Finally! A Good Movie on the Horizon!

  

It's been a while since I was excited about a movie opening up. Lately, I've seen trailer after trailer for movies that haven't really captured my interest. Friday night, a movie about John Lennon (The US vs John Lennon) opens up in NYC and Los Angeles. (It opens for everyone else in a week). For those of you who know me, you know what a huge John Lennon/Beatles fan I am. I love John's solo work as much as his work with the Beatles. What I liked even more about John was his politics, his passion, and the way he made us challenge ourselves by "imagining."

The movie portrays a time in our country's history that is hauntingly familiar to what is going on right now. A country divided by it's leadership, by war, by religion, a struggle for civil rights, and a host of other social and political issues. It focuses on how our government tried to stop him from speaking out. (sounds a lot like our current state of affairs).

We are looking forward to venturing into NYC in the early evening on Saturday, having a fabulous meal in my favorite restaurant (Becco) and then heading to the show. I am sure it will be a perfect late summer/early fall evening. I'll have the review next week. I usually only go to "Strawberry Fields" on the anniversary of John's death, but a cool crisp night might make the walk very tempting on Saturday.

Oh, yeah "Jackass 2" opens up the following weekend, you know I will be there, that stuff cracks me up! That will open on Long Island, I wouldn't venture into NYC for "Jackass!"

What Have We Learned?

The NYC I will always remember... 

Five years has passed. Some say it does not feel like five years, it seems like yesterday. I suppose it depends on your perspective. For me, a lot has happened personally since 9/11/01 and so much has happened in the world. In many ways it seems longer than five years ago.

Today is definitely a day of reflection. Thoughts of those who perished and thoughts of those who sacrificed for others. It also should be a day of reflecting on what we learned and lessons that maybe we did not learn.

No matter what you may believe happened five years ago today, the government's version of events or other versions, we know people lost their lives and our way of life has dramatically changed since that crystal clear day in 2001.

I don't feel we as a nation have really learned all that much. Two months or so after the event, people who were not directly affected by the tragedy went on with life as usual. Our government, little by little, stripped us of our freedoms while we all sat by and watched. The person "responsible" for the attacks is still at large, the Taliban is making a major comeback in Afghanistan, while much of our resources are being spent in Iraq. Our dependency on foreign oil has not diminished, nor have any major steps been taken to lessen that dependency. 87% of the cargo that comes into our ports is not inspected, while only 34 airports in the United States have the proper explosive detection machines. $350 billion has been spent in Iraq, while almost 2700 of our troops have died there. A new breeding ground for terrorists has been created there. Our country still blindly supports Israel no matter what actions they take.

If we want to properly honor those who perished five years ago today, then we need to stop having blind faith in the flag and in our leaders and push for change. Why not start 2 months from now, on election day? The House is up for election and so are many Senate seats. Get out and vote and start the process of change. Stop driving gas guzzling SUV's with "Support our Troops" magnets on them. Want to support the troops? Vote for new leadership and get them home! Want to be patriotic and wave the flag? Great, do it, but do it knowing we are the best country we can be, don't do it because the government or the media jam patriotism down our throats.

For me, five years of the status quo is enough. I want to honor these fallen Americans both here on 9/11 and abroad in battle by making changes in this country. Changes that are in the best interests of we, the people. The people who get up every day and make this country what it is.

Held Captive

  

So, what do you make of this girl held captive for the last 8.5 years? Natascha Kampusch, now 18, had been held captive since she was 10 years old. That has to suck in so many ways. Think of all the things you miss during those years. The thing I don't understand is that the dude who held her captive would bring her out to stores and stuff. Why wouldn't she scream or run like hell? I don't get it.

Age 10-18 would have been a tough age to be held captive, but at my age it would be kind of a vacation. Not having to go to work each day, bonus right there. I suppose it depends on who's holding me hostage. If it was Jessica Alba, I don't need to go back into society, just hold me prisoner until I die. If it was some dude having his way with me.....you know I'd find a way out.

So, here are some things I would NOT miss if I were held captive for 8 years:

Going to work. A niiiiice 8 year vacation is in order!
Paying bills. Let the kidnapper pay them!
No fighting over the remote, the dude with the gun always wins that battle!
Deciding what to wear. I imagine my choices would be limited.
Driving. I'd have a personal chauffer....the kidnapper.
The tough choice of what to make for dinner.
Shaving. I think the ZZ Top look is hot.

Those are just a few of the things I would not miss.....

I'll Have a Screwdriver!

