Happy New Years!

I wanted to wish all my blogger friends a happy and safe New Years! This will be a bit of a different New Years eve for me (and my wife). In past years, we've gone over my brother's house to celebrate the dawn of the new year ... and we've had an absolute blast every time (The boot, frozen margaritas, beer pong, Bohemian Rhapsody), and my hope is that we'll be able to do it again next year.

This year, we'll be celebrating the new year with our daughter Lydia ... she will have no idea why mommy and daddy are cheering at midnight ... other than maybe it's time for another feeding) ... and she's still far too young for champagne and beer ... but, it'll be awesome nevertheless (not to mention the tax implications!!!).

Again, happy new year all! See you next year (sorry El Padrino!).

Wacky News Stories

Here's to hoping 2011 is a safe and happy one to all.

1. On Mississippi's governor agreeing to free two sisters who served 16 years of a double life sentence for an armed robbery in which nobody was hurt and $11 was stolen:
"They must've been democrats ..."
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BT1WB20101230

2. On a Swedish man's penis being amputated after a misdiagnosis:
"He later called the doctor a dick."
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/30/mans-penis-amputated-wrong-diagnosis/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+foxnews/health+(Internal+-+Health+-+Text)

3. On the leader of the South African Communist Party accusing poultry manufacturers of racism:
"But he claims they are too 'chicken' to step forward and admit it ..."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12090741

4. On Milwaukee, Wisconsin being voted America's drunkest city:
"Well, their baseball team is called 'the Brewers.'"
http://gawker.com/5720674/do-you-live-in-one-of-americas-drunkest-cities

5. On a report by AAA that 1 in 10 people have driven drunk:
"Wine coolers don't count, do they?"
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=2215401

Song of the Week

Scissors for Lefty are an indie rock band, based in San Francisco. They've released two albums, receiving moderate success with Underhanded Romance in 2007. One of the hits off the album is called "Ghetto Ways," and has an electronic dancy feel to it with distorted vocals.

The song itself is "fun," in that it seems to be describing a party that is being busted by the cops, yet the party continues, thanks to romance and a good DJ.

The band is overdue for another release, and here's to hoping it's as good as Underhanded Romance.

The video is goofy and cool too:

Dope or Nope

The Mummers .... a Philadelphia tradition ... most outside of Philly have never heard of the Mummers. Here's a brief description of the New Years day parade from Wikipedia: The Mummers Parade is held each New Year's Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Local clubs (usually called "New Years Associations") compete in one of four categories (Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades). They prepare elaborate costumes and moveable scenery, which take months to complete. This is done in clubhouses, many of which are located on or near 2nd Street (called "Two Street" by some local residents)in the Pennsport neighborhood of South Philadelphia, which also serve as social gathering places for members.

The parade itself traces itself back to the 1800's ... you can find out more about the parade here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummers_Parade

Parts of the parade are quite beautiful, but much of it is a drunken mess ... and lasts from early morning through the night. My wife loves it ... Me - not so much.

What are your thoughts? Dope or Nope?

80's Corner

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a forgotten-about movie from the late 1980's ... it was cartoon-based, and the main actors in the movie are unknowns (at least in the U.S.) with the exception of Christopher Lloyd. However, this movie is memorable in that it featured both Warner Brothers and Disney cartoon characters (and others, like Woody Woodpecker, and Betty Boop). There were scenes with Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny interacting, as well as a funny piano scene with Daffy and Donald Duck ... it was cool to see these two cartoon company legends working together.

By todays CGI standards, the movie probably doesn't hold up so good ... but the special effects for the time were incredible ... and the storyline is still pretty solid. I recommend people watch it if they get the chance.

Wacky News Stories

Can't believe Christmas is over and we're about ready to start a new year ... time flies ... sigh.

1. On the wife of a chief minister filling in an application for a loan to buy onions:
"These onions must really make one cry ..."
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/madhya-pradesh-chief-ministers-wife-seeks-loan-to-buy-onions-74553

2. On someone sculpting a "disgusting" snow penis in Indiana:
"Man, what a dick!"
http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/indiana/male-genital-snow-sculpture-disgusting-share1293058734702

3. A drunk motorist over 32 times the legal alcohol limit was arrested, and was found to have 15 sheep in his car:
"I'm betting the charges will be really 'baaaaad.'"
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Motorist-32-times-over-alcohol-limit-20101223

4. On a study that reports that two thirds of colleges maintain speech codes that violate students' First Amendment rights:
"This research must have been done in one of the remaining 1/3's of the colleges ..."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/23/most-schools-violate-stud_n_800069.html

5. A man wearing a Bob Dylan backstage pass who ordered 178 pizzas from a Massachusetts pizza parlor but never picked them up has agreed to hand over the dough:
"I'm wondering what other 'pranks' this mental midget had in his deplorably tiny cranium."
http://www.denverpost.com/watercooler/ci_16927766

Dope or Nope

Around this time of year, you'll talk to people, and when you finish the conversation, there is a good chance the person might say "See you next year!" I know I've been guilty of doing this from time-to-time ... not sure why I say it, but I don't like it when people say it to me.

What are your thoughts on this phrase? Dope or nope? Any other phrases you hate?

80's Corner

Remember the Hard Rock T-shirts and sweatshirts? It was all the rave of the late 1980's. If you happened to be in a town, like for instance, Chicago, you would go to the Hard Rock Cafe and purchase a shirt from there that said "Hard Rock Chicago." It was the "cool" thing to do.

I went to Cancun for senior week in 1990, and purchased what I thought was a knock-off Hard Rock Cafe sweatshirt that said Cancun on it ... it indeed said Cancun, but it also said "Heard Rock." No wonder it was so cheap ... sigh.

Song of the Week

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones may be best known for the song "The Impression That I Get," which was a big hit in the 1990's ... sadly this band never experienced a hit like that again ... but they've been around forever, and have produced some good music. In fact, the very same album that "Impression" came off of has a few other great songs.

For instance, Royal Oil is a very good reggae-sounding song ... certainly not as fast as "Impression," but has a nice groove. The lyrics are a bit confusing ... not sure if they are talking about cooking something in frying oil, or suntan lotion or what have you ... but that's ok. The song is very easy on the ears.

Happy Holidays!

This Christmas will certainly be different for us ... and I'm excited about it. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a happy and safe new years to everyone!

