, "Pedro! Juan! Qetzqetl!! Enough of this calendar crapola. Let's go to the beach. I feel like a Corona or two. Maybe if we end it there, the fools in the future will think it's significant. Am I a funny fuckin' Yucateccan, or what?"
So, Go Cubs!! At least until 2012. Then, it's "Up Yours, Cubs!!"
ONE REASON I LOVE BASEBALL
We have alot of reasons to dislike pro sports, but I can give you a reason to love baseball. The reason lies in the play known as the bottom of the 9th Walkoff Home Run. Any time a game-winning walk-off homer is hit, the guy who hit it comes to the plate and is mobbed by his teammates. Watching that always brings me back to my youth when any kid that hit any homer, always got mobbed by his teammates when he came to the plate to score. It didn't have to be a game-winner. Any homer. And whether you're a sports fan or not, former or present athlete or not, experienced it first hand or not, it doesn't matter. And no play in any other sport is as cool as the game-winning homer. When you see a professional baseball player get mobbed by his teammates after hitting the big homer, you can see on everyones face that they're all back to being kids. And salaries and championships and endorsement deals, for a few seconds, don't matter. It's all the love of the sport, the love of a game. It takes us back to when we were kids and summers were carefree. Just for a few short seconds it all comes rushing back. Kids on a dusty Little League field, all running out of the dugout to greet the kid who hit one out. For that reason, I will ALWAYS love baseball.
Enjoy the holiday weekend. Party responsibly. LEN IS RIGHT loves his minions. Vote the poll question.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sunday, June 29, 2008
EDDIE IZZARD AT RADIO CITY AND GET SMART
Hello minions:
Well, I awake today a little sleepy. The family and I got back from NY City on the train at 2:30 a.m. after seeing comedian/actor Eddie Izzard at Radio City Music Hall. By the time we got into bed, it was about 3:00.
First off, I'd like to say thanks to my friend, Marc Reiter in NYC, for hooking us up with great seats to a Sold Out show. We ended up sitting Center Stage around the 12th Row. My family and I are big fans of Eddie Izzard, because of his previous standup routine, Dressed To Kill, and his roles in Oceans 12 and a bunch of other stuff. He is also currently starring with Minnie Driver on TV's The Riches, in case you don't know who he is. All you need to remember is ,"CAKE OR DEATH!"
Eddie's comedy is actually history-based. What I mean is, he goes through world history and gives his extremely humorous take on the events that have shaped the world. And I'm talking all the way back to the dinosaur age.
Because of a late-departing train, we weren't able to have a proper sit-down dinner when we got to the City. So, we did the tourist hotdogs from a cart and a gyro for me. The walking traffic on this day was very heavy. I mean, there were times when there were a hundred people in an intersection and no one was moving, cause there was no place to go. I heard one native NYer say, "Well, I guess it's tourist season." After the show, the walking traffic was even heavier, because all of the theaters were letting out. (Obviously we were right around Broadway and Times Square, so that's to be expected.) We ended up jumping into cabs in both directions because of the humidity and traffic. Didn't feel like showing up to the show all sweaty.
Anyway...Eddie Izzard was a scream and we all really enjoyed the show. So much so, that at breakfast this morning, we were all quoting lines from Izzard's routine that we remembered. That's how we work it at the Tollerton house.
GET SMART
Alright, whether you were a fan of the TV show, or never ever saw it, I'm going to recommend that you go see Get Smart at the movies. You will laugh your ass off. Steve Carrell and Alan Arkin are both very funny. There was on scene where we could hardly breathe, because we were laughing so hard. The kids liked it alot, too, but I think PT and I enjoyed it more because we were familiar with the original show.
If you're looking for some comedic entertainment this summer, I recommend going to see Get Smart. Very funny and the theater is Air Conditioned. Do this because.............................. LEN IS RIGHT!!
I love ya, America. Be well.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Well, I awake today a little sleepy. The family and I got back from NY City on the train at 2:30 a.m. after seeing comedian/actor Eddie Izzard at Radio City Music Hall. By the time we got into bed, it was about 3:00.
