Minions:
All I can say is, "DUUUUUDE!!!! WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING?!" I mean, you've got this feud going with Senator Bruno and you let your guard (and your pants) down for a blowjob in Washington? C'Mon. What a disappointment.
How does a guy, who was the State's top watchdog, going after all the corporate bad guys in NY City, the Golden Boy of the Law industry in New York, gets elected Governor, tries to take on what he sees as corruption in State govt., make this huge an error in judgement?
When you do dirty shit, someone is eventually going to find out. If one other person knows, then you ALWAYS have to look over your shoulder and watch your back. You CANNOT let your guard down and engage in stupid activities. And for goodness sake, please use an assumed name when you join the high-priced hooker club (Emperor's Club VIP), will ya? Oh, and by the way, $5500 per hour for a hooker is way too steep. I think Mr. Spitzer's former Office (The Attorney General) should look into price gouging in the prostitution industry. Criminy sakes, $5500 for 1 HOUR? Sorry ladies, but no pussy is THAT good. On the other hand, $10,000 per hour isn't enough when you see some of the men who are paying for this service. I mean, I work with a guy who showers on the average of once every week or two, and if I was a woman (hooker), there wouldn't be enough money for me to sleep with that filthy MOFO, so I guess if you can get it, more power to you, but holy shit!!
Resign, Mr. Spitzer. You have gone over the top in disappointing the people of your state. I was willing to give President Clinton a pass on his indiscretions. He was the leader of the free world. All you are is a state Governor. You dumb ass, you used your real name to join the club? What? Were you high on crack at the time? Are we going to find this out later on? "Governor Spitzer was smoking crack the night he gave his name to a $5500/hour hooker." It's time to go, sir. All of the work you did as Attorney General and tried to do as Governor are now in the proverbial toilet. Nice going. May I please advise that you come to terms with the letters C-Y-A? That stands for Cover Your Ass. You didn't. Good luck with the rest of your political aspirations.
Ahhhh, no worries. Resign. Write a book or two. Go on Oprah. Hit the banquet circuit, like Bill Clinton. Hey, you'll make millions. Your future is secure. You might even get a movie deal for your story. Of course the ending will take only a couple of minutes of film time, cause your ass flamed out QUICK!!
DANCE LESSON #2
Last night, Patty and I had our second dance lesson. I enjoyed it more this time, cause I got the Swing step down a little better. And ladies, I am one waltzing MOFO, now. I can box-step and spin the girl like a champ. If you hear a waltz being played at a wedding, you better come and get me for a dance.
Patty is still not comfortable dancing with the other men in the class. I think she'd rather have private lessons. We'll probably look into that at a later time (like after the dog gets paid off). We dance well together and I think she's ultimately comfortable with me as her partner (I freakin' hope so).
I did get reprimanded, AGAIN, by Elinor the Dance Nazi (one of the veterans who helps out the teacher) for a couple of procedure infractions. "Elbow up. Place my hand on your shoulder when switching from Open position to Closed while doing the Swing. Remember the change in step." Hey Elinor, how 'bout kissing my ass. I'm trying not to step on your foot and keep in time, ya flamenco-dressed bitch, give me a break. Your patience-tested smile does not fool me. Get a date will ya?
Anyway, it's been fun so far. Patty says I dragged her to this class. Not so. I got these lessons for her and US. Do I look like Fred Astaire? Do I look like Adele Astaire? I look more like a set of stairs going down into the basement. Hey Hon, bear with me. We'll end up appreciating this experience down the road. We'll either be good dancers who actually have fun at weddings, or we'll get some big laughs out of this. Patty's other dance partners end up staring at her chest, which doesn't sit well with her. Of course, she understands.
Hey folks, have a great day. I hope to be back to you soon with another timely post.
To (soon to be) Mr. Citizen Spitzer, may I be so bold as to recommend becoming a member of LEN IS RIGHT? If you had been a MINION all along, you'd never have gotten into this mess. And the Bruno thing would never have gotten started. Live and learn.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
THE DANCE LESSON AND OUR POOR INJURED DOG
Good morning Minions:
I trust everyone had a decent weekend. Not too bad here on Stover Place. Everything seems to be proceeding accordingly.
Last night Patty and I went to our first Ballroom dance lesson. This was held at Lorraine Michaels Dance Studio, which is right around the corner from us. Our friend, JenCame has been taking dance lessons for a year or so now, and I thought it was something Patty might like to try. She watches Dancing With The Stars, occasionally, and I thought it was something we could do together for fun. Now, I don't mind dancing. I'll do it at weddings, and I'll dance if we're out to a club. But it's just your typical move here, move there, slow dance-fast dance, white-guy stuff. I figured that we could learn some steps and once in a while actually look like we know what we're doing.
It's funny, when you start doing a new activity, or get into something new, you find out that the new world you're going into is an entire sub-culture of people that you never knew existed. For instance, there's a whole sub-culture of bowling people. People who bowl alot (more than once a week), hang out at the bowling alley, drink at the bowling establishment's tavern, and do alot of bowling-related activities. Well, it's the same with dancing. There are alot of folks who take dance lessons, learn Ballroom, Latin, Country-Line, etc... and then hang around to help the teachers by dancing with people in the group. They go to dance parties, have dinner-dances, and talk dance, etc... Some are happy to see you, even though you're a beginner, welcoming you into the "fold" and helping you out with tips, etc...There are also the elitists who have "dancing egos." I guess this is true for any of humanity's sub-cultures (poker players, hob-nobbers, soccer families, you get the idea).
There were 8 couples in our beginner class, though not all were beginners. We started out with the Waltz or Box-Step. This dance is done in 3/4 time, which means 3 beats per measure with the 1/4 note getting one full beat. So, this is as about as easy as it gets. Unfortunately, the instructor used some Country music for us to dance with. Definitely NOT my favorite, but I guess there's not alot of chance you're going to be able to Waltz to Iron Maiden. I did pretty good with that step. Every few minutes, we had to rotate partners, so I got to dance with most of the women. A couple of them actually told me I dance very smoothly, although there was a veteran who was in the class to help out and she kept telling me to get my elbow up and make sure my right hand was just under her shoulder blade ( I had repeatedly placed it on her breast and it was throwing her off.....kidding). Patty felt very self-conscious and wasn't comfortable dancing with other partners. We did well w/each other.
Things were going well until we started learning the Swing Step. This has a slow-slow-quick-quick beat that you have to rock back with your feet (take a step back onto the ball of your foot and then step up and down with the other foot) and then slide to the side. All confidence I was having with the Waltz went out the window with the Swing. I kept getting out of rhythm and had to keep starting over. All of my partners were very patient with me. One of the veterans was nice enough to count out the beat aloud, so I could stay in step. This one is going to take a while for me to get comfortable with. Hopefully, I'm not too white to get this. Old dog/New tricks, ya know?
So, one of these days, if you ladies out there see me at a wedding, come ask me to dance and maybe I'll be able to whirl you around the floor. Of course, I may whirl you out the door and fall on top of you after stepping on your foot, too, so don't rush. We carry on, or in the words of the immortal Chief Dan George, we "Endeavor to Persevere."
THE POOR DOG
Two Fridays ago, while out shovelling after a snow storm, I was clowning with our dog, Harley, who gets very excited in the snow. So, he's tearing around the yard and all of a sudden I hear him yelping his head off. Now he's limping all over the place, and can't put his left foot down. I'm hoping it's just a broken toe-nail or something innocuous. But as a day or two go by, it's apparent this is serious. Last Monday I took him to the vet's and got the bad news. A blown Cranial Cruciate Ligament in his left knee. Hey, wait a minute!! It's not like he was playing football. Now, good friend Roy, the G.B. King's dog blew 2 ACL's in her knee (one in each knee a year apart), and it cost him some serious coin.
So the vet comes in, examines the dog, and starts to discuss options. Procedure A, which has been done for the past 8 years and is recommended will cost around $3000. Yep, you read that number right. $3000 to fix a fuckin' dog's knee. Are you kidding me? 3 Grand? Dude, I don't have health insurance for my dog. This is bull shit. Procedure B, which has been done for the last 20 years will run anywhere form $1500-1750. Jesus Christ, if I wanted to buy a used car, I would have gone to a car dealership. SONOFABITCH!!!
Procedure B is not quite as good as Procedure A, and can break if the dog gets particularly aggressive with his running, thus blowing apart permanent sutures around the knee joint. Great! Just freakin' Great. The dog is only 3 1/2 years old, or we might amputate and call him Tripod.
Now, I'm not necessarilly cheap. Frugal, yes, but not cheap. Now, I've got friends offering me a $3000 loan so we can get Procedure A done. Just so everyone knows, it's not that I can't come up with the money. It's the Principle of the thing. Hey, I know a dog becomes a part of the family, but, shit, it's not like I can put him on our medical insurance. $3000 for a goddamn dog? Crackuh, is you CRAZEEEEE??!! "Oh C'mon Len, have a heart for once. It's the family dog. It's Patty's baby. He's only 3. You can't cheap out on this one." FUCK YOU and the horse you rode in on. $3000 for a freakin' dog? Go smoke some more crack, will ya? FINE!! FINE!! I'll go and spend my entire 40% Back-pay check from our new contract, just so the dog can walk right, okay? Never mind the more pressing matters in our life. Let's get the dog back to snuff. His eating, farting, and generally just laying around the house all day sleeping, does alot for our home. Does anyone else pick up his shit in the yard? No. And what do I get out of this whole thing? Appreciation from the family and my dog-loving friends? Well, yes. But that doesn't stop me from being $3000 poorer. Dipshit Dog.
Of course we're going to go for the gusto!! Of course I'm going to spend the money. All of you out there calling me cheap, I've got 4 words for you. Shut the Fuck Up. $3000 it is. Let's go for it. Okay, I'm done ranting now. Have a nice day. It's the principle, dammit.
BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES
Hey, I want to wish a belated Happy Birthday to my good friend Kevin "The Roller" Koehler, who turned 54 on March 1st. Kevin is Connor's Godfather and we work together at Amtrak. If you ever sit at a table with Kevin or stand next to him at a party and you're in an extended conversation with him, you'll most likely leave bruised, cause he hits you while talking, occasionally. Our good friend Tony Sansone has left with blunt force trauma more than once after being sat next to Kev at a dinner party. So beware. And Happy Birthday Kev.
Thanks for stopping by LEN IS RIGHT. It's been a pleasure entertaining you for a few minutes. Let's Dance.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I trust everyone had a decent weekend. Not too bad here on Stover Place. Everything seems to be proceeding accordingly.
Last night Patty and I went to our first Ballroom dance lesson. This was held at Lorraine Michaels Dance Studio, which is right around the corner from us. Our friend, JenCame has been taking dance lessons for a year or so now, and I thought it was something Patty might like to try. She watches Dancing With The Stars, occasionally, and I thought it was something we could do together for fun. Now, I don't mind dancing. I'll do it at weddings, and I'll dance if we're out to a club. But it's just your typical move here, move there, slow dance-fast dance, white-guy stuff. I figured that we could learn some steps and once in a while actually look like we know what we're doing.
It's funny, when you start doing a new activity, or get into something new, you find out that the new world you're going into is an entire sub-culture of people that you never knew existed. For instance, there's a whole sub-culture of bowling people. People who bowl alot (more than once a week), hang out at the bowling alley, drink at the bowling establishment's tavern, and do alot of bowling-related activities. Well, it's the same with dancing. There are alot of folks who take dance lessons, learn Ballroom, Latin, Country-Line, etc... and then hang around to help the teachers by dancing with people in the group. They go to dance parties, have dinner-dances, and talk dance, etc... Some are happy to see you, even though you're a beginner, welcoming you into the "fold" and helping you out with tips, etc...There are also the elitists who have "dancing egos." I guess this is true for any of humanity's sub-cultures (poker players, hob-nobbers, soccer families, you get the idea).
There were 8 couples in our beginner class, though not all were beginners. We started out with the Waltz or Box-Step. This dance is done in 3/4 time, which means 3 beats per measure with the 1/4 note getting one full beat. So, this is as about as easy as it gets. Unfortunately, the instructor used some Country music for us to dance with. Definitely NOT my favorite, but I guess there's not alot of chance you're going to be able to Waltz to Iron Maiden. I did pretty good with that step. Every few minutes, we had to rotate partners, so I got to dance with most of the women. A couple of them actually told me I dance very smoothly, although there was a veteran who was in the class to help out and she kept telling me to get my elbow up and make sure my right hand was just under her shoulder blade ( I had repeatedly placed it on her breast and it was throwing her off.....kidding). Patty felt very self-conscious and wasn't comfortable dancing with other partners. We did well w/each other.
Things were going well until we started learning the Swing Step. This has a slow-slow-quick-quick beat that you have to rock back with your feet (take a step back onto the ball of your foot and then step up and down with the other foot) and then slide to the side. All confidence I was having with the Waltz went out the window with the Swing. I kept getting out of rhythm and had to keep starting over. All of my partners were very patient with me. One of the veterans was nice enough to count out the beat aloud, so I could stay in step. This one is going to take a while for me to get comfortable with. Hopefully, I'm not too white to get this. Old dog/New tricks, ya know?
So, one of these days, if you ladies out there see me at a wedding, come ask me to dance and maybe I'll be able to whirl you around the floor. Of course, I may whirl you out the door and fall on top of you after stepping on your foot, too, so don't rush. We carry on, or in the words of the immortal Chief Dan George, we "Endeavor to Persevere."
THE POOR DOG
Two Fridays ago, while out shovelling after a snow storm, I was clowning with our dog, Harley, who gets very excited in the snow. So, he's tearing around the yard and all of a sudden I hear him yelping his head off. Now he's limping all over the place, and can't put his left foot down. I'm hoping it's just a broken toe-nail or something innocuous. But as a day or two go by, it's apparent this is serious. Last Monday I took him to the vet's and got the bad news. A blown Cranial Cruciate Ligament in his left knee. Hey, wait a minute!! It's not like he was playing football. Now, good friend Roy, the G.B. King's dog blew 2 ACL's in her knee (one in each knee a year apart), and it cost him some serious coin.
