Recently I heard the news that the USADA will strip Lance Armstrong of his Tour De France medals.
Mr. Armstrong, in his repsonse, has decided the financial and time commitment to appeal, is not worth the expense. He went on to say that he has passed all drug tests every which way of Sunday and there is nothing to prove, that the evidence against him is circumstantial.
I was always dubious of the use becasue he passed supposedly every test under the sun. I always wondered if there were substances you could take that could "mask".
Heard interview today on ESPN radio with one of Lance's teammates. Wrote a book called, "The Secret Race" by Tyler Hamilton, who argues otherwise.
This guy Tyler Hamilton says that the test results were altered by the doctors. He swears that Lance used.
He was interogated by ESPN. Why now? Now write the book? his answer: after he was supeoned and had to swear under oath, with penalties for perjury, he said "the truth has set him free"
While there is no direct evidence that he used, the USADA stripped him of his medals based on testimony of teammates. Is this fair? Is this just?
What always raised a red flag in my mind was his contracting testicular cancer. This is a very rare cancer that is associated with hormone use. And the (unproven) hypothesis that this could be caused by the lack of circulation to the genital area impeded by long hours on a bicycle seat, well, that's just poppy cock. If this argument had credence, there would be an epidemic/pandemic of testicular cancers among riders. There isn't.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Andrew Chaplowitz on why Obama is a slam-dunk to re-elect
So both parties held their conventions.
Barack Obama will be re-elected. Here's why:
The Republicans laid an egg. Arguments to the contrary by journalists of a certain right wing radio station (Hannity, Grant, Levin, O'Reilly), who artificially pumped up the Republican convention.
The fact remains the domestic numbers under the incumbent are as bad as under the last two Presidents to be voted out of office (Bush41 and in the words of Bob Grant, "Jimmy Peanut"). Unfortunately for them, they faced two of the most charismatic public speakers in history, I speak of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton (who once again, rocked the arena last week).
In contrast, Romney failed to allocute how he would fix the economic mess, only to identify the problem. Not to mention the failure to be more transparent with his tax returns is fodder for late night television hosts.
Luckily for Barack, there is no challenge. The debates will feature the prevent defense from both sides, avoiding the mea culpa that affected another sitting President voted outGerald Ford, ("there is no conflict in Poland").
Verdict: Barack, with room to spare.
See you in November.
Barack Obama will be re-elected. Here's why:
The Republicans laid an egg. Arguments to the contrary by journalists of a certain right wing radio station (Hannity, Grant, Levin, O'Reilly), who artificially pumped up the Republican convention.
The fact remains the domestic numbers under the incumbent are as bad as under the last two Presidents to be voted out of office (Bush41 and in the words of Bob Grant, "Jimmy Peanut"). Unfortunately for them, they faced two of the most charismatic public speakers in history, I speak of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton (who once again, rocked the arena last week).
In contrast, Romney failed to allocute how he would fix the economic mess, only to identify the problem. Not to mention the failure to be more transparent with his tax returns is fodder for late night television hosts.
Luckily for Barack, there is no challenge. The debates will feature the prevent defense from both sides, avoiding the mea culpa that affected another sitting President voted outGerald Ford, ("there is no conflict in Poland").
Verdict: Barack, with room to spare.
See you in November.
Andrew Chaplowitz on Brooklyn's $5 Pizza Slice
Read about a place in BK, called De Fara
Slices: $5
Whole Pies: $30
The owner's daughter was interviewed by the local newspaper. When asked if the price would ever go down, she tersely replied, "never, it will never go down, it can only go up".
Got to admire her candor.
When the interviewer asked her father, the only pizza maker in the joint. how he justifies these price points, his response was, "we import our basil from Israel".
Time out:
How much basil goes on a slice of pizza?
Perception is everything.
Slices: $5
Whole Pies: $30
The owner's daughter was interviewed by the local newspaper. When asked if the price would ever go down, she tersely replied, "never, it will never go down, it can only go up".
Got to admire her candor.
When the interviewer asked her father, the only pizza maker in the joint. how he justifies these price points, his response was, "we import our basil from Israel".
Time out:
How much basil goes on a slice of pizza?
Perception is everything.
Andrew Chaplowitz on New Arizona 20TH Anniversary Flavor
ARIZONA CHERRY-LIME RICKEY
Dear Arizona
I think you've you've got something here.
A fantastic packaging, looks like something that Peter Max would do as an album cover for the Beatles.
Carbonated. The flavors come out you, I can imagine Guy Fieri sampling it and doing his in-depth approval/analysis.
Carbonated. The flavors come out you, I can imagine Guy Fieri sampling it and doing his in-depth approval/analysis.
But....Arizona.........
can you please deep six the damn high fructose corn syrup? Its effects are deleterious.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Andrew Chaplowitz on Relay For Life at Kean
"The truth has few allies these days". -Woody Harrelson
"He who answers a matter before he hears the facts – it is folly and shame to him.”
~ Proverbs 18:13
The Relay For Life is an event to be held at Kean University on October 7, 2012, on behalf of the American Cancer Society, to raise money for the ACS.
It is disturbing to me because the participants have the very best of intentions, and believe in their heart and soul, they are donating their time and resources to defeat the dreaded disease we all know as cancer.