First off, I'd like to say thanks to my friend, Marc Reiter in NYC, for hooking us up with great seats to a Sold Out show. We ended up sitting Center Stage around the 12th Row. My family and I are big fans of Eddie Izzard, because of his previous standup routine, Dressed To Kill, and his roles in Oceans 12 and a bunch of other stuff. He is also currently starring with Minnie Driver on TV's The Riches, in case you don't know who he is. All you need to remember is ,"CAKE OR DEATH!"
Eddie's comedy is actually history-based. What I mean is, he goes through world history and gives his extremely humorous take on the events that have shaped the world. And I'm talking all the way back to the dinosaur age.
Because of a late-departing train, we weren't able to have a proper sit-down dinner when we got to the City. So, we did the tourist hotdogs from a cart and a gyro for me. The walking traffic on this day was very heavy. I mean, there were times when there were a hundred people in an intersection and no one was moving, cause there was no place to go. I heard one native NYer say, "Well, I guess it's tourist season." After the show, the walking traffic was even heavier, because all of the theaters were letting out. (Obviously we were right around Broadway and Times Square, so that's to be expected.) We ended up jumping into cabs in both directions because of the humidity and traffic. Didn't feel like showing up to the show all sweaty.
Anyway...Eddie Izzard was a scream and we all really enjoyed the show. So much so, that at breakfast this morning, we were all quoting lines from Izzard's routine that we remembered. That's how we work it at the Tollerton house.
GET SMART
Alright, whether you were a fan of the TV show, or never ever saw it, I'm going to recommend that you go see Get Smart at the movies. You will laugh your ass off. Steve Carrell and Alan Arkin are both very funny. There was on scene where we could hardly breathe, because we were laughing so hard. The kids liked it alot, too, but I think PT and I enjoyed it more because we were familiar with the original show.
If you're looking for some comedic entertainment this summer, I recommend going to see Get Smart. Very funny and the theater is Air Conditioned. Do this because.............................. LEN IS RIGHT!!
I love ya, America. Be well.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Monday, June 23, 2008
MARY McCORMACK AND THE DEATH OF CARLIN
Hello Minions:
I trust everyone had a great weekend. Today was the last day of school for my kids. They're very happy to be done, obviously. My unnamed spouse and I spent almost $1000 on summer camp activities for them this year. Connor is taking Digital Video production and next week has camp for volleyball in preparation for the JV volleyball season, which starts the end of August.
Jackson is taking song writing "architecture", and bowling. It's better than sitting in the house and video-gaming, so I'm sure it'll be worth it. They've really liked all the camps we've sent them to in the past, so...GAME ON, summer's here!!
MARY McCORMACK
USA Network has a new series called In Plain Sight. It's about the Witness Protection Program and stars Mary McCormack as US Marshall Mary Shannon. The show deals with people getting into the program and then some of their difficulties down the road. Mary Shannon is a tough-talking, no-nonsense Marshall who's personal life is a bit of a roller coaster. Needless to say, she's not perfect and is very cynical. Mary McCormack used to be on The West Wing and played Howard Stern's wife, Allison, in the movie, Private Parts.
Okay...my unnamed spouse is really into Denis Leary, Hugh Laurie (House), and lately, Trace Adkins. Well, for me, Mary McCormack is floating my boat these days. I mean, I just think she is super hot. She does an absolutely great job sporting tight jeans and I think she's drop-dead gorgeous. You can have your Eva Longorias and your Charlize Therons (both lovely women in their own rights). I'm taking Mary McC. And I've heard recent rumors that she has been trying to contact me for the purpose of having my children. Apparently, she's read LEN IS RIGHT, and has given up on the rest of the male population in order to get next to me. And really, who can blame her? With all the cookie-cutter, buffed bodied, non-hairy and non-bald men in the California area, you'd think I wouldn't have a chance. But Lo and Behold, she's willing to risk a scandal and is going to try to steal me from my aforementioned unnamed spouse, now that she's got regular work on television. She knows that I require my wimmins to have their own job. Wish me luck. You'll soon be seeing me on the red carpets around the world as Mary takes me as her date to premieres and parties. We won't stay at the parties long, however, because she just can never wait to get back and get all sweaty with a balding, hairy-bodied love pig. That's where I come in. Don't worry, my unnamed spouse, I'll send money home to you when Mary gets paid. Oh, and did I tell you? This has afforded me the chance to say, "Piss Off!" to Amtrak. If I had only known sooner, I wouldn't have wasted 20-some years on the railroad. Me and Mary McCormack, baby, Top of the World!!!
