Happy New Year

As I have been on vacation this week and have not had the chance to express this on the air I want to wish all of you a very happy and very prosperous New Year. I hope you celebrate tonight in a safe and responsible way and that all your dreams and wishes come through in 2009. There is no doubt that 2009 will be a very tough year for many so let us not forget those who might need our help. Who knows when we might need it.
My New Year resolution is to get back into fighting shape. I know this will disappoint our station owner Ken Barlow because he likes my figure now. Eat better, work out and be a better husband and father are just a few of the things I will focus on.
One think I have learned through out the years, you can't please everyone, so why try. As Popeye says, I am who I am and that's all that I am. Translation, I will continue to speak my mind and express my two cents. Some will like it and some won't.
I am very optimistic with a new President, Barack Obama and new direction for our country. I am concerned about more layoffs including word that IBM is about to lay off over 1,000 people. Corporate greed sucks.
Good luck and God bless you and yours.

Close but not Penthouse Forum

People who know me know that I am not a book reader. To be honest I don't remember the last book I read. I think it was the Bernstein Bears "Go to the Moon" several years ago, but I don't think that counts. I bring this up because my wife bought me the Tim Russert Book, "Big Russ and Me, the story of Tim Russert growing up and how his dad's influence and advise shaped him. It took me 2 days to read over 300 pages. Great book. I highly recommend it to fathers and sons. I was stunned when I heard Tim Russert was dead. He was one journalist that got it and after reading about his background and his dad's influence, I understand why he was as good as he was. One of my top 5 books of all time. Not that I have read a lot of books in 53 years. A few others that stick out I read early in life. The Sinking of the Bismark. The story of the Germany battleship that was unsinkable. The British didn't think so and put a lot of time and energy into blowing it to smithereens. The other was "Ball Four" written by former major league pitcher Jim Boutin. As a kid I always wanted to be a big league, but after reading Ball Four I desperately wanted to be a big league. From using binoculars and telescopes in the bullpen to look for women wearing mini skirts in the stands, (can you say beaver shooting) to partying with Mickey Mantle on Hotel roof tops. Certainly made an impression on this young mind. Might be one of the reasons I am still a sick pervert

Merry Christmas. Does that upset you? If it does, get over it. The political correct police, the CLF, Peta and the lot like those can all move to a place where they can do what they want and leave us alone.
Did my Christmas shopping in less than 23 hours. Did a little bit on Monday night and finished at 5pm Tuesday. Not bad for someone as clueless as me. Stay tuned and I'll let you know how I did.
Best wishes go to our friends at IBM. Word has it over 1000 people could be let go. 2009 could be rough so hold onto your boot straps and we'll see you on the other side

Things I miss, just to mention a few

A world with no e-mail, fax machines and cell phones
My Dad
Snow Storms that last forever
Seeing my toes and other things
The Rusty Scuffer
Hitting a softball over the light towers at Coolidge park in Fitchburg Mass.
Sports when people played for the love of the game and not for the love of money
McDonald's when a Hamburger, Fries and soda cost 55 cents
When my three boys could sit on my lap
Records
Having enough energy to go to bed at midnight and still get up at 5am
Corm and the Coach
Street hockey and wiffleball at St Anthony's school with the boys
The Bag Brothers
My Hair

Happy happy Joy joy

Wow!! Where did this year go?? Christmas is less than 2 weeks away and before you know it we will be in June 2009. That’s the way it seems to work these days. The older you get the faster time moves. I hope you are enjoying this holiday season. I have no shopping at this point but I do have my tree up. I still have not put the outside lights up. I promise this Sunday. The temps are supposed to reach the low 30’s. Perfect for stringing lights outside!
I have to say how impressed I am with the generosity of this community. Despite the fact that things are very tight, people are still giving. Turkeys, coats, toys, money and the list goes on. That’s what makes this time of the year so special. Not just the commercialism of Christmas, but that people give to others in need. I, Mary and Rich will try to help out a little next Friday night, December 19th when we ride the Santa night bus to raise money for local organizations for Christmas. We will also run in the 1/9 miler coming in late January and participate in the Penguin Plunge in early February. That’s the least we can do to help out.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good weekend

Who's nuts are roasting

That went quick. The Thanksgiving Day Holiday Weekend that is. My 86 year old Mom came to town to have Turkey day with me and the family. I don’t remember my Grandmothers but there is no doubt that my three boys will never forget her. I know where my ball busting came from. Had plenty of turkey and football. As you know I am running for Governor and one of the things I will do is make Thanksgiving a 2 day Holiday. Turkey both days, football both days, and more time off for everyone. Did a little traveling as well, to Massachusetts and to Lyndonville. Not many people on the road, I was very surprised.
This is the first year in a long time we did not get the Christmas tree up on this weekend and now I’m stuck. We have always decorated the tree as a family. With on son away at college it’s either do it without him or wait until he returns the week before Christmas. I think I might put the tree up with lights only and wait until Steven comes home to really decorate it. I will be putting my house lights up this weekend. By the way, for the 53rd time in my life I did not shop on Black Friday and I am pretty damn proud of it.
We just completed the Comcast bundle at my house, cable, Internet and now phone service and with that I get all the movie channels and the NFL network. Not just in my living room but in the bedroom as well. Yippee!!! Want to thank Steve my cable guy for talking my wife into it. I’d write more but I need to get home to see what’s on HBO