Sing & Dance

KARAOKE DANCE PARTY

Hosted by

Gary & Laurie

WHEN: Thursday, DECEMBER 4th 9:00PM-MIDNIGHT

WHERE: BROADWAY LOUNGE
(formerly the Corner Tavern)
(516) 599-9867

Even if you don't sing or dance - come on down and hang out, meet some new people and make some new friends!
Please remember - it is NOT the Apollo, it is NOT a contest and we do not allow boo'ing or disrespect of any kind.

It's all about having a GOOD TIME!
___________________________________________________

No Cover

SINGING &/OR DANCING NOT REQUIRED

Wide selection of kareoke and dance music available (including oldies, rock, pop, R&B, jazz, blues, standards, disco, funk, salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton) - over 9,000 karaoke songs to choose from or bring your own karaoke CD)!

Go to www.mapquest.com for door-to-door directions

Gary & Laurie Morris are professinal singers, DJ's and KJ's (Karaoke Hosts). Gary was formerly with the Elsberry Hobbs Drifters. Gary & Laurie are available for all types of parties, weddings corporate events, cocktail hours, fundraisers, block parties or anytime you need service.

Please e-mail glmproductions@aol.com, go to www.myspace.com/glmproductions or call 917-916-1261 for more information.

Be There! Be Fun! Be Happy!

Good Times Gone Bad

Bar Violence

“I’m glad to hear she’s alright….that’s why you always keep a cell phone and a self defense item on you when you tend bar…no Elly, I don’t want to scold Violetta and I would advise no one else do that either…does Violetta have health insurance?” “RJ, what does that have to do with being attacked, she’s OK, some bruising, most of her clothes were ripped or torn but that’s all” said Elly. “She’s going to need to talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist Elly.”

“Why, she’s got her family around her and the asshole who put his hands on her is going to be screwed in Court, criminal and civil, she doesn’t need a shrink RJ.” Elly’s voice was full of anger at my suggestion, but I pressed my point. “Elly, its not about us, Violetta is going to go through a lot of anxiety as a result of this attack, most people do…Post Traumatic Stress is just not a soldiers problem…it can happen to anyone who has been traumatized.”

Elly agreed with me and said she would pursue it with Arty. After I got off the phone with her I thought about this issue again, violence against bartenders and violence in bars in general. I know its part of all cultures, part of the American experience. It is chronicled in world history from the Old Testament to the Code of Hammarabi, from the fictional works of the Tales of Canterbury to The Choirboys, bars and violence seem to always have a relationship.

What we need to address is the “bar culture” and ask ourselves ‘what in the hell is it turning into.’ In metropolitan areas and their suburbs during the last century the neighborhood bar was a place that ‘everybody knows your name’….it seems that was yesterday. Trends in our nation show that people go to high end bars where they are not known, they drink more, and respond with belligerence and violence. (Reference the American Bar Association).

In other countries in North America (Canada) Law Enforcement has created Task Forces and Research Groups to address the problem. In Calgary a “violent crime suppression team” was created with the purpose of preventing bar violence and attacks. (Reference: CBC News, October 23, 2008) In Southeast Pennsylvania, SERAPH Inc., a bar violence prevention group has created The Entertainment Venue Crime Prevention Program to help local municipalities deal with bar, lounge and entertainment venue violence. (Reference: http://www.seraph.net)

I will share with you some of the recent stories of bar violence. Keep in mind, it could happen anywhere assholes and alcohol come in contact with one another. The first story is from “BUZZNET”: "Dio's 'Holy Diver' Leads to Assault at Karaoke Bar
Have you ever experienced a performer at your local karaoke bar, so terrible, that you wanted to just run up on stage and throw him off? A 24-year-old Wisconsin man recently took that fantasy too far and wound up in jail.

Accoring to The Smoking Gun, Kyle Drinkwine attacked 28-year-old James Mischler at Emma's Bar in River Falls, Wisconsin, during his rendition of Dio's "Holy Diver," of which Drinkwine found to be far from impressive. The action didn't stop there as Drinkwine also assaulted Mischler's 29-year-old friend Cyrus Kozub and was eventually caught by police.