THE DEATH OF GEORGE CARLIN
In the early 70's my parents' friends and one of my childhood friends had a few of George Carlin's comedy albums. Class Clown and Toledo Window Box were the names of the albums I remember. I was probably a little young to be hearing this kind of stuff. But I couldn't believe how funny George Carlin was. I saw him live, once, in 1980 at the Colonie Colisseum, an old outdoor theater around here, that has since closed.
I will always remember George's comedy changing over the years. As he got older, he became more curmudgeon-like and his humor dealt with, what I believe, were some very practical views on the world and less on ridiculousness. He was one of the first people who publicly showed an atheistic view of the world, and I believe he was one of my first influences towards being agnostic or atheistic. That's NOT a bad thing. He was one of the first people who really made sense to me in that regard. And he did it all with humor.
Our country has taken a couple of big icon hits this last week. First Tim Russert passed and now, George Carlin. And though their religious views couldn't have been any more opposite, I think they both may have been able to be great friends, respecting each other's views and having a big laugh at the end.
I think that would have been one hell of a Meet The Press episode. "This is Meet The Press, and I'm Tim Russert. On today's show, we'll discuss the world and how screwed up it really is. This is Heaven, so we have all the time in the world, so to speak. We'll be speaking with the recently deceased and VERY welcome George Carlin, former Pope John Paul II, the late comedian Bill Hicks, John Lennon, and just for shits and giggles, Adolph Hitler. This promises to be very interesting. This is Meet The Press."
The ratings would skyrocket. I think alot of people would tune in to see the dead having a conversation, don't you? I think Russert would have to be very much on his toes to avoid having a public bitch-slapping happen on his show. But always with a smile.
George, I saw your most recent HBO special and thought it was your best in years. You looked like you were showing your age, but your vitriol was still in high-gear. I and many of the rest of the humans on Planet Earth will miss your slanted take on the world, and your humor. You helped us look at words alot differently, and you helped us all take ourselves a little bit less seriously. It says something for you when you know that people really look forward to seeing you. To hear a roomful of people roaring laughter at your words must be as great as a musician hearing a crowd of people singing along with his/her songs.
Though George and I don't believe in Heaven or Hell, if there is a Heaven, I'm sure God would want to have George around for a few laughs when things got a little serious. Here's hoping that if all that's true, that George can influence God to comedically bring about the demise of some of the world's biggest losers. Like, maybe George could get Osama Bin Laden to croak while having a gay 3-some, while eating a pulled pork sandwich. Or maybe he could get DICK Cheney to meet his demise while buying crack in South Central LA. I could come up with a ton of them, but I'll stop here.
Rest In Peace, George Carlin. And lets remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I trust everyone had a great weekend. Today was the last day of school for my kids. They're very happy to be done, obviously. My unnamed spouse and I spent almost $1000 on summer camp activities for them this year. Connor is taking Digital Video production and next week has camp for volleyball in preparation for the JV volleyball season, which starts the end of August.
Jackson is taking song writing "architecture", and bowling. It's better than sitting in the house and video-gaming, so I'm sure it'll be worth it. They've really liked all the camps we've sent them to in the past, so...GAME ON, summer's here!!
MARY McCORMACK
USA Network has a new series called In Plain Sight. It's about the Witness Protection Program and stars Mary McCormack as US Marshall Mary Shannon. The show deals with people getting into the program and then some of their difficulties down the road. Mary Shannon is a tough-talking, no-nonsense Marshall who's personal life is a bit of a roller coaster. Needless to say, she's not perfect and is very cynical. Mary McCormack used to be on The West Wing and played Howard Stern's wife, Allison, in the movie, Private Parts.
