Because I Didn't Want to Go to Grad School...

2009-08-24T15:53:00.001-04:00

Closing Shop

Closing out this blog, but keeping the archives up.

New posts can be found here.

2009-08-22T13:50:00.002-04:00

Fuck Off, Facebook

2009-08-11T18:21:00.001-04:00

I Think A Facebook Quiz Just Said I Will Give Birth to The Lord!

2009-08-09T19:48:00.002-04:00

Arctic Monkeys Review

Katelyn and I hit up the Arctic Monkeys show at Paradise on Wednesday. Here's the review.

2009-08-03T19:48:00.003-04:00

This Is a Real Blog

Why can't there be other truly funny shows like "Melcolm in the middle"? There's no laugh track to distract from the show. The actors are brilliant; all of them. Unfortunately, the shows are all re-runs now. Where are the writers of that show? Did they all retire? Can't they come up with another formula and get fresh actors?

Anyway, that's my gripe.

2009-07-25T12:14:00.002-04:00

When Facebook Quizzes Get Out of Hand

A maelstrom went down after I took the What Mighty Ducks Character Are You? Quiz on Facebook a few days ago. I got Adam Banks (I do love cake! Ask anyone who's ever seen me at a wedding) and minutes later my brother and Chaves took the quiz with differing results (Chaves: Russ Tyler, Dave: Coach Bombay.) This resulted in the fastest flurry of Facebooking I'd ever been a part of. 40 comments and a group AIM chat later, we had plans for a Trilogy screening featuring a Mighty Ducks drinking game (suggestions welcome in the comments.)

The following is my favorite exchange:

2009-07-22T12:48:00.003-04:00

The Most Boring Google Alert Ever

I am self absorbed, so naturally, I have a Google Alert set up for my name. It's pretty humbling, but it can also be construed as a good thing, because, I'm not being identity thieved, or talked about on the nets.

Anyway, thanks Google, for alerting me I signed up for Facebook 5 years ago.

2009-07-20T20:53:00.003-04:00

RAAAAAAAANDY

I wasn't super excited for Funny People until Randy came into my life. Check that; until Raaaaaaaandy came into my life. 8 A's and all.

Raaaaaaaandy is the fake comedian in the movie Funny People played by real comedian (and racist fruit cart vendor) Aziz Ansari.

Check out his website, watch his videos and use his soundboard.

If you dont laugh, you may not have a soul.

2009-07-19T18:45:00.002-04:00

What's In Your Wallet: Inventory of my Costanza Wallet

I never had a problem with my wallet, until recently. In the last month or so my girlfriend and coworkers have been commenting on my "Costanza Wallet." I had noticed that my front pocket had become less roomy, a problem I had attributed to a change in the standard size of front pockets across the denim industry rather than my wallet becoming overstuffed. In retrospect, this seems patently ridiculous.

What follows are the actual contents of my wallet:

One (1) Driver's License: This seems fairly necessary.

One (1) Work ID: Likewise.

One (1) Blockbuster card issued to my Mom in 1996: Can probably do without.

One (1) Updated AAA card: Considering I had 4 of them in there until recently, this is an improvement.

One (1) Picture of Katelyn: Awesome picture. Necessary in any wallet I own.

One (1) Jillian's Player Club Card: The Jillian's in Boston got rid of their video games about 5 years ago This is probably not important. I did carry this card with me because, "I think I might need it, sometime." This time occurred several years ago at the Jillian's on Long Island. They would not accept this card because "Boston does their own thing." Status: Trashed. We're making progress.

One (1) Dental Plan Card: I have never been asked for this at my dentist, but you never know.

Four (4) Credit/Debit Cards: 2 defunct, 2 active. Which is which? That's for you to guess, robber. Always have decoys.

Three (3) Cards to Supermarkets I do not shop at: Additionally, I have corresponding key chain mini-cards to each of these currently on my key chain. Status: Trashed.

One (1) Ikea Gift Card: With no money on it.... I think?

One (1) Friend Of Harpoon Membership Card: So far membership has no privileges.... other than probably raising any potential arresting officer's suspicion.

One (1) Best Buy Reward Zone Card: Supposedly you just need a phone number for Best Buy to credit purchases to your Reward Zone card. But why risk it?

One (1) Men's Wearhouse Perfect Fit Card: Thus far, I've been fitted for 3 tuxes this summer, and each time they've automatically applied them to my Perfect Fit account, no card necessary. Maybe I will relegate this card to desk drawer status, instead.

Two (2) Health Insurance Cards: One for me, one for a friend?

Two (2) Business cards of friends: I suppose it might be important to note that I speak to these friends regularly, have their cell phone numbers in my phone, and know their email addresses by heart.

Five (5) of my Business cards: On only one occasion have I given my business card to a non-family member or friend. I think it was to lighten the load. For some reason I think they might a) Get me access to somewhere cool (not likely), b) get me out of a speeding ticket (less likely), c) Impress someone important (least likely.)

One (1) Ticket stub to the December 7th, 2008 5:00PM showing of Role Models in Tucson, Arizona: Potential collector's item. Status: Imminent eBay-ing.

One (1) Padlock combination: For the locker in which I lock my wallet at the gym.

One (1) 2008-2009 Pocket Bruins Schedule: Do you know where you where on November 1, 2008? I do.

One (1) Best Buy receipt totalling $785.39: In case I'm ever out with friends and need to return my TV!

Three (3) Fortune cookie fortunes: "You are about to begin a prosperous business venture."; "Good news of a long-awaited event will arrive soon."; "A new venture will be a success." Additionally, I now know how to say "Drunk/Tipsy" and "To eat" in Chinese.

One (1) ticket stub to The Dead Weather at Boston's House of Blues 7/18/09: For instant hipster street cred, when needed.

Three (3) Hofstra University College ID's: I graduated Hofstra in 2004.

One of these is a temporary Alumni ID in case I ever need to: use the Axinn Library, Computer Lab or Rec. Center. I've been back roughly 3 times since graduation.
As for the other two, one is the ID everyone had and one is a major collector's item. In 2003, Hofstra switched over ID's to this really ugly white, yellow and blue ID. Everyone had to turn in their old ID's to get their new one... except me, who on the strength of a savvy lie, got to keep my old one. This was a highly controversial move across campus and widely remembered, by only me.

Thirteen (13) US Dollars: Sadly, the only things that will leave my wallet at a rapid rade.

2009-07-12T20:27:00.002-04:00

The Trouble With Muggles

On Wednesday, I'll be heading to Showcase Randolph to see Harry Potter 6 with no fewer than 10 friends. Yes, we are all in our early to mid (OK, late [fuck]) twenties, but that does not hinder our enthusiasm or dorkitude. In fact, I even created a Facebook invite for the trip to the movies (Tagline: Wingardium Leviosohmygod we are losers.)

Anyway, whenever a Potter movie comes out, I'm always reminded me of the horrible experience I had at the midnight screening of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.

First, these things, especially at midnight, are a spectacle. Young kids up way later than they should be otherwise, older people dressed like wizards, breathless anticipation for a movie based on a book everyone there has already read. It's a shitshow. The place, however, will get pin drop quiet the second the Warner Bros. logo appears and we are taken through the 3-D title screens and whisked away to Privet Drive.

The transition plays suit and everyone is enjoying themselves, the pre-show craziness a distant memory. Azkaban runs 141 minutes, and about 131 minutes in, something happens.

As Harry and crew are taking a ride on Buckbeak, the film melts. Not breaks, not rips, not comes off spool. Melts. It looked like the cover of Metallica's Loaded (minus the cow semen, hopefully.)

A head usher comes out to explain the situation, and people freak the fuck out. Adults in wizard robes hurling obscenities at a movie theater employee as their children wail. Yes, I've witnessed that. It's at least 2 a.m. and it's god damned bedlam.

Long story short, we get herded out, get free tickets and I end up using mine on Azkaban again.

Turns out after all that madness, we missed about 4 minutes total. ~~4 minutes, well worth it.~~

For the love of god this won't happen on Wednesday.

2009-07-11T13:20:00.003-04:00

New Dumbest Question Ever Overheard (WARNING: Bruno Spoiler Alert)

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OK, that's fair, right?

Saw Bruno last night with Katelyn. Towards the end there's a music video with Bruno and several A-list celebrities. Anyway, Bono pops up, and the moron behind us, who didn't understand any of the movie, goes, "Who is that?"

It kinda blew my mind. How does one not know who Bono is? I'd imagine 95% of all people (at least) know who Bono is. I happened to be sitting in front of one of the select few who have no idea who he is. Crazy. I don't even like U2 and I know who Bono is. In fact, I feel it's ridiculous to assert that you do know who Bono is. How does this happen?

Suffice it to say, she had no fucking idea who Sting was either.

2009-07-05T20:12:00.002-04:00

Civil War

I've been a competitive drinker now for about a decade. Competitive not in the sense that my liver plays the role of the Washington Generals, but in the sense that I enjoy me some beer gaming when the time is appropriate.

I'm not really too keen on quarters, or card related games, but flip cup and Beer Pong especially strike my fancy (I believe this is the first time "strike my fancy" and "drinking games" have been used in the same sentence.) Beer Pong being the sport of choice.

I'm a pretty average Beer Pong-er, prone to bouts of extremes in either direction. I can go a whole game with hitting one cup, or I can be lights out. For example, I traveled to visit my youngest brother at the University of Arizona and we went to a party at his frat house before the U of A/ASU football game. I was pretty nervous playing, because I was older and prone to be the subject of "old man cant hang anymore" ridicule if I didn't at least carry my weight. It turned out we ran everyone off the table at the frat house, then did the same thing at an after party.

Anyway, all my old Beer Pong traits were for naught when I was presented with a variation of Beer Pong at a party yesterday: Civil War.

As, that site says: If Beirut is like football, with stops between plays, Civil War is rugby.

Essentially, this is 3 on 3, with 3 cups in front of each team member. Once your 3 are gone, so are you. But you are still available to "rebound" because, that's right, the ball is always live.

Without the ability to set and throw (because they are gunning for you while you are shooting), I was pretty terrible.... at the shooting portion. When it comes to rebounding though, it's all effort. I think I strained the entire left side of my body at some point, and severely harassed my opponents.

All in all, fun times. Definitely an outdoors only game. Keep your ice packs handy.

2009-07-04T12:16:00.002-04:00

Fenway Honors ~~Founding Father~~ ~~Owner~~ No one

Spotted this Tweet from my friend Justin, who was at Friday night's Red Sox game (July 3rd.)

Is this an unfortunate lighting gaffe, or perhaps, a still-standing show of virility by John Henry who had his wedding at Fenway Park a few days ago?

Hmm.

