I caught a little bit of William Shatner's new show, "Shit My Dad Says," (I don't care...just say what it is), and I couldn't help but think this was Denny Crane in an alternate reality if he didn't become the hot shot Boston laywer and instead settled down as a family man. I'm going to watch this week's episode with that in mind and see how more funny it is. I bet I'm not the only one who sees this. Boy, I miss Boston Legal.
So now As The World Turns is gone. Les Moonves is on his mission to exterminate soap operas...just to say he did it. Mr. Julie Chen needs to be stopped. His counterparts at both ABC and NBC quit and got fired, respectively, and now it's ol' Les's turn. This guy also cancelled Guiding Light, The Ghost Whisperer, Joan of Arcadia, Judging Amy, and Star Trek: Enterprise...all shows I believe ended before their time. This guy has an ego bigger than Donald Trump, he loves power, and enjoys people being afraid of him. Dan Rather called him out a few years ago, and the guy has been a bastard ever since. But then again, this is all just TV, right? Nobody cares about TV anymore.
Something I say several times each Saturday: "HOUSE!"
So the Hartford Whalers are coming back. No, wait...that's not right. The Connecticut Whalers are coming. Oh...geez...that's not right, either. Ah, I have it...the Connecticut Whale is just about here. Howard Baldwin is full-steam ahead with his plan to bring the NHL back to Hartford. I didn't feel any sense of closure after the last Whalers game over 13 years ago. I just didn't feel it was over. Maybe I was right. The Connecticut Whale is our chance to show the hockey world Hartford is a major league market worthy of the NHL. Let's do it, folks.
I saw REO Speedwagon at the Durham Fair on Saturday night. Kevin Cronin said twice he had a cold. Keep complaining about it and I'll want my money back. They played a couple of songs I haven't heard in a long time, so that was cool.
Way to go Hartford Colonials! They're 1-1 but easily could be 2-0. Looking forward to the next game at The Rent. Come out to the game, people!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Gavin
Gavin Owens was born four years ago today. His third birthday was full of celebration and joy and happy faces and a very excited little boy. His fourth birthday is very different. He is not with his parents and sister and family and friends, but with God and Jesus experiencing the ultimate Joy that we all hope to also experience when the next stage of our lives begin. More about Gavin's story can be found at http://www.gavinowens.com/ and http://www.adamowens.com/. Let's all pray that everyone who loves and misses Gavin has the strength to ovvercome the saddness and experience the many wonderful ways Gavin graced this planet with his physical presence for 3 1/2 years. I never met Adam or Karen or Madison or Gavin, but I feel like I know all of them. Adam and Karen have been so open about their experience that it's impossible not to feel like I've known them all my life. It's amazing and wonderful. I have these friends that I have only communicated with on the internet, yet feel like they are my neighbors that I see and talk with every day. You know, that's awesome.
I can go on and on, which I kind of did on Adam's blog this morning, but I just wanted to briefly express my feelings on the day Gavin's birth is celebrated. Four years ago today, the world was changed for the better. That is very much worth celebrating.
Happy Birthday Gavin!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wedding at the Castle
We had a wonderful time last night at the wedding of my cousin Joe and his beautiful bride Pam at Saint Clements Castle. All day the threat of rain was upon us--and Kerri and I know all too well what that's like--but it stayed away for the outdoor ceremony. Then there was a very tasty cocktail hour, and a rocking party celebration with excellent food and fantastic cake. (Remember...everything revolves around the cake. Bad cake = bad wedding. Last night was an excellent wedding.) It was fun hanging with the "young" folk at our Italian Isle table...as I think I was the oldest one. And yes, even I got on the dance floor. I was making a mad dash for the restroom as everyone was out there, and my uncle saw me and yelled, "Marco! Get out here!"...and that was that. I had a lot of fun...just had to loosen up out there. Amy took very good care of Sam and Amelia at home (thanks Amy!). We never worried for a moment and knew they were in excellent hands.
So congratulations Joe and Pam! You make an amazing couple, and have a blast in Cabo. I'm happy my cousin found someone "weird enough" for him! (Oh, I also must add that Jon did one of the funniest toasts I've ever heard...even with visual props with help from Jeff. Bravo job! Lisa's toast was excellent as well.)
As I type this, I hear a crash in the other room. What could all that noise Sam and Amelia are making possibly be???
So congratulations Joe and Pam! You make an amazing couple, and have a blast in Cabo. I'm happy my cousin found someone "weird enough" for him! (Oh, I also must add that Jon did one of the funniest toasts I've ever heard...even with visual props with help from Jeff. Bravo job! Lisa's toast was excellent as well.)
As I type this, I hear a crash in the other room. What could all that noise Sam and Amelia are making possibly be???
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Guest One
I'm drinking my coffee out of my Jay Leno mug this morning helping the kids eat breakfast. This coffee mug is from Jay Leno's first stint on The Tonight Show. Can you call a run of 16 years a "stint"? What would you call Conan's little blip then? Maybe just that...a blip...or flicker...or annoying mosquito bite perhaps? It's certainly strange with no more Kevin Eubanks. Actually, I'm going to miss Smitty the most.
My kids are very lucky. This weekend we had a picnic in Bushnell Park catered by Panera Bread. Then we went on that carousel, spent some time on the playground, then went back on the carousel. On Sunday we went to the carousel and fire house museum in Bristol--a hidden gem that is awesome--and then to Papa and Me-me's house. I may be missing something but it was a packed weekend. I also took the kids to do some shopping at Lowe's yesterday.
So this Van der Sloot guy...complete scum, huh? At least he won't be hurting anyone anymore. But this last one should have never happened. Had the police in Aruba done their job five years ago, this guy would have been in jail a long time ago. He even looks like a louse. Buh-bye.
Next week would have been Gavin Owen's fourth birthday. To read about this strong, amazing little man, visit his mom's blog at http://www.gavinowens.com/. My kids have passed the age of when Gavin died just recently. I know that seems strange to think of something like that, but sometimes you can't help it. Gavin was amazing...still is amazing.
Anyone up for powerwashing my house? It's fun! Really. Almost as fun as painting a white fence.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
What would the world be like without mothers? There wouldn't be much. There is no question why our planet is called Mother Earth. Mothers nuture and take care of us. There is always a bond between mother and child that transends miles, age, and even death. Here Here to all the moms out there...especially the wonderful mother of my beautiful twins.
I had a lovely visit with my niece/Goddaughter Mia yesterday. While Kerri and Michelle were pampering themselves (and rightfully so) to pedicures, I stayed home with the Lopa Three of the next generation. We had a very fun time. Mia even invited me to a tea party and every time I took a sip, she smiled and giggled.
Still completely stoked about driving down to Florida with my dad to watch Discovery launch in September. I found out the exact place we will be. We won't be at the press site like I thought in my last blog. We're actually going to be right near the runway with a direct profile view of the launch...at the same distace of three miles. There is also a huge Apollo/Saturn V complex there we can visit while waiting for the launch. In the very unlikely event there is a problem during launch and Discovery needs to come back to the site, we'll be right there at the runway. Not that I'm hoping that happens, but after the fact, it would be cool to say we saw a launch and landing on either side of us in the span of 20 minutes.
Goodness...it's 45 degrees here and snowing in Buffalo. Sometimes the weather doesn't give a darn what the calendar says. Add in a little wind, and it's cold out there.
I just found out REO Speedwagon is coming to Connecticut for a solo gig at the Durham Fair. I'm there. Let's see if Kurt and Greg join me. Finally, a non-co-headliner show so they actually play two hours instead of only 75 minutes. That's more songs for my buck.
Amelia is leaving her hair alone and it's the afternoon. So far so good! Mommy will be very happy.
I had a lovely visit with my niece/Goddaughter Mia yesterday. While Kerri and Michelle were pampering themselves (and rightfully so) to pedicures, I stayed home with the Lopa Three of the next generation. We had a very fun time. Mia even invited me to a tea party and every time I took a sip, she smiled and giggled.
Still completely stoked about driving down to Florida with my dad to watch Discovery launch in September. I found out the exact place we will be. We won't be at the press site like I thought in my last blog. We're actually going to be right near the runway with a direct profile view of the launch...at the same distace of three miles. There is also a huge Apollo/Saturn V complex there we can visit while waiting for the launch. In the very unlikely event there is a problem during launch and Discovery needs to come back to the site, we'll be right there at the runway. Not that I'm hoping that happens, but after the fact, it would be cool to say we saw a launch and landing on either side of us in the span of 20 minutes.
Goodness...it's 45 degrees here and snowing in Buffalo. Sometimes the weather doesn't give a darn what the calendar says. Add in a little wind, and it's cold out there.
I just found out REO Speedwagon is coming to Connecticut for a solo gig at the Durham Fair. I'm there. Let's see if Kurt and Greg join me. Finally, a non-co-headliner show so they actually play two hours instead of only 75 minutes. That's more songs for my buck.
Amelia is leaving her hair alone and it's the afternoon. So far so good! Mommy will be very happy.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
What a Lovely Flower!
So says Wubbzy in his cool manly voice. You know...when he's auditioning to be the dinosaur? Ok, nevermind.
My daughter loves to wake up and say, "what a beautiful sunny morning!" The other day it was cloudy and she started and said, "what a beautiful sunny..." and then stopped. I think she said it was a beautiful cloudy or rainy day or something like that. Every day is a beautiful day to the kids. They may not act like it all the time, but most of the time at least. I think.
My dad and I are going to be VIP guests for the shuttle Discovery launch in September. If anyone knows me, they know I write to everyone and anyone about all kinds of things. Through this characteristic of mine, I got to be pen pals with Hugh Harris, who commentated the launches from 1981-1989. One thing led to another and he invited me and a guest to be right at the countdown clock three miles away from the pad. This will be our view:
My daughter loves to wake up and say, "what a beautiful sunny morning!" The other day it was cloudy and she started and said, "what a beautiful sunny..." and then stopped. I think she said it was a beautiful cloudy or rainy day or something like that. Every day is a beautiful day to the kids. They may not act like it all the time, but most of the time at least. I think.
My dad and I are going to be VIP guests for the shuttle Discovery launch in September. If anyone knows me, they know I write to everyone and anyone about all kinds of things. Through this characteristic of mine, I got to be pen pals with Hugh Harris, who commentated the launches from 1981-1989. One thing led to another and he invited me and a guest to be right at the countdown clock three miles away from the pad. This will be our view:
We are completely stoked. We're driving, which I would prefer anyway, just in case the darn thing gets delayed while down there. Imagine flying down, having the launch be delayed, and having to fly back hours before the launch? Talk about total suckness. But, I love driving to Florida, so it will be really cool. I think this will be the very first time I go to Florida and not visit Walt Disney World! That's planned for January (fingers crossed).
On the heels of finding out there will be a Cars 2, Kerri informed me there will be a Monster's Inc. 2 as well! Those will be great. Toy Story 3--geez, is that next month already?--will be the first adventure of Sam and Amelia in the movie theater. I have no idea what to expect.
I'm still trying to decide whether to go to the REO Speedwagon/Pat Benatar concert at Mohegan...next month. While I love seeing REO in concert, since this will be a co-headliner show, they will be playing the same 11 songs they always do in a shortened set. Plus, I have seen Pat before when she toured with REO back in the 90s, so I've kind of been there, done that.
It is indeed a beautful sunny day, and I think that means I need to mow the lawn. I hear it calling my name...
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Dear President Obama
President Obama is visiting the Kennedy Space Center in two weeks to discuss his plans for NASA and U.S. human spaceflight. During his campaign, he promised the people affected by the end of the space shuttle program he would close the anticipated five-year gap between the last shuttle flight and its successor, Constellation. However, his proposed budget not only cancells the space shuttle, but also cancells Constallation, which the United States has already spent $9 billion on. He wants to have private, commercialized companies sending our astronauts into space, which there is no timetable for. In the meantime, we are to be 100% dependant on having Russia send American astronauts into space. A newspaper based near the space coast, Florida Today, is inviting people to write a letter to Obama in 200 words or less on their views. This is my entry:
Dear Mr. President:
The United States needs a manned space program. We cannot rely on the Russians to send our astronauts to a space station we primarily built and support. What if relations between the Russians and us go sour? What if they decide to double the amount they charge to send our people up there? How can you allow this?
You promised to shorten the gap between the end of the space shuttle and the next vehicle. Now, you are doing the complete opposite. Many people voted for you because of this promise.
How are we supposed to inspire our young people with no way for us to send astronauts into space? A space vehicle has not been cancelled since the 70s when Apollo was mothballed, but at least it was to introduce the space shuttle. You are canceling both the shuttle and its successor in one stroke of the pen. Why are you trying to torpedo the United States manned space program?
The United States has always been a leader, and now you are proposing we take a back seat and let Russia dictate our manned space capabilities. If you are going to cancel Constellation, you must extend the space shuttle program.
Dear Mr. President:
The United States needs a manned space program. We cannot rely on the Russians to send our astronauts to a space station we primarily built and support. What if relations between the Russians and us go sour? What if they decide to double the amount they charge to send our people up there? How can you allow this?
You promised to shorten the gap between the end of the space shuttle and the next vehicle. Now, you are doing the complete opposite. Many people voted for you because of this promise.
