Slidetuba's Random Bursts of Insanity

Deep Thoughts..

2010-08-28T03:37:00.000-04:00

What if ????

PennDOT could come up with a solution to Potholes??
Troy Polomalu cut his hair??
Pigeons weren't the spawn of Satan?? (Or worse, Philadelphia)
Phil Collins didn't have a bum wrist??
Peter Gabriel didn't work at a snails pace??
I'm not sleep deprived, just looney??

Just some deep thoughts for ya..

Civic/Mellon Arena Memories..

2010-05-12T22:58:00.000-04:00

I am going to miss the old barn.. I'll say it.. It was a haven for me when the times were the darkest.. I've spent a lot of time in that old place.. Mostly Pens games, but I was there for other things too.. Wrestling, Ice Capades, the Circus, a couple of DREADFUL Professional Development rallys, Indoor Lacrosse, Roller hockey, indoor Footy, Arena Football, oh and a few concerts too..

My first game was Sunday, 13 April 1980. Game 4 Bruins v Penguins.. I had been playing the game for a while, but I knew pretty much nothing.. The Pens suffered an 8-3 loss to the B's that night.. But I knew this was someplace I'd be again.. My parents started to take me to more games after that. (E section seats only cost $5.50 back then, and the "A" level was only $15!!) During my formative years, I got to see my hero at the time, US Olympian Mark Johnson, score two goals to be the Winnipeg Jets. Paul Gardner score four goals against the Flyers.. (And the Pens still lost that one 6-5!) I saw a young Wayne Gretzky.. I wasn't impressed then.. (and will never be..) I saw them don gold jerseys.. I thought, wow!! They look like the Pirates..
Times grew harder for my family.. My dad lost his job in the coalmine, and my mom worked two jobs to make ends meet.. But, once in a while, I would get a chance to visit the Igloo..

While off tour, at the end of the 1994 season, I got to go to a Pittsburgh Phantoms Roller Hockey game.. It was the first time I ever saw them open the roof.. It was pretty cool, actually! Flash ahead a few more years, I had gotten my first real job, and bought a 15-game plan for the Penguins. It was the year that Mario had "bought" the team. The atmosphere was great.. I loved every second of that season.. But then came 27 December 2000.. Mario's return.. I remember walking into the Arena with my buddy Jay, with him asking me, "How long do you think it will take to get Mario's stuff back.." Guess what Jay, about :40 seconds..

But there were other things that I went to the Igloo for.. Concerts.. I've seen a few groups play there.. Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton (in 1997), Phil Collins (in 1996) and of course, Genesis.. (you can check out the review to that show in 2007 here.)

Yes, I'm going to miss the old barn.. And no, I'm not happy Lady Fafa, or Haha, or whatever the hell her name is, is opening the new place.. Do ya think we could get Bruce to open it a week before she gets to town?? Or better yet, can we get Phil, Mike, and Tony there for just one night?? Please????

~R

Beginning of Great Lent.. New Post

2010-02-18T23:17:00.001-05:00

Well, here we are, fellow travelers.. We have come to the "Celebrated Sadness" that is Great Lent.. For those of you Blog fans who don't know, Orthodox Christians fast from meat (including fish), dairy, oil & wine. We also strive for a more personal relationship with God himself. We also strive to lead a more "Christ-like" life. (We are supposed to do it 24/7/365, but for the most part, we fall flat on our faces at some times.. Me, especially..) Now, in some places, a service project is usually put into effect to do some good will in your community.. Some go to homeless shelters, and yet others bring a few minutes of joy to patients in hospitals and in nursing homes. But I have stumbled upon something that has been around since the dawn of time.. The Random Act of Kindness.. Here's how it works.. When you are driving home from your daily job, trip to the grocery store, or even in the comfort of grabbing your paper from the porch, look out into your neighborhood.. If you know of an elderly person who is trying to shovel out their walk from any of the Snowpacalypses.. Don't just sip your Earl Grey and "supervise" throw your coat on, grab your kids and your snow blower and help the old guy/gal out.. You never know when those kinds "small good deeds" can do for both parties.. The elderly person gets his walkway shoveled.. You get 4+ hours exercise.. (C'mon.. shoveling 3 feet of snow isn't a ten minute workout on the ab-roller, now is it??) Sometimes, it's not the BIG gestures people.. It's the little ones that get noticed..

Now go out there, and shovel Mrs. Patchoulowskioff's (pronounced "Packs") walkway before the street lights come on, or you're in trouble, kid..

~58

I'm done

2010-02-14T21:27:00.002-05:00

I used to think that love was enough.. Not the kind that you find in a Hallmark card in the grocery store, but the kind that comes from believing that, one day the person that God himself has matched you with, will find you and let you continue down the path together.. This is "Valentine's Day" This is the day unto which we are supposed to be with our partner in life.. Today, this morning, rather.. I was, in Spirit, with someone who had made the scars on my well-scarred heart go away.. Our ages were just numbers.. She was Greek.. I'm a mutt.. We were both Orthodox, and believed in many of the same things.. My steps were light.. My head was high, and my heart was happy.. Then I get an email.. It was from her.. Telling me her father FORBIDS her to see me.. First the grief.. Then the tears.. The pain.. Remorse.. Yeah.. All of it.. But now, there is just a feeling of wanting justice.. But, I'm not going to do that.. I'm a better man than that now.. I'll pray for them, for the softening of their hearts.. and for the healing of my broken one..

Now where is that damn horse??

~58

The State of the Economy.. The Church Addition..

2010-02-09T20:52:00.002-05:00

You know it's getting bad around here when the churches are fighting for your hard earned dollar.. Here are some examples..

Two Priests from different Irish parishes had a bidding war for communion wine on eBay.. Neither Priest won..

The Tent Revival Meeting scheduled for June by the Southern Baptists will still go on as scheduled.. But the revelers must furnish their own tent..

Orthodox faithful start using Kingsford charcoal briquettes bought at Wal*Mart..

The Evangelical "Mega-Churches" start charging a Personal Seat Licsense fee..

The Lutherans start hocking the extra coffee pots..

and finally...

A Jewish congregation announced the start of a new fundraiser for their temple in Pittsburgh.. Fish frys on Fridays... During Lent..

St. Nick's Football League: Week 1 "Rivalry Week"

2009-09-16T17:05:00.002-04:00

Hello, sports fans.. Here's a recap of Week 1 in the St. Nick's Football
League

Stanley Nickels 321.50
SteelLoboda 305.00

Rivalry Week 1 started off with a bang and the stout Philadelphia defense
lead Stanley Nickels over the Adrian "Yep, I'm the man!" Peterson led
SteelLoboda. Also leading the way for the Nickel's was Maurice "Two names
for the price of one" Jones-Drew. Unfortunately, SteelLoboda's Donovan
"China Doll" McNabb suffered an rib injury, and might miss a few weeks.

NateDawg 272.00
LadyGraff 385.00

In a sorted twist of events on Cardiac Hill, LadyGraff annihilated
NateDawg. Leading the way for LadyGraff, was the QB duo of Peyton "Eli's
Big Brother" Manning and Tom "I'm the Baby Daddy" Brady. While Drew
"Summer" Brees led all quarterbacks with 114 points, and was the only
bright spot in Happy Valley.. But we all know that a Lily wins that
match-up every time!

Phantom Regiment 297.50
Crusaders 322.00

A molten quagmire in Brooke, WV met the visiting Phantom Regiment as they
took on the Crusaders. Tony "I'm too sexy for Jessica Simpson" Romo and
the New England Patriots Defense led the charge against their heavily
favored, and loud smack talking opponents. While the crew from Rockford,
Ill suffered the effects of the Madden Curse, as Pittsburgh Safety Troy
"Elder Paiasios" Polamalu was injured in the second quarter and Wide
Reciever Larry "No, No.. He was out of bounds" Fitzgerald was held in
check by the S.F. 49ers. (What, you've got to be kidding me???)

As for week 2, (Picnic Week) the schedule is as follows:

Phantom Regiment travels to steeltown to face SteelLoboda
Stanley Nickels heads to Happy Valley to face NateDawg and
LadyGraff is off to Brooke, WV to play Crusaders

Left foot first..

2009-08-25T05:41:00.005-04:00

I'm going to reveal something that I have been thinking about for the past few months. It comes as a shock to me, but I'm getting that itch again.. I've had this bug for quite sometime now, really since 1991, and even though it might make some of the people cringe when I say it, I have to be true to who I am, and what makes me tick.

[Inhale] [Exhale]

I want to march Drum Corps again.

[Deep breath]

Yes, I said it.. I want to march Drum Corps again!!

My plan right now is, march with a parade/alumni corps for a season while I get in shape to go back to competitive.

Now the reasons I've made this decision are really three fold..

I'm tired of sitting in the man-cave surfing the net and hoping things change..
I want to get back to my roots.. My grandfather marched until he was 65.. My dad marched. I used to march.. I miss being with a group of people that love the activity.. Playing the music..
I miss this..

This is from 2008 DCI Finals in Bloomington, Indiana. There were over 35,000 people at this show. I can't begin to explain what performing does to me.. I get a lift. Something that I can't explain happens whe you turn around and all you see is wall-to-wall people. They aren't there for the hotdogs.. They aren't there for a pierogi race.. They are there to see one of the most exciting, artistic, musical and athletic forms of entertainment that only God himself could have created..

I've come to realize that this is something that I have missed since 1994.. This is the gift that God has given me, and I need to share it..

I hope those of you who don't understand could, at some point, talk to me about this face-to-face. For those of you who do know.. I would like to stay local for the rest of the season, and all of next year.. (If you know of anyone who could use a Lead Bari.. Email me)

Oh, and BTW, this in no means belittles what I do with the WSO, or any of the other groups I play with, no.. It is something that has made me the player I am, and make me a better player in the future.. Because, I am not doing this for any other reason, but to improve myself and make my life as full as it can be..

Getting ready to blow louder and higher,

P.S.--> Thanks to Ginny Montaenez (a.k.a. PittGirl) who gave me the inspiration to step out and admit that I'm a Drum Corps nut..

Turning the corner..

2009-06-24T00:42:00.002-04:00

After watching the original "Fever Pitch," I have come to the realization that I need repaired.. Not minor repairs, mind you, but major major overhauls.. I don't know how it got this way.. If I did, oh well, I really couldn't do much to change it, now could I?? I have way too much crap that was given to my by my mum, who was a but of a pack-rat herself, and was given stuff via my mum from my grandmother, who was also a HUGE pack-rat. (It's bloody genetic, I tell you..)