2009-07-03T13:08:00.003-04:00

Separated at Birth

I love hockey. I love Whale Wars. I haven't been able to get this connection out of my head for weeks (which is horrifying, believe me.) Other than being associated with arctic animals and their looks, I don't think they have much else in common.

1) Peter "The Hammer" Hammerstedt, Activist

In his five years with Sea Shepherd, Peter has been held hostage by Ecuadorian fishermen; physically attacked by sealers; assaulted and arrested by the Canadian Coast Guard (twice); involved in a confrontation which included the side-swiping of an illegal whaling ship; been rammed by another; and pulled up countless miles of fishing longline. In the war to defend life in the oceans, this Swede is far from neutral.

2) Marc-Andre Fleury, Goalie

Marc-André Fleury (born November 28, 1984 in Sorel-Tracy, Québec) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He won his first Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins against Detroit in a 2-1 win.

2009-06-29T15:04:00.004-04:00

Alumni Blues

When I was applying to college a decade ago (holy shit) my eventual school's motto was We Teach Success. Very cheesy, but Hofstra was in a rebuilding mode then. Most everyone will remember the cheesy radio ads that bombarded the airwaves from New York to New England featuring spokeswoman, and legendary lush, Mary Beth Carey.

Depending on who you asked, the most famous Hofstra students were either: A) Slot receiver Wayne Chrebet, B) Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola or C) Dropout Christopher Walken.

It was still "The biggest private college on Long Island". Only no one outside of Long Island had ever heard of it.

Of course now, things have changed a bit there. They hosted a Presidential debate (double holy shit) and they're building a medical school (triple holy shit.) People have actually heard of Hofstra.

Then this asshole had to ruin it all again (copied directly from this page):

Bernard L. Madoff, former chairman of the NASDAQ stock exchange. Chairman of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, which he founded in 1960. One of the largest market maker companies on Wall Street. Arrested in 2008 for running a US$50 billion ponzi scheme.

2009-06-22T14:35:00.001-04:00

New Computer! New Blogs?

Scored a gorgeous MacBook Pro the other day. My old computer was running on such fumes it was impossible to really do anything. Like blog (yeah, that's the excuse).

So once I figure out how to use this thing, expect more blogs. Maybe some Podcasts. Oh man.

2009-05-19T10:50:00.002-04:00

Is Anything Possible?

I love Kevin Garnett. He's been my favorite NBA star since his days in Minnesota. As a Celtics fan, it was pretty hard to watch the C's struggle without KG in the playoffs. I think the Celtics would still be playing for the title right now with KG out there. So why wasn't he?

Garnett's not playing became a bit tougher to take when the news out of Boston Bruins breakup day came out yesterday.

Check out the injuries these players played with in the Carolina series:

Phil Kessel (2008-09 salary: $2.2m) - Torn rotator cuff, shoulder labrum - Will need surgery, expected to miss part of training camp. Played full series.

David Krejci ($883,333) - Torn hip labrum - Will need surgery, expected to be out 4-6 months. Played full series.

Chuck Kobasew ($2.3m) - Two broken ribs. Played full series.

Mark Recchi ($1.5m) - Had kidney stones surgically removed in between Games 6 and 7. Played full series.

Andrew Ference ($1.4m)- Torn groin, pelvis injurt - Will need surgery. Played 3 games.

These are just the major injuries. According to The Bruins Blog: Other Bruins who played through injuries included Marc Savard (knee), Milan Lucic (toe), and Zdeno Chara (shoulder, knee, and groin). Chara will not require surgery on any of his injuries. Savard noted that his knee problem probably would have kept him out for two weeks during the regular season.

So as the Bruins key players gutted it out through major injuries (Kessel: leading goal scorer, Krejci: 2nd on team in points), KG sat.

Hoping for the benefit of the doubt, knowing KG's intensity, I'm willing to wager that the Celtics feared KG furthering injury to his knee as a costly risk they could not take (KG made $24.75m this year and will make $16.4m next year.)

But, in the "me first" genaration of athletes, it's good to know that a championship means more to some players than their paycheck.

2009-05-13T19:39:00.002-04:00

Day 31 - One More Day Again?

Once again the Bruins and my beard are on thin ice. The Bruins have golf in their immediate future, my beard, a razor. We've surpassed the 1 month mark officially today. Could it end the day after?

Yet again, thanks so much for all of the donations.

Honorable Awesome Beard Mention: Marc Savard, who's random blonde chin hair makes him look like baby faced Wolverine.

2009-05-11T20:51:00.002-04:00

Day 29 - One Day Left?

Greetings from what could be my second to last day before shaving. Once again, the Bruins are on the brink of playing golf, and I am on the brink of nervous insanity. What symetry, as a loss tomorrow would be exactly one month after the season ended and I last shaved (April 12th.)

So, with not much else to say, and with our possible last look at the Bruins coming I'd have to rate Zdeno Chara's beard as top beard, with Manny Fernandez in second. Most surprising: Phil Kessel.

2009-05-09T21:33:00.002-04:00

Day 27 - The Penultimate Day?

The Bruins are on the brink of elimination and I am on the brink of actually looking like I am capable of growing a beard (not really.) So far I have raised an amazing $300, which is just insane. Thanks to everyone! There is still time, though it may be fleeting the way the Bruins are playing. -DONATE HERE-

On an extreme sidenote, it seems Milan Lucic, my hero, grows a beard the same way as I.

2009-04-26T18:04:00.003-04:00

Memento

One of the best parts of opening old drawers or wearing old clothes is the possibility of finding old stuff. I used to love coming back to college from winter break and finding random money strewn about my desk drawer and, since I'm a pack rat, wearing an old coat often produces fond memories of past ATM withdrawals in exotic locales like Dedham and Framingham.

Occasionally they can provide mysteries, like today. It did not involve opening an old drawer, but it did come from wearing old drawers (FUCKING ZING.) I broke out my trusty seersucker shorts to wear to work on this gorgeous April day and while fishing in my left pocket I felt a strange rubbery sensation.

Water balloons!

What the hell?

Now, I vaguely remember buying these water balloons before going whitewater rafting last summer, but we didn't use them and there's no way I would bring seersucker shorts camping, anyway.

I think I have some sort of Water Balloon War PTSD, because I can't remember how or why I was armed with these things. If you, or anyone else you know, were in a water baloon fight with me this past summer, please let me know.

2009-04-25T14:39:00.002-04:00

Day 13

Man, if only I could grow connectors. Maybe next year in Jerusalem.

13 Days into the beard (the Bruins swept in 6 days BTW) and I'm up to $286. Absolutely insane. I thought I'd struggle to get $100. Feels pretty good right now, thanks to everyone.

A point to consider: Several B's were sporting some serious prelim beards in Game 4 (Z, Rydes, Yelle, Stuart and even Kessel.) They're going to look like mountain men by the time Game 1 of Round 2 comes by. No East team has even clinched yet, and they could go 8-9 days between games.

2009-04-18T16:42:00.003-04:00

Day 6 - Milestone reached

Reached a big milestone on the Beard-A-Thon front, a financial milestone, not a follicle one. Raised $100 yesterday! Thanks to everyone who's donated, and there is still lots of time to donate more (knock on wood for the Bruins.) Deal still stands in which I will buy a beer for the person who donates the $150th dollar to my beard in progress. Same deal stands for other milestone markers.

Here is the link to donate.

Go B's!

2009-04-14T23:06:00.001-04:00

Day Two

Two days til Game 1. What a frightening picture.

2009-04-13T11:52:00.003-04:00

Track The Beard

OK, so I posted yesterday how I'm growing a playoff beard for charity and that part of the whole deal was out of superstition. Well, you can't grow a playoff beard that starts before the plaoyffs. That's playoff beard blasphemy. So, after I got home from work yesterday and the Bruins played their last game of the regular season (6-2 throttling of the Islanders) I shaved off what I had been working with.

Yesterday I looked like this:

At the midpoint of the shaving process I looked like this:

And now I am completely shorn. Here's Day 1 of the Playoff Beard progress. Hope my girlfriend still likes me:

2009-04-12T17:14:00.002-04:00

Pledge My Playoff Beard for Charity

Every year I grow a semblance of a playoff beard for charity and this year is no different. Actually, it is a bit. The Bruins and the NHL are hosting "Beard-A-Thon", which allows people the "pledge" others beards.

Here's my profile

It's really easy to donate (just click the yellow "Pledge This Beard" button and follow the steps.)

Minimum donation is $10, but you can pledge whatever you want.

All donations go to the Boston Bruins Foundation.

2009-04-11T15:45:00.003-04:00

NESN's Top 10 Bruins Game of 2008-09

10. 11/06/2008 – Maple Leafs 2-5 Bruins
09. 04/09/2009 – Canadiens 4-5 ot Bruins
08. 11/28/2008 – Islanders 2-7 Bruins
07. 10/25/2008 – Thrashers 4-5 Bruins
06. 11/13/2008 – Canadiens 1-6 Bruins
05. 02/26/2009 – Ducks 0-6 Bruins
04. 10/28/2008 – Bruins 1-0 Canucks & 10/27/2008 – Bruins 1-0 ot Oilers
03. 03/22/2009 – Devils 1-4 Bruins
02. 11/29/2008 – Red Wings 1-4 Bruins
01. 11/01/2008 – Stars 1-5 Bruins

My games are bolded. Pretty good haul for the inaugural year of being an STH and hoping this is just the tip of the iceberg!

2009-04-07T19:45:00.002-04:00

Told Ya So

The Fenway Phish show is on, as evidenced by this totally awesome video on the splash page that I've watched 100 times.

I was told that the announcement would go down after all of the Summer Tour tickets went on sale, and that's exactly what happened. Toyota Park went on sale Saturday, Phish @ Fenway announced on Monday.

I'm assuming they were going to play that video at Fenway, but the game was rained out.

I was supposed to be there, but the rainout wreaked havoc on my plans. Or, changed the plans. Ended up heading to Pour House and Bleacher Bar with the Daves and others.

So yea, IT'S ON. Like I said.

Phish at Fenway. The only Fenway show I ever wanted to happen when they started doing them in 2003.

2009-03-29T18:38:00.003-04:00

In Which I Purchase and Wear The Greatest Shirt of All Time

It's no secret that the Mighty Ducks Trilogy have had a great impact on me. So when my buddy Singer linked me to this site I freaked out. Originally they only had 5 or 6 Ducks shirts, which I fantasized about buying. Then, I checked a week or so ago and saw the ultimate:

Gunnar fucking Stahl, the greatest Junior Goodwill Games Hockey player of all time. I love Gunnar. My fantasy baseball team name was The Gunnar Stahl Experience one year, it's been a trivia team name as well. The guy's a legend. He dominated, showed deference when getting stoned by Julie "The Cat" Gaffney, pwned Wolf "The Dentist" Stansson, secretly moved to America under the name of Scooter, matriculated into Eden Hall, won the position of Varsity goaltender, then hooked up with Julie "The Cat" Gaffney.