So the vet comes in, examines the dog, and starts to discuss options. Procedure A, which has been done for the past 8 years and is recommended will cost around $3000. Yep, you read that number right. $3000 to fix a fuckin' dog's knee. Are you kidding me? 3 Grand? Dude, I don't have health insurance for my dog. This is bull shit. Procedure B, which has been done for the last 20 years will run anywhere form $1500-1750. Jesus Christ, if I wanted to buy a used car, I would have gone to a car dealership. SONOFABITCH!!!
Procedure B is not quite as good as Procedure A, and can break if the dog gets particularly aggressive with his running, thus blowing apart permanent sutures around the knee joint. Great! Just freakin' Great. The dog is only 3 1/2 years old, or we might amputate and call him Tripod.
Now, I'm not necessarilly cheap. Frugal, yes, but not cheap. Now, I've got friends offering me a $3000 loan so we can get Procedure A done. Just so everyone knows, it's not that I can't come up with the money. It's the Principle of the thing. Hey, I know a dog becomes a part of the family, but, shit, it's not like I can put him on our medical insurance. $3000 for a goddamn dog? Crackuh, is you CRAZEEEEE??!! "Oh C'mon Len, have a heart for once. It's the family dog. It's Patty's baby. He's only 3. You can't cheap out on this one." FUCK YOU and the horse you rode in on. $3000 for a freakin' dog? Go smoke some more crack, will ya? FINE!! FINE!! I'll go and spend my entire 40% Back-pay check from our new contract, just so the dog can walk right, okay? Never mind the more pressing matters in our life. Let's get the dog back to snuff. His eating, farting, and generally just laying around the house all day sleeping, does alot for our home. Does anyone else pick up his shit in the yard? No. And what do I get out of this whole thing? Appreciation from the family and my dog-loving friends? Well, yes. But that doesn't stop me from being $3000 poorer. Dipshit Dog.
Of course we're going to go for the gusto!! Of course I'm going to spend the money. All of you out there calling me cheap, I've got 4 words for you. Shut the Fuck Up. $3000 it is. Let's go for it. Okay, I'm done ranting now. Have a nice day. It's the principle, dammit.
BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES
Hey, I want to wish a belated Happy Birthday to my good friend Kevin "The Roller" Koehler, who turned 54 on March 1st. Kevin is Connor's Godfather and we work together at Amtrak. If you ever sit at a table with Kevin or stand next to him at a party and you're in an extended conversation with him, you'll most likely leave bruised, cause he hits you while talking, occasionally. Our good friend Tony Sansone has left with blunt force trauma more than once after being sat next to Kev at a dinner party. So beware. And Happy Birthday Kev.
Thanks for stopping by LEN IS RIGHT. It's been a pleasure entertaining you for a few minutes. Let's Dance.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sunday, March 02, 2008
THE BIG 4-5
Hello folks:
I hope your weekend went well. Everything seems okay on this end, as the temperature starts to climb a little. Looks like most days will be in the high-30's/low-40's. We can take that, can't we?
Last Thursday, Feb. 28 was the lovely Patty's 45th birthday. Those of you that know her, will know that Patty HATES her birthday and any ackowledgement of said birthday. Or so she would have you think. So how did she deal with turning 45 this year? Why....she threw herself a "Highway To Hell/Halfway To 90 party, of course.
Held at the site of the famous Daytona Ave. poker tournaments, the home of Mary Burgess was the backdrop for a Patty classic. Patty planned the party. She designed and sent out the invites. She bought ALL of the food and most of the beverages. She did all of the cooking. She even did alot of the cleanup. She is a whack-a-mole of the highest order, at times. About 30 folks attended and everyone had a good time. There was a special appearance by Dick Oppe, Patty's dad, who flew up from Palm Harbor, Florida for the gala event. Patty was only a little surprised, as she figured her dad would pull something out of his hat.
One of the highlights of the evening was a photo album of the people at the party, made during the party, by Patty's college friend, Ellen Dragonette. She went around taking pictures, which she developed on the spot with her photo printer and then had people write down comments on pieces of paper. She then put together this little album, which got passed around for everyone to check out. Really nice touch. Patty hangs out with her friends from college every few weeks. They have a great relationship. Kind of like the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, but it's the Sisterhood of Chicks With Over-40 Ailments. Last summer when they were all over for a cookout, they all had a discussion about their styles of labia. Yep...you read that right. They grossed each other out discussing types of vaginas. (Innies, outies, slits, liver curtains). I do that with my guy friends, as I'm sure the rest of you do, too. We discuss hairiness and leathery-quality of our scrotums when we're in the lockerroom at work. Then we discuss if we're more well-shafted or big-balled. So anyway...Patty and her friends from college (St Rose) are very close. I would have said "tight," but that might have made you misunderstand what I was saying.
A huge thank-you goes out to Mary Burgess for letting us use her house for this prestigious event. 30 people wouldn't have fit inside our house. Mary's house, as has been shown in the past, is a great place for a get-together. Some of the illustrious attendees were (I'm naming them so they can see their names posted in the famous Len Is Right blog): Barb and Kevin Koehler, Deb and Tony Sansone, Melissa and Rob Lindley--voted Cutest Couple by Patty--, Dave and Julie, Don and Charlotte, The Owens family, Fred and Sally Theadore (Sally was wearing her best booby-showing sweater), JenCame and her petite friend, Annie, also with an impressively filled sweater (as commented on by some of the men-folk), Judy and Jay, John and the aforementioned Ellen, and Patty's teaching colleagues, Lynn and Teresa (pronounced Tressa, why? I don't know). There were also timely birthday calls from favorite cousin Dave Tollerton in North Carolina and long-lost friend Sarah Perkins Cortese from Sarasota, FL. You can check out Sarah's husband, John's band, the Boneshakers on their MySpace page. Go to MySpace.com and type in The Boneshakers. Maximum rock-a-billy in the heart of Florida.
Because of the crappy snow-storm that came during the party, most people left by 10:00, which gave us some decent recovery time to get up for the boys bowling the next morning. So, Friday night was a winner. Thanks again, very much, to Mary Burgess for being an all-around best friend to P.T. and to all those that attended. It meant alot to Patty that you could make it. Thanks, also, to Patty for throwning a great party. Happy 45th birthday, hon, I love you very much. And remember...45 is only a number. A fairly LARGE number, but a number all the same. Don't sweat the small stuff.
I'd like to welcome Nikki Leto to the Len Is Right reader family. Amazing what a small world it is. We find we know alot of the same people as we go through our lives. We, all of us, end up having mutual friends. We discover this as we run into people we know...kind of like the Six Degrees Of Seperation from Kevin Bacon-principle. You dig?
Alright people, have a great week. More in a day or two. Please remember in all that you do that, LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I hope your weekend went well. Everything seems okay on this end, as the temperature starts to climb a little. Looks like most days will be in the high-30's/low-40's. We can take that, can't we?
Last Thursday, Feb. 28 was the lovely Patty's 45th birthday. Those of you that know her, will know that Patty HATES her birthday and any ackowledgement of said birthday. Or so she would have you think. So how did she deal with turning 45 this year? Why....she threw herself a "Highway To Hell/Halfway To 90 party, of course.
Held at the site of the famous Daytona Ave. poker tournaments, the home of Mary Burgess was the backdrop for a Patty classic. Patty planned the party. She designed and sent out the invites. She bought ALL of the food and most of the beverages. She did all of the cooking. She even did alot of the cleanup. She is a whack-a-mole of the highest order, at times. About 30 folks attended and everyone had a good time. There was a special appearance by Dick Oppe, Patty's dad, who flew up from Palm Harbor, Florida for the gala event. Patty was only a little surprised, as she figured her dad would pull something out of his hat.
One of the highlights of the evening was a photo album of the people at the party, made during the party, by Patty's college friend, Ellen Dragonette. She went around taking pictures, which she developed on the spot with her photo printer and then had people write down comments on pieces of paper. She then put together this little album, which got passed around for everyone to check out. Really nice touch. Patty hangs out with her friends from college every few weeks. They have a great relationship. Kind of like the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, but it's the Sisterhood of Chicks With Over-40 Ailments. Last summer when they were all over for a cookout, they all had a discussion about their styles of labia. Yep...you read that right. They grossed each other out discussing types of vaginas. (Innies, outies, slits, liver curtains). I do that with my guy friends, as I'm sure the rest of you do, too. We discuss hairiness and leathery-quality of our scrotums when we're in the lockerroom at work. Then we discuss if we're more well-shafted or big-balled. So anyway...Patty and her friends from college (St Rose) are very close. I would have said "tight," but that might have made you misunderstand what I was saying.
A huge thank-you goes out to Mary Burgess for letting us use her house for this prestigious event. 30 people wouldn't have fit inside our house. Mary's house, as has been shown in the past, is a great place for a get-together. Some of the illustrious attendees were (I'm naming them so they can see their names posted in the famous Len Is Right blog): Barb and Kevin Koehler, Deb and Tony Sansone, Melissa and Rob Lindley--voted Cutest Couple by Patty--, Dave and Julie, Don and Charlotte, The Owens family, Fred and Sally Theadore (Sally was wearing her best booby-showing sweater), JenCame and her petite friend, Annie, also with an impressively filled sweater (as commented on by some of the men-folk), Judy and Jay, John and the aforementioned Ellen, and Patty's teaching colleagues, Lynn and Teresa (pronounced Tressa, why? I don't know). There were also timely birthday calls from favorite cousin Dave Tollerton in North Carolina and long-lost friend Sarah Perkins Cortese from Sarasota, FL. You can check out Sarah's husband, John's band, the Boneshakers on their MySpace page. Go to MySpace.com and type in The Boneshakers. Maximum rock-a-billy in the heart of Florida.
Because of the crappy snow-storm that came during the party, most people left by 10:00, which gave us some decent recovery time to get up for the boys bowling the next morning. So, Friday night was a winner. Thanks again, very much, to Mary Burgess for being an all-around best friend to P.T. and to all those that attended. It meant alot to Patty that you could make it. Thanks, also, to Patty for throwning a great party. Happy 45th birthday, hon, I love you very much. And remember...45 is only a number. A fairly LARGE number, but a number all the same. Don't sweat the small stuff.
I'd like to welcome Nikki Leto to the Len Is Right reader family. Amazing what a small world it is. We find we know alot of the same people as we go through our lives. We, all of us, end up having mutual friends. We discover this as we run into people we know...kind of like the Six Degrees Of Seperation from Kevin Bacon-principle. You dig?
Alright people, have a great week. More in a day or two. Please remember in all that you do that, LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
THE COLONOSCOPY
Hello my friends:
Well, the Oscars came and went and I got 4 out of 6 right. I guess that means, for one day anyway, that this site should be called Len is 67% Right. Of the 2 misses, I was happy to see that unbelievably white Tilda Swinton won for Michael Clayton (supporting role). There had been alot of buzz in Hollywood about her performance and I guess her campaign got her the needed votes.
As for Marion Cotillard, who won Best Actress for La Vie En Rose, I was really very surprised that Hollywood gave the award to an actress in a Foreign Language film. The only other time I can remember them doing that was about 10 years ago when they gave Best Actor to Roberto Benigni for Life Is Beautiful. So, I guess there can be surprises. I was surprised they didn't give an award to the "Old Guard" in Julie Christie.
I thought Jon Stewart did a really good job of hosting. He kept it moving along and was pretty funny at times.
THE COLONOSCOPY
Well, today I had a colonoscopy. If you are squeemish, you'll probably want to stop reading now, even though some of this will be funny, or at least amusing. Do I really want to go into this whole thing? Do you really want to know? Not sure, but here goes.
The reason I was having a colonoscopy was because I had developed a certain unnamed problem at the back door and the doctor wanted to rule out any real problems. So, first off, I gotta tell ya about the initial examination in the doctor's office. ANYONE who goes to have their rectum looked at becomes a true equal in the eyes of the world. What I mean by that is that AFTER the exam, everyone is on equal ground. It is ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE to have any kind of ego once you're done with that experience.
I went into the exam room and the nurse pulled out this kneeling pad at the bottom of the (what I thought was standard) examination table. I asked her if I was to get undressed, and she said "No, just drop your pants." So I drop them and then she has me stretch my arms onto the exam table. Now the doctor comes in and says, We gotta raise this thing up so I can see better." He hits a pedal and the whole table starts to lift into the air. Thinking that was it, I was surprised to hear him push another pedal and now the part I'm stretched across starts to drop forward. Please picture in your head me kneeling on a pad, with my pants around my knees about 4 feet in the air, with my ass pointing to the stars, looking like I'm leaning over a fence. Can you wrap your thoughts around that picture??!! Please remember that the nightmares aren't real.
So he examines me and I go back into his office to discuss the results. I tell him that no one could have an ego after that. He tells me, with a chuckle, that he loves it when big, tough State Trooper-type guys come in for an exam. They walk in all tough and macho and leave with tails between legs, like beaten dogs. I think he's got issues with cops.
THE PROCEDURE
So, everything this morning went well. No polyps, no bleeding, no problems, come back in 5 years. Everyone told me it was no big deal. And they were right. The worst part for me (and everyone else for that matter) was the night before. You can't eat anythin, and you've got to drink this laxative that makes you piss liquid out of your ass for the entire evening. I mean, we're talking, like, 10-15 trips to the john. I know this dope at work who actually drank the stuff while at work the night before his procedure, because he didn't want to take a night off. I laughed each of the 10 times he walked past me on his way to the bathroom. After doing it myself, I would recommend taking the night off for that.
The only other thing that was painful, or a bother, was when the nurse put the needle into the back of my hand for the IV for surgery. I don't usually have a problem with needles, but she must have used a thick gauge, cause that hurt.
So, anyway, I could have gone to work tonight with no problem. But with the big snowstorm, I decided to take the night off and relax. Everything is fine, so that's good news.
