Montana to Clark. Manning to Tyree. Jeter into the stands. All plays that will stand the test of time, and all have been worthy of the respect paid to them. Until February 24th, 2008. A day that will live in the hearts and minds of sports fans forever. The day that brought us...Caputo to Caputo.
Let me set the scene for you...
It was a cold Sunday morning in Farmingdale, NY. Frost tapped at the car windows on Damin Drive. Daddy was just returning from a grueling back workout, which included 5 sets of deadlifts that tested his intestinal fortitude and made his shins scream from the cold metal bar's pull. As daddy was finishing the last sips of his chocolate and peanut butter protein shake and whole-wheat bagel with grape jelly, Jimmy strolled onto the pitch, determined that this would be the day that "it" happened. Sure, there had been traps against the chest, but there had not been a clean "hands" catch with his Little Einstein ball to date. Today would be different.
As their piercing eyes met in a steely gaze across the green shag area rug, a look of determination set in Jimmy's eyes, one that replaced the tiredness from no sleep, the result of a minor cold he was battling like a warrior. After a moment of silence, the word came to his lips and he shot it out like a bullet leaving the chamber of a Colt .45..."Catch?"
Daddy picked up the ball, tossed it in his worn-down hands and said, "Ready, buddy?" Jimmy nodded with a calmness reserved for the pressure players - Messier, Jeter and Drury. This was his Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Stanley Cup all wrapped up in one. As the brown and white ball entered the air, not a sound could be heard from the split-level house. Banky's brown eyes followed the trajectory of the ball and he licked his chops in anticipation of what would happen next. Jimmy's eyes locked on to the ball and his small arms rose in the air in unison. As the ball arced down, his small little fingers locked around it and grasped it, cradling it like fine china. Dogs howled, fans leapt up. Like a true champion, Jimmy acknowledged his admirers and went on with his business, as he knew days like this would never be few and far between.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Light a Candle and You Will See Your Future
One of my favorite scenes in Almost Famous is William's discovery of the records that Anita has left under his bed. As he thumbs through them, there is both a sense of wonder as well as the forbidden that fills him up. Crowe does an excellent job of directing William here, having him run his hands over the albums to touch them, as they could possibly jump to life in front of him.
As music has always been a part a huge part of my life, I want to begin a musical legacy for Jimmy to help guide him through his teen and early adult years. These years are a bear to navigate through, and I hope these albums can help his travels. Below are scenarios that he will undoubtedly encounter on his journeys and the musical road map to help guide the way.
Off we go...
"My voice is changing, yesterday dad was my hero now I hate him and what are those things that smell pretty and have long hair and why won't they talk to me..."
Siamese Dream - The Smashing Pumpkins
No one does the male teenage psyche better than Corgan, and this is his tour de force. Kinda tough for a band when you blow it all on the first go round, but ain't that like a teenager! In 45 minutes we get - rebellion ("Rocket"), introspection ("Disarm"), unrequited love ("Hummer"), rage ("Cherub Rock"), and wonderment ("Today") - just another day in the life of a teenager.
When he becomes an unappreciative, unhappy bastard
Definitely, Maybe - Oasis
What made this album so great was that it flied in the face of what was ruling the airwaves in the early '90s - grunge. "Live Forever" was a direct assault on the Seattle scene, its negativity and its self-loathing. Tracks like "Rock 'n Roll Star" and "Cigarettes and Alcohol" threw away the notion of the lonely, imprisoned rock star and created a larger-than-live ideal of what life on the road should be - FUN. If you can't enjoy attaining everything you've ever dreamed of, you're in the wrong business, cousin.
She just dumped him
The Man Who - Travis
I'll give him 24 hours to mourn, but I want this album on. I'll probably sit with him and talk about lost loves over a couple of pints of B&J's. "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?" and "Writing To Reach You" - c'mon - pretty much tailor made for these 24 hours (and no more...).
He needs to dump her
The First Four Years Collection - Black Flag
16 songs in ~30 minutes. The foot never comes off the gas for the whole ride. "Nervous Breakdown", "Machine", "No Values". I once lifted a car after listening to this album. These songs are like a bullet-proof vest against female tears. Use with caution.
The loss of a friend
Ritual de lo Habitual - Jane's Addiction
Don't think "Been Caught Stealing" - think "Classic Girl", "Then She Did" and "Three Days". All of us with wings...
Beginning Social Awareness 101
Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine
I don't agree with their politics, but they have passion about their cause and they are unrelentless in getting their point across to the listener. Whatever he chooses to do, this album is a playbook for action. This will teach him that AIM is not just a way of communicating online. This is the ultimate soundtrack for a revolution.
Questioning His Faith
(What's the Story) Morning Glory?- Oasis
Proof that God exists.