Since I had to move in 2005, I have had two MAJOR bouts of depression that I can think of.. The first was sometime between October 2005 and September 2006. I couldn't cope with the fact that I had made a HUGE blunder (should read: I had no flaming clue what I was doing) when I moved to the North Side.. I had no idea what I had to do, no idea what I needed, but of course I too much of an obstinate git to do things like ask for help, sit down and come up with a plan, think.. I think that I wanted to prove to my sibling and my mum that I had the wherewithal to actually make it on my own, after having to take care of her.. I couldn't take care of myself.. I guess that's still my problem.. I'm too easily hung up on what the next day's challenges are.. (Get up, get bus.. get to work, yell at kids, rip on the Crapitals, go to rehearsal, play like crap.. go to bed, repeat ad nauseam) One person even told me I should give up playing the horn and just become another beat down old hack..

My dream in college was not to teach, not to play trombone, but conduct.. I studied composers like Bach, Mahler, Shostakovich, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. I worked on my technique for hours upon hours end.. I didn't want to just be a part of the music, I wanted to be the one who gave it life, gave it meaning.. When I listened to Mahler's 3rd for the first time, I can't tell you how much I was weeping during it.. There was so much tenderness and character about it.. A warmth that I couldn't describe, I felt like there was nothing else that could make me feel that warm and fuzzy.. (Stop laughing Fr. T..)

So now, I embark on another phase in my life.. I have questions that need answered, desires that I'd like met, feelings I'd like to share. I know that is all apart of the healing process, and in time those wounds that have been open for some time, will close.

BUT

If you (and that does mean any of you) have any suggestions or if you want to help.. Don't expect me to ask, as I mentioned above, I am a stupid, obnoxiously stubborn git who never asks for help.. If you think I need help, and yes I do need it an will want it, do me a favor and show up at the door and ask me if I'm doing O.K.. Or if I need help in doing something, or if you just want to go for a walk on a cold day down by the Mon for a chat.. Just don't expect me to go to State College.. (Unless the Winter Classic is being played there, then I call shotgun!)

~R

Current emotions

2009-06-17T10:05:00.002-04:00

Please don't ask me how I feel, I'm fine.
Oh, I cry a bit, I don't sleep too good, but I'm fine.
~Please Don't Ask from "Duke" (1980)

That about sums up most of it.. This weekend, I fear, is going to feel like pouring salt into the open wounds.. So I don't plan on going out to do much this weekend.. (Mostly packing and setting up for the move next week..)

The random pursuit to defeat lonelyness and depression.. (Part I of many)

2009-01-16T21:11:00.002-05:00

If nobody knows this fact, I want to move.. I want to live like I truly deserve.. To finally be free of horrible neighbors, no chances to be able to have a "friend" over.. I am having trouble because I'm fearful that I will be turned down because I don't make enough, or because I play trombone.. I don't wish to live where I am at anymore.. It's too depressing. Nothing anything good has come from me living there.. So, what do I do.. I escape, the only way I can.. By watching a gory movie, riding the "T" for no other reason but just to kill time.. I take my laptop everywhere, sometimes for no other reason but, almost as a security blanket.. I try to put my feelings down on paper, or into words, but sometimes, like my prayers feel as of late, are wordless.. A tear is about all I can produce.. I used to be much, much more than I am.. How did I let myself get so down on life, on the future?? Is it all my fault?? How can I climb out of this perilous pit??

I wish I knew the hymn of the Holy Three Youths from the fire (Book of Daniel. To be sang on Great and Holy Saturday Liturgy)

Random Ponderings

2008-11-23T18:18:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to laugh, but because of situations in my life, it's pretty damn hard to do so.. So I started thinking about stuff that, if I had the power to change, I would.. So, here, blogfans, is the first installment of..

What if???

1. What if I were in Bob Nutting's position?? Would I try to make a buck with the Bucs, or do I try to give the paying customers their money's worth and a shot at a ring? Or do I give them more Pirogi races, and non-competitive baseball??

2. What if I had shot the puck?? In 1990?? In 1999?? 2007??

3. What if I had someone help me stand up for myself to my sister??

4. What if my family knew how much it hurt when they ignored my desires??

5. What if I were less musical?? What flavour of milquetoast would I be?? Orange Macadamia??

6. What if I actually found her through Craigslist??

7. Why am I attracted to talented, nerdy women??

Ugh, I hate this time of year..

And so it goes..
58

Sergei Gonchar.. again

2008-11-22T22:38:00.001-05:00

I was fond of saying this when he, or another Penguin, would hold on to the puck too long..

SHOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

Well.. Sergei.. I know how it feels.. Puck. Off. Stick. Woulda shot the puck.. Shoulda shot the puck.. Coulda shot the puck.. Too many defensemen in the way..

And so it goes..

58

Where is all of the common sense in the world??

2008-11-21T16:51:00.006-05:00

I'm in a bit of a Jerry Seinfeld kind of mood, so bear with me..

I was on the bus back downtown today, when I took an open seat next to a woman that was looking in the magazine "The Knot" (I know about this rag from my days with Kim AND Rebekah) I asked her when her wedding is, and very politely I might add. She told me she already got married, and that it wasn't any business of any man's..

WTF!?!

So.. What's wrong with being nice in today's society.. I mean, if I were lucky enough to be "tagged and bagged" I'd be screaming it from a top the New Pens Arena.. (Oh wait.. I'd still do that anyways..)

So again last night, I get the Devil poking me in my ribs. Making me realize that he is inherently evil.. The Burgh Blog was ended.. PittGirl, if you are reading this.. Please come back..!!

This coming week, we have bear season. Mmm, bear. It tastes like Yogi! Now I have never shot at a bear.. But damn, I wouldn't want to drag one of those big buggers out of the woods.. They weigh more than my fat ass.. (and the rest of me, for that matter!)

I'm meeting the YAG Downtown for Light-Up Night.. I'm sitting at Crazy Mocha on Liberty trying to stay warm.. When does Pascha come this year FT??

~R

For PittGirl

2008-11-19T09:32:00.004-05:00

Glory to PittGirl!!

~R

Who do I have to beat up to be acknowledged by my family?

2008-11-01T21:07:00.002-04:00

I got this disturbing email this evening from my sister.. Now, this isn't her fault that I didn't know.. But, then again.. I never read the obits anyway..

I had a new cousin!

WERNER VALENTIA PRISCILLA AZELLE
Five weeks old, of Pittsburgh's Friendship neighborhood, died Thursday, October 23, 2008 in her home. She was born on September 15, 2008, in Pittsburgh, the daughter of John Werner and Lisa Porter Werner. Valentia immediately began to fill this world with love, serenity and joy the moment she was born. Valentia loved to feel warm water splash on her face during bath time; she experienced immense pleasure when being read Dr. Seuss's classic, Green Eggs and Ham, as well as the front page of various newspapers. Valentia also enjoyed listening to classical music and was happy taking walks in the park with her "mama", "dada" and "grand mama". Valentia will ALWAYS be treasured, adored and loved. She was only in this world for 38 days, but her parents loved her as if she had always been the center of their lives. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandparents William Porter of N. Charleroi and Karen (Filippelli) Porter of Monongahela, paternal grandparents Bernard and Suzanne (Eckenrode) Werner of Moon Twp., and her paternal great-grandfather Clem Eckenrode of Jacksonville, Florida. Aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents Richard and Priscilla (Bane) Porter and Fred Filippelli and Mary (Popp) Filippelli and paternal great-grandparents Charles and Pauline Werner and Jayne Eckenrode. On Monday, October 27, 2008, Father Richard Infante presided over a highly attended christian burial service which celebrated Valentia's life at the Sacred Heart Church, in Shadyside. Committal services and interment by Reverend Bill Bailey were followed at the Monongahela Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Valentia and to keep her spirit alive may be made to the Children Club 1000 Program at www.feedthechildren.org. THE FRYE FUNERAL HOME, Monongahela, was in charge of the arrangements.

Now, I must say, that this wasn't even my sister's family.. I will pray for Lisa and John, and for the infant Valentia.. But I just don't know when I'll be accepted by my own family.. Memory Eternal, little one..

~R

Squish!

2008-10-25T12:54:00.002-04:00

Ok.. Last night, in an attempt to climb out of this steel ball I have constructed around my heart, I went to "Lisdoonvarna" at the Harp and Fiddle last evening.. I had an earlier "society" gig that I had from 6 to 7, so I arrived in full gig clothing.. (Tux, overcoat, tie..) I have realized that I haven't really broken out of my shyness. I guess it's part of what happened in my youth. I've never been able to make friends easily, and it was easily apparent last night. I took comfort in what I always do, I hide behind something that I know I can do, or stay in the darker corner of a party. This time, the Karaoke microphone served as my Security blanket. (Yes, I was acting like Linus, but this time, Snoopy wasn't there to rip it from my clutches!) I took comfort in knowing that I can be the quiet, brooding musician that I am. My "set" included..

Color My World Chicago
You've Made Me So Very Happy Blood, Sweat, & Tears
Danny Boy (C'mon, I was in an Irish Bar, after all..)
Time Warp Rocky Horror Picture Show
Since I Don't Have You Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners
Can't Keep My Eyes Off of You Frankie Valli

Of them all.. The Frankie Valli tune was a crowd favorite.. (They had NO Donnie Iris, BTW!) The disturbing things that got me were.. 1.) I am now aware that I am awkwardly, and painfully shy again.. 2.) The only people that liked my choices of songs are 50+ years old.. I don't know how to take that. I'd rather be with people of my own age, but my tastes in music, arts and in other ventures are, how shall I say it, older than I am..

As I see it..

2008-10-07T13:10:00.002-04:00

I know I'm getting old.. I have some gray hair.. I have aches in places that didn't ache before.. Former girlfriends are married (and some subsequently, divorced..) I am now getting more out of hanging out with my friends' kids than I do wishing I had my own.. (The thought of which, BTW, is always on my mind.) I sometimes think that my kids will never know their grandparents.. I say that I'm fine, but everyone knows that it's BS. I'm spending more time thinking about how to live alone effectively, and yet, still have the hope that I will never have to implement that plan. I wonder if things will change, and also know that it is in God's hands and subjected to His will.