Tomorrow, I have my 3rd session with the Shrink. So far, this guy has told me I need to chill out and give myself some credit. Apparently, I try to make others feel good and do stuff for other people, but feel like I need to reciprocate anytime someone does something for me. Also, for the last 25 years, I've been trying to be the ultimate porn star for my girlfriends(before marriage) and my wife. That obsession has led me to disappointing myself and occasionally my partner, because I was so obsessed with making the woman feel like she was with a SEX-GOD. So, now, the shrink wants me to chill out and give myself some credit. Sex has always been about pleasing the other person, for me, cause I figured I could get pleasure for myself if I really needed it. I've now got to focus a little more on me during these times and trust that I'm doing what I need to do. Basically, I spend too much time thinking too much, and making a big deal out of nothing. Kind of like my friend Fred thinking too much when he's playing golf. Too many swing thoughts before hitting the ball. I've told him that, but I think this is like a "Physician, heal thyself"-type of thing.
So, I believe I'm making progress with the shrink. It'll take me time to rebuild myself a little, but I don't think I have that far to go. By the way, my friends, I'm still the same guy you all know. So, you can all stop shunning me. You can all stop being afraid to call me or talk with me and interact with me just because I'm seeing a therapist.. "Oh jeez, here comes that crazy Tollerton. You know, he's seeing a shrink. Let's get to the other side of the street, or he'll be telling us how much Jesus has helped him to regain his sanity." YEAH,RIGHT!! I think you know me better than that.
REMAIN CALM!! ALL IS WELL!! LEN IS RIGHT!! LEN IS RIGHT!!
Peace to my people on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Well, the Oscars came and went and I got 4 out of 6 right. I guess that means, for one day anyway, that this site should be called Len is 67% Right. Of the 2 misses, I was happy to see that unbelievably white Tilda Swinton won for Michael Clayton (supporting role). There had been alot of buzz in Hollywood about her performance and I guess her campaign got her the needed votes.
As for Marion Cotillard, who won Best Actress for La Vie En Rose, I was really very surprised that Hollywood gave the award to an actress in a Foreign Language film. The only other time I can remember them doing that was about 10 years ago when they gave Best Actor to Roberto Benigni for Life Is Beautiful. So, I guess there can be surprises. I was surprised they didn't give an award to the "Old Guard" in Julie Christie.
I thought Jon Stewart did a really good job of hosting. He kept it moving along and was pretty funny at times.
THE COLONOSCOPY
Well, today I had a colonoscopy. If you are squeemish, you'll probably want to stop reading now, even though some of this will be funny, or at least amusing. Do I really want to go into this whole thing? Do you really want to know? Not sure, but here goes.
The reason I was having a colonoscopy was because I had developed a certain unnamed problem at the back door and the doctor wanted to rule out any real problems. So, first off, I gotta tell ya about the initial examination in the doctor's office. ANYONE who goes to have their rectum looked at becomes a true equal in the eyes of the world. What I mean by that is that AFTER the exam, everyone is on equal ground. It is ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE to have any kind of ego once you're done with that experience.
I went into the exam room and the nurse pulled out this kneeling pad at the bottom of the (what I thought was standard) examination table. I asked her if I was to get undressed, and she said "No, just drop your pants." So I drop them and then she has me stretch my arms onto the exam table. Now the doctor comes in and says, We gotta raise this thing up so I can see better." He hits a pedal and the whole table starts to lift into the air. Thinking that was it, I was surprised to hear him push another pedal and now the part I'm stretched across starts to drop forward. Please picture in your head me kneeling on a pad, with my pants around my knees about 4 feet in the air, with my ass pointing to the stars, looking like I'm leaning over a fence. Can you wrap your thoughts around that picture??!! Please remember that the nightmares aren't real.
So he examines me and I go back into his office to discuss the results. I tell him that no one could have an ego after that. He tells me, with a chuckle, that he loves it when big, tough State Trooper-type guys come in for an exam. They walk in all tough and macho and leave with tails between legs, like beaten dogs. I think he's got issues with cops.
THE PROCEDURE
So, everything this morning went well. No polyps, no bleeding, no problems, come back in 5 years. Everyone told me it was no big deal. And they were right. The worst part for me (and everyone else for that matter) was the night before. You can't eat anythin, and you've got to drink this laxative that makes you piss liquid out of your ass for the entire evening. I mean, we're talking, like, 10-15 trips to the john. I know this dope at work who actually drank the stuff while at work the night before his procedure, because he didn't want to take a night off. I laughed each of the 10 times he walked past me on his way to the bathroom. After doing it myself, I would recommend taking the night off for that.
The only other thing that was painful, or a bother, was when the nurse put the needle into the back of my hand for the IV for surgery. I don't usually have a problem with needles, but she must have used a thick gauge, cause that hurt.
So, anyway, I could have gone to work tonight with no problem. But with the big snowstorm, I decided to take the night off and relax. Everything is fine, so that's good news.
Tomorrow, I have my 3rd session with the Shrink. So far, this guy has told me I need to chill out and give myself some credit. Apparently, I try to make others feel good and do stuff for other people, but feel like I need to reciprocate anytime someone does something for me. Also, for the last 25 years, I've been trying to be the ultimate porn star for my girlfriends(before marriage) and my wife. That obsession has led me to disappointing myself and occasionally my partner, because I was so obsessed with making the woman feel like she was with a SEX-GOD. So, now, the shrink wants me to chill out and give myself some credit. Sex has always been about pleasing the other person, for me, cause I figured I could get pleasure for myself if I really needed it. I've now got to focus a little more on me during these times and trust that I'm doing what I need to do. Basically, I spend too much time thinking too much, and making a big deal out of nothing. Kind of like my friend Fred thinking too much when he's playing golf. Too many swing thoughts before hitting the ball. I've told him that, but I think this is like a "Physician, heal thyself"-type of thing.
So, I believe I'm making progress with the shrink. It'll take me time to rebuild myself a little, but I don't think I have that far to go. By the way, my friends, I'm still the same guy you all know. So, you can all stop shunning me. You can all stop being afraid to call me or talk with me and interact with me just because I'm seeing a therapist.. "Oh jeez, here comes that crazy Tollerton. You know, he's seeing a shrink. Let's get to the other side of the street, or he'll be telling us how much Jesus has helped him to regain his sanity." YEAH,RIGHT!! I think you know me better than that.
REMAIN CALM!! ALL IS WELL!! LEN IS RIGHT!! LEN IS RIGHT!!
Peace to my people on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Sunday, February 24, 2008
OSCAR PICKS
Minions:
Here are your last-minute Oscar picks form the guy who thinks he knows all....Len is Oscar Right!!
Without further ado, here they are. I will probably be going with alot of chalk here (for you non-gamblers, chalk means the favorite). Oh and by the way, I have not seen any of these films. Patty and I usually make a concerted effort to get to the movies or rent a few of them before Oscar night.
BEST PICTURE--No Country For Old Men
Looks like this year's The Departed, folks. Brutal, uncompromising, and I think, a great story.
BEST ACTOR--Daniel Day Lewis
I've never seen this guy give a half-hearted performance. Didn't see it, but he just seems to trump everyone else. The other actors seem blown away by him, so he is the chalk.
BEST ACTRESS-- Julie Christie
In a movie that hardly anyone saw, Julie Christie played a woman who is suffering the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Alot of people loved young Ellen Page in Juno, many people think Marie Cotillard in La Vie En Rose (no chance if not in English), but this Oscar is going to the class of the lot. Julie Christie only takes roles she believes in. Oscar rewards her performance and loves her for her age and experience.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR--Javier Bardem
He's won every award for this performance so far, so there's no reason to believe he'll lose tonight. Sentimental choice, Hal Holbrook was not on screen for that long, and Casey Affleck won't win as a first-time nominee. Bardem was a HUGE part of No Country for Old Men, and he'll take home the statue.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS--Amy Ryan
Her performance as a drug-abusing mother of a kidnapped child will, ultimately, win over Oscar voters for the win. They all want to give it to Cate Blanchett for her role as Bob Dylan, or to Ruby Dee for her 5 minutes of film time in American Gangster. But the real performance of the year was by Amy Ryan
BEST DIRECTOR--Joel and Ethan Coen
They've directed great movies in the past. They've done their due diligence. This time Oscar rewards them for their masterpiece, No Country For Old Men.
Okay, I've made my predictions. Now it's up to the Academy to prove me right. If I'm wrong on any of these picks, I urge you all, my minions, to storm Hollywood. Storm the movie studios. Invade the homes of the Oscar voters and make them all know why they were wrong and why always...ALWAYS...LEN IS RIGHT!!
I am,
Len Tollerton
Here are your last-minute Oscar picks form the guy who thinks he knows all....Len is Oscar Right!!
Without further ado, here they are. I will probably be going with alot of chalk here (for you non-gamblers, chalk means the favorite). Oh and by the way, I have not seen any of these films. Patty and I usually make a concerted effort to get to the movies or rent a few of them before Oscar night.
BEST PICTURE--No Country For Old Men
Looks like this year's The Departed, folks. Brutal, uncompromising, and I think, a great story.
BEST ACTOR--Daniel Day Lewis
I've never seen this guy give a half-hearted performance. Didn't see it, but he just seems to trump everyone else. The other actors seem blown away by him, so he is the chalk.
BEST ACTRESS-- Julie Christie
In a movie that hardly anyone saw, Julie Christie played a woman who is suffering the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Alot of people loved young Ellen Page in Juno, many people think Marie Cotillard in La Vie En Rose (no chance if not in English), but this Oscar is going to the class of the lot. Julie Christie only takes roles she believes in. Oscar rewards her performance and loves her for her age and experience.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR--Javier Bardem
He's won every award for this performance so far, so there's no reason to believe he'll lose tonight. Sentimental choice, Hal Holbrook was not on screen for that long, and Casey Affleck won't win as a first-time nominee. Bardem was a HUGE part of No Country for Old Men, and he'll take home the statue.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS--Amy Ryan
Her performance as a drug-abusing mother of a kidnapped child will, ultimately, win over Oscar voters for the win. They all want to give it to Cate Blanchett for her role as Bob Dylan, or to Ruby Dee for her 5 minutes of film time in American Gangster. But the real performance of the year was by Amy Ryan
BEST DIRECTOR--Joel and Ethan Coen
They've directed great movies in the past. They've done their due diligence. This time Oscar rewards them for their masterpiece, No Country For Old Men.
Okay, I've made my predictions. Now it's up to the Academy to prove me right. If I'm wrong on any of these picks, I urge you all, my minions, to storm Hollywood. Storm the movie studios. Invade the homes of the Oscar voters and make them all know why they were wrong and why always...ALWAYS...LEN IS RIGHT!!
I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Hey there People:
I hope your day went well today, or is going well, depending on what time you are reading this. I'm doing pretty good, except for the fact that it's shitting here in the Great Northeast. That means it's snowing. It's been really cold and now comes the snow and ice. I just keep thinking, I'm only a little over 7 years from getting my 30 in at Amtrak. After that, I'm outta here. I hope. Just not a big fan of winter. Within 7 years, I'll hopefully have hit the Mega Bucks for around 20 or 30 million and I can spend winters in the South and summers right here in upstate NY. One can hope, right?
Hey, I'd like to recommend a movie to all of you out there. It's called Across The Universe. It's a musical that takes place in the 60's, Telling a story about an English kid who falls in love with an American girl. ALL of the music in this movie is Beatles music. Each song fits right in with the plot and each scene. If you like the Beatles, even a little, I'd recommend that you rent this flick. If you don't like the Beatles, then pass on this one. I really enjoyed it. Patty thought it was a tad long (a little over 2 hours).
RUSH
I was able to score 4 inside seats for the Rush concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (July 5th) this past weekend. Yeah, BABY!! Decent seats, too, right in the middle of the house. Paid a ton of money for them (with taxes and fees around $110 each). My friend Roy and his son Skyler will probably grab Lawn tickets, so I might end up selling these and just buy Lawn tickets for myself, Connor and Jackson and just hang out with those guys. But I'm very psyched to be seeing this band again. They are so tight onstage and so talented, that you can't help but having a great time at their show. Hopefully, Roy and I will get the chance to go to Mohegan Sun two days later and see them there, courtesy of our friend who is on the Tribal Council (actually the Treasurer of the Mohegan Sun complex). He hooked us up with 3rd Row Center for free last year. But the summer looks to be shaping up. Can't wait.
Trust me...see this band if you can, this summer. They rock it out.
Later people.
I am,
Len Tollerton
And you know that LEN IS RIGHT!!
I hope your day went well today, or is going well, depending on what time you are reading this. I'm doing pretty good, except for the fact that it's shitting here in the Great Northeast. That means it's snowing. It's been really cold and now comes the snow and ice. I just keep thinking, I'm only a little over 7 years from getting my 30 in at Amtrak. After that, I'm outta here. I hope. Just not a big fan of winter. Within 7 years, I'll hopefully have hit the Mega Bucks for around 20 or 30 million and I can spend winters in the South and summers right here in upstate NY. One can hope, right?
Hey, I'd like to recommend a movie to all of you out there. It's called Across The Universe. It's a musical that takes place in the 60's, Telling a story about an English kid who falls in love with an American girl. ALL of the music in this movie is Beatles music. Each song fits right in with the plot and each scene. If you like the Beatles, even a little, I'd recommend that you rent this flick. If you don't like the Beatles, then pass on this one. I really enjoyed it. Patty thought it was a tad long (a little over 2 hours).
RUSH
I was able to score 4 inside seats for the Rush concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (July 5th) this past weekend. Yeah, BABY!! Decent seats, too, right in the middle of the house. Paid a ton of money for them (with taxes and fees around $110 each). My friend Roy and his son Skyler will probably grab Lawn tickets, so I might end up selling these and just buy Lawn tickets for myself, Connor and Jackson and just hang out with those guys. But I'm very psyched to be seeing this band again. They are so tight onstage and so talented, that you can't help but having a great time at their show. Hopefully, Roy and I will get the chance to go to Mohegan Sun two days later and see them there, courtesy of our friend who is on the Tribal Council (actually the Treasurer of the Mohegan Sun complex). He hooked us up with 3rd Row Center for free last year. But the summer looks to be shaping up. Can't wait.
Trust me...see this band if you can, this summer. They rock it out.
Later people.
I am,
Len Tollerton
And you know that LEN IS RIGHT!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
WHAT'S UP KIDS?
Hi Y'all:
It's been almost 2 weeks since my last post. That sounds like I'm in the confessional box at church, right? "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It's been 2 weeks since my last blog post." I kind of had a good reason, other than nothing to say.
