Sunday, September 20, 2009
New Camera--Trip to New York
For the past year or so I have kicked around the notion of getting a new camera. I guess it comes from using my neighbors camera and being impressed with it. Her camera is a very high end Sony point and shoot with a nice digital zoom.While sitting in an officers councils last week, I received a text from my sister Tracy telling me she was going to be buying a video camera for our upcoming cruise in 4 weeks and change. I replied to her that I really wish I could get a new camera. Well after saying that, I began to conspire in my mind a way to be able to get said camera.
When I got home that afternoon, I jumped on the computer, and began looking at point and shoots. I found 2 that I liked, one Sony, and one Canon. The Canon didn't use a lithium ion battery pack but relied on AA batteries. I purchased the point and shoot that I was using with a battery pack to avoid changing batteries, so that was struck out. I then decided to see what a low end SLR camera would run and I was surprised to see for a legligible price increase I would be able to purchase the camera I have always wanted...a Canon EOS Rebel.
Well, I fired a quick text message to Elaine, explaining the financing of the camera and she told me, "sure, you're crazy LOL" I got on and placed my order.
The following weekend (this past weekend) was Youth Councils for our division and Elaine was going to be away for the whole weekend. I really wanted to do something special for my kids on Saturday. I didn't want to be around the TV, Computer all day, but instead I wanted to spend the whole day with them and give them a memorable day. I decided to take them to New York City for the day. We took the train from New Haven into Grand Central Terminal. We then hopped on the NYC Subway to Battery Park where we boarded a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. We spent a good couple of hours on Liberty Island and then headed uptown to 30 Rock (GE Building) to the Top of the Rock Observatory on the 67th-70th floors. We enjoyed wonderful views from 800 or so feet above midtown Manhattan.
Part of my madness was to use my camera to document all of this. Please check out some of the pictures...
In closing, I know it has been awhile since I have blogged, but I anticipate blogging more often in the days ahead.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Dad...Hello Yankee Stadium
A few months ago, my sister Tracy had the idea to take my dad to a Yankee game for his birthday. She looked at the schedule, and we determined to buy tickets to the April 17th game. That was the 2nd home game in the new stadium. Dad's birthday is on the 18th.We woke up very early on the morning of the 17th, and began the trek down I-95 and the Merritt Parkway to Yankee Stadium. I was a little worried that the parking lot I normally park in would be unavailable due to construction to the new train station for the stadium, but it was open and we were granted access through the yet to be completed station.
Upon crossing E. 161st street, we were immediately captivated by the sight before us. The new stadium is indeed grand, and after posing for a quick picture in front of Babe Ruth Plaza, we entered the Great Hall. Soundbites of great moments of Yankee history greeted as we walked through the hall, we made a dash to see the field and all agreed that everything felt closer.
We then walked through the great hall and around the entire stadium. I checked out my season seats in section 237, and then we grabbed a few Nathan's Hot Dogs. As we leaned against a window screen which looked out on the street below, I immediately began to feel as though this new stadium was a ballpark. It wasn't as isolated as the former stadium. There was traffic around it on all sides.
We took our seats and relaxed until the game started. Joba Chamberlain wasn't too sharp, but the Yankees kept him close. We witnessed homeruns by Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, and then the game winning home run by the Captain Derek Jeter. Mo (Mariano Rivera) came in and got the save. We sang "Enter Sandman" enthusiastically as he entered the game.
One of the funniest things was dads birthda greetings. Mom paid $10 for dad's birthday to be displayed on the screen. He left for the bathroom in the top of the sixth and wasn't back when his name was displayed. That is so typical with dad! Tracy and I were saying, everything was scripted that day even the snafu with dad missing his greeting.
We were there for the first win in Yankee Stadium. It is something we will be able to share with generations to come.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
My 2nd Home...Section 237
Yesterday, I received the telephone call I have been waiting all winter for. I received a call from the New York Yankees regarding my relocation and season ticket plan for the new stadium. I have been on pins and needles all winter, thinking that I might be squeezed out of the new stadium based on my relatively low (2 year) seniority and the fact that I also get the smallest ticket package.
The seats look convenient to monument park, and the Center Field Food Court. When I go to my first game this season on April 17th, we are purposely getting there very early so that we can wander around a bit and check out the new digs.
I was given a few seating options including the terrace level and main level, but I am a bleacher guy. So for slightly more than a price of a movie, I can go see the New York Yankees in their brand new home, and see Mariano Rivera close out a game, Mark Teixeira hit a homer to score a few runs, and see Derek Jeter inside out a clutch hit.