Fast Food Corner

Well, after a brief hiatus, I'm back ... A coworker of mine tipped me off about a fast-food restaurant in the King of Prussia area that is making a comeback. Gino's is a burger and chicken place that was very popular in the 1970's and early 80's but for one reason or other faded away ... at least in the northeast. Here is what Wikipedia had to say:

"Gino's Hamburgers was a fast-food restaurant chain founded in Baltimore, Maryland, by Baltimore Colts defensive end Gino Marchetti and running back Alan Ameche, along with their close friend Louis Fischer, in 1957. In Dundalk, Maryland, just outside Baltimore, it got its official name in 1959 when the owners brought on Colts' captain Gino Marchetti. It was an East Coast regional fast food restaurant and had 359 company-owned locations when they were acquired by Marriott Corporation in 1982. Marriott discontinued the brand and converted locations to their Roy Rogers Restaurants chain.The last Gino's, located in Pasadena, Maryland and owned independently from Marriott, closed in 1991."

Well ... Gino's is back ... and I can't wait to try it. I remember we had a Gino's up the street from us as a kid, but I can't remember my parents taking me there. I'll be trying Gino's shortly and reporting back!

Baby Lydia Arrives!

Good morning everyone - sorry I haven't visited in the last few days - my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world on Tuesday - Lydia. The birth was a c-section, so the wife and I have been at the hospital - we are hoping to be home sometime today. Lydia is doing very well, and we are both very, very happy.

At this point, not sure how this will affect my blogging - I'll do my best to continue blogging at the pace I have in the past ... but that may not start up for at least another week.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the new addition!


Liddy, Schue and I just after the birth.

Liddy coming to terms with the fact that I'm her father.


Liddy sharing a moment with her mommy.



Liddy already feeling comfortable in her Christmas best.

Wacky News Stories

Oh my god ... I'm a dad!!!!

1. On a Queens woman planning to file suit after she says cops beat her because she didn't pick up her dog's poo:
"Sounds to me like the cops treated her a little 'ruff.'"
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/12/08/2010-12-08_cops_hit_me_cuz_i_didnt_pick_up_dog_poo_qns_woman_plans_to_file_suit.html

2. On a 'Naughty' joke getting Santa Claus fired from Macy's:
"How many elves does it take to make Mrs. Claus happy ..."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/06/MNC91GML7O.DTL&tsp=1


3. On a Missouri home being damaged by a lawnmower fire in the bedroom:
"Good thing the bathroom tractor didn't catch on fire!"
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_c5788764-0198-11e0-9b45-0017a4a78c22.html?mode=story

4. On a blind man being arrested for DUI:
"This guy has a good shot at being a New York cabbie!"
http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=13629700

5. On police responding to a call of disturbance involving a male running around naked with a crack pipe in his hand in the afternoon:
"Must be Christmas vacation ..."
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2010/12/04/nearly-naked-man-arrested-in-lake-view/

Song of the Week ...

The Kinks are a legendary British rock band ... not quite as legendary as the Stones, Beatles and Who, but certainly up there. The one thing they have on the previous three bands mentioned is a fantastic rock Christmas song - Father Christmas. In my eyes, it is in the top 5 rock Christmas songs of all-time.

Unlike other Christmas songs, this one is fast, rocking, and fun ... with a punk edge to it. Even though the song really shines the spotlight on overindulgence during Christmas, the song points out to "Remember the kids who got nothing, while you're drinking down your wine." An odd way to deliver an important message.

Dope or Nope ...

Weird Al Yankovic has done a lot of interesting musical parodies over the years - he is like the musical "Zucker Brothers" of rock/pop. Over the years, he has lampooned such pop stars as Michael Jackson, Maddona, Coolio, and the Kinks. He has made quite a living doing this - I just saw a Weird Al greatest hits album at my local BestBuy the other day. He does world tours for crying out loud, and I hear they are a lot like the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

His heyday was probably in the mid 1980's to the early 1990's. My question to you is this .... Weird Al ... is he dope or nope?

Personally, I kind of like the parodies he did of Michael Jackson ...

80's Corner

Tron has experienced a rebirth of sorts - a potential blockbuster movie is about to hit theatres. It boasts some really cool technological stuff in the movie, like somehow cgi'ing a younger Jeff Bridges' face in certain scenes of the movie. Many young people may not know this, but there was a Tron "sensation" in the 1980's - a movie that boasted some really cool technological stuff (for it's era), and a release of a really cool arcade game. The movie itself wasn't very good, and does not hold up well if being viewed today. Not sure how this latest TRON effort will do.

I remember very well the arcade game at my local mall - right out in front of the K-Mart. I remember being awful at the game, but also being mesmerized at "professionals" playing the game. I confess I never saw the original movie, and I probably won't see the new one either ... but I do remember the hooplah surrounding it.

Fast Food Corner

Carl's Junior, which I think is somehow tied in with Hardees, has just introduced a new sandwich - the Philly Cheesesteak Burger. As you might be able to guess, this is basically a regular hamburger with cheesesteak in between a sesame seed bun. The actual description is as follows: This ultimate meat-on-meat offering consists of thinly sliced steak on top of a charbroiled burger patty, finished off with peppers, onions, Swiss and American cheeses, and mayonnaise, all on a seeded bun.

Sadly, there really aren't any Carl's Juniors in the Philadelphia area, so we "experts" won't be able to sample it and determine how "authentic" it is. Maybe that's a good thing, because other fast-food cheese-steak offerings in the past have been sub-par (see McDonalds).

Anyway - if you have a Carl's Junior near you and you get a chance to try it, let me know what you think ...

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment. This week, I chose the following prompt: Share a photo that represents how you see yourself.



This is a great representation of how I see myself. Keep in mind, this picture was taken quite a few years ago, and I'm the kid in the center of the picture. Based on this picture, here is how I see myself:

* A poor dresser ... I've never been good at this. My mom had a lot to do with this. When the kids on the recess yard said, "Your mom dresses me funny," I replied with "I know!" As an aside, man do I miss striped socks!

* A clown ... I love to make people laugh. It's what I've always strived to do. Even in family pictures, it is hard for me to give a normal pose. As an aside, I'm not even sure what I'm doing in this picture.

* A family person - I love my family, and I'll do anything for them ... except maybe pose normally in a picture.

* German - My mom is wearing an authentic "Dirndel" in this picture, signifying that we are going to a German club. As a child, I really didn't like going to the German club, because none of my friends were there, and I didn't really like the music. As an adult, I can appreciate the music (still not my favorite), and drinking beer makes it all the more fun.

* An Athlete - I love sports. I love watching sports, playing sports, talking about sports, and even dreaming about sports. I am wearing some sort of "athletic" clothing in this picture ... and for some reason, my mom made me tuck my shirt in, and pull my pants up to my nipples.

Wacky News Stories

The countdown is on ... Is your Christmas ... er, holiday shopping finished?