Naturally, I bought the shirt and had to wear it out.

Originally we went to this plush douchefest in some snazzy lounge and I was woefully underdressed and totally uncomfortable drinking $10 G&T's in a tshirt. Things got better as we headed to an epic Irish bar with damn good Guinness and normal clientele. I was home.

As I was getting drinks, a guy came up to me and freaked out about the shirt. He said he originally wondered if Stahl was my last name or something, then saw the Iceland logo and knew. Throughout the night as we all progressively got drunker he kept calling me "GUNNAR!" and towards the end, Katelyn remembered he would follow me to the jukebox and suggest that I play Icelandic music. I was naturally flummoxed.

Moral of the story: Stahl jersey rules. I cant wait to buy this new Adam Banks one they just made.

God, I'm a fucking loser.

2009-03-28T12:29:00.002-04:00

Jeff & Josh Gchat - A Semi-Regular Feature.

Today's subject: Last night's Friday Night Lights.

Josh: Why is Coach Taylor the greatest person ever

me: he is the fucking man

Josh: I know

me: great ep last night

Josh: yeah watching right now

me: what part are you on

Josh: tyra crying at the end

b/c she's jealous of mindy and billy

hahaha

me: aw

i think buddy G is gonna kill himself

Josh: b/c dillon football is bigger than even him

i can't wait to see the east dillon giraffes

me: haha

Josh: oh man

saracen back at qb in the finals!

me: i know!!!!1

fucking madison, that whore

know who else was a red headed whore that ruined everything?

mary fucking magdalene

Josh: hahahahahaha

maru disagrees

Josh: and says mary magdalene wasn't a red head

hahaha

i agree

me: IN THE DA VINCI CODE SHE WAS AND THATS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME

Josh: HAHA

touche Gobias

2009-03-18T16:16:00.003-04:00

According to Google, I am an Expert in all things "Phish + Fenway"

Ask me anything you need to know, phriends.

Sample Q & A:

Q - Will this show happen?
A - Maybe

Q - What's the holdup with the announcement?
A - Didn't want to steal the thunder of Summer Tour '09. It's not happening and this is all made up.

Q - What could go wrong?
A - A lot... Phish fans are the worst (and I'm one of them) and they could trash Fenway, destroy the neighborhood, leave babies in the dugout, dose Terry Francona's chewing tobacco in addition to no less than 12 other devious acts that would cause Red Sox team members to fail P.E.D. tests.

Q - What could go right?
A - Phish at fucking FENWAY PARK! That's insane. They are a band that would understand the magnitude of the situation and run with it. Yes, they are from Vermont, but Boston is their home city. Plus it would allow everyone seeing DMB that same weekend to enjoy a real band.

2009-03-17T10:56:00.002-04:00

Phish @ Fenway

Rumors are everywhere. Message Boards, Twitter, Hippie Communes (maybe). Phish @ Fenway on May 31. DMB will play 5/29 & 30.

Boston Globe printed something on this, mostly on the rumors, today:

Phish at Fenway?
Could Phish be gigging at Fenway? Neither Live Nation nor the band's rep would confirm it yesterday, but there's a lot of online chatter about a possible Phish fest at Fenway. The band, which is about to head out on the road for the first time in five years, is slated to kick things off at Jones Beach in New York June 4 and 5, followed by a show at the Comcast Center June 6. But we're hearing that Trey Anastasio, et al., may be bound for Boston May 31, which is the night after the Dave Matthews Band wraps up its two-night stand at the ballpark

I've also heard that the Fenway neighborhood signed off on the concert yesterday at 3pm.

Sounds a bit too good to be true, but info's coming in from so many angles, that I'd like to believe it's happening, massive fall apart not withstanding.

In summation:

2009-03-15T21:19:00.002-04:00

Although I Much Prefer Macroblogging...

I have joined the microblogging world of Twitter. twitter.com/Jeff6582. I have 'tweeted' the last B's game I attended, and the Barrister's Ball feat. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Enjoy.

2009-03-05T12:36:00.001-05:00

I love Soulja Boy Jr.

2009-02-14T11:04:00.002-05:00

25 Things About My Blog

Since the 25 Things Note I posted on Facebook means I could never possibly do an actual 25 Things Note and I'm not sure I could ever fill out one anyway, I decided to do a 25 Things Note about my blog. Humor me.

1) I blogged about how I thought The Mighty Ducks was 'fucking bullshit'.

2) I blogged about the false hope Guitar Hero gave me.

3) I blogged about my weekends in the Bronx.

4) I blogged about how I should get back into babysitting.

5) I blogged about robbing my apartment in a clearly passive agressive attempt to remind my roomates to lock the door.

6) I blogged about the most epic Halloween blackout of all time.

7) I blogged about being able to beat Steve Prefontaine in a race, and other benefits of baldness.

8) I blogged about the ridiculous song "Our Country" and how it would work for a Peugot ad.

9) I blogged about a Devil's Advocate column gone horribly awry.

10) I blogged about my crime solving tactics.

11) I blogged about Bumper Stickers.

12 I blogged about changes to Fenway following Dice-K's arrival.

13) I blogged about nearly being killed by Nickelback.

14) I blogged about the benefits of Fergie becoming reacquainted with crystal meth.

15) I blogged about the Mooninite Attack fallout.

16) I blogged about seeing Arcade Fire on Valentine's Day in a 400 person capacity church.

17) I blogged about choosing the Red Sox closer by song.

18) I blogged about an interview series I conducted with Team Ragtag

19) I blogged about Thanksgiving Eve in a white trash town.

20) I blogged about a movie I co-wrote once.

21) I blogged about challenging Bang Camaro

22) I blogged about attending an embarassing tale that occurred at a music industry party.

23) I blogged about a road trip to Astoria.

24) I blogged about my use in a promotional image.

25) I blogged about the Bruins.

2009-02-14T10:51:00.002-05:00

Gadget Woes

My camera is being finicky, I need a new battery cover or else it won't stay on, hence no Bruins blog projects the past 3 games. Bruins loss with Mom vs. the Blues, Bruins win with Jon vs. the Caps, Bruins loss with Jon, Chris, Jackie vs. the Sharks. 3 Jumbotron appearances.

My iPod just died.

My laptop is barely functioning, hence no blogging from home.

Great timing.

2009-02-03T14:31:00.003-05:00

The Real Downfall of Lucky the Mascot?

This has been floating around for the past few days since Lucky the Mascot has been fired from the Celtics. If true: Awesome. If fake: Still a great piece of fiction.

From:xxxx<
Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:07:38 EST
To: xxxxxx@yahoo.com
Subject: Real Lucky Story from the Boards...Seems legit

Ok, I have a friend who works for the Celtics. High enough that he knows the whole Lucky story.Here's the email I got from him today when I asked him about what happened (his name and address have been removed)...

From: xxxxxx@celtics.com
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009
To: xxx
Subject: Re: Lucky

Well, it’s a really long story. But I'll try and make it as brief as possible. Things have been getting worse over the past year for Damon (that’s Lucky). Even before the 07-08 season he started bitching about his salary. And he gets paid more than you think - the rumor around here is that it's in the 85-95k range. And it’s basically a part time job. Plus, he gets a bonus for appearances, so he's easily in six figures. They didn't end up giving a bump before last season, so he ended up blowing off a few appearances. The brass was a little pissed, but nothing major. Anyway, after the C's won it last year, it definitely went to his head. This year, he demanded a makeshift "meditation room" be made available so he could get to meditate before every game. He’s huge into that. But people from outside would walk by the closed door and hear him pumping himself up by saying things like "This is your game Damon" and "No one is better than you Damon." It was hilarious. I personally walked by once and heard him blaring some kind of techno and just yelling out loud screams. Also, this year he started referring to himself in the third person. And better yet, as "Lucky", instead of Damon. He did end up getting a raise this year, but I don’t think it was much - so he was pissed off again. But a few weeks ago, he started having creative differences with the game producer (his boss). Damon wanted to start introducing the players before the game - instead of having the announcer do it. He also wanted to start travelling with the team to away games. Plus, he HATED Coach Willie Maye and thought that he should be doing the in game interviews instead of Willie. Apparently the two of them had words on more than one occasion. But everyone here loves Willie, and that didn’t go over so well. So, the higher ups were starting to get fed up with his BS anyway. Anyway, the other day, there was some kind of fund raiser for Children's Hospital or something and he strictly refused to show up unless we sent a limo to pick him up at his house in Quincy. We obviously didn't send a limo, but told him to take a cab and we'd pay for it. He refused to do this and actually told his boss "Lucky doesn't take cabs" . An actual quote. Anyway, that was the last straw and we let him go yesterday.

2009-01-17T10:29:00.005-05:00

Bruins Blog Project Game 7: 1/13/08 vs. Montreal Canadiens

Final Score: Bruins 3 Canadiens 1
Attended With: Dave
Banner Count: 2 Jumbotron appearances, 1 TV appearance (to be explained later)

Pregame: The MBTA must have read my last blog (here's your shoutout Dan Grabauskas) because Dave and I flew into North Station on gameday, getting to Hurricane O'Reilly's by about 5:20. And we weren't the only ones...

Canadiens/Bruins games are a treat because they're regular season games with playoff atmospheres (if you really want to blow your mind, go to a Bruins/Canadiens playoff game. Holy shit, they're intense.)

Dave and I were seated quickly, but the place was PACKED. Fans from Montreal always flock to Boston for these games because it's a relatively short drive and it's much easier to get tickets here than it is up there. Entire sections get filled with Habs fans (I'm looking at you Sec. 303.) We ate, had a few beers (O'Reilly's has an epic deal on Miller High Life FYI) and soaked in the festive atmosphere. A few "Go Habs Go" and "Ole" chants broke out, but nothing too severe.

We went early and scoped out the Pro Shop eager to show off our new project. The Banner.

Before every game, the Bruins play a great historical montage, then a season montage before introductions. They are incredibly well done and really give you the chills. Well, there's a portion that resonated with me, and I figured it would be a good way to celebrate our first year as Season Ticket Holders and honor Bruins fans of the past.

In one part of the video they show fans holding a banner that reads "Killer B's" and waving it in the balcony. At one point in the offseason I said, "I'm going to make that banner," and the time had finally come. A Habs/B's game would be the perfect time to unveil this to the masses and start a new tradition with our seats.