Unforunately, the ACS has sold the public a bill of goods, influenced our perception of who they are and what they stand for. Because of the firm grip the "world's most powerful and influential charity" has on the public, my opposition may be dismissed as heresay and conspiratorial.
But before you rush to judgment.....
Please understand that if any of the information contained in the link below were untrue, the ACS would have, as a remedy, a civil suit for defamation.
The sad fact is, they do not because when the facts are presented, there are no damages.
I know the participants did not wake up this morning and believe a stranger would ask them to change their minds about their commitment. I ask only that they have an open heart and mind and exercise due diligence when donating to any cause.
http://www.preventcancer.com/losing/acs/wealthiest_links.htm
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
ANDREW CHAPLOWITZ: DENVER TRAGEDY AT BATMAN MOVIE
Been following the news wires on this senseless tragedy. Albeit timidly. Too painful to read how innocent people's lives were upended and obliterated by this horrific and brutal act.
This is the part that just baffles me:
There is nothing in this young man's past to show he had a propensity for this. Nothing. No rap sheet. Squeaky clean. In the Columbine tragedy, there were triggers. And those kids were on anti-depressents, which can backfire. In the case of Mr. Holmes, it's like his brain temporarily short-circuited. In my opinion, he is going to awake from this fog and be extremely remorseful and in shock he actually comitted these crimes. Just my take.
And while the probability of any of us experience what those poor patrons in Denver went through, it's only natural for a dialogue to develop about being pro-active going forward. Governor Christie argued the discussion is premature, let the families grieve. Mayor Bloomberg, obviously in a state of exasperation, called for the police to go on strike to expedite a paradigm shift in the current gun laws.
What's next? Metal detectors in theatres? From the theatre's legal liability standpoint, not entire impossible.
p.s. 8-07-12 news wires reporting that Holme's psychiatrist saw trouble brewing prior to incident. For more click here
This is the part that just baffles me:
There is nothing in this young man's past to show he had a propensity for this. Nothing. No rap sheet. Squeaky clean. In the Columbine tragedy, there were triggers. And those kids were on anti-depressents, which can backfire. In the case of Mr. Holmes, it's like his brain temporarily short-circuited. In my opinion, he is going to awake from this fog and be extremely remorseful and in shock he actually comitted these crimes. Just my take.
And while the probability of any of us experience what those poor patrons in Denver went through, it's only natural for a dialogue to develop about being pro-active going forward. Governor Christie argued the discussion is premature, let the families grieve. Mayor Bloomberg, obviously in a state of exasperation, called for the police to go on strike to expedite a paradigm shift in the current gun laws.
What's next? Metal detectors in theatres? From the theatre's legal liability standpoint, not entire impossible.
p.s. 8-07-12 news wires reporting that Holme's psychiatrist saw trouble brewing prior to incident. For more click here
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
ANDREW CHAPLOWITZ ON THE LATE GREAT GEORGE KIRBY
I write here to pay tribute to a great entertainer of the past who seems to have been forgotten and to keep his memory alive.
I write of the great George Kirby.
Back when cable came to the suburbs in the 1970's, it introduced a lot of great entertainers into people's homes, who made have seen only a portion of their work when they appeared as guests on variety shows.
I saw Mr. Kirby for the first time on HBO. They showed his entire act. I was literally mesmorized by his impersonations. He was over and beyond.. Today a lot of the material would not go over because of our becoming such a niche society, . Prior to the advent of cable, with only a handful of TV stations to choose from, celebrities were universal, known to young and old. An impressionist didn't have to worry if an audience knew who they were mimicking.
The thing that really made George Kirby unique was his dead-on impersonations of the greatest singers of all time. He did all of them: Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Nat Cole, Pearl Bailey. I mean, Sarah Vaughan! One of the greatest jazz singers of all-time, and he just nails it.
What you have to understand, these were unique artists with very micro-detailed idiosyncracies. And he pulled it off with aplomb.
He was a natural musician, so he could imitate a jazz trombone or upright bass, with the improvisational ability of a professional.
What I loved about him was he would do one of his impersonations, the audience would applaud, and he would break out in this huge grin, an acknowledgement of the crowd while having fun at the same time. The consummate professional.
And, without missing a beat ,he could go to accurate mimics of Archie Bunker, Fat Albert or Richard Nixon.
He played piano like Count Basie. And for a man with his girth, he was suprisingly nimble on his feet. He could dance, too.
What I did not know until now is that Mr. Kirby changed the landscape and paradigm for black enterainers. He ignored the black stereotype and appealed to the masses, opening the doors for future comedians such as Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby.
An excellent article chronicle Mr. Kirby's life can be found here
An excerpt of his brillant nightclub act can be found by clicking here
As is the case with history, times change and tastes change. By the late 1970's, it took more stimuli to entertain and enthrall audiences. Saturday Night Live, the genesis of late-night TV, the zany humor of Steve Martin, Andy Kaufman. etc. became hip. His following dwindled and sadly, in a last ditch effort to save his home, he was caught in a drug selling sting.
To his credit, he did come back, but not the level he was at.
But from 1964-1972, he was in demand, earning an estimated $38,000 per week, which would be the equivlent of well over $150,000 in today's dollars.