Okay...my unnamed spouse is really into Denis Leary, Hugh Laurie (House), and lately, Trace Adkins. Well, for me, Mary McCormack is floating my boat these days. I mean, I just think she is super hot. She does an absolutely great job sporting tight jeans and I think she's drop-dead gorgeous. You can have your Eva Longorias and your Charlize Therons (both lovely women in their own rights). I'm taking Mary McC. And I've heard recent rumors that she has been trying to contact me for the purpose of having my children. Apparently, she's read LEN IS RIGHT, and has given up on the rest of the male population in order to get next to me. And really, who can blame her? With all the cookie-cutter, buffed bodied, non-hairy and non-bald men in the California area, you'd think I wouldn't have a chance. But Lo and Behold, she's willing to risk a scandal and is going to try to steal me from my aforementioned unnamed spouse, now that she's got regular work on television. She knows that I require my wimmins to have their own job. Wish me luck. You'll soon be seeing me on the red carpets around the world as Mary takes me as her date to premieres and parties. We won't stay at the parties long, however, because she just can never wait to get back and get all sweaty with a balding, hairy-bodied love pig. That's where I come in. Don't worry, my unnamed spouse, I'll send money home to you when Mary gets paid. Oh, and did I tell you? This has afforded me the chance to say, "Piss Off!" to Amtrak. If I had only known sooner, I wouldn't have wasted 20-some years on the railroad. Me and Mary McCormack, baby, Top of the World!!!
THE DEATH OF GEORGE CARLIN
In the early 70's my parents' friends and one of my childhood friends had a few of George Carlin's comedy albums. Class Clown and Toledo Window Box were the names of the albums I remember. I was probably a little young to be hearing this kind of stuff. But I couldn't believe how funny George Carlin was. I saw him live, once, in 1980 at the Colonie Colisseum, an old outdoor theater around here, that has since closed.
I will always remember George's comedy changing over the years. As he got older, he became more curmudgeon-like and his humor dealt with, what I believe, were some very practical views on the world and less on ridiculousness. He was one of the first people who publicly showed an atheistic view of the world, and I believe he was one of my first influences towards being agnostic or atheistic. That's NOT a bad thing. He was one of the first people who really made sense to me in that regard. And he did it all with humor.
Our country has taken a couple of big icon hits this last week. First Tim Russert passed and now, George Carlin. And though their religious views couldn't have been any more opposite, I think they both may have been able to be great friends, respecting each other's views and having a big laugh at the end.
I think that would have been one hell of a Meet The Press episode. "This is Meet The Press, and I'm Tim Russert. On today's show, we'll discuss the world and how screwed up it really is. This is Heaven, so we have all the time in the world, so to speak. We'll be speaking with the recently deceased and VERY welcome George Carlin, former Pope John Paul II, the late comedian Bill Hicks, John Lennon, and just for shits and giggles, Adolph Hitler. This promises to be very interesting. This is Meet The Press."
The ratings would skyrocket. I think alot of people would tune in to see the dead having a conversation, don't you? I think Russert would have to be very much on his toes to avoid having a public bitch-slapping happen on his show. But always with a smile.
George, I saw your most recent HBO special and thought it was your best in years. You looked like you were showing your age, but your vitriol was still in high-gear. I and many of the rest of the humans on Planet Earth will miss your slanted take on the world, and your humor. You helped us look at words alot differently, and you helped us all take ourselves a little bit less seriously. It says something for you when you know that people really look forward to seeing you. To hear a roomful of people roaring laughter at your words must be as great as a musician hearing a crowd of people singing along with his/her songs.
Though George and I don't believe in Heaven or Hell, if there is a Heaven, I'm sure God would want to have George around for a few laughs when things got a little serious. Here's hoping that if all that's true, that George can influence God to comedically bring about the demise of some of the world's biggest losers. Like, maybe George could get Osama Bin Laden to croak while having a gay 3-some, while eating a pulled pork sandwich. Or maybe he could get DICK Cheney to meet his demise while buying crack in South Central LA. I could come up with a ton of them, but I'll stop here.
Rest In Peace, George Carlin. And lets remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, June 21, 2008
KATHY GRIFFIN AT THE PALACE
Hello there, my friends:
Last night, the bride and I went with the lovely Sansone couple of Rensselaer to the Palace Theater in downtown Albany, to see comedienne Kathy Griffin. I have always loved going to the Palace for shows, especially rock concerts, because it is an older, beautiful place that has really great sound and great views. Since the refurbishing project of a couple of years ago, the old place is really a stunner.