Jon got me the sheet (King sized, ugh) and during my days off, I went to work with some paint, a Sharpie and some brushes. Then, on game day, Scott helped me cut it down so the freaking King sized sheet wasn't visible from Outer Space. It was fun work and it was ready to go.

Dave and I got it into the Garden no problem (we were unsure the rules of banners so we hid it anyway) and laid out the banner so we could raise it quickly and, more importantly, not backwards. Then we sat there... and sat there. I mean, it was 20 minutes to game time, the building wasn't really full. Should we look like idiots and start showing this banner off to no one?

Sure!

We noticed this group doing a similar thing with a Bruins flag in Sec. 305 so we decided to join them. With 2 minutes left in the pregame skate we stood up, unfurled The Banner and pointed it to our right to our flag bearing friends, unsure what people would think.

Everyone fucking loved it!

The flag dudes were going nuts, people in our section were asking us to turn around so they could see it and snap pics. Our confidence boosted and we were no longerembarassed to flash the banner.

During the pregame montage when the banner showed (14 second mark) people in our section were like, "Put up the banner!" which we did a few seconds late. We're going to try and make this Standard Operating Banner Procedure. Flash the banner, during the montage

The Game: God I love Habs/B's tilts. It's perfectly acceptable, if not expected, to lose your voice by the end of the 1st period. As much as I hate Canadiens fans, you have to respect them, because they bring Bruins fans to the next level. The Garden was rocking from puck drop.

Zdeno Chara was an absolute beast. In the opening seconds, he flattened Tom Kostopolous, went on to score 2 goals in the game and just shut down everyone near him.

The first period was scoreless, the Habs were flying, we got popped up on the Jumbotron once and everyone inside was on edge.

The Habs scored first on a goal by one of the flying Kostitsyn Sisters and Habs fans were eager to shove it in our face. Big Z answered back (Jumbotron sighting!) and then scored again on a slapper that acted more like a changeup because of an Andrei Markov deflection.

In the midst of these two goals this happened:

The roof was barely on the Garden by the 2nd intermission.

I don't know when this happened, but it's worth mentioning. There was a huge brawl in Sec. 314 and it looked like Bruin on Bruin violence. Someone got jersey'd, and there were some huge haymakers thrown as well. Sad, really.

Montreal kept threatening in the 3rd, leaving us on the edge of our seat. It wasn't until near the last minute of the game when the Czech Jesus, David Krejci iced it.

Then my phone started ringing off the hook. Hmmm.... I wonder why? "Were we on TV? It's a VS game, I doubt they'd show us. Let me call Jon back."

Holy shit, we were! It's pretty much all Dave (rocking his autographed Manny Fernandez t-shirt) and the top of my hat. But it's still very amazing to me:

Post-game: I triumphantly wore the Killer B's banner as a cape on the way out. People still loved it. Dave and I hit Sully's Tap afterwards, which was about 103 degrees and still (shockingly) smelled of shit. After that, a slice of pizza at Halftime Pizza and a ride home on the T, only to watch us on the DVR about one million times after.

Thanks to peeps at HFBoards for the pics, and encouraging words about the banner during its contruction.

The Banner will now be rotated between the Season Ticket Holders and will hopefully be at every game for the rest of the year. Stop by and say hi.

Next two homegames are all me, St Louis with my Mom, and then Washington.

2009-01-09T20:18:00.010-05:00

Bruins Blog Project Game 6.5: 1/6/08 vs. Minnesota Wild

Final Score:
Attended With: Jon, Chris, Mom, Dad, Brothers Dave and Rob

Pre-Pregame: Few quick notes, thus necessitating a pre-pregame column.

1) I know it looks like I've been slacking, but I really haven't missed blogging a season ticket holder game. Last game I had was on 11/29 and the next one I have is 1/13. I did watch the Bruins destroy the Thrashers 4-2 on December 13th. Hell, I watched it from the 4th row:

So why didn't I blog? Well a combination of big time internet problems at home, facebook not uploading photos for about a week and, oh, a pretty big hangover.

2) Scored a sick new Bruins jersey on ebay. It is the road white jersey. The seller had it for Buy It Now: $99 or Best Offer. I jokingly Best Offered him $70 and it is now mine. I love it, but think it might be bad luck.

3) Attended the Bruins Wives' Charity Carnival on 1/4 and it was awesome. Katelyn and I got our photos taken with Zdeno Chara, toured the locker room, etc. Took 200+ photos here.

4) You may have noticed the "Attended With" section is quite full. Well here's the deal. Chris had our Section 308 seats, Jon had won 2 loge seats for $5 through some Cybear Club promotion and at the aforementioned Wives' Carnival, I won 4 seats to the game. So, being the #1 son & brother, I gave the tickets to my family.

OK all caught up?

Pregame: The MBTA fucking hates me. Allow me to explain. Got to Wollaston before 5 p.m., with the hopes of meeting Jon at Hurricane's by 5:30 or so for a beer or two, meeting up with the fam and heading in. I hate being rushed getting to the game, and being in town at 5:30 for a 7 p.m. game is so very refreshing.

A train finally comes (took about 10-15 minutes) and we pull into the next stop, North Quincy. And nothing happened. And nothing happened. And nothing happened. For a good 15 minutes, I was waiting on a packed train at rush hour while the conductor frantically walked outside. Eventually, we pulled up the extra 50 feet to the station and were let out. Train out of service. Good times! Apparently, someone had jumped onto the track to retrieve a cell phone and the train made an emergency stop or something. Great. Now you have two trains worth of people waiting for the next train and I've gone one stop in 35 minutes.

*Aside: Our train also went out of service on New Year's Eve right after N. Quincy, which caused us to nearly miss our Joel McHale show*

Finally back on the train, we are stopped abruptly for about 5 minutes in the middle of nowhere. When we get going again, finally some good news appears. This will now be an Express Train to South Station. SWEET! From there on my problems washed away and I was running to Hurricane O'Reilly's at 6.

Met up with Jon, grabbed a quick beer and my family arrived. We chatted away for a few, snapped some pics, then headed in. I didn't want them to miss the intro. Tonight's giveaway:a Ghost Ryder poster featuring Michael Ryder. The Bruins love their fake movie posters.

The Game: Not much to say here about the actual game. Fucking Minnesota and their stupid trap. They are perfectly content sitting 4 guys back in the neutral zone and winning every game by scoring 1-0. Which is exactly what they did.

Buncha B's looked really bad, and I'd say the best line was the Krecji-Ryder-Wheeler line, per usual. Wheeler was skating around guys as if they weer pylons but couldn't get a decent shot on the net, Krecji was passing too much (not always a bad thing, but in this case it was), and Ryder rang one off the post. Big Z also had a good chance but somehow couldn't pot it. For the love of all that is good and joyful, please remove P.J. Axelsson from the Power Play unit. Thanks!

The seats that Jon nabbed were sick. 21st row behind the net, which put us in the last row before the premium seats. Here is a look:

My family was up in Sec. 321 so I went up and sat with them for the 2nd period. I know this seems like a fantastic family man, but really I just wanted to sit on the side where the Bruins shot for all 3 periods. Just kidding. Possibly.

Here's the few from up in the heavens:

You might be asking yourself why I'd choose to waste a whole period way up top when I was so close. Well, my friend, it's clear you have never been to a hockey game. I love the balcony. It's livelier and you can see EVERYTHING. Remember those 4th row seats I mentioned earlier? Great for when the play is right in front of you. After that, you're at the mercy of whatever the Jumbotron is showing.

I mean, check out this video I took ~~for no reason while really, really drunk~~ to illustrate my point:

Additionally, the atmosphere down low is nothing compared to the heavens. There's rarely any chanting, nothing beyond clapping, really. To really put things in perspective, at that Atlanta game, there was a woman in my row wearing a fur coat.

/Soapbox.

Post game: Went to the Penalty Box with Jon and met up with Chris, Jackie and Andrew. We discussed the upcoming Sharks game we are all attending, Chris' love for Joe Thornton, Jon's eBay addiction and the soon-to-be constructed epic Cam Neely hooded sweatshirt.

Early night, work in the A.M.

Stay tuned for a busy month from me, however:

2009-01-08T11:40:00.004-05:00

Using Me As A Promotional Image: A Surefire Way To Doom Yourself?

I enjoy myself some Biba. It's good with gin, it's good plain and it's even good in some beer (seriously), but I have to doubt their marketing plan.

Unless their core demo is bearded, flannel and toque clad 20 somethings. Then it's a great idea.

http://www.drinkbiba.com/events.php

Thanks to Katelyn for pointing this out.

2008-12-12T12:37:00.002-05:00

Midnight In The Garden Of Good and .... Well... Just Good

What do the Denver Nuggets, Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs have in common? Not too much, aside from all being professional sports franchises with, like, uniforms and stuff. And, oh yeah, they're the only teams to win at the ~~TDBanknorth~~ Boston Garden this year.

It's no secret that the Bruins and Celtics are cruising to fantastic starts. The C's 21-2 start is the best in franchise history and the Bruins have surprised most everyone as their 19-5-4 record is tops in the Eastern Conference (despite the fact that the Rangers have played roughly 47 games more than anyone else.)

What is surprising, is how dominating both teams have been at home. The Bruins and Celtics are a combined 22-2-1 inside the Garden. It looks even better in its own paragraph, centered and perhaps bolded.

22-2-1

Even the losses have been pretty memorable. The C's fell to the Nuggets on Chauncey's first trip back to Boston after the trade, The B's fell in OT to the Pens on Opening Night and the Bruins stopped playing the Leafs after Milan Lucic nearly murdered Mike Van Ryn and blew a 2 goal lead.

Before last year, both of these two teams were the laughingstock of Boston. Now they're not only winning, they're dominating in front of fans.

Jeremy Jacobs, you may resume your Scrooge McDuck-like breaststroke through your vault of money.

2008-11-30T12:03:00.006-05:00

Bruins Blog Project Game 5: 11/29/08 vs. Detroit Red Wings

Final Score: Bruins 4 Detroit 1
Attended With: Katelyn

Pregame: This is the one I'd been waiting for. You may remember, back in September, my fellow Season Ticket Holders and I got together for our Season Ticket Holder Draft, to divvy up the games. I had first pick. That pick, happened to be to last night's game vs. Detroit.

Originally, I just wanted to see the defending Cup champs and how my fledgling B's would fare against them. Little did I know, it would be a match-up of, arguably, two of the best three teams in the entire NHL.

Katelyn and I had the rare occurrence of finding both of our trains (Red in Quincy, Orange @ Downtown Crossing) waiting for us as we got there. That never happens, so we were pretty stoked, despite missing out on a full experience by our favorite street performer ("Someone needs to tell her she's not Johnny Cash," says Katelyn.)