So was Drinkwine drunk at the time or did he really just hate Mischler's singing that much!? .169 is what Drinkwine blew into the Breathalyzer. That's not just being tippy ... That's really really really drunk.

'Though Drinkwine declined to speak with cops following his arrest, an officer overheard him, during a jail phone call, tell a friend he "fu**ed up" and was arrested for fighting,' The Smoking Gun revealed."


Sometimes the problems start over much less, The St. Johns ‘TRADEWINDS’ a Virgin Island Newspaper reported Sunday about several people sentenced on felony charges in relation to a bar fight. “The judge did not make any immediate rulings in regard to 20-year-old Jahlil Ward, the only defendant convicted of the most serious crime of first-degree murder who now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Prosecutors argued at last month’s trial that Ward fatally stabbed Cockayne eight times just after midnight on June 19, 2007, about a half-hour after the Pennsylvania man got into an altercation with Boston and Thomas inside Cruz Bay’s Front Yard bar.

Largely due to a media campaign waged by Cockayne’s family, who became frustrated with the pace, competence and transparency of the police investigation, the brutal attack generated unfavorable national headlines regarding the safety of tourists visiting the Virgin Islands and a significant amount of negative publicity for St. John.

On October 10, six men and six women convicted Ward of assault and murder. But the jurors were not swayed by prosecutors’ arguments that the multiple attacks on Cockayne that night were all part of an orchestrated series of events, with the three defendants acting in concert and all equally culpable in the murder.

The 21-year-old, inebriated and beat up, could not defend himself, and ultimately bled to death from a wound to his femoral artery.” Reported By Joseph Tsidulko

We all need to consider our environment, one drunken patron (aka – asshole) or a misunderstanding can escalate out of control if a bartender, bar owner or well meaning patrons do the wrong things or the right reasons. Our drinking environment can become life threatening if we don’t deal with the verbal, hate inspired venom brought on by alcohol pollution. It is more than tragedy to get killed having a good time.

We all know and have bar stories of people hurt, ruined or killed in a bar fight. Having been a career law enforcer, I have more stories than most, they all end the same – somebody’s dead or dying and everybody’s a victim in some way. I encourage bar owners and bar tenders out of professional necessity to learn how to diffuse situations before they start. Also know when to 'just call the police' after getting yourself to safety when the “shit hits the fan”.


Recently a former Chicago Police Officer was fired, tried and convicted for beating up a petite female bartender. He was also convicted of attempting to intimidate the same bartender from pressing charges. Shootings have started in bars and bullets fired by drunks don’t know friends, family, foe or you.

If your in an environment that doesn’t feel right, seem right or is just plain toxic, not for girlfriend, boyfriend, fuck buddy or buy back, don’t stay in that place.

In a world where some bar owners will cater to any set of lowlifes to sell beer, you need to know that the place you choose to drink doesn’t attract an element that attracts the attention of law enforcement. Violetta could have been another beautiful girl stuffing a casket, leaving sorrow and grief for her family, friends and lover. Be you a patron or bartender, don’t get killed trying to have a good time.


NOTE FOR THOUGHT

Bar Assault Under Investigation

BY JENNIFER MALONEY | jennifer.maloney@newsday.com
November 17, 2008

Nassau County police are investigating an assault in East Rockaway that left a 26-year-old man in critical condition, police said. According to police, John Hargett, 25, of Maspeth, assaulted an East Rockaway man Saturday at 3 a.m. at the Rocks Bar (On The Rocks) at 33 Main St. The victim was admitted to South Nassau Communities Hospital for a serious head injury, police said. Hargett was charged with first-degree assault and arraigned yesterday in First District Court in Hempstead. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $200,000 bond. He did not meet bail and remained in Nassau County jail in East Meadow.


Bar Owners, don’t let your little business become a big crime scene.



RJ

Her Tears On My Birthday

Marine Corps Birthday Toast – A Reflection

There have been several times in my life I really thought I was wasting my time doing anything for or in a bar. Most of the time you get people who only show up to chow down and drink enough booze to push it all back up again. I have seen it happen in many establishments, ruining the occasion because most forgot what they showed up for in the first place. Ruby told me this could be different. It was very different.