THE MENTAL BREAKDOWN AND THE REAL REASON
I'm going to go out on a limb and publicize an admission for everyone right now. On Friday, Feb. 1st, I suffered, what I believe, was a mental breakdown. See, over the last few months there have been a few incidents and other ongoing things that have happened, that put me in a BAD mental state. I won't go into specifics. I guess they may have been your run-of-the-mill occurences that some people go through. Family issues, interpersonal relations, physical issues, job-related b.s., and realizations of wasted years and feelings of inadequacy led me to this point.
I felt that I was having a mid-life crisis and I decided it was time to see a therapist. Now, those of you who know me well know that although I sympathize with folks who have mental issues, I consider people who have addiction problems, or problems with depression as weak. Why? Because I've always felt that people let themselves get into depressed states. I've always felt that if you woke up in the morning, that you were given a new chance, a new start, another opportunity to make things right. The stuff that already happened was stuff you couldn't change, but that you could correct mistakes. Each day we have the chance to atone for our wrongdoings, begin fresh with a new attitude, and maybe look to the future with some hope. So, of anyone you all know, I was one of the least likely candidates for depression and crisis. I've always tried to roll with the punches and look for new solutions.
But that Friday, I felt that the world was crushing down on me, that I had wasted half my life in a job that I should never have settled for (that much is a STONE-COLD fact), that most of my life had been a lie, that I had been keeping certain things hidden for decades, and that one of the causes for all of this was one of the things in life that I enjoy the most (marijuana). While my drug use has made me lazy (or even a slacker) at times, it never caused me to miss work or not pay bills, or embarass my family because of erratic behavior. I was confused because I couldn't understand why just a few days or a week before everything was fine and all of a sudden the Wheel of the World was rolling over me. You all know that I'm fairly upbeat and happy most of the time. My sense of humor is always right there (albeit somewhat inappropriate at times).
Unlike many people with problems, I'm not one to go looking to place blame elsewhere if it lies with me. So I began digging to see why this was going on and try to figure out what I'd done during my life to put me in this state, AND, more importantly, what I was going to do to get past this. I mean, no one that I knew (or so I thought) had to go through therapy, or battled depression in a major way. So, why me?
SURPRISE, SURPRISE!! You'll never believe what I found out yesterday, that calmed my concerns by at least 75%. I was having a discussion with a friend of mine, talking about how great I am doing with the quitting smoking thing. I was going on about how great I thought the drug Chantix was, and how it had taken away my cravings for cigarettes. I don't buy them, I don't miss them, and I really believe I've gotten by the difficult stage of feeling I need them. My friend told me that there was some recent news that Chantix was recently found to cause suicidal tendencies in people. While talking with another friend, I learned that it is also responsible for impulsive behavior (impulse buying, gambling, etc...). I don't know if that's the answer for me, but it sure would explain alot.I started taking the drug on December 1st of 2007, and it was shortly thereafter that I realized I was turning into a "whack-a-mole." Could the Chantix have caused all of my irrational fears to manifest all at once, making me feel inadequate? I mean, no doubt, certain things have transpired over the last month or two that could put me in a funk (not the Parliament-Funkadelic-type funk either). But c'mon folks. I'm a mentally strong person for the most part. Yes. I have a bad temper at times, and I'm too quick to react to alot of things occasionally. But this was just not me.
WHERE TO NOW?
On the chance that it was the quit-smoking drug making me act this way, I have since calmed down. I know for a fact that nothing is as bad as I was making it out to be over the last week. I am NOT a mentally weak person. I have my flaws, to be sure. No one knows what they are as well as I. While talking to a friend about this situation (before the Chantix news surfaced), I was encouraged to speak to someone professional. And believe me, I was about to jump into the psychiatric pool with both feet, embracing the chance to get mentally well with open arms. I mean, how was I to lead my MINIONS if I couldn't lead myself? I was initially concerned that I was going to be made a part of the Prozac nation. I'd really rather not become a person who needs help through chemicals. I'd rather just talk my problems out. There are those of you out there reading this who won't be surprised by that statement. Many of you believe I spend too much time talking AND thinking.
In truth, Ive decided to go through with seeing a therapist. I'm sure it won't hurt me to talk some things out and get past some stupid shit from my past. But have no fear, folks, I am in a much better state today than I was last week. I'd like to thank my friend Clayton Leisenfelder for cluing me into what is going on with people who take Chantix. Up until yesterday, I considered it a "miracle-drug." And it IS, when it come to stopping smoking. I don't know if I could have done it without it. But I also realize that ALL of the problems I was dealing with coincided with my beginning and continued use of the drug Chantix.
I am now, forever, back from the ledge. And aside from some physical issues that are being a pain in the neck, my outlook is alot better than it was. I'd also like to thank Patty, in a BIG way, for letting me vent on her last Friday, and for being understanding about EVERYTHING. I'd also like to thank my friends Roy the G.B. King and Kenny the Hunter for letting me vent to them when I've had issues, especially over the last month or two. You 2 guys really proved your friendship to me by just listening and not calling me weak or a pussy. I really appreciate it.
I am healing, getting better everyday, and realizing I'm not really the piece of shit I believed myself to be over the last month and a half. As they sing at the beginning of THAT 70's SHOW, "We're all alright! We're all alright! We're all alright! Hello Wisconsin!!!!
Looking better all the time, I am,
Len Tollerton
And you MOFO's out there better know........LEN IS RIGHT!!!
It's been almost 2 weeks since my last post. That sounds like I'm in the confessional box at church, right? "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It's been 2 weeks since my last blog post." I kind of had a good reason, other than nothing to say.
THE MENTAL BREAKDOWN AND THE REAL REASON
I'm going to go out on a limb and publicize an admission for everyone right now. On Friday, Feb. 1st, I suffered, what I believe, was a mental breakdown. See, over the last few months there have been a few incidents and other ongoing things that have happened, that put me in a BAD mental state. I won't go into specifics. I guess they may have been your run-of-the-mill occurences that some people go through. Family issues, interpersonal relations, physical issues, job-related b.s., and realizations of wasted years and feelings of inadequacy led me to this point.
I felt that I was having a mid-life crisis and I decided it was time to see a therapist. Now, those of you who know me well know that although I sympathize with folks who have mental issues, I consider people who have addiction problems, or problems with depression as weak. Why? Because I've always felt that people let themselves get into depressed states. I've always felt that if you woke up in the morning, that you were given a new chance, a new start, another opportunity to make things right. The stuff that already happened was stuff you couldn't change, but that you could correct mistakes. Each day we have the chance to atone for our wrongdoings, begin fresh with a new attitude, and maybe look to the future with some hope. So, of anyone you all know, I was one of the least likely candidates for depression and crisis. I've always tried to roll with the punches and look for new solutions.
But that Friday, I felt that the world was crushing down on me, that I had wasted half my life in a job that I should never have settled for (that much is a STONE-COLD fact), that most of my life had been a lie, that I had been keeping certain things hidden for decades, and that one of the causes for all of this was one of the things in life that I enjoy the most (marijuana). While my drug use has made me lazy (or even a slacker) at times, it never caused me to miss work or not pay bills, or embarass my family because of erratic behavior. I was confused because I couldn't understand why just a few days or a week before everything was fine and all of a sudden the Wheel of the World was rolling over me. You all know that I'm fairly upbeat and happy most of the time. My sense of humor is always right there (albeit somewhat inappropriate at times).
Unlike many people with problems, I'm not one to go looking to place blame elsewhere if it lies with me. So I began digging to see why this was going on and try to figure out what I'd done during my life to put me in this state, AND, more importantly, what I was going to do to get past this. I mean, no one that I knew (or so I thought) had to go through therapy, or battled depression in a major way. So, why me?
SURPRISE, SURPRISE!! You'll never believe what I found out yesterday, that calmed my concerns by at least 75%. I was having a discussion with a friend of mine, talking about how great I am doing with the quitting smoking thing. I was going on about how great I thought the drug Chantix was, and how it had taken away my cravings for cigarettes. I don't buy them, I don't miss them, and I really believe I've gotten by the difficult stage of feeling I need them. My friend told me that there was some recent news that Chantix was recently found to cause suicidal tendencies in people. While talking with another friend, I learned that it is also responsible for impulsive behavior (impulse buying, gambling, etc...). I don't know if that's the answer for me, but it sure would explain alot.I started taking the drug on December 1st of 2007, and it was shortly thereafter that I realized I was turning into a "whack-a-mole." Could the Chantix have caused all of my irrational fears to manifest all at once, making me feel inadequate? I mean, no doubt, certain things have transpired over the last month or two that could put me in a funk (not the Parliament-Funkadelic-type funk either). But c'mon folks. I'm a mentally strong person for the most part. Yes. I have a bad temper at times, and I'm too quick to react to alot of things occasionally. But this was just not me.
WHERE TO NOW?
On the chance that it was the quit-smoking drug making me act this way, I have since calmed down. I know for a fact that nothing is as bad as I was making it out to be over the last week. I am NOT a mentally weak person. I have my flaws, to be sure. No one knows what they are as well as I. While talking to a friend about this situation (before the Chantix news surfaced), I was encouraged to speak to someone professional. And believe me, I was about to jump into the psychiatric pool with both feet, embracing the chance to get mentally well with open arms. I mean, how was I to lead my MINIONS if I couldn't lead myself? I was initially concerned that I was going to be made a part of the Prozac nation. I'd really rather not become a person who needs help through chemicals. I'd rather just talk my problems out. There are those of you out there reading this who won't be surprised by that statement. Many of you believe I spend too much time talking AND thinking.
In truth, Ive decided to go through with seeing a therapist. I'm sure it won't hurt me to talk some things out and get past some stupid shit from my past. But have no fear, folks, I am in a much better state today than I was last week. I'd like to thank my friend Clayton Leisenfelder for cluing me into what is going on with people who take Chantix. Up until yesterday, I considered it a "miracle-drug." And it IS, when it come to stopping smoking. I don't know if I could have done it without it. But I also realize that ALL of the problems I was dealing with coincided with my beginning and continued use of the drug Chantix.
I am now, forever, back from the ledge. And aside from some physical issues that are being a pain in the neck, my outlook is alot better than it was. I'd also like to thank Patty, in a BIG way, for letting me vent on her last Friday, and for being understanding about EVERYTHING. I'd also like to thank my friends Roy the G.B. King and Kenny the Hunter for letting me vent to them when I've had issues, especially over the last month or two. You 2 guys really proved your friendship to me by just listening and not calling me weak or a pussy. I really appreciate it.
I am healing, getting better everyday, and realizing I'm not really the piece of shit I believed myself to be over the last month and a half. As they sing at the beginning of THAT 70's SHOW, "We're all alright! We're all alright! We're all alright! Hello Wisconsin!!!!
Looking better all the time, I am,
Len Tollerton
And you MOFO's out there better know........LEN IS RIGHT!!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
BURNING HAIR AND THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Minions of mine:
Just a couple of subjects today. Haven't been posting for a week, as I had nothing to say. It's funny, cause when I think of something to write, I'm away from the computer. When I'm here, I draw a blank. High? Not always.
BURNING HAIR
Some of you already know about this one, but it's a LEN IS RIGHT classic. Last Sunday morning, around 5 a.m., a train came into the shop without it's toilet dump pipes. They had been knocked off by overzealous carmen who were using a sledgehammer to........anyway, long story short, they were missing and had been broken off at the flange that connects it to the bottom of the train car. For a couple of reasons, I ended up having to try and weld these pipes back onto the car. It was a busy night and trains still needed to come in, so there wasn't alot of time. The bottom of the car had thin or rusted metal to weld to, so I had to be careful. Several blown holes later (you strike an arc and a hole blows immediately, giving you nothing to weld to), as I'm welding in the overhead position, with my welding jacket snapped up, I get 2 pieces of molten metal drop off the work and go down my t-shirt.
Being hairy means things like crumbs and such get caught on their way down. So, the heat starts to set in as these things are just sizzling on me. I'm tearing the welding helmet off, dropping the stinger, and trying to pull my shirt out of my pants so the metal can fall out. That shit is HOT!! Are you getting the picture in your mind? Classic, right? So now, I'm walking around looking like someone put out 2 cigarettes on me. NOT A KLUMSY INJURY. Just Murphy's Law accident. If there's one exposed area, be it paint, water, light, or welding slag, that's where the stuff will go. And then.......
The acrid stench of burning hair and skin starts to waft in the air. MOTHER-PUSS-BUCKET!!! I know some of you have smelled burning hair and skin. It's not like cooking something. Cause I wouldn't eat anything that smelled like that shit. WOW! It later took on a skunk-like quality. I never thought I'd have anything in common with a skunk, but the smell had qualities of fresh skunk. Both of my dogs have been sprayed a total of 8 times. You find out the difference between fresh and hours-old skunk. Hours-old skunk is sour. Fresh skunk is a bitter, charred, putrid, nasty smell. Actually burns your throat. Very effective. Just like when a dog scratches days later, I itched where I was burned and had to scratch, which brought out the smell, if ever so faint, again. Damn, my crackuhs. Nice start to last week.
PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Alright, here's my take. First, the Republicans. Couldn't care less. You've fucked up my world and nation (in my opinion) so bad that I gotta go with the other guys, blind. Sorry Conservatives. Sorry Republicans. I'm sure one of your candidates could do an excellent job and save our country for a while. But I can't even look your way.
So you think that would make it easy. But the other side keeps disappointing me, as does America's response. Hillary keeps flying off the handle under stress. So I'm losing confidence in her. And is it the right time for Obama? And is he the lesser of 2 evils? When Oprah jumped on his ship, it seemed that there was a shift in the polls. I know Oprah carries alot of weight in this country, but should we allow our collective opinion to be swayed by celebrity? It's a given that Oprah's got alot more going for her than , say, most other celebrities, but is she always right? Who is she? Why don't you run for office? I would love it if celebrities just voted in private and kept their opinions out of the Press, like the rest of us. But, it's a different world now. Jeez, the world can read my rantings if they can find them. Should I have influence over a mass of people? I know the SMART minions are nodding and chanting YES!! right now. The rest of you losers don't know what you're missing. I saw on Bill Maher's Real Time that a group of African-American women, in a hair salon, all were for Obama over Hillary. That told me that race, not sex, may decide the Democratic Nominee and, ultimately, the whole election.