Got to North Station shortly after 6, visited the merch stand there, and Katelyn got a pretty sick sweatshirt for only $20. Highly recommended.

We had plans to scrap grabbing a drink on Canal Street and get one inside, and it's a good thing we did. It was PACKED. The line to get into the Garden was spilling outside (possibly because of a busted escalator.) I was shocked at the amount of Red Wings fans in attendance. There may have been less than Sabres fans, but the red really sticks out. Overall, they were good natured and didn't cause any problems. Still, I swore to Katelyn that I would scream, "Go Back To 8 Mile" at one point.

We were in our seats, fed and quenched 15 minutes before the drop.

Third Jersey Mea Culpa: OK, I had gone on record saying I hated the 3rd jersey for it's sheer disregard of the classic Bruins jerseys. After seeing the on-ice product Friday and Saturday, I have to vary my opinion. I think it looks great on the ice. The numbers and arm stripes evoke the 80's Boston Bruins jerseys which I grew up on. I would still like to see a lace up collar and a bear on the shoulders. I also dislike the jersey without a name/number on the back.

The Game: I will be the first to tell you that I never expected to hear another "Manny Manny" chant in Boston after Manny Ramirez got traded. I was pleasantly wronged. The Manny cheers rang out in our section after one of his many flurries of saves to preserve a 3-0 lead.

The Red Wings are fucking awesome, however. The Bruins were held without a shot for half of the first period as the Wings just flew around (pun intended?) the ice. The B's did score on their first shot, a nasty 2 on 1 started by Ryder and finished by Wheeler (love that line.) With the Wings, you never feel safe with a lead. I was still nervous up 3-0 with an entire period ahead of us.

This was probably the least physical game I've seen in person this year. The Wings would rather finesse than get dirty, and the fact that the B's could take it to a team playing that way speaks volumes about how good they are. Still searching for the hit of the game, BTW. Chara absolutely leveled Datsyuk (or as Steve would call him, Dat-SUCK) on the Wings first PP of the day. If anyone gets a hold of it, let me know.

The Killer K's (Kessel, Kobasew and Krecji) finished off the scoring for the Bruins, and the Red Wings only goal of the game came off of Marc Savard's skate (that guy gets in on EVERY goal) on their ridiculously insane Power Play.

Postgame: Wasn't planning on really going out after the game, as I had to work the next morning, but I got the call that Chaves and crew were attending the Randolph High School Class of '98 High School Reunion at the Greatest Bar so we headed down to meet up with him. At face value, this seems like a perfectly normal sentence, but when you examine a few facts you can note the insanity:

Chaves, Katelyn and I were not members of the Randolph High School Class of '98 (Dave and I were '00, Katelyn didn't even go to RHS.)
The Greatest Bar is (arguably) the most popular Garden-area bar. Post-game on Thanksgiving Reunion Weekend and we were looking at a massive, massive line and a steep cover.

We were upstairs at the Greatest Bar, for free I might add, in seconds.

How? Well, not only does smoking kill, but it also gets you into bars you didn't pay for. Next time you're meeting up with friends who are already inside a bar, tell them to come out, make them smoke cigarettes (Peer Pressure!) then walk in with them. It also helps if you utter the phrase, "Go Blue Devils!" Bonus: You don't even have to smoke!

Once upstairs we ran into Klotz ('00 represent!) and others from '98 whom I hadn't seen in awhile. Fun times.

We had to jet, in order to get home, and as we were walking to the train station we noticed a group of rowdy Bruins fans (waiting for autographs) boo two girls wearing Wings jerseys. They were giving it right back, so I screamed, "Go Back to 8 Mile!" (told you I'd bust it out.) It elicited a pretty good laugh so I was happy with myself.

On the train ride home we met a family from Oregon State here visiting their daughter. They were all decked out in black and orange, mourning the loss of The Civil War to the hated Oregon Ducks. I don't know what it is with out-of-state college football fans, but like the Clemson fans from earlier this month, I took it upon myself to be an ambassador of Boston and made sure they were enjoying themselves and having a good stay.

That's it for now. No games for me until January 13, 2008 vs the Habs, so I will filling this space with other stuff that I hope you will enjoy.

2008-11-28T21:03:00.002-05:00

Bruins Blog Project To Return This Weekend

After a seemingly interminable wait (for me at least) since I've seen a Bruins game, I shall once again resume my hockey going activities.

Katelyn and I will be hitting Bruins vs. Red Wings, which will be a game of epic proportions.

Should have everything posted up by Sunday for your enjoyment, as I'm assuming the masses (5-7 people) are clamoring.

2008-11-22T13:53:00.002-05:00

I Saw Twilight At Midnight

You know the scene in Coming To America where they are bullshitting around the Barber Shop and the following conversation ensues?

-That boy good!
-Yea, good and terrible!

Well, that's kind of what the movie Twilight was like. And yes, I saw it at midnight on Thursday night.

Full Disclosure: I read the first two books and I liked them alright. There's a bit too much teen girl crap in ratio to cool vampire stuff in the books, but as a 26 year old guy, I imagine I'm not the target market.

On to the goods (and terribles) of the Twilight experience...

Good: Over prepared-ness by the Randolph Movie Theater. Originally slated to play in 2 theaters, the crowd was insane and they opened a third. Also, when Katelyn and I arrived, the line to get into Theater 12 was a mass of Hot Topic insanity that stretched for miles. They let us switch to Theater 4, which had no line to speak of. Nice.

And Terrible: The people surround us in line. Holy shit, what a poor sample size of humanity.

Directly in front of us: A couple either very dumb or very stoned or very much both. The girl was not wearing shoes and the guy wouldn't shut up. He once had a 20 minute conversation with himself (because his girl didnt really talk) in which he tried to figure out "the name of that Chinese place in California where the movie premieres are."

Directly behind us: A large, gothy looking know-it-all who was one of those know-it-alls that have to announce to the world every miniscule production note on the Twilight series and all other series that somehow vaguely relate to the occult. Had bad piercings. Waited in line for hours alone. But she did strike up a never ending convesation with:

The ghetto girls to our right: I've never watched the show "True Blood", but thanks to them I know that, "That black dude is gay but he's a straight up nigga." Well then. One also asked if this movie was just going to be about "Twilight" or all 4 of the books (which have different titles.) Awesome.

Good: Seat situation. Opening the third theatre helped out. Think we had a few seats open to our left to put jackets, etc.

And Terrible: Going to a movie filled with screaming tweens is annoying. The squeal when Edward Cullen appeared on screen was hilarious. There were also grls behind us doing a full on play by play of EVERYTHING going on.

Good: The casting. Bella, her dad and her friends were all cast pretty well. They gave scenes that could've been boring some life.

And Terrible: The casting, speficially for Rosalie and Carlisle. In the books, Rosalie is basically described as the hottest person of all time. Not going to lie, I was excited to see who was going to play her. Turns out we get this. C'mon, Michael! You know things are bad when your girlfriend brings up the fact that another girl should be hotter.

And oh, man. Carlisle Cullen as portrayed by.... Peter fuckin Facinelli!! Holy shit, Mike Dexter himself! When he walked on screen Katelyn and I started laughing out loud. Not good, especially when his scene involves tending to an injured person in a hospital. Only wish he referred to Bella as "Isabell-UH", Aman-duh, style.

Good: The movie. It was pretty solid. On the archaic ranking system, maybe a B- or something. The scenes with Bella's friends were well beyond expectations and the cinematography was pretty beautiful.

And Terrible: The movie, specifically the director Catherine Hardwicke, who should probably be banned from making movies. God, she was terrible. Random jump cuts, arbitrary use of (very, very poor) special effects (hey look, Edward's fast. we get it. zOMG vampires are strong, too,) and of course, the flashback:

For no reason, while Jacob was explaining Werewolf history to Bella, Hardwicke decided to show the most ridiculous sepia-colored flashback video in the history of flashbacks. It showed Native Americans in Wolf hats, descending upon the Cullens decked out in colonial era clothes. WTF? It was SO fucking bad, Katelyn and I again, started laughing out loud. During a serious scene.

Twilight was full of unintentional humor like that. Bottom line, it looked like it was made for very very little money. If it has any intentions of even being spoken in the same breath as Harry Potter, it's got another thing coming.

There it is. Twilight. At Midnight.

2008-11-21T20:07:00.005-05:00

Mac Spotted On 'Law And Order'

Was flipping through channels today and in the info for Law and Order I saw:

"blah blah blah blah blah blah blah (Rob McElhenney) and (blah blah) blah blah blah blah blah"

I had just watched "The Nightman Cometh" minutes before, so I had to hang around and wait for him to pop up on screen. Oh man, I was glad I did!

"Law & Order" .... Joey Timon (1 episode, 1997)
... aka Law & Order Prime (USA: informal title)
- Thrill (1997) TV episode .... Joey Timon

Hmm. Needs more cat eyes.

2008-11-18T12:18:00.000-05:00

Write In Tim Thomas

2008-11-13T12:58:00.003-05:00

The Annual French Canadian Invasion Begins

Just got this email from my friend Josh:

In faneuil hall again...just walked into 10 canadien fans one was also
wearing a yankees hat...fuckin' douches

Ah, it's that time of the year again! The Canadiens are playing in Boston for the first time this season, and man, do they swarm Boston. It's nearly impossible to get a ticket in Montreal, so they all come here, and invade our fair city.

The Garden is absolutely insane when they play here, though. It's a playoff game, every game. The Habs fans, for some reason, chant Ole Ole Ole (like the soccer chant) and the Bruins fans counter with the oh-so clever "You're gay, you're gay, you're gay" chant.

Anyway, I love classic outbursts like the email Josh just sent me, and he isn't even a hockey fan.

The best all time goes to Katelyn, though, on the eve of Game 3 of the playoffs vs. the Canadiens. She was driving along Memorial Drive in Cambridge and spotted a lone Carey Price jersey'd Canadien fan walking the streets. At a light, she rolled down her window, honked and yelled "Canadiens Suck!" then called me immediately after.

It was one of the more hilarious phone calls I've ever had. She is the best. Josh, you're like, #2.

2008-11-11T23:40:00.003-05:00

This Is Just A Test...

Want to test out the functionality of the Facebook Blog Network RSS Feed.

And stuff.

Instead of boring you with solely a test, here's a story untold from the Bruins game the other night. It wasn't withheld on purpose, blame my memory, conscience .... and Samuel Adams.

As we were leaving the Garden, I noticed someone behind me speaking with a British accent. Now, anyone who's ever traveled/got really drunk/traveled whilst drunk with me, knows that alcohol triggers my strong desire to seek out all accents.

