Hey guys and gals

I am just popping in for a bit. I promise I will post soon.
If you would like to check out my personal blog -- feel free.
Since you don't comment here, you probably won't comment there LOL
but, if you want to go right ahead :)

The link is here:
Heart-throscopy

So What's Been Going On?

Well, I've been so busy and the time has flown. The summer has come and gone in what seems like a blink of an eye.

I went to visit my precious grandkids [I have two now--a girl and a boy!] What a wonderful time I had with them. I had them all to myself and loved every minute of it. So much love and so much fun. God is so good! [for those of you who don't know, my granddaughter is a miracle child who had a rare condition -- died a few times during her 6 hrs on the ER table and then was given "no hope" -- thank you Lord for your mercy -- she is healthy and amazing!]

You already know I went to a number of concerts this summer, but since my last post, I was able to see Bucky Covington [again], Keith Anderson, Jason Michael Carroll [Jason is also a fav and is a special guy too], Jake Owens, and the American Idol tour [again] with my favorite AI being Jason Castro [keep your eyes and ears open for Jason Castro --he's the one with the dreads]. It was a fun summer. Of course my best part was getting to see Bucky because it is like seeing an old friend [even though I am a fan]. And just to share about Bucky, Bucky is one of only three male Country music stars since 2005 to have three consecutive top ten hits. Way to Go Bucky!! [oh, watch for Bucky in the new Hannah Montana movie coming out in 2009]

So, speaking of old friends, I spent more time this summer with Patty Rizzatello and Sandy Stroud. It is always fun to get together with them. I am missing the other part of our group -- Lindy Roberts -- but since she moved down south we haven't gotten together in a few years. Sandy lives far too but pops up occasionally. So, it is time again and I am going south to visit Sandy. It just so happens [cough, cough] that Bucky is playing in the town where Sandy lives so I will be getting to see a few old friends the same weekend! Looking forward to that.

I also have plans to go see Jason Castro in concert next month with Patti LaBelle -- now how cool is that!

I have been keeping in touch with a few classmates by email and phone. I am also on myspace and facebook so here and there I find someone or they find me. I have noticed though that a lot of people in our class do not use the computer. What's with that??? You have to advance technologicially to stay on top of things or the world will pass you by in a flash.

Well, since nobody actually is participating in this class blog anyway LOL, I am just gonna put it right out there and state my convictions. I absolutely am voting for McCain/Palin and I know that since I'm from NY, I am in the minority here. [Being from a Democrat family and you know my dad was a politician -- my dad would roll over in his grave if he knew his party had become what is has, this is my own choice] My convictions are my convictions, and they go deeper than geography, to me they are deeply rooted in scripture and I am responsible to God for my choices so I do not take making a choice lightly. Thank God we still have the freedom to state our own beliefs. So, that being said.. I still love my liberal friends and if anyone cares to post, you are welcome, but I will not participate in a heated debate because friendships are worth more than hitting someone over the head in anger to prove a point -- and since both sides obviously think they are right, it would just tear apart the ties of friendship.

Lastly, on a sad note, I was informed that our classmate, Ted Ruddiman, passed away on October 16, 2008 losing a battle with Cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. If you knew Ted personally in school or have kept in touch with him, I hope you treasure the memories.

God bless and Hugs!

Should I change the name of this Blog?

Good Morning all,
I was wondering if I should change the name of this Blog to "MY BLOG", since this blog seems to be all about my thoughts and the concerts I go to? (Thanx Kimberly for your comment girl :) HUGS TO YOU!!)

Well, I went to the American Idol Live Tour and it was awesome. I wasn't going to go but then decided and got myself some nosebleeds for the September concert. Well, my birthday was a few weeks ago and someone offered me tix to the concert at a more local venue that I had not purchased -- so I said "Why Not?"

I had the most awesome birthday! Before the show, 30 of the Jersey Girl DH's got together in a private room at a restaurant and they had a little party for me. It was very special. What was even better was that I got to meet and pray with the humble Jason Castro. I got to actually get a few minutes with him 3 different times. I wouldn't give two cents for someone with entitlement 'tude (which includes most celebrities), but the humbleness and appreciativeness of Jason was so refreshing and genuine. (Bucky Covington has those same qualities) I guess I prefer "real" people over those that are plastic. You can usually tell when people "put it on" and let me tell you Jason doesn't put any airs on, the qualities are in him through and through. It was a wonderful birthday gift. Jason is already setting a number of different records in his very short career and the world is surely taking notice. Way to Go Jason! (DH#2897)

On another note, I got a birthday call from another Jason after one of his concerts and it was unexpected and appreciated. Something he absolutely did not have to do, but did. (Thanx to my girl Trish :) JMC - Another artist that does not have entitlement 'tude.

