I was 12 years old, in Swan Lake, NY after a long day of blueberry picking. Making sure not to pick the green ones, or even the reddish blue ones. The big plump blue ones were what we wanted. everyone had a big pot to fill. The end result was the best, that was the warm blueberry pie my mom would bake. The sun was strong in the blueberry patch, occasionally you would hear of an old person passing out from sun stroke. Occasionally you would hear about a young person who stepped in a fresh pile of cow poop.
Well , more than occasionally, and more than occasionally that person was ME. Blueberry picking was fun, you would encounter, bees, wasps, and maybe even see a butterfly. I used to like wiping the frosty thin coating from the blueberry and make it look shiny. I also like to throw a few at someone's head and watch it Splat. We used to pick blueberries often, when they were ready to pick.
In the same area people would hunt, that was later on in the year. I remember in Ronnie's garage in Swan lake they had a huge deer head on the wall. I think it was a 12 point buck. Someone would say when looking at the head on the wall, " boy he must've been runnin' pretty fast". Took me years to finally get that joke. Anyway, there was no hunting in the summer, but we heard about it. My father, one day did some hunting in the summer though. He was a great shot. He took out his 7 shot 38 revolver , or it may have been a 32 calibre, i forgot. It was a collector's item, having that 7th shot to fool someone who was counting shots. Well, that is if you were in a shoot out. Not something that occurs too often. So back to the shooting, my father draws the gun, and shoots 3 shots in the sky and 2 ducks fall to the ground. Unbelievable!, the man was a great shot. He scored "expert" in the police shooting test, and had a medal to prove it. He was a police officer. His son, on the other hand, always managed to do illegal or semi-illegal things. My dad, also was hired one summer to shoot a giant turtle, that was in Dixie Lake and turning boats over. So we went out turtle hunting, of course I put a red devil lure on my fishing line and was trolling for some perch or pickerel, while we were scouting big turtles. he saw a head bob up. It was the turtle, dad shot at it, missed. He had one more chance but missed again.
Speaking of hunting, and we weren't allowed to in the summer. Also, a 12 year old, I don't believe is allowed to hunt. Speaking of illegal. We got David Gorilitzky's big brother's 22 calibre rifle and set out to the blueberry patch to hunt. We figured, if the grownups can hunt deer, and talk about how good it was to eat, we could hunt better eating game. We tracked down our prey, it was huge. It was right there, maybe 10 of them, big black and white cows. Yeah, what could be better eating than a cow.
I had the first shot, BOOM, i hit the cow in the stomach, she started running. they all kind of scattered. We heard some old guy with a hat, yelling at us. "are you kids crazy? I'm gonna kill yas" " my cows won't give milk for a week now." We ran so fast. Got back, hid the rifle, and prayed no one would find out. Somehow, we did get caught. I wonder how that happened. A pissed off farmer, some amazed parents. And two kids, who were in deep trouble for shooting a cow. It's sad that we didn't get to eat that cow. We got yelled at, a little punished, but it was a fun day hunting. We were kinda proud.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Deaf people in the restaurant
I was eating in a restaurant and across from me were two women who were deaf.
They were conversing away, using sign language and then also text messaging each other .
I thought that was pretty cool that they were texting. After they left, I notice 2 other women
conversing away, hand signs flying. I say to myself, what's going on here? I've eaten here 100s of times
and never saw so many people who were deaf. On my way out, I got closer to the second pair of women, who were still waving their hands in deep discussion. But I was wrong, they weren't deaf. They were
Italians, just being expressive.
They were conversing away, using sign language and then also text messaging each other .
I thought that was pretty cool that they were texting. After they left, I notice 2 other women
conversing away, hand signs flying. I say to myself, what's going on here? I've eaten here 100s of times
and never saw so many people who were deaf. On my way out, I got closer to the second pair of women, who were still waving their hands in deep discussion. But I was wrong, they weren't deaf. They were
Italians, just being expressive.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
the tailor
There was a really good clothing sale at Barney's warehouse. I bought a sport jacket that normally costs
$2500 for $280, and a suit that was $3400 for about $300. I felt proud of myself, since there werent that many really high quality jackets and suits, I picked through 100's and found these. The sizing was a little off, so I need to get them altered. I decide to go to a tailor I used to frequent, who knows how to make suits from scratch. I figured, even though his prices are way high, he would do a good job and it would be worth it, since i saved so much already. So, I hadn't been to this tailor for some years, the minute i walked him , he greeted me by name. Wow, I mustve been a really good customer. So I try on the clothes , he marks them, and pins them. I come back in a week to pick it up. I try on the suit. the chest is too big, the back is saggy, the shoulder is big. I try on the sports jacket, the shoulders are too big.