I won't bore you with the details of my linguistic prowess, but I'm good with accents and do very well in foreign countries. Its only while drinking that I try to show off my skills in a local setting. Exhibit A: On the cab ride home from Tommy Doyle's one time, I began to speak Creole with our Haitian cabbie (thanks Randolph Public Schools!) Additionally, I spoke (broken) English with a French accent for the entire ride home. I have no idea why.

Anyway...

I hear this British accent behind me leaving the Garden, and, obviously I have to say something.

I say, "Did you have a good time?" (the well-being of visitors in my fair city is very important to me... unless they're Yankee fans.)

And he said he had an excellent time... then i embarrassed myself.

I asked him if he was from Australia.... then South Africa... then finally England. Katelyn got excited because she's a bigger Anglophile than Perez Hilton and kinda saved the conversation, but not to be outdone, I let out this gem,

"Ah, England. Also the origin of Lord Stanley's Cup!"

What the fuck is wrong with me? I mean, it did originate there, but who the hell refers to it as "Lord Stanley's Cup" and brings it up in casual conversation with Britons aside from asshole writers?

Oh, right.

2008-11-10T14:22:00.004-05:00

Bruins Blog Project Game 4: 11/8/08 vs. Buffalo Sabres

Final Score: Bruins 3 Buffalo 1
Attended With: Katelyn

Pregame: Part of the reason this blog is a bit late, is that I noticed a sizable crack in my windshield on my way home from work to pick Katelyn up and I've been kinda dealing with that. I did what any New Englander would do if they noticed their windshield busted and called 1-800-54-GIANT. It was done fast, and hopefully done right. I digress...

Windshields notwithstanding, we were off to a good start to gameday. We headed down to the T around 5:30, and as we were crossing Hancock Street, a guy in a white van rolled down his window to say something to us. Unfortunately, he did not offer us candy, but he did ask us if we were going to the Bruins game (I think my jersey and Katelyn's shirt gave it away), then he asked who they were playing and heard they were doing well. It was pretty neat albeit weird. Less than a month ago I was getting dirty stares for wearing a B's jersey, now creeps in vans were stopping me to talk B's. I don't know where this will lead...

My brother's favorite street performer was jamming at the Downtown Crossing Orange Line station, I actually left him a message of her playing, and saw that she's selling CD's. I memorized her name for about 5 minutes (Beth something? Maybe?) for the purposes of further mockery, but I ended up forgetting it. I like beer better than blogging.

Hurricane's for a beer prior to the B's, and to watch Penn State choke away their title hopes.

Inside the Garden was mobbed. For whatever reason, Buffalo fans always crowd the Garden whenever the Bruins play. They were all wearing their horrid Sabres jerseys and singing their stupid "Let's Go Buffalo" chants. I had a bad feeling about these asshole taunting us after a Sabres win. Honestly, looking at everyone and mentally thinking "Scott Norwood" really helped.
As the Sabres were announced and all of the upstaters began to cheer I yelled out, "Get a real city!" I have no fucking idea what it meant, but it made me feel better.

Also had a minor news scoop pre-game. Riding up the escalator, I saw a dude wearing the new Bruins third jersey. For most people, this means nothing, but I'm a huge uniform geek, and it was imperative that I talk to this man. You see, the B's have only "unofficially" unveiled the jersey at the State Of The Bruins event, and it won't be on sale until the end of the month. I snapped a quick pic of the dude, and ran into him a few minutes later. Apparently his brother works for Reebok and was somehow able to buy two jerseys early. Very nice guy, and very stoked about the new 3rd.

I was actually excited about the 3rd jersey, too, which is weird, because I don't like it. In my opinion, it's boring, uninspired and totally devoid of the classic nature that make their primary jerseys tops in the league. Here are some images of the jersey. I love the primary logo, but that's as far as it goes. All black uniforms look pretty stupid, not "badass", would've loved to see a yellow third, or at least some more color involved in this one.

/Rant.

The Game: Great game and a huge one. A Bruins win, coupled with a Habs loss would mean the Bruins would be in first place. The Sabres got on the board first, much to the delight of their strong fanbase in the house. Dennis Wideman answered back a few minutes later and the Bruins never looked back, scoring two more times to make win it 3-1.

The crowd was great, it was a playoff atmosphere for 3 periods again. This is very encouraging for a team that's pretty much ignored by the mainstream media. Much like the "Tuuuuuur-cooooooo" chants from last week, the "Millllllllerrrrrrrrrrrr" chants overtook the house (even when the B's were down 1-0, which was weird.)

Milan "Moses" Lucic was all over the place, hitting everyone (8 hits) and no one would go with him. Kinda weird, considering Buffalo has 3-4 heavyweights on their roster. Of all people, Maxim Afinogenov nearly got into a few scraps, which is ridiculous. He's a finesse forward and he's a Russian. Pretty sure the last Russian to get in a fight was Ivan Drago.

Oh, the inside joke has officially been completed and Katelyn is now the proud owner of a foam Bearclaw. It's parts ridiculous and awesome.

Another post-script to the game action... It was military night and there were many classy tributes to our Armed Services. Aaron Ward even spent $15,000 of his own money to buy 300 seats for servicemen and women. Great move by him. It got a little dusty in their at times.

Post Game: Looked to mix it up a bit, but Fanueil Hall was a clusterfuck. Ended up walking to South Station and headed home, not before drunk dialing and texting several people to let them know about the 1st place Boston Bruins!

(Sorry, for lack of pics and no video. Camera was running on battery fumes. Yea, I suck.)

Bruins Blog Project 1st Star: Chuck Kobasew. Poor bad luck, Chuck. Last year he broke his tibia thanks to a Zdeno Chara slapshot, this year, he breaks his foot in the 1st game of the year. In his first game back, he picked up a goal and an assist, and played gritty all night.

Bruins Blog Project Last Star: The city of Buffalo. Sabres and Bills all falling to local teams in big games this weekend. Ouch.

2008-11-08T11:24:00.002-05:00

Woah, When's This Book Coming Out?

I found this randomly today, and it's right by my old neighborhood. Esposito's Gym is the shitty little gym I had a membership to and DePasquale's is literally across the street from my old apartment on Clinton Street. Best subs ever, if you don't mind having your food prepared for you by a member of the Mafia. Does this guy need excerpts from the old House Blog to see what went down in that area? I'd like to consult.

Writer, setting book in Nonantum/Newton seeks your input
Submitted by TheLakeWriter on Wed, 2007-07-18 12:45. Newton Open Discussion | uncategorized
Hi - I'm revising a novel that takes place in Newton primarily. My Main character is going to live in Nonantum, where I lived for 4 years after attending BC. CAn you offer any recent happenings there? Do they still paint Adams Street red white and green? Is that for Columbus Day? Is DePasquales still there? What restaurants are on the corner of Watertown street now? Is Esposito's still there? This novel is currently with an agent in NY - its really happening. I just need to make some changes. So, any Nonantum thoughts you can offer? I'd love to hear them! Thanks.

TheLakeWriter

2008-11-06T16:05:00.001-05:00

Josh Has A Blog!

My bud Josh has set up his own blog, probably because he's finished The Shield.

Here it is

2008-11-03T15:02:00.001-05:00

Politics Aside, He Tasted Delicious

2008-11-02T17:21:00.005-05:00

Bruins Blog Project Game 3: 11/1/08 vs Dallas Stars

Final Score: Bruins 5 Dallas 1
Attended With: Dave (my brother Dave. For the record, I know about 15 Daves)

Pregame: I have a standard route to the Garden: Red Line->Orange Line->North Station. I avoid the Green because of 80% of the trains stop at Government Center and it's a bitch finding and crowding onto one of the few that heads to North Station. ANOTHER reason I enjoy taking the Orange Line is that you're bound to hear a ridiculously awful street performer at Downtown Crossing. Last week Katelyn and I were treated to this woefully awful woman singing and playing guitar and wouldn't ya know, she was there tonight as well.

The kicker, Dave, who hasn't seen this chick before is cracking up and says she reminds him of Jenny in Forrest Gump. 1 minute later she busts into Blowin' In The Wind, the same song Jenny sang in Gump! Crazy.

We got to the Garden at about 6:15, I had to exchange my my Season Ticket Holder Freebie ticket for another game. 12/8 vs the Lightning Sec. 8 Row 13, baby. We also got those ridiculous fake cardboard goalie masks.

Dave and I meandered around, he's a Celtics STH and this is only his 3rd Bruins game ever. The first one being in 1996 when he was 11, the 2nd being a 1-0 OT loss last year. So, yea, he hasn't seen a Bruins goal in 12 years.

We entered some charity raffle for gift baskets including autographed faux movie posters (Kessel "Catch Me If You Can" and Thomas "300") Who knows if we won.

We took our seats about 10 minutes to 7, waiting for the epic montage and such.

The Game: So far I've been to Opening Night, a game in which my favorite player scored a hat trick and this game. This was by far the best.

Remember how Dave hadn't seen a Bruins goal in 12 years? That changed in minutes. Marco Sturm potted a goal about 2.5 minutes in, it was great to see because he had just been demoted to the third line that night. BTW, our third line is disgusting.

The game was flowing, not as packed as last week, I'd say 14k or so. Bergeron made it 2-1 early in the 2nd, when all hell started to break loose.

Let's just say with about 18 minutes left to go in the 2nd period I received text messages from Steve and Dave B, both along the lines of, "There's going to be a brawl tonight." Ah, they were so right.

For those who don't know much about hockey, Dallas employs two of the biggest douchebags in all of sports, Steve Ott and Sean Avery. I can't really get into the specifics of their douchey tendencies, but let's just say, that they cause a lot of problems, and won't stand up for their actions.

Before the midpoint of the 2nd, Ott had already declined two fights (one involved Sean Thornton punching him in the face while he was holding onto the linesman, the other involved Shane Hnidy dropping his gloves while Ott skated away.)

The crowd was BUZZING by the time the 3rd period rolled around. Everyone knew what was about to go down. It started with Andrew Ference DRILLING Steve Ott at center ice. Just a vicious legal hit by Ference. As the play continued, Ott got up, took a shot on Nokelainen, then Avery skated over to Ference, dropped his gloves, and proceeded to get the snot kicked out of him by Ference (note the 3 rabbit lefts before they fell.) Ference then waved to the crowd after the fight. Just the beginning.

Next up Thornton and Krys Barch. Great fight, Thornton destroyed him with a few shots, but Barch held his own. The crowd was going insane at this point, not only were the fights going down, but the Bruins had potted two more goals. We were kicking their ass physically and on the scoreboard . The Kessel goal was unbelievable, as were the "TUUUUUUURRRRRCCCCOOOOO" chants generated in our section and carrying through the entire stadium.