He appeared on all the top shows, including the Tonight Show, Dean Martin, Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason.
I hope this article will pique your curiosity in going back and looking at this great entertainer, and that his work gives you as much entertainment as it gives me.
I loved George Kirby.
I write of the great George Kirby.
Back when cable came to the suburbs in the 1970's, it introduced a lot of great entertainers into people's homes, who made have seen only a portion of their work when they appeared as guests on variety shows.
I saw Mr. Kirby for the first time on HBO. They showed his entire act. I was literally mesmorized by his impersonations. He was over and beyond.. Today a lot of the material would not go over because of our becoming such a niche society, . Prior to the advent of cable, with only a handful of TV stations to choose from, celebrities were universal, known to young and old. An impressionist didn't have to worry if an audience knew who they were mimicking.
The thing that really made George Kirby unique was his dead-on impersonations of the greatest singers of all time. He did all of them: Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Nat Cole, Pearl Bailey. I mean, Sarah Vaughan! One of the greatest jazz singers of all-time, and he just nails it.
What you have to understand, these were unique artists with very micro-detailed idiosyncracies. And he pulled it off with aplomb.
He was a natural musician, so he could imitate a jazz trombone or upright bass, with the improvisational ability of a professional.
What I loved about him was he would do one of his impersonations, the audience would applaud, and he would break out in this huge grin, an acknowledgement of the crowd while having fun at the same time. The consummate professional.
And, without missing a beat ,he could go to accurate mimics of Archie Bunker, Fat Albert or Richard Nixon.
He played piano like Count Basie. And for a man with his girth, he was suprisingly nimble on his feet. He could dance, too.
What I did not know until now is that Mr. Kirby changed the landscape and paradigm for black enterainers. He ignored the black stereotype and appealed to the masses, opening the doors for future comedians such as Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby.
An excellent article chronicle Mr. Kirby's life can be found here
An excerpt of his brillant nightclub act can be found by clicking here
As is the case with history, times change and tastes change. By the late 1970's, it took more stimuli to entertain and enthrall audiences. Saturday Night Live, the genesis of late-night TV, the zany humor of Steve Martin, Andy Kaufman. etc. became hip. His following dwindled and sadly, in a last ditch effort to save his home, he was caught in a drug selling sting.
To his credit, he did come back, but not the level he was at.
But from 1964-1972, he was in demand, earning an estimated $38,000 per week, which would be the equivlent of well over $150,000 in today's dollars.
He appeared on all the top shows, including the Tonight Show, Dean Martin, Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason.
I hope this article will pique your curiosity in going back and looking at this great entertainer, and that his work gives you as much entertainment as it gives me.
I loved George Kirby.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
DUNKIN DONUTS OATMEAL VS. JAMBA JUICE OATS--NO CONTEST!
2-15
So the convenience food places are finally waking up and offering the public real health food.
As a connoisseur of oats, I recently sampled the offering of both the deep-fried flour king Dunkin Donuts (that's what donuts are, sorry) and the more health oriented Jamba Juice.
Dunkin $1.99 served in 12 oz foam cup--at least they identify it as instantized because that's what it is.
Very processed, meaning the beta-glucagon is removed, not properly hydrated, looks like that lump that Ralph Kramden served his wife in the episode of The Honeymooners
"Mama loves Mambo"Garnished with some cranberries that tasted sugar laced.
The $1.99 price is in-line...until you consider that their food cost is most likely around 25 cents.
__________________________________________________________________
Jamba Juice's steel-cut oats are an improvement, although that's not saying much. Here the oats are "steel cut", meaning the whole oats, known as "Groats", in their whole form (see my review on http://www.epinons.com/ for Mcann's Oats under my surname "Jewdacrys") are cracked a few times. This maintains more of the beta-glucagon.
jamba offers several fruit toppings. Price: $3.73
Advantage:Jamba Juice by a mile.
but this is far from the most optimal way to consume oats. I don't know whether Jamba cuts their own oats or buys them whole. I'm guessing they buy them cracked, to save on labor
So the convenience food places are finally waking up and offering the public real health food.
As a connoisseur of oats, I recently sampled the offering of both the deep-fried flour king Dunkin Donuts (that's what donuts are, sorry) and the more health oriented Jamba Juice.
Dunkin $1.99 served in 12 oz foam cup--at least they identify it as instantized because that's what it is.
Very processed, meaning the beta-glucagon is removed, not properly hydrated, looks like that lump that Ralph Kramden served his wife in the episode of The Honeymooners
"Mama loves Mambo"Garnished with some cranberries that tasted sugar laced.
The $1.99 price is in-line...until you consider that their food cost is most likely around 25 cents.
__________________________________________________________________
Jamba Juice's steel-cut oats are an improvement, although that's not saying much. Here the oats are "steel cut", meaning the whole oats, known as "Groats", in their whole form (see my review on http://www.epinons.com/ for Mcann's Oats under my surname "Jewdacrys") are cracked a few times. This maintains more of the beta-glucagon.
jamba offers several fruit toppings. Price: $3.73
Advantage:Jamba Juice by a mile.
but this is far from the most optimal way to consume oats. I don't know whether Jamba cuts their own oats or buys them whole. I'm guessing they buy them cracked, to save on labor
RUTGERS COACH SCHIANO FLIES COOP LESS THAN HOURS AFTER RECRUITING HIGH SCHOOL OUT-OF-STATER
Just my two cents on the departure of Rutger's football HC:
But the fact is, when you put so much money into a program at the expense of of other interscholastic sports being eliminated, 8-4 in that league, falls short of expectations.