My observation is that it appears that the ones that have faith in God are less likely to think they are "all it" because they know they are blessed with their talent and opportunities. I pray they stay that way as time goes on.

Well, off to work -- Have a blessed day!

A Mt. Vernon Son

When my dad was a policeman, the force and the families were very close. I can remember having big Christmas parties with the family. All the policeman were my "uncles". I thought I would post this in case some of you knew the Kellys.
Steven was born in 1967 but the family is very well known in Mt. Vernon. Captain Jack Kelly, his father, was on the force for a long time and was one of my dad friend's "Big Jack".

OBIT:
KELLY, STEVEN M.
Steven Kelly of Yonkers passed away suddenly on July 23, 2008.
Steven was born May 15, 1967 in NYC to Jack and Jeanne Kelly. Graduating from Blessed Sacrament High School in 1985, Steven then attended Iona College.
Steven was introduced to the MVPD in 1989, and served for 13 years until 2001. He then became the assistant principal for Blessed Sacrament High School.
Steven married Geraldine Fico on June 26, 1992 at St. Peter and Paul Church.
He played softball for many years in Mt. Vernon and Yonkers. He was an avid Redskins fan. Steven is survived by his wife Geraldine, two sons Brian age 9 and James age 7, brother Jack Kelly, mother Jeanne Kelly, mother in-law Jean Fico, brothers and sisters-in-law Louis and Maria Fico, John and Claire Fico, Joanne and Manny Chirico, Frank and Margery Fico and many nieces and nephews.
Closest and best friend Phil Yovanopoulos. Predeceased by his son Sean, father Capt. Jack Kelly MVPD and father in law Pat Fico. In lieu of flowers, donations to Kelly Children's Education Fund would be appreciated.
Friends may visit the funeral home on Friday from 3-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Blessed Sacrament Church in New Rochelle on Saturday at 10:30 AM. YANNANTUONO BURR DAVIS SHARPE FUNERAL HOME 584 Gramatan Avenue Mt. Vernon, NY 10552
(914) 699-4010 www.yannantuonofh.com

Crazy Days of Summer

Well, I've been a little busy lately and haven't spent a lot of time blogging.
Since people do visit, I should really keep up on it. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A CLASS BLOG SITE. SHEEEESHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I guess you guys are just getting to be old farts! Not me, not gonna happen.
Anyway, I have been doing this and that and dealing with this awful heat wave we are having in NY, work, plumbing issues (house related), etc etc.

For my birthday which is next week, I am going to go to the American Idol Live Tour show. I am looking forward to seeing a live show of Jason Castro. This boy is tenderizer for the hardest of hearts. I could tell you so many stories of people who have been touched by this boy's joy and genuineness. God is definitely working through the way this boy lives life and gives of himself for others. Yes, he is about serving and helping others and has caused his followers to volunteer their time and energy to that cause as well. (NO, he is not stupid and not a pothead, though he has dreads, he is an extremely intelligent young man who got into Texas A&M on a petroleum engineering scholarship who was in the honor society and got 1340 on his SAT's)

I heard of an awful situation at his concert in Chicago where a female fan OVERSTEPPED HER BOUNDARIES. Fans need to respect that the artist is not a piece of meat and not invade their personal space inappropriately. Makes me mad that people do not treat others as they would want to be treated themselves -- with respect.

In August, I will get to see my boy Bucky Covington again and will see Jason Michael Carroll with some of my MVHS classmates. I am really looking forward to also seeing Cole Deggs who I hear might be making a surprise appearance somewhere. If that is the case, it would be great to see him again as he is a good guy and the chance to see him perform is rare these days.

Well, it's off to work.
Everyone have a blessed day!
Here is one of my recent pictures with Bucky Covington.
You guys should check him out, he sings some from OUR TIME

Mt. Vernon's Mounted Police

My mother sent me this article in the local newspaper regarding Mt. Vernon's new Mounted Police Unit. I think this is a great idea.
Thought I would share it with you.