Finally, the coup de grace; the 5 on 5 line brawl. It started when Lucic was caved in by Avery along the boards, then Marc Savard of all people jumped on Avery and started wailing on him. The best, however, was Shane Hnidy DESTROYING Matt Niskanen. What follows is the full NESN video then my video, you can tell I lost my voice at some point and that I'm very intrigued at what Shane Hnidy is doing to Matt Niskanen's face. I believe 8 people in total were ejected with 10 minute misconducts.

WOW. After the madness, Sturm potted his 2nd of the night and the B's won 5-1. Probably the best game I've ever seen live.

Postgame: The crowd was just so happy following the game. This was old time hockey, old school Big Bad Bruins type shit, and everyone was amped. My brother, who like I said, is not the biggest hockey guy, bought a Bruins hat in between periods and pledged to watch every Bruins game now, and hopefully attend some more. That's how great this game was.

We headed to Sully's Tap after the game because now Hurricane's was rocking a $10 cover. Sully's Tap is probably the most old school bar near the Garden. Walking in is like heading back in a time warp to 1986. I don't really like it for a few reasons, 1) It's narrower than a train, 2) It always smells like hotdogs and shit, but hey, the drinks are cheap.

After a few, we were walking to the T and saw a crowd of autograph seekers waiting for the Bruins to leave the player's parking lot. We saw a car jet out of there (no player in it), and decided to wait around to see at least one car, maybe we'd see someone. All of a sudden a Lexus pulls up and inside of it, Zdeno Chara! Pretty sweet

Following that, we hit the T, helped some Clemson fans in town for the game to get back to Andrew, shot the shit about sports and the following conversation ensued:

Me: We just came back from the hockey game
Older Woman: We don't know much about hockey
Older Man: It's like 2 chicken coops separated, and you gotta keep them outta your chicken coop
Older Woman: Y'al probably don't know what chicken coops are.

Nice. After we got back, myself, Dave, Katelyn, and Scott watched a reshowing of the game. And that's all.

Bruins Blog Project First Star: The crowd. Not huge, but rowdy, supportive and knowledgeable. Bonus to the dudes a few sections down dressed up in Halloween costumes (Dumb & Dumber guys, Ron Burgundy, Champ Kind, etc)

Bruins Blog Project Last Star: Steve Ott. Turtle. Douche. Cheapshot Artist

2008-10-27T11:26:00.001-04:00

Bruins Blog Project: Game 2 10/24/08 v.Atlanta

Final Score: Bruins 5 Atlanta 4
Attended With: Katelyn

Pregame: Polar opposite of last game, really. Not much emphasis on pregame and much more on post. We cruised from Wollaston in good time and got to the Garden at about 6:45. They tweaked the intro montage to include the two big hits from Thursday's Leafs game (Wideman's hit on Stajan was in the middle and Lucic's glass shatterer on Van Ryn ended the entire montage. The place went nuts.) Like good Americans, we got beer during the Anthem. Whoops.

The Game: Like I said, polar opposite of Monday's game. The Bruins played like garbage in the first period and the goals were fast and furious. Down 2-0 after 1, most of the building was grumbling. I went on a search for one of those foam bear claw things for Katelyn. It's kind of an inside joke that dates back to Opening Night 2007 and involves frightening a child. I won't go into it. Anyway, they were no where to be found. I walked around the entire Balcony level like an idiot. It was tough maneuvering, especially around the Hungry For Hockey section. That's the all you can eat section of the Garden. It looks like the cleared out a Fan Zone and made a food stand/cafeteria type deal out of it.

Back to the action, the second was a totally different story. Stephane "Old" Yelle(r) actually scored the first Bruins goal on a great tip in. Next up was the man, myth and legend Milan Lucic. Was wide open in the slot and Ryder found him to tie it up. All 3's after 2.

Katelyn will tell you, that after Lucic's second goal, I said, "How about a Milan hat trick?" and sure enough it happened! The place went bonkers. A hat trick, coupled with a game winning goal with under 2 minutes left in the period combined to drive fans into a euphoria.

Once again, here's another video I took:

The Looooooooch chant is really taking off, too. It's the next Youuuuuuuuuk (which was the next Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu [which was the next Drewwwwwwwwwwwww.])

Post-Game: There's nothing like a hapy exiting crowd, things just seem better. A couple of nice guys complimented me on my great game today (I was wearing my Lucic jersey) and we had a laugh.

Then it was off to Hurricane O'Reilly's for post-game drinks, of which I was happy to take part in. We had a good spot watching the Penn St/OSU game until some nerd wearing a full Philadelphia Phillies uniform had the bartender change the channel to the World Series. I checked my watch and noticed that the game didn't start until after 10:00 p.m. and I felt a twinge of horror for all of my FOX co-workers stuck at work until the game ended. We eventually moved to a better area to watch football (not before talking to a real live French Canadian in a Quebec Nordiques shirt!) and left shortly thereafter.

While waiting for the train, there were these 4 dudes playing kick hockey with an empty Mountain Dew bottle. They were all wearing Bruins jerseys (including a Manny Fernandez jersey, wtf?) and, seeing how I was a bit buzzed and had the need to take part in some sort of game, I stood a few feet away and, would you know it, the bottle came to me and I kicked it over to them. I felt like the last kid picked in gym class.

T ride home was uneventful. I may have booed the Ashmont train, but I may just be making that up. I'll have to ask for confirmation. Talked to my brother on the phone who was at USC/Arizona, and hoped for the upset for him then passed out.

Bruins Blog Project First Star: Those of you who frequent Celtics games may know who Soulja Boy, Jr is (LINK) and the Bruins may have found their match. They showed this little kid on the Jumbotron who was probably around 6 years old. The kid popped his shirt off and had a full Bruins logo painted on his chest. It was pretty impressive. He danced and flexed and served as the Bruins Jumbotron mascot all night. I hope he's a fixture.

Bruins Blog Project Last Star: The Harp. I like to go to The Harp after most every Bruins or Celtics game I go to. No, it's not because I'm an alcoholic, it's because I don't like insane crowds. Going to the T after immediately after a game is like taking part in a human cattle call. Going after 1 drink is like being an extra in 28 Days Later. It's a ghost town, and a no-brainer if you hate crowded trains. Anyway, we got in line and found out it's a $10 cover AND you can't wear hats. Most everyone was OK with the cover, but the hat thing was a deal breaker for half the line and a lot of people left. Didn't The Harp realize that 67% of their crowd was heading there directly from a hockey game? What's up with that?

So, it was off to Hurricane's. $5 cover and fucking hats EVERYWHERE.

2008-10-25T11:32:00.003-04:00

In Which I Meet A Blog Fan Who Did Not Give Birth To Me

With apologies to Lita Ford, I went to a party last Saturday night (~~I didn't get laid, I got in a fight.~~) and I happened to run into a fan of this very blog. This does not happen very often, unless I'm looking into a mirror, or I've been invited to my parent's house for dinner.

Naturally, I was pleased.

So, a shoutout to Nagle, who was kind enough to tell me good things about myself and who I may or may not travel with as my inspirational spirit motivational guide.

Then, we got shitfaced and he gave me 401k advice (which is how all 401k advice should be given these days.)

So Nagle, I promise to post more, and I promise you are way better than this Nagle:

2008-10-24T13:25:00.001-04:00

For Those Who Question My Milan Lucic Man-Crush

Here is an actual man crush

2008-10-21T23:02:00.005-04:00

Bruins Blog Project: Game 1 10/20/08 v. Pittsburgh

Final Score: Penguins 2, Bruins 1 (SO)
Attended With: Co-Season Ticket Holders Jon, Steve & Chris; Dave B.

Pregame: Pregame took on a whole new meaning as this was the home opener for the Bruins. We had found out more than 5 months ago that we had become season ticket holders, so this was a long time coming. The plan was to hit Fan Fest, which began at 4:30, mostly to pick up the t-shirt, then fuel up on beer and food at a Canal Street locale of our choosing (Hurricane O'Reilly's) before making it in.

I don't think I've ever headed down to a game this early, as I donned my Lucic jersey and left my apartment at 3:40. I got some weird looks as I walked down to the Wollaston T, especially outside of the Hancock Tavern and Alumni Cafe. I don't think people are ready for hockey season one day after ALCS Game 7. Whatever, it's helping me get over that loss.

Met up with Dave and Steve on the line for Fan Fest. Very impressive line formed, a few hundred deep before 4:30. We got in and got a pretty sick free t-shirt. Bruins' theme this year is "We Want It Just As Bad As You," and the shirt plays off that theme. Whatever, it beats, "It's Called Bruins." I still don't even know what that means.

The rest of Fan Fest was pretty par for the course (aside from the giant Patrice Bergeron ice sculpture. Sweet!) They had some booths were you could shoot some street hockey balls (at pedestrians, it seemed) and sign up for free shit. We were also graced with a performance by one of the worst cover bands I'd ever heard, One Night Stand. Good god... Actually Bad god. They were terrible.

Once Jon hooked up with us we headed to Hurricane's by about 5:15. We beat the crowd which never happens and had beers (no pitchers?!), burgers and our bill paid by 6:15. Very clutch on our part. Then it was off to our seats! (But not before picking up our second freebie, thundersticks with lights inside of them [weak sauce])

Love section 308. We are in the end zone, so you can see a lot of particulars of the game that someone like me, who never played, likes to pick up. The breakout, the changes, the outlets, etc. Section was pretty packed and spirited, we have some rowdy sections along with us.

Pre-game intros were great. Patrice Bergeron's ovation was nearly the loudest I'd ever heard the Garden. Additionally, they forgot to announce Mark Stuart which was pretty hilarious. He took it well and got a great ovation.

The Game: This post is pretty pre-game centric, because of the nature of things, but the game was fairly uneventful. We were switching seats a bunch, too. We had a few extras near us and since we only own 2 seats and came with 5 guys, we did some mixing and matching.

The "Hall Gill sucks" chants were unbelievable. Because he does. Two guys behind us were getting pissy at us when we stood during breakaways and close plays in front of our own net. I'm sorry, but I imagine they'll get a better view in their living room. Additionally, they smelled really bad.

Dave and Steve got caught on the Jumbotron. Actually, Jon did, too. Nice to know we'll have a cameraguy handy.

Speaking of the Jumbotron, captured this video, which I thought was utterly mindblowing. Arcade Fire and Boston Bruins. Two of my greatest loves, together at last??

Strangely, first shootout I'd ever witnessed. B's were a few inches from finishing and winning their home opener, especially after soundly outplaying the Pens. I really look forward to watching this team through the year. They're going to seriously make some noise.

2008-10-15T17:44:00.001-04:00

In Honor Of Bruins-Habs Tonight...