How are we supposed to inspire our young people with no way for us to send astronauts into space? A space vehicle has not been cancelled since the 70s when Apollo was mothballed, but at least it was to introduce the space shuttle. You are canceling both the shuttle and its successor in one stroke of the pen. Why are you trying to torpedo the United States manned space program?
The United States has always been a leader, and now you are proposing we take a back seat and let Russia dictate our manned space capabilities. If you are going to cancel Constellation, you must extend the space shuttle program.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Sun, Part II
When I woke up this morning, it was 27 degrees and frost was on all the cars in sight. Now it's 67 degrees and just a gorgeous spring-like day. What a fabulous St. Patrick's Day. It could easily be snowing right now--that's March for you--but I'll take this weather. The kids enjoyed playing in the back yard, smelling flowers that are coming up, and especially getting on the swings for the first time in months.
I just read the open letter Corey Feldman posted on his blog to Corey Haim. It definitely makes you think on several levels about several things: http://coreyfeldman.wordpress.com/2010/03/16/a-letter-for-the-grave-an-open-letter-to-corey-haim
There are only four more scheduled shuttle launches, but I have a hunch there will be more. Does this country really want to rely on the Russians to put American astronauts in space? I can't think of very many things more stupid this government could do. If the schedule sticks, there will be no more night launches. Here is a pic of what may have been the last one:
Speaking of the kids, they simply are not napping today. Nothing is working. It's time to get them up and go outside again I guess. Maybe they're crash early tonight...but probably not.
I just read the open letter Corey Feldman posted on his blog to Corey Haim. It definitely makes you think on several levels about several things: http://coreyfeldman.wordpress.com/2010/03/16/a-letter-for-the-grave-an-open-letter-to-corey-haim
There are only four more scheduled shuttle launches, but I have a hunch there will be more. Does this country really want to rely on the Russians to put American astronauts in space? I can't think of very many things more stupid this government could do. If the schedule sticks, there will be no more night launches. Here is a pic of what may have been the last one:
Speaking of the kids, they simply are not napping today. Nothing is working. It's time to get them up and go outside again I guess. Maybe they're crash early tonight...but probably not.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Sun
I didn't even recognize the sun this morning when I saw its bright rays coming through the kitchen window. Amelia was so used to the rain that she said, "it's a beautiful rainy day." She was very happy to see the sun.
I only filled out two brackets this year. I'm using them multiple times, but just two. One is how I think it will pan out, and the other has Robert Morris winning two games. If there is to be a victory from a Northeast Conference team for the first time, are they really going to want to stop at one win?
So our UFL team is the Hartford Colonials. At least it's called "Hartford" and not something else. I would preferred the Hartford Knights, but it's just a name. Season tickets are coming.
I only filled out two brackets this year. I'm using them multiple times, but just two. One is how I think it will pan out, and the other has Robert Morris winning two games. If there is to be a victory from a Northeast Conference team for the first time, are they really going to want to stop at one win?
So our UFL team is the Hartford Colonials. At least it's called "Hartford" and not something else. I would preferred the Hartford Knights, but it's just a name. Season tickets are coming.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A Rainy Saturday
My son is drinking Diet Coke watching Johnny Bravo. Cool.
Today was the first day Kerri and I left Sam and Amelia alone for a class activity. They did really well. Next week we're invited to participate. I think we'll drop them off for some Dunkin' Donuts.
Today was the first day Kerri and I left Sam and Amelia alone for a class activity. They did really well. Next week we're invited to participate. I think we'll drop them off for some Dunkin' Donuts.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Spring is Here
Well, not really, but it sure feels like it. It doesn't officially come for another two weeks, but how many times have we had big snow storms before Thanksgiving? It doesn't matter what the calendar says. Weather dictates the seasons.
Yes, the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team lost their game, but they hung tough. If they had played that way all season, they would have been a much better team, at least record wise. The women made it to the semi-finals and played two good games. When the men were making the Tournament, the women were awful. Now they're coming around. Next year we may have two very good basketball teams playing in the gynmasium.
Today may very well be the last game Jimmy "Not A Dime Back" Calhoun coaches for UConn. We'll see. I won't miss him. I have seen him in a closed practice before. He is not a nice person.
Another sign of spring is pre-season baseball. I have the Yankees vs. the Pirates on right now. It's good to see Nick Johnson doing well...two solo shots and a double in the game so far. But, it is only spring training. CC got roughed up in three innings, so you know how it goes. When you see most of the guys on the field with uniform numbers over 60, you know it's spring.
Sam and Amelia has a great time at the Stepping Stone Children's Museum in Norwalk on Sunday. We met up with Janeth, Eddie, and Logan and also Fred's family, who Kerri works with. Nice place...we'll go there again.
Sunday was "So Long, Springfield" at Mohegan Sun, which was a day-long event celebrating seven decades of "Guiding Light." A bunch of the actors were there, and there is some momentum to get the show back on the air or converted to a web series. For now, Mindy Lewis is continuing the adventures in Springfield at http://twitter.com/MelindaSueLewis.
Better get back to cleaning. Don't forget about my March for Babies walk. Thank you! http://www.marchforbabies.org/captain59
Yes, the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team lost their game, but they hung tough. If they had played that way all season, they would have been a much better team, at least record wise. The women made it to the semi-finals and played two good games. When the men were making the Tournament, the women were awful. Now they're coming around. Next year we may have two very good basketball teams playing in the gynmasium.
Today may very well be the last game Jimmy "Not A Dime Back" Calhoun coaches for UConn. We'll see. I won't miss him. I have seen him in a closed practice before. He is not a nice person.
Another sign of spring is pre-season baseball. I have the Yankees vs. the Pirates on right now. It's good to see Nick Johnson doing well...two solo shots and a double in the game so far. But, it is only spring training. CC got roughed up in three innings, so you know how it goes. When you see most of the guys on the field with uniform numbers over 60, you know it's spring.
Sam and Amelia has a great time at the Stepping Stone Children's Museum in Norwalk on Sunday. We met up with Janeth, Eddie, and Logan and also Fred's family, who Kerri works with. Nice place...we'll go there again.
Sunday was "So Long, Springfield" at Mohegan Sun, which was a day-long event celebrating seven decades of "Guiding Light." A bunch of the actors were there, and there is some momentum to get the show back on the air or converted to a web series. For now, Mindy Lewis is continuing the adventures in Springfield at http://twitter.com/MelindaSueLewis.
Better get back to cleaning. Don't forget about my March for Babies walk. Thank you! http://www.marchforbabies.org/captain59
Every Journey Begins with a First Step
So, here I am. It was supposed to snow today, but as typical for this winter, it didn't. It was supposed to snow for the past six days, and I don't even think we got an inch. The forecasters have been awful this season, but what do they care? They get to keep their jobs even if they're wrong most of the time. Must be nice.
The Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team plays Game 1 of the Northeast Conference Tournament tonight at Robert Morris...the #2 seed. CCSU is the #7 seed and nobody is giving them any kind of shot of winning tonight. Stranger things have happened. Remember when the Steelers were the lowest seed team in the NFL playoffs and they won the Super Bowl a few years back? We'll see.
I love watching my son and daughter. My son loves to figure things out and discover how things work. My daughter is the smartest person I know--well, she's tied with my wife--and loves to pretend and sing and dance. These kids are going to be something big someday...but never any bigger than how they are to me.Oh, please help me honor my kids by supporting my March for Babies walk. You'll help save the lives of children who are born premature, with challenges we hope to eliminate some day. Thank you! http://www.marchforbabies.org/captain59
I sit at the dining room table when on the laptop, and the window to my right allows me to see the street sign "TRUMBULL ST" as many times as I wish. I must have looked at it a thousand times. The funny thing is we don't live on Trumbull Street. Our driveway is on Trumbull Street, but our house is not. Funny.
The Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team plays Game 1 of the Northeast Conference Tournament tonight at Robert Morris...the #2 seed. CCSU is the #7 seed and nobody is giving them any kind of shot of winning tonight. Stranger things have happened. Remember when the Steelers were the lowest seed team in the NFL playoffs and they won the Super Bowl a few years back? We'll see.
I love watching my son and daughter. My son loves to figure things out and discover how things work. My daughter is the smartest person I know--well, she's tied with my wife--and loves to pretend and sing and dance. These kids are going to be something big someday...but never any bigger than how they are to me.Oh, please help me honor my kids by supporting my March for Babies walk. You'll help save the lives of children who are born premature, with challenges we hope to eliminate some day. Thank you! http://www.marchforbabies.org/captain59
I sit at the dining room table when on the laptop, and the window to my right allows me to see the street sign "TRUMBULL ST" as many times as I wish. I must have looked at it a thousand times. The funny thing is we don't live on Trumbull Street. Our driveway is on Trumbull Street, but our house is not. Funny.
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