As music has always been a part a huge part of my life, I want to begin a musical legacy for Jimmy to help guide him through his teen and early adult years. These years are a bear to navigate through, and I hope these albums can help his travels. Below are scenarios that he will undoubtedly encounter on his journeys and the musical road map to help guide the way.
Off we go...
"My voice is changing, yesterday dad was my hero now I hate him and what are those things that smell pretty and have long hair and why won't they talk to me..."
Siamese Dream - The Smashing Pumpkins
No one does the male teenage psyche better than Corgan, and this is his tour de force. Kinda tough for a band when you blow it all on the first go round, but ain't that like a teenager! In 45 minutes we get - rebellion ("Rocket"), introspection ("Disarm"), unrequited love ("Hummer"), rage ("Cherub Rock"), and wonderment ("Today") - just another day in the life of a teenager.
When he becomes an unappreciative, unhappy bastard
Definitely, Maybe - Oasis
What made this album so great was that it flied in the face of what was ruling the airwaves in the early '90s - grunge. "Live Forever" was a direct assault on the Seattle scene, its negativity and its self-loathing. Tracks like "Rock 'n Roll Star" and "Cigarettes and Alcohol" threw away the notion of the lonely, imprisoned rock star and created a larger-than-live ideal of what life on the road should be - FUN. If you can't enjoy attaining everything you've ever dreamed of, you're in the wrong business, cousin.
She just dumped him
The Man Who - Travis
I'll give him 24 hours to mourn, but I want this album on. I'll probably sit with him and talk about lost loves over a couple of pints of B&J's. "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?" and "Writing To Reach You" - c'mon - pretty much tailor made for these 24 hours (and no more...).
He needs to dump her
The First Four Years Collection - Black Flag
16 songs in ~30 minutes. The foot never comes off the gas for the whole ride. "Nervous Breakdown", "Machine", "No Values". I once lifted a car after listening to this album. These songs are like a bullet-proof vest against female tears. Use with caution.
The loss of a friend
Ritual de lo Habitual - Jane's Addiction
Don't think "Been Caught Stealing" - think "Classic Girl", "Then She Did" and "Three Days". All of us with wings...
Beginning Social Awareness 101
Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine
I don't agree with their politics, but they have passion about their cause and they are unrelentless in getting their point across to the listener. Whatever he chooses to do, this album is a playbook for action. This will teach him that AIM is not just a way of communicating online. This is the ultimate soundtrack for a revolution.
Questioning His Faith
(What's the Story) Morning Glory?- Oasis
Proof that God exists.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Atta boy, Hank!
Well, someone "in the know" finally has said what I have been saying for years - it's insane to think that football has cured its performance enhancing drug problem. Hank Steinbrenner's comments yesterday were a bold attack on the halls of the NFL, which has walked through the raindrops of scrutiny that have besieged MLB. It could have been said partially to deflect the attention away from Andy Pettitte or baseball, but whatever the reason, it is about time that someone has called out this sacred cow of sports.
If this is the kind of leadership we'll have moving forward, I feel good about the future in the Bronx.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3252386
If this is the kind of leadership we'll have moving forward, I feel good about the future in the Bronx.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3252386
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Stay Warm, Fellas
Where 95 (after the GW heading east) meets the Cross Bronx Expressway, there is a short underpass where some homeless men congregate to pick up some spare change. It's a good spot for them, as there is some coverage from the elements and traffic is usually heavier there, as cars choose either the Deegan or CBX. Traffic is extra heavy during the summer, as Yankee fans head to the Bronx from NJ. I always make it my business to have singles on me, so I can pass along some good wishes and a few bucks to these guys.
Given the cold weather lately, I haven't seen my friends in a while. In my thoughts they are all safe and warm, enjoying a good meal and laughing together. That's the only thought I will have of them tonight.
Given the cold weather lately, I haven't seen my friends in a while. In my thoughts they are all safe and warm, enjoying a good meal and laughing together. That's the only thought I will have of them tonight.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Mr. Average will always be Mr. Average
Congress is after the steroid using population - again. While the beer chugging and tobacco puffing hordes get to go on their merry way and destroy their insides, their families, their relationships and innocent by-standers to their second hand smoke and drunk driving, the few who want to better themselves will go back into hiding.
In my opinion 10 years from now, these performance enhancement users are going to look like pioneers in human development. We have drugs that cure every physical or mental ailment we can think of, but we curtail the distribution of drugs that would make the average man better. Why? Are we scared of success? If I had a new source of energy and confidence that could get me through an 18-hour day, wouldn't I be a better employee, father, husband and friend? Remember, steroids and hGH are not developed by some back-alley dealer on 2nd Avenue - these drugs are created by pharma companies and their contents are regulated. Men's Health published a stat that the overwhelming majority of sterioid users are 30-something males (me), are educated (me), earn almost six figures (me) and are just trying to enhance their attractiveness (me). Do these guys want to be Mr.Olympia or an All-Pro? No! They just want a small edge in their daily routine, and want to be better employees, fathers, husbands and friends.
Do I needle-up? No. Will I ever? No. But I'd like to think that soon, society will embrace the idea of giving the average man a pharmeceutical leg up. There is no crime in wanting to be the best you possible.
PC
In my opinion 10 years from now, these performance enhancement users are going to look like pioneers in human development. We have drugs that cure every physical or mental ailment we can think of, but we curtail the distribution of drugs that would make the average man better. Why? Are we scared of success? If I had a new source of energy and confidence that could get me through an 18-hour day, wouldn't I be a better employee, father, husband and friend? Remember, steroids and hGH are not developed by some back-alley dealer on 2nd Avenue - these drugs are created by pharma companies and their contents are regulated. Men's Health published a stat that the overwhelming majority of sterioid users are 30-something males (me), are educated (me), earn almost six figures (me) and are just trying to enhance their attractiveness (me). Do these guys want to be Mr.Olympia or an All-Pro? No! They just want a small edge in their daily routine, and want to be better employees, fathers, husbands and friends.
Do I needle-up? No. Will I ever? No. But I'd like to think that soon, society will embrace the idea of giving the average man a pharmeceutical leg up. There is no crime in wanting to be the best you possible.
PC
Saturday, February 9, 2008
My Brother - The MCZA
So random thought I was having - taking people in my life and equating them to a band which fits their personalities. I know, very weird, but I was thinking mostly about my big brother Marc, and other people started to pop into my mind. (Don't say I didn't warn you on my first post.) There are going to be a lot of posts about Marc in this page. As much as I tell him, it never seems to be enough to let him know how much he means to me. You'll learn a lot about him over time, but the best compliment I can give him is that he always believes in me, even when I don't.
My closest friend Todd is Pearl Jam. Hard not to like. Even harder not to respect. No one has a bad word about him, and rightly so. Time and time again, he plugs along, putting good product out and never gets too full of himself. He is a consistent performer and personality, and is always there, like the boys from Seattle, to get me over the mental hump. A phone call to/from him heals me like a good version of "Given to Fly".
I'm a lot like Oasis - a bit brash, a bit arrogant, but a little too concerned with what people / critics think of me. I also am prone to wild claims, like at Ipsos, when I could be overheard often times saying "this place would never survive without me". We'll see how long before I start doing that at Lightspeed. Ipsos, by the way, is doing plenty fine without me. Like Noel, I'm often better on my own than being the leader. If Noel was a better leader, we may still be listening to new stuff from the boys. If I was a better leader, I may still be at Ipsos, who knows.
Then there is Marc. Unyielding in his convictions and unwilling to change. He is who he is, and that is fine by him, because he is great at what he does. If he puts his name on something, you know it will be good. I often wish I could watch him at school. I bet that there are people who don't like him, his methods or his ways, and I honestly don't think he gives a damn. I envy that. He lives on confrontation for sport. I wish I could be that tough and confident. He is 6'3" and 270 lbs. of perpetual motion.
Quite simply, my brother is the Wu-Tang Clan. Love ya MCZA.
OK, let's begin-
My closest friend Todd is Pearl Jam. Hard not to like. Even harder not to respect. No one has a bad word about him, and rightly so. Time and time again, he plugs along, putting good product out and never gets too full of himself. He is a consistent performer and personality, and is always there, like the boys from Seattle, to get me over the mental hump. A phone call to/from him heals me like a good version of "Given to Fly".
I'm a lot like Oasis - a bit brash, a bit arrogant, but a little too concerned with what people / critics think of me. I also am prone to wild claims, like at Ipsos, when I could be overheard often times saying "this place would never survive without me". We'll see how long before I start doing that at Lightspeed. Ipsos, by the way, is doing plenty fine without me. Like Noel, I'm often better on my own than being the leader. If Noel was a better leader, we may still be listening to new stuff from the boys. If I was a better leader, I may still be at Ipsos, who knows.
Then there is Marc. Unyielding in his convictions and unwilling to change. He is who he is, and that is fine by him, because he is great at what he does. If he puts his name on something, you know it will be good. I often wish I could watch him at school. I bet that there are people who don't like him, his methods or his ways, and I honestly don't think he gives a damn. I envy that. He lives on confrontation for sport. I wish I could be that tough and confident. He is 6'3" and 270 lbs. of perpetual motion.
Quite simply, my brother is the Wu-Tang Clan. Love ya MCZA.
Father and Son - 3:10 to Yuma
Watched 3:10 to Yuma last night. (To be clear on any movie ramblings I do, don't expect anything too technical or critical. It's either going to be a "like or don't like it". I have no film school dreams or "I can do it better" thoughts in me about movies. As well, I am no snob. I just like the escape. Given the little free time I have, if I get to watch something, it is most likely after hearing plenty of people talking about it or knowing alot about it before hand. In short, if I get to it, most likely it is a winner.)
3:10 is a winner, start to finish. There are a lot of "Road to Perdition" similarities to the writing, given the travels of the father and son, but it is never hokey, or never gets that "I know what is going to happen here" feel that you would get from something Hollywood like "The Patriot". While many may think the core theme of the film is the realtionship between Ben Waid (Russell Crowe) and Dan Evans (Christian Bale), I feel what we are watching is the relationship between Evans and his son Willam (Logan Lerman).
My son's birth 2 years ago has changed many of my outlooks on life and I believe it is Dan Evans' (Christian Bale) views about being a father that drive him to the decisions he makes in the movie. Having your son hold a unconditional belief that you will always be there for him is every man's greatest desire. While his wife, Alice, played by Gretchen Mol, (surprisingly, in her same wet blanket role as "Rounders", the last thing I think anyone saw her in) shows little or no faith in him, it is his son that slowly begins to understand the choices his father has made in his life and begins to see their meanings.
If you haven't seen it yet, my advice is get to it. I don't want to go into a full review about it at this point, but every role is played perfectly. As well, Ben Waid has just overtaken Alonzo, from Training Day and Teddy KGB, from Rounders, as my favorite movie villian of all time.
3:10 is a winner, start to finish. There are a lot of "Road to Perdition" similarities to the writing, given the travels of the father and son, but it is never hokey, or never gets that "I know what is going to happen here" feel that you would get from something Hollywood like "The Patriot". While many may think the core theme of the film is the realtionship between Ben Waid (Russell Crowe) and Dan Evans (Christian Bale), I feel what we are watching is the relationship between Evans and his son Willam (Logan Lerman).
My son's birth 2 years ago has changed many of my outlooks on life and I believe it is Dan Evans' (Christian Bale) views about being a father that drive him to the decisions he makes in the movie. Having your son hold a unconditional belief that you will always be there for him is every man's greatest desire. While his wife, Alice, played by Gretchen Mol, (surprisingly, in her same wet blanket role as "Rounders", the last thing I think anyone saw her in) shows little or no faith in him, it is his son that slowly begins to understand the choices his father has made in his life and begins to see their meanings.
If you haven't seen it yet, my advice is get to it. I don't want to go into a full review about it at this point, but every role is played perfectly. As well, Ben Waid has just overtaken Alonzo, from Training Day and Teddy KGB, from Rounders, as my favorite movie villian of all time.
Friday, February 8, 2008
bd's Mongolian BBQ
Long Island needs a bd's Mongolian BBQ!!!
Just got back from a business trip to Naperville and the group headed to a bd's Mongolian BBQ for dinner. It's a chain in the mid-west with some locations in the south.
Basic Principle - load up a bunch of beef, pork, seafood, chicken, vegetables and spices in a bowl, hand to some kid slaving over a big circular grill top, watch the show and then eat the goods. For $1 more, do it as many times as you want.
I'm sure Manhattan has a few of these places, but c'mon, this is LI! We invented chain resturants! How are us suburbanites going to schlep our kids into a place in NYC that a) we probably will have to wait 2 hours for and b) will look down at us bringing kids in.
Some business development guy or gal out there - the Island needs you to step up!!!
http://www.gomongo.com/
Cheers,
Paul
Just got back from a business trip to Naperville and the group headed to a bd's Mongolian BBQ for dinner. It's a chain in the mid-west with some locations in the south.
Basic Principle - load up a bunch of beef, pork, seafood, chicken, vegetables and spices in a bowl, hand to some kid slaving over a big circular grill top, watch the show and then eat the goods. For $1 more, do it as many times as you want.
I'm sure Manhattan has a few of these places, but c'mon, this is LI! We invented chain resturants! How are us suburbanites going to schlep our kids into a place in NYC that a) we probably will have to wait 2 hours for and b) will look down at us bringing kids in.
Some business development guy or gal out there - the Island needs you to step up!!!
http://www.gomongo.com/
Cheers,
Paul
Coming Soon!
Just got back from visiting a couple of colleagues and they turned me on to the idea of creating a blog - hope it goes well. If you are a friend, family member, colleague or have stood within 5 feet of me, you know my ADD should make this a fun trip. Hoping to throw out some winners soon...
Peace
Paul
Peace
Paul
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