My birthday is December 2nd, and I will be turning the ripe old at of 27. I know, I know… I’m getting old.

This is the first year I will be without my mother, who passed away about a year ago, and as a result I’m kind of bummed. Usually I’d plan a party for myself and then head home for a family gathering. Without mom though, there’s really no family gathering planned. Plus I’m just not motivated to throw something together this year.

I think I just need to do something different for my birthday seeing the usual traditions are, well, over with. Any thoughts?

I’m excited to say that I’m playing an outdoor hockey game for the first time in my life. My home town, East Aurora, NY, purchased the rink used for the winter classic game played at the Ralph this past January and set it up in the middle of town. You can see the rink by CLICKING HERE.

You can actually watch us in real time. I will take the ice this Sunday at 9am. I’m the goalie wearing a BLUE Jersey.

Here we are…the holidays are upon us.  I want to invite you to join me to kick off the Thanksgiving celebration tonight at TC Rileys in Park Point at RIT.  We’ll have Buzz prizes and peeps hangin’ for happy hour starting at 5.  Then, Kimberly from the Breakfast Buzz will keep the party rollin’ up north at Nolas BBQ starting at 10 with Download performing.  Unless of course you’re staying in tonight to watch Rosie O’Donnells new variety show on NBC.  Rosie says “it’s gonna be a very gay show. Gay is the new black…or at least pink!”  Her actual words.  Well, ok Rosie.  And Happy Thanksgiving to you Ms. O’D.  And what do you stuff your turkey with?

I will be assisting tomorrow at Patty’s Place, a restaurant in downtown Canandaigua owned by my bud Patty Hotchkiss.  Patty generously opens her place every Thanksgiving and Christmas to feed the homeless, vets and people who have nowhere to go.  And it’s all free.  She is a very special woman and I’m honored to be joining her again for our annual holiday fun.  Patty is an angel sent from heaven….or the Marcus Whitman area where she was born.

I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving.  I give thanks for my health and many strong friendships.  Not to sound too sappy, but I’m a very lucky man for all I have in my life.  And I appreciate all the people who listen to me on 98.9 the Buzz and thank you for taking the time to read this blog.  I wish you the best, and also wish peace to our heroes spread across the globe representing our US military.  I know there are many families who will be missing their loved ones on this Thanksgiving, and I wish them all the best.  God bless our troops!   

Everyone knows that the economy is very fragile now.  We all have to do our part to help.  So, in that spirit, I hit the road this past weekend to re-distribute and spread the wealth (won’t Obama be proud of me?).  Friday began the tour in Geneseo where I gathered with a group of friends who I formerly worked with at the Inn Between.  My friends Susan Abelein and Charlie Basher were celebrating sister Kate Carter’s big birthday at Club 41, where we were joined by Tammy and Leo Chicelli, Trish and Ray Walker and all the Geneseo legendary residents like the owner of 41 Mark Tilgis and Matt Griffo. From there, we rounded the corner to join the bday celebration for the owner of the infamous Idle Hour Craig Kiara. Notables among the revelers included the crew from Bud and Lake Beverage, led by Jeff Dodsworth, Michelle Denee and Metzy.  They led us to the Vital Spot, where we were treated royally by its owner Paul and the beautfiul Lauren.  To insure the strength of the Geneseo economy, we then finished it up at the IB with it’s team led by Bash, Frank Adoninno and Marty Provino.  Needless to say, I think I did my part for the village’s economy Friday night.

After enjoying overnight accomodations at the Walker estate, it was time to prop up the Ontario County financial coffers.  That began in Canandaigua Sat. afternoon at Wallys and the Niagara, two favorite local hangouts.  Got to watch the Notre Dame-Syracuse college football game with lots of my CA buds, including the Bucks, McKennas and Parkhurst teams, along with Mike Sheridan, Jadon Hoffman, Mark O’Conner, John Post, Debbie Johnston and the Niagara owner Frank Pontera.  We had chosen his establishment to not only spread the wealth, but also because Frank is a former quarterback for SU.  Using my infinite wisdom, I thought there was no chance of ND losing to the lowly Orange, who recently fired their coach.  Judging by the sight of ND fans pelting their own team with snowballs on the sidelines, how did I do?  Frank got the last lauigh on me, and plenty of heckling comments thrown in for fun.  When the game ended, to soak up my utter dispair with the result, I joined my team of economic advisors at the Inn on the Lake to celebrate Tom Dow’s birth.  Mae Squier-Dow and I enjoyed the hospitality from Mike who made sure to spread the birthday cheer in Tommy’s honor.  It was a great way to forget the ND loss and keep the economy sound in CA.

After resting comfortably in CA overnight, Sunday I aimed east for an annual celebration in Geneva at Gallaghers Irish Pub.  As the football season winds down, the owners Tim Peters and Dan Gallagher host a party for their regular clients.  All the Geneva big shots attended, like Brandy and Scooter Avadisian, Coach Roach, Judd and Rachel behind the bar, Amy, Pete and Mayor Bucklin and his family.  A grand time was had by all willing partners in crime.  One highlight to the day happened when I introduced my good chum Lou Valerio, who was visiting from San Diego. Turns out that it was discovered that Lou is actually Brandy’s cousin, even though they had never met.  How does this happen in these big italian families?  Must be a Geneva-Waterloo thing.  So, after this amazing revelation, it was decided to continue the celebration at the Inland Reef on Routes 5 & 20.  George, the owner and his bartender Wendy did a fine job of keeping the family spirit alive.  And we did our part to keep the Ontario County economy alive as well.

With the exception of the embarassing Notre Dame loss, it was quite an eventful weekend.  Thanks to all who kept the economy from teetering while we were touring.  And most importantly, thanks to our military for keeping us safe during the holidays.  God bless our troops!   

 It’s amazing to me how people never take responsibility for their actions.  It’s also amazing how some people will try to justify or make up their excuses to defend their behavior. Get a load of the excuses and the way this e-mail is laid out. It must be from someone who is a friend or relative of Jesse Parsons, the guy who beat the snot out of gay guy at a bar in Spencerport back in March, then told the judge in the courtroom last week that the guy deserved what he got, screwing up his chance for a 4 year plea deal…

Kimberly,
It is not fair for you to announce into the media untrue propaganda about issues you know nothing about.  You do not have the right to judge people for their actions– you are not perfect!  Your kids are not perfect and I can’t wait until the day when someone passes judgement on you or your loved ones.  You cannot sit on the air and announce things as facts when YOU DON’T KNOW THE FACTS.  You are not a reporter so stop acting like you are– you’re just a radio DJ.  You have twisted peoples words to make someone look like an innocent victim who is not exactly innocent.  This was a bar fight that you have blown out of porportion.  You weren’t there– you couldn’t even get the name of the bar right!!  You are monopolizing on a mistaken tradgedy to benefit the ratings of your show.  That’s dispicable.  You have twisted peoples words into something else to provoke more drama in the situation.  Honestly, if anything, YOU have helped his case because now he’s not getting tried here and actually might get a fair trial- so thank you for that.  You sit on your high horse as if you’re so perfect but I guarentee you have had a loved one make mistakes so get over yourself.  The way you have manipulated the situation to get people to listen to your show is shameful so I hope you feel that when you sleep at night.  Only God has the right to pass judgement on people and you are far from that dear.

I posted these a looooooong time ago, but never on this blog.  I have a VERY cool google trick for you today.  You might not know that there are thousands of video and security cameras hooked up to the internet. There are also thousands of people that are dumb enough to not put a password on them.  Many of the cameras can even be controlled right from your web browser.  It’s a great way to waste a few hours online.

Try these Google searches, and have fun.

If you find something cool, link to it in the comments section of this post!!!

Oh….and I’m not responsible if you see something dirty….or get arrested.

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Opentopia is also a fun little site with lots of cams to look at. Let’s go to Starbucks.