If you know Kathy Griffin (from her standup routines, or her Bravo reality show, My Life On The "D" List, you'll know she is a wicked, acerbic wit that isn't afraid to dish about ALL of the celebrities she comes in contact with. She was famously banned from "The View" on ABC for revealing to an audience that Barbara Walters prefers Astro-Glide personal lubricant to KY Jelly. Needless to say, she doesn't pull any punches.
If you know her work, then you know that most of the crowd that goes to see her is either female or gay (gay and lesbian). We found this out when Ms. Griffin took an impromptu poll during the show and we found out that only about 10% of the audience was actually Straight men. To those men, she surmised that they were at the show purely because their wives or dates promised them a certain sexual favor for escorting them to the show. Sansone and I were pleasantly surprised to find we'd be getting lucky that night, because we had NOT made that bargain with our wives, so luckily there was going to be a bonus. (My apologies to our family members and, most of all, my fahter-in-law for revealing the previous info. Oh yeah, and Patty and Deb, too.)
We began at the Victory Cafe, which is a short walk from the Palace. The place was packed and we couldn't get a table, so we ate appetizers and had cocktails at the bar. During this time, we ran into an incredibly drunk former classmate of mine who we spoke to for a while despite his copiously impaired demeanor. For those of you who went to school with me, I won't name this guy, but will identify him as the Cadet Colonel and Valedictorian of the CBA Class of '81. He has actually become balder than I am. Hey...it can happen!
On our walk to the Palace, Mrs. Sansone, who was wearing fairly sexy heely shoes, re-injured her knee, which has a torn ACL and it was a painful, hobbling, assisted walk the rest of the way. The show was nice, but I expected deeper digs from Ms. Griffin, although I've gotta give her props for having super-fresh material (she had just written stuff earlier in the day about Jamie Lynn Spears and her new baby and Michelle Obama's appearance on "The View." All-in-all it was a good show. The lesbians in the crowd were VERY vocal. I was somewhat surprised at how much some lesbians ACTUALLY look like men. And I mean more manly than ME!! And I'm a hairy guy. So, you do the math.
Afterwords, we made a stop at Applebees in East Greenbush. I enjoyed the show, but what I really enjoyed was hanging out downtown with good friends, good food and drinks, on a beautiful night in Albany. Can't wait for the next time.
NEXT UP: The RUSH concert on July 5th at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
ALSO: I HAVE CONCERT TICKETS FOR SALE ON eBay RIGHT NOW.
There are 2 tickets for Rush 7/5/08 at SPAC....2 tickets for Rush at Mohegan Sun on 7/7/08 and 2 tickets for Neil Diamond at Albany's Times Union Center (formerly the Pepsi Arena) for August 20, 2008. My member name is NYCROWN99, so if you see the auctions, you'll know to bid on mine.
As always, please remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Last night, the bride and I went with the lovely Sansone couple of Rensselaer to the Palace Theater in downtown Albany, to see comedienne Kathy Griffin. I have always loved going to the Palace for shows, especially rock concerts, because it is an older, beautiful place that has really great sound and great views. Since the refurbishing project of a couple of years ago, the old place is really a stunner.
If you know Kathy Griffin (from her standup routines, or her Bravo reality show, My Life On The "D" List, you'll know she is a wicked, acerbic wit that isn't afraid to dish about ALL of the celebrities she comes in contact with. She was famously banned from "The View" on ABC for revealing to an audience that Barbara Walters prefers Astro-Glide personal lubricant to KY Jelly. Needless to say, she doesn't pull any punches.
If you know her work, then you know that most of the crowd that goes to see her is either female or gay (gay and lesbian). We found this out when Ms. Griffin took an impromptu poll during the show and we found out that only about 10% of the audience was actually Straight men. To those men, she surmised that they were at the show purely because their wives or dates promised them a certain sexual favor for escorting them to the show. Sansone and I were pleasantly surprised to find we'd be getting lucky that night, because we had NOT made that bargain with our wives, so luckily there was going to be a bonus. (My apologies to our family members and, most of all, my fahter-in-law for revealing the previous info. Oh yeah, and Patty and Deb, too.)
We began at the Victory Cafe, which is a short walk from the Palace. The place was packed and we couldn't get a table, so we ate appetizers and had cocktails at the bar. During this time, we ran into an incredibly drunk former classmate of mine who we spoke to for a while despite his copiously impaired demeanor. For those of you who went to school with me, I won't name this guy, but will identify him as the Cadet Colonel and Valedictorian of the CBA Class of '81. He has actually become balder than I am. Hey...it can happen!
On our walk to the Palace, Mrs. Sansone, who was wearing fairly sexy heely shoes, re-injured her knee, which has a torn ACL and it was a painful, hobbling, assisted walk the rest of the way. The show was nice, but I expected deeper digs from Ms. Griffin, although I've gotta give her props for having super-fresh material (she had just written stuff earlier in the day about Jamie Lynn Spears and her new baby and Michelle Obama's appearance on "The View." All-in-all it was a good show. The lesbians in the crowd were VERY vocal. I was somewhat surprised at how much some lesbians ACTUALLY look like men. And I mean more manly than ME!! And I'm a hairy guy. So, you do the math.
Afterwords, we made a stop at Applebees in East Greenbush. I enjoyed the show, but what I really enjoyed was hanging out downtown with good friends, good food and drinks, on a beautiful night in Albany. Can't wait for the next time.
NEXT UP: The RUSH concert on July 5th at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
ALSO: I HAVE CONCERT TICKETS FOR SALE ON eBay RIGHT NOW.
There are 2 tickets for Rush 7/5/08 at SPAC....2 tickets for Rush at Mohegan Sun on 7/7/08 and 2 tickets for Neil Diamond at Albany's Times Union Center (formerly the Pepsi Arena) for August 20, 2008. My member name is NYCROWN99, so if you see the auctions, you'll know to bid on mine.
As always, please remember that LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
BYE, BYE WILLIE
Minions:
The Mets fired Willie Randolph and two of his coaches last night. I've always liked Willie, but I thought there was some serious fire lacking this year. And while I think the fault lies, ultimately, with the players, I just don't think they've been playing like they were hungry...like in 2006.
I think Billy Wagner was right when he made an offhand comment to the tune of, "Go ask the guys who played the game. Oh, that's right, they already left." I think the Mets probably wouldn't be remiss in firing Omar Minaya, too. I haven't liked the fact that he's been going after, or sticking with, players who are beyond their prime. It's time to make this team young again, and develop the Minor League talent, or trade for guys who are still hungry and in their 20's.
Every once in a while you have to have a shake-up. Maybe this will be the wakeup call for the Mets. Maybe it's time for Fred Theadore to be named as manager. He ceretainly couldn't do any worse than anyone else. (Fred is a friend, if you don't know him already.)
Can we lure Bobby Valentine back from Japan? At least he got ejected from a game for arguing once in a while. JEEEEEEZZZ.
I am,
Len Tollerton
The Mets fired Willie Randolph and two of his coaches last night. I've always liked Willie, but I thought there was some serious fire lacking this year. And while I think the fault lies, ultimately, with the players, I just don't think they've been playing like they were hungry...like in 2006.
I think Billy Wagner was right when he made an offhand comment to the tune of, "Go ask the guys who played the game. Oh, that's right, they already left." I think the Mets probably wouldn't be remiss in firing Omar Minaya, too. I haven't liked the fact that he's been going after, or sticking with, players who are beyond their prime. It's time to make this team young again, and develop the Minor League talent, or trade for guys who are still hungry and in their 20's.
Every once in a while you have to have a shake-up. Maybe this will be the wakeup call for the Mets. Maybe it's time for Fred Theadore to be named as manager. He ceretainly couldn't do any worse than anyone else. (Fred is a friend, if you don't know him already.)
Can we lure Bobby Valentine back from Japan? At least he got ejected from a game for arguing once in a while. JEEEEEEZZZ.
I am,
Len Tollerton
TIM RUSSERT AND JUDGE TOOMEY
My friends:
With this post, I'd like to just throw my two cents in on top of the already heaping pile of adulation and sadness at the death of NBC's Tim Russert.
I only watched Meet The Press once in a while, I must admit. I'm not much of a political guy, so often, the show did not interest me. However, I would like to say that I had alot of respect for Tim Russert because he was always there. He always asked the tough questions, or the ones that NEEDED to be asked. Although I believe that the NBC news department will feel the biggest void at Tim's passing, I think ALL of America should feel a sense of loss. Mr. Russert's passing leaves us without a strong, guiding voice in political news and that's big considering we're in the middle of a Presidential election. NBC's reporting of Mr. Russert's death and the tributes that have followed have been poignant and heartfelt. They've also given us some insight into the man behind the scenes. From these, I've gleaned that our country is much better off having had him in the position he was in, and that we have all, truly, lost someone that mattered to us, even though we might not know it right now. In the coming months and years, I think the fall-out of losing Tim Russert will be felt by all Americans.
So, how do we bounce back from all of this? Who can we look to to step in and try to fill Tim Russert's seat on Meet the Press? Well, we can sit idly by as NBC trots out journalists and talking heads to just fill a chair, but I truly have the answer for you, folks. I happen to know someone who I think could ably fill the bill.
My high school friend, Judge Paul Toomey of Averill Park, NY is my pick for the new host of Meet The Press. Why? Well, let me tell you. I've known Paul since 9th Grade. The first day I met Paul, I was struck by the fact that he already knew what he wanted to do with hs life. He was going to be a lawyer and, hopefully someday, the Mayor of Albany. Paul comes from a long line of lawyers and his sister is also a judge. Paul was the only kid I knew who was into politics in high school. He always used to talk with the teachers about stuff going on in the City of Albany, like he had an inside track or an ear to the wall. I remember the day that my wife and I were able to break the news to Paul that he had passed the NY State bar exam. (We knew someone at the NY State Board of Law Examiners who gave us the early news) Paul set up a table with champagne in his driveway to surprise his wife, Lisa, when she came home from work.
Since then Paul has become the head of the NY State Legal Resource Center (helping other judges in the State make correct decisions), and has become a local judge, himself. While listening to the tributes NBC did on Tim Russert, I was struck by how much his life parallleed Paul's. They both went to Catholic schools and faith played a large part in both of their lives. They were both fiercely devoted to their favorite sports teams (Tim, the Bills and Nationals. Paul, the Packers and the Mets). Their families are the most important things in their lives. They both have deep love of politics. People generally perk up when both enter the room, looking to get in some conversation time or an opinion from someone in the know. Both speak well in public and have both been teachers. I have often been counseled by Paul in any number of topics (legal, family, relationships, etc...) and have often been brought back in from the ledge, so to speak, when my emotions got the best of me and I needed the calming influence of someone who was objective and level-headed. David Gregory of NBC news related a story that when his first son was born, Tim Russert made him a pillow with his name on it, and that was Tim's "signature gift" for all of his friends' newborns. When my first son, Connor was born, Paul called me and told me to appreciate my first 2 weeks with my baby, because he would never be that small again. Looking back, my eyes still well up the same way they did the day he said those words to me. He was right. You can't get time back and we had better all appreciate each passing day. Finally, the guy has always had his finger on the pulse of politics (especially local) during his adult life. People have, it seems to me, always asked for his opinion or help. And although there have been times when he has become easily offended by personal comments, I think he, more than anyone I know, would be perfect in the role of Meet The Press moderator. I also know, without a shadow of doubt, that he is reading this and saying out loud, "Dude, you're fuckin' crazy." Yes, my friend the judge occasionally uses the term "Dude."
So, NBC executives TAKE NOTE!! When looking for an able, politics-loving, sharp replacement for Tim Russert, who, despite his lack of experience as a journalist, would do the same kind of homework and would approach the job with the same zeal as Tim Russert, look no further than Averill Park's own son of Albany, Paul Toomey. No, he is not your typical pretty-faced broadcaster talking head. He is, in my opinion, the PERFECT option for NBC news. And although Paul may think I'm joking around, I am completely serious. Vote For Pedro? No. NBC needs to Vote For Paul.
If you know Paul, please feel free to leave a comment. If you don't know Paul, all you REALLY need to know is, LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace to my people.
I am,
Len Tollerton
With this post, I'd like to just throw my two cents in on top of the already heaping pile of adulation and sadness at the death of NBC's Tim Russert.