My new home is Section 237. It is a significant change from last year where I was in the right field bleachers with the world renowned "Bleacher Creatures," but I am nonetheless thrilled to be in the new stadium. As a result, I now have a home in the new stadium for as long as I see fit and as long as I can afford. Here is a computer generated image with Section 237 circled in red.
The seats look convenient to monument park, and the Center Field Food Court. When I go to my first game this season on April 17th, we are purposely getting there very early so that we can wander around a bit and check out the new digs.So there you have it. I am a very happy Yankee fan and have been on Cloud 9 since yesterday around 1:00 PM.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Shameless Plug--Fantasy Baseball
Hey readers! I am just wanting to post something really fast as I wait for my Baked Stuffed Shells to finish. Yummmm
I have a Fantasy Baseball League with Yahoo Sports. Right now, we have 6 teams and I have solid committments from a few more. The larger the league, the more fun it will be. We are having a live draft in a few weeks. Everyone registered so far is pretty excited about it. It is a head to head league where you will be competing with another team each week. The stats for your players will go toward points in key categories. For each category you beat your opponent, you get one point. At the end of the week, the results are added to the standings.
If anyone is interested, let me know and I will get you an invite.
I have a Fantasy Baseball League with Yahoo Sports. Right now, we have 6 teams and I have solid committments from a few more. The larger the league, the more fun it will be. We are having a live draft in a few weeks. Everyone registered so far is pretty excited about it. It is a head to head league where you will be competing with another team each week. The stats for your players will go toward points in key categories. For each category you beat your opponent, you get one point. At the end of the week, the results are added to the standings.
If anyone is interested, let me know and I will get you an invite.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My New Toy
Today was a nice day for me. It was upgrade day! I have owned several cell phones. If I stop and think about it, I can probably count how many I have had. Ok, I just did that...I have had 7, and today I got my my eighth.
I have never got a "good" phone. I have always settled for a cheap one, or whatever phone was having a promotion. My last phone was the LG Chocolate. Functionally, it was a great phone...at least for me. Elaine had three of them and had all sorts of problems, but mine never gave me problems. I just did not like the overall feel, and the sensitivity of the various buttons.
When Elaine's last Chocolate died in November, she upgraded to a new phone, an LG EnV2. It is a very nice phone and she absolutely loves it. While browsing the store while she was getting set up, I noticed that BlackBerry's had come down considerably in price. I said to her, I am going to get a BB when I am eligible for a new phone. The Pearl, was the entry level model and was able to be had for virtually nothing. After talking to people, they all said, "forget the Pearl, get a curve" (the midlevel model).
So, up until recently, I had my heart set on the BlackBerry Curve, that is until, I played with my neighbor's iPhone last week. I absoulutely loved the touchscreen. I then decided that on 2/17, when I was eligible, I would be getting the brand new BlackBerry Storm.
I walked into the Verizon Wireless store today like a kid in a toy store. When the sales person asked if she could help me I said, "yes, its upgrade day, and I am here for a banging new phone." When she asked if I had any ideas, I replied eagerly, "I want the Storm!"
After programming it and activitating it to the BlackBerry Service, I was ready to go with my new smartphone. I spent most of the day figuring it out, the various capabilities, plugging in my calendar information, and of course, buying new ringtones.
I must say, I am thrilled to finally get the phone I wanted. So many times, I said, "no, i don't need or want it." This time however, I am looking forward to being connected, not to work, but to friends, to fantasy sports, to news. We live in a connected society, and I have officially joined on. It seems every hour or so, I discover a new feature on the BlackBerry. Just an hour ago, I downloaded the Yankees mobile application. It is pretty cool.
I think I see now why the President was adamant not to give his up.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
President Obama Calls out School Cancellations
I read this off the NY Daily News Website and got a kick out of it.
At a Roosevelt Room meeting today with business leaders to press his economic stimulus plan, Obama couldn't resist verging off script to suggest that "some flinty Chicago toughness" might be in order to deal with the Capital's first icestorm of the winter.
"My children's school was canceled today, because of what? Some ice," Obama said, as the room erupted in laughter.
"As my children pointed out, in Chicago, school is never canceled," he continued in amazement. "In fact, my 7-year-old pointed out that you'd go outside for recess in weather like this. You wouldn't even stay indoors."
Asked if he were calling Washingtonians weather wusses, Obama gleefully responded: "I'm saying that when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things."
"My children's school was canceled today, because of what? Some ice," Obama said, as the room erupted in laughter.
"As my children pointed out, in Chicago, school is never canceled," he continued in amazement. "In fact, my 7-year-old pointed out that you'd go outside for recess in weather like this. You wouldn't even stay indoors."
Asked if he were calling Washingtonians weather wusses, Obama gleefully responded: "I'm saying that when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things."