The summer is over..

2008-08-25T18:19:00.002-04:00

Well sportsfans.. Summer is over.. The Olympics have concluded.. Back to school sales ads are interrupting our Steelers coverage, and I can smell ribs cooking at Heinz Field. The one thing I can take from this is that I'm re-learning how to be a good human. The vacation I had was exactly what I needed. I'm glad Larry is doing well.. He's had too much heartache to go through the same stuff again..

The two things I hated most about last summer have crept in again.. Loneliness and boredom.. Two things that go together well.. (NOT) I just don't know how to combat it's evil doings. I do have a hard time not letting it in.. Coach Herb would say that my defensive skills are a bit off, and need to work on them.. Oh, if it were just as easy as doing an hours worth of Herbies.. But it's not that easy, is it? Sometimes I find it hard trying to cope with it.. So I sit, and watch endless hours of telly, read copious amounts of musical literature, and bike insanely.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm going to be all alone for the rest of my life. Before you say, "But you're Orthodox.. You're NEVER alone," let me say that I only mean I'm tired of not having human companionship around. I have found that most of the people I know don't like to "just hang." There always has to be a reason for get-togethers.. Nobody wants to go to the park and hang out, or throw or kick a football around. Why can't we just meet at a park for a picnic?? Then again, I'm the sort that has a friend wake him up to say.. "Wanna go to St. Louis tomorrow??"

Loneliness sucks! Where's the remote..

~R

Trip to Terre Haute---> Day One!

2008-08-04T11:56:00.003-04:00

I get to the Airport about 10:40 am.. Flight leaves at 1:30 PM.. Time to sit down, check email (The airport is wireless!!) and have a bevvie..
Yes sports fans.. This is a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat.. YUM-OH!!!

I am taking bets on how late my flight will be.. I say.. 10 minutes.. We'll see..

More Later,
~R

This day in history.. 7 years ago..

2008-07-22T15:37:00.004-04:00

Seven years ago this evening, Rebekah and I went out for the first time. Now, I'm not going to go into detail about what happened that night, but let's just say that I look at the first three and a half years to be a good time in my life.. It was the last two years that seemed a bit odd. Now, I sit here trying to figure out what happened.. Who's to blame? Why did it go sour? I guess it's time to examine the charred, dusty remains.

First of all, as I found out later, my mom and sister both thought she was a nice person, but had no personality. As it was confirmed by some other friends of mine. I had to think about all of the times we were in "Social settings" and what happened.

During my time working with a theater company we went to many an after-show or cast party. I would tell her that she could talk to anybody she wanted. I would keep an eye out for her, and try to make sure she was having some sort of fun. I would see her, sitting in the corner with a blank expression. I knew I was in trouble. It was a sign of impending doom.

She would have discussions with me, in her head mind you, and that I would go with her decisions.. (Anyone who knows me knows that I am VERY opinionated, and that I will take the tack I'm going to. It is a character flaw that I have had since I was a child..) In her mind, she convinced me NOT to become Orthodox.. In her mind, I became less outgoing and more into doing things that don't relate to music, sports, or thinking. I would become a milquetoast pillock who never left the house except to go to work, and church.

In the beginning, she went everywhere with me. Hockey games, gigs, hell even to a couple of bars.. (One of her endearing qualities was that she was not against having a drink or two with me, and her favorite beer was Yuengling.) Behind closed doors, we were passionate.. (I knew that when she stopped wanting to hold my hand that something was seriously wrong.)

She was never happy with her jobs after she was downsized from the company she first started out with. She could never find happiness in anything work related. She is now in Grad school, and something tells me that she's not going to find happiness after the "work honeymoon is over."

One friend told me that you never completely get over someone that you have completely. I have found that is true. I haven't gotten over her completely. I probably never will. It's been over 18 months since the breakup, and over a year since we last spoke to each other face to face.

I have asked myself if I'm going to be alone for the rest of time. I know that I have God's love. I don't doubt that God has a plan for me.. I know that if God wants me to have a companion, he would do it in such a way that the sign would hit me square in the head. I also wonder why I have set myself up for so much heartache in the past 18 years. Do I trust to easy? Do I seek out just the wrong type of women? I don't know. All I do know is that it's not easy driving a bus with no passengers. (There are no adventures, and the gas prices are KILLING me.. I want a solar-powered bus next time.) I looked in the "self-help" section of Barnes & Noble's yesterday, and I just haven't found the right book to help me repair the damages to my heart.

~R

What Infuriates Me.. Vol. 1

2008-07-08T11:07:00.003-04:00

I know, I know.. I bitch and whine too much, well sometimes it's nice to get things off of my chest. In no random order, and with many, many more volumes to come.

(Cue music: Battle Without Honor or Humanity - Tomoyasu Hotei)

1. To the Rooney family..
If you are shopping a percentage of the team around, how about asking the, oh I don't know MILLIONS of minions known as "Steeler Nation" if they would buy a piece of the team? I certainly know of a few people,(One Orthodox Priest in particular.. ain't that right FT??) who would, not jump, but leap at the opportunity.

2. Former Orthodox women (and men) who have left the church..
COME HOME! If you were put off by Liturgy in Russian, or Greek, or Arabic, or whatever.. Just COME HOME!! Your Baba's miss you.. Your Didi's miss you.. Hell, I've never met you and I miss you!!

3. To Marian Hossa..
You Flaming Scouse Git! You leave a team of young guys that are on the verge of winnning the whole shebang, to go somewhere where you will take your life into your hands just going to work. You didn't think of realizing that the NHL, in it's infinite wisdom, might schedule a Detroit/Pittsburgh rematch early in the season.. IN PITTSBURGH?? I hope animal corner doesn't get you, but Hal Gill does.. You Scouser!

4. To Ryan "Bugsy" Malone..
Yo tried to stay home. You tried in vain.. We still love ya Bugs.. We will never turn on you like we have on Barry Bonds, or Jaromir Jagoff.. Have fun in the sun Bugs.. See ya on the river..

5. To Jaromir Jagoff..
Here's a tip.. In Russia, they don't take "Dieing Alive" easy.. You're either alive or dead.. In Russia, you are alive.. In Pittsburgh, you're as good as dead to us.. Now we can boo the Scouser as much as we booed you.. Hope you find a nice casino there..

5. To Liverpool, Everton, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea..

Champions! Champions! Oh-ay Oh-ay Oh-ay!
Champions! Champions! Oh-ay Oh-ay Oh-ay!

MU-FC! MU-FC! MU-FC!

More later,
~R

Seven Words

2008-06-25T17:18:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, a man with unbelievable charisma and a wicked sense of humor left this earth. George Carlin was a pioneer of comedy. He made do something that was a bit impossible... Made you think while you laughed your ass off..

His routine,"Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" is probably his most brilliant work.

I remember on Valentine's Day 1986, my parents met up with some old friends of theirs, and they went out for a night on the town. It was the first night I was ever left home alone, and I stumbled onto my dad's stash of records.. Mostly moldy country, but there was this album called "Class Clown." I was intrigued, and decided to put it on the record player. What I got was about 50 minutes of "pee my pants" comedy. I have often taken a line of George's and made it mine.. (I used to be protestant, now I'm Orthodox, you know, you grow..)

Farewell George, may you watch us on HeavenlyCNN..

P.S.--> You might need to find another place for some of your stuff..

Finally.. An new post!!

2008-03-21T13:22:00.003-04:00

Well, well, well, blog fans.. Here we are.. It's the beginning of spring, it's cold, and the sun is bright.. What a bloody predicament we're in, eh? I guess that I should say that I'm over her.. (but we all know that I never will be totally over her) I mean, it's been over a year, and sometimes I still think about her..

Anyhow..

I have been doing some thinking.. (Yeah, I know.. you could tell by the smoke coming out of my ears!!) I have come to the realization that "she" may not exist.. I have been thinking about this for a long time, maybe I won't find happiness in someone, until I find happiness in myself.. (What a concept!) It's not that I'm not happy with things.. There are things that I know were completely out of my control. And since I'm a bit of a control freak.. (Yes. Fr. Tom, I like driving my own bus.. Sometimes WAAAAY too much.) I find I'm having a tough time letting go of the reigns.. I know I should just let God show his plan for me, but I am way too impatient for that. (How can I be patient when I can hear the clock ticking in the background?) In no way am I denying God, but moreso, I feel like I'm denying myself a chance at true happiness. I've visited a few bookstores in order to find Fr. Dn. Stephen Holley's book, "How to choos the right partner for life?" I'm interested in this book for one big reason.. Is it something that I could use to help me through this time in my life, or is it a manual on ordering floor mats for my IROC Z28?? I know that I will have some say in the matter, but c'mon.. All Orthodox Christians know that it's God's will that will ultimately win the day.

I have found, especially in the music that I have been listening to, as well as some of the lyric writing that I have been doing, that I've gotten more into a different type of "romantic" writing.. Less about the mating ritual, and more about times, people, places, and narrative. I'm not writing songs or music to impress people, (read:women) I'm more writing from a place that has always been there, just kept repressed by either the person I was with at the time, or depression, or "It just doesn't sound peppy enough!"

I'm still trying to decide wether or not to skip going to Manchester for surgery, or skip the surgery and go to Manchester..

Oh well.. At least I don't have to worry about work right now..
Go Pens!! Go Pitt!!

~R

P.S.--> Mr. Pryor.. you are a bloody idiot.. You should go to a real school.. like maybe IUP!!

New Genesis Tour Videos

2007-11-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

Rick's OFFICIAL Genesis Review 9-9-07

2007-09-21T22:57:00.000-04:00

It is now time for me to give my $.02 about one of the greatest shows that I have ever seen. From my personal perspective, the show was the reversal of a lot of bad luck that has been happening to me this summer.. It had been 15 years since I had seen this band.. I was ready..

The show started off with the beginning of the suite from the 1980 album "Duke." I was blown away with the absolutlely GINORMOUS vid screen behind the guys. It was the width of the rink, and about 30 feet high. I was amazed at Phil's playing.. He hadn't played this much on a Genesis tour since the late '70's. After going through "Duke's End," Phil comes up for the title track of the tour, "Turn It On Again." Not missing a beat, the giant screen has giant clocks on it, a tell tale sign of the 1991 hit, "No Son of Mine." I did notice that the keys for some of the songs were played a bit lower than in previous years, probably because Phil has gotten up there in years, and has mellowed his tone a bit. When the puppets from the video, "Land Of Confusion" came up, I thought the 20 something girl next to me was going to soil herself.