Why have we forgotten about John Edwards? It seems that many times the nation has gone for the Popular rather than the correct choice for candidates. I was a fan of Bill Clinton, because NAFTA aside, I thought our country did well when he was in Office. I know I got more than one new contract at Amtrak when he was in Office. I'm still waiting for one from Dubya. Nothing's ratified yet, though we finally have a basic framework.
I think we know that Edwards has no chance. This is a 2-horse race. For me, if the Democrats don't end up doing the expected, and shooting themselves in the foot, then I have to hope whichever qualified candidate gets in can clean up whatever mess has been made and move us forward so we're ahead of the 8-ball.
THE CAMPAIGN
This is the main problem for me. Just hype of another nature. And folks, we're getting hammered all around right now. You like hype? Here's what you're getting hyped at you right now: A Presidential campaign complete with all the trimmings (interviews, speculation, reports, speeches, etc...), the upcoming Super Bowl XLII, the Awards Season (Grammys, Oscars, yada, yada), Valentines Day bombardment, what else? I would have no problem with the campaign if it wasn't all about NEGATIVITY. The biggest snipe hunt in the world.
Hey, esteemed lawyers running for office, can ya do me a favor? Could you please just focus on your objectives? Can you just tell all of us what your plans are going to be and maybe explain how you plan on going about making these plans a reality, so I can make my choice? "I'll give you a National Health policy." "I'll get us out of Iraq." "I'll work more on the Planet." "I'll take care of domestic and border issues." Great. How? And what programs are going to lose money so you'll be able to succeed in these plans?
Which one of these characters do YOU think is going to leave the country in better shape than he/she found it when they took Office? Here's the tough part. How do we take care of our country Domestically, and gain back our respect and status in the eyes of the world? It's a tenuous balancing act that most would be doomed to fail at.
Let's hope we make the right choice. I welcome any comments, as always. Thanks for visiting Len Is Right.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Just a couple of subjects today. Haven't been posting for a week, as I had nothing to say. It's funny, cause when I think of something to write, I'm away from the computer. When I'm here, I draw a blank. High? Not always.
BURNING HAIR
Some of you already know about this one, but it's a LEN IS RIGHT classic. Last Sunday morning, around 5 a.m., a train came into the shop without it's toilet dump pipes. They had been knocked off by overzealous carmen who were using a sledgehammer to........anyway, long story short, they were missing and had been broken off at the flange that connects it to the bottom of the train car. For a couple of reasons, I ended up having to try and weld these pipes back onto the car. It was a busy night and trains still needed to come in, so there wasn't alot of time. The bottom of the car had thin or rusted metal to weld to, so I had to be careful. Several blown holes later (you strike an arc and a hole blows immediately, giving you nothing to weld to), as I'm welding in the overhead position, with my welding jacket snapped up, I get 2 pieces of molten metal drop off the work and go down my t-shirt.
Being hairy means things like crumbs and such get caught on their way down. So, the heat starts to set in as these things are just sizzling on me. I'm tearing the welding helmet off, dropping the stinger, and trying to pull my shirt out of my pants so the metal can fall out. That shit is HOT!! Are you getting the picture in your mind? Classic, right? So now, I'm walking around looking like someone put out 2 cigarettes on me. NOT A KLUMSY INJURY. Just Murphy's Law accident. If there's one exposed area, be it paint, water, light, or welding slag, that's where the stuff will go. And then.......
The acrid stench of burning hair and skin starts to waft in the air. MOTHER-PUSS-BUCKET!!! I know some of you have smelled burning hair and skin. It's not like cooking something. Cause I wouldn't eat anything that smelled like that shit. WOW! It later took on a skunk-like quality. I never thought I'd have anything in common with a skunk, but the smell had qualities of fresh skunk. Both of my dogs have been sprayed a total of 8 times. You find out the difference between fresh and hours-old skunk. Hours-old skunk is sour. Fresh skunk is a bitter, charred, putrid, nasty smell. Actually burns your throat. Very effective. Just like when a dog scratches days later, I itched where I was burned and had to scratch, which brought out the smell, if ever so faint, again. Damn, my crackuhs. Nice start to last week.
PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Alright, here's my take. First, the Republicans. Couldn't care less. You've fucked up my world and nation (in my opinion) so bad that I gotta go with the other guys, blind. Sorry Conservatives. Sorry Republicans. I'm sure one of your candidates could do an excellent job and save our country for a while. But I can't even look your way.
So you think that would make it easy. But the other side keeps disappointing me, as does America's response. Hillary keeps flying off the handle under stress. So I'm losing confidence in her. And is it the right time for Obama? And is he the lesser of 2 evils? When Oprah jumped on his ship, it seemed that there was a shift in the polls. I know Oprah carries alot of weight in this country, but should we allow our collective opinion to be swayed by celebrity? It's a given that Oprah's got alot more going for her than , say, most other celebrities, but is she always right? Who is she? Why don't you run for office? I would love it if celebrities just voted in private and kept their opinions out of the Press, like the rest of us. But, it's a different world now. Jeez, the world can read my rantings if they can find them. Should I have influence over a mass of people? I know the SMART minions are nodding and chanting YES!! right now. The rest of you losers don't know what you're missing. I saw on Bill Maher's Real Time that a group of African-American women, in a hair salon, all were for Obama over Hillary. That told me that race, not sex, may decide the Democratic Nominee and, ultimately, the whole election.
Why have we forgotten about John Edwards? It seems that many times the nation has gone for the Popular rather than the correct choice for candidates. I was a fan of Bill Clinton, because NAFTA aside, I thought our country did well when he was in Office. I know I got more than one new contract at Amtrak when he was in Office. I'm still waiting for one from Dubya. Nothing's ratified yet, though we finally have a basic framework.
I think we know that Edwards has no chance. This is a 2-horse race. For me, if the Democrats don't end up doing the expected, and shooting themselves in the foot, then I have to hope whichever qualified candidate gets in can clean up whatever mess has been made and move us forward so we're ahead of the 8-ball.
THE CAMPAIGN
This is the main problem for me. Just hype of another nature. And folks, we're getting hammered all around right now. You like hype? Here's what you're getting hyped at you right now: A Presidential campaign complete with all the trimmings (interviews, speculation, reports, speeches, etc...), the upcoming Super Bowl XLII, the Awards Season (Grammys, Oscars, yada, yada), Valentines Day bombardment, what else? I would have no problem with the campaign if it wasn't all about NEGATIVITY. The biggest snipe hunt in the world.
Hey, esteemed lawyers running for office, can ya do me a favor? Could you please just focus on your objectives? Can you just tell all of us what your plans are going to be and maybe explain how you plan on going about making these plans a reality, so I can make my choice? "I'll give you a National Health policy." "I'll get us out of Iraq." "I'll work more on the Planet." "I'll take care of domestic and border issues." Great. How? And what programs are going to lose money so you'll be able to succeed in these plans?
Which one of these characters do YOU think is going to leave the country in better shape than he/she found it when they took Office? Here's the tough part. How do we take care of our country Domestically, and gain back our respect and status in the eyes of the world? It's a tenuous balancing act that most would be doomed to fail at.
Let's hope we make the right choice. I welcome any comments, as always. Thanks for visiting Len Is Right.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, January 19, 2008
MESSAGE FOR ALL EXCEPT MY MINIONS
HEY!!
CAN YO TRY NOT TO NAVIGATE THE TRAFFIC ROTARY WHILE THE FREAKIN' CELL PHONE IS PRESSED TO YOUR SKULL??!! Jesus, is that too much to ask? This is one of the things that goes on that you wish they'd let you mount gattling guns on you car. You know...if we all got just one day per year where you could temporarily mount guns on your car, don't you think you'd do it? Holy criminy, I'd be on that line faster than shit through a goose. And I'll tell ya, I'd try to be as lenient as possible. But if I see phone-in-skull while going through the circle, I'm shooting you. Terminate with extreme prejudice.
Hey, I only use my signal lights 95-99% of the time, so I'm not perfect. But, what the hell did you people do BEFORE cell phones? Jeez Dude. Hey Honey, it's not that much to get the hands-free setup for your car.
And don't even START with the excuses. LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
CAN YO TRY NOT TO NAVIGATE THE TRAFFIC ROTARY WHILE THE FREAKIN' CELL PHONE IS PRESSED TO YOUR SKULL??!! Jesus, is that too much to ask? This is one of the things that goes on that you wish they'd let you mount gattling guns on you car. You know...if we all got just one day per year where you could temporarily mount guns on your car, don't you think you'd do it? Holy criminy, I'd be on that line faster than shit through a goose. And I'll tell ya, I'd try to be as lenient as possible. But if I see phone-in-skull while going through the circle, I'm shooting you. Terminate with extreme prejudice.
Hey, I only use my signal lights 95-99% of the time, so I'm not perfect. But, what the hell did you people do BEFORE cell phones? Jeez Dude. Hey Honey, it's not that much to get the hands-free setup for your car.
And don't even START with the excuses. LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Thursday, January 17, 2008
NEW NAME FOR JENNIFER TWO-AXE
Minions:
Friend of Len Is Right, Jennifer Two-Axe, who was previously known as She Who Is In Hell, will now be know as JEN CAME. See, things in Jen's life are coming around, and she asked for a new name. So, I thought it could be Jen Coming Around. But I thought it would be more hopeful if we just cut to the chase, helping Jen to believe in herself and just "act" as if she was already there. So Jen's new name on the blog is "JEN CAME "
Make of that what you will.
LT
Friend of Len Is Right, Jennifer Two-Axe, who was previously known as She Who Is In Hell, will now be know as JEN CAME. See, things in Jen's life are coming around, and she asked for a new name. So, I thought it could be Jen Coming Around. But I thought it would be more hopeful if we just cut to the chase, helping Jen to believe in herself and just "act" as if she was already there. So Jen's new name on the blog is "JEN CAME "
Make of that what you will.
LT
DO AGE AND WISDOM BRING COMPASSION?
Hey, you people:
Today, I ask a question that I have been pondering off and on for a few years. As we get older, and we gain wisdom, do we also gain compassion that we may not have had in our youth?
Wow, that's kind of deep, isn't it? Not your normal fare for this site. Anyway...it's easy, to me, to be able to understand why we gain wisdom with age. Alot of it has to do with making mistakes and learning from your errors. So, I believe that wisdom is learned. Oh sure, you may gain insight and forethought. But do you, or can you, learn FEEL?
What I mean is, can a person LEARN to become compassionate towards others? I'll get to the point with an example. Go back to your High School days and think about the kids who were the nerds, geeks, dweebs, outcasts, afterthoughts, and nobodies. Were you one of those kids? Were you one of the people that picked on those kids? Think about that person now. If you don't see them often, do you know how they turned out? Did they excel in their life after being freed from the hellish bonds that WERE High School? Or did they remain the enigma, oddity, or outcast they were influenced to be in their youth?
I know that kids are kids. I also know that the kids that were picked on had humility and compassion, because that's generally what they were hoping to receive from others. Or just to be left alone. True, also, is the fact that the kids who were the ones dishing it out generally had little or no compassion, because they were able to pick on an easy target.
SO, NOW WHAT?
Well, earlier a name came up that I remembered from High School, of a kid was kind of an outcast during those years. This led me to think about some other kids I had known from 5th Grade till the end of High School that were in the same boat. Also, I thought about my own kid. My older son is in the "nerdy-video game-non athletic-geeky" vein. Happily, he has a good bunch of friends that he hangs out with in school that are the same. Back in November, he had a couple of instances in school that he was disciplined for, that stemmed from getting picked on by other kids for being "different." I think back and remember how I was in BOTH groups at different times. I got picked on, and I was one of the kids doing the teasing.
My wife and I talk about kids we went to school with (we've known each other since 7th Grade), that were the outcasts, and sometimes wonder about them. You find yourself saying, "Hey, remember crazy Joe Public?", or, "Do you remember the day we made Fiona Whatshername cry?" So, I gotta ask ya, how do you think you would feel if you knew people remembered you for ONLY that? "Remember Billy? He always smelled like mildew. Do you think he ever started showering regularly?" Then you find out years later that the kid's home life was terrible, he was neglected, or his family was dirt poor and couldn't afford soap. And you KNOW it will always follow that person. I know 2 guys who were accused of molesting cats when they were younger. Not kidding. The one guy went through the rest of the years I knew him, referred to as "Cat Man." Now, if the guy goes to his High School Reunion, some asshole is going to call him that to his face, or behind his back, before the night is through.
So where and when does compassion come? The funny thing is, is that if you're not the target of this stuff, there can be some good comedy to come out of it. Just in aside comments alone. I mean, some of the funniest shit I've seen or heard has been at someone else's expense, be it slapstick comedy, stand-up, or just live--hanging out with your friends.
No doubt, we all have to grow thicker skins as we get older. If you let the same stuff bother you 20 years from now, you haven't learned the lesson, or learned how to cope. But where does compassion come in? I guess you have to learn it, just like wisdom. But it, too, has to come with hard knocks. I think you have to be on the short end of the stick a few times, or many times, to see how it feels to be the outcast. I know guys that have NEVER been in that position. Always been popular, never had consistent setbacks, lived fortunate lives. I know guys that have been bullies all their lives and have never had to deal with the opposite. I think the lesson is lost on these folks and I wonder if they'll EVER get it.
To the people I've been a jerk to, I hope I've redeemed myself since then. If not, I hope to, one day. To those that picked on me, hey, fuck off!! No, I'm kidding. It took me getting picked on to be able to laugh at myself and grow a thicker skin. Because, I think we all know that if you can laugh at yourself, you can make it through any situation.
Did you actually stay and read that whole post? I give ya credit.
LEN IS RIGHT is happy you stopped by.
Be well, minions.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Today, I ask a question that I have been pondering off and on for a few years. As we get older, and we gain wisdom, do we also gain compassion that we may not have had in our youth?
Wow, that's kind of deep, isn't it? Not your normal fare for this site. Anyway...it's easy, to me, to be able to understand why we gain wisdom with age. Alot of it has to do with making mistakes and learning from your errors. So, I believe that wisdom is learned. Oh sure, you may gain insight and forethought. But do you, or can you, learn FEEL?
What I mean is, can a person LEARN to become compassionate towards others? I'll get to the point with an example. Go back to your High School days and think about the kids who were the nerds, geeks, dweebs, outcasts, afterthoughts, and nobodies. Were you one of those kids? Were you one of the people that picked on those kids? Think about that person now. If you don't see them often, do you know how they turned out? Did they excel in their life after being freed from the hellish bonds that WERE High School? Or did they remain the enigma, oddity, or outcast they were influenced to be in their youth?
I know that kids are kids. I also know that the kids that were picked on had humility and compassion, because that's generally what they were hoping to receive from others. Or just to be left alone. True, also, is the fact that the kids who were the ones dishing it out generally had little or no compassion, because they were able to pick on an easy target.
SO, NOW WHAT?
Well, earlier a name came up that I remembered from High School, of a kid was kind of an outcast during those years. This led me to think about some other kids I had known from 5th Grade till the end of High School that were in the same boat. Also, I thought about my own kid. My older son is in the "nerdy-video game-non athletic-geeky" vein. Happily, he has a good bunch of friends that he hangs out with in school that are the same. Back in November, he had a couple of instances in school that he was disciplined for, that stemmed from getting picked on by other kids for being "different." I think back and remember how I was in BOTH groups at different times. I got picked on, and I was one of the kids doing the teasing.
My wife and I talk about kids we went to school with (we've known each other since 7th Grade), that were the outcasts, and sometimes wonder about them. You find yourself saying, "Hey, remember crazy Joe Public?", or, "Do you remember the day we made Fiona Whatshername cry?" So, I gotta ask ya, how do you think you would feel if you knew people remembered you for ONLY that? "Remember Billy? He always smelled like mildew. Do you think he ever started showering regularly?" Then you find out years later that the kid's home life was terrible, he was neglected, or his family was dirt poor and couldn't afford soap. And you KNOW it will always follow that person. I know 2 guys who were accused of molesting cats when they were younger. Not kidding. The one guy went through the rest of the years I knew him, referred to as "Cat Man." Now, if the guy goes to his High School Reunion, some asshole is going to call him that to his face, or behind his back, before the night is through.
So where and when does compassion come? The funny thing is, is that if you're not the target of this stuff, there can be some good comedy to come out of it. Just in aside comments alone. I mean, some of the funniest shit I've seen or heard has been at someone else's expense, be it slapstick comedy, stand-up, or just live--hanging out with your friends.
No doubt, we all have to grow thicker skins as we get older. If you let the same stuff bother you 20 years from now, you haven't learned the lesson, or learned how to cope. But where does compassion come in? I guess you have to learn it, just like wisdom. But it, too, has to come with hard knocks. I think you have to be on the short end of the stick a few times, or many times, to see how it feels to be the outcast. I know guys that have NEVER been in that position. Always been popular, never had consistent setbacks, lived fortunate lives. I know guys that have been bullies all their lives and have never had to deal with the opposite. I think the lesson is lost on these folks and I wonder if they'll EVER get it.
To the people I've been a jerk to, I hope I've redeemed myself since then. If not, I hope to, one day. To those that picked on me, hey, fuck off!! No, I'm kidding. It took me getting picked on to be able to laugh at myself and grow a thicker skin. Because, I think we all know that if you can laugh at yourself, you can make it through any situation.
Did you actually stay and read that whole post? I give ya credit.
LEN IS RIGHT is happy you stopped by.
Be well, minions.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
FOOTBALL PARTY
Hello my Minions:
This past weekend saw the end-of-the-year party for my Fantasy Football League. I am the Commissioner (in name only) and Social Director, so I got to run things. I think I may have made one hell of a Cruise Director for Royal Caribbean or some such organization, I just don't look too good in a skirt (see past posts on hairiness).
First off, I'd like to thank Melissa and Rob Lindley (Lady Hunter and the Bounty Hunter) for securing for the league the party spot. The clubhouse at Horizon Ridge is very comfortable with many nice features for holding parties. M&R have been coming through for us over the last few years and I know everyone that attends really appreciates it.
For those of you that received my mis-sent email about the TV, Roy the G.B. King took care of us on that one. Thanks Roy, there probably wouldn't have been too much of a party w/o the TV. Everything else went off without a hitch. Food was good football games were good, and the poker tourney went off without any problems and we even had a surprise winner.
Because of illnesses, we had only 14 players for the tourney. After getting down to a Final table, the players tightened up a bit. There were only a few highlights. Rob the B.H. bent the Rainman over and sent him to the rail. Then Chuck the E.o.D. went All-In with King-Queen against this older gent who was a guest. He happened to be holding a pair of 7's. Well, you could see it coming a mile away, as Chuck's hand didn't improve, the 7's held up and Chuck did his best Phil Helmuth impression as he tried not to go into full-blown tantrum state. Later the older guy (Uncle Phil...not my uncle) went All-In and I was the only one who'd play with him. I was holding King-10 suited. Just as before, Uncle Phil was holding 7's and my hand didn't improve and Uncle Phil had new life.
At one point Rob the B.H. had the chip lead. but after a few devastating losses Rob was sent to the rail in 5th place. That left myself, Uncle Phil, Roy the G.B. King (widely considered the best tourney player of our group), and Brian the Kaos Kid. We played for alot of hands before Roy knocked me out when I couldn't draw the Flush on the end. I was happy to cash in the tourney, cause I get distracted when I am running the show and don't always play my best. Uncle Phil's luck came to an end a few hands later. He was very happy to have done so well.
That brought it down to Roy and Brian. I think the general feeling was that Roy was the favorite in this scenario because he plays very tough when he's heads up w/another player. But when Brian went on a streak, winning 15 hands in a row, Roy knew he was in trouble. Shortly thereafter, Brian ended Roy's hope of taking home the Champion's plaque, and Brian was handed the Title and $400. This is Brian's first win in one of our tourneys (Football league or Daytona Ave.) and he was very happy and, I think, a little relieved. However, his brother, Kevin the Roller, would not congratulate him, saying, "I thought Roy would win...that's who my money was on." Brian calls Kevin "The Lifehater." Kevin's family call him "The Angry Man."
By the way, the League crowned Fred Theadore and the LR Express the Champion of our League for the 2nd year in a row, and his 4th title in 15 years. Fred has been in 8 of the last 12 Finals. He also won his other league this year. He has an uncanny ability to draft the right guys, make the right mid-season moves, and start the right players. He also seems to have INCREDIBLE luck. But that's a whole other post. Congrats to Fred, ya bastard.
GREETINGS TO MY FRIENDS
I'd like to take this time to send greetings to all my friends and loved ones who are not in the area or who I don't see very often. L.E.B. in Fonda; My cool friend Tom the Big Game Hunter down South; Uncle Bob the Mixologist; Deb,The LOVELY Wiccan; My loving family members in Utica, NY (Tollertons and Grotevants, et al); Jim "The Curmudgeon" Bashford; Deb, my friend at KeyBank; Dave and Steve down in N.C. (my cousins...2 very cool individuals); Dick and Aggie in FLA; The Rockabilly Corteses (and the Boneshakers); Marc the Actor in L.A.; Henry the World Traveler; Marc who manages Metallica; Paul the Judge(and a HUGE Packers fan); She Who Is In Hell (Jen, time for a new name); Mike W. having fun in the Iraqi desert; and the ever-vaunted BVA down in Sanford (F*&K the Giants).
Just a little shout-out to y'all. Stay right, people. And keep on visiting LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace on this day.
I am,
Len Tollerton
This past weekend saw the end-of-the-year party for my Fantasy Football League. I am the Commissioner (in name only) and Social Director, so I got to run things. I think I may have made one hell of a Cruise Director for Royal Caribbean or some such organization, I just don't look too good in a skirt (see past posts on hairiness).
First off, I'd like to thank Melissa and Rob Lindley (Lady Hunter and the Bounty Hunter) for securing for the league the party spot. The clubhouse at Horizon Ridge is very comfortable with many nice features for holding parties. M&R have been coming through for us over the last few years and I know everyone that attends really appreciates it.
For those of you that received my mis-sent email about the TV, Roy the G.B. King took care of us on that one. Thanks Roy, there probably wouldn't have been too much of a party w/o the TV. Everything else went off without a hitch. Food was good football games were good, and the poker tourney went off without any problems and we even had a surprise winner.
Because of illnesses, we had only 14 players for the tourney. After getting down to a Final table, the players tightened up a bit. There were only a few highlights. Rob the B.H. bent the Rainman over and sent him to the rail. Then Chuck the E.o.D. went All-In with King-Queen against this older gent who was a guest. He happened to be holding a pair of 7's. Well, you could see it coming a mile away, as Chuck's hand didn't improve, the 7's held up and Chuck did his best Phil Helmuth impression as he tried not to go into full-blown tantrum state. Later the older guy (Uncle Phil...not my uncle) went All-In and I was the only one who'd play with him. I was holding King-10 suited. Just as before, Uncle Phil was holding 7's and my hand didn't improve and Uncle Phil had new life.
At one point Rob the B.H. had the chip lead. but after a few devastating losses Rob was sent to the rail in 5th place. That left myself, Uncle Phil, Roy the G.B. King (widely considered the best tourney player of our group), and Brian the Kaos Kid. We played for alot of hands before Roy knocked me out when I couldn't draw the Flush on the end. I was happy to cash in the tourney, cause I get distracted when I am running the show and don't always play my best. Uncle Phil's luck came to an end a few hands later. He was very happy to have done so well.
That brought it down to Roy and Brian. I think the general feeling was that Roy was the favorite in this scenario because he plays very tough when he's heads up w/another player. But when Brian went on a streak, winning 15 hands in a row, Roy knew he was in trouble. Shortly thereafter, Brian ended Roy's hope of taking home the Champion's plaque, and Brian was handed the Title and $400. This is Brian's first win in one of our tourneys (Football league or Daytona Ave.) and he was very happy and, I think, a little relieved. However, his brother, Kevin the Roller, would not congratulate him, saying, "I thought Roy would win...that's who my money was on." Brian calls Kevin "The Lifehater." Kevin's family call him "The Angry Man."
By the way, the League crowned Fred Theadore and the LR Express the Champion of our League for the 2nd year in a row, and his 4th title in 15 years. Fred has been in 8 of the last 12 Finals. He also won his other league this year. He has an uncanny ability to draft the right guys, make the right mid-season moves, and start the right players. He also seems to have INCREDIBLE luck. But that's a whole other post. Congrats to Fred, ya bastard.
GREETINGS TO MY FRIENDS
I'd like to take this time to send greetings to all my friends and loved ones who are not in the area or who I don't see very often. L.E.B. in Fonda; My cool friend Tom the Big Game Hunter down South; Uncle Bob the Mixologist; Deb,The LOVELY Wiccan; My loving family members in Utica, NY (Tollertons and Grotevants, et al); Jim "The Curmudgeon" Bashford; Deb, my friend at KeyBank; Dave and Steve down in N.C. (my cousins...2 very cool individuals); Dick and Aggie in FLA; The Rockabilly Corteses (and the Boneshakers); Marc the Actor in L.A.; Henry the World Traveler; Marc who manages Metallica; Paul the Judge(and a HUGE Packers fan); She Who Is In Hell (Jen, time for a new name); Mike W. having fun in the Iraqi desert; and the ever-vaunted BVA down in Sanford (F*&K the Giants).
Just a little shout-out to y'all. Stay right, people. And keep on visiting LEN IS RIGHT.
Peace on this day.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, January 12, 2008
GOOD LUCK MIKE W.
Hey minions:
Today's post is just some good wishes sent along the wire to a friend from my youth.
Mike Wesoloski is a guy from Colonie that I was friends with through another common friend. He always knew he wanted to be a soldier. He was in Active Duty for the Army for a few years, got out, and then got back in when Iraq started.
His son, Mike, is the captain on my son Connor's bowling team. Last May, Mike, the elder, got his orders to go to Iraq for a year. It's funny how you don't really think about it much if you don't know anyone who's over there. But when you know someone who is going, it kind of wakes you up. When he left, in May, I admit to misting up a bit when I said goodbye to him. You don't know if you're going to see someone again, so it affects you, if you have a heart.
Anyway, Mike came home for 2 weeks over the holidays, and I think he REALLY was glad to be home. No duh, right? The pictures he's sent back have painted a picture of a bleak and desolate landscape teeming with camel spiders, scorpions, and DIRT. What? Are you freakin' kidding me? Why on earth would people choose to live there? This is what Allah did for you Muslim folks, huh? Jeez, sign me up for the Taliban. Idiots.
So, Mike went back to Iraq this past week. He'll be released from his duty in May. Hey Mike, My wish for you is to return home safe and healthy and that the next 5 months flies by at warp speed. You know your family will keep the home fires burning. And now, my blog minions will be thinking about you, too.
Hey folks, I heard Mike is a little homesick since he went back (a phenomenon that happens when you get to come home in the middle of your term). I know you guys rarely respond to my questions. But I'd like to request that all of you send Mike an email with some positive words. We'd both really appreciate it. Don't let me down folks. It'll only take a couple of minutes.
Mike Wesoloski can be reached via email at: wezski@aol.com
Thanks.
Remember, always, that LEN IS RIGHT!
I am,
Len Tollerton
Today's post is just some good wishes sent along the wire to a friend from my youth.
Mike Wesoloski is a guy from Colonie that I was friends with through another common friend. He always knew he wanted to be a soldier. He was in Active Duty for the Army for a few years, got out, and then got back in when Iraq started.
His son, Mike, is the captain on my son Connor's bowling team. Last May, Mike, the elder, got his orders to go to Iraq for a year. It's funny how you don't really think about it much if you don't know anyone who's over there. But when you know someone who is going, it kind of wakes you up. When he left, in May, I admit to misting up a bit when I said goodbye to him. You don't know if you're going to see someone again, so it affects you, if you have a heart.
Anyway, Mike came home for 2 weeks over the holidays, and I think he REALLY was glad to be home. No duh, right? The pictures he's sent back have painted a picture of a bleak and desolate landscape teeming with camel spiders, scorpions, and DIRT. What? Are you freakin' kidding me? Why on earth would people choose to live there? This is what Allah did for you Muslim folks, huh? Jeez, sign me up for the Taliban. Idiots.
So, Mike went back to Iraq this past week. He'll be released from his duty in May. Hey Mike, My wish for you is to return home safe and healthy and that the next 5 months flies by at warp speed. You know your family will keep the home fires burning. And now, my blog minions will be thinking about you, too.
Hey folks, I heard Mike is a little homesick since he went back (a phenomenon that happens when you get to come home in the middle of your term). I know you guys rarely respond to my questions. But I'd like to request that all of you send Mike an email with some positive words. We'd both really appreciate it. Don't let me down folks. It'll only take a couple of minutes.
Mike Wesoloski can be reached via email at: wezski@aol.com
Thanks.
Remember, always, that LEN IS RIGHT!
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, January 11, 2008
FINGER FRUSTRATION
My Friends:
The struggle continues. You know, when you watch a person play a guitar, someone who knows how to play and can execute every chord and lead, you don't often realize how much work went into getting to that point. That is, until you, yourself, attempt to learn to play correctly.
I'll tell ya, if your ego ever gets too big, all you need to do is pick up a guitar and try to start learning how to play. You can't believe how frustrating it is getting your fingers to be in the right spots and move the way they need to. It is so easy to feel disabled when you're trying to hold down strings so they play cleanly and your chords don't sound flat and crappy.
I've rarely found an activity that is at once frustrating and rewarding. At the outset it's mainly frustrating. I think that's why I never stuck with it when I was a kid. I guess I figured that if I couldn't be great w/in the first month, that I would never be any good at it. As I grew older, I realized that, unless you have an inate talent, that it's NOT going to be easy and it IS going to take alot of work and practice. Now that I'm in my 40's and I'm trying to become competent, I'm finding that I have more patience to work through the difficulties, but still get as frustrated playing because my mind knows where my fingers are supposed to be, but the body (especially the fingers) wants to be a pain in the ass. No pun intended.
Learning the correct way to play chords and transitioning smoothly between these chords is the tricky part. Hey listen, I've ALWAYS had respect for guitar players, but it's even more so now. Now I realize why it's important to set aside an hour every day to practice (more if you want to get really good and get good fast). Roy the G.B. King and I are big guitar fans. He's crazy for guys like Carlos Santana, any hot blues guitarist (Jimmy Thackery, Stevie Ray, etc...) and other guys who can just play well. And as you know I'm into the Metal thing (guys like Angus Young, Alex Lifeson, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith of Maiden, and Tony Iommi of Sabbath). We both have a Man-Worship thing going for a couple of friends of ours (Jeff the Palooka and the DotCom Destroyer) because besides being golfers who consistently shoot in the 70's, they both happen to wail on the guitar. Listening to them play, I can only wonder at the amount of practice time they must have put in when they were younger.
YEAH, OKAY, SO?.....
So my struggle continues as I continue to kick my own ass for not sticking with it when I was a kid. I'm finally learning how to play scales of different kinds, and play chords and transition between them smoothly. I have good days and bad days, like anything else. I think it's very true that you have to learn on an acoustic, so as to learn how to hold down strings properly. You then progress to an electric, which, when amplified is easier to play (my opinion). I still want to go fast and be a great player before I'm ready. And in truth, I know it's going to take a while. But by next year at this time, I believe I'm going to be able to play quite well (for me). I won't be afraid to embarass myself when playing in front of others. I probably won't be able to play many Standard songs (Down in the Valley, Camp Town Races, etc...) because that's not my bag. But I hope to have written several decent rock songs that I can get recorded with the help a few musician friends. Not looking to be some recording star, but I am looking to satisfy my own ego and maybe impress a person or two.
Now that I've stopped smoking, I think my singing voice is returning a little. I can sing pretty well, so that's always been an option. But I'd rather just play the axe. I've often been of the opinion that singers get the chicks, but guitarists get the respect. I'm not looking to nail groupies at this point in my life. I think I just want a little man-worship. I hope you are all laughing right now. That was said tongue-in-cheek.
Hey, if you're a kid or if you have a kid that is taking music lessons, please, PLEASE stick with it. Don't let frustration influence you to quit. If you quit, you will end up like me, 40-something years old, trying to do something you should have done years ago, and playing catch-up in a big way. If you're an adult and just starting, or re-discovering something like playing an instrument, just freakin' DO IT. I always thought it was too late to start and kept putting it off. Now I know what I want out of my playing. So, now I'm going to stick with it. I have to, or else there's no reason for LEN IS RIGHT.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.
Be Well, people, and thanks for indulging the Metal Head.
I am,
Len Tollerton
The struggle continues. You know, when you watch a person play a guitar, someone who knows how to play and can execute every chord and lead, you don't often realize how much work went into getting to that point. That is, until you, yourself, attempt to learn to play correctly.
I'll tell ya, if your ego ever gets too big, all you need to do is pick up a guitar and try to start learning how to play. You can't believe how frustrating it is getting your fingers to be in the right spots and move the way they need to. It is so easy to feel disabled when you're trying to hold down strings so they play cleanly and your chords don't sound flat and crappy.
I've rarely found an activity that is at once frustrating and rewarding. At the outset it's mainly frustrating. I think that's why I never stuck with it when I was a kid. I guess I figured that if I couldn't be great w/in the first month, that I would never be any good at it. As I grew older, I realized that, unless you have an inate talent, that it's NOT going to be easy and it IS going to take alot of work and practice. Now that I'm in my 40's and I'm trying to become competent, I'm finding that I have more patience to work through the difficulties, but still get as frustrated playing because my mind knows where my fingers are supposed to be, but the body (especially the fingers) wants to be a pain in the ass. No pun intended.
Learning the correct way to play chords and transitioning smoothly between these chords is the tricky part. Hey listen, I've ALWAYS had respect for guitar players, but it's even more so now. Now I realize why it's important to set aside an hour every day to practice (more if you want to get really good and get good fast). Roy the G.B. King and I are big guitar fans. He's crazy for guys like Carlos Santana, any hot blues guitarist (Jimmy Thackery, Stevie Ray, etc...) and other guys who can just play well. And as you know I'm into the Metal thing (guys like Angus Young, Alex Lifeson, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith of Maiden, and Tony Iommi of Sabbath). We both have a Man-Worship thing going for a couple of friends of ours (Jeff the Palooka and the DotCom Destroyer) because besides being golfers who consistently shoot in the 70's, they both happen to wail on the guitar. Listening to them play, I can only wonder at the amount of practice time they must have put in when they were younger.
YEAH, OKAY, SO?.....
So my struggle continues as I continue to kick my own ass for not sticking with it when I was a kid. I'm finally learning how to play scales of different kinds, and play chords and transition between them smoothly. I have good days and bad days, like anything else. I think it's very true that you have to learn on an acoustic, so as to learn how to hold down strings properly. You then progress to an electric, which, when amplified is easier to play (my opinion). I still want to go fast and be a great player before I'm ready. And in truth, I know it's going to take a while. But by next year at this time, I believe I'm going to be able to play quite well (for me). I won't be afraid to embarass myself when playing in front of others. I probably won't be able to play many Standard songs (Down in the Valley, Camp Town Races, etc...) because that's not my bag. But I hope to have written several decent rock songs that I can get recorded with the help a few musician friends. Not looking to be some recording star, but I am looking to satisfy my own ego and maybe impress a person or two.
Now that I've stopped smoking, I think my singing voice is returning a little. I can sing pretty well, so that's always been an option. But I'd rather just play the axe. I've often been of the opinion that singers get the chicks, but guitarists get the respect. I'm not looking to nail groupies at this point in my life. I think I just want a little man-worship. I hope you are all laughing right now. That was said tongue-in-cheek.
Hey, if you're a kid or if you have a kid that is taking music lessons, please, PLEASE stick with it. Don't let frustration influence you to quit. If you quit, you will end up like me, 40-something years old, trying to do something you should have done years ago, and playing catch-up in a big way. If you're an adult and just starting, or re-discovering something like playing an instrument, just freakin' DO IT. I always thought it was too late to start and kept putting it off. Now I know what I want out of my playing. So, now I'm going to stick with it. I have to, or else there's no reason for LEN IS RIGHT.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.
Be Well, people, and thanks for indulging the Metal Head.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Monday, January 07, 2008
2ND BEST=LOSER
Hello Folks:
I hope everyone had a good weekend. I know my friends in Florida are bumming about the Buccaneers losing to the Giants, but are happy about the Jags beating the Steelers. Here is the LEN IS RIGHT take on the NFL Playoffs: Of all of the teams in the AFC Playoffs, I believe the ONLY team that the Patriots DIDN'T want to see was the Jaguars.
Here's why. The Pats have already defeated the Colts and know what makes them tick. Same with the Chargers. You couldn't have been impressed by the game San Diego played against the Titans. The Pats dominated the Steelers and the Titans weren't going anywhere. The Jags, however, are a team with a ferocious Defense who have this uncanny knack for beating teams they have no business beating, on the road. True, Jags QB, David Garrard, will have to step up and play a consistent game. The Pats have shown, recently, that they can give up points. If the Jags can score a few times, they may be able to hold the Pats in check. I don't think it'll really happen, but I think the Jags are the only AFC team that can beat the Patriots.
In the NFC it'll be Dallas over the Packers to go to the Super Bowl. I think the Giants will come back to reality this week, and the Seahawks could make it close, but the Pack will be led by Favre to the NFC Championship game.
2ND BEST MEANS YOU'RE A LOSER
Played poker with Roy, the GB King, Chuck, the E o D, DotCom, and Justin the Extreme over the weekend. I was the big loser (only $80...not too bad), but a tenet of poker hit home while I was getting fleeced by my friends. When you're 2nd best at the poker table, you are the loser. And I was 2nd best several times. The best one was, while playing a hand of Omaha, I got the Ace-High Flush on the Turn, only to have the guy I went All-In against pull his Full House on the River to sink the sword into my rib-cage. UGH. Don't be 2nd best if you can avoid it.
2 SONGS TO CHECK OUT
I don't have links to give you right now, but if you get the chance, check out these 2 songs:
1.-The Pot by Tool--A hard rock song that is ABSOLUTELY thumping. Tool is a strange band of superior musicians who play with different time-signatures within their songs. This song is a 6-minute epic that just is all over the place but is just an excellent song. If you can take some hard rock, think about downloading it just to check out
2.--Ice Queen by Within Temptation--This song is in the style of Progressive Metal (symphonic/Gothic) and is a really great song. What makes it so special is the undeniable talent of the singer Sharon Den Adel. Her voice is high and powerful and you wouldn't think she belongs in a band like this. But she really sings beautifully, and the song rocks. This band is from the Netherlands and is really talented. If you get the chance, go to YouTube and type in Within Temptation and look for the video for Ice Queen. Very cool imagery, fantastic song. They also do a killer version of Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill. Definitely worth checking out.
While you're at YouTube, also check out a similar band, Nightwish, and their song NEMO. Very good song. Even though you may not be into this type of music, just check out the voices on the female singers in Within Temptation and Nightwish, and the fantastic musicianship from the American band Tool. I think you'll get some appreciation out of it.
Okay, that's all for now. Be Well and Be RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
I hope everyone had a good weekend. I know my friends in Florida are bumming about the Buccaneers losing to the Giants, but are happy about the Jags beating the Steelers. Here is the LEN IS RIGHT take on the NFL Playoffs: Of all of the teams in the AFC Playoffs, I believe the ONLY team that the Patriots DIDN'T want to see was the Jaguars.
Here's why. The Pats have already defeated the Colts and know what makes them tick. Same with the Chargers. You couldn't have been impressed by the game San Diego played against the Titans. The Pats dominated the Steelers and the Titans weren't going anywhere. The Jags, however, are a team with a ferocious Defense who have this uncanny knack for beating teams they have no business beating, on the road. True, Jags QB, David Garrard, will have to step up and play a consistent game. The Pats have shown, recently, that they can give up points. If the Jags can score a few times, they may be able to hold the Pats in check. I don't think it'll really happen, but I think the Jags are the only AFC team that can beat the Patriots.
In the NFC it'll be Dallas over the Packers to go to the Super Bowl. I think the Giants will come back to reality this week, and the Seahawks could make it close, but the Pack will be led by Favre to the NFC Championship game.
2ND BEST MEANS YOU'RE A LOSER
Played poker with Roy, the GB King, Chuck, the E o D, DotCom, and Justin the Extreme over the weekend. I was the big loser (only $80...not too bad), but a tenet of poker hit home while I was getting fleeced by my friends. When you're 2nd best at the poker table, you are the loser. And I was 2nd best several times. The best one was, while playing a hand of Omaha, I got the Ace-High Flush on the Turn, only to have the guy I went All-In against pull his Full House on the River to sink the sword into my rib-cage. UGH. Don't be 2nd best if you can avoid it.
2 SONGS TO CHECK OUT
I don't have links to give you right now, but if you get the chance, check out these 2 songs:
1.-The Pot by Tool--A hard rock song that is ABSOLUTELY thumping. Tool is a strange band of superior musicians who play with different time-signatures within their songs. This song is a 6-minute epic that just is all over the place but is just an excellent song. If you can take some hard rock, think about downloading it just to check out
2.--Ice Queen by Within Temptation--This song is in the style of Progressive Metal (symphonic/Gothic) and is a really great song. What makes it so special is the undeniable talent of the singer Sharon Den Adel. Her voice is high and powerful and you wouldn't think she belongs in a band like this. But she really sings beautifully, and the song rocks. This band is from the Netherlands and is really talented. If you get the chance, go to YouTube and type in Within Temptation and look for the video for Ice Queen. Very cool imagery, fantastic song. They also do a killer version of Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill. Definitely worth checking out.
While you're at YouTube, also check out a similar band, Nightwish, and their song NEMO. Very good song. Even though you may not be into this type of music, just check out the voices on the female singers in Within Temptation and Nightwish, and the fantastic musicianship from the American band Tool. I think you'll get some appreciation out of it.
Okay, that's all for now. Be Well and Be RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Saturday, January 05, 2008
CHECK OUT MINDWALK!!