It had been a plan between the ‘staff’ and myself to provide food and a ‘veterans service pin’,presented to every veteran attending, as a commemoration of the event. A good ships bell that was donated by a Marine (guess who) and a plaque to mount it on delivered by an old Master Sergeant from the Army Airborne was made ready for mounting. After setting up flags, uniforms, photos and posters to set the right mood along with a portable amplifier. We were ready.

The informal toast is a reminder to me, information which I shared with all, that the Marine Corps was founded in a bar, Tun Tavern, in Pennsylvania. This country’s first fighting force was formed and recruited while drinks were being served, while people shared raunchy conversation and loud talk. It wasn’t much different this year except that the drinks, the shots, found their meaning in those we drank too.


Breezy found the Kraut’s tools and mounted the bell. Mr. E loved it. (That is when he saw it mounted) We opened by standing and saying the pledge, playing the Star Spangled Banner and toasting the United States of America. (I was the MC, maybe if this is done in the future we can find someone to do it better). We then toasted the active duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard and Marines.

When we started toasting those Veterans still breathing and among us the ‘Lounge’ came alive with a good feeling of old fashioned Americanism. We toasted the Airborne, we toasted each other and said really meaningful heartfelt sentiments that really made me happy. I was totally motivated by the evening. The attraction of the evening was the POW/MIA Observance set up in the back of the lounge. It was haunting and provocative, the POW/MIA flag under blacklight with three white roses.


During the evening Mary and her friend came in and were really having a great time. Then we got to the last toasts to those who had fallen. During the bottom half of the hour when everyone got going toasting each other Mary told me about her late husband, James a Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who forced the war to make sense to himself and to his superiors in every way he possibly could. He didn’t succeed.

Rather than admit his mission was a failure, that the good sons and fathers he commanded were sacrificed for no apparent good reason, or that what he did wouldn’t matter under a new command he confronted his superiors in the only way he could make them understand. Command is a matter of honor, you get command when you demonstrate beyond all doubt you can lead, to keep his honor clean he fell on his sword.

That’s the polite way of saying he didn’t get the help he needed when he needed it.

When a warrior falls, for reasons the protected may never understand, it wounds the collective soul of the nation. Not only must we put away a warrior, but what happens to the lives of those who support them? What happens to the Wives who become widows and the sons and daughters who become fatherless? Mary told me what happens, the government quietly discards them and runs them through red tape and heartache even before the warrior is in the ground.


Mary told me of the Tragedy Assistance Program or TAPS. Founded out of tragedy in 1994, TAPS has grown and established itself as the front line resource to families and loved ones of our military men and women. TAPS has provided comfort and care, 24hours a day, 7 days a week through comprehensive services and programs including peer based emotional support, case work assistance, crisis intervention, and grief and trauma resources.



Mary told me of how TAPS uses The Power of Women. A tradition in Iraq has becomes a Fundraiser for TAPS. Many Iraqi women give away jewelry to their friends. They often wear many of these beautiful beaded bracelets to have one available to give when the opportunity presents itself. It means more to them to share a gift and show their love than to have a material possession, even something precious.

TAPS has a limited number of these bracelets, made by Iraqi Women out of gratitude to United States Service Members. The bracelet Mary wore was beautiful, given to her by another widow. After Mary gave a dedication to her husband and we toasted his service, Norm put the Gunny’s Picture on the plaque mounting the bell. Mary hugged me and gave me her bracelet.

I let her know quickly I was not worthy of such a gift. I gave some, her husband Gunnery Sergeant James Gallagher, gave all. I felt quite humbled as her tears fell upon me as she held my hand. Mary must have felt we did all this for her and the Gunny. All I wanted was an evening where the citizen and those who served could informally celebrate each other and really appreciate what it is to be American.

I didn’t stay long after the last toast. My heart was loaded, not my snout. I sat up the rest of the night looking at the picture of my late wife standing under the name of my cousin, engraved on the Vietnam Memorial (AKA- The Wall). Last year I was outraged, this year, I am humbled beyond my pitiful attempt to describe just how deeply I am moved.

DO THIS! Go to http://www.taps.org/ Please help support TAPS and other programs for the families of those who have died in the military by buying the Baghdad Bracelet to wear and, in the tradition of the Iraqi women, to share. Leave a donation no matter how small. If you can buy a drink you can help the widow of a fallen warrior, if you can park your ass on a bar stool then give your time, be a volunteer, give something.

This was a very different ‘Informal Toast’. I leave you only with these words from an Unknown Marine, “For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know.”

A Change of Seasons

Fall, By The River

“What the fuck do you mean they can’t find him? ….He went where? Why? So let me get this straight, because of a so called alleged stain on his personal reputation, Bear goes off into the woods to meet up with the Militia to settle the matter, how? He had what? Who was he last seen with? Skippy…this can’t be good.”

Then I got an e-mail from NF. It was a message from Bear. I still had Star on the phone and read her the message. She was livid. There was only one way to unfuck this. “I know where he is going Star, I’m on the first thing smoking. I’ll be in Tennessee before the weekend.” Bear was going up to the old Church by the River. I had to get there to do two things. Attest to a mans honor and define to a fool what a ’cult ’ is.

Hill Folks don't like strangers, including Northerners, any ethnics, and most anyone not from the hills. Some so called 'hill folk' aint loved much either.

I did have a big problem being in the South during the week of a Presidential Election. If the South didn’t have enough tension the thought of a Black President was not reassuring in Bear’s part of the world. The fact that I had to travel in and around the Smokey Mountains did not make me feel real good at first.

I got into the backwoods town early enough to get some liquor, food and pick up some smokes for Star. I got to Bear’s when a pickup truck with a rebel flag pulled up behind me. It was Skippy. “Where the fuck is Bear, Deputy” “Up Yonder by the Old Church, get in we gotta ride” said Skippy as he opened the passenger door. I grabbed my Bible, jumped in and thought ‘what the fuck did I get into.’

At the old barn behind the Church near the River a lantern dimly lit the way. Skippy had his hand on his holster and said “go on in”. Bear and the Welder were working on something as the lathe stopped turning. “Hey Rev, glad to see you” said the Welder to me as he put down his torch. I shook hands with Bear, who looked at me and said “I should kill Benny for opening his nasty cock sucking mouth.”

“Later for that Bear, where is the congregation Welder?" “Down at the water line Rev…waiting for you.” So we left the barn, the Welder, Skippy, Bear and me. We met the ‘hill folk’ down at the waterline (right at the rivers edge). The brethren had surrounded Benny and started discussing how his night was going to go if the truth wasn’t told. In the dark cool night beneath the pines, I shouted “lets get on with this…what is the accusation?”


Ol’ Deak,(thin old man with a long grey beard) spoke up, “dat Benny boy accused Bear of being a ‘Heathen’ and a liar. Heathen, meaning not a worshiper of Jesus and a liar, in dat Bear didn’t keep his word regarding Benny's dwellin place.” I looked and asked, “is that right Benny?” “Yeah” said Benny in an effeminate whisper. What’s a Heathen Benny? “Somebody who doesn’t worship God.”

“Let me make this real plain Benny, if what you say is true these old boys and girls will never talk to Bear again and treat him like a stranger after all this time being a damn good neighbor. But if your not telling it right, you might not ever leave these woods…you understand the gravity of your situation. Do you?” “Oh God, help me” shouted Benny.


“Did Bear tell you that you could stay in his home for about two months, did he?” asked the Welder. “Yes, but I needed more time” whined Benny. “Bear gave you a month more, I was there when he did” said Bubba Ray as Skippy spit out some tobacco juice from the chaw of Red Man stuck in his jaw. “I had nowhere to go” said Benny.

“So you spread rumors about Bear to your congregation and Bear gets treated like shit because you fit your cock-sucking lips to spread a lie” said Skippy. The crowd of about 30 local souls murmured loudly, I spoke up before this went on to its apparent conclusion. “Lets all cool off and pipe down…Benny who told you that Bear was a Heathen?” “Rev, my Pastor did.” “Benny who told you that Bear doesn’t worship God?” Again Benny answered, “my Pastor.”

“Bear fed you when hungry, clothed you when you had nothing but work clothes and put a roof over your head…is that a Christian thing to do according to the Bible Benny? “Yes!” “Ok, Benny…you accuse Bear of not worshipping God because of your Pastor, did you ever see Bear pray in his house?” “Yes, at dinner most times but…”

“Shut up Benny, stop being a cult member and start thinking for yourself, if a man prays to God he is performing an act of worship. This crowd of hill folk are perplexed, they wonder if they should let a liar stay among them, or if they should let him float down the river….I’m not talking about Bear, I’m talking about you.” "What should happen to you Benny?” “I definitely shouldn’t die” said Benny. “Who said anything about being dead” I asked.

“Listen Benny, just as Cain was banished from Eden you must accept being banished from these hills. Also, tell all the folk the truth and admit your own sin and your own wrong doing. In this is forgiveness but not forgetness…but it will get your sorry ass out of these woods, right Skippy.” Skippy spit on the ground and said “Yep, it will do that.”

Benny’s mouth ran like an open sewer as he relayed what his so called Pastor and his cult told him to believe. Even though everyone got upset, they did forgive Benny and Skippy drove him to his car. Skippy told him it would be a good idea not to come round these hills for several years. I stayed with the crowd of hill folk as we passed the communion ball jar and the cracklins. It wasn’t the Eucharist, but it was shine and cornbread.

“Hey Rev, how you been son” said the Colonel,(Colonel Jeb Lee Davis, Attorney at Law) a tall stately man with a short white beard. “Fine Sir, I don’t understand why my presence was needed since you were in town.” "Rev,.. RJ….listen heah, there is much we can do and some thangs we caint, I did not want to get in the middle of this since my boy most likely would be the one to adjudicate the matter if anything happened to that effeminate cocksucker they call a man.”


The Welder said that “it’s a good thang you came on South...this could have been real bad given lots of the local ministers wouldn’t come up the hill and you’re the only one Bear and Skippy trust. Rev yur good people…hope you git to stay awhile.” Fall in the Smokey Mountain foothills of Tennessee is totally breathtaking. Being down by the river on a starry night, sippin shine with some good ole boys had me feeling fine.


At the time of this post, November 5th, Barak Obama was elected President of the United States. This state, Tennessee went 70% for McCain. I mention this because things are changing in America, even in Tennessee as we speak. As I sat with Bear after putting down a good dinner, we watched TV (down here no sex shows). As a result of a ballot issue two lesbians ran a very demonstrative infomercial on local TV about how their 'sex toys' worked.

God Bless America

Another Costume Party

Halloween at the "Lounge"

This is a post by Ruby

Edited by RJ

The 1st Halloween at the "Lounge". Wow!! That's what I've been hearing about Mr. E's party.

For me however, it was an exciting mix of cleaning everything possible in the bar as best as I could (OCD is somewhat useful sometimes) putting up some of the decorations with Mr. E (I had fun, especially with the back room, the black lights made the glow in the dark stuff look great), and making sure that the bartenders that worked had everything they could possibly need at hand.

The DJ arrived around the time my relief did and set himself up in the kitchen. Mr. E had it mostly cleaned out for them but he had to leave to take his kids trick-or-treating and then get ready for the party. Thankfully, due to his communicating to me what he wanted, I kind of had an idea what to do. Mr. E was satisfied with my efforts to help out. By around 8:00 some people started arriving. An hour later, the second bartender arrived.

Although I hadn't considered staying for the party and had no costume, Mr. E had previously asked me that day to stay and hang out. I was thinking about it when I realized that it was 9:00 and I had been at the bar working since 11:00 a.m. I guess at my age, exhaustion, both physical and mental, catch up with you at some time and that was my time.

On Monday morning (after the party) I walked into the bar and I just wanted to turn around, lock the door and leave. Of course I would never do this but the urge was there. And there I was, preparing this business to operate, it was unfit to sit in, let alone drink. I spent all day (again) cleaning, stocking and taking down Halloween decorations. I really had no customers but I got the place back to the way I left it on Friday.

OCD is a great tool to the anally obsessive but it is also a mindfucking burden due to the guilt I would have to deal with if I didn't look after 'bar logistics' (stocking, restocking, checking maintenance items, machinery, games and cleaning.)

That being said when my Monday night relief came in (she worked the party) and told me how crowded it was and how much fun everyone had. I'm glad everyone had fun, there were no problems and the bar made some money. Maybe one of these days I'll share in the abundance. Until then I will do what I do to help my boss and fellow employees during special events.

Its great when things work out for those special events but even more important to keep our regulars happy. Our 'regulars' need a place where they feel relaxed and comfortable, a place they can bring their buddies. With that said I hope that I can get some cooperation from them for a very special upcoming event that RJ and I have really worked hard at promoting........Monday, November 10th - the 233rd Marine Corps Birthday/Veterans Day tribute.

This is going to be a wonderful celebration, an event to honor our Veterans of War, POW's, fallen soldiers and all branches of the Armed Services. Most of all it is an observance of the Marine Corps Birthday. I hope to do this respectfully and with class. I've invited as many people as I could find, a lot of older Veterans and their families and would like to pay tribute to them with a bit of dignity involved.

They need to know that they have our respect and thanks for all that they have done for this country. Without them where would we be? So, as a favor to the bar owner, employees and the many patrons who are Veterans, let's not get stupid. After RJ presentsthe ceremony for our warriors, Veterans, POW/MIA's and the fallen, we can cut loose and party. I hope to see everyone, including civilians, that are aware of this event there.

Take Care All

Ruby

Occupational Hazzards

This is a post by Ruby

Between me trying to get into the new space, I've not been concentrating on the drama going on at the bar.

A few weeks ago we got robbed. I don't remember writing about it so here it is: Three Hispanic men came into the bar while I was covering for Stephanie for a few hours. During this time, Janet from another planet was there with the Doc and a few others. The 3 men ordered 2 shots of Hennessy. Two were tall, one was short. One of the taller men was very polite to me, the other taller man was chatty.

The shorter man didn't drink anything. Oh, and the polite one had blue eyes. Anyway, in the chaos which was Janet, I didn't see the 3 men at the Poker machine and the last thing on my mind was that they were robbing it. What's done is done, I dropped the ball and got reamed for it. They stole a lot of money, not only from us but from other bars too. That happened around 2-3 weeks ago.

Fast forward to this week: (Monday ? Who remembers when every day is the same?)
Limpin Pimp was talking smack about the Lounge to certain people and Mr. E mentioned it to me. (I'm positive that Pimp was drunk as usual and does not remember saying these business ruining things) but I agreed to confront Pimp first since I know his game and he actually got in my face, demanded to know who said that he said these things (I didn't know at the time) and basically told me (not outloud) or mouthed for me to go f*** myself and to s*** his d***. How rudely polite of him , don't you think?

Needless to say, we haven't seen him since. Oh, well. Maybe since he isn't welcomed at any of the bars around (I forgot to say that he and Shelley just had it out before he came to the Lounge. She told him to shut up and he went nuts so she ousted him from her place and he came to ours), he'll realize the damage he does with his filthy mouth. Probably not due to over drinking and being such a girl that he needs to talk about other people's business.

Fast forward to today: (Wednesday, 10/29/08)
The robbers previously mentioned came back. Mr. E was in, thankfully. When I realized who they were (only 2 came in, the blue eyed one and the short one), I asked Mr. E if he knew them. He said he didn't. When the blue eyed one ordered the shot of Hennessey that was it for me. I told Mr. E to stick around because I knew it was them. The short one noticed the cameras, the blue eyed one was not smiling this time and I'm guessing that the chatty one was in the car.

They both had a sip of the shot, made Mr. E as one of "dos hermanos", then left after realizing that we were on to them. (Funny, blue eyes tipped me a dollar for the six dollar shot he took one sip out of). Stupid. Same drink order, same two men sipping from one shot glass, and the little one looking around and noticing that the cameras were present.

So, you would think that after a few bars being robbed that the police would at least be interested in the shot glass that had my fingerprints and the prints of the larcenists? Or even the security disc that recorded their faces? Not a chance. Mr. E took the old, smelly, year from retirement police officer [still?] (complete with a thick file of, and I'm just guessing, unsolved robbery cases) down to look at the security tapes.

He didn't even take a statement from me and told us that if they came back to tell them that they were not welcome and to kick them out. Duh...how's about a little mace in the face or my favorite, "Mr. Stun Gun". Like I'm going to take another chance (what if I was alone?) and let them stab me for some Joker Poker money.