While we prepare for Thanksgiving next week, here’s an idea sent to me from Dick Boyce in Las Vegas, a way to show our thanks to the troops.  When doing your holiday cards this year, take one card and send it to the address below.  If we pass this on and everyone in Rochester and across the globe reading rochesterbuzz.com sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much will get!

When making out your Christmas card list, please include the following:

A RECOVERING AMERICAN SOLDIER

c/o WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

6900 GEORGIA AVENUE, NW

WASHINGTON DC  20307-5001

Please include our thanks from everyone at 98.9 the Buzz/Rochester NY.  Thank you, and God bless our troops!

You read that title right?  I’ll be giving away a free Ipod tomorrow morning at the newly renovated McDonalds @ 1701 East Ave. in the city, between Winton Rd. and Park Ave., directly across from Wegmans.  The Buzz will be broadcasting live from 7a-9a, and I’ll give you free coffee if you stop by.  I’ll sign you up to win the Ipod and/or a free bike.  Hope you can stop by and check us out Friday morning.  It’s a beautiful new addition to the Buono family and their fine restaurants.  Congrats to Dom, Lou, Louis Jr. and John Buono, along with McDonalds Mike Cassata who manages the new store on East Ave.

Here’s a couple of ideas for cool events coming up this weekend:

*** Saturday night the Scorgies Reunion will be held at the German House (315 Gregory St.) from 7p-11p.  Scorgies was a classic rock-n-roll bar downtown that hosted many great acts over the years, under the watchful blurry red eys of Don Scorgie, the “spirited” owner.  You’ll hear more great music Sat. from New Math, The Press Tones and Personal Effects.  I’m sure there will be some surprise guests as well.  For more info: www.scorgies.com.

*** On Sunday, there will be a fundraiser for Foodlink at the Carmen Clark Lodge @ Brighton Town Park (777 Westfall Rd.) from 10a-3p.  It’s a free arts-n-crafts show featuring 20 artists with many great ideas for holiday gifts.  Please help my friend Alicia King and bring along a can to be donated to Foodlink.

Rock-n-arts.  What a combo for the weekend.  Remember, there are plenty of members of our military who wish they could be home to enjoy such simple fun.  Don’t forget our heroes. God bless our troops!   

My Fiancee and I got into a debate last week about what our kids will someday be involved in. I was a very involved kid. Not only did I play football, hockey, track, and even a little baseball, I was also heavily involved with choir. It was a bit awkward to stand in your football gear and sing the national anthem before taking the field, but it was a great experience.

The debate Jessi and I had was if they should play sports or not. Her opinion is she would rather have them focus on arts and expanding their mind. I don’t disagree with this at all, and before someone says it I’ll beat you to it: she’s not crazy or incorrect for thinking this way. I think if more kids did arts, regardless of which art, they would be better off in life. I think they should play sports as well as the arts because I feel it teaches you to toughen up, learn teamwork, and understand sacrifice. Jessi brought up that being in band, orchestra, or chorus teaches those things as well, which she is correct. I would only argue that running wind sprints and/or getting hit and hopping right back up after are valuable lessons only a sport can teach you.

I think my kids should do both sports and arts, Jessi could do without the sports. So my question to you all is if you could only have your kids play sports or arts, which would you choose? Please do not think of art as hippie painters, but singers and band members as well.

 The strangest thing happened to me at East Ave Wegmans last night.  I was standing at the front of the store near the service desk when I saw a man approaching with a cart.  In the cart was a 2 year old little girl.  She was cute. She had a cookie.  He went past me, and got to the door to the restroom.  He paused for a second and turned to look at me…

Imagine that I’m just standing there, not really looking like I was doing much.  I didn’t have any groceries, I wasn’t in line for anything, and I was wearing my winter coat and Carhart knit hat.  For some reason, he chose me as the perfect candidate to be responsible for his child.  “Can you watch her for a minute? She has a cookie and I dont want to bring her in the bathroom.”

In my head I went “WHAT?!?” but out of my mouth came “Sure.”

Really?

Did he think I worked there or something?  I sure as hell wasn’t wearing anything that would indicate that I work for Wegmans.  Actually, because of my coat and hat, I was pretty incognito.  It would be nearly impossible to give a description of me to police had I happened to be the type of person that would sell a two year old girl on the black market.  That happens right?

I’m still thinking about it today.  It boggles my mind.  Not in a million years would I ever ask a total stranger to watch my 2 year old defenseless child in a store.  Especially someone that looked like he could dip out the front door at any second without anyone ever noticing.  I’d rather pee in the parking lot next to my truck and risk getting the ticket. I’m not risking my kid.

The best part was when Heather (the front end manager) walked by me and mentioned that she heard me talking about bringing my kids to Wegmans on the radio.  She gave me a puzzled look when I simply said “That’s not my kid.”

When the guy was done in the restroom, he simply came out, grabbed the cart….and walked away. He didn’t say a word. I think maybe a “Thank you” would have been in order?

Next time, I’m selling the kid.

.

Tillamook Triple-Play Macaroni & Six Cheese Strata          

Recipe by : Kathi Jones-Del Monte

Savour the Flavor Personal Chef Service

585.288.CHEF (2433)

1 pound lumachine no. 65 pasta, cooked al dente in salted water (or any other elbow or medium shell pasta)

Cooking spray

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, 2 + 6 Tbsp.

1 medium sweet onion, quartered and thinly sliced

1 large shallot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

7 tablespoons flour

3 1/2  cups whole milk

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/3 cup mascarpone cheese

8 ounces Tillamook Vintage EXTRA-SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE (2 cups)

1/3 cup sliced fresh green onion

1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme

10 ounces washed, coarsely chopped fresh spinach, cooked and excess liquid squeezed out

1/3 cup chopped cooked apple wood smoked bacon – 4 to 5 strips

1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

4 ounces Tillamook SWISS CHEESE (1 cup)

2 ounces Tillamook MONTEREY JACK CHEESE (1/2 cup)

4 ounces Tillamook COLBY CHEESE (1 cup)

2 ounces Tillamook MEDIUM CHEDDAR CHEESE (1/2 cup)

1/4 cup diced fresh red onion

1/4 cup extra-moist-style sliced sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Crispy Double-Cheese Topping:

2/3 cup crushed Cheez-Its Crackers

2 ounces Tillamook SPECIAL RESERVE EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR (1/2 cup)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

NOTE: If Tillamook Cheese is not available, substitute comparable brand or type of cheese.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. 

In a large saucepan, boil pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.

Spray a large deep oval ceramic baking dish (4 quart, 4-inch deep) with cooking spray.  Set aside. 

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large sauté pan.  Add onion and shallot and sauté for 30 – 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion and shallot are soft and caramelized.  The mixture should cook down to 1/2 cup.  Remove onion mixture from pan and set aside. 

Melt remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large, heavy sauce pan.  Add flour and whisk for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.  Stir in the salt and mascarpone cheese until smooth.  Keep warm.  (Yields approximately 4 1/2 cups of sauce base = 1 1/2 cups base sauce per layer.)

Remove one third of the sauce (1 1/2 cups) to a large bowl and stir in the white cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic, thyme, spinach, bacon, pepper and one third of the cooked pasta.  Spread spinach mixture evenly in prepared casserole.

Remove one half of the remaining sauce (1 1/2 cups) to a large bowl and stir in the Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses, the reserved caramelized onion mixture and one half of the remaining cooked pasta.  Spread onion mixture evenly over spinach mixture.

Add the remaining sauce to a large bowl and stir in the Colby and medium cheddar cheeses, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cayenne pepper and the remaining cooked pasta.  Spread sundried tomato mixture evenly over onion mixture. 

For the Crispy Double Cheese topping, mix together cheese crackers, extra sharp cheddar cheese and parsley in a medium bowl.  Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over casserole.

Bake for 30 – 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Prep time – 60 minutes   Serving size – 8 to 10 people