Minions:
While surfing on YouTube, I came across this band, MINDWALK.
PLEASE go to YouTube and check out the videos for the RUSH covers of Limelight and YYZ, and check out their original song Glory's Gates.
These guys are in MIDDLE SCHOOL--ages 11-14. Except for the singing, which isn't fantastic, these kids are obviously prodigies. Is this what the guys in Rush were like when they were this age. I think this is pretty impressive. This is what Jackson aspires to do before he gets out of high school.
Trust me on this one. LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
While surfing on YouTube, I came across this band, MINDWALK.
PLEASE go to YouTube and check out the videos for the RUSH covers of Limelight and YYZ, and check out their original song Glory's Gates.
These guys are in MIDDLE SCHOOL--ages 11-14. Except for the singing, which isn't fantastic, these kids are obviously prodigies. Is this what the guys in Rush were like when they were this age. I think this is pretty impressive. This is what Jackson aspires to do before he gets out of high school.
Trust me on this one. LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Friday, January 04, 2008
QUICK KUDOS TO JESS
Hey people:
Just a quick post to congratulate a young friend of mine (and maybe yours, too), Jessica Koehler, for getting her first by-line and story as a Staff Writer for the Albany Times Union. Jess is the daughter of good friends Kevin and Barb Koehler of Albany (Kev is Connor's godfather--he also works at Amtrak). She attends Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and I believe she is majoring in Journalism.
I've known Jess for most of her life and I've never known a girl who was so into sports, especially College Hoop and Volleyball. She is a BIG fan of my cousin, Matt Carroll of the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA and (unfortunately) a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan...at least until they traded Marcus Giles away to the Padres.
You can read her story at www.timesunion.com Click on the Sports Section, go to high-school sports and look for the headline reading "Powell lifts unbeaten Chatham." Here is the actual link to the page where the story is. I don't know if it'll work, so if not, just use the path I described.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=652342&category=HSSPORTS&BCCode=&newsdate=1/4/2008
So, Jess, I want to congratulate you publicly and wish you the best of luck in a field that I know you love. It's important to do something you have passion for and you seem to be on the right track. Maybe after you get out of college, the offers from USA Today, ESPN, or Fox Sports will come in droves. Chase your dream, kid, and don't let anybody dissuade you from getting what you want. This is the first step. The journey is a long one, but you've made a good start. Chase the Dream.
Chant it out for her, everybody...LEN IS RIGHT!! LEN IS RIGHT!! LEN IS RIGHT!!
Peace to my people here on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Just a quick post to congratulate a young friend of mine (and maybe yours, too), Jessica Koehler, for getting her first by-line and story as a Staff Writer for the Albany Times Union. Jess is the daughter of good friends Kevin and Barb Koehler of Albany (Kev is Connor's godfather--he also works at Amtrak). She attends Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and I believe she is majoring in Journalism.
I've known Jess for most of her life and I've never known a girl who was so into sports, especially College Hoop and Volleyball. She is a BIG fan of my cousin, Matt Carroll of the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA and (unfortunately) a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan...at least until they traded Marcus Giles away to the Padres.
You can read her story at www.timesunion.com Click on the Sports Section, go to high-school sports and look for the headline reading "Powell lifts unbeaten Chatham." Here is the actual link to the page where the story is. I don't know if it'll work, so if not, just use the path I described.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=652342&category=HSSPORTS&BCCode=&newsdate=1/4/2008
So, Jess, I want to congratulate you publicly and wish you the best of luck in a field that I know you love. It's important to do something you have passion for and you seem to be on the right track. Maybe after you get out of college, the offers from USA Today, ESPN, or Fox Sports will come in droves. Chase your dream, kid, and don't let anybody dissuade you from getting what you want. This is the first step. The journey is a long one, but you've made a good start. Chase the Dream.
Chant it out for her, everybody...LEN IS RIGHT!! LEN IS RIGHT!! LEN IS RIGHT!!
Peace to my people here on Earth.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
WHAT'S UP FOR 2008
People of mine:
Welcome to 2008. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Right? Well, maybe, maybe not. As usual, the world felt the exact same to me after the ball dropped last night. Of course, I had been up for the previous 32 hours, so I may have been a little world-weary. Or maybe just weary.
So many of us make the famous New Year's resolutions. Quit smoking, lose weight, get a better job, be nicer to people or treat my loved ones better are some of the ones you often hear. The vast majority have often failed by the end of the week, let alone the end of the month. But we all like to believe we have a clean slate on New Year's Day, right? We like to have the Promise of Potentiality. That is, we like to believe that there is half a goddamn chance that the potential for a better life, or a better US begins on January 1. Folks, in reality, this is the weak-minded looking for a crutch. Hey, you want to do something bad enough, you aren't going to wait around till the end of the year to make it happen, are you?
You know it's time to quit smoking. Since December 1st, I've only had 3 cigarettes. The meds I've taken (Chantix), have made it so I don't really even think about smoking. No lie. I thought I'd have a problem when I had a few drinks. But that hasn't been the case at all. The 3 that I've had were out of boredom, or because I was agitated by some dickhead in the world who caused me some grief. I know it's too soon to tell, but I really think I'm over ciggys.
I, personally, have only 2 other things I'd really like to accomplish this year. One would be to lose about 40 lbs. and get stronger, physically. To do this, I am going to have to force myself to actually get my ass into the health club I belong to. The other thing is to become a MUCH better guitar player than I am now. To do this, I'm going to have to do more than just practice. I have to spend some money and take a few lessons. At $14/half-hour, I think I can afford to take a few lessons. What is my goal? Besides being able to play well for my own enjoyment, I'd like to be able to jam w/ other musicians or friends that play, and not embarass myself. I guess I'd like to impress people once in a while.
I know that NONE of you will respond on this site, but I'd like to hear a few of the things that my Minions are trying to accomplish this year. And if you're going to email me or respond to this site, make it something that you REALLY plan on doing. No past glories. Just honest thoughts of the future, okay? Make it as funny as you can, because we all need some comedy in our lives, too. Like, I've always wanted to be a rock star. But I realize that I'm far past that point now. Besides the music industry is a young person's game. But I think I could stand in front of a crowd, with a mike in hand, and belt out some vintage hard rock, and still hit a high-note or two. I'd REALLY like to stand in front of people and rip off a blistering solo on a guitar. That's my goal for 2008. Become a competent guitarist. Hopefully, I'll be able to devote enough time for it. The question arises: Does anyone really want to see a middle aged, balding, fat bastard wailing metal classics on a Dean guitar?
How come it takes so many of us (and I mean myself) to need the aging process to gain wisdom? I know a bunch of people who knew what they wanted at an early age and went after it as soon as High School was over. Guys like Paul the Judge, Sean the Spy, and Patty the Lovely 5th Grade Teacher always knew what they wanted to do. Me? I knew but had feet of clay, and was never able to get past discouragement or setbacks. The love affair with the Kind bud hasn't helped in that regard either.
But now I can see a little more clearly. It's probably a good thing I never became a rock star, cause I'd probably be dead or institutionalized by now. These days, I have the wisdom to know that I can do things to please myself without having to be a STAR. It's nice to be able to know something in your mind without having to prove it to millions.
I am rambling on without direction, now, so I'll end this rant. I'll just leave you with this thought. IT'S ALL INSIDE OF YOU. UNLOCK YOURSELF AND BELIEVE IN YOU. If you don't, no one else out there cares enough to take the time to drag it out of you. You know that LEN IS RIGHT. Now it's time for all of you to go out and be right. You can do it.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Welcome to 2008. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Right? Well, maybe, maybe not. As usual, the world felt the exact same to me after the ball dropped last night. Of course, I had been up for the previous 32 hours, so I may have been a little world-weary. Or maybe just weary.
So many of us make the famous New Year's resolutions. Quit smoking, lose weight, get a better job, be nicer to people or treat my loved ones better are some of the ones you often hear. The vast majority have often failed by the end of the week, let alone the end of the month. But we all like to believe we have a clean slate on New Year's Day, right? We like to have the Promise of Potentiality. That is, we like to believe that there is half a goddamn chance that the potential for a better life, or a better US begins on January 1. Folks, in reality, this is the weak-minded looking for a crutch. Hey, you want to do something bad enough, you aren't going to wait around till the end of the year to make it happen, are you?
You know it's time to quit smoking. Since December 1st, I've only had 3 cigarettes. The meds I've taken (Chantix), have made it so I don't really even think about smoking. No lie. I thought I'd have a problem when I had a few drinks. But that hasn't been the case at all. The 3 that I've had were out of boredom, or because I was agitated by some dickhead in the world who caused me some grief. I know it's too soon to tell, but I really think I'm over ciggys.
I, personally, have only 2 other things I'd really like to accomplish this year. One would be to lose about 40 lbs. and get stronger, physically. To do this, I am going to have to force myself to actually get my ass into the health club I belong to. The other thing is to become a MUCH better guitar player than I am now. To do this, I'm going to have to do more than just practice. I have to spend some money and take a few lessons. At $14/half-hour, I think I can afford to take a few lessons. What is my goal? Besides being able to play well for my own enjoyment, I'd like to be able to jam w/ other musicians or friends that play, and not embarass myself. I guess I'd like to impress people once in a while.
I know that NONE of you will respond on this site, but I'd like to hear a few of the things that my Minions are trying to accomplish this year. And if you're going to email me or respond to this site, make it something that you REALLY plan on doing. No past glories. Just honest thoughts of the future, okay? Make it as funny as you can, because we all need some comedy in our lives, too. Like, I've always wanted to be a rock star. But I realize that I'm far past that point now. Besides the music industry is a young person's game. But I think I could stand in front of a crowd, with a mike in hand, and belt out some vintage hard rock, and still hit a high-note or two. I'd REALLY like to stand in front of people and rip off a blistering solo on a guitar. That's my goal for 2008. Become a competent guitarist. Hopefully, I'll be able to devote enough time for it. The question arises: Does anyone really want to see a middle aged, balding, fat bastard wailing metal classics on a Dean guitar?
How come it takes so many of us (and I mean myself) to need the aging process to gain wisdom? I know a bunch of people who knew what they wanted at an early age and went after it as soon as High School was over. Guys like Paul the Judge, Sean the Spy, and Patty the Lovely 5th Grade Teacher always knew what they wanted to do. Me? I knew but had feet of clay, and was never able to get past discouragement or setbacks. The love affair with the Kind bud hasn't helped in that regard either.
But now I can see a little more clearly. It's probably a good thing I never became a rock star, cause I'd probably be dead or institutionalized by now. These days, I have the wisdom to know that I can do things to please myself without having to be a STAR. It's nice to be able to know something in your mind without having to prove it to millions.
I am rambling on without direction, now, so I'll end this rant. I'll just leave you with this thought. IT'S ALL INSIDE OF YOU. UNLOCK YOURSELF AND BELIEVE IN YOU. If you don't, no one else out there cares enough to take the time to drag it out of you. You know that LEN IS RIGHT. Now it's time for all of you to go out and be right. You can do it.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Monday, December 31, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE MINIONS
Friends, Americans, countrymen:
It is I, your good friend in upstate NY sending along my Best Wishes for a very safe and Happy New Year.
I hope you will all exercise moderation tonight, if going out on the town. You know that law enforcement will be busy and in a rigid attitude looking for folks who want to push the limit. Be smart and be safe. It ends up costing ALOT less for a cab than it does paying a fine and increased insurance rates for a DWI (DUI).
LEN IS RIGHT will not abandon you in the New Year. That is a promise from me to you. I'm sure I'll have alot to say in 2008. We have around 375 days (give or take a day) till the ass-bag that is our President will be ushered out. Hopefully they'll just grab him by the collar and kick him to the curb. But I digress.
Congrats to the New England Patriots for finishing the Regular season undefeated. Very impressive. But, really, if they don't win the Super Bowl, the season ends up being a Colossal disappointment, doesn't it? In REALITY, I don't see anyone staying with them, so it SHOULD be a foregone conclusion. Since the Chiefs are not in the playoffs, I can say that I would like to see the Pats do it. And I have no problem with the city of Boston holding championships in the 3 major sports all at once. After the 86 year gap for the Red Sox, I think it's time those fans in the Boston area get a few years of prosperity, before the other shoe eventually drops and they're back to being also-rans.
Okay, that's it for now. Enjoy your New Year's Eve, smartly, okay?
Tkae Care.
I am,
Len Tollerton
It is I, your good friend in upstate NY sending along my Best Wishes for a very safe and Happy New Year.
I hope you will all exercise moderation tonight, if going out on the town. You know that law enforcement will be busy and in a rigid attitude looking for folks who want to push the limit. Be smart and be safe. It ends up costing ALOT less for a cab than it does paying a fine and increased insurance rates for a DWI (DUI).
LEN IS RIGHT will not abandon you in the New Year. That is a promise from me to you. I'm sure I'll have alot to say in 2008. We have around 375 days (give or take a day) till the ass-bag that is our President will be ushered out. Hopefully they'll just grab him by the collar and kick him to the curb. But I digress.
Congrats to the New England Patriots for finishing the Regular season undefeated. Very impressive. But, really, if they don't win the Super Bowl, the season ends up being a Colossal disappointment, doesn't it? In REALITY, I don't see anyone staying with them, so it SHOULD be a foregone conclusion. Since the Chiefs are not in the playoffs, I can say that I would like to see the Pats do it. And I have no problem with the city of Boston holding championships in the 3 major sports all at once. After the 86 year gap for the Red Sox, I think it's time those fans in the Boston area get a few years of prosperity, before the other shoe eventually drops and they're back to being also-rans.
Okay, that's it for now. Enjoy your New Year's Eve, smartly, okay?
Tkae Care.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS MINIONS
Hello my friends:
Just a quick note to tell you Merry Christmas. I hope everyone enjoys their day with their families, friends, etc...
I will be thinking of each of you at some time today and hoping you get the most out of your quality time.
Peace and happiness to you all from us here at LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
Just a quick note to tell you Merry Christmas. I hope everyone enjoys their day with their families, friends, etc...
I will be thinking of each of you at some time today and hoping you get the most out of your quality time.
Peace and happiness to you all from us here at LEN IS RIGHT.
I am,
Len Tollerton
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