2008-10-13T14:50:00.003-04:00

Bruins Blog Project

Most of you know, that I became a Bruins Season Ticket Holder this year. I split 2 seats 4 ways with 3 other friends. That's a lot of numbers. Basically, I own 2 seats to 10 games this year, and as you may have seen from my ticket draft post, I got awesome games. I'm also going to opening night and another game via the ST's, not to mention any other game Jon, Chris or Steve decide to bring me to.

So, I'm going to recap everyone of these games right here the next day (so, very likely.) Who I went with, where we imbibed before hand, and all the other pertinent minutiae of attending a game (because I never have anyone to tell when I see random stuff, like people wearing misspelled P.J. Axelsson jerseys.)

Opening Night is 10/20. Stay tuned.

2008-10-10T18:31:00.006-04:00

Halloween Costume Ideas: 2008 Edition

It's time for my bi-annual Halloween costume ideas post! Why bi-annual? Because I got entirely lazy last year and didn't post anything. But here's 2006 for a refresher, all costumes aside from John Mark Karr may still be applicable.

My theory is that a good costume should be in one of the following categories: newsworthy, nostalgic or pop culture. This flies against the 'sexy anything' rule that some girls follow i.e. "sexy cat", "sexy ladybug", "sexy person without creativity." It also limits those pre-packaged Halloween costumes that people are so wont to spend way too much money on (full disclosure: I once bought a pre-packaged "Hugh Hefner" smoking jacket and pipe to become "Hef Israel", I was rewarded with the infamous Halloween blackout of 2002 and vowed to never do it again.)

This is just my opinion, but you should have as much fun making your Halloween costume as you do getting blackout drunk in your Halloween costume.

1) Sarah Palin-osauraus

Why: Face it, EVERYONE is going to be Sarah Palin, so you might as well put your own spin on it. Being a brunette of questionable eyesight does not a costume make. Short of up-doin'g a pig mask with some lipstick, this is your best bet.

What You Need: Aside from the obvious Palin accoutrement (liptick, glasses, up-do, business suit), you'll need some styrofoam or cardboard scales running down your spine. A tail is optional, but vicious fangs are a must.

Additional Accessories: Baby dinosaur; mutilated corpse of Putin-osauraus

2) Werewolf Bar-Mitzvah

Why: Perhaps the funniest 6.5 seconds in recent television history that did not involve a Bluth.

What You Need: Werewolf make-up, yarmulke, recreation of Tallit (note: You can go with a real one, if you're down with sacrilege and all of that.)

Additional Accessories: "I Danced My Pants Off At Remus Lupin's Bar Mitzvah" commemorative boxer shorts

3) Frank Caliendo

Why: Because who can't get enough of Frank Caliendo? If pulling off this costume, it'd be best to hype some sort of event to partygoers for the duration of the party and not perform said event until everyone has left.

What You Need: 1 good impression, 7 bad impressions, sports coat + striped shirt.

Additional Accessories: Terry Bradshaw

4) Pete Doherty

Why: Much like Palin, Amy Winehouse will be a hot costume this year. Why not go as her taller counterpart in drug indulgence, Pete Doherty?

What You Need: Pork Pie hat, disheveled suit, fucked up teeth, bags of questionable powdery substance, blood-filled syringe.

Additional Accesories: Unfinished love letter to Carl Barat; Kate Moss; more bags of questionable powdery substance.

Bonus!: Some costumes allow you to act the part. For example, if you were dressed up as either Cookie Monster or Delta Burke, you have free range to gorge on cookies at an unmatched pace all night, whether they are yours or the party host's. All is fair game. Dressing up like Petey allows you to stumble over everything and everyone all night to no consequence, bag models and steal the host's belongings to pawn for heroin.

5) The McPoyle's

Why: It's hard to find a good couples costume and here's one that works for almost any pairing. A boyfriend and girlfriend could go as Ryan and Margaret McPoyle, two friends or a gay couple could go as Ryan and Liam McPoyle. It's multi-faceted. Plus, robes are comfy.

What You Need: Robes, uni-brows, shared towel, long nightshirt (for Margaret), milk.

Additional Accessories: Fork for stabbing, friend dressed as Greenman.

So that's that, feel free to leave additional costume ideas in the comments and I shall too, if I think of any (which I won't.)

2008-10-08T10:59:00.002-04:00

Behold Fake Youkilis.

Sure he's just a bald guy with a brush-like reddish goatee, but something about him just says "Youkilis". In retrosepect, I think it was all of the swearing.

(This vid was post-Lowrie hit, right before we hightailed it home)

2008-10-06T15:37:00.002-04:00

Psyched!

Strangely, this'll be my first time at a baseball playoff game. Been to B's, C's and Pats playoff tilts, but never the Sox. Very excited despite the shitty SRO's scored.

Will be quite the late night, especially based on the previous games. Only one ended before 1 a.m. (just barely) and that game started at 7:27. Random 8:37 start tonight, and hopefully Lester and Lackey both pitch as brilliantly as Game 1.

Go Sox!

2008-10-06T14:00:00.002-04:00

Jeff Goes To Astoria, Ragtag Goes To Blogspot, Los Angeles

It's no secret that I'm on 'Team Ragtag'. Ragtag is comprised of some of my best college chums and I've enjoyed watching them succeed. That said, I hadn't seen these guys in years, sure we all talk lots via the intrawebs, morse code and such, but I hadn't seen Brian or Steve since graduation, and Angel one year later. So, I did what any absentee friend SHOULD have done years prior, go visit and get blindingly drunk.

Headed up to good old Astoria, Queens, New York, America, The World a few weeks ago to stay at casa Amyot/Acevedo where we went out to the infamous Bohemian Beer Garden. It was quite the shit show, full of beer, brats, old friends, new friends, Tibetan Monks, and debates about Street Figher II (Guile>everyone).

As you can see from the photos below, it was quite the night. Angel has this mythical ability to accurately depict how drunk everyone is by making the shots blurrier and blurrier. This may actually be because he cannot stand straight at the time, but the jury is still out.

Additionally, I got to meet Patrick "Tom" Cohen and Evan "Rod" Bass, two amazingly fun, nice, hilarious dudes.

So why this long blog entry? Well, to showcase another Ragtag endeavor; their move to Los Angeles! The Angel, Brian, Steve and Tom are moving to LA very shortly and will be docublogging the whole thing on their brand spankin new Blogger blog.

So follow their journeys cross country and keep on supporting them, good things are afoot: http://ragtagproductions.blogspot.com/

2008-10-01T13:23:00.003-04:00

Examining The AL Playoffs Using The Always Sunny In Philadelphia ~~Paragon~~ Paradigm

It's not always wise to examines aspects of your life based on lessons levied in Always Sunny In Philadelphia. It could lead you drop acid whilst tailgating, date local rappers of questionable scholastic aptitude, or lie to your friends about having cancer.

However, there is one lesson that can be applied to a real life scenario; The Always Sunny/Ghostbusters Paradigm. Take a look at how it plays into the American League Playoff Scenario:

The Brains/The Muscle: The Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim:

Their lineup is a combination of brute force and savvy situational hitting. Scioscia and Artie Moreno constructed a great team and added even more power by trading for Teixeira even while up 13 games on the competition. Not sure how they'd do with a samurai sword.

The Looks: Tampa Bay Rays:

Young, fast and a sexy pick. Not quite as prone to pop their shirt off as, say, the Brewers (or Rex), but they have a bird that won't quit. Additionally, their stadium looks like a nipple.

The Girl Who Does Nothing: The Chicago White Sox

Substitute "Chicago White Sox" for "Sweet Dee" in all of the episode titles. Nothing really changes. The Chicago White Sox Date A Retarded Guy? I'd buy it. Frank Sets The Chicago White Sox On Fire? Seems reasonable. Enjoy Tampa.

Wild Card: The Boston Red Sox

For literal and figurative reasons, the Boston Red Sox are absolutely capable of anything. They could rattle off 11 straight wins or get swept. I would not be surprised by either. As long as they don't cut the brakes of the bandwagon while trying to Feeeeeeeeeeeeel You Up. Wild Card Bitches

2008-09-30T12:47:00.003-04:00

Brings Whole New Meaning To The Pine Tar Incident.

With thanks (or blame) to Dave Willer

2008-09-17T20:26:00.004-04:00

Season Ticket Holder Draft

Went in on 2 season tickets for the Bruins this year with 3 friends. If you're doing the math at home we each get 2 seats to 10 games each, plus we're all going to the Home Opener.

How do we choose the games we're going to? Well a nerdy season ticket holders draft of course. We held it at my buddy Singer's house before the Pats-Jets and made a whole BeerBQ out of it.

Like I said, it was nerdy, and we planned accordingly with a banner:

And a homemade game schedule

I had first pick via the lottery and my first pick was:

It was all pretty ridiculously hardcore. I had a full on draft ranking system and there were lots of lulls. None worthy of any Minnesota Viking-esque pick hopping. But there was a lot of debate. Even a Passover induced Canadiens game swappage. (Singer was clearly the least prepared. The Matt Millen of the draft, as it were)

And that's that. Here's the list of games I got. I did damn well:

10/20 v Pittsburgh
11/29 v Detroit
11/1 v Dallas
1/13 v Montreal
11/8 v Buffalo
3/3 v Philadelphia
1/19 v St. Louis
10/25 v Atlanta
1/27 v Washington
3/31 v Tampa Bay
3/12 v Ottawa

2008-09-16T18:35:00.002-04:00

DeSean Jackson: Please Fuck Yourself (At Least Until This Sunday)

My quest for the worst possible opening to a Fantasy Football season continues. First, my starting QB and #1 draft pick (5th overall) goes down with a season ending injury 8 minutes into Game 1. Next, my suicide pool pick Jacksonville can't beat a Tennessee team whose QB tandem has been described in the past with the following terms: suicidal, racist, quixotic, alcoholic.

Then, well, this happened:

Fortunately, things most assuredly can't get worse. I think.

2008-09-11T21:20:00.000-04:00

He's Baaaaack

Ah, playoff season!

2008-09-09T15:32:00.001-04:00

New Mitch Hedberg!

Excited to DL this when I get home and stop sobbing about Tom Brady for about 40 minutes.

2008-09-09T10:42:00.002-04:00

We Need Girlfriends Update

I was pleasantly surprised to see a new bit of WNG news as I picked up my Variety at the doorstep today. It was almost enough to get me to stop crying about Tom Brady's knee. Almost.

Martin, Schiff join CBS' 'Girlfriends'

'Cavemen' vets named series' showrunners

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

Bill Martin and Mike Schiff ("Grounded for Life") have been named exec producer-showrunners of CBS comedy project "We Need Girlfriends."
Also Monday, Fox gave a pilot order to the tentatively titled "Eva Adams," Kevin Falls' take on the Argentine telenