Thursday, December 27, 2012

A little appreciation

Christmas has always been a time to reflect.  Maybe it's turning to the last page on the calendar, the cold weather, the holiday season, but I usually like to take time to pause and appreciate some of the things that I cherish and value as being instrumental in who I am today.

I appreciate another wonderful year of being married to the most beautiful girl in the world.

I appreciate the fact that I have a nice house to come home to after a long day of work.


Friday, November 23, 2012

Just get it done NHL


This is really getting ridiculous.  I, for one, really cannot find much sympathy for millionaires taking on billionaires, and vice-versa.  I’m just not a part of that world in which they live in.

Or am I? 

I’m talking about the current work stoppage of the National Hockey League.  Having seen strikes and holdouts in football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and now hockey once again, it’s really getting sad, especially the current situation with the NHL.

The sides have agreed on a 50-50 split in hockey revenues, which seems like a good compromise if there could ever be one, but of course there are some other particulars.  

And some are certainly worthwhile seeing as some players are going to be seeing paychecks changed from their current signed contracts, etc.

But it’s now almost December and while minor league hockey and college hockey, a favorite of mine, have their seasons off an running, the NHL has now cancelled 422 games thus far, including the popular “winter classic” and the 2013 NHL All-Star game in Columbus, Ohio.

But the real losers during this, is not the players or owners or team front office staff.  It’s the fans. The ones who have showed loyalty and support by buying tickets and merchandise and started to come back in droves, showing a sign of recovery from the previous dispute. 

It’s also the parking lot attendants, the vendors and ticket sellers who can only look forward to an occasional concert or rodeo in town to get some hours.  It’s the owners of the local pubs and restaurants next to the league’s arenas.  Places that are (were) full of hockey fans looking for a pregame meal or post-game celebratory beverage with their fellow fans.

Labor disputes are common in today’s business world.  Insulting to the fan was the comment coming from commissioner Gary Bettman and his suggestion that the two sides should take a couple of weeks off from negotiating. 

How about both sides going into a conference room, locking the door and not emerging without a deal in hand.

I think we’ve had enough. Time to drop the puck.



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Yes, I voted ...

It's something that every American citizen has: the right to vote. Today was election day in the country and from my own observations, the polling places were busy throughout the day.

Voters in Rhode Island braved the early morning chilly temperatures to head to the polls at sunrise.  And on through the day and into the late evening hours before polling places closed, lines were still strong.

It's fun to watch the coverage and intensity that this day brings. Twitter feeds are steady with election opinions and thoughts, it's quite tiresome when I'm really looking for up-to-date sports stories.  But I can understand, and I actually like it.

The media coverage is quite extensive. From bloggers, journalists, and television talking heads, you can't escape it.  And it is needed.  While newspapers and media companies are looking to cut budgets, this type of coverage is needed.  It's keeps the politicians honest and transparant.

Politi-fact is outstanding and without it, who would keep these political "statements" in check?  Particularly in the few days leading up to election day where a campaign may go that extra mile with some outrageous claims and accusations, perhaps as a sign of desperation.

But with outstanding coverage by the local media and expert analysis, voters will have enough knowledge to make the right choice.

At least that is their right.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Amazing Race ...

Liam on the medal platform.
I recently had the chance to cheer on my wife as she took part in the  annual 5-kilometer  Ronald McDonald road race, just down the road in Providence.  She's been training hard recently and attending early morning practice sessions and it was fun seeing that hard work and effort literally pay off with a top-10 finish in a solid time.

The race has always been one of her favorite races with the flat course covering most of the city neighborhood streets she trains on daily.

And not to mention her running club coach also happens to serve as the race organizer.  So everything was looking good on this chilly October morning.

But aside from the race, the real reason we were there was to support the the excellent Ronald McDonald House in Providence.  More than $35,000 was raised to support those families in need during difficult times to help provide food and shelter.

My wife took home a few awards for her achievement in earning a top-10 finish. Liam, who strutted his stuff earlier in the Under-4 kids race (see video below), happily joined his mommy on the winners podium afterwards.

I have a feeling this might not be the only time Liam, who just turned 3 in August, is going to be on a medal stand.  A few hours before the women's 5K kicked off when Liam stole the show with this amazing sprint inside Brown Football Stadium. 



Sunday, August 19, 2012

Pushed to the limit


I spent the whole summer training for this particular day. Preparing for the worst, I pushed myself with some grueling runs in 90-plus degree temps when many were hunkered down in air conditioning.

Passing the seventh mile at Falmouth in 2011
(MarathonFoto)
Running the Falmouth Road Race is my annual summer goal. It’s something that’s circled on my calendar and remains in the back of my head when I lace up the sneakers and try to figure out my new Run Keeper app on my iPhone.

More accomplished runners, like my wife, prepare for a race like Falmouth by taking part in local road races and organized events. But not me.  Falmouth is my goal, my only goal.

I laugh when I look back at how I used to support my wife’s running by standing at the finish line with a box of donuts and a cup of coffee.  Dudes with ripped abs would give me a funny look, but maybe not as funny as the look I would give right back.

I happened upon Falmouth when I served as a finish line volunteer in 2003 and 2004. I wanted to see my wife run and at the same time, found time to put down the donuts and help cheer on, and assist those a little gassed, as they crossed the finish line.

It was then that I told myself, “I want to give it a try.”

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Dreams in the sand

Cool ocean breezes, soft sand and the refreshing sounds of waves hitting the shore. What is there not to like?

Escaping the searing heat and pavement of the city, it’s always nice to make an escape to the beach for our annual week of vacation.  I’m lucky enough to live in a great part of the country where one can enjoy the many benefits that a metro area can bring, access to several beautiful beaches and islands is only a short ride (or ferry) away.

This is where I like to take a deep breath and exhale. To relax my mind and ease my thoughts, and even allow myself to dream a little.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Oh the humanity

Always loved Married With Children. I can pretty much recite just about any episode. But always loved the parental guidance the show provided … but in all seriousness, the lack there-of if.

I could always grasp the fact that Married with Children was purely entertainment and fictional humor, but are we seeing such behavior actually play out in real life. I’m not really a fan of humanity, I’m basically not a fan of most people.


Monday, July 2, 2012

Customer Service: Does it still exist?

Not too long ago, although, a trip to the gas station was a very pleasant, and shall I say, enjoyable experience. 


A look at the price of gas these days can make one shake and quiver and sweat just inserting the worn-out credit card into the pump. But I'm not talking about gas prices, but rather something else fairly noticeable to those at least maybe 40 years and older.

Driving into a gas station (filling station for those who remember), one could pick a section of pumps: “Full Serve” or “Self Serve.”  Of course, the full serve pumps were the ones closest to the station office, but it was pretty simple. Gas was a few cents cheaper if you opted for the full service deal.


Saturday, June 23, 2012

It Just Keeps Getting Better

I've posted before, but as the saying goes, fatherhood just gets better and better. Recently I was lucky enough to enjoy another wonderful (my third) Father's Day weekend with my wonderful son Liam.

He's going to turn three later this summer, but the joys continue to amaze me with each day. It is so amazing to see such a young baby grow so quickly. He's not a baby anymore, though he begs to differ, but actually a little boy.  

Coming home from a tough day or waking in the early morning hours thanks to the tapping of the gate in front of Liam's door, what matters in life is always put into perspective. His smile is contagious, and his little giggle and sense of humor makes life seem so simple. 


Saturday, April 28, 2012

Crossing the Finish Line


Crossing the Finish Line of My Pursuit of a Master's Degree


Since January of 2009, which seems like kind of a long time ago given this context, I have been in pursuit of a Master's Degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa.  The concentration was in sports leadership and it was a tremendous program.  While fully online, it was well structured, very challenging and comprehensive, and finally, it's complete.
Just this past week, I submitted my final two papers for the last time. I plugged through by taking one course at a time each semester and was scheduled to finish later this summer. But seeing the finish line just around the corner, I bit the bullet, dug deep for that extra reserve of gas and opted to finish out the final two classes this spring. 

The work doubled, and these weren't exactly the lightest pair of classes in terms of coursework that I had experienced prior.  But in a way, it made crossing the finish line EVEN MORE rewarding to me. 
We all lead busy lives, and going into the program, knowing that I generally work a seven-day work week with 14-hour work days not unusual, I thought it would be near impossible to complete this program. 
But here's the evidence that if you have a goal, and set your mind to reaching that goal, anything is possible. 

I have a graduate school diploma now to prove it. 

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Spring is in Bloom

Spring is here


Well, the record-setting temperatures (81 degrees) in March, may not have quite followed into April.  But none-the-less, springtime is officially here and that can only mean one thing: flowers are in bloom.

A stroll through the side streets of the East Side of Providence turns quickly into a tour of lush purple and white orchids soaking in the early morning sun.

While out and about, usually in the morning hours, before folks are heading out to work and the local coffee shop flips its lights on signaling it is finally open for business (yes, that's early), I snap a few pictures. A few through the sunlight, a few through the fog, a few at the sky and at the flowers, all with my simple iPhone.

But what is captured on (digital) is truly amazing.  It makes the spring time, I would have to say, my favorite time of the year.

I'll always remember walking through the Los Padres National Forest and Malibu Canyon after the devastating fires of 1993-94. There was so many burned trees and shrubs and brush, but in the midst of the blackened, still actually smoldering in parts, forest, were signs that mother nature was still in charge. Little buds and beautiful flowers were growing up and sprout amid the charcoal remnants. It was beautiful.

And the same with the passage from winter to spring in New England, where winters can be rough and very harsh. The first sign of a robin has always been a great indication that warmer days are ahead. But to me, seeing that first shade of pink, those first buds of the tulips sprouting from the ground, is a great reminder that spring is here.

JRS


Saturday, March 17, 2012

Me and my Nova


At the age of 15 years old, I had something that not many other 15-year-olds had: a car.

A 1974 Chevorlet Nova - my very first car!
Yep, that’s right.  My wonderful grandmother, Adelaide or as my younger brother and I called her “Nana Bonnie”, upgraded her car and decided to generously give to me her 1974 Chevrolet Nova.  But there was one thing: I was only 15.

I would have to wait a whole year to pass my driver’s test and actually drive the blue Chevy out of the driveway.  But until then, that’s where it stayed.  In my driveway. 


Thursday, March 1, 2012

Act like you've been there before

This did not happen in PC's win over UConn. Smart move. 
These days, college basketball fans are just itching to storm the court.  Never mind risking injury to fellow fanatics and players, I'm getting the sense that fans these days are just looking for a reason to rush the court and celebrate a victory with their team.


Friday, February 24, 2012

These NHL jerseys still confuse me

Ray Bourque and Bruins at Montreal during the "good 'ol days" 
Sure, go ahead and call me "old fashioned."  I just can't get used to NHL teams wearing dark uniforms at home.

I just still can't figure it out, and it has been what, nearly 10 years since the teams decided to mess with tradition and suit the desires of fans who have overwhelmingly been craving to see opposing team colors. According to the NHL, colored team jerseys accounted for between 60 and 70 percent of all merchandise sales throughout the league.

And the NHL is not alone with most NFL teams opting for dark jerseys at home with the occasional third jersey mixed in from time to time. However, the NBA and major league baseball teams still wear the "whites" or "lighter shade" of their team colors when at home and put on the dark jerseys when at home.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Oh the cast of characters I see

I did order just a cup of coffee, right?
Perhaps you've seen them. Perhaps you're one of them. If you have ever stopped by and picked up a cup of coffee at my regular stop, this might sound a little familiar to you. And I certainly hope so.  While my favorite spot happens to reside on the street this blog is named after, it really can apply to just about any place.

But really, can there be such a collection of all forms of humanity in one single place?  Is it the aroma, the sharing of intellect, the piles of newspapers, the bulletin boards advertising new picture gallery's or yet another yoga studio grand opening. Who knows?  Maybe it's the coffee. 

I stopped by one morning and just started thinking about who are these people are that are standing in front me in line causing me to be late for work. 

Plopped down in their own little corner by the beans, you find the lawyers / lobbyists who tend to feel like they own the place, yet that small one-shot of expresso doesn't hold up to my overpowering large house blend. But they are harmless, even if the cheap cologne / after shave might be causing the bagels to go stale. 


Thursday, February 9, 2012

It's 2012 and the NBA Season

Is that Peace? Or Mr. World Peace, Ron? 
Well, I guess, it's what we expected from the NBA. After a summer lockout that stretched into the fall, the NBA season got off to a rocky start. And based on the results seen so far, one thing is clear: the players weren't exactly running laps or staying in shape.

Since the season-opening weekend, yes, on Christmas Day, we have seen some pretty good, and mostly, some pretty awful basketball.  It certainly takes some time to get back into game shape of course, but we've seen a Celtics team have a total of 49 points heading into the fourth quarter, star players missing games due to "injuries." 

But at least we have World Peace!  


Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A secret on the Central Coast

     It’s been nearly 10 years since I left the West Coast to return home, but the little secret paradise that is San Luis Obispo still stays fresh in my mind.  
     Located midway between LA and San Francisco on the Central Coast, it’s a picturesque college town with little shops and cafe’s and far away from the fast-paced lifestyle often associated with Southern California. 
     Enjoy a cup of coffee and carrot cake at Linneas after midnight and listen to a little open mike performance under on the patio in the back and you’ll never want to leave. 
     If you've ever visited the Coffee Exchange on Wickenden Street in Providence, R.I., you might see a little similarity between the two coffee shops, but one thing that was always nice about Linneas that you won't find at the Exchange: the 25 cent re-fill cup to serve your own. 


JRS

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Back to the grind

Well, 2012 is off to a roaring start.  It's always nice to take things down a notch during the Holidays, it can be tough to get back into the groove once again. Oh, that awful sound of the alarm clock that was turned off for two weeks, begs for a few taps on the snooze button and stay snug and warm under the covers to avoid the winter chill as long as possible.


Will I Ever Break 90?

Yes, I play on the left side.  That is the goal.  You may ask, 90?  Well, if you have been around me on the golf course, you know that i...