After Phil banters with the audience for a bit, and stops for some pictures, the line of the night was uttered, "Is the anybody old here, besides us?" The band then goes into an "Old Medley" staring with "In The Cage" from the double album "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway." The visuals were, well, a man in a cage.. The 20 something asked, "Why won't they sing I Can't Dance Now?" I now remembered why I went stag.. After going through sections of "The Cinema Show" and "Duke's Travels," they ended the set with probably, IMHO, their best track, "Afterglow" from "Wind and the Wuthering."

Now, following these great songs with, "Hold On My Heart," was, from a purely musical and physical sense, smart, I thought they could have picked a better slow song. This lead to Phil's favorite part of a show.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION TIME!!!!

With the raising of the hands, and the calling of the (Pittsburgh) Spirits.. "Home By The Sea/Second Home By the Sea" was performed. Mike Rutherford started the riff to "Follow You, Follow Me" and Phil retreated to the Drum kit, with headset mike on his now bald head. The visuals that came on the screen were animations from some of their album covers, namely "Duke; Trick of the Tail; We Can't Dance; and Nursery Cryme." I then had my moment.. the 20 something asked ME to give her a hug.. (I now remembered again why I went stag.. )

Phil stayed behind the kit for the instrumental section of "A Firth of Fifth," which led to "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe). During the interlude, Phil does his trademark "Tamborine Dance" (Who said Phil can't dance!) If you haven't seen it, check it out on YouTube.. The Band then goes into "Mama," a six and a half minute song about, of all things, prostitutes, which lead Phil to say afterwards, "I'd like to appologize for the disgusting meaning of that song, and we would like to take you all to a place of innocence, where the Bluegirls all go.." And with that, they go into the song "Ripples" complete with dual 12 strings played by Mike and Daryl Stuermer, and incredible piano playing by the incompreble Tony Banks.

Again, slow song alert.. Could have played "Man On The Corner" or "Your Own Special Way", but at least it wasn't "In Too Deep." Phil did get the crowd some camera time with "Throwing It All Away." (Sounded like the theme song for the Cleveland Browns earlier that day) which lead to..

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION TIME!!!! PART II!!!!!

With that, Phil goes into "The Domino Prinicple" and more photographs for the scrapbook, and right into "Domino" You guessed it, visuals were of.. Dominos, although they had a close-up of Phil with a 5:00 shadow, and no hair.. Not his best look..

Phil and tour drummer Chester Thompson go to the middle of the drum riser and start the new version of the "Drum Duet" on stools. (btw, this is how Phil and Chester write the Duet every tour.) After a long, but cool duet, they make their way to their kits to finish off their duel, and into "Los Endos."

The screen lights up for "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" and go through the first half of the song and into, "Invisible Touch." Again, the 28 year old.. (I finally got to find out her name is Michele, she's 28 and only seen Genesis on VH1. And no, she's never heard of Donnie either..) squealled with delight and landed on my chest. As they finish up the set, she says.. "What, no I Can't Dance?" Just then the drum mcahine kicks in.. More squealing, more smiling.. and a big hug for the big guy.. (Did I mention that this is why I like going to shows like this stag??)

To end the evening's festivities, Phil introduces another song from "The Lamb," "The Carpet Crawlers." He interjects that it is a very meaningful song to the band, and also talks about their first show in Pittsburgh in 1973 at the Alpine Arena? (O.K.. I wasn't even born then.. someone give a man a hand with this one..) Mixed with tears of joy, and the phone number and email of Michele, who was brought to the concert by her brother and his wife to get her out of the house from being broken up six months prior..(Sounds vaugely familiar) I wipe the tears from my eyes, and walk to the stage with my tag around my neck, and my soul rejuvenated..

Here's the Setlist
Behind The Lines / Duke’s End
Turn It On Again
No Son Of Mine
Land Of Confusion
In The Cage /
The Cinema Show / Duke’s Travels
Afterglow
Hold On My Heart
Home By The Sea
Follow You, Follow Me
Firth Of Fifth / I Know What I Like
Mama
Ripples
Throwing It All Away
Domino
Drum Duet
Los Endos
Tonight Tonight Tonight (intro)
Invisible Touch

I Can’t Dance
The Carpet Crawlers

End of the bloody summer, already??

2007-08-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

Wow, has the time flew by.. Then again, I know that it has been a very crappy summer. Start it off with the traditional start of summer.. Memorial Day weekend.. (the weekend with Jenna) There were high points, and there were low points on that.. All in all.. good weekend.
The next weeks were good, until friday the 7th of June, when my tranny died on the way to see Larry. One best friend moves away, car having stroke.. Not good..
The next week brought me away from Arsenal.. Woo-hoo.. Then Helene gets a weird phone call Sunday morning..

Helene: Hello??
Me: Hey, it's me.. We have to have a panakhilda for my car.. As it died last night
H: K.. See you in 30 minutes..

My thoughts were.. Well.. O.k.. I can ride my bike around.. And that's exactly what I did.. Especially to the Green Fest show on July 7th. Happy Times, right??

The church picnic was wonderful, and as John W. said.. "I wanna do the bar next year.." Great food.. Great Fellowship.. Great weather..

Then.. the bottom drops out..
July 21. Have final meeting with Rebekah.
August 3. Get bumped from Schaffer to Faison.
August 9. Bike gets stolen from outside of Downtown library.
August 10. Cancel Pens Tix.

Let's break these down:
The Meeting with Rebekah came, and much to my surprise.. She had been wanting to "off-load" me since she wanted to go to Chatham.. (She has much more potential than she or her family thinks she has.. if only she would go somewhere where her creativity wasn't stifled, instead of turned into white wonderbread, she could do great things.)

Getting bumped sucks.. period!

Losing the bike. It was the worst thing that could have happened to me this summer. I enjoy riding.. I can't explain it, but I do.. The feeling of going for an evening ride was exhilarating. It was fantastic. I'm too emotional right now to go into more detail.. but to say thatlosing the bike led to..

Canceling the season.. One one hand, I am saving $$, and I don't have to worry about finding a consigliatori for the other seat.. And I am freeing up nights.. And it's not like I'm NOT going to go to any games this year.. In addition, I have Wheeling and Robert Morris games that I could attend. And they will be here for the next 30+ years.. On the other hand.. well you know..

Life is getting better, at least, on the short term.. Now.. to find something I lost.. Where did I leave it?

~R

P.S.--> We never did have that panakhilda.. did we Helene?? :-)

Whatever happened to being classy?

2007-07-20T15:35:00.000-04:00

You know, with all of the time on my hands, and the need to find someway to fulfill it, I have come up with a novel thought. Why, on God's green Earth, do we have to put up with the Britney Spears' of the world?? Why can't performers be like, oh I don't know.. Bobby Darin, Donnie Iris, any of the members of the band Genesis, or, gasp, even like kids in the high school marching band. There is too much emphasis on the style of the show. That's because there isn't anything in the way of substance in the performance. One child once told me, "If there ain't no dancers or no fireworks, it sucks." Well.. Pardon my french but Piss off! If all you can do is prance around a stage.. the music, or even the words you are lip-synching don't matter then. Leave the performing to the professionals, and stay in the audience, where you belong Britney!

(going for a cold one)

~R

2007-06-29T14:02:00.000-04:00

Last night's gig was tremendous.. It was hot, stanky, and loud.. This is a song that we played, and after looking at the lyrics.. It is truth for all of us who still believe. This one's for you, Jenna..

Vehicle (Jim Peterik)
Hey well, I'm the friendly stranger in the black Sedan
Won't you hop inside my car
I got pictures, got candy, I'm a lovable man
And I can take you to the nearest star

I'm your vehicle, baby
I'll take you anywhere you wanna go
I'm your vehicle, woman
By now I'm sure you know
That I love ya (love ya)
I need ya (need ya)
I want ya, got to have you, child
Great God in heaven, you know I love you

Well, if you wants to be a movie star,
I'll take you to Hollywood
But if you want to stay just like you are,
You know I think you really should

I'm your vehicle, baby
I'll take you anywhere you wanna go
I'm your vehicle, woman
By now I'm sure you know
That I love ya (love ya)I need ya (need ya)
I want ya, got to have you, child
Great God in heaven, you know I love you

Oh, you know I do

(Guitar Solo)

Hey well, I'm the friendly stranger in the black Sedan
Won't you hop inside my car
I got pictures, candy, I'm a lovable man
I'd like to take you to the nearest star

I'm your vehicle, baby
I'll take you anywhere you wanna go
I'm your vehicle, woman
By now I'm sure you know
That I love ya (love ya)
I need ya (need ya)
I want ya, got to have ya
Great God in heaven, you know I love you

And I'm your vehicle, babe
You know I love ya (love ya)
I need ya (need ya)
I want ya, I got to have you, child
Great God in heaven, you know I love you

O.K.. before all of yinz go running to the beer line like everyone will at the Bucco's game tomorrow night, I don't mean this in the LITERAL sense, but more of the abstract. I mean, it's been more than a month, but hey.. Her bleedin' loss, right?

Now, off to the beer line.. (And yes, I do mean the Pirates SUCK!)
~R

Memory Eternal Archbishop KYRILL 1920-2007

2007-06-20T11:42:00.000-04:00

My first memory of AB KYRILL is from St. Nicholas Day 2002. Vladyka had come to tonsure Joe Mell as a reader (and subsequently a Sub-Deacon) I saw this old man come up and I was totally amazed that, even though he was an old man, he had this aura of a very wise and personable man. After Liturgy, Fr. Tom brought me over to meet him, and I had my first dialog with him. I found out that he was as strong-willed, and as kind as I had thought, and then some. He took some time to find out who I was, where I had come from, and even who I was dating!

About a year and a half later, we hosted the Lenten Retreat. I was there, and during one of the breaks, Vladyka sought me out and asked me how things were going.. I had told him that things wern't going as good as I would like.. He asked if I was still dating Rebekah, I told him that I was, and that things weren't so great. He told me that God has a plan for me, and that I will know of it when it is time.

Now he has fallen asleep into the Lord. For the past year, he has been suffering greatly. His suffering is over, and he is with the Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven. He is now with old friends, such as Fr. Vladimir, and with ones yet to meet, such as my grandparents..