I heard the funniest story this weekend. A friend of mine's father was in Omaha, Nebraska about 30 years ago for a wedding. He and the rest of the wedding party went out the night before the wedding to drink at a bar in Omaha. They go up to the bartender and order their drinks. My friend's father says "I'll have a screwdriver." So the bartender says "You want what...a screwdriver????" My friend's father says "YES! A Screwdriver!" The bartender says, "Are you sure?????" My friend's father says "Of course I am sure!!!" So the bartender leaves the bar area for about 45 seconds and comes back with a phillips head screwdriver and hands it to my friend's father!!!!!!!! My friend's father says, "A screwdriver is Vodka and Orange Juice!!!" The bartender says, "We don't have any Orange Juice, would you like some Ne-Hi Orange Soda???"

Hahahahahahahaha crazy people out there........

E-Mail "Forwards" and Chain Letters

Is anyone sick of those STUPID chain letters or forwarded e-mails that pop up in your inbox from people you know? When I see the subject heading with the letters FW in it, I cringe. Unless you are forwarding me pictures of your girlfriend naked or something really good to look at, leave me off the list!

E-chain letters have been around since e-mail began. You've seen them before: Send this e-mail to 15 people in 5 minutes and you will have good luck for a year, send it to 10 people and you will have good luck for a month, send it to 5 people and have good luck for a week, send it to no one and you die a bloody and painful death with forks jammed in your head. Ugh, I hate them so much. But...maybe my lack of forwarding e-mails along is why I work a job where I am underpaid and the reason I my life is always in chaos. I suppose that explains the 24 piece fork set protruding from my head also.

The current fad is to send that ugly yellow ribbon, the one for "Our Troops", via e-mail and say that if you don't forward it on you are a communist bastard that wants our troops to die in bloody combat in Iraq. Or maybe they are about Iraq itself and give a couple images of soldiers standing next to a child, smiling, or a guy petting an Iraqi dog. These e-mails usually say something about how God is watching over them and that if you send this e-mail to 100 people the war might end and God will come down from the Heavens and turn all Iraqi infidels into kind and caring citizens. I hate these e-mails. I delete them. Every American supports our troops, even if we are against the war. They didn't start it and have nothing to do with the bureaucrats and politicians who play a game of Risk with the world. I don't need to forward a yellow ribbon along electronically or plaster one to my car to prove I care.

As an experiment, I created a chain letter myself. I made it just as annoying full of cliche drivel such as the shit that appears in my inbox everyday. I even put "return this to me to prove that you are a good friend" like A LOT of similar e-mails. I made it so cheery and upbeat that you couldn't tell it was made by a cynical bastard like me. But here's the twist: at the end of the e-mail, in small font but plainly in sight I put the words: If you send this e-mail back to me, I'll fucking hunt you down and kill you, you piece of shit. I hope you learn to either stop forwarding messages through the internet or rot in Hell like a serial killer.

And guess what? I got the e-mail back from almost everyone I sent it to. Sigh. It's probably out infesting the world as we speak.

If you see this e-mail or any other e-mail that requires you to forward it on, do me a favor and NOT send it to me, okay? Because I WILL hunt you down and kick your ass. :)

What chain e-mail do you remember most, that was most absurd?

What the "Summer Wind" Blew My Way

  

It is really hard to believe that there are just two "unofficial" weeks left of Summer 2006. It has really gone by in a flash. It has not been the greatest summer of all time, but it surely has had some memorable moments. I know I haven't been a good blogger since i moved back in May. I went from religiously posting daily to posting just a few days a week, if that. It's not that I've lost my humor, creativity, or desire to write, rather just a lot going on personally that has taken my attention away from this site. Anyway, as summer nears its end, I hope to get back to my writing like back in the day.

Anyway, tonight I am reflecting on the summer of 2006. I know there are still a couple of weeks left and that there will be some more memories to add to my list, but tonight I want to mention some of my favorites days/moments/experiences of summer 2006 and I'd love to hear yours as well. These are in no particular order, just what comes to mind as I write.....

* Hanging out with Tiny A in her yard and bbq'ing. What's great about Tiny A and I is the fact that we are both so passionate about food and that we both put so much effort into the feast. Her company is great, the food is great, our talks are great, she is great.

* The Yankee games I went to. Even though they lost one of the three I went to, of course the night with the kick ass seats they lose, going to the stadium is something I cherish.

* Going to the Brooklyn Cyclones game. Tiny A and I went to Brooklyn early, ate at the original Nathan's, took in the sights and sounds of Coney Island, drank in a dive bar, then went to the game. A great day indeed. Not to mention the great ride there and back complete with great music and laughs.

* The "Thirsty Thursday" party I had here a couple of weeks ago. Some work buddies came over after work and we sat in my yard and drank from 7-11pm, took sheleter from a massive thunderstorm in between, before taking in the nightlife of the bars and clubs here in the city by the sea. It was a great night.

* My walks down to "Uncle Louie's" Italian Ice store. Whether it be alone, or with a friend, the nice walk in town for a cold ice on a hot night was something I enjoyed so much this summer.

* Watching my dog Bruce swim in the bay. I got such a kick out of seeing him float and go crazy with his fellow doggies. The pics were great!

* The block party. It was a nice day and I got to see some friends I had not seen in a while, and my brother made it to Long Beach two weeks in a row!

* The Yankees sweeping 5 games at Fenway Park. Just awesome. Made my summer and hopefully got us on the right track to make it a great October!

* The day on Joe and Christina's boat. I love the ocean and to be cruising at 40MPH miles from shore was breathtaking. A gorgeous day indeed. No cell phone, no contact with anyone, just cruising the Atlantic with no worries.

* Even though it was a short email, hearing from Linda for the 1st time in a year. I miss her and her silliness.

* The Friday bbq's at work. Each Friday, I am the official "griller" at my job as we take time out to grill and enjoy a Friday summer luncheon together.

* CLUB 69! My house# is 69, so my neighbors call my house club 69 because of all the get togethers, loud music, and boozing that takes place here. The summer of '06 should be dubbed the summer of (house #) 69! So many fun moments in that front yard.

I hope the next 2 weeks bring a bunch more to add to the list. Let's hear your top moments of summer 2006!

My "Friday"

Since I am off tomorrow (yippeee) today is my Friday. I can't wait for the nice 3 day weekend.

Saturday is the annual block party on my street. It will be my first at the house. From what I hear, it is quite a bash. Tomorrow I will be at COSTCO buying tons of food and drink and getting the yard in shape.

The theme of the party is "LUAU" and we all thought that was pretty lame. So my house, my guests, the house next door and their guests decided to be renegades and make our own theme which is the 1970's/Disco. We all will be dressing up from that era and I already burned a bunch of great disco cd's. In addition I bought colored light bulbs for the spotlights outside and a light up disco ball, my front yard will be Studio 54 come sunset. It should be a blast, I will be sure to post plenty of pictures of the party and festivities.

Oh, so we officially found out who has been calling the cops on us everytime we have a get together. It's the drunken asshole across the street and his illegal bitch of a tenant. Payback's a bitch because my friends work for City Hall and they checked with the building department about the apartment in his house, ILLEGAL!!!!!! Needless to say, the building department will be paying Scrooge a visit in the near future. Sucks to be them. They better buy earplugs because Saturday's Disco Night will be going into the wee hours of Sunday Morning.

Mixed Emotions

  

Today was a "ground breaking" day here in NY. Ground was broken for the new Yankee Stadium set to open in 2009. I have some very mixed emotions about this.

There is just so much history in the current Yankee Stadium. So many memories, so many historic moments, and so many generations of Yankee fans that have entered that building. It is like tearing down a museum in a way.

The new stadium will stand right next door. Parks and ballfields for little league will stand where the current stadium stands. I have an issue with that. They should enshrine that stadium. I have a hard time dealing with some kids playing t-ball on the same field that Lou Gehrig gave his famous "Luckiest man on the face of the earth" speech, where Don Larsen, David Wells, and David Cone pitched their perfect games, where Reggie hit three homers in one World Series Game, and where Roger broke the Babe's record. It just does not seem right.

Although they are keeping the traditional look, complete with monument park, and the famous outside facade, I still can't help but be sad. Today is the 58th anniversary of Babe Ruth's death, I wonder how he'd feel........

I have so many personal memories in that stadium. So many memorable games I have seen there, so many laughs with my friends and loved ones, and it is where I saw my first baseball game. It is truly a cathedral.

The Runs

Last night we all had a debate as to why "the runs" are called the runs. I say it is because you "run" back and forth to the bathroom to crap. My friends insist it is because the crap "runs" out of you, usually in the form of diarrhea.

Ok, you decide. I say it is the act of running to the toilet.

One For The Books

Hey everyone! The weekend is over, and I am sad. It was definitely one for the books. My weekend started on Thursday Night with my work friends/local neighborhood friends gathering at my home for a night of serious drinking. I truly have never drank that much on a weeknight EVER. I was still up at at 'em by 6am Friday for work!

Friday I left work at 2 to get an early jump to the Yankee game. I had gotten some corporate seats right near home plate that I could not refuse. We all headed in and got to our seats in plenty of time to take in all the sights and sounds of Yankee Stadium. Although the Yanks lost Friday Night, we had a blast. I took some pics below for you all to see what amazing seats they really were.