Meanwhile he wants $100s of dollars for the work he has done. I say " this suit and jacket do not fit right"
He says, " yes the chest , shoulder and back are not a perfect fit". So I say, " well you are a great tailor, these should fit much better". He says " you want it to fit perfect? Now that's a big job! that costs a lot"
I'm like, WTF. You mean I come here an pay you to fix my clothes so they don't fit right, because if I want them to fit right, THAT"S A BIG JOB,,,,,, I"m still shaking my head.
$2500 for $280, and a suit that was $3400 for about $300. I felt proud of myself, since there werent that many really high quality jackets and suits, I picked through 100's and found these. The sizing was a little off, so I need to get them altered. I decide to go to a tailor I used to frequent, who knows how to make suits from scratch. I figured, even though his prices are way high, he would do a good job and it would be worth it, since i saved so much already. So, I hadn't been to this tailor for some years, the minute i walked him , he greeted me by name. Wow, I mustve been a really good customer. So I try on the clothes , he marks them, and pins them. I come back in a week to pick it up. I try on the suit. the chest is too big, the back is saggy, the shoulder is big. I try on the sports jacket, the shoulders are too big.
Meanwhile he wants $100s of dollars for the work he has done. I say " this suit and jacket do not fit right"
He says, " yes the chest , shoulder and back are not a perfect fit". So I say, " well you are a great tailor, these should fit much better". He says " you want it to fit perfect? Now that's a big job! that costs a lot"
I'm like, WTF. You mean I come here an pay you to fix my clothes so they don't fit right, because if I want them to fit right, THAT"S A BIG JOB,,,,,, I"m still shaking my head.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
gang war and a broken toe
It was 1965, a restless time in East New York. We were hanging out at Murray's Pool Room on
New Lots Ave. and we got word that there was going to be a massive "gang war". I rounded up a few of my friends. Sandy Sick had told me everyone from New Lots Boys and S & V ( Stanley and Van Siclen), were going to meet at the Library Park on New Lots Ave by the old Dutch Church.
It was expected that about 200 tough kids from George Gershwin Junior High School were going to
come to fight. So me Fuzzy,Mooney, Eric, Mousey, and Ronnie went to the park. Gershwin let out at 3, and we were at the park. The four of us with sticks , pipes, and knives. Only 4 of us, where were the New Lots Boys? New Lots Boys were tough. A couple of them were portrayed in the movie Goodfellas. Joe Pesci played Tommy D, and Tommy Stabile was mentioned. NLB were tough and crazy, and we were waiting for them to join us. The 200 or so guys from Gershwin ( actually from Brownsville) were going to kill us 4 skinny kids. I was getting nervous, but ready .. We were all ready. we all had "heart'". A term used to describe the stupidity of ready to fight or maybe die for a "cause" or a "group" or a neighborhood. You knew your boys, had your back. But where were these guys who we were joining.
we began to see in the distance , huge numbers of these Gershwin people. They were already near Hegeman Ave. we were ready with our weapons. No NLB to be found. All of a sudden a cop car with blazing siren pulls up. it was from the 75th precinct. They screech to a halt. Two cops get out with guns drawn, and tell us drop our weapons. They tell us , "hands on the fence", and they search us. throwing our switchblades, pipes and sticks on the ground. One cop says to me, "what are you doing here", I say " i'm doing nothing". He takes his huge foot with hard shoes on and slams it down on my foot. My big toe I was sure was broken. The cop then had a backup vehicle arrive, and they cuffed us and threw us in the cars. They took us to the precinct house. We were pissed off. I told them my father was a Detective, and Eric told them his father worked for Hogan's office ( the District Attorney at that time). The cop called me a Philadelphia Lawyer. I didn't know what that meant , but it was probably something to do with not answering his questions. Eric's father got us off without getting a criminal record for weapons, malicious mischief, who knows what else.
The reality of the situation was, if the cops showed up 5 minutes later, we probably would have been killed or hurt beyond belief. They saved our lives. 5 dumb kids, ready to fight 200. We were brave and stupid. Thanks to the 75th precinct I am still alive to tell the story. Fuzzy and Eric have since died, but that's a whole nuther story. Also the 75th precinct, which was located on Miller Ave near Blake Ave. had to move because the neighborhood got so bad. They used to steal police cars that were parked right in front of the station. They moved to a better area, i think in 1966.
New Lots Ave. and we got word that there was going to be a massive "gang war". I rounded up a few of my friends. Sandy Sick had told me everyone from New Lots Boys and S & V ( Stanley and Van Siclen), were going to meet at the Library Park on New Lots Ave by the old Dutch Church.
It was expected that about 200 tough kids from George Gershwin Junior High School were going to
come to fight. So me Fuzzy,Mooney, Eric, Mousey, and Ronnie went to the park. Gershwin let out at 3, and we were at the park. The four of us with sticks , pipes, and knives. Only 4 of us, where were the New Lots Boys? New Lots Boys were tough. A couple of them were portrayed in the movie Goodfellas. Joe Pesci played Tommy D, and Tommy Stabile was mentioned. NLB were tough and crazy, and we were waiting for them to join us. The 200 or so guys from Gershwin ( actually from Brownsville) were going to kill us 4 skinny kids. I was getting nervous, but ready .. We were all ready. we all had "heart'". A term used to describe the stupidity of ready to fight or maybe die for a "cause" or a "group" or a neighborhood. You knew your boys, had your back. But where were these guys who we were joining.
we began to see in the distance , huge numbers of these Gershwin people. They were already near Hegeman Ave. we were ready with our weapons. No NLB to be found. All of a sudden a cop car with blazing siren pulls up. it was from the 75th precinct. They screech to a halt. Two cops get out with guns drawn, and tell us drop our weapons. They tell us , "hands on the fence", and they search us. throwing our switchblades, pipes and sticks on the ground. One cop says to me, "what are you doing here", I say " i'm doing nothing". He takes his huge foot with hard shoes on and slams it down on my foot. My big toe I was sure was broken. The cop then had a backup vehicle arrive, and they cuffed us and threw us in the cars. They took us to the precinct house. We were pissed off. I told them my father was a Detective, and Eric told them his father worked for Hogan's office ( the District Attorney at that time). The cop called me a Philadelphia Lawyer. I didn't know what that meant , but it was probably something to do with not answering his questions. Eric's father got us off without getting a criminal record for weapons, malicious mischief, who knows what else.
The reality of the situation was, if the cops showed up 5 minutes later, we probably would have been killed or hurt beyond belief. They saved our lives. 5 dumb kids, ready to fight 200. We were brave and stupid. Thanks to the 75th precinct I am still alive to tell the story. Fuzzy and Eric have since died, but that's a whole nuther story. Also the 75th precinct, which was located on Miller Ave near Blake Ave. had to move because the neighborhood got so bad. They used to steal police cars that were parked right in front of the station. They moved to a better area, i think in 1966.
Monday, August 22, 2011
football is rough
I went to a football game last night. It was pouring. I had a thin plastic poncho on and sat through the whole game. The cheerleaders were out there getting drenched. The players were all drenched. Why is it that football is played in rain, snow, hail sleet? Are these guys mailmen?
How come I cant think of any other sport that is played in bad weather. When I say football i will include soccer, and rugby in that. I don;t think alligator wrestling is done in snow. Anyway, How come baseball is not played in the rain. Golf is a little bit. Basketball is played indoors, hockey is indoors, Football is definitely the machoist. Although horseracing gets a jockey pretty muddy sometimes.
I hurt my back sitting in the rain in the same position, just watching football. I didn't even play and my back muscles are all hurting. I must be getting old
How come I cant think of any other sport that is played in bad weather. When I say football i will include soccer, and rugby in that. I don;t think alligator wrestling is done in snow. Anyway, How come baseball is not played in the rain. Golf is a little bit. Basketball is played indoors, hockey is indoors, Football is definitely the machoist. Although horseracing gets a jockey pretty muddy sometimes.
I hurt my back sitting in the rain in the same position, just watching football. I didn't even play and my back muscles are all hurting. I must be getting old
Friday, August 19, 2011
ENY nick names
Funny how so many people in East New York had nicknames. Here are some of the names, and these are for real.
Big Wick, Lil' Wick, Tony Cheyenne, Jimmy Bighead, Tank, Fuzzy Mann, Bandit, Sick, Chops,
Charlie Wig-out, Mousey, Mike Droopy, Lil' Droopy, Flip, Big Little Flip, Little Big Flip, Robby the Rogue, Robbie Boy aka The Boy
Gary Crutch, Static, Crazy Cuccio, Richie Q, Pie Face, Lap, Sal the Sailor, Babes Costanza, Bobby Bear, Brian Taxi, Richie Texas, Thin Man, Flash Gordon, Jay Worm, Dufus Schneider, Mooney, Jungle Judy, Super Sibley, Lil' Joe, Joey Jet, Tony Shark, Brandy Bottle Bates, Mitty, Aggie, Guppy, Giff, Dave the Rave, Dopey Dollar, Harsh Marsh, Deech, AB, Woody Wein, Anthony Blue Eyes, Johnny Reb, Geebi Monk, Tommy D, Crazy Laser, Izzy Knish, Johnny Ices, Patsy Pizza, Animal, Eddie Fish, Billy the Greek, Joey Feet, Mel the Windowwasher, Watusi, Ducky, Sonny, Fly Away, Rich the Stitch, Denny Dink, Frankie Pots, Frankie Borgi, The Mick, Jabo, Jello, Klot, Fatsy,
Big Wick, Lil' Wick, Tony Cheyenne, Jimmy Bighead, Tank, Fuzzy Mann, Bandit, Sick, Chops,
Charlie Wig-out, Mousey, Mike Droopy, Lil' Droopy, Flip, Big Little Flip, Little Big Flip, Robby the Rogue, Robbie Boy aka The Boy
Gary Crutch, Static, Crazy Cuccio, Richie Q, Pie Face, Lap, Sal the Sailor, Babes Costanza, Bobby Bear, Brian Taxi, Richie Texas, Thin Man, Flash Gordon, Jay Worm, Dufus Schneider, Mooney, Jungle Judy, Super Sibley, Lil' Joe, Joey Jet, Tony Shark, Brandy Bottle Bates, Mitty, Aggie, Guppy, Giff, Dave the Rave, Dopey Dollar, Harsh Marsh, Deech, AB, Woody Wein, Anthony Blue Eyes, Johnny Reb, Geebi Monk, Tommy D, Crazy Laser, Izzy Knish, Johnny Ices, Patsy Pizza, Animal, Eddie Fish, Billy the Greek, Joey Feet, Mel the Windowwasher, Watusi, Ducky, Sonny, Fly Away, Rich the Stitch, Denny Dink, Frankie Pots, Frankie Borgi, The Mick, Jabo, Jello, Klot, Fatsy,
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sushi etiiquette and tips
Sushi bar etiquette is important.
-Do not take shoes off at sushi bar, even though Japanese custom is to take shoes off before entering home.
your feet do not smell good
-Always bow or nod head and smile, even when you have no idea what the waitperson or sushi chef said.
-Never point chopsticks at the sushi chef. If you do you may find his knife pointed at you.
-When eating a bad piece of fish, never blurt out "EWW". just casually spit it into a napkin. Do not spit it out onto the floor.
- Do not eat sushi with a knife and fork. It is OK to use chopsticks but it is traditional to use your hands to eat it.
-Please wash your hands before using your hands to eat sushi, especially if you just returned from the toilet.
-Never order your sushi "well done"
- Never ask waitperson for bread with your meal ( like in italian restaurants)
-it is good manners to slurp hot soup
- it is bad manners to feed someone sushi from your chopsticks
- it is good to pour soy sauce or sake for the person you are with
-it is retarded to pour it for the stranger next to you that you haven't spoken to at all yet
-never eat a piece of sushi from an order that is going to the people at a table. That is stealing.
- Buying sushi chef a beer or sake is very good to do. It will get you better service.
-Buying many alcoholic beverages for a sushi chef, can get you a finger in your tekkamaki
-Never text while eating sushi, rice makes the keys sticky
-After eating a piece of good sushi, smile bow and say OISHI to the sushi chef. ( it means it was good)
-Try not to eat sushi on a Sunday or Monday, it's not as fresh
-Eat sushi at least once a week
-If you took your shoes off at the sushi bar, make sure you remember to put them back on before you leave
-Do not take shoes off at sushi bar, even though Japanese custom is to take shoes off before entering home.
your feet do not smell good
-Always bow or nod head and smile, even when you have no idea what the waitperson or sushi chef said.
-Never point chopsticks at the sushi chef. If you do you may find his knife pointed at you.
-When eating a bad piece of fish, never blurt out "EWW". just casually spit it into a napkin. Do not spit it out onto the floor.
- Do not eat sushi with a knife and fork. It is OK to use chopsticks but it is traditional to use your hands to eat it.
-Please wash your hands before using your hands to eat sushi, especially if you just returned from the toilet.
-Never order your sushi "well done"
- Never ask waitperson for bread with your meal ( like in italian restaurants)
-it is good manners to slurp hot soup
- it is bad manners to feed someone sushi from your chopsticks
- it is good to pour soy sauce or sake for the person you are with
-it is retarded to pour it for the stranger next to you that you haven't spoken to at all yet
-never eat a piece of sushi from an order that is going to the people at a table. That is stealing.
- Buying sushi chef a beer or sake is very good to do. It will get you better service.
-Buying many alcoholic beverages for a sushi chef, can get you a finger in your tekkamaki
-Never text while eating sushi, rice makes the keys sticky
-After eating a piece of good sushi, smile bow and say OISHI to the sushi chef. ( it means it was good)
-Try not to eat sushi on a Sunday or Monday, it's not as fresh
-Eat sushi at least once a week
-If you took your shoes off at the sushi bar, make sure you remember to put them back on before you leave
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