- true, he put in eleven years. Could have opted for greener pastures after the '06 season, their strongest effort.
- however, there's something called "advance notice". Excepting termination, if you're planning to leave, let the team know in a timely manner. The fact is,the day before he left, he recruited a Baltimore high school player. You think the players he signed in the eleventh hour, chose Rutgers because they thought they were going to play for the man who visited their home?
- So the final chapter has been written. Are they better than they were in the years prior to 2001? Of course. Although that wasn't exactly hard to overcome. Just remember former HC Dick Anderson, had some strong seasons without the resources, budget.
- After 2006, it was not hard to recruit. You didn't have to beg anyone to come to Rutgers. Some of the players went all the way to the NFL. But what did the program do? 8-4 against such powerhouses as North Carolina Central, Florida International.
- West Virginia. What was their record against them?
- Going to bowl games: I remember a time where, after your 2nd loss, you were eliminated. Today: seventy-two teams go to bowl games. Big deal! The Papa John Bowl. Meineke Car Care Bowl. Frito Lay French Onion Dip Bowl. The Tidy Toilet Bowl. Whoever heard of these?
But the fact is, when you put so much money into a program at the expense of of other interscholastic sports being eliminated, 8-4 in that league, falls short of expectations.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
NJ MOTOR VECHICLES--2 LOCATIONS, 2 DIFFERENT ANIMALS
Decided to go up to Springfield, NJ, to report a change of address.
Short story: the difference between the Springfield location and Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark is surreal.
First off, on the day I went, the officer told me it was their busiest day of the year. Yet I was in and out in 75 minutes. Try that, Newark!
Additionally, they greet you civilly. They make eye contact, they smile, they kid. In a word, they make you feel welcome.
Contrast this with Newark, where it's not uncommon to have to take an entire day off work to get it done. My experience: one worker barked in response to a question. Another saw fit to answer a question with food in her mouth, with no eye contact.
In fact, I just had a flash idea: I think the Newark employees should go train in Springfield for a week and see how its done. What do you say, Mr. Director?
Short story: the difference between the Springfield location and Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark is surreal.
First off, on the day I went, the officer told me it was their busiest day of the year. Yet I was in and out in 75 minutes. Try that, Newark!
Additionally, they greet you civilly. They make eye contact, they smile, they kid. In a word, they make you feel welcome.
Contrast this with Newark, where it's not uncommon to have to take an entire day off work to get it done. My experience: one worker barked in response to a question. Another saw fit to answer a question with food in her mouth, with no eye contact.
In fact, I just had a flash idea: I think the Newark employees should go train in Springfield for a week and see how its done. What do you say, Mr. Director?
Friday, March 23, 2012
THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE I RECEIVED IN MY LIFE
From: Andrew Chaplowitz
http://andrewchaplowitz.brandyourself.com
To: Fat Cat Executives at Family Dollar
correction: on my last correspondence, I had the wrong employee. it was not Hilary, it was Jessica.
Would I ever expect, of all places, to go into a DOLLAR STORE in a depressed area, and receive what was the best customer service I ever received in my life?
Right out of superior customer service
For a whopping $9.50 purchase, this young woman was incredibly on point. She did the following:
1. she let me know where I could purchase a item they did not have.
2. I had an especially long item that would not fit in a bag, so she put it in a garbage liner.
3. She knew where every item in the store was, every isle and location.
4. She was uncommonly respectful, receptive to my questions, made eye contact, totally absorbed.
5. She made me feel welcome when I entered the store.
The thing that is truly remarkable is I'm sure this is not part of the training, so she did all these things by initiative. A rare gift indeeed.
This was an experience I would expect in a Nordstrom, or a New York City Spa , nevertheless a dollar store.
I go thru life, seeing so much bad, saggin drawers, bad manners, no regard for decency, which makes the truly outstanding, like Jessica, stand out.
I hope you will honor and recognize this exceptional employee's talents and gifts before some other employer snatchs her away.
http://andrewchaplowitz.brandyourself.com
To: Fat Cat Executives at Family Dollar
correction: on my last correspondence, I had the wrong employee. it was not Hilary, it was Jessica.
Would I ever expect, of all places, to go into a DOLLAR STORE in a depressed area, and receive what was the best customer service I ever received in my life?
Right out of superior customer service
For a whopping $9.50 purchase, this young woman was incredibly on point. She did the following:
1. she let me know where I could purchase a item they did not have.
2. I had an especially long item that would not fit in a bag, so she put it in a garbage liner.
3. She knew where every item in the store was, every isle and location.
4. She was uncommonly respectful, receptive to my questions, made eye contact, totally absorbed.
5. She made me feel welcome when I entered the store.
The thing that is truly remarkable is I'm sure this is not part of the training, so she did all these things by initiative. A rare gift indeeed.
This was an experience I would expect in a Nordstrom, or a New York City Spa , nevertheless a dollar store.