I only watched Meet The Press once in a while, I must admit. I'm not much of a political guy, so often, the show did not interest me. However, I would like to say that I had alot of respect for Tim Russert because he was always there. He always asked the tough questions, or the ones that NEEDED to be asked. Although I believe that the NBC news department will feel the biggest void at Tim's passing, I think ALL of America should feel a sense of loss. Mr. Russert's passing leaves us without a strong, guiding voice in political news and that's big considering we're in the middle of a Presidential election. NBC's reporting of Mr. Russert's death and the tributes that have followed have been poignant and heartfelt. They've also given us some insight into the man behind the scenes. From these, I've gleaned that our country is much better off having had him in the position he was in, and that we have all, truly, lost someone that mattered to us, even though we might not know it right now. In the coming months and years, I think the fall-out of losing Tim Russert will be felt by all Americans.
So, how do we bounce back from all of this? Who can we look to to step in and try to fill Tim Russert's seat on Meet the Press? Well, we can sit idly by as NBC trots out journalists and talking heads to just fill a chair, but I truly have the answer for you, folks. I happen to know someone who I think could ably fill the bill.
My high school friend, Judge Paul Toomey of Averill Park, NY is my pick for the new host of Meet The Press. Why? Well, let me tell you. I've known Paul since 9th Grade. The first day I met Paul, I was struck by the fact that he already knew what he wanted to do with hs life. He was going to be a lawyer and, hopefully someday, the Mayor of Albany. Paul comes from a long line of lawyers and his sister is also a judge. Paul was the only kid I knew who was into politics in high school. He always used to talk with the teachers about stuff going on in the City of Albany, like he had an inside track or an ear to the wall. I remember the day that my wife and I were able to break the news to Paul that he had passed the NY State bar exam. (We knew someone at the NY State Board of Law Examiners who gave us the early news) Paul set up a table with champagne in his driveway to surprise his wife, Lisa, when she came home from work.
Since then Paul has become the head of the NY State Legal Resource Center (helping other judges in the State make correct decisions), and has become a local judge, himself. While listening to the tributes NBC did on Tim Russert, I was struck by how much his life parallleed Paul's. They both went to Catholic schools and faith played a large part in both of their lives. They were both fiercely devoted to their favorite sports teams (Tim, the Bills and Nationals. Paul, the Packers and the Mets). Their families are the most important things in their lives. They both have deep love of politics. People generally perk up when both enter the room, looking to get in some conversation time or an opinion from someone in the know. Both speak well in public and have both been teachers. I have often been counseled by Paul in any number of topics (legal, family, relationships, etc...) and have often been brought back in from the ledge, so to speak, when my emotions got the best of me and I needed the calming influence of someone who was objective and level-headed. David Gregory of NBC news related a story that when his first son was born, Tim Russert made him a pillow with his name on it, and that was Tim's "signature gift" for all of his friends' newborns. When my first son, Connor was born, Paul called me and told me to appreciate my first 2 weeks with my baby, because he would never be that small again. Looking back, my eyes still well up the same way they did the day he said those words to me. He was right. You can't get time back and we had better all appreciate each passing day. Finally, the guy has always had his finger on the pulse of politics (especially local) during his adult life. People have, it seems to me, always asked for his opinion or help. And although there have been times when he has become easily offended by personal comments, I think he, more than anyone I know, would be perfect in the role of Meet The Press moderator. I also know, without a shadow of doubt, that he is reading this and saying out loud, "Dude, you're fuckin' crazy." Yes, my friend the judge occasionally uses the term "Dude."
So, NBC executives TAKE NOTE!! When looking for an able, politics-loving, sharp replacement for Tim Russert, who, despite his lack of experience as a journalist, would do the same kind of homework and would approach the job with the same zeal as Tim Russert, look no further than Averill Park's own son of Albany, Paul Toomey. No, he is not your typical pretty-faced broadcaster talking head. He is, in my opinion, the PERFECT option for NBC news. And although Paul may think I'm joking around, I am completely serious. Vote For Pedro? No. NBC needs to Vote For Paul.
If you know Paul, please feel free to leave a comment. If you don't know Paul, all you REALLY need to know is, LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace to my people.
I am,
Len Tollerton
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