All I want to say about yesterday is "Same Old Jets".................
Now that I have that out of the way, since I moved back to the very familiar territory of the East Village/Gramercy area of Manhattan, it has been a thrill and marvelous journey into my past, though many of the faces and places have changed, it is something I've wanted to do for a long time, to live here again. That being said, I've come up with, what I think is an interesting idea. I have taken many pictures of the neighborhood and have posted them on Facebook. They are the places where I've spent a good amount of time in the past. For instance, the schools that I went to, St. Stanislaus School and Stuyvesant HS, the building where I grew up, 103 Avenue A, places where I worked, like Ray's Candy Store. and the places where I hung out, like Village View and on 4th Street. What I think would be fun, especially for those who share some or many of the same experiences, would be to film, what I guess would be considered a documentary of where I grew up and spent a lot of time. I would request that some of the people that I share these experiences with, would participate in the film and appear on camera to give their views on those times and places. I would ask relatives, childhood friends and former classmates to get involved in it. I think it would be interesting to hear these reflections and would be a good keepsake to look back on. Will I ever get a chance to really do it, we'll see. I figure if I can film silly karaoke performances, then why not do this...........before I get too old.....
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Today's The Day, Jet Fans!!!!!
Sunday.............is here! Some of us have waited a long time, check that, a very long time for this moment to arrive. We've been loyal, caring, insane fans of this team in green. We've followed this team through some rough times, some gut-wrenching times, some heart-breaking times. Shall I go through the list since that January sunday in 1969?????
1969 - losing to KC in the playoffs, the lost seasons of 1970, 1971 & 1973 because of injuries to Joe Namath, the horrible 3 straight 3-11 seasons of 1975-1977. 1980, when the New Orleans Aints only win came against the Jets. 1981, when Richard Todd threw the interception in the end zone to lose to Buffalo in the playoffs. 1982, after a big playoff win against the Raiders, to lose in the damn mudbowl of Miami thanks to A.J. Duhe. 1983, drafting Ken O'Brien, when you could've had Dan Marino. 1985, losing to New England in the playoffs. 1986, from 10-1 to 10-6 to beating KC, to choking it away in Cleveland. To the mediocrity of1987-94. To the absolute football hell of the Rich Kotite years. 3-13 in '95 and 1-15 in '96. To the promise unfulfilled by Parcells and that NE coach(I won't even say his name) who was the Jets coach for an hour(whose butt was beaten yesterday). In '98 up 10-0 at halftime vs. Denver and losing 23-10. The disappointment of the Herman Edwards years. 2001, losing to the Raiders 10-7. 2002, after beating the Colts 41-0, losing again to the Raiders 30-10. 2004, after beating the Chargers 20-17, losing a heartbreaker to the Steelers 20-17. 2006, under Mangini, losing to the Pats 37-16. 2008 with Brett Favre, with an 8-3 record, the team collapses to 9-7 and misses the playoffs. 2009, the wild card team with the big mouths who went to Cincinnati and took care of business and went to San Diego and pulled the upset and played great for almost a half against the Colts before Peyton and Co. woke up and took care of business.
Now, here we are this year, the wild card boys with the big mouths who went back to Indy, with the hostile crowd and made Peyton look human and pulled out the win 17-16. Then it's NEW ENGLAND, the mighty Pats, the team that no one human is supposed to beat with the all-world coach, that no one should be able to out-coach, but foot fetish man himself, Rex Ryan coached like a champ, the defense sacked Brady five times and held the all world team to 21 points and the JETS won, yes THE JETS WON!!!!!!! Now the Steelers are all that stand between the Jets, and their first Super Bowl appearance since my mother was 3 months pregnant with me. Do they have what it takes? Can they win their third playoff road game in a row? Will the D be incredible again? Will Santonio Holmes be a man on a mission against his old team, who cut him after winning a Super Bowl for them. Well I wonder if the Steelers will be ready. You know the Jets will.......................... May the cinderella ride CONTINUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Same old Jets, in the AFC Championship game again...........................
1969 - losing to KC in the playoffs, the lost seasons of 1970, 1971 & 1973 because of injuries to Joe Namath, the horrible 3 straight 3-11 seasons of 1975-1977. 1980, when the New Orleans Aints only win came against the Jets. 1981, when Richard Todd threw the interception in the end zone to lose to Buffalo in the playoffs. 1982, after a big playoff win against the Raiders, to lose in the damn mudbowl of Miami thanks to A.J. Duhe. 1983, drafting Ken O'Brien, when you could've had Dan Marino. 1985, losing to New England in the playoffs. 1986, from 10-1 to 10-6 to beating KC, to choking it away in Cleveland. To the mediocrity of1987-94. To the absolute football hell of the Rich Kotite years. 3-13 in '95 and 1-15 in '96. To the promise unfulfilled by Parcells and that NE coach(I won't even say his name) who was the Jets coach for an hour(whose butt was beaten yesterday). In '98 up 10-0 at halftime vs. Denver and losing 23-10. The disappointment of the Herman Edwards years. 2001, losing to the Raiders 10-7. 2002, after beating the Colts 41-0, losing again to the Raiders 30-10. 2004, after beating the Chargers 20-17, losing a heartbreaker to the Steelers 20-17. 2006, under Mangini, losing to the Pats 37-16. 2008 with Brett Favre, with an 8-3 record, the team collapses to 9-7 and misses the playoffs. 2009, the wild card team with the big mouths who went to Cincinnati and took care of business and went to San Diego and pulled the upset and played great for almost a half against the Colts before Peyton and Co. woke up and took care of business.
Now, here we are this year, the wild card boys with the big mouths who went back to Indy, with the hostile crowd and made Peyton look human and pulled out the win 17-16. Then it's NEW ENGLAND, the mighty Pats, the team that no one human is supposed to beat with the all-world coach, that no one should be able to out-coach, but foot fetish man himself, Rex Ryan coached like a champ, the defense sacked Brady five times and held the all world team to 21 points and the JETS won, yes THE JETS WON!!!!!!! Now the Steelers are all that stand between the Jets, and their first Super Bowl appearance since my mother was 3 months pregnant with me. Do they have what it takes? Can they win their third playoff road game in a row? Will the D be incredible again? Will Santonio Holmes be a man on a mission against his old team, who cut him after winning a Super Bowl for them. Well I wonder if the Steelers will be ready. You know the Jets will.......................... May the cinderella ride CONTINUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Same old Jets, in the AFC Championship game again...........................
Friday, January 21, 2011
Maneater
Sometimes songs say it so much better than I can. :)
MANEATER
She'll only come out at night
The lean and hungry type
Nothing is new, I've seen her here before
Watching and waiting
Ooh, she's sittin' with you but her eyes are on the door
So many have paid to see
What you think you're gettin' for free
The woman is wild, a she-cat tamed by the purr of a Jaguar
Money's the matter
If you're in it for love, you ain't gonna get too far
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Watch out boy she'll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes) She's a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Watch out boy she'll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes) She's a maneater
I wouldn't if I were you
I know what she can do
She's deadly man, she could really rip your world apart
Mind over matter
Ooh, the beauty is there but a beast is in the heart
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Watch out boy she'll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes) She's a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Watch out boy she'll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes) She's a maneater
Ooh,
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Here she comes, Watch out boy she'll chew you
up
(Whoa-oh, here she comes. Watch out) She's a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Ooh, she'll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Here she comes, she's a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes. Watch out) She'll only come out at night, ooh
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Here she comes, she's a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes. She's a maneater) The woman is wild, woo
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Here she comes. Watch out boy, watch out boy
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Oh, watch out, watch out, watch out, watch
out
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Yeah, yeah, she's a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes. She's a maneater) She's watching and waiting,
ooh
(Oh-oh, here she comes) Oh, she's a maneater
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday in Pittsburgh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday.............is here! Some of us have waited a long time, check that, a very long time for this moment to arrive. We've been loyal, caring, insane fans of this team in green. We've followed this team through some rough times, some gut-wrenching times, some heart-breaking times. Shall I go through the list since that January sunday in 1969?????
1969 - losing to KC in the playoffs, the lost seasons of 1970, 1971 & 1973 because of injuries to Joe Namath, the horrible 3 straight 3-11 seasons of 1975-1977. 1980, when the New Orleans Aints only win came against the Jets. 1981, when Richard Todd threw the interception in the end zone to lose to Buffalo in the playoffs. 1982, after a big playoff win against the Raiders, to lose in the damn mudbowl of Miami thanks to A.J. Duhe. 1983, drafting Ken O'Brien, when you could've had Dan Marino. 1985, losing to New England in the playoffs. 1986, from 10-1 to 10-6 to beating KC, to choking it away in Cleveland. To the mediocrity of1987-94. To the absolute football hell of the Rich Kotite years. 3-13 in '95 and 1-15 in '96. To the promise unfulfilled by Parcells and that NE coach(I won't even say his name) who was the Jets coach for an hour(whose butt was beaten yesterday). In '98 up 10-0 at halftime vs. Denver and losing 23-10. The disappointment of the Herman Edwards years. 2001, losing to the Raiders 10-7. 2002, after beating the Colts 41-0, losing again to the Raiders 30-10. 2004, after beating the Chargers 20-17, losing a heartbreaker to the Steelers 20-17. 2006, under Mangini, losing to the Pats 37-16. 2008 with Brett Favre, with an 8-3 record, the team collapses to 9-7 and misses the playoffs. 2009, the wild card team with the big mouths who went to Cincinnati and took care of business and went to San Diego and pulled the upset and played great for almost a half against the Colts before Peyton and Co. woke up and took care of business.
Now, here we are this year, the wild card boys with the big mouths who went back to Indy, with the hostile crowd and made Peyton look human and pulled out the win 17-16. Then it's NEW ENGLAND, the mighty Pats, the team that no one human is supposed to beat with the all-world coach, that no one should be able to out-coach, but foot fetish man himself, Rex Ryan coached like a champ, the defense sacked Brady five times and held the all world team to 21 points and the JETS won, yes THE JETS WON!!!!!!! Now the Steelers are all that stand between the Jets, and their first Super Bowl appearance since my mother was 3 months pregnant with me. Do they have what it takes? Can they win their third playoff road game in a row? Will the D be incredible again? Will Santonio Holmes be a man on a mission against his old team, who cut him after winning a Super Bowl for them. Well I wonder if the Steelers will be ready. You know the Jets will.......................... May the cinderella ride CONTINUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Same old Jets, in the AFC Championship game again...........................
1969 - losing to KC in the playoffs, the lost seasons of 1970, 1971 & 1973 because of injuries to Joe Namath, the horrible 3 straight 3-11 seasons of 1975-1977. 1980, when the New Orleans Aints only win came against the Jets. 1981, when Richard Todd threw the interception in the end zone to lose to Buffalo in the playoffs. 1982, after a big playoff win against the Raiders, to lose in the damn mudbowl of Miami thanks to A.J. Duhe. 1983, drafting Ken O'Brien, when you could've had Dan Marino. 1985, losing to New England in the playoffs. 1986, from 10-1 to 10-6 to beating KC, to choking it away in Cleveland. To the mediocrity of1987-94. To the absolute football hell of the Rich Kotite years. 3-13 in '95 and 1-15 in '96. To the promise unfulfilled by Parcells and that NE coach(I won't even say his name) who was the Jets coach for an hour(whose butt was beaten yesterday). In '98 up 10-0 at halftime vs. Denver and losing 23-10. The disappointment of the Herman Edwards years. 2001, losing to the Raiders 10-7. 2002, after beating the Colts 41-0, losing again to the Raiders 30-10. 2004, after beating the Chargers 20-17, losing a heartbreaker to the Steelers 20-17. 2006, under Mangini, losing to the Pats 37-16. 2008 with Brett Favre, with an 8-3 record, the team collapses to 9-7 and misses the playoffs. 2009, the wild card team with the big mouths who went to Cincinnati and took care of business and went to San Diego and pulled the upset and played great for almost a half against the Colts before Peyton and Co. woke up and took care of business.
Now, here we are this year, the wild card boys with the big mouths who went back to Indy, with the hostile crowd and made Peyton look human and pulled out the win 17-16. Then it's NEW ENGLAND, the mighty Pats, the team that no one human is supposed to beat with the all-world coach, that no one should be able to out-coach, but foot fetish man himself, Rex Ryan coached like a champ, the defense sacked Brady five times and held the all world team to 21 points and the JETS won, yes THE JETS WON!!!!!!! Now the Steelers are all that stand between the Jets, and their first Super Bowl appearance since my mother was 3 months pregnant with me. Do they have what it takes? Can they win their third playoff road game in a row? Will the D be incredible again? Will Santonio Holmes be a man on a mission against his old team, who cut him after winning a Super Bowl for them. Well I wonder if the Steelers will be ready. You know the Jets will.......................... May the cinderella ride CONTINUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Same old Jets, in the AFC Championship game again...........................
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Most Reliable Forces In The Universe
As much as we humans consider ourselves to be invincible and so much in control of our world, the truth is, there are forces out there that are tougher than we and just about completely out of our control. They are Mother Nature and Father Time. Mother Nature has her job to do and she does it very well. Though this global warming (myth) is something we've discussed for several years now, it's safe to say that the seasons still follow the same old pattern, humid and hot in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter, especially here in NYC. We may have the technology to affect weather ever so slightly, but it's still the same old show.
As for Father Time, we all know that life goes by at the same exact pace, no matter what we do to live in a healthy or unhealthy fashion.After many years of not giving a damn, I, personally have focused on eating healthy and losing weight and getting in better shape, for a few reasons, but most importantly, because I looked in the mirror and said, "Hey, I'm 40ish, what the hell am I doing with my life" but not just with a focus on an underachieving career or lack of any romantic life, it was how out of shape and overweight I was and how I needed to focus on it because it would get more difficult to improve with advancing age. I've noticed that despite the fact that I'm 45 lbs. lighter than six months ago, I still have aches in my back and knees, but they are less than before and I do have more energy and pep in my step, which is needed in my battle with the all powerful Mother Nature and Father Time. May the force be with you!!
As for Father Time, we all know that life goes by at the same exact pace, no matter what we do to live in a healthy or unhealthy fashion.After many years of not giving a damn, I, personally have focused on eating healthy and losing weight and getting in better shape, for a few reasons, but most importantly, because I looked in the mirror and said, "Hey, I'm 40ish, what the hell am I doing with my life" but not just with a focus on an underachieving career or lack of any romantic life, it was how out of shape and overweight I was and how I needed to focus on it because it would get more difficult to improve with advancing age. I've noticed that despite the fact that I'm 45 lbs. lighter than six months ago, I still have aches in my back and knees, but they are less than before and I do have more energy and pep in my step, which is needed in my battle with the all powerful Mother Nature and Father Time. May the force be with you!!
Monday, January 10, 2011
New York City Rhythm
Could a song be more fitting for me right now than this one!
When my heart is torn apart
By the love I wish I had
Well, I spend my nights in the city's lights
And things don't seem so bad
Ya know the movement seems to soothe me
And the tempo takes control
And I lose my blues
When the New York City rhythm fills my soul
It's the New York City rhythm runnin' though life
The poundin' beat of the city streets that keeps my dreams alive
I'm lost, I'm found, I'm up, I'm down, but somehow I survive
It's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life
Oh, it's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life, in my life
When I'm out for love or sin
Oh, it's good to be in town
In the funky dives on the old west side
There's always somethin' goin' down
Yes, I live my life with strangers
And the danger's always there
But when I hit Broadway and it's time to play
Ya know that I don't care
It's the New York City rhythm runnin' thru' my life
The poundin' beat of the city streets that keeps my dreams alive
I'm lost, I'm found
I'm up, I'm down, but somehow I survive
It's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life
Oh, it's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life, in my life
< Latin-style instrumental interlude backed with (Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva
York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva
York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York Ooh!)>
(City rhythm, oo, city rhythm, oo) and more scat to end
When my heart is torn apart
By the love I wish I had
Well, I spend my nights in the city's lights
And things don't seem so bad
Ya know the movement seems to soothe me
And the tempo takes control
And I lose my blues
When the New York City rhythm fills my soul
It's the New York City rhythm runnin' though life
The poundin' beat of the city streets that keeps my dreams alive
I'm lost, I'm found, I'm up, I'm down, but somehow I survive
It's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life
Oh, it's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life, in my life
When I'm out for love or sin
Oh, it's good to be in town
In the funky dives on the old west side
There's always somethin' goin' down
Yes, I live my life with strangers
And the danger's always there
But when I hit Broadway and it's time to play
Ya know that I don't care
It's the New York City rhythm runnin' thru' my life
The poundin' beat of the city streets that keeps my dreams alive
I'm lost, I'm found
I'm up, I'm down, but somehow I survive
It's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life
Oh, it's got to be the New York City rhythm in my life, in my life
< Latin-style instrumental interlude backed with (Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva
York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva
York, Nueva York, Nueva York, Nueva York Ooh!)>
(City rhythm, oo, city rhythm, oo) and more scat to end
Friday, January 7, 2011
City Sounds Entertainment
Here is my ad that I am using for my website and for the flyers that I have made up to hand out to prospective establishments:
Welcome to City Sounds Entertainment, the DJ and Karaoke entertainers of choice in New York City and Long Island since 1998. From weddings to holiday parties to bar nights, we’ll make your event memorable!
With City Sounds Entertainment, you’ll get what you want: fun, entertaining, professional DJ’s, and the comfort of knowing your party is in the best of hands.
Check out our website at: www.citysoundsentertainment.net, email us at paulbattman@yahoo.com or call us at 917-673-4291 today and let us customize an entertainment solution for you. You’ll be glad you did!
City Sounds Entertainment
The DJ’s to choose when you want a memorable night of fun and excitement at your special event! From Wedding Receptions to Holiday Parties, from Karaoke Nights, corporate functions to Beach Parties, 50’s sock hops and graduations, we do it all!
Check out these highlights:
City sounds entertainment is a full-time, full service DJ music and entertainment company.
City sounds entertainment has been satisfying clients in the Tri-state area since 1998.
City sounds entertainment is fully insured.
Music and entertainment is continuous at every affair.
Our music library has over 30,000 song titles and grows every month!
DJ Pauly B. and his staff dress appropriately for every occasion.
We offer personal consultations to assist you in planning the perfect party.
Your guests can participate in unique games and exciting activities, or if you prefer, we can supply soft, elegant background music, or both, on our state-of-the-art sound equipment.
HOW DO WE DO IT?
Easy – we listen to you, our clients! We have the ability, equipment and most importantly, professional experience, all to provide you with exactly what you want to make your party or bar night a resounding success. No request is too unusual!
The key to a successful party is simple – great music and entertainment! City sounds entertainment will give you precisely that!
Whether you want a sophisticated and elegant evening of music or a wild party, city sounds entertainment can fit the bill perfectly.
WHERE ARE WE?
City sounds entertainment is located in Manhattan in the trendy and fun East Village, but we will go anywhere in NYC and the surrounding areas to please our clients.
CHECK US OUT! – at citysoundsentertainment.net or the Paul The Lizard Karaoke Fan Club on Facebook
You’ll be glad you did!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Hey, It's Good To Be Back Home Again
There are so many emotions going through my mind as I moved to Stuy Town this week. It's exactly half a mile from where I grew up on Avenue A and every second that I've been here so far, I've thought of people I knew, stores that I remember going to, like Ray's Candy Store, where I bought many an egg cream in my youth or Sal & Tony's Pizza where I had probably thousands of slices.(sadly, that place was sold, and moved a block away, and the quality is just not the same). There's also San Loco, who, in my humble opinion, still make awesome tacos.
There's the schools I attended: St. Stanislaus on St. Mark's Pl, which sadly, closed in 1989, due to the decline in attendance, because of the mass exodus of families in this neighborhood and of course, there's the old Stuy, with it's cracks in the ceiling and all, still sitting there in it's glory, on 15th St. Those four years, now a distant memory, still an unforgettable experience.
The flood of memories of people I knew in my childhood, in this area, most have moved away from this neighborhood, except for an aunt and uncle, who still live in Stuy Town after 36 years of marriage, and a few childhood friends and classmates, who have been fortunate enough to stay, mostly because of rent control.
I would say, the combination of emotions include: A feeling of great excitement, that I've been able to make it back here, after 20 years and walk among the people that live here now and be able to plan for a fun an exciting future here. There is, also a feeling of sadness, that so much has changed in this area. Most of my friends and family are not here anymore, along with probably 90% of the businesses I remember and the feeling is quite transient, that a lot of people are just here for school and will disappear like many of the people I knew before. I do still see the charm of Stuy Town and how enjoyable it can be to live here. But, there is a lot of uncertainty with the ownership of it and many long-time residents are worried that they will be priced out of here eventually. Hopefully, those issues will be settled, because it is very good place to live and I've enjoyed it so far........I just hope to be successful enough to be able to stay here.......which reminds me.......
Check this out! www.citysoundsentertainment.net
I'll discuss that with my next blog post, tomorrow.........
There's the schools I attended: St. Stanislaus on St. Mark's Pl, which sadly, closed in 1989, due to the decline in attendance, because of the mass exodus of families in this neighborhood and of course, there's the old Stuy, with it's cracks in the ceiling and all, still sitting there in it's glory, on 15th St. Those four years, now a distant memory, still an unforgettable experience.
The flood of memories of people I knew in my childhood, in this area, most have moved away from this neighborhood, except for an aunt and uncle, who still live in Stuy Town after 36 years of marriage, and a few childhood friends and classmates, who have been fortunate enough to stay, mostly because of rent control.
I would say, the combination of emotions include: A feeling of great excitement, that I've been able to make it back here, after 20 years and walk among the people that live here now and be able to plan for a fun an exciting future here. There is, also a feeling of sadness, that so much has changed in this area. Most of my friends and family are not here anymore, along with probably 90% of the businesses I remember and the feeling is quite transient, that a lot of people are just here for school and will disappear like many of the people I knew before. I do still see the charm of Stuy Town and how enjoyable it can be to live here. But, there is a lot of uncertainty with the ownership of it and many long-time residents are worried that they will be priced out of here eventually. Hopefully, those issues will be settled, because it is very good place to live and I've enjoyed it so far........I just hope to be successful enough to be able to stay here.......which reminds me.......
Check this out! www.citysoundsentertainment.net
I'll discuss that with my next blog post, tomorrow.........
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