I go thru life, seeing so much bad, saggin drawers, bad manners, no regard for decency, which makes the truly outstanding, like Jessica, stand out.
I hope you will honor and recognize this exceptional employee's talents and gifts before some other employer snatchs her away.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
DAVY JONES--NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
Forget how you feel about the music. They had some heavy weights writing for them (Neil Diamond, Boyce and Hart).
This was a band on top of the world at one point, for those who were around. (If you weren't, go on www.wikpedia.com and find out)
The fact is, there's been many covers of "Daydream Believer", but he owns the song. The first five albums, if my memory serves me correctly (Meet The Monkees, Monkees 2nd album, Monkees The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees.Headquarters (album), Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., ) all charted.
"Valerie"--came on the radio like a locomotive, went right to the top.
You know what's funny? I saw the re-union tour in '87 and thought they were old. Not really, all in their forties. It was two decades after their success and it seemed so distant. It was not.
It was a great tour. Gary Puckett came out and raised the roof.
The Turtles did a parody on "flashdance" (what this had to do with oldies is anyone's guess) and were hilarious.
David Jones--part of music history--whether you like it or not.
RIP.
This was a band on top of the world at one point, for those who were around. (If you weren't, go on www.wikpedia.com and find out)
The fact is, there's been many covers of "Daydream Believer", but he owns the song. The first five albums, if my memory serves me correctly (Meet The Monkees, Monkees 2nd album, Monkees The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees.Headquarters (album), Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., ) all charted.
"Valerie"--came on the radio like a locomotive, went right to the top.
You know what's funny? I saw the re-union tour in '87 and thought they were old. Not really, all in their forties. It was two decades after their success and it seemed so distant. It was not.
It was a great tour. Gary Puckett came out and raised the roof.
The Turtles did a parody on "flashdance" (what this had to do with oldies is anyone's guess) and were hilarious.
David Jones--part of music history--whether you like it or not.
RIP.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
NEW YORK GIANTS--CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD--LIFE LESSONS
Dear Readers:
I apologize if I come off like Horatio Alger.
But wasn't it just a short time ago, that the critics and pundits were saying last rites for Coach Coughlin, Perry Fewell, and Brandon Jacobs? And what about Jerry Reese, the alleged apathetic GM, who sat through the off-season, let his starting tight end and high-volume wide receiver slip away and do nothing to replace them?
Lesson: don't judge a book by its cover
All we can do in our difficult times, is dig in, block out the distractions, keep working, and have the faith. What a concept!
That's what Couglin's predecessor, Bill Parcells, did in 1983. Had two terminally ill parents, lost Doug Kotar to cancer, had to deal with the rumors the GM was talking to Schnellenberger in Florida. In his book, Parcells posed the question, how does one deal with it? answer: you just do. He coached the team during the day, visited his parents in the hospital at night.. Al Davis told him, "just coach your god-damn team".
Worked out pretty well, dontcha think? The fact that Parcells was kept out the Hall of Fame, gives new meaning to the word "bias".
Back to Coach Coughlin. His public persona is always even. But his wife conceded that the last couple of years have been trying. No amount of $ will mitigate that. You work insane hours, obliterates quality time with your loved ones. Everyone's a Monday morning QB. We have 24/7 talk shows with those who think they can do it better.
Reminds me of a quote by the late George Burns: "it's a shame that all the people who think they can run the country are too busy cutting hair and driving hacks". Classic. Not meant to disparage barbers or livery drivers, just to hammer home the point that each of us has our own limited sphere of knowledge.
He'll never admit to it, but it hurts. Maybe not as much as someone very sensitive, but it does.
Look at Joe Frazier. One of the toughest men ever, willing and able to absorb punishment. Yet Ali's words hurt like uppercuts, qnawned at him forever, took it to his grave.
What I admire most about the coach as well as Eli Manning is their humility. Nothing against braggadocios, but I prefer those who do their talking through their actions rather than self-promotion.
Wouldn't it be great if the examples that the way both Manning and Coughlin go about their business, becomes the new paradigm?
Kudos to the Giants, Coach Coughlin and his magnificent staff. I hope that both Well Mara and Bob Tisch are looking down with Cheshire The Cat smiles on their faces.
I apologize if I come off like Horatio Alger.
But wasn't it just a short time ago, that the critics and pundits were saying last rites for Coach Coughlin, Perry Fewell, and Brandon Jacobs? And what about Jerry Reese, the alleged apathetic GM, who sat through the off-season, let his starting tight end and high-volume wide receiver slip away and do nothing to replace them?
Lesson: don't judge a book by its cover
All we can do in our difficult times, is dig in, block out the distractions, keep working, and have the faith. What a concept!
That's what Couglin's predecessor, Bill Parcells, did in 1983. Had two terminally ill parents, lost Doug Kotar to cancer, had to deal with the rumors the GM was talking to Schnellenberger in Florida. In his book, Parcells posed the question, how does one deal with it? answer: you just do. He coached the team during the day, visited his parents in the hospital at night.. Al Davis told him, "just coach your god-damn team".
Worked out pretty well, dontcha think? The fact that Parcells was kept out the Hall of Fame, gives new meaning to the word "bias".