Today most if not all schools in Connecticut were closed and for what? We had a couple of inches of snow, followed by 15 minutes of sleet then rain for the remainder of the day. My driveway is down to the wet pavement already and the snow is melting off the roof of the van in my driveway. My kids didn't have school today due to a teacher's professional day, but I expect today would have been a snow day for them as well.
I can relate to what the President is saying. More often then not, snowdays are a joke! My sister went to high school in Erie, PA. I think she had one snowday in 4 years! She went to school with serious lake effect snow! Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if my kids have a delay tomorrow because the rain will freeze and their may be black ice in spots, but the roads will be more than passable! Our school buses here even have the automatic tire chains, but for what!?!?!? They never drive in the snow!
I just think there is some serious over reacting when it comes to this, and I am glad our President thinks so too!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Changes...
This past month, there have been some minor changes in my life. No we are not and have not moved, but some things have changed. Some minor and others not so minor. Let's take a look shall we.
Closer to 40!
On January 1st, I became 35 years old and upon marking that milestone in my life, I no longer was closer to 30, but now am rapidly approaching 40. I have always felt that the 30s were a great decade of life, and despite my receding hairline, feel good about myself.
Get Fit Chris!
I have finally made it a point to start at the gym and get myself in shape. A lot of this has to do with the previous point in approaching a time in my life where health issues begin to crop up occasionally. I am very healthy, but want to be even more healthy. I want to do this to insure that my heart keeps ticking and my lungs stay healthy as well. I currently go to the gym 2 mornings a week, and am trying to fit in a 3rd time.
DirecTV
For years, I have relied solely on cable TV. For the most part it has served its purpose well. I remember living in Harrisburg, PA and getting cable TV for the first time. Grandpa and Dad were so excited that they could get WPIX Channel 11 out of NY. For those of you that knew my Grandpa and know my dad, you can probably figure out why they were excited. Yes, they were able to watch the Yankees! Ever since that day, I have had cable tv. Over the years the options increased, but while researching our cable options here in Norwich, I determined that satellite TV was a more cost effective solution. As long as I could get YES (Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network) for free I was sold! We are saving money and have a lot more channels to chose from. I have been impressed with the selection and service since getting the service a week or so ago. We now have over 200 channels, plus HBO, Starz, Showtime and The Movie Channel. There is always something to watch. I love it!
President Barack H. Obama
On January 20th around 12:06 PM, President Obama took the oath of office for President of the United States. I watched this live and was moved by what took place. As the President said, 60 years ago, his father would not have been served at a restaurant in DC, and now he was taking that sacred oath. Watching the peaceful and smooth transition of power made me proud to be an American. I believe that the President will truly be a transformational figure and begin to restore the republic to where it should be. He seems like a man of integrity and a sincere man. I see great things happening under his watch and will support him in prayer regularly. I am proud to say that he received my vote on Election Day.
Closer to 40!
On January 1st, I became 35 years old and upon marking that milestone in my life, I no longer was closer to 30, but now am rapidly approaching 40. I have always felt that the 30s were a great decade of life, and despite my receding hairline, feel good about myself.
Get Fit Chris!
I have finally made it a point to start at the gym and get myself in shape. A lot of this has to do with the previous point in approaching a time in my life where health issues begin to crop up occasionally. I am very healthy, but want to be even more healthy. I want to do this to insure that my heart keeps ticking and my lungs stay healthy as well. I currently go to the gym 2 mornings a week, and am trying to fit in a 3rd time.
DirecTV
For years, I have relied solely on cable TV. For the most part it has served its purpose well. I remember living in Harrisburg, PA and getting cable TV for the first time. Grandpa and Dad were so excited that they could get WPIX Channel 11 out of NY. For those of you that knew my Grandpa and know my dad, you can probably figure out why they were excited. Yes, they were able to watch the Yankees! Ever since that day, I have had cable tv. Over the years the options increased, but while researching our cable options here in Norwich, I determined that satellite TV was a more cost effective solution. As long as I could get YES (Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network) for free I was sold! We are saving money and have a lot more channels to chose from. I have been impressed with the selection and service since getting the service a week or so ago. We now have over 200 channels, plus HBO, Starz, Showtime and The Movie Channel. There is always something to watch. I love it!
President Barack H. Obama
On January 20th around 12:06 PM, President Obama took the oath of office for President of the United States. I watched this live and was moved by what took place. As the President said, 60 years ago, his father would not have been served at a restaurant in DC, and now he was taking that sacred oath. Watching the peaceful and smooth transition of power made me proud to be an American. I believe that the President will truly be a transformational figure and begin to restore the republic to where it should be. He seems like a man of integrity and a sincere man. I see great things happening under his watch and will support him in prayer regularly. I am proud to say that he received my vote on Election Day.
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