On Saturday, my brother came to Long Beach for the day. I enjoy when he comes out to enjoy a day at the beach. We went for lunch and took in a typical Saturday here in the City By The Sea. Saturday Night, a small gathering at my house turned into an all out house party. I had about 15 people over for some food, lots of music, and tons of drinking and drinking games. The beer pong table came out and by 11:30pm, I fired up Christmas music and we all put on Santa hats and sang 45 minutes of all your favorite Christmas tunes. Needless to say, everyone who passed the house thought we were nuts and just cracked up. By 12:15am, the LBPD made its 15th trip to my home this summer to tell us to lower the music. They know all of us by now, including my dog Bruce.

Sunday, I slept in then headed out to a friends house to swim in the pool all day and we all had a nice dinner afterwards. I am home now, getting the house back in order and ready to start another work week, a shorter one, as I have a vacation day on Friday.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend!





  

  

  

  
  

Blowing Bubbles

This is a great joke.

We all blew soap bubbles as a kid in the yard. So most people will say yes when you ask them.

Here's the joke

C-mac: Sugar V, do you remember blowing bubbles when you were younger?

Sugar V: Sure, it was fun!

C-Mac: I saw Bubbles the other day, he says hi!

hahahahahhahahahahaha

Bruce Hits The Beach!

  

Here in the "City By the Sea", Long Beach, NY....dogs are not allowed on the ocean beaches. They actually hit you with a pretty hefty fine if you are caught on the beach with your pup. I did however, manage to find out about a little cove along the bay that dogs can go in. I took Brucey there on Sunday to swim and play with the other local pups. I thought I'd share the pics with you all.

  

My favorite is the top one, where he is submerged. i am not sure if he ever went that deep in water before, but he was a trip to watch.

  

He spent most of his time along the shoreline just taking it all in.

  

The 80's are Back?????

Happy Monday! It was a pretty good weekend over all. Got some rest in and had some fun as well.

Ok, so I loved the 80’s. I grew up in the 80’s and always hold that decade close to my heart, but some people refuse to let go of the 80’s. I went into the local deli around the corner from my house this morning for some breakfast. The woman behind the counter, whom I have never seen before, just blew my mind. She was clearly pushing 60, had that fake all-year-round tan going, she was dressed in SKIN TIGHT leggings, a tight shirt, with a Tammy Fay Baker makeup job, and a LEATHER FANNY PACK on!!!! I was like, what the fuck???? Oh, I did not mention the Blair from “Facts of Life” hairstyle she had going. All she needed was a fuckin’ Rubix Cube and a “Frankie Says Relax” T-shirt and she would have been all set! What a sight at 6:30am.

There is also a lady I see walking EVERY morning along the bike path on the Wantagh parkway that wears the “Flashdance” style shirt off the shoulders and a visor every morning. Let go already!

Have you ever heard a song first thing in the morning and it sticks in your head? While I was at the deli, “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan was on the radio. It’s stuck in my head and I am trying my best not to sing it. I don’t want to get caught singing “I’m Every Woman” at the office. Gay Court would truly be in session.

Hope you all have a great Monday!

Ben Hur Hits Brooklyn

  

What's the obsession with rims? I never understood how someone could go out and spend hundreds on a set of rims. Half the time, the rims are worth more thna the cars they go on.

Last Saturday, on our way to the Brooklyn Cyclones game in Brooklyn, we saw a car on the parkway that had rims like the chariot in "Ben Hur." We laughed and I just had to snap a picture of it as we cruised down the highway. I thought for certain it was going to turn into an epic chariot race down the Cross Island Parkway.

Then there are the spinning rims. I don't get that whole deal. It's not like the person who actually thinks these are cool (the driver) can see them. The rest of us who don't like them have to sit and watch these things spin at a traffic light. STUPID!!!!!!

People actually still put bumper stickers on their vehicles. Most bumper stickers are moronic. I've seen ones that say "I love clams" or "I love my dog." Who gives a flying fuck???? Take the clam out of your ass and drive a bit faster fucko! While you are at it, stop putting peanut butter on your balls so fido can lick it off and drive a bit faster!

Running On Empty

  

If you are looking for some good music for those relaxing days at the beach, for backyard bbq's, cruising in the car, or chillin' at home, I highly recommend Jackson Browne.

Jackson Browne has been around since the 70's and he has scored some big hits like "Doctor My Eyes", "Running on Empty", "The Pretender", and "Stay." But it is his less famous songs that tell the real story. What Springsteen and Billy Joel are to the East Coast, Jackson Browne and Tom Petty are to the West Coast. Like Springsteen, Jackson Browne tells a story in each song. He talks about love, the struggles of every day life, and things we can all relate to. Although maybe not as poetic as "The Boss", Jackson's voice is a bit more soothing and melodic.

If you are anywhere near a music store this weekend, pick up his Greatest Hits to get yourself familiar with his work, you'll be glad you did!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday Randomness

  

Did Lance Bass of N'SYNC really need to "come out" and tell us he was gay? Wasn't this pretty obvious? That's like Ike Turner holding a press conference that he did indeed beat Tina or O.J. admitting he killed his wife and Ron Goldman. No shit Sherlock.

You know what annoys me a bit? Songs that don't mention the title of the song in the lyrics, or maybe just mention it once. Why? I heard "Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam today. A song I enjoyed back in the early 90's. What the fuck does Yellow Ledbetter have to do with the song lyrics? "Summer Highland Falls" by Billy Joel is another one. A great song, but "Summer Highland Falls" is never mentioned or even referred to.

It is amazing what odds and ends in the house can do for you. I totally ghetto rigged my living room a/c. The a/c was way small for the width of the window and it did not have the flap extenders to fill the space on both sides of the a/c. So, I pushed it to one side, stuck a clipboard in there and packing taped the shit out of it. It is quite stylish. This decor just may show up on one of these home makover shows and catch on nationwide.

How do you throw out a garbage can out? How does the garbageman known you want to get rid of it? Do you leave a note?

They should have a small refrigerated compartment in the trunk of all cars to put your cold stuff in after food shopping until you get home, especially on hot summer days.

Why do dogs smell each others asses upon meeting? Imagine someone new in the office starting, you get introduced and instead of shaking her hand, you sniff her ass. Actually Sugar V would love that.

Never get drunk on a Monday Night. You are in for a long week if you do. Take it from me! "One drink" led to 5 at the house, then 4 more and 2 shots at "The Inn" across the street. Oh boy. Bad C-Mac.

Ann Coulter said Bill Clinton is a homosexual. WHAT???? That man has had more FEMALE ass than a toilet seat in the ladies room at Macy's during a one day sale extravaganza.

The solution to this whole Hezbollah crisis, get those fuckers cable television. One glimpse of Jessica Simpson shaking her ass, a couple of on demand porn flicks, and a few "Real World" episodes and these crazy mother fuckers would love westernization and be too occupied to hate anyone. Let's pipe that shit right into Southern Lebanon. Crisis over!

Have a great Thursday! :)

Working Class Hero

John Lennon once wrote “A working class hero is something to be” and I couldn’t agree more. I grew up in a family of hard working people. My grandfather was a painter and worked until the year he died which was his 76th. My grandmother worked until she was in her early 70’s, my dad until he was 65, and my mom always worked and still does, sometimes 2 jobs. My parents worked nights, weekends, and whatever it took to make money so they could give us what we needed. My parents did not work desk jobs, they were on their feet all day doing physical labor. I always admired their work ethic.

Every time I turn on the TV these days, there is a message that honors “men and women in uniform.” Trust me, I respect our soldiers for their dedication and service, but I think men and women in the armed forces, police and firemen/women seem to get all the attention as “heroes” and society overlooks many of the other professions that keep our country and society functioning. Sure, these folks put their lives on the line, but like any other job, it is something they chose to do.

Go to any bar in any town, they have specials for police, fireman, armed forces personnel, but nothing for anyone else. It makes me mad. There are all kinds of heroes that should be honored. How about the single moms out there that are busting their asses working 2 and 3 jobs to raise their kids? How about the garbage men that pick up our nasty-ass trash at the curb twice a week? I don’t see a garbage man night at the local pub, yet if it wasn’t for them, rats would be biting us all in the ass as we walked out our front doors. I work as a buyer for a technology company, how about buyer night at the local strip club? Free lap dances, free drinks, and free chicken at KFC afterwards all because I am a buyer.

Many of you are addicted to that morning coffee. How about honoring the local Dunkin Donuts worker who is up at 4am brewing your coffee so you can “function” at your job? We seem to overlook all of these people and make certain professions seem more important. How about teachers? Teachers in the inner cities are grossly underpaid, yet show up each day trying so hard to make a difference in the lives of our children, the future of this country, yet we rarely honor them. I’d much rather honor a person with a book in their hand than one with a rifle in theirs. Maybe it is just me.

Since 9/11/01, I think our attention and “respect” for those three professions has increased, but I think it has gotten a bit out of hand. 3,000 other people perished that day too, yet the media focuses on the police and fire personnel more than the average Joe that was sitting at his desk that morning that never saw the attack coming. I feel worse for those people than I do anyone else. They weren’t trained, did not have gear, they were just sitting ducks.

Sure, let’s honor our police, fire, and military units, but let us not forget the millions of people that get up each day that do the jobs that don’t get the attention or respect that they deserve. John Lennon was right, “A working class hero is something to be.”

As soon as your born they make you feel small,
By giving you no time instead of it all,
Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
They hurt you at home and they hit you at school,
They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool,
Till you're so fucking crazy you can't follow their rules,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
When they've tortured and scared you for twenty odd years,
Then they expect you to pick a career,
When you can't really function you're so full of fear,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV,
And you think you're so clever and classless and free,
But you're still fucking peasants as far as I can see,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
There's room at the top they are telling you still,
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,
If you want to be like the folks on the hill,
A working class hero is something to be.
A working class hero is something to be.
If you want to be a hero well just follow me,
If you want to be a hero well just follow me.

Monday Morning Match Game

Good Morning! What a beautiful "Sunshine Day" here in the NYC/Metro area. It was tough leaving the beach this morning and heading to the office. It was a cloudy/rainy weekend, but the sun came out about 5pm last night and the town came alive. I went walking to pick up dinner around 8:30 last night and the town was bustling with people trying to take in the few hours of nice weather we had this weekend.

After a very tough July, I made a promise to myself last night that August will be a month to remember. I am going to party like I am going to the chair and enjoy every waking moment that is left this summer. Recent events have prohibited me from really savoring the summer, but I can assure you that August will be one for the ages.

Ok, let's have some fun. I am going to list a bunch of things that I may or may not have done this weekend, you guys tell me what I actually did, and what is made up...here goes:

Watched a bunch of Brady Bunch episodes.
Ran 12 miles.
Cooked Sunday breakfast for my friends and dogs.
A strange girl came up to me and told me her life story in 20 minutes.
Bought a new air conditioner.
Talked with a friend I had not talked to since January.
Went to the movies and ate a bucket of popcorn and threw up.
Got drunk and danced on my roof.
Made a new friend in the neighborhood.
Took Bruce to the dog park.
Took 3 naps this weekend.
Slept until 1pm on Sunday.

Ok, there are 12 items listed, 7 I did, 5 are made up! Enjoy your Monday!

The Price Is Wrooooong Bitch!

  

I was flipping around the dial (can I still say the dial?) when I came across "The Price Is Right" on Gameshow Network. Talk about a bunch of trailer park dwelling, no teeth having, welfare collecting, government cheese grilling, son of a bitches. Where do they find these misfits?

When they have to spin that big ass wheel to get into the showcase showdown, it is a fuckin' riot. You either have the 400lb bitch who spins that fucker so hard that it looks like the wheel is going to fly off and kill half the audience. It's either that or the frail wimpy pussy of a guy that can't even spin the fucker. They make him spin again because it didn't make it around a full revolution, how embarrassing.

What's even more pathetic is when they bid. They bid on say a toaster oven. People come up with wild numbers like $500. Then the last fucko will have to top it by a buck and say $501. Pathetic.

After the least stupid of the bunch moves on to the actual game after the bidding, they play these games made for a person with an IQ of about 25, yet these idiots still get it wrong:

Bob Barker: Tell us what costs more, the 20 pack of Duracell "D" batteries or a box of Rice A Roni

Trailer Park Fuck: UUUUUUUUH Bob, that's a tough one. I have to go with the Rice A Roni.

Asswipe.

It is a sorry state of affairs on that show.

Brewing Up Some Memories

  

Today while at work, I had to go on EBAY to look for an old printer for parts for my company. In my travels on EBAY, I came across a picture of an old perculator coffee pot and it instantly brought me back in time.

From the time I was about 5 until I was about 15, my brother, my sister and I would go to our grandparent's house every Saturday Morning without fail. My parents were in the retail industry and had to work on Saturdays. Each Saturday, our parents would drop us off REALLY early at my grandparent's house. Certain times of the year it would still be dark outside, that's how early!

Upon our arrival, my grandparents would be up waiting for us. Every Saturday we had the same breakfast, toasted bagels with cream cheese, orange juice, and my grandparents would have their coffee. My Grandmother would plug in the perculator and it had this distinctive sound. The smell of the fresh brewed coffee filled the entire house. Only a slight hint of the bagel aroma toasting in the oven would challenge that coffee aroma. While breakfast was cooking, me and my siblings would sneak into the living room and where there was always a huge glass candy dish overflowing with candy. We would try to take the top off and take candy out of it without Grandma hearing it. I know that she knew we were in that candy at 7am, but she never said a word.

At breakfast, we would all sit in the same seats weekly. My grandfather to my right, then my brother, then my grandma, then my sister. It was a circular, white marble table with white wrought iron chairs with white cushiony seats. My grandparents would have the radio on each week which was built into the wall directly behind where I sat. It was an in-house intercom/radio system. At the time, we did not appreciate what they played, big band music, jazz, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, etc. We would always beg, and my grandma would finally give in and let us put on "our" station after breakfast.

Breakfast was followed by a Saturday Morning filled with cartoon watching. My Grandpa loved watching The Smurfs, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo and all the great cartoons from back in the day. While we did that, my grandma would clean up the kitchen, start cooking for later that day, and make it a great day for all of us.

After cartoons, I would head out in the yard with my Grandpa while my brother and sister stayed in with Grandma. My Grandpa always had a "project" to do outside and I would always help him out.

By afternoon, my Grandpa and I would drop my Grandma, my brother and my sister off at the supermarket where my parents worked when my Mom's shift was over, where they would do the weekkly food shopping. My Grandpa and I would then go shopping at the mall for tools, toys, or head back to the house where we would just chat about when he was a kid and things like that.

It's amazing how a picture of a coffee pot could bring back so many memories.

The Dog Days of Summer

  

Well, I have not posted a picture of my Brucie in a while, so I thought I would start the week off right. Brucie was panting and warm all weekend, bowls of ice water and "Frosty Paws" cooled him down. Here he is complete with his new bandana he got after a couple of hours at the new doggie spa that opened up around the block. Bruce was treated to a fancy bath, a manicure/pedicure, and a doggie massage. When I left him there for his day, I could hear him barking and howling almost the whole walk home. He was delighted to see me when I returned to pick him up.

The weekend was a pretty good one. HOT! I was at the beach most of the day Sunday. The day started off with a seagull flying overhead and taking a crap all over my right shoulder. They say that is good luck...we'll see! At least my friends got a laugh out of me running for the ocean to wash it off. It was the first time I was "in" the ocean all year. Sixty degree water isn't exactly my thing, but under the circumstances.........

Needless to say, my Irish features kicked in and I am sunburned! Hopefully by Wednesday, the sting will be gone.

We are in the middle of a heatwave....I'll be down the block on the beach each night this week! I wish they allowed dogs on there....Bruce would love it.

Hope your weekend was great!

Gay Court

  

My days at work are beyond busy and stressful. For the past 6 weeks or so, I have not been myself. I get into work about 7am and I don't leave until about 6 and there is still work to do.

To pass the day and bring a few laughs to the office, we started "Gay Court." Tom, Christina, Costas, or I yell out "GAY COURT IS IN SESSION!!!!" The person who yells out that gay court is in session names something then we vote on whether it is gay or not. We then yell out "This gay court session is adjourned!"

Ok, here are some topics we voted on, you tell me in your comments whether it is gay or not gay.....

A guy drinking vodka and cranberry juice. (I say not at all gay)
A guy wearing a beach necklace. (I say not gay, nice try Tiny A and Sugar V)
A guy wearing a pink shirt. (I say very gay)
Calling in and voting for an American Idol Contestant (I say VERY gay)
A guy shaving his body hair (I say not at all gay)
A guy going for a manicure/pedicure weekly (I say get the cock out of your ass)
A man who owns a poodle (Flaming)
Tight straight legged jeans (Very Gay!)
A man who loves the movie "Jerry MaGuire" (a dick in your ass "completes you")
A guy with a nickname of Sugar V (flaming)

Ok, that was fun...lets see your votes and throw some gay court cases my way!

An Old Familiar Voice

  

Here on July 12th another birthday will pass, and so will another MLB All-Star Game. The All Star game falls either ON my birthday or the day before or after it each year. The All-Star game was a big deal for me and my friends when I was a little C-Mac. I remember watching Reggie Jackson, Andre Dawson, Fred Lynn, Jim Rice, Dave Parker, and dozens of other players take part in the mid-summer classic each year back in the late 70's and 80's.

My dad often told stories of gathering around the radio as a child to listen to big games or big events. In 1952 he heard "the shot heard 'round the world" on a crisp October Day back when "The Giants won the pennant, the Giants won the pennant." Today at work, I heard radio commercials for tonight's All-Star game to be shown on FOX. Joe Buck, an announcer for FOX did the commercial. I couldn't help but think of his call of the 1996 Yankees World Championship, or his call when McGwire broke Maris' record back in '98. Certain radio or TV voices bring me back in time just like a song does.

Everytime I hear Vin Scully's voice I think of October 25th, 1986 when "The ball gets by Buckner, here comes Knight and the Mets win the ballgame!!!!" It's hard not to associate these voices with these events.

Most of the time on my drive to and from work, I listen to my cd's. But some days, I will put on sports radio and listen to some familiar voices like Michael Kay, or Mike and the Mad Dog. They almost make you feel like you are with someone in the car because you've listened to them for so long.

When Peter Jennings passed away, it was like losing a 6th family member. After all, he was in our home growing up with us each night after dinner. That voice brings back memories of so many happy events, yet such tragic events that took place in the world as well.

When I was a kid, before my teenage years when I was allowed to have a TV in my room, I had this Mickey Mouse radio that my Grandpa gave me. Each night, I would sneak it in my bed, turn it up just enough to hear Phil Rizzuto and Bill White announce the Yankees game. Once in a while, I'd get caught and the radio would be taken away for a night because they did not want me staying up late on a school night. Oh the memories.

On days like this, when I am dazed and confused about life and decisions I have made, it is nice to turn to a familiar voice...a constant if you will, that will be there for me to give me some sense of normality.

What "voice" is most familiar to you, that takes you back in time?

No Title Today

  

Tomorrow is July 12th. My brother and I will both be a year older. They say a year older means a year wiser. I am not so sure about that this year. It was an interesting year, filled with many great memories, ones I will cherish for the rest of my life. I know this isn't a Blind Melon song, but I just had to put that bumble bee picture up on here today. I hope it brings a smile.

I think the words to this Duran Duran song are quite fitting right now.

Came in from a rainy Thursday
On the avenue
Thought I heard you talking softly

I turned on the lights, the TV
And the radio
Still I can't escape the ghost of you

What has happened to it all?
Crazy, some are saying
Where is the life that I recognize?
Gone away

But I won't cry for yesterday
There's an ordinary world
Somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way
To the ordinary world
I will learn to survive

Passion or coincidence
Once prompted you to say
"Pride will tear us both apart"
Well now pride's gone out the window
Cross the rooftops
Run away
Left me in the vacuum of my heart

What is happening to me?
Crazy, some'd say
Where is my friend when I need you most?
Gone away

But I won't cry for yesterday
There's an ordinary world
Somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way
To the ordinary world
I will learn to survive

Papers in the roadside
Tell of suffering and greed
Here today, forgot tomorrow
Ooh, here besides the news
Of holy war and holy need
Ours is just a little sorrow

And I don't cry for yesterday
There's an ordinary world
Somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way
To the ordinary world
I will learn to survive

Off Limits?

  

Ok, are there places where "checking out" members of the opposite sex, even discreetly, is just wrong? I say no. If an attractive woman passes through my field of vision, I should be able to have either an impure thought, or be able to acknowledge in my own mind that the person is attractive.

Last night Linda and I were at a funeral (wake/viewing, whatever you call it) at a funeral home. The father of an acquaintance of ours passed away Sunday, so we went and paid our respects last night. After we signed the "guest book" and offered our condolences to the family, we sat amongst other people we knew and many we did not know. There were about 100 people seated and about 100 more on line to get in. Linda and I started small talking and she asked me if I knew a particular girl that was seated near us chatting. I said no, I did not know her and I asked why. Linda said because she is gorgeous or something along those lines, and I agreed with her, the girl was very pretty. After Linda mentioned that, I noticed that the room was FILLED with very attractive women. It was then that I asked Linda if it was socially acceptable for us to be finding people attractive at a funeral. That got me thinking......

So, if I am in a church and a good looking woman comes in, am I supposed to completely block it out of my mind? A cemetary? What places are considered wrong to think about members of the opposite, or in the Sugar V's case, same sex? Something to ponder.......

Garnishes

  

I never understood the purpose of a garnish. You don't eat it, it is just supposed to make your food seem more appetizing. You find most garnishes at restaurants that are more "pricey" which I don't quite get. The food at fancier restaurants is usually good and does not need something to make it more appealing. Perhaps Burger King or McDonald's should try a garnish.....

Look at this picture. I had a grilled cheese and fries today and they felt the need to garnish it with pineapple and tomato which was impaled on a toothpick. Why? I was going to eat the sandwich regardless. To me, it is just a waste of fruit and veggies. This particular establishment could cut costs dramatically by cutting out the extra fruit and veggie expense for their garnishes. Right?

Why do they only give you a lemon slice if you order a diet coke? Maybe regular coke drinkers would like a lemon slice as well.....fuckos.

The other night I had some of Tiny A's homemade key lime pie. It was delicious and I inhaled the first slice. She asked if I wanted more and I said of course! She went in the kitchen where I followed, and she proceeded to cut me another slice, she put whipped cream on it, then she was actually cutting a lime slice to garnish it with. I had to laugh, one because she is so cute, but mostly because I was going to inhale that second piece without even noticing that garnish......

What's your take on garnishes?