Lou Carnesecca died saturday. He was 99, one month short of 100.

Lou was St. John’s basketball coach for 24 years. Known to his friends as “Looie.” With one exception. Georgetown’s John Thompson who called Carnesecca “Mother fucking Looie.” Understand that between the two, it was a term of endearment. Thompson referred to a few others in similar fashion. People he liked and respected.

One person Thompson did not respect during their playing years was Jim Boeheim. He never used the term when referring to Boeheim. They did not become friends till after Thompson retired and then were blood brothers.

Carnesecca coached Chris Mullen when St. John’s went to the Final Four.

Carnesecca never had a losing season at St. John’s. His worst was 17-12. His overall record, 520-200. Carnesecca is best described to have been charming and self-deprecating.

He was one of the score of Big East coaches who launched the League: Carnesecca, Thompson, Jim Boeheim, and Rollie Massimino. Later, P.J. Carlesimo, Jim Calhoun, and Rick Pitino.

For those who were there then and recall, the words of creation are exciting. These guys put together a great League! The best of basketball!

The League itself was not the only great thing. The coaches themself were. All made it to the Final Four in the ’80s, except Calhoun. His first time was 1990, following which he then went on to win 3 national championships.

Over the years, Jim Boeheim and I became good friends. I had the box at the Carrier Dome which seated 16 and a private bar. Each game a party. I was active at the University in various fashions.

My law firm ran many Utica fund raisers. I was always in need of a main speaker. Boeheim came when asked. He suggested let me get you some of the other Big East coaches. He did. On two occasions, Lou Carnesecca. Basically a freebe. Five hundred dollars to cover a plane ticket and hotel room.

Carnesecca was perfect. Funny!!! A born story teller.

My son John chaired the events. His grandfather, my father, John was always at these events. Generally seated at my table.

The first time Carnesecca spoke, John had introduced me and my father. Carnesecca picked up on it in his talk. He zeroed in on my father who was about 15 years older than him. One Elderly Italian talking to another. Afterwards the two talked and bonded. It was the same the second time Carnesecca helped us out. I loved the interchange between Carnesecca and my father.

I suspect Carnesecca and my father have met in the hereafter since Carnesecca’s death saturday. Two Italian gents conversing with each other.

A Big East fan is Tony who owns Brady’s Irish Pub. A St. John’s graduate. We have chatted on occasion re St. John’s, Syracuse and the Big East. I have taken to watching Syracuse games this season at Brady’s. A lot of TV, good food, drink and bar companions.

The cold up north continues. Buffalo, Syracuse and Utica buried in snow. The cold extends to Key West.

Yesterday morning I left the house just before 10 in the morning for neurophysiotherapy. It was 63 degrees. An hour later when I was done, a whole 64 degrees. This morning a bit warmer. It is 6 am at the moment. The temperature 63 degrees.

The hurricane season is officially over. It ended November 30. You never know, however.

Earl Holliman has died. The movie actor was 96 years old.

He generally was second banana in the more than 100 films he appeared.

Holliman appeared in many westerns, the wi-fi classic “Forbidden Planet” and the 1970 TV series “Police Woman.” Noteworthy films included “The Bridge at Toko-Ri” and “Gunfight at OK Corral.”

Syracuse ended the football season ranked number 23. Sounds chintzy for a 9-3 record and the big win over Miami.

I close with a food item I love. I always have a bottle around from which I enjoy a teaspoon or two of at a time. Honey.

I learned something about honey I was unaware of till yesterday.

Honey is the only food that never spoils.

Bacteria cannot naturally grow in honey. Even when crystalized, it is not spoiled. Warm it in warm water to restore its original consistency.

Honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs over 3,000 years old has been found still ok to eat.

There is an exception to it always being ok to consume. If you see signs of fermentation (bubbling) or mold growth, it means water has got into the container. If so, it should be disregarded.

Enjoy your day!

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