Vichnaya Pamyat Vladyka!

Countdown!! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2....

2007-06-15T14:42:00.000-04:00

It's 2:50 PM Ten minutes to go.. Nothing going on.. Nothing to do.. I have done absolutely nothing today.. This is the quietest day I have ever spent here.. Thank goodness that today is the last day..

~R

I'm ready!

2007-06-14T09:36:00.000-04:00

It's the end of the school year, I'm cleaning up some small details, turning in keys and walking out for the last time tomorrow. In the past 7 years, I have become Orthodox; served on the board for a regional theater company (serving as president for two years!); been in the longest relationship of my life; moved from my childhood home; fought with and made up with my family; played a solo recital; saw the first saviour of the Pens comeback and then retire again and then the second (and the subsequent third, forth, and fifth); and fought some nasty personal demons. I've not conquered as much as I'd like to have, but the task was more daunting that I ever expected.

Now it's time for a new challenge, new friends, new hurdles and God willing, a better life.

I'm ready for it.. Bring it on!

~R

Last night's rehearsal..

2007-06-12T20:44:00.001-04:00

This is a picture from last nights rehearsal. The man behind me is the great Ron Levi of www.screamin.net fame. (Hey Ron, where's my beer for that??) It was taken during rehearsal at the Baltimore House in Pleasant Hills. (Near Century III Mall) Great seafood, and a great band make for lively evening. Come check us out on Monday nights between 7:30 and 10 PM

This is what us Slidetuba's do..

In other news..

I have met some interesting people on MySpace lately.. One of which is a fantastic young woman. (Who by the way is an Orthodox Priest's Kid! {PK's Rock!}) A trumpet player that I played with many, many moons ago. Someone who I went to H.S. with. (His name is The, and is as I remember him, more outrageous than I)

I am anxiously awaiting getting my transmission fixed..

There are some really weird people out there.. Want proof??

I have realized, along with Greek women, I am finding that I'm also attracted to nerd girls.. Can't explain it..

It's been three days, and Paris Hilton is still in jail.. Guess she out of excuses to use all of the things she's learned on "The Surreal Life."

Also, check out www.theoniondome.com for all of your Humor, with an Orthodox Twist!

L8r yinzers..

Ding, Dong, the year is done..

2007-06-12T17:49:00.000-04:00

Today was, in a very real way, exactly how I forsaw how this year would end.. The kids were wild, the parents from the Elementary side, were insane.. The staff was, well happy that the school year is over. What's funny is, that we didn't have a fight, nor did we have one child get injured. The 2006-2007 School year is over.. Have a Mojito! It is afterall.. the beginning of the summer!

~R

What does it all mean?

2007-06-10T19:18:00.001-04:00

This week has been one of turmoil. I started out the weekend at my friend Larry's. He is moving to Terre Haute, Ind. at the end of the month. He has had a rough go of it until he decided to change everything. He now is finishing up his PhD in education @ IUP, and will be teaching at Indiana State University in the fall.. It's hard for me to explain what some of my friends mean to me. Sometimes, I just try to make a joke to cover the anguish in my heart. (As my dad used to say to me, men don't cry, unless they get kicked in the balls..) I guess that's why, when I say that I'm feeling abandoned. Everyone I care about deeply is (or in some cases, has) left. My ever changing circle of friends is now getting smaller at the core, even though I know that God's plan for me is still unclear, and that no matter how far some people are, they are just as close as an email, phone call or IM. You still miss the person being there.

To you Larry, may God grant many years! Mnohaya Leta!

~R

A very emotional day

2007-06-03T21:45:00.001-04:00

Today, right after the Divine Liturgy, we had a trisagion for my grandfather. I can't believe it's been 13 years since he's been gone. I can remember the moment my grandmother got the phone call. For some reason, we had a week off before tour, and I was at my grandmother's apartment for lunch. The phone rang, and it was the nursing home he was at. She always said that God was looking out for everyone on that day. I tended to think my penchant for impeccable timing was the culprit, then I became Orthodox, and then I found out she was right. Then I went to lunch with my old friends Andrew, Liz, and their three year old daughter, Anastacia. I couldn't believe that Anastacia has gotten so big! Last night, Melissa told me that Liz was preggers again.. I am very happy for both of them, they are truly blessed. The afternoon was spent catching up on things, and then told them that Bek and I had been broken up since Feb. The smile on Andrew's face was enough for me to realize that it was God's plan for me to meet a nice Orthodox girl.. (Whether she be a Convert, Greek, Russian or whatever, is still a mystery to me..) An impatient man waits for nothing, and gets it too.. I just wish I had the patience to be patient!

~R

My deepest apologies to Sergei Gonchar..

2007-05-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

When at a gathering of the celebrants of the "church" of St. Mario. (You know the one.. Silver Dome.. In the process of being replaced.. Yeah.. That one!) When at one of these, so called, "services", I see one of the participants from the Russian Delegation not take his chance at temporary hero worship.. Whence this happens, the congregation enmasse, usually shout his blessed chant (in the 4th tone BTW).. "Shoooooooooooot" When he does, and the light to scream "Alleluia" comes on.. We all breathe with a sigh of relief.. When he doesn't, the congregation gets angry, which then the young leader-in-charge, Sid, usually gets the parish upon it's feet.. I sometimes wonder is if we all had a large group of people audibly cheer us on, what would they say? Which leads me to the news below..

Today it was learned that the person whom I spent most of the weekend with, and yet because of said time with her, I spent a good portion of the week walking a bit lighter, moved home again.. While I spent the total of about 14 hours with this person, I couldn't help but want to spend more time with her. Now, before you all ask, yes, I wanted to do and share so much more with this person.. But the fact that a.) I'm in a vulnerable state, 2.) She was in a vulnerable state, and most of all 3.) I had only known her for about three days in real time. I was afraid to take my chance and tell her how much I really enjoyed spending time with her.. Now she has gone home to spend time with her family and friends.. Something unto wish I could do more..

Now I know what you are gonna say.. "It's O.K.. Be patient" I have heard from one person.. "You could explore something Long Distance." or "You need to make yourself a better spouse." O.K.. to me, and in what one friend with whom I have had a conversation said to me, "How can you make yourself a 'better spouse'? Those of us who are in the Psychoanalysis business would prescribe that. The one problem with you is that you know what you need to do, but you lack the proper motivation to put it into effective use. I also know that your overly developed sense of competiton is already doing two things. 1. Turning this situation into motivation, and 2. Making you very angry at those who made this situation possible." Well Phil (and no.. not the one on TV) is probably right. About all of it. I wish I could be back in Juniors again.. I wish there were video replay of all our events after it happened, and you sat with your coaches and watched what you did right, and what you did wrong so that when the situation arose again, you could make the right decision.. Play the puck or play the body, block the shot, play dump and chase or skate it in.. Which brings me back to Sergei Gonchar.. What would the Gonch told me to do..

Probably this:

Shoot the Puck, Rick.. Shoot the Puck!

This weekend's events.

2007-05-29T23:19:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I was extremely fortunate to be in the company of a wonderful young lady. I had some of the best times just talking and getting to know this incredible woman. I don't know if she will read this, but I hope I get to talk to her a whole lot more in the very near future.. (God willing..)

Helenie, Keep your chin up kiddo.. Your almost there! October isn't that far away.. And God willing, good things will happen..

Keep your stick on the ice..
~R

The Mouth of Madness

2007-05-28T16:33:00.000-04:00

The Memorial Day Weekend is here and gone now.. And what have we done to remember our fallen heroes, or even loved ones that are gone..

Bupkus

That's what we have done my friends.. Not a stinkin' thing.. My weekend has been, well, um.. interesting.. Lots of highs and lows.. Really great highs.. and some very deep lows..

It's Gone!

2007-05-12T22:33:00.000-04:00

Yep, I did it.. It's gone.. Flushed down the commode.. It's ALCOSAN's problem now..

Now you are probably thinking.. "What in God's green earth has he done now?? What can he flush down the toilet that actually fit down the drain?

A mouse?? No you silly goose!!

A pierogi?? Of course not.. I ate it!!

The plot for the next Bond movie?? Umm.. No, but if you get a copy of it, send it to me.. I wanna play either a corpse, or the bartender..

What is it?? I guess you're wondering huh??

(Me and my buddy Sid..)

Yep.. I shaved it off!!

Betcha can't guess how long I've had the goatee??

Since March 1997.. Over 10 years.. Lot's of stuff has happened with that goatee.. It's gone.. Let's party!!

My Shoes--> Spock's Beard

2007-05-10T20:04:00.000-04:00

This is one of the songs that I have been listening to lately.. I am totally amazed at the talent that decides to take the high road and not play the same drivel that's out on the airwaves.. You can check them out at www.spocksbeard.com They are a phenominal Prog band from LA.. Hope they come to the 'Burgh.. Just like Genesis on Sept. 9.. Can't bloody wait..

My Shoes
[God says]
Melt the ice by summer
Turn the grass from green to gold
Live the greatest story ever told

Don't mess the sacred mother
If things go wrong
Hey, it's alright
But don't kid yourself
I know what you'd really like

You'd like to be in my shoes
Wouldn't you now
Wouldn't you now
You'd like to be in my shoes
Wouldn't you now
Wouldn't you now

Melt the ice by summer
Send the critics down to NBC
'Cause I'm the will
Of the world that's about to be

And you'd like to be in my shoes
Wouldn't you now
Wouldn't you now
You'd like to be in my shoes
Wouldn't you now
Wouldn't you now

Pittsburgh, America's most livable city..

2007-04-26T19:36:00.000-04:00

Umm.. the last time Pittsburgh was "America's Most Livable City" I was in 5th grade. That was 22 years ago.. And it did what?? Got us a new arena?? No, that was Mario.. Got us a good baseball team?? Don't know if that has or will happen?? What will it get us now?? Filled potholes?? I doubt it..

Chord Progressions

2007-04-25T08:54:00.000-04:00

Bb7 Ebm7/C Db7 Fm
//// //// //// ////

Cm Gm6/9 Dm7(b5) Bb7
//// //// //// ////

Look, if you are having trouble understanding this, ask me, and I'll tell you..

~R

P.S.--> The goat worked well last night..

Male Mood Swings, Single-ism, and the typical Bull-Shit!