1. On a woman kneeing her pregnant sister in the stomach during a fight over a shirt:
"I hope, at the very least, the shirt in question was a 'Who Farted?' shirt ..."
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-allentown-pregnant-sister-assault-20101202,0,7716071.story

2. On Polish taxpayers' money being spent on invisible art (a blank canvas):
"This is probably the opening of many polish jokes ..."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3256046/Taxpayers-cash-spent-on-invisible-art.html

3. On a televangelist who admitted to cheating on his wife:
"Really? A televangelist doing seedy things? Really?
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/01/televangelist-says-he-cheated-on-wife-2/?iref=obnetwork

4. On live mice being found in the noodles of a Chinese restaurant:
"Good thing they didn't check the 'General Tso's Kitten.'"
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3257151/Mice-found-in-noodles-ALIVE.html

5. On the rise in popularity of Amish Romance Novels:
"What's the next fad, vampire love story novels ... what? That already happened?"
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/12/02/books-amish-romance-novels.html

Dope or Nope ...

This past week in Philadelphia, a big "ruckus" occurred regarding the use of Christmas in one of the Philadelphia Christmas Villages. Apparently a Jewish family had an issue with this, because they considered it "exclusionary" to their holiday beliefs, and complained to the city. The city asked the market to take down the word "Christmas." The market reluctantly did, but the news caught wind of this, made a big issue about it, and the Archdiocese of the city wrote a strong letter criticizing the move, and now the market once again has "Christmas" on the sign.

So, my question is this - Is it dope to replace the word "Christmas" with "Holiday" during this time of year in stores and markets? Personally, I think Christmas is part of our national identity ... and at the same time, it is not meant to obscure other holiday celebrations from other religions.

80's Corner

Even though this commercial first ran in the 1970's, the Life Cereal commercial with Mikey was well known in the 1980's. The premise of the commercial is two kids who do NOT want to eat this healthy cereal that their mother bought. They decide to push if off to Mikey even though "he won't eat, he hates everything!" Well, Mikey eats the cereal, and the kids respond, "He likes it! Hey Mikey!"

I remember this commercial all too well ... although, I never really had the urge to ask my parents to buy this cereal ... maybe it was the title, since it only had "Life" in it, and no words like "Frosted," "Chocolate," or "Sugar."

Song of the Week ...

According to Wikipedia, Ghostland Observatory is an American music duo based in Austin, Texas. Their music has been described as a combination of electro, rock and funk by Allmusic, and "electro-dance soul rock." Their song, "Miracles," encompasses all these genres - in fact, it sounds like something that Jack White may have influenced.

A synthetic baseline is the main backing "instrument," along with a drum/double clap sound. This song is a master of simplicity, which is a good thing. The chorus is catchy, and the mid-part of the song has a surprising injection of strings.

As you can see below, the live show is probably an "interesting" experience...

Fast Food Corner

Well, I tried the new Wendy's fries ... and ... well ... at first, I didn't notice a difference. They pretty much looked the same as the previous version at first glance. However, after a few bites, I noticed they were indeed "thinner" than version 1 ... usually a good thing, as you get more of a "fried" taste, and less of a potato taste.

Second, the sea-salt definitely adds more of a salty flavor to the fries ... not overwhelmingly salty, but more salty than before (also a good thing). Third, I noticed that none of the fries were soggy - all were adequately crispy (usually, if you ordered Wendy's fries, at least some felt soggy and/or undercooked).

So ... my overall grade is ... really, really good ... a definite improvement. Certainly much better than Burger King's "fry improvement" a while back (Burger King's fries are horrid ... worse than before). No, they aren't better than McDonald's fries (no fry has ever been created that is better than McDonald's), but they closed the gap, without a doubt.

Wacky News Stories

I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving ... now, onto Christmas!

1. On a Japanese Company that plays Mozart to the fruit it grows:
"In an unrelated note, rumor has it that Tommy Chong plays Tupac to his Marijuana plants ..."
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fs20101125a3.html

2. On a research study from the University of Toronto which concluded that you're more likely to lie, cheat and behave badly if it is doesn't involve a lot of work:
"Well, I'm glad these ridiculous research studies are not exclusive to the United States!"
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/todays-paper/Lying+cheating+easier+have+make+effort+study/3880763/story.html

3. On a local man who is facing charges of violating a restraining order after flipping the bird to his wife:
"I'm guessing the bird he flipped wasn't Tweety ..."
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2010/11/23/middle-finger-lands-man-in-jail/

4. On the new fashion craze - Lego hats:
"No word on the popularity of Lego undies ..."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/nov/24/lego-hats-all-the-rage

5. On the U.S. Government looking to outlaw fake pot:
"Next up - taxing virtual worlds ..."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40359249/ns/us_news-life/

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following prompt: Have you ever had a fight with a long time best friend and never made up? Do you think about him from time to time and think about contacting him? What would you say? What if it didn’t work out? What if it did?

Funny thing - I had a falling out with two of my best friends over the years, and decided to contact both of them (this happened a while ago), and now I'm very close to both of them again.

I've also had falling outs with two other good friends, and have not gotten back in touch with them. Not sure why, really, but I didn't have the same "motivation" as with the other two friends, because they weren't my "best" friends, I guess. Or maybe it was the situation that got us off track.

For instance, my wife and I helped my one "good friend" get a job a little over a year ago at a company my wife works for. He had been pretty much out of work for the better part of the past decade for numerous reasons (lazy being probably the biggest). We thought he had turned the corner with this job - holding it for nearly a year, and were hoping for bigger and better things from him. Then, for whatever reason, he stopped calling me (after I helped him move into his new apartment, no less!).

Then, he stopped showing up to work ... he once again regressed into the same old lazy jerk ... well, I'm not sure if he's lazy, or if it's something psychological, as he's decided to not return any of my calls, e-mails, or text messages. I wish I could help him, but he's got to want to be helped ... or else, he'll continue to hurt his friends and loved ones.

I think I strayed from the prompt ... sorry bout that!

80's Corner

It seems that beer companies felt that the best way to market beer in the 1980's was through dogs. Budweiser whored out Spudz McKenzie, a pit pull that used skateboards and cars to bring beer to parties. Another company that was semi-famous in the 1980's and 1990's, but has seemed to fall off the face of the Earth was Stroh's.

Stroh's had their own dog that was able to open fridge's and crack open beers for his master and friends. His name was Alex, and he was the envy of all other pet owners. Sure, he was apparently only able to bring people a crappy beer, but hey, it was better than nothing, right?

Dope or Nope ...

Black Friday ... The day the retail world works towards the other 364 days out of the year ... a day for rabid shoppers who are in search of phenomenal deals, who will basically sell their souls to the devil in order to purchase that flat-screen for $100 less than normal. Shoppers will push young children and old feeble people aside to get their hands on that super-cheap MP3 player ... it's part of the game.

It seems this phenomena kicked up big-time in the past 10 years or so, and seems to be building more steam, despite the ability for most to purchase items online at similar prices. I've actually gone out on Black Friday morning (4:00 AM) the past few years, just to test it out, and I'm never doing it again. People out there lose all sense of humanity and the rudeness and evil must hearken back to the cave-man days.

So, what do you think? Do you like Black Friday?

Song of the Week ...

Psychedelic rock/pop was made famous by the Beatles in the late 1960's, and other bands like the Stones and Zeppelin have dabbled in it in the 60's and 70's. Other bands have followed suit, including a band called Tame Impala. This band, from Australia classifies themselves as "a steady flowing psychedelic groove rock band that emphasizes dream-like melody."

Their latest album, Innerspeaker, features a song titled Solitude is Bliss, which features a flowing 70's style guitar, with distorted vocals and and muffled base sound ... it sounds like it could've come directly out of the psychedelic era of rock ... and sounds like something John Lennon would've been proud of.

Just a nice, relaxing sound with light lead guitars, and, at times, overwhelming drums, with sequences of traditional psychedelic sounds. A very good effort.

The video, as can be predicted is quite interesting, taking place in some post-apocalyptic time ... very cool, though.

Fast Food Corner

Wendy's recently introduced a new french fry to their menu. The move was done because the fast-food chain has been changing its menu to focus on "real" ingredients to win more fans. According to a local Philly site, "Wendy's is remaking its fries with Russett potatoes, leaving the skin on and sprinkling sea salt on top." I'm guessing these will taste similar to what Five Guys fries taste like.

This is an interesting move, as Wendy's other fries really don't taste all that bad ... of course, I'll be taste-testing these shortly, all for blogging research of course!

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following prompt: Describe a memorable Thanksgiving. Every Thanksgiving is memorable for me, because I get to see family members that I don't see very often. One particular Thanksgiving that stands out is the Thanksgiving of 1993 ... not because of anything family-related, though.

You say, my high school has a football rivalry against a neighboring high school ... the thing is, I'm not sure it could be classified as a rivalry. You see, our high school had been beaten something like 33 out of the 34 times it played against Ridley High. Most games weren't that close, unfortunately. So, it was more of a Thanksgiving flogging. The last time my high school (Interboro) had beaten Ridley was in 1973, by a score of 9-7 on a last-second field goal.

That changed in 1993 ... I remember it well. The local paper was predicting a close game, and it really was. I believe Interboro trailed for most of the game, but ended up scoring a late touchdown to end the streak ... I remember joking that the last time Interboro beat Ridley, I was crappin' my diapers .... OK, not a real funny joke.

The Rivalry has been MUCH closer since then, with the teams going about .500 against each other ... I like it better that way!

Wacky News Stories

Let the shopping begin!

1. On a couple in line a week early for Black Friday at Best Buy:
"I'd like to call them losers ... but then I'd be offending all of the actual losers."
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/nov/18/182224/st-pete-couple-in-line-a-week-early-for-black-frid/news-breaking/

2. On paleontologists uncovering 2.5 million year old tobacco plant:
"Thus proving that Marlboro is indeed the oldest company in the world ..."
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/m-year-old-tobacco-found/story-e6frfku0-1225957251494

3. On a woman who bought a cell phone for her grandson and was shocked to find it pre-loaded with pornographic pictures when she turned it on:
"Beats the hell out of the knitted socks she normally gave her grandson."
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/woman-buys-what-she-thought-was-a-brand-new-cell-phone-but-what-she-got-was-far-from-new

4. On a student at Jefferson Middle School who is accused of offering to pay $100 to have someone kill his school bus driver, getting suspended for 6 days:
"This should be a wake-up call to all school-bus drivers everywhere!"
http://www.wxii12.com/r/25851537/detail.html

5. On the US Embassy in Beijing claiming the air quality is 'crazy bad:'
"They also claimed the communisim is crazy stupid, and that beer is wicked hard core!"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMA1y8RfWfOIrWquO5dKS4bDAIoQ?docId=f231f85e52a444c6956e6fc91429a5f1

Dope or Nope ...

Soft Cell was a band that had one major hit in the 1980's, called "Tainted Love." Back then, radio stations would play this song, and go right into another Soft Cell song - which was a remake of a song by The Supremes "Baby, Baby, Where did our love go ..." Nowadays when Tainted Love is played, many stations don't include this addition, and just play "Tainted Love." This is very similar to what INXS did with "Need You Tonight/Mediate." And, also quite similarly, most radio stations only play "Need You Tonight."

So, what are your thoughts on this - is it dope or nope to play only the main song and not the additional piece?

80's Corner

Back in the 1980's, Dominoes Pizza had a "mascot" of sorts in it's commercials called "The Noid." The Noid was evil, and would "attack" delivery pizza and make it soggy, and disgusting. But, Dominoes apparently was able to do what other pizza places were unable to do, and that was to "avoid the Noid!"

As with some other commercials in the 1980's, the Noid was a clay-mation figure. These commercials were marginally funny. The Noid was a pretty successful marketing campaign, and the Noid was even featured in a Nintendo Entertainment System game ... crazy stuff.

Song of the Week:

The Riverboat Gamblers are a southern punk rock band (interesting already, isn't it?), emanating from Austin Texas, and originally got together in the late 1990's. Many of their songs have to do with drinking and gambling, and the song I'm currently listening to is no exception.

"Keep Me From Drinking" is off of their latest album - "Underneath the Owl," and it has a "traditional" punk sound, with driving guitars and drums. A guitar solo in the middle adds to the likeability factor.

The song itself has nice accompanying vocals, and funny-ish lead vocals, as is displayed by the opening sequence of lyrics: " Thems the breaks, flubbed some takes, made some mistakes, called it an evening, just not well spent, the Vicodin is kicking in, Serotin may be lacking tomorrow, I'll deal with it then."

Fast Food Corner

We in Philly have a lot of great Delis and sandwich shops, so I'll never go to Subway for cheese-steaks, or any deli sandwiches (like turkey sandwiches, for example). However, Subway does have some other good sandwiches, and their store-made rolls are surprisingly good (especially, the Hearty Italian).

I had the pleasure of trying the Bacon Chicken Ranch sandwich a few weeks ago. For my sandwich, I added the following toppings to the toasted roll - lettuce, onions, pickles and banana peppers. The chicken and ranch dressing went well with it. If I had one complaint, it would be that there was not enough bacon on the sandwich (but I'd probably have that complaint about almost any sandwich).

Still, a very good showing by Subway.

Wacky News Stories

Always hate to see the Cowboys and Notre Dame in a free-fall ... such a shame ... no, seriously ...

1. On a teen janitor arrested for assaulting an 8-year old in a school hallway:
"Who has cooties now, bi-otch?"
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/crime&id=7779689

2. On Amazon.com selling a self-published guide to pedophilia:
"Wait, I thought Michael Jackson was dead ..."
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/national_world&id=7780127

3. On Bette White becoming a forest ranger:
"Why do I get a sense that Yogi Bear is going to make a comeback?"
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/11/betty-whites-dream-of-being-a-forest-ranger-comes-true/?hpt=T2

4. On the cruise ship that lost power last week making Mayo Sandwiches:
"I bet that some of the Miracle Whip supporters on the cruise-ship were pissed!"
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/11/cruise.ship/index.html?hpt=T1

5. On Walmart offering free shipping for the holidays:
"These guys are giving Santa and his reindeer a run for the money!"
http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/11/news/companies/walmart_free_shipping_for_holiday/index.htm?hpt=T2

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following prompt: An open letter to a celebrity.

Dear Michael Vick,

I was completely against you and the team when you initially signed with the Eagles a little over two years ago. I was repulsed by you as a person for what you did to those dogs ... and heck, I'm still repulsed to an extent. At the time, I would've rather seen you go to the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins, so I could hate them even more.

But that wasn't the case. You signed here with the Iggles, and you promised changes. You saw the light, and even though you knew you couldn't go back and change the past, you said you'd be a difference-maker in the community. Now, I'm all for second chances ... as long as they aren't with my team (it seems like that never works in Philly).

Your season last year was modest ... you had some big plays in a limited role, but ultimately, you really didn't have an impact to the Birds. This year was supposed to be more of the same ... until Kevin Kolb got injured. You did more than make the most out of the situation. You have now become indispensable to the organization.

And now, you've forced a lot of Eagles fans to really think hard about what to do next. Do they forgive you and root for the Eagles, or do they ultimately cut ties with the franchise ... since you'll most likely be the face of the team for the foreseeable future.

I'm an Eagles fan through and through ... and since they're winning, I choose to root for you ... but, don't you dare start sucking!

Dope or Nope ..

There's been a debate regarding hockey that has been going on for quite some time ... is fighting in hockey a good thing? Traditionalists say that it is part of the very fabric of the game, and allows players to police each other and the game. Others claim that promoting and emasculating fighting sends the wrong message to kids and encourages useless violence.

I fall into the traditionalist side - I enjoy a good hockey fight every now and then. I think it adds intrigue, excitement and fun to the game ... however, with the impending birth of my daughter in the next few weeks, I reserve the right to change my opinion.

What are your thoughts? Dope or Nope?

80's Corner

In the 1980's, Fab tried to make things easier for us, by creating and marketing the "Fab One-shot." Aside from it's funny name, the idea was that you could take care of washing and drying your clothes with one item - the One-Shot. Just enough powder for a load of laundry, plus, the "containing fabric" was also a fabric softener. No more guessing as to how much detergent to use, and no need to worry about adding a fabric softener strip to the dryer.

I guess the product wasn't that good, as it was phased out in the 1990's (I know this, because I used Fab One Shots in college ..."

Song of the Week ...

According to Wikipedia, "Danzig is an American rock band, formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey. The band serves as a musical outlet for singer/composer Glenn Danzig (formerly of Misfits and Samhain), who is the only member to have been in every incarnation of the band since its formation." Interesting name to choose for a band, isn't it?

I don't profess to be a huge fan of Danzig. Really, I only know one song from the band, but the song absolutely rocks. In addition to being kick-ass, the song, according to Wikipedia, "is a rhetorical challenge to parents, primarily inspired by Tipper Gore who, along with the Parents Music Resource Center, introduced the Parental Advisory warning placed on albums that contain explicit content."

The song starts off sort of quiet, with Glenn Danzig, repeating the word "Mother" throughout every line (which, by the way, causes people to say it, then scream it as the song goes on). The song builds momentum to the main chorus - "Not about to see your light, but if you wanna find hell with me, I can show you what it's like."

There is a great guitar solo in the middle and end of the song, and it's a great song to get you fired up to dance, fight, or ... um, clean? The video is a little weird, as Glenn Danzig sporting huge muscles (which I don't think he has anymore), but still ...

Fast Food Corner

A little over a year ago, Wendy's replaced it's long-running "Big Bacon Classic" sandwich with "The Baconator." I was initially on board with this - I mean the sandwich had more bacon, how could that be a bad thing. And although I love the Baconator, I didn't realize how much I missed the Big Bacon Classic ... until Wendy's brought it back.

It's been back on the menu for about 4 months or so ... and I had the pleasure of reintroducing it to myself last week. No, it doesn't have as much bacon as the Baconator ... but that's OK. What the Big Bacon Classic does have is a mound of fresh toppings - lettuce, onions, pickles, and tomatoes, and these work very well with the bacon and burger. The bun is a pretty solid bun that doesn't get soggy - which is VERY important (as you hopefully know right now).

Much like the Baconator, you can get a single, double or triple patty burger ... and much like the Baconator, I've stayed with the single ... my heart is not ready for that kind of fat.

I'm thinking I like the Big Bacon Classic better than the Baconator ...

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment. This week, I chose the following prompt: A time when you stuck up for a friend.

A group of us played in an online Madden Football league (gaming league) for a couple of years. It was fun - we made our own team logos and uniforms, and played online against each other. The GM of the league had a program that imported the stats of the game, so it kept track of everything. Heck, we even had player drafts every season - it was A LOT of fun.

I think we started with 6 teams, and tried to increase it to 10 teams, so we got some people who were "fringe" players ... meaning, they weren't as good as everybody else, and relied on a handful of plays (both offensively and defensively) to stay competitive. Our league frowned upon this, and began making all kinds of rules to make the game seem "more realistic." Unfortunately, these rules were detriments to these fringe teams.

One of my good friends was one of these fringe players. He really liked the game, but hated all of the rules. Well, as it turned out, he had enough of the GM and his rules, and began complaining and threatening to quit. I supported my friend, even though I was fine with the rules ... I tried to take his perspective into account. Unfortunately, I kept defending him and his complaints, even after he backed down ... forcing a rift in the league.

Sadly, the league folded, because it was no longer fun ... and I'm no longer really friends with the GM (who was, at the time, a good friend of mine) ... all over a stupid videogame ... sigh.

Wacky News Stories

Should be any week (or day) now ...


1. On Italian police investigating a break-in…of a virtual home:
"Sources say the suspect is an Italian plumber with a brother named Luigi ..."
http://matadornetwork.com/radar/italian-police-investigating-break-in-of-a-virtual-home/

2. On airports cashing in on the queues at their security gates by charging passengers to use fast-track priority lanes:
"Why do I get the feeling that Milton Street is behind this?"
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=517750

3. On Army cadets being banned from carrying rifles on Remembrance Day parade because it 'glamorises' weapons:
"My hope is that the politicians currently in power who let this happen have been voted out of office."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1327034/Army-cadets-banned-carrying-rifles-Remembrance-Day-parade-glamourises-weapons.html

4. On a radioactive rabbit being trapped at Hanford:
"Duck Dodgers was unavailable for comment ..."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013354107_apwaradioactiverabbit1stldwritethru.html

5. On a 13-year-old schoolboy shooting Physical Education teacher in the face with a handgun because he didn't want to play rugby:
"Drug pushers and pimps think this was a little harsh ..."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1326988/Schoolboy-13-shot-PE-teacher-face-handgun-didnt-want-play-rugby.html

Dope or Nope ...

I just got a massage this past weekend ... I love them so. But, as I was getting massaged, a thought came into my mind (no, not that kind of thought!), is it cool to get massaged by a guy if you, yourself, are a guy? Just for the record, I was massaged by a female, and in the handful of other times I was massaged, it's been by a female.

And, although it's felt really good, sometimes the females can't put the right amount of pressure down during the massage. I'll probably never have a man massage me, because ... well, I'm not sure why ... it just seems like it should be a female massaging me (maybe I'm too old school or something).

So, what are your thoughts? Having a same-sex person massage you. Is this dope or nope?

80's Corner

If you grew up in the 1980's, you undoubtedly remember the Chicago Tylenol scandal. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia - "The Chicago Tylenol murders occurred when seven people died after taking pain-relief capsules that had been poisoned. The Tylenol poisonings, code-named TYMURS by the FBI, took place in the autumn of 1982 in the Chicago area of the United States. These poisonings involved Extra-Strength Tylenol medicine capsules which had been laced with potassium cyanide. The incident led to reforms in the packaging of over-the-counter substances and to federal anti-tampering laws. The case remains unsolved and no suspects have been charged."

What I'm amazed by is that the case is to this day still unsolved. I remember following this with my parents on the evening news ... it was creepy, and made me never want to take any type of aspiring or medicine.

Song of the Week ...

Ronnie Wood has been a guitarist for the Rolling Stones for more than 30 years (he replace Mick Taylor, who replaced the late Brian Jones). Prior to joining the Stones, Wood was a guitarist for the Small Faces (Rod Stewart's band). So, to say "Woody" has musical pedigree would probably be an understatement. Ronnie's solo work has always been overshadowed by the Stones, and it's a shame, because he's had some pretty good songs (and Mick and Keith never let him collaborate with them as they are song-writing).

Wood recently released a CD titled "I Feel Like Playing," features Slash, Flea, Kris Kristofferson, and others, with some songs co-written by Eddie Vedder, and folks, outside of Ron Wood's rapidly deteriorating voice, the album is REALLY good. One song from the album that I have to keep replaying is titled "Lucky Man." It's pretty much a straight-up rocker, with some excellent lead guitar-work (something, we're sadly seeing less and less of with today's modern main-stream EMO dreck).

His voice actually works pretty well with this song ... and thankfully he has good backup pipes to help him (thanks to the Rolling Stones backup singers). The lyrics seem a little disjointed (although, this is probably understandable since Vedder helped pen this one), but from what I'm gathering, Woody comes to grips with how lucky he has been as a musician, and is hoping to woo back his ex-wife (just my guess).

The song ends with a repeating "I'm a Lucky Man" chorus that is so addicting, it had me screaming it at the top of my lungs in my car on my way home from work. At times, it's almost as if you can hear Mick's voice in the chorus (a song that would've been tailor-made for Jagger).

Fast Food Corner

McDonalds has once again rolled out the McRib ... for a limited time, of course ... and that's a good thing. I'll explain. Many months ago, I blogged about the McRib, and how awful a sandwich it is ... well, it's been a long time since I tried a McRib, so I figured I'd give it another whirl, just for verification purposes ... and, you know what? It's still terrible.

McDonalds slops a whole lot of barbecue sauce on this sandwich, I'm guessing because the pork it self is just not good. The only redeeming thing (other than the fries) is the roll that is used. It's sturdy, yet soft on the inside ... the way a good roll should be ... but, that's it, really. My hope is that this sandwich disappears soon!

Wacky News Stories

Notre Dame lost to Tulsa this past week .... BWAHAHAHAHA!

1. On the University of Iowa admitting NCAA recruiting violations that involve husband-wife film stars Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore:
"Apparently, they were giving out free copies of 'Strip-tease' to new recruits..."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101031/NEWS/10310353/1001/NEWS/Register-exclusive-U-of-I-violations-tied-to-Ashton-Kutcher-Demi-Moore

2. On a Pennsylvania mother who had her baby taken away after a bagel with poppy seeds skewed the results of a drug test:
"No word on the hash-brownie she ingested ..."
http://www.wlbz2.com/news/health/story.aspx?storyid=134377&catid=9

3. On a man who tried to distill the active ingredient from marijuana using butane gas inadvertently causing an explosion that sent the door of his refrigerator through a wall in his home:
"Dude!"
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101031/NEWS0107/10310366/1009/NEWS01&nav_category=NEWS01

4. On a 26-year-old who still goes out trick-or-treating:
"Let me guess ... she's still single?" Or ... "Man, Lindsay Lohan has really hit rock-bottom." ... Or, "Lady Gaga will do anything for publicity."
http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=155750&catid=45

5. On a report that claims heavy drinkers who "cut back," still drink a lot more than "normal:"
"Taxpayer money hard at work ..."
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2010/10/29/Big-drinkers-cut-back-yet-still-drink-lots/UPI-79431288409992/

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following prompt: If you had made a career out of whatever you were passionate about when you were ten…what would you be doing?

I'd be a professional hockey goalie ... probably approaching my last few years in that profession. I remember being really good at it in gym class in grade school ... well, at least the floor hockey portion of it. I was always picked first when we were playing hockey, because I was really good in goal.

Of course, at that point I had never ice-skated before, but that seemed like a small hurdle for a 10-year-old who was good at floor hockey. And yes, by that point I understood that many kids in Canada were skating at the age of 2, and that ice-skating and ice hockey teams in Pennsylvania were either non-existent or really, really expensive.

I figured how hard could learning how to ice-skate be? I mean, I already was semi-good at roller skating after only about 4-5 times ... No, I couldn't skate backwards, but would I really need to do that in goal?

As it turned out, I never really progressed with playing ice hockey ... although I continued to play deck hockey into my early 30's ... not for money, of course.

80's Corner

Charlie Chaplin was a silver-screen star long before any of us were born ... His "Tramp" character still, from time-to-time, rears it's head. This was especially true in the 1980's. IBM used the "Tramp" character in many of it's home-computer ads and commercials ... not really sure the connection, other than the "Tramp" was a simple guy, and I guess these pc's were marketed as "simple."

Anyway, do you remember this ad campaign?

Dope or Nope ...

Jersey Shore has given us a lot in the past year or so ... an appreciation for New Yorkers who vacation at New Jersey beaches over the summer, what not to do with ones hair, how to get obliviated with booze, and now .... men waxing their eyebrows. It seems to be a growing "fad," and I'm wondering if that's a good thing.

I know a handful of people who wax their eyebrows, and the way they wax them, they always seem like they have a surprised look on their faces. Now, just for the record, I'm a nope on this ... but I do have the barber clean up my eyebrows when I go in for a haircut (I'd look like Andy Rooney or John Madden if I didn't do this).

So, where do you stand on men waxing their eyebrows? Is this a dope or nope?

Song of the Week ...

We are Scientists is a west coast band that relocated to Brooklyn and became semi popular (thanks to the move). They are part post-punk revival and part indie rock, with a touch of '80s synth-pop, and have drawn parallels to popular bands like the Editors, Franz Ferdinand, and the Killers (all bands I like!).

Their latest album, 2010's Barbara, features a selection of good songs, but the one I currently think stands out is a song called "Rules Don't Stop." It sounds a little like something Duran Duran would've done in the mid-1980's ... with newer, familiar chorus flows (think Killers or more like The Bravery). The song is dominated by flowing guitars, and a disco-type drum beat.

Fast Food Corner

KFC has been promoting their new "Doublicious" sandwich recently ... I thought it was going to be the same thing as the "Double Down," only with buns (hey-yo!), but it's entirely different. According to the KFC website, "he latest sandwich from KFC combines a savory boneless chicken filet with a sweet Hawaiian Bread bun for a one-of-a-kind taste combination. Available in both Original Recipe and Grilled!"

I, of course, tried the more "fast-foody" type - the original recipe chicken, and to my surprise, it was very, very good. I didn't think I'd like the sweet taste, but it works. The roll is very good for this sandwich - it's not flimsy, and like the ad says, it does have a sweet taste to it. I believe there's also a sweet sauce on the chicken as well ... not to mention the ultimate sandwich topper ... bacon!

I was very impressed ... and heck, I'm even coming around on their fries a little ... maybe it was because of the sandwich!

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following prompt - Link up and show us something you’ve created for Halloween, anything qualifies…costumes, recipes, crafts, party invites, treats, decorations etc.

I LOVE Halloween - always have. I've dressed up as some pretty creative people (I think) - Mick Jagger, Warren from There's Something About Mary, The Nittany Lion, John Madden ... yup, I stray from mainstream a little.

One of my favorite costumes was the Ric Flair costume the wife and I made (before we were married). It took us about a month to get it all put together, but it was worth it. There's something to be said about dressing up as the greatest professional wrestler in the history of the "sport." I'm just not sure what that "something" is.

This year, I am dressing up as Allen from "The Hangover." I can't wait to share those pics!

Wacky News Stories ...

Great, time to start raking leaves ...

1. On some spooked cities banning teenage trick-or-treating:
"Teenage trick-or-treating?!?!?!? I'm going to go out on a limb and guess these kids will have trouble finding a prom date."
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wirestory?id=11949660&page=2

2. On the possibility that come Nov. 3, California could become the first state to allow legal, regulated, taxed marijuana;
"Dude ..."
http://www.mercurynews.com/elections/ci_16408972?nclick_check=1

3. On Virginia possibly raising the speed limit to 70 on some highways:
"Oh man, somebody better tell Sammy Hagar he needs to update his song!"
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=2086387

4. On a story that on October 23, the Earth will be 6014 years old:
"Dinosaurs are rolling over in their tar-pit graves ..."
http://www.rationalskepticism.org/news-politics/october-23-earth-will-be-6014-years-old-t11986.html">http://www.rationalskepticism.org/news-politics/october-23-earth-will-be-6014-years-old-t11986.html

5. On a hungry showjumper causing chaos after he led his horses to a Liverpool McDonald’s drive-thru:
"I just love it when a guy decides to 'horse-around!'"
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/10/23/showjumper-leads-horses-on-foot-through-liverpool-mcdonalds-drive-thru-for-late-night-snack-100252-27529107/

Dope or Nope

Lawn Darts ... at one time, they were probably a more popular back-yard picnic game than horse-shoes and badminton. Now? Well, they are illegal in the United States, because they can be used like weapons (and apparently, have been in the past).

I remember being a kid and watching my parents and their friends play lawn darts. Apparently, my parents were very responsible, as they didn't let the little kids play.

So, what are your thoughts about lawn darts? Dope, or Nope? Are lawn darts a cool backyard game, or are they potential dangerous weapons?

80's Corner

Nerds are an interesting topic. First, it seems as if they have been thrust into the public eye once again with a few recent highly-publicized high school and college student suicides. Makes you wonder if that saying "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" is, in fact true. Words are powerful and sometimes can be a more dangerous weapon than guns and knives.

The movie, Revenge of the Nerds, in the mid 1980's addressed the "nerd vs. bully" conflict, and tried to paint nerds in a positive light - even hinting that all of us have a little "nerd" in us. The movie "documented" the strife nerds have with bullies, and the obstacles they have to overcome. The movie hints that nerds have the ability to use their brains to overcome these bullies.

Most of all, the movie shows the nerds as "cool," enjoying alcohol, drugs, and even ladies. Most important of all, the movie is funny, and holds up surprisingly well even to this day (the same can't be said for the other Revenge of the Nerds sequels).

Song of the Week

You've probably heard a song by the band "The Heavy" without even knowing it. The song - "How You Like Me Now" was on a recent Kia Sorrento commercial ... and folks, the song kicks ass! It sounds like a sort of a James Brown type of "Motown-ie" number, complete with a strong horn back-bone.

Even the lead singer tries to mimic James Brown at times. The chorus itself is addicting, repeating "How You Like Me Now," starting off with a whisper and gradually moving to a roar.

A very good homage to James Brown, as well as a refreshingly "newer" sound (than that overplayed Emo crap).

Fast Food Corner

A few months ago. Chick Fil-A started serving the Spicy Chicken sandwich, and it was good ... real good. It was similar to their original chicken sandwich - same roll, same pickle, but spicy. Now, Chick Fil-A has the Spicy Chicken deluxe, which is probably similar to the grilled chicken deluxe sandwich they serve - similar roll, tomato, and lettuce. But, Chick Fil-A has added a slice of pepper-jack cheese ... and folks, this sandwich is SPICY. My nose is still running, and I had the sandwich more than 15 minutes ago ... translation - I love it!

In my opinion, it's better than the regular spicy chicken sandwich because it fills you up more (thanks to the lettuce and tomato). I think that was probably the only thing I didn't like about the spicy chicken sandwich - it didn't fill me up enough.

Thumbs up from me! I love the expanded menu at Chick Fil-A!

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment. This week, I chose the following prompt - It was SUCH a big deal…write about a fight you got into that you were passionate about then, but that seems silly now.

I was a junior in high school, and really wanted to go out with this girl ... problem was that I didn't have the balls to ask her out. My best friend at the time said he would talk to her for me, and get the ball rolling. As it turns out, he successfully did get the ball rolling ... for him. Yep, as it turns out, he ended up dating said girl.

I was VERY pissed off. How could my best friend do this to me? He knew how I felt about her, but that didn't stop him. All I could do was point fingers of blame at him. The two of us didn't talk to each other for more than three years. I stewed, and stewed about the situation the entire time, refusing to put any blame upon myself.

A couple of things I should've realized at the time. First, it was my fault that I didn't have the balls to ask the girl out ... was it a crummy thing that my friend did? Sure was - but, I would've never been in that position had I taken the initiative.

Second, a girl is never a good enough reason to end a friendship. This girl certainly wasn't, and I was too blinded by rage to figure that out. I probably should've had a more candid talk with my friend about the entire situation. Not sure if it would've salvaged the friendship, but at the very least, I probably would've been able to sleep better at night over the situation.

I wasted three years of rage over this situation, which at the time seemed important enough. The two of us ended up burying the hatchet, and now remain good friends, which goes to show you just how stupid the situation was in the first place.

Wacky News Stories

Just wanted to give a quick shout-out to those Chilean miners!

1. On an alcohol-laced energy drink equivalent to at least three beers, a can of Red Bull and a shot of espresso having prompted a New Jersey college
to ban the drink after nearly two dozen students were hospitalized for alcohol intoxication:
"All you need is a the BK Breakfast, and your heart would probably shatter."
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/10/15/college-students-hospitalized-downing-alcoholic-energy-drink/

2. On a new Halloween treat - Candied bacon:
"Homer Simpson just wet his pants..."
http://www.salon.com/food/eyewitness_cook/index.html?story=/food/francis_lam/2010/10/15/candied_bacon

3. On "Spider Goats" grazing on the side of a dam:
"Well, that ain't too 'baaaad.' In fact, it's 'dam' impressive!"
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3181083/Crazy-animals-climb-160ft-dam.html

4. On a Shar Pei having a facelift so it could see:
"Cher and Joan Rivers were said to be extremely jealous ..."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1320907/Pedigree-dog-extreme-facelift-allows-open-eyes-time.html

5. On a woman who tripled her trouble when she stole a doughnut from someone's truck, peed in a parking lot and offered to perform a sex act on an officer for money:
"Poor Lindsay Lohan .... she hasn't found the bottom yet."
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7725845

Dope or Nope ...

Mustaches. There are so many different kinds. Regular mustadches, porn mustaches, handlebar mustaches ... heck, Michael Jordan is even trying to bring back the Hitler mustache.

I've never really grown a mustache before. I've had goatees for short spurts in my life, but that's about it. I think when I retire (which is still many years away), I might grow a handlebar mustache. I've seen lots of old Germans at the club with them, and they just look cool to me.

So, what are your thoughts? Mustaches - dope or nope?

80's Corner

Remember Jolt Cola? It was probably the original "energy drink," and was really just highly caffeinated cola. I remember seeing this at the local 7-11, and thinking to myself that if I drank that cola, my heart would probably explode.

I never drank it, and heard it was almost unbearably sweet. But, man did the logo look cool!

Song of the Week ...

The Benders are an Indie rock band from California, and have shown some modest success in a short period of time - they released their debut album in 2008, and have toured with some pretty good bands like The Kooks, and Death Cab for Cutie.

They are on album number 2, called the Big Echo, and from what I've heard so far, I like. One song that's piqued my interest is titled "All Day Day Light," having a simple beat, reminding me of the 1980's, with basic accompanying bass and guitar. The chorus almost hearkens back to the early 1960's ... and I've found you'll have a hard time getting the chorus out of your mind.

Sometimes simple is good. In this case, it's great.

Fast Food Corner

I just saw this story on one of our local news stations regarding fast food breakfasts that are healthy, and ones to avoid - http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/health&id=7719260.

All I can say is, the ones that are "healthy" are ones I'd probably never eat - almost all of them include ham (if there is any meat at all). Or there are breakfast items that you'd probably never order at a fast food restaurant - like the McDonald's Fruit and Yogurt Parfait, with just 130 calories and 1 gram of saturated fat. Really? Would I go to McDonalds for a Yogurt Parfait? Would I go anywhere for a yogurt parfait?

I'm OK with trying a breakfast wrap, and Dunkin Donuts seems to have a good one - ham, egg, and cheese Wake Up Wrap, with just 200 calories and 4.5 grams of saturated fat. Unfortunately, I hate ham. Subway has some good ones that are low in calories, but again, all with ham. Seriously, when did ham become healthy?

When I go out for breakfast, I don't want to be bored. I can be bored at home eating cereal.

Wacky News Stories

Keep it up, Phils!

1. On New York's "Naked Cowboy" trying to get some "exposure" in his presidential run:
"I had no idea Spitzer had that nickname!"
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7711334

2. On South Africa's famous smoking chimp passing away:
"I had no idea DeKlerk had that nickname!"
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7710761

3. On a man being arrested for having a pillow fight with his wife:
"Thank goodness they didn't grill any marshmallows!"
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/pillow-33711-husband-wife.html

4. On pygmy goats getting high grazing on magic mushrooms:
"When asked how they felt the next morning, the goats responded with a resounding 'baa-aaad!'"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1319228/Pygmy-goats-high-grazing-magic-mushrooms.html

5. On a man peeling a $1 million USD Monopoly Game sticker at McDonalds - then being denied his prize due to supposed "typo" on the website:
"Somebody get Mayor McCheese on the case!"