ANOTHER FIVE DAYS tells the story of war hero, Al Sokratis, who begins his day by being asked to be the Best Man at his grandson’s wedding, only to end it in the afterlife after he was hit and killed by a texting driver while pulling a stranger from a burning vehicle. Because of the heroic way he died as well as the way he lived his life, Al is rewarded by being given the opportunity to re-live any five days of his life. They can be days he enjoyed and wants to experience all over again, days in which he had regrets and wants to make amends, or days in which he tries to help others and change the course of history. ANOTHER FIVE DAYS takes us on a magical tour of Woodstock, Vietnam, the NASA Space Program, and the 1986 World Series, introducing us to heroes as well as almost heroes, people whose lives might have turned out vastly differently were it not for the blink of an eye. Above all else, it is a love story as Al desperately tries to find a way to reunite with his departed wife.
THE UNTOLD TALE OF SHADY BADESSO
The Untold Tale of Shady Badesso has been two years in the writing. While it touches on many of the same elements and themes as my other works—friendship, love and loyalty—it also incorporates something new for me. A little bit of suspense. As are all of my novels, the story is set in my adopted home state of Connecticut, a place I have now lived for more than twenty years. What made this story even more fun to write is that within it I was also able to sprinkle in a trip to my wife’s and my favorite place to visit in the entire world—Nantucket, a beautiful island off the coast of Cape Cod that we spend some time in each summer.
6 MOVIES TO LIVE YOUR LIFE BY
In a time where Hollywood has garnered more attention for its collective misdeeds off camera and its unimaginative storylines in front of it, it is not completely devoid of merit if you know where to look. Someone once said that there are only 100 different movie themes and every single movie is a variation of one of them. Feel free to begin by looking past the plethora of Superhero movies and mind numbing sequels. That eliminates the majority of recent movies and it leaves you with only six themes. Why six? Because in my opinion, these six are the ones most worthy of living your life by. Is there more than one movie that represents a particular theme? Of course. But that is up to you to decide. For me, the movies that follow each represent a value I hold dear. If you agree with them, then do not pass go, but head straight for your remote and search through On Demand, for these movies will change your life forever.
A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS
I knew I was in trouble the moment the words left her mouth.
“What do you think about getting another dog?” My wife asked.
“Why are you thinking like that?” I said. “Beans is going to live forever.”
“I don’t mean once he’s gone. I mean in addition to him.”
By way of background information, Mr. Beans was a puppy when I met my wife. He was HER puppy. A crazy one at that. He’d jump on you as you came in the door. Would chew your hands like they were chew toys. Was an escape artist that could get out of any yard. And he loved to play tug of war with his leash while on walks, which my wife was not a fan of. Ok, MAYBE I taught him that.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
Two weeks ago, I wrote a column entitled, THINGS THAT PISS ME OFF & A MOVIE THAT USED TO. I’ll admit, it was a bit heavy handed, even though it was mostly in jest. Mostly. Ok, not really. Those things did and continue to piss me off, and a few of you responded in agreement. But in an effort to show I’m not a complete curmudgeon, I thought it only fair to write a column that balances it out. And with that, I present to you–A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS, with another nod to The Sound of Music.
THINGS THAT PISS ME OFF AND A MOVIE THAT USED TO
My wife says I’m turning into a crusty curmudgeon and while this post will do little to counteract her belief, I’m plowing ahead with it nonetheless. There are a lot of things that piss me off, but these are a few of my least favorite things (with a nod to Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music):
Geniuses who decided it was a good idea to have construction on two major highways that run parallel to each other at the same time. Do you really need to block off traffic in all possible directions?
THE NUCLEAR OPTION, TACKLING RACISM IN SPORTS, & GOING HOME AGAIN
AS THE POLITICAL WORLD BURNS…
Not much makes sense in the world of politics these days, but one thing that is extremely puzzling is the filibuster rule. For those not familiar with what a filibuster is, it comes from the word “filibustero”, which has Dutch and Spanish origins meaning “robber” or “pirate”. I can’t think of a better word to describe members of the US Congress. Stealing money from the people to accomplish little except investigations of each other.
Silly Airline: Tricks are for Kids, Trump, Taxes, Teen Movies & Tebowtime!
About 2 to 3 times a week, my wife and I will be watching the news or having a conversation about something that happened that day, and I’ll respond with “What is wrong with people? It’s common sense. I could have tax reform done in a day.” To which she always responds, “Yes, you should be a lead economist. I just don’t know where you will find the time.” Of course, I pick up on the fact that her voice is dripping with more than a little sarcasm, but I ignore it because I truly believe I could solve the world’s problems if only I were given the chance.
SLOW DRINKERS, GIANT BALLBAGS & SMELLY BASTARDS
“Jim Reilly woke up dead one morning and was really pissed off about it. He snapped open the paper while sitting on the can, the way he did every morning, and found himself staring at an old picture of himself in the Obituary section on Page 6…”
DESTINARE
After hearing the bad news, Joe Moretti found himself faced with a difficult decision. He could either fight for his life, or peacefully accept his fate. Unfortunately, his decision wouldn’t simply affect his life. What if he wasn’t around in a year to save 3 year old Diana Doyle from falling onto the tracks in front of a moving train? And what if she in turn wasn’t around to become a doctor with the ability to save lives? Maybe even the life of someone Joe cared deeply about? Destinare is a story that examines how each person’s life is connected in ways we don’t even realize. One person’s life affects another. Which in turn impacts another…and another…and another…until the circle is complete and we finally reach our destiny.