2007-04-21T20:30:00.000-04:00

For some reason, God was smiling down upon the 'burgh, and granted us some nice weather.. So, I took my new .mp3 player and went to the park. I stopped at Gus & YiaYia's to get some Peanuts and an icey ball.. Root Beer flavored, to tell you.. I was feeding the squirrels in the park.. It was a very cool thing.. They were cute!

Now, on to tonight.. I am sitting at the 'Hive, and I realize that my life, well, isn't going as smoothly as I'd like it.. But, to be honest, I guess the reward for suffering in the here and now, hopefully make the life eternal much more rewarding.. I don't know.. I know who I want to be with.. but I highly doubt that it will happen.. Oh well

~R

P.S.--> Just to show you that Sidney Crosby is a REAL man, he played the last month of the season with a broken foot.. Hey Benny, don't forget your helmet!

LETS GO PENS!!!!!

Turn out the lights, the season's over..

2007-04-19T22:16:00.000-04:00

Well folks, it's here.. The offseason.. Let's do a quick wrap-up of the 2006-07 Pittsburgh Penguins..

1. Not expected to make playoffs.. not even to sniff the bottom of the playoff bracket.
2. Malkin was supposed to make a slow transition to the NHL..
3. Jordan Staal was to play the season in Peterborough
4. The Flyers were to defeat them on opening night
5. Sidney Crosby was to come close, but not win the scoring title..

Hmm.. Boy do those people who thought that have egg (and some corned beef) on their faces..

No matter what the people say, I am proud to be a Pens Season Tix holder.. I am Proud to be a fan.. And I am very proud of these kids..

So from the top of E-15,

LETS GO PENS! LETS GO PENS! LETS GO PENS!

~R

O.K. I'm perplexed!!

2007-04-13T22:15:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit perplexed.. I mean, all of the $hit that I have to put up with is going to end soon, but all of the problems effecting the "heart" of the matter, are still there.. I don't know what to think.. Oh well.. Screw it, I'll go fishing!

Christos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese!!

~R

It's not Easter, It's PASCHA!!!

2007-04-06T23:46:00.000-04:00

Well all, we are almost at the end of Holy Week, and yes, I will have a blessed Pascha. Wanna know why? O.K. for one thing, I have nothing to hide anymore.. The Lord and King will rise on the third day. (removing self off of pulpit)

The Buccos are 3-1. Woo-Hoo! Start buying playoff tickets.. Oh wait, they aren't the Pens. :-p

I am a bit afraid of the goings on in the Middle East right now..

It's almost 12:00 am, and I need to get up in 4 hours.. Eww..!!

~RP

Breathing..

2007-04-03T16:04:00.000-04:00

Last night, after rehearsal, I went and had a cuppa with Sonny Bayko and Kevin McManus. It was a wondeful discussion on breathing, sound, and intonation. I have yet to try the "Poe" breathing that Kevin talked about last night. I am anxious to try it out though..

~RP

The Ritz Band Swings!!

2007-03-27T15:44:00.000-04:00

Last night's rehearsal went very well.. The crowd was very enthusiastic, and the band fed off of it. We played a buch of different numbers including "Moonlight Seranade." I have found that I get something different with each group I play with. With the Ritz, it's the fun of playing music that people like to hear. With the Wash Swing, it's the thrill of playing tough music, and becoming better through practice. With the Wash Symphony, it's the challenge of playing Classical music with an emphasis on entertainment.

So, if anyone cares, The Ritz rehearses on Mondays from 7:30 to 10:00 at the Baltimore House near the Rt. 51 cloverleaf. about 1/4 mile from Rt. 51. Come on down, 'nat!

What I need to do to make myself happier..

2007-03-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

I've got another list, yes another little list:

From the home office in Rockford, Illinois

Top Ten things to get back on track.

10.Quit being so negative..
9. Finish Dr. Nick's book, "My Big Fat Greek Diet"
8. Find her. I don't know what her name is, but find her!
7. Hang out with friends more..
6. Go Fishing!
5. Hang out at the 'hive more.
4. Watch more Rick Sebak specials. (Sorry I missed Underground Pittsburgh!)
3. Read more..
2. Adopt a pet.

And the number one thing I can do to get back on track.
1. Watch the Pens win the Stanley Cup!

Let's Go Pens!! Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens!

From atop E-15, row M
~R

Monasteries are cool.

2007-03-26T10:55:00.000-04:00

So I went up with Helene to the Monastery of the Transfiguration. I was a bit trepid about going up there, but my fears and worries were quickly taken away. The nuns were wonderful. The services were uplifting, and the food was quite excellent.
My thanks to Mother Christafora for the hospitality, and Mother Barbara for the wonderful talk that she and I had.

I will have a post about the weekend's news later today.

~R

n.b.--> After re-reading this post.. I have decided to learn how to spell again..

The first full day of Spring

2007-03-21T12:51:00.000-04:00

Well, it's partly sunny, and it's getting warm. The feelings I have been having are somewhat uneasy. I mean, I still love Rebekah, but I don't like her at all right now. I know she doesn't read this, and if she ever comes upon it, so much the better. I guess I want to be happy, and I want to have control of my life, not have her being the sole reason to live. I don't need her to breathe, and I certanly don't need her to walk or talk. So I'm at a crossroads. Should I turn around and go back? Or do I keep going straight ahead? Or do I turn left and stop at a bar? What do yinz think?

~RP

No Soup for you!!

2007-03-20T15:49:00.000-04:00

Well, last night's game V/S the Blue Shirts was somewhat of a disappointment. We gave up 42 shots and lost 2-1. We have been giving up WAY too many shots. Oh well.. Until Later..

~R

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title

2007-03-19T16:15:00.000-04:00

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
The Right Reverend Richard the Mirthful of Melbury Bubblewick
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

King of Nothing - Seals & Crofts

2007-03-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

Well, last night was tough for me.. I was sitting next to a fairly attractive girl, who was with her boyfriend. After explaing some of the rules changes to them, he went down and retrieved some beers. (He even brought one for me for answering all of his questions..) I found out that she was sort of knowledgeable about sports, and had gone to school to be a Psychological Therapist. I then told her of some of the issues that "She" had with me. Jennifer, (the one at the game) said to me that She had problems dealing with her issues of commitment and control. Like she was the one in control of the relationship. ($.02 to Fr. Tom for the bus driver analogy!) So after ingesting the beer, (It was, by the way, the ONLY one I had during the St. Patrick's Day Weekend) I started to ponder the thought of my ideal feminine mate.. So here's what I've come up with so far: (n.b. Not in any particular order!)

Must Haves
1. Orthodox (Greek, Russian, Convert, Antiochian..)
2. Intelligent (Must have had some College)
3. Employed, but not hung up on career. (duh!)
4. Enjoys Music and Sports, esp. Hockey (again duh!)
5. Likes to travel (Beach, mountains, etc. Going to the Giant Eagle in Baldwin doesn't count!)
6. Passionate
7. Between the ages of 28-38
8. Articulate
9. Likes Animals (Dogs Yes, Cats O.K.)

Not necessities, but aren't important.
1. Between 5'3 and 5'10 in height
2. Likes to Bike and be in outdoors.

But NOT:
1. Protestant
2. Dumb
3. Quiet
4. Flyer/Ranger/Devil/Brown/Bengal Fan

If you see anyone fitting these descriptions, and are available, (Or aren't but would like to be available) let me know!

~RP

P.S.--> Two more points closer to the Evil Ones.. Magic Number is 8!

Most annoying solo instrument..

2007-03-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

Check out the graphic from Tunesmith & Anthony' post dated March 8th.

http://tunesmith-anthony.com/?p=644

Excuse me, but what instrument do YOU play?? Just because you are jealous that you aren't John Fedchok, Pete Sullivan, or the greatest of them all, Christian Lindberg, doesn't give you the right to criticize the Trombone.. It takes YEARS to learn the instrument, and many, many more to master it..

~R

Happy Birthday to me.. ::sniff::

2007-03-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

Well folks, another year has passed and I am now in a deep blue funk. What in the hell is wrong with me..

Screw it.. pass the vodka..

~R

Trade Deadlines, the waiver wire and relationships..

2007-02-28T16:22:00.000-05:00

O.K.. for most of you who don't know, I have been with Rebekah for 5 and 1/2 years.. Until last night.

Here is how the conversation went:

Her: silence

Me: What's wrong?

Her: Nothing, I have nothing going on in my head.

Me: huh?!?

Her: Do you ever pay attention to what I say?

Me: Yes, but you usually have discussions with me in your head, and as we have discussed previously, I don't read minds..

Her: I'm just.. not enjoying being with you right now. And I haven't for sometime.. I just don't like anything about you. The way you live. The decisions you make. Your job.. You!

Me: What are you talking about?

Her: I don't want to be with you anymore..

Now, I might have left out some of the conversation.. But you get the basics. Right now I'm not in the best of mental states, and I just have this hatred for this feeling..

Screw it.. At least I keep the kids.. er the tickets

From Atop Section E-15.. I yell..

What the hell's going on??

~R

What the world needs now, is Rum, sweet Rum.

2007-02-16T10:19:00.000-05:00

It's cold.. No S#it sherlock, It's also icy, slippy and downright treacherous out there. I'm having a bad week of sorts. I must start off with the fact that the weather closings of school has kind of sent my weekly schedule into chaos! Work one day, stay home two, work Thursday, lock keys in car in Parking Lot of Taco Bell while engine is running, come to work today and freeze.

Anyway, in the process of doing my laundry for tonight, (Pirates opens tonight.. pass the grog me matey.. ARRRR! :-p) the bloody washer breaks down into a million pieces. (Not really, but I'm still pissed as it is..)

As I have told some people, I have been asked back to perform another rectal. Oh Joy! Oh Rapture!! Oh Shit!!! As of right now, I have chosen to play

Concertino for Trombone and Piano in Eb by Ferdinand David

Thoughts of Love (Valse Concertante) by Arthur Pryor

Concertpiece No. 5 by Vladisav Blazhevich

Hossana for Bass Trombone and Organ by Franz Liszt

and quite possibly..

Piece in Eb Minor by Joseph-Guy Ropartz

and a Left Wing to be named later..

As I look at the repitoire that I have chosen so far.. I have come to the realization that I have completely lost my mind, and that I don't know if I am good enough to play them all.. (We will soon see..)