THE 4TH PRECINCT RULES!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP. WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT. NOW TAKE YOUR PAY CUT AND LIKE IT. Nobody got killed, but seriously, do something before someone does. (I saved the shot glass carefully (CSI like) and will be giving it to another precinct for printing since the only crime that counts in the 5 towns is homicide) Useless and lazy we can do without. Have a donut and relax guys. We've got it.

During the time that I wasn't giving a statement, my name or anything that would help build a case against these people, I called another bartender who in turn passed on this information to every bar from Inwood to Lynbrook . If security pictures and fingerprints are not enough to interest law enforcement in the area then we'll all go over their heads before one of us gets killed. Or there will be a few messed up thieves laying in the street somewhere.

There is other information regarding a certain person who was seen with these 3. (Hint: A recently hired and fired bartender from a certain establishment which shall remain unnamed, for now).

More drama to follow, I'm sure of it.

Reflecting on a Roast and a Man

For The Sake Of Love

What can I say, it was a beautiful Sunday Afternoon, the day was meant for a storybook, better yet for a community of bikers, neighbors, old school buddies, Veterans, old timers, rockers and bar hoppers to get together for a good cause. I got to St. Stephens late in the afternoon, around 4:30 pm. Still, their was no place to park within 100 ft of the place. Bikes lined the side walk around the side street and part of the front of St. Stephens Bar.

I could smell the pig walking up St. Stephens Street, that bacon, pork chop and pork fat smell was all in the air. As I approached the mob of bikers, friends and beautiful people I found familiar faces all over. Mr. E. was their with one of his bartenders, Ruby and Shelly had just left. I shook hands and greeted all the folks from when “Cheers” was the place to hang. I saw Hildy, Biker Bob, Ilsa, (I just missed Googs) and too many others to mention. Let me get to the reason for the meeting.


As I walked upon the pig I noticed that a mob, (150-200 people when I showed up) everybody was eating something. For those who would not snack on swine there was hot dogs, burgers and other goodies. When I met up with Breezy he was checking in on everyone seeing that all were having a good time.

I asked Breezy about the Toys For Tots Ride and how it went. Breezy said, “It was supposed to take off at 10:00 in the morning, but the kids were all wound up and the cops wanted us to wait until 12:00…it was great.” Dozens upon dozens of bikers on bikes riding for the cause of Toys For Tots sponsored by the Marine Corps…the descriptions I got from bikers who participated portrayed it as nothing less than inspirational.

Then the music caught my ear, I knew I had heard that sound before, I had to check it out. That’s right up till now I had not even been able to get inside the bar. Inside was the Rock Cover Band “GENERATIONS”. Laying down the sound, rocking the bar, the street and the neighborhood with solid, no bull, hardcore rock and roll that got you on your feet and had you screaming.



GENERATIONS covered the Doobie Brothers, the Doors, Steppenwolf, Deep Purple and Jethro Tull to name a few. I saw Generations about a year ago at BRONKOS in Baldwin. But this time the band had something different, a female lead singer who looks just like Tina Turner did in her 30’s (not much different from right now). She belted out the rock driven soul tune with passion and fire. (All the guys were stuck to the floor with their mouths hanging open).

As I ordered my second beer, I caught up with Dennis an old friend from the old school. We covered some ground when we got to the subject of Anthony Esposito. After that talk I had a deep bittersweet feeling of awe. A community came out to celebrate the life of a man who worked hard, loved and supported his family and had reached his immediate world in such a way that world reached out for his family.

I hunted down the man with the donation box and threw in what I had. I know what a family goes through when it looses ‘Daddy’ or a wife looses her love, her heart and the joy in her life. I caught up with Breezy again as I headed for the door. I then checked out the tribute that was on the table in one of the booths. When I saw the picture of Anthony Esposito, it rattled me.

Breezy patted me on the shoulder and moved on. The photo was a perfect image of Breezy but it was Anthony. This is the beginning of a long time of hurting for the family of Anthony Esposito. That Sunday we celebrated Anthony’s life, from hear out the community that came together for the pig should stay together to wipe the tears.



The sting in my gut that moved me to tears after being thanked by family and friends was the WORD. In my soul I could hear and see the old Black Bishop with his robe flowing as he quoted the WORD of GOD,… “Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart.” (Ecc. 7:2)



Peace

RJ