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200806170930/NEWS02/306170012

American Idol

So do any of you watch American Idol? I have watched it from its first season. It reminds me a lot of the old Ted Mack Amateur Hour and Star Search, but updated. A lot of people in the music industry do not like the show, but I think that it gives upcoming artists an opportunity that they may not have otherwise in following their dreams.

Right now American Idol has a number of Alum in the entertainment biz. Some have gone to the top of the mountain and others are working at something they love and still making money at it. Who cares if you stay a household name or not, if you are employed and you love what you do. Good for them and good there is a vehicle for them. I don't necessarily like certain things I hear about the way American Idol works, but I think it offers boot camp for artists and a built-in fan base. How's that for a jumpstart?

Season 5 produced many successful artists as you already know because Bucky Covington is a Season 5 Alum. Season 6 was a blur, but I think Season 7 had some amazing singers. Everyone says "it is a singing competition", but realistically singing is only one aspect that people vote on. A good voice might be the reason to pick up that phone and cast votes, but let's face it, if someone has a great voice, but has a rotten personality, he/she would not get my vote. A sense of entitlement turns me off. Confidence is one thing, cockiness is another.

There have been a lot of good singers on the show, but when I have the show on, I sometimes close my eyes and listen to the performer to see whether or not I hear something special in their voices. Listening to the interviews and watching them gives me another perspective on which to base my vote, if any.

So even though I have watched all seasons of American Idol, I have only voted for two people the entire time. First, of course, you know I voted for Bucky Covington. He was unique, humble, respectful and genuine. He had something that I thought would come across to the fans and it did, and it still is. His voice didn't get him to number one, but he has something that made him stand out and he is living his dream. (Kudos and Hugs to Bucky by the way)

So in 2008, Season 7, one person stood out for me above all -- Jason Castro. The other singers could belt out a tune and were enjoyable, but there was something very special about Jason Castro to me. Again, not a powerhouse of a voice, but let's face it, God gives people different talents and Jason was given something better than the ability to shout a tune. Jason's voice and style were the most unique of this season and, I believe, of most artists out there. He is memorable and there is something very special about this boy (hmmmm, I already said that didn't I? Well, then let's emphasize that point!)-- his humility, his joy, his smile, and oh I can't forget, he does have the most beautiful eyes. The eyes being the window to the soul tells that Jason has a very sweet spirit and a love for the Lord.

So about the dreads, well for the ridicule I received at my job for liking Bucky, it was even worse for liking Jason -- the dreadhead. People are so quick to judge a person at first appearance and just because they don't like their clothes or hairstyle they choose not to like them (see American Idol isn't only a singing contest). Jason's dreads made him stand out and I believe helped him to be noticed even more, not to mention being one of the reasons millions of girls and women fell in love.

There was not one song that Jason sang that he did not put his heart into completely. Some critics say he was not putting forth the effort. I beg to differ. Delivery of Jason's songs appeared effortless, but they were complicated and he completely emerged himself in every song and sang it with emotion -- even when he forgot the words to Mr. Tamborine Man. So he forgot the words, big whoop! He still delivered it with his own personality and it was memorable!

Some people on the internet have commented that Jason can't sing. Oh geez, with all the screaming in today's music does anyone listen to the words anymore? (Don't get me wrong, I like a variety of music myself, but don't dis a talented artist because you prefer fuel-injected delivery). Thank God Jason doesn't fall into the cookie-cutter mold. The Bible says we are "peculiar" people if we belong to God. Jason stay "peculiar".

I believe Jason cannot be pigholed into a box because he is a unique "work in progress" and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. Check out Jason's singing Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" and Enjoy.

Jason -- your fans thank you and we are waiting -- God Bless
Cathy Anne (DH)

Memorial Day

So yesterday was Memorial Day and as many of us, I went to a BBQ. A few of my friends even had to work. I watched the parade and remembered my father and his stories of WWII. I remembered many of my friends that went off to the Vietnam War never to return, or never to return whole. I thought of many of my southern friends who have friends and family in the military now. GAC (channel 184 on my cable service) had troops from the Middle East sending messages to families and dedicating songs to be played. I appreciated that and I am sure they did to, to know we haven't forgotten them.

We talked at the BBQ and Memorial Day seemed to be the holiday that was in the introduction to summer. Is that just in NY or is that the sentiment by most of country? I do know that the south and the midwest talk the talk, and walk the walk, when it comes to service to our country. I don't think that a large percentage of our military comes from the two liberal coasts.

It truly bothers me that women are deployed and have to leave the nuturing of their children and be put into extreme harms way. But hey, women pushed for that so it is their choice. The collateral damage that results from the children being left home hasn't been studied so I just pray that their absence doesn't cause a generation of children with even more issues.

Either way, I wanted to say thank you to our military and thank you to the families that sustain them and for putting up with all they do, during and after return from deployment.

God bless the U.S.A. -- even God help the U.S.A. -- we need it in so many ways.
Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend.

The Preciousness of Sight

So, last Thursday night my right eye began itching and, being the allergy season, I didn't give it much thought. By Friday, it was blood red and starting to swell so I went to the doctor's office thinking it might be Pink Eye. I was right so I was given some antibiotic drops. In the meantime, the left eye felt a little left out so it decided to join in and it also became red and swollen. As the weekend progressed, and without going into the crusty details, I spent the weekend with painful eyes and unable to keep them open for long periods. It's is now Tuesday, and I think they are starting to get a little better. At least they are no longer as painful, I think the swelling has gone down a little, and the redness seems to be less blood red.

Being without your eyes for a few days is an awful feeling. So, you sit in bed listening to music, praying, thinking, because you can only sleep so much in 24 hours. Right now I am just beginning to see clearly. We take such normal things for granted because they are with us on a daily basis. I thank God for waking up every morning and being able to take a breath. As I am getting older, I am a little stiffer when I get out of bed and am using glasses when I read. After this weekend, I realize how even more precious having sight is and it is something I do not want to take for granted.

Passover

By the way, sorry I didn't post this sooner as it is kind of late now, but.. belated wishes for a Happy Passover to my Jewish friends.

Many Christians do not understand how important Passover is to our faith as well. Though this year's calendars are a little out of wack, Passover is what Christ celebrated at the Last Supper on the Friday before our Easter. The Passover is just as important to Christians that truly believe because we also believe that we were passed over by the blood of the "Lamb". It is a thread that runs through our Scriptures and is the basis for our belief.

Sending all of you hugs.
God bless

April 22, 2008

I get the sitemeter for this site and can tell how many visits there are to the pages. There sure is a lot of traffic to this site but not comments or posts. This site was created by request of other classmates, but I haven't heard a peep from more than a few.

Anyway, I interviewed a great guy this week named Zane Lewis. A Texas boy who is making a name for himself in country music. Zane's song Welcome to the Southland brought me right back to our youth--great southern rock. I wish him well.

I will be speaking with Trent Willmon this week. From what I hear, he is a genuine, giving, and caring, cowboy with a great voice (well that I know already). He also is a great cook and is sharing a family tradition with us, so watch out for his Beerman BBQ Soss coming to a store near you soon. Please take a listen to both Zane and Trent's music.

Oh, and I must mention that Bucky Covington's new single, I'll Walk, is already working it's way up the charts. His song Different World was nominated for a Country Music Award -- way to go Bucky.

Ok, off to work

More April and More

Hey Oz, I'm sorry you didn't know I was in Atlanta either -- would have been nice to see your play. I will keep my ears open for your play. I go to Atlanta often to visit all my family and my plans are to relocate in the near future. I have adopted the saying "Northern by birth; Southern by the Grace of God." My heart is in the south.

I am still enjoying interviewing artists for the music magazine -- It is really a pleasure to meet people that love people, love our country, and love God. Makes me realize there still are a lot of people out there with good old-fashioned values -- Thank God.

My grandkids came up to NY last week and I got to see them again. We did the family visits and then we spent time in NYC and Central Park enjoying the weather and each other. I am missing too much time away from my grandkids -- they are growing like weeds.

I got to spend some time with Patty Rizzitello recently and it was good to see her.
I heard from Kim Sizemore and Rett Vincent this last month -- hi back at ya guys :)

I want to share this photos that were sent to me by Rett who received them from Jamie Stefano, who got them Bobby, who got them from Harry, who got them from I don't know -- but you get the idea -- we live in the tech age. So, you think you aren't old? Take a look at these pictures of our 4th Avenue in Mt. Vernon in 1961. Let's see, we were in about 6th grade or so? What memories-- I remember cleaning the sidewalks on 4th Avenue with a tootbrush in front of Genung's Dept. Store for a sorority task. (yes, we did have sororities in our high school) My mom and dad had a sports store on 4th Avenue too, right next to Joe's pizza and across from Woolworth's. Come on now, will these photos cause you to participate in this blog?

THE BALLAD OF EMMETT TILL

Sorry I didn't know you were in Atlanta. I had a play running there in Feb. I am in Chicago now opening a play at The Goodman Theatre called THE BALLAD OF EMMETT TILL. Previews start April 26th opening May 5th running till June 1st. Anyone here in Chicago or coming thru, I hope you get a chance to see it.

Oz Scott

It's April

So, where is everyone? I have been doing this and that. How about you?

Actually, I went to Atlanta in February for my beautiful granddaughter's third birthday. If you don't know it, my granddaughter basically died and they worked on her for 6 hrs. only to tell my son there was no hope. She was two months old at the time and God truly did undeniable miracles. Including the fact that when they finally were able to figure out what she had, it was a rare condition that only 50 people in the U.S. had in about 25-30 years. So, thanks to my son's belief in God and a God that answers prayers, I have a beautiful, intelligent, vivacious granddaughter who is now three. I also have a grandson who is a new arrival this past year and he is already a handsome young man with a wonderful personality. I thank God everyday for them.

So, I came back from Atlanta and I realized that I took something from my grandson. His cold! I arrived back at work and the whole office was sick with another strain of something else. So, I got hit with a good multiplicity of germs and they set up residence. I think it actually took about a month of my precious time to kill the buggers, but I am happy to say that they have met their doom and I haven't :)

I attended several concerts over the last few months and interviewed several artists for the magazine I write for. I had the pleasure of interviewing Bucky Covington which was an offer I couldn't refuse. He is a really great guy and I am glad to see him achieving success. I pray he never changes in an industry that is known for demons binding up artists with all types of unwanted issues. With his solid background and great outlook on life, I think he will stay grounded.

It has been shared with me that Lloyd Berkule has passed away. I was going to post that this was unconfirmed, but I did a google search and apparently, Lloyd passed away a few years ago, but I guess the news has just made it to me. I hope his family is doing well. This is the post I found in the obits.

http://www.nyjnews.com/obituary/obit.php3?id=1125765

I wish you all some warm weather; God knows we are in desperate need :)
God bless

Come out, come out wherever you are!

Well, I haven't posted to this blog in a while because I wanted to sit back and see if anyone else would post to it.... zip, zero, zilch, nada. I can't believe you old foggys are that technologicially challenged. I can tell you though that the site stats reflect that people are coming by to read this.
So, I thought I would start posting again and maybe some of you will come out of the woodwork.

I also have been very busy--doing this and that, but having fun too. Besides the normal course of life, I have been keeping in touch with a number of you and though we all are very busy with our lives, there are many of us that realize that as we get older we enjoy reconnecting to our roots and our old friends again.

I also wanted to share with you (with permission) a picture recently sent to me from back in the day :) Here is a picture of Rett Vincent working on a Duster (do you remember the Duster?). Boy, this picture definitely brings me back. Can you believe we were that young only a short while ago? (or so it seems). (By the way, thank you Rett, the colors of this picture kinda match our background and it blends in really well, dontchathink?--sorry, sidetracked for a minute LOL)


If anyone else has any old pictures to share, please post them or email them to me.

In order to bring this site to life, I think I may start posting referrals to some of our classmates internet sites or doing some "features" on where they are today. Please go take a peek at our own Larry Spruill and where he is today. Way to Go Larry! God bless!

I have been writing for a country music magazine -- attending concerts and reviewing them -- meeting with the artists etc. Thank you Bucky Covington for introducing me to the world of "new country". For me, I love the fact that the music reflects a love of God, other people, and our country -- something that a lot of those on both coasts seem to have forgotten (in my opinion, and let's face it, this blog is MY OPINION. I live on a coast and I am observant). Please check out my articles in the February issue. Click on INSIDE SCOOP for a review of the Good Morning America visit by Jason Michael Carroll, and on CONCERT REVIEWS for my review of Bucky Covington's concert, and Jypsi. I have a number of assignments coming up in the next few months so I am thrilled about that. By the way if you want to see me, I am under CONTACT US. The magazine link is GONE COUNTRY MAGAZINE

I have a special request. Leroy Ashley has informed me that Jerry DeMauro is ill. If anyone would like to join me in praying for Jerry, all prayers are appreciated.