Tonight is the opening night of "Pirates of Penzance" Seems like it's going to be a good show.. I'll keep yinz posted.. check out the comapny's website www.pittsburghsavoyards.org

St. Benedict's Hall-- An upholstered shoebox!

2007-01-30T14:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, boy and girl.. That is hall, while being in a nice location, (and being only 5 minutes from my house!), is am upholstered shoebox. It is wide, but not deep, and has sound absorbing material all over the place. I actually miss the old ACFL. Rats and all..

~RP

Well, turn out the lights, the relationship is over!

2007-01-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

Yes, yunz heard right! I've been put on waivers! And It SUCKS! I mean, what the hell does a guy have to do around here? I don't cheat, I don't do anything without thinking about her first, and what the hell happens to me? I get screwed over. It's total BS! I'm sick of trying to be nice to everyone, now I'm going to be a grizzled old fogey! Eff it!

~R

Blah, Blah, freakin' Blah!

2007-01-23T14:08:00.000-05:00

Damn! Can't we see the sun for a few fleeting minutes this winter? This dreary weather is making me groggy and sleepy!

I don't know why Spendell is going to go to the NHL. I mean, does he think he can sell them on the same BS that he sold Lukey ($.02 to PittGirl) and DannyO??

Screw it.. I need a beer!

~R

A long hiatus is over!

2007-01-11T15:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I can now say that life has made somewhat of a 180 degree turnaround. (O.K., maybe a 158 degree turnaround) My job at school has changed, and for the better. I am back in READ 180, and don't have the stresses of the ill-behaved children much behind me. I am glad to say that I am not worried about the summer. I have issued Bob checks for the summer, and I now am not feeling so out of touch. As for the Pens, I can say that this season is turning out much better for them.. (They do need a right handed shot for the PP though!)

I think that 2007 will become much better than 2006!

From the top of Section E-15,

LET'S GO PENS!!

~R

The greatest hockey fight in history..

2006-10-31T12:40:00.000-05:00

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5453400830774191422

Montreal VS Quebec

1985 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Check it out..

~R

The Pens fly past the Flyers.

2006-10-30T10:24:00.000-05:00

First off, Evgeni Malkin is THE man! check it out.. http://www.pittsburghpenguins.com/team/features/arts/2100.0.php

It isn't enough that Sid had his first HT of his career, or that the Pens are 6-3. The Pens are about one brick shy of a load. The only thing that may concern me about the 'guins is that they haven't been in many one-goal games. They are either blowing teams out, or blowing them out.. As for the Steelers, I hope next year will be easier..

~R

Your first Place Pittsburgh Penguins!!!

2006-10-25T11:05:00.000-04:00

Hah! Did anyone see Malkin's goal in the third period last night?? WOW!! Shades of Mario. Anyhow, rehearsal went really well. Really well.. I was happy and a bit tired from playing last night, but I have to admit that Kevin really worked us over well.. We needed it.

~R

P.S.--> From the Genesis newsgroup..

FROM BRITISH NEWSPAPERS

1) Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, "We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It's possible Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house." (The Daily Telegraph)

2) Police reveal that a woman arrested for shoplifting had a whole salami in her underwear. When asked why, she said it was because she was missing her Italian boyfriend. (The Manchester Evening News)

3) Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van, because they cannot issue a description. It's a Special Branch vehicle and they don't want the public to know what it looks like.(The Guardian)

4) A young girl who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster. A coast guard spokesman commented, "This sort of thing is all too common". (The Times)

5) At the height of the gale, the harbourmaster radioed a coastguard and asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied he was sorry, but he didn't have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had just blown his Land Rover off the cliff. (Aberdeen Evening Express)

6) Mrs. Irene Graham of Thorpe Avenue, Boscombe, delighted the audience with her reminiscence of the German prisoner of war who was sent each week to do her garden. He was repatriated at the end of 1945, she recalled. "He'd always seemed a nice friendly chap, but when the crocuses came up in the middle of our lawn in February 1946, they spelt out 'Heil Hitler.'" (Bournemouth Evening Echo)

Today the the Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God, "Joy of all Who Sorrows"

2006-10-24T09:54:00.000-04:00

Today is the day in the Orthodox Church where we celebrate the icon of of the Theotokos, "Joy of All Who Sorrow". The following passage is the story of the icon from the Orthodox Church in America's Website..

The wonderworking "Joy of All Who Sorrow" Icon of the Mother of God was glorified in the year 1688. Euphymia, the sister of Patriarch Joachim (1674-1690), lived at Moscow and suffered from an incurable illness for a long time. One morning during a time of prayer she heard a voice say, "Euphymia! Go to the temple of the Transfiguration of My Son; there you will find an icon called the "Joy of All Who Sorrow." Have the priest celebrate a Molieben with the blessing of water, and you will receive healing from sickness." Euphymia did as she was directed by the Most Holy Theotokos, and she was healed. This occurred on October 24, 1688. The icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (with coins fused to it by a bolt of lightning), was manifested at St Petersburg in 1888.

To respond to the questions, "Do you worship Icons?" The answer is a firm NO! We venerate Icons. It's much akin to having pictures of your relatives that have passed away. Do you still love them, even though they are no longer with us?? To you sometimes talk to them? Well, in a sense, that's what we do with Icons. We pray with them, as they are in heaven and are speaking with God right as we speak. Prayer helps when you have many, many people praying along with you.

(removing myself from pulpit)

The Steelers are 2-4. The Pens are 4-3. Hmm It sounds funny, but I think that this year's group of young Canadians, Americans and Russians are a bumper crop of good players..

Again, I call from the top of E-15.

LETS GO PENS! LETS GO PENS!

~R

The day after..

2006-10-23T16:01:00.000-04:00

Wow, I thought that the post-recital buzz would last longer.. I guess not, eh! It was almost surreal! I mean, I was glad to see Nate, Melissa, Helene, Dn. Joe, Mat. Nancy, Michael and Donya there, but it would have been nicer if more had shown.

~R

LET'S GO PENS

2006-10-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well.. The Pens are 3-3 after 6 games.. Who'da thunk it? They have a better record than the Steelers do.. They could finish out the weekend OVER .500! Hmm.. Sounds like the top team in the 'burgh is not on the North Shore right now.. hmm.. What a concept!

~R

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-10-19T13:06:00.000-04:00

This is the greatest of days!!! The boys are getting back together!!! I'm so happy I could just S#@+!!!! Oh yeah.. the pens lost 2-1 to the Evil ones... Oh well, Malkin scored..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6064022.stm

~R

Wal-mart, Dixmont State Hospital, and shifting dirt

2006-10-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

Wal-Mart, the world's biggest supplier of sweatshop goods, is having a problem with the new Super Wal-Mart led shopping center on the site of the old Dixmont State Hosptial. I think it's great! The spirit of the old hospital is stronger than that of Waly world! In earlier news, Wal-Mart has to pay $67 MILLION to former employees for missed breaks and overtime. Maybe Mr. Walton's family needs to visit places like New Brighton and Emsworth. We don't need more mega-stores that suck the economy out of little stores like Coraopolis Cash Market. (There ya go Jim & Trude) IMHO, until Wal-Mart has a head-up-the-rectum-ectomy, we should NOT give them one red (or blue, or green) cent!

~R

The Pittsburgh Goal, his first of the season, and first in the National Hockey League, scored by number 71, Evgeni Malkin!!!!!!!!!

2006-10-16T14:12:00.000-04:00

Well sports fans.. Here we are. The Steelers but the beat down on the KC Chiefs 45-7, Jim Leyland is going to the WS, again, and we now have the TWO best players in the National Hockey League. Hope yinz buckle up, 'nat, cause this is going to be one helluva ride.

~R

I have a question....

2006-10-13T14:18:00.000-04:00

Since the Pens have a better won-loss record than does the Steelers. (for the time being..) Are there going to be any people jumping on the Pens Bandwagon?? I hope not..

In my internet travels on this fine day, I found this pic of Mario in the old "Sunday" sweaters..

What a find!! (It even has the matching gold helmet too!) :-p

To some, this is an ugly uni. But I like it.. I mean, it could be worse.. It could be like Washington's old road uni's.. (See end of blog..)

Did anyone see Sid the Kid score last night to beat the Blue Shirts in Gotham?? What a great omen!!

Anyway.. that's all from here, until next week..

~R

P.S.-> Here is the UGLIEST thing to ever grace an NHL rink..

Feelings of inadequicies, and lack of motivation..

2006-10-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

Last night was probably one of the most frustrating evenings of my life, at least in the past 6 months. I try, really hard, especially with this recital coming up in 10 days!!!! I mean, Rebekah is pretty much ignoring me. Nikk & Larry have been to busy with their respective PhD work. I feel like I'm alone on this huge spinning ball of dirt and water.. I didn't sleep much last night, and I'm not feeling so Smurfy today.. What's worse is that I'm just now starting to feel the pressure of the Recital. This stress isn't the good type of stress. Sometimes, I find it hard to concentrate on the other stuff going on.

Countdown to the big day..
10 days, 4 hours, and 55 minutes (as of 11:05 EDT)

~R

Sienna Miller, Bouncers and S#!+sburgh

2006-10-11T10:10:00.000-04:00

Incoming Message

To: Sienna Miller
Fr: Slidetuba
Re: Your whining

Ms. Miller,

In regards to you comments about Pittsburgh, and as someone who is in the creative arts industry, I will say that some of them may have been taken out of context. Most of the people in this town go to bed early, because they have to go to work the next day. We really only stay up late for four reasons.

1. The mayor is on David Letterman
2. Steelers play in primetime
3. The Pens go into overtime in the playoffs
4. Donnie Iris plays on the Gateway Clipper

About your last outburst outside Folino's Young's Tavern. It's called the law. Just because you can get a drink at the mere mention of your name in New York, doesn't mean you can have a hissy fit outside on Carson Street because you didn't have any ID. (even though it happens alot more than you think..) I mean who do you think you are, Sidney Crosby? (Besides, he's 19 and can't drink yet) When people come to Pittsburgh, they find that we aren't so caught up in celebrity. We don't have millions of paparazzi snapping photos 24/7. This is a town where the Super Bowl MVP can sit with the others at Mellon Arena, and watch the best player since som dude named Mario take the ice. I think I speak for the City of Pittsburgh when I say.. Grow Up!

~R

1-3 and in the dumps!

2006-10-10T14:24:00.000-04:00

Well, lets see what kind of predicament we are in.. We are 1-3, Two and a half back of the Birdies and the Bungles.. and we are in PANIC MODE!!!!!! Everyone says, "It's Ben's fault, he's not over the motorcycle crash.. He's not any good anymore.. Put Charlie in.." Know what I say?? Bulls#!+ In the Bungle game, the FUMBLES caused the 14 point swing. NOT Ben's INT's. In the game with the Bolts, the DEFENSE let San Diego take the ball 91 YARDS in for a TD, and looked like swiss cheese after that. Don't blame 1 player for an entire team's problems.

Oh yeah, BTW, yes the Pens lost to Detroit. So what. Detroit was the #1 team in the NHL last year, and are still the best Defensive teams around. (But it was cool to see Donnie sing the Nat'l Anthem at the game..)

~RP

LETS GO PENS!

2006-10-06T16:15:00.000-04:00

Well.. let's revisit last night's wonderful match..

I remember walking into the Arena last night and thinking.. "This is a weird feeling.." I mean, the building had an air of excitment to it. It was very happy feeling.. Then I thought that there seems to be something missing in all of the pomp and circumstance to the evening's soire. I realized.. "Tony's not here!" For those of you who don't know that well.. (and the one or two of you that read this dribble known as my blog) Tony LaCapra, charter member of the Pittsburgh Penguins Booster Club, passed away at the age of 82 in August. Somehow, though, I felt his presence. It came to me at 6:46 of the First Period.. in the form of Pens Grinder, Michel Ouellete. It was Tony's kind of game, and Tony's kind of crowd. I know he was watching the game, singing at the top of his lungs, and gulping mai-tai's all night..

May Tony's memory be eternal..

~R

The never ending line of dissapointment!

2006-10-03T10:34:00.000-04:00

Well.. when it rain's.. the world dumps about 10 inches of rain upon my head.. I guess I can't win! I can't seem to turn the corner on this dark time in my life! I'm hoping the next year will be better that the last 12 months! Car is not behaving, and my brain isn't functioning the way it should. I just don't know what to do anymore!

~RP

What a crappy weekend..

2006-09-25T12:07:00.000-04:00

I don't get it.. I think that Rebekah has gone completely off of the deep end. She is just trying to find ways of picking fights with me. She's so obsessed with the fact that I don't live in a perfect world.. I'm not obsessing on where I live, why I'm not just doing stuff to do them, or why I don't just do what she wants. I don't live my life to please anyone bud God and myself.. But that was Friday night. Never mind that she's always talking to everyone also about me and us, but never to me.. And she wonders why I get so steamed.. I don't know what to do. She's so used to me doing EVERYTHING for her. If she doesn't like the fact that my stuggling to get by in life is a Cross that I, and to some extent she, have to bear, then bollocks to her..

~RP

Al Qaeda, the Pope, and Burnin' stuff..

2006-09-18T17:24:00.000-04:00

On this planet, you will die.
-opening of the videogame Dune 2000

What is up with some of these people. Just because Al Quesadilla got miffed because the Pope outted Islam for being evil, gives them the right to burn effagies of the man? Ok.. so do you want me to go down to Feinberg's, find a cotton/poly statue of Osama and burn it?? No I say.. That would be money thrown away.. I have a better idea.. Let's get an Orthodox Priest.. no TWO! (One young, one old) and make the Middle East into a BIG Baptismal font, and let's fill it woth Holy Water.. Nah.. to impracticle, too easy, and just seems to be the right thing to do..

Go Steelers.. Go Pens!

~R

2006-09-14T11:18:00.000-04:00

Worked on the Guilmant, Rachmaninoff, & "Manic" for the recital last night. I saw the mouse running behind the sink last night. Anyone know where I can borrow a cat for a week? I'm sleeping a bit better, tho still have many issues going on.

The end of life as we knew it.. 5 years later.

2006-09-12T13:22:00.000-04:00

After watching the two night movie from ABC about 9/11, I realized that we were NEVER as safe as we thought we were. I have to admit, we were ripe for one to happen. And until we as a nation can: 1.) cut our dependence on foreign oil, 2.) defend our borders, airspace, airports and whatnot, we will always live under a cloud of darkness and suspicion.

What have we done since 9/11?

In a word, nothing!!!

Oh we may have tightened security at airports, and we have gotten rid of the Taliban. But what else have we done. The war in Iraq is completely out of control, and the Administration sees too many $$$ in their eyes in the way of oil profits, that they don't want to make the mistake of saving American lives, and losing American $$$!

Oh well... it could be worse.. We could live in a non-christian nation, and be run by illitterate, unasuming fools..

~RP

2006-09-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

Now I walk in the valley, and I smell the halushki & Kielbassa cooking.. It MUST be High School Football season in Western PA. Sounds silly, I know.. but it is the biggest traditions of some of the smaller towns in the area. Friday night IS the big night. Words cannot describe what happens here. It is unbelievable..

~RP

Oy Vehy!!

2006-08-24T15:32:00.000-04:00

O.K.. We now know Big Ben is Big, Bad, and now.. he's tough. Leave him alone!.. Now I am sooooo p'ed off lately. My car is about as reliable as the Pirates bullpen. I haven't got squat in the bank, and to top it off.. I'm sleepy. Anyway. I shall add more as time and Internet connections become better suited for me.

~RP

2006-07-24T09:27:00.000-04:00

O.K.. so Saturday, Rebekah and I celebrated our 5th anniversary together. It wasn't much of a formal affair. Just us, sitting around, watching "The Chronicles of Narnia" and eating un-frozen pizza. Five years, I can't believe it. At this time last year, we were in Chincoteauge, VA on vacation. I wish I had the $$$ to take her somewhere, or just get away for a few days. It is very frustrating for me to have to ask her for stuff. I'm not used to that. I'm just so frustrated that I can't provide for her the way I used to. Although I wish no harm of foul on my sister and mom, I just wish they had a clue into what I really did for her when she was home. Anyway. That's all I can do right now. Just dream, and try to plan for next year.

~R

2006-07-20T10:49:00.000-04:00

O.K.. O.k.. So Ben's fine. He's in the Povertyneck Hillbillies vid for "Mr. Right Now" So.. what's the connection from the PNH to his King Coolness, Donnie Iris? O.k. try this one out.

1. The PNH's CD party was the night before Donnie and the guys played the Chevy.
2. Donnie's daughter was an extra in the video for "Mr. Right Now"

O.K.. not really Six degrees of Kevin Bacon, but hey.. This is Pittsburgh. Tape it up, strap it on tight, and play hurt!

~RP

2006-07-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

O.k., last night's rehearsal was great! We didn't play any of the dance tunes, and went straight on into the Jazz stuff. Lots of playing and loads of fun! Ron told us that we also now have an outdoor gig on October 14. (Same date as the Wash. Symphony's first concert.)

On the financial front. I was denied unemployment because I "have a bona fide oppertunity to work in the next academic year" Meaning.. Tough S#it, Fort Pitt! I am sick and tired of people who abuse the system getting all of the $$$ they want to buy drugs, booze and hookers, and a guy like me gets screwed over because the market isn't condusive to someone only requiring part time work of 15-20 hours a week. What a joke!

~RP

2006-06-06T11:43:00.000-04:00

O.K.. O.K.. I now I haven't posted since August.. sheesh! Anyway.. I have been beating down the doors of possible employers since Early last month! Yes, I get a bit down about the summer prospects! I don't even want to think about it.

Life as we know it.. Or some sort of thing like that..

2005-08-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

After waking up early to watch Man Utd's first match of the season. The scousers from Everton fell to the Busby Babes 2-0 featuring goals from Ruud VanNistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. Absolutely Fabulous.. Now my attention turns toward the NFL..

To Terrell Owens.. Grow up you idiot.. Don't know how you graduated High School with a mind like that.

To Hines Ward.. Come to Camp.. The team needs you..

I need to get some dinner on.. I'll add more later..

~R

Wayne would rather be a Devil than a Scouse
Wayne would rather be a Devil than a Scouse
Wayne would rather be a Devil and play with Gary Neville,------------>
Wayne would rather be a Devil than a Scouse!!

2005-08-12T01:07:00.000-04:00

O.K. Today was going very well, until I received an email from my Father Confessor, Fr. Tom Soroka. As an Orthodox Christian, I was OUTRAGED at what I saw.. Then I read the story.. The video was shot almost 10 years ago in Western Bosnia, It shows Islamic Militants desecrating an Orthodox Church. I was absolutely aghast with anger when I saw it. It made me realize that things that I keep as sacred and hold in high regard, are not thought of in that way by other people of this planet.

In other news.. I was cleaning out some of my files.. (not on my computer) and came across two arrangements that I had that had never been performed.. As I get them into the computer, I will post them for all to listen to..

Go Pens!!

~R

Opening Thoughts

2005-08-11T02:35:00.000-04:00

O.K.. Here I am. A new blogger. Since Myron has retired, I guess this is where the stuff from my big cranium is going to go.. Yoi!

At this moment, I am listening to Live365.com's "All Brass" station. It currently has The Cadets' current show on. It was recorded at the Alamodome on July 23, 2005.

Now for a few rants before I hit the hay..

1. When will we stop hearing if Ben Roethlisberger gets even the slightest injury? I mean, what happens if he gets stung by a bee during "Camp Cahr" Will KDKA break through an episode of "Two and a Half Men" just to tell us that Big Ben got stung in the butt?? (I know all of you conspiracy theorists out there will say that Ray Lewis had some bees genetically altered just to sting Ben in the Posterior. (Guess what, Ray Lewis isn't that smart))

2. The Pens will get their New digs.. I'm not just saying it because I'm a season ticket holder, I'm saying it because they have been and are getting screwed ROYALLY.. The Flyers have a great building, so does Columbus.. Why not us?? Besides, with Crosby, Malikin, Recchi, Palfy, Malone, Fleury, Orpik, Gonchar, Tarnstrom.... and some guy named Mario Lemieux.. The Pens will be fine...

On a final note. It has been one week since the Falling Asleep of the Archpriest Vladimir Soroka. His Funeral on Sunday night was a service/performance that I will NEVER forget. I know he was smiling from his spot in the Choir Loft. May God grant eternal rest to the servant of God, the Archpriest Vladimir, and make his Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat!