A Few Good Men

(special hat tip David Glassman)

Technology rules

Other than myself the one person who held an abnormal interest in all things techie was one Harold Newell. As many of you know there was rarely an interaction with Buddy without some new device making an appearance. However one of the things that always struck me as odd was that after the initial infatuation and adoption, when the hard work begins in learning a new device's capabilities and applications, Buddy almost always relented. Bruce Herman has a warehouse of Buddy Gadgets that were abandoned, only to be sold on ebay.

I was thinking about this as I am now waiting in line for my iPad. Buster would have been right beside me, coveting its style, imagination and elegance. Then after a week of appearances and personal Buddy demos, to Herman it would go, in search of its rightful home.

Buddy Newell. Hard for him to not always look for the next new thing. In that way, he was truly visionary.

Crazy Love

The sun had just begun to settle in as the surrounding quiet allowed the waves to be clearly audible from the terrace overlooking the ocean where I was partaking of my routine breakfast in St Barths. Buddy Newell was the furthest thing from my mind. As I turned from the buffet I quite accidently bumped into one Amy Johnson. For those of you who may not know, prior to Dawn, Amy was the woman most likely to drive Buddy crazy. I mean that literally.

Amy and I reminisced about Buddy's private detective techniques and civil liberty violations over breakfast. Many years prior Amy had broken up with Buddy after a tumultuous romance. Buddy it seems did not receive the memo and refused to accept this termination. Instead of actually trying to seduce her back into his arms he convinced himself that another tactic would be more effective. He decided to bug her apartment with a voice activated recorder and continue with visual vehicle surveillance throughout the day from when she went to work until her return (hilarity ensued when he would describe to us his Banachek and Mannix dives behind cars and under trucks to avoid being spotted). Then periodically he would confront her about why she did not want to be with him, as she then pointed out that him following her 24/7 might be a good place to start (she knew all along she was being tailed by a nut).

Probably a good thing TASERS were not available then.

About 10 minutes into laughing and almost crying Amy said to me "look at how you look. Everyone has that look when they remember Buddy". Had not remembered Buddy like that in a while.

Fondness and warmth, amusement and fun took their full expression in the contours of my face, the look in my eyes and the gently upturned corners of my mouth. Those feelings don't come along all that often. Hopefully after reading the post, you to dear reader, may feel almost the same way. We all luvs us a good Buddy story.

Happy New Year to all.

The Writing on the Wall

There are many superstitions and rituals in the world of sports.

Like Roger Clemens touching the plaque of Babe Ruth in Yankee Stadium every time he came in to pitch.

Or Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner tapping the ice 88 times and then tracing the outlines of the Canadian maple leaf before the game.

Next time you may find yourself at the PALM TOO on 2nd Avenue in New York ready for a championship meal, after you enter make a right and stroll over to the third room. Gaze over to the corner on your left. There is our plaque. Touch it for good luck, quietly turn around, return to your table and finish your steak.

It will be the best steak you ever had.

The Currency of Eden

When we were boys we began to understand the value of the word of others. Over time this virtue's importance began to outweigh other characteristics that young people judge one another by like being the most popular or having a nice car or a nice rack (sorry, the rack part actually meant a lot so scratch that). Our perception of this was never really stated or written into our coat of arms. It seemed to simply evolve until Buddy acknowledged its presence by referring to people of such moral fiber as being "on the money".

I doubt I will ever know anyone more "on the money" than Buddy Newell. His word was his bond and he always went above and beyond to honor this code even if doing so meant personal loss when fulfilling commitments and promises to others.

At times he was the person who could least afford this.

Somehow, somewhere, this must be accounted for.

On September 30th, the first anniversary, my hope is that we will be remembering the richest man in Heaven.

As Buddy would tell me about someone when he wanted to bestow them his greatest praise, "my boy was on the money".

Golden slumbers fill your eyes.....

It was once said that the notion of the 'City that never sleeps' does not apply to 3 o'clock in the morning. 

For my entire lifetime of knowing him the one thing that got under his skin more than anything else was traffic. Buddy despised traffic.

When he worked for Normie one of the things he enjoyed about the job (perhaps the only thing) was that his day began at 3am. We used to think it ungodly that anyone should be up at that hour, but he adored the peacefulness and solitude of that time of day. Before rush hour he would have his tasks ouside the office effortlessly behind him which gave him time to think and to enjoy the quiet thoughtful pace of a city that would explode frenetically in just a few short hours.

Whenever you think of New York City at night, dark and sleeping, think of Buddy's smile lighting up the streets.

No doubt there's no traffic in heaven.

This birthday, rest easy my friend.

3.1.09
I am up at 12:26 AM, It is snowing badly and I cannot sleep.
All I keep thinking about is Buddy!!
"Where ya going"
I keep thinking of a memory of when John , Buddy and I drove from Vegas to Scottsdale in a midsize Hertz rental and Buddy sat in the back. His feet were propped up on a suitcase and his head was "All Jammed Up" and he bitched the whole time..
"Eric, why didnt you rent an SUV or something, where ya going?"
I have so many amazing memories of him and he is one of my biggest mentors in my life.
He taught me about loyalty and integrity in business in general.
If he could see what is happening in the world today, he would say.... "Bro, just save your money, and keep your head up".
Buddy was a very special person, he is missed every day.
Sometimes, I call his old cell # just to hear his voice.
I saw him about two weeks before he left us and all he kept saying was " Bro, I have so much passion, I wish people would just realize what I can do for them..."
Buddy, just so you know,
YOU DID SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE WHOSE LIFE YOU TOUCHED
You were truly a genius and I am so lucky to have met you and been a close friend.
I love you Buddy and I hope you are kicking ass up there and slamming on the Blackjack tables in Heaven !
Love E-

The Sun Also Rises

I almost did not answer the phone that day. Typical Tuesday, busy at work as usual, the intercom kept buzzing. It was Elyse, crying. The only words I could really make out was "Buddy's dead, Buddy's dead, my brother, your best friend is dead".

Like vise on your chest expelling all remaining air I felt completely and literally deflated and numb. All of us knew Buddy was having some difficulties recently and there is not one person I know who does not think, quietly to themselves at night, "I think I could have done more".

Perhaps. Perhaps not. Buddy was who he was and it is likely none of us could have prevented this no matter how hard we tried.

Having said that, we are honored to have had our lives shared and shaped by him. When we were younger and maybe lacked the confidence he had, he always had faith in us. We can never, ever, forget that.

The holidays and a new and better year are hopefully upon us.

Just a few parting words. Please, try to find passion in all the work that you do. Love your family and always help your friends. Remember Buddy in all the ways he put a smile on your face that you couldn't pry off with a crowbar. And hold that thought. Forever.

Our work here is never done but we will take a brief hiatus. Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement. It was invaluable. We will email when we are posting again.

Until Buddy's birthday or next year's Memorial Dinner or perhaps whenever the mood strikes us, farewell dear friends, farewell.

-MKW & DBG

"MAW shares some Buddylove222@yahoo.com"

I am not sure of the “appropriateness” level of the content for this website but in talking about Buddy everything was appropriate so …... In that regard, I am pasting below some emails (or portions thereof) which Buddy sent to me only a few months ago when I was going through a very rough time with my Dad passing away and then two (2) major surgeries in five (5) months.

Buddy constantly emailed me when I was in the hospital with not only words of encouragement but also pictures for motivation or at least they were pictures from his “collection.” Anyway, the tone of these emails pretty much captures the always adolescent-like innocent nature of Buddy’s driven selfless nature – I have redacted any names because they are unnecessary for the purposes of this website. Besides, those close to Buddy will figure them out anyway. J

I spoke at his Memorial and I regret not saying two (2) things. One was that despite all of the tumultuous ups and downs of his life (both good and bad), Buddy was ALWAYS there for Scottie. Strangely, I always saw that as Scottie “centering” Buddy but Buddy did it because he cared so much about Scottie. I was afraid to say anything at the Memorial because I didn’t want Scottie to get emotional. Clearly, Scottie helped Buddy so much more than he will ever know and I think Scottie should take great comfort in knowing that. Scottie should also take great pride in knowing that his brother was a Stand-Up guy in that his word really meant something and his bond, if you were fortunate enough to be a recipient, was as good as gold.

The other story I regret not telling had to do with my father and him offering us (i.e. Glassman, Wilk, Harris, Labare, etc.) all drinks one night at the Bar downstairs in my Howard Beach house. I think my father got tired of us secretly emptying his liquor cabinet every weekend and figured by making it less “forbidden” we would move on to someone else’s house. Well, we all jumped at the opportunity and thought my father was the coolest Dad of the moment but Buddy respectfully declined and said something to the effect of: “Thank you Jerry but I only drink Champagne.” We were 12 at the time. My father got such a kick out of that story that he always smiled whenever Buddy’s name was mentioned – even 20 years later. Those two (2) “stories” pretty much capture Buddy’s wonderful range. I miss him.

The email:
I will send the _______s lost nude pictures and speaking of old days. I'd give big $$$ to hit ____________ and ___________ again.
I will never forget going to ________'s house only to be greeted and have the door open by someone shorter than me. ________ naturally. He was no taller than 5'1"
but held his ground and made it big. I remember being in 5th grade and going to the kiddie park with 5 dollars and him having at least 50 to blow. or you coming back from Nashopa with a trunk with just one towel and the collection lost to an acey ducey pot.
Especially after busting your ass and being the king of Fugase excuse the spelling as in fake Puma, and Adidias, and Fila shirts.


I have some connections but call me and we can discuss ideas and business related topics and even float pencils in __________'s piss or you can raid the baby sitters house and have the door slammed in your face or the famous snowball at Herbie Glassman or the special automanic garage opener Banachek style.

If you are bored call me anytime.
Unemployed and pitching ideas cell and watches and things we spoke about so we need to catch up in any event. I will send you a couple of pictures to make you laugh and smile.

Call me ...Buddy
AKA: Mike and Buddy's Karate School!

I am trapped in Florida for now and please accept my apologies for not being able to attend. Currently unemployed and many projects in the various stages.

It is a tough thing, stay strong, please send my condolances.

Remember, Michael is a member of "Harold's Gang"

2nd grade Mrs. Williams.
Warmest regards,
Buddy

I was laying around thinking, which I have a lot to do lately and thought beginning of Jan, Weiss' birthday. He made the year and was born in the first month and then 2 year SP so he was in Binghampton at 16 it is amazing when you think of it. Well the Binghampton thing just made me think of _________ and what a wild f--- and the greatest body ever, luved her, it was a nice club med with her and a few others …

So, back to the birthday. I remember my mother having to go with us and talk her way in to get us registered for Little league as you and I were too young and other issues, my memories of January.

Any, hope all is great and I will speak to you soon...Buddy

LIVESTRONG

Buddy's friend John from Florida has taken the liberty of elevating Buddy's status to Lance Armstrong levels. Incredibly nice gesture.  His email follows.

"The attached pictures are of the bracelet that I had made for the closest friends of Buddy.  It is Black and on one side it says" Everybody needs a Buddy" and the other side says "BuddyLove".  He used this name a lot especially when we were in a restaurant and the hostess was smokin hot, he loved it when she would say, Mr. Love your table is ready. 

 

I ordered 25 Bracelets and like I say I would really like to give them to Buddy's best Friends.  Whoever wants one to send me their home address. it you think there is a better way, I am open to suggestions. 

 

Please note, that this is my gift to Buddy and his Friends and no cost will be incurred to anyone but me.  If I have to make a second run on the bracelets, I will do it.

 

Thanks a lot!!!"

 

John Schiebelhuth

Johnschiebelhuth@aol.com

John adds a Thanksgiving addendum.........

"For the past few years, Buddy spent Thanksgiving with my family here in Boca Raton. Let me tell you, my family is no bunch of angels but it was always funny to hear the comments that Buddy would make about my sister or other relatives. Somehow, he could always relate to the situation. It will be wierd not having him sit next to me at the table telling me to pass this and pass that. We all know he loved to eat. I guess we all have to be thankful for having known Buddy and having the honor of calling him our Buddy. Happy Holidays to all! Don't be shy about asking for a "Buddy" Bracelet."