Back to Coach Coughlin. His public persona is always even. But his wife conceded that the last couple of years have been trying. No amount of $ will mitigate that. You work insane hours, obliterates quality time with your loved ones. Everyone's a Monday morning QB. We have 24/7 talk shows with those who think they can do it better.
Reminds me of a quote by the late George Burns: "it's a shame that all the people who think they can run the country are too busy cutting hair and driving hacks". Classic. Not meant to disparage barbers or livery drivers, just to hammer home the point that each of us has our own limited sphere of knowledge.
He'll never admit to it, but it hurts. Maybe not as much as someone very sensitive, but it does.
Look at Joe Frazier. One of the toughest men ever, willing and able to absorb punishment. Yet Ali's words hurt like uppercuts, qnawned at him forever, took it to his grave.
What I admire most about the coach as well as Eli Manning is their humility. Nothing against braggadocios, but I prefer those who do their talking through their actions rather than self-promotion.
Wouldn't it be great if the examples that the way both Manning and Coughlin go about their business, becomes the new paradigm?
Kudos to the Giants, Coach Coughlin and his magnificent staff. I hope that both Well Mara and Bob Tisch are looking down with Cheshire The Cat smiles on their faces.
SAY HELLO TO BILL CLINTON AND VENUS WILLIAMS--PUBLIC'S NEW VEGANS
2-15
Was walking in downtown Union, NJ the other day and did a double-take:
COMING SOON. KILLER VEGAN DINER AND DELI.
Thought I was hallucinating. It was always my dream for such a venture to take place in Jersey.
But what timing!
The more I think about it, the more conviction I have in the venture.The recent announcements of President Clinton and world-class athlete Venus Williams,to follow a vegan diet, is a ringing endorsement. How far we've come from the stereotype of the typical vegan being a scraggly starvation practitioner.
Funny, I used to work for a company where the women just adored the former President. I mean, he could do no wrong. And these were the same women who castigated me for eating tofu. So I wonder, how much clout does he have? Would they now turn on him, or would it make them more open?
What's interesting here are the opposing reasons why both the former President and Ms. Williams came to their decision.
Clinton's decision was spurred on by a strong letter by Dr. Dean Ornish, an MD who has reversed coronary arterial blockage through dietary and lifestyle changes and has the scientific proof to do so. In fact, Oxford is paying for his protocol, as an alternative to bypass surgery. Clinton, in a candid interview, said, he wants to be around for his grandkids to grow up. That statement is on the money. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to people with the same academic intelligence as President Clinton, became utterly moronic when defending their dietary choices. Here, the President came to an informed decision based on irrefutable science. I mean, it's just a grand slam on his part. There is academic intelligence. And then there's emotional intelligence. The President has it on both counts.
In the case of the thirty-year old tennis champion Williams, she became educated on how a predominate animal-protein diet is pro-inflammatory. here she made the choice to be her best on the court.
I truly hope that these two admired public figures, by coming out, will encourage others to do the same. Again, not to necessarily buy the practice wholesale. Just a shift. And from that shift comes momentum once the benefits are realized.
Was walking in downtown Union, NJ the other day and did a double-take:
COMING SOON. KILLER VEGAN DINER AND DELI.
Thought I was hallucinating. It was always my dream for such a venture to take place in Jersey.
But what timing!
The more I think about it, the more conviction I have in the venture.The recent announcements of President Clinton and world-class athlete Venus Williams,to follow a vegan diet, is a ringing endorsement. How far we've come from the stereotype of the typical vegan being a scraggly starvation practitioner.
Funny, I used to work for a company where the women just adored the former President. I mean, he could do no wrong. And these were the same women who castigated me for eating tofu. So I wonder, how much clout does he have? Would they now turn on him, or would it make them more open?
What's interesting here are the opposing reasons why both the former President and Ms. Williams came to their decision.
Clinton's decision was spurred on by a strong letter by Dr. Dean Ornish, an MD who has reversed coronary arterial blockage through dietary and lifestyle changes and has the scientific proof to do so. In fact, Oxford is paying for his protocol, as an alternative to bypass surgery. Clinton, in a candid interview, said, he wants to be around for his grandkids to grow up. That statement is on the money. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to people with the same academic intelligence as President Clinton, became utterly moronic when defending their dietary choices. Here, the President came to an informed decision based on irrefutable science. I mean, it's just a grand slam on his part. There is academic intelligence. And then there's emotional intelligence. The President has it on both counts.
In the case of the thirty-year old tennis champion Williams, she became educated on how a predominate animal-protein diet is pro-inflammatory. here she made the choice to be her best on the court.
I truly hope that these two admired public figures, by coming out, will encourage others to do the same. Again, not to necessarily buy the practice wholesale. Just a shift. And from that shift comes momentum once the benefits are realized.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
STOP&SHOP SETS NEW STANDARDS FOR NATURAL FOODS SECTION IN A SUPERMARKET
If someone said to me, twenty years ago, ten years ago, five years ago, I would walk into a supermarket, and see on the shelves "Red Bolivian Quinoa", I'd have you committed.
Low and behold, I was browsing the aisles at the Stop&Shop in Union, NJ, and that's exactly what I saw.
Voila!
To say their natural foods section is a forte is to put it mildly. having been consuming natural foods for more years than I care to remember, I was literally blown away by some of the true "super-foods" they offer, including:
Low and behold, I was browsing the aisles at the Stop&Shop in Union, NJ, and that's exactly what I saw.
Voila!
To say their natural foods section is a forte is to put it mildly. having been consuming natural foods for more years than I care to remember, I was literally blown away by some of the true "super-foods" they offer, including:
- Food For Life's Ezekiel Sprouted Cereal. so far superior to other cold cereals, it leaves them in the dust (see my review at http://www.epinions.com/ under my nickname "Jewdacrys"
- Bob's Red Mill line of whole grain products
- Virgil's Diet Root Beer, sweetened with stevia
- Assortment of natural sweeteners, including raw, unfiltered, unpasturized honey, agave, stevia.
- A plethora of natural snacks, made with expeller-pressed oils
WHITNEY HOUSTON--REFLECTIONS
Wow.
Was riding mass transit Sat. eve., heard a passenger casually mentioned that Whitney Houston died.
....??!!
Floods of memories flew by. For me, the second album, eponymously titled, "Whitney", made me an instant fan, and in my opinion, was her strongest effort. A friend played the whole LP (yes, once upon a time, there was vinyl). It was the strongest and most flavorable top 40 pop LP I had heard in a while.
My favorite: "Just The Lonely Talking Again", a jazzy ballad arrangement of the Sam Dees composition. She just put me into convulsions.
Then there was the duet with her mother, Cissy called "I Know Him So Well." Solid.
Another ballad that made me melt, the opener on side B "Where You Are". What control. She could throw it into over-drive, or pull it back into first gear. Just gorgeous.
I broke out of my my dance shell with "So Emotional", "Love Will Save The Day", and "I Just Want To Dance With Somebody". I practiced swing dancing to "Love Is A Contact Sport." I could not stay seated when these tunes were spun. 1987 was the heyday of melodic, flavorable, listenable songs. Along with Taylor Daynes efforts, that was it for me.
I'm fully aware there was a plethora of material after this release, along with film acting, and of course, she blew the roof off on "The Star Bangled Banner". But for me, this 2nd LP, simply titled, "Whitney" (not to be confused the eponymously titled "Whitney Houston", two years prior) ranks as my fav of all of her work. Going forward, it seemed like she tried to adjust to trends, starting with 1990's "I'm Your Baby Tonight".
_______________________________________________________________
So where did it all go wrong? This is not the first, nor will it be the last superstar to lose their life prematurely.
Not looking forward to all the tabloids flooding us with conspiracy theories and psuedo-scientific nonsense, not to mention the mere gossip ad nauseum.
I feel for her mother, to be pre-deceased by your daughter. Can't fathom what that feels like.
I caught Whitney's act at the Garden State Arts Center coinciding with the release of the second LP. Live performance was not her forte, at least not then. I sat behind her mother, who walked out mid-way.
But for pure voice, strength, fluidity, power, control, octave range, she was indeed one of a kind.
May this gifted yet tortured soul find peace and be reunited with her maker
Was riding mass transit Sat. eve., heard a passenger casually mentioned that Whitney Houston died.
....??!!
Floods of memories flew by. For me, the second album, eponymously titled, "Whitney", made me an instant fan, and in my opinion, was her strongest effort. A friend played the whole LP (yes, once upon a time, there was vinyl). It was the strongest and most flavorable top 40 pop LP I had heard in a while.
My favorite: "Just The Lonely Talking Again", a jazzy ballad arrangement of the Sam Dees composition. She just put me into convulsions.
Then there was the duet with her mother, Cissy called "I Know Him So Well." Solid.
Another ballad that made me melt, the opener on side B "Where You Are". What control. She could throw it into over-drive, or pull it back into first gear. Just gorgeous.
I broke out of my my dance shell with "So Emotional", "Love Will Save The Day", and "I Just Want To Dance With Somebody". I practiced swing dancing to "Love Is A Contact Sport." I could not stay seated when these tunes were spun. 1987 was the heyday of melodic, flavorable, listenable songs. Along with Taylor Daynes efforts, that was it for me.
I'm fully aware there was a plethora of material after this release, along with film acting, and of course, she blew the roof off on "The Star Bangled Banner". But for me, this 2nd LP, simply titled, "Whitney" (not to be confused the eponymously titled "Whitney Houston", two years prior) ranks as my fav of all of her work. Going forward, it seemed like she tried to adjust to trends, starting with 1990's "I'm Your Baby Tonight".
_______________________________________________________________
So where did it all go wrong? This is not the first, nor will it be the last superstar to lose their life prematurely.
Not looking forward to all the tabloids flooding us with conspiracy theories and psuedo-scientific nonsense, not to mention the mere gossip ad nauseum.
I feel for her mother, to be pre-deceased by your daughter. Can't fathom what that feels like.
I caught Whitney's act at the Garden State Arts Center coinciding with the release of the second LP. Live performance was not her forte, at least not then. I sat behind her mother, who walked out mid-way.
But for pure voice, strength, fluidity, power, control, octave range, she was indeed one of a kind.
May this gifted yet tortured soul find peace and be reunited with her maker
MR. MONTAGUE'S DIST. LIST--MY JOURNEY
Mr. Montague's e-mail distribution list is one of several steps that is essential to either getting a job or re-entering the market for whatever reason you're "looking in" from the outside.
My personal journey: (and I elect to still receive the list, even though I might not really "need" it)
Last year, the list had a job interview offering at a nearby company. While I did not get the job, I met another applicant. She was working p/t nites, she gave me the number for that company, Guess what? That was my re-entry into the job market after being unemployed for months. The young woman became a co-worker as well as a friend. The fact I got to chill with a bodacious 22 y.o with curves that haven't been invented yet, is besides the point.
Then, walking around the area near that first job, I saw a sign for a radio station. Went to their website. Now I volunteer there. Met someone who wants to help me break into a certain job market. So there. Just put yourself out there.
All of the above was put in place from the e-mail distribution list!
Inertia. Momentum. Set something into motion, and it grows.
Lesson #1: get out there, stuff happens. There's two ways to climb a tree. You can simply climb, get dirty, get roughed up.
Or you can look for an acorn, sit your lazy behind down on it, and wait for the acorn to grow.
Re: Job Connection and Distribution List: The reality is most of the jobs will not be for you. Monte will send me something and I will be like, "what the____?" Under-qualified. Over-qualified. This stuff is way out there.
But you never know. Let me give you an example. Recently, the list had an opening for NJ Transit, directing interested applicants to their website. My first thought was, "why bother? I'm no bus driver, I'm not 'Ralph Kramden' from 'The Honeymooners'. And I have no mechanical background". But something happened. You see, I've been riding NJT buses for a while, and had wanted to start giving them feedback. You know, compliment drivers, complain about late buses, and the like. So the ad on Monte's list triggered me to do it. And now I repsond with them regularly, made a connection there. So who knows, maybe something will open up that I'd be qualified for.
- Reading that list is great experience. After a while, you know what to look for in a job ad. You can read a greater volume, get through more ads quickly and efficientyl, eliminate, and dig for the job you desire.
Also, while a particular job may not be for you, you may know of someone who would be perfect for that job.
Ever hear the expression, " you have to give in order to get?"
Use the Distribution List to network with those who don't receive it.
My story: I got my first job in a long time thru Montague's job distribution list. It wasn't my dream job. But it was a job nevertheless. Telemarketing for an insurance company. Most people won't do it. But it was valuable work experience. And it put me on the map. Resumes with active work experience have more intrinsic value with those that have gaps.
VERY IMPORTANT POINT: I was told that once you start working again, regardless of the job, you build momentum. You don't view yourself as a victim or someone who is un-marketable. You start to aspire to better jobs. I can tell you first-hand, that statement was on the money.
I've moved on from that first job. I'm making contacts to reach higher, to get my optimal job or business. I've met quality people, honorable, loving kind people. Those outside Brix city don't know it, but not everyone who lives here, works here, or rides NJ Transit buses is a clown (or buffoon, as Monte so succinctly put it), a street thug, or knucklehead. Most people are good.
And I got to meet Monte and learn what "rubbing the Black&Mild" means.
Summation: The e-mail distribution list is a resource. It's not "what you get out of it", but what it" gets out of you". It's what you make of it. Remember, a fifty-cent silver dollar and fifty dollar gold coin have the same value if they're both lying at the bottom of an ocean.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
SUPER BOWL XLVI--GIANTS 34 PATRIOTS 33
Giants trail entire game, Manning finds Ballard in end zone with 0:06 remaining to give the Mara-Tisch organization their fourth Lombardi trophy.
SYNOPSIS
Patriots 7 Giants 0
Patriots 14 Giants 0
Patriots 17 Giants 0 (Big Blue defense tightens up in red zone, clobbers Brady)
Patriots 17 Giants 7
Patriots 20 Giants 7 (another red zone stand, keep it to a field goal
Patriots 20 Giants 10 (Tynes 50yd field goal to end the first half).
HALFTIME--MADONNA TOES THE LINE WITH SALACIOUSNESS
Patriots 20 Giants 13
Patriots 27 Giants 13
Patriots 27 Giants 20 (Manning to Cruz-68yd. TD)
Patriots 30 Giants 20
Patriots 30 Giants 27 (5:33 remaining 4th qtr.)
Patriots 33 Giants 27 (1:45 remaining 4th qtr,. Giants have two time-outs remaining)
GIANTS 34 PATRIOTS 33--GAME OVER!
SYNOPSIS
Patriots 7 Giants 0
Patriots 14 Giants 0
Patriots 17 Giants 0 (Big Blue defense tightens up in red zone, clobbers Brady)
Patriots 17 Giants 7
Patriots 20 Giants 7 (another red zone stand, keep it to a field goal
Patriots 20 Giants 10 (Tynes 50yd field goal to end the first half).
HALFTIME--MADONNA TOES THE LINE WITH SALACIOUSNESS
Patriots 20 Giants 13
Patriots 27 Giants 13
Patriots 27 Giants 20 (Manning to Cruz-68yd. TD)
Patriots 30 Giants 20
Patriots 30 Giants 27 (5:33 remaining 4th qtr.)
Patriots 33 Giants 27 (1:45 remaining 4th qtr,. Giants have two time-outs remaining)
GIANTS 34 PATRIOTS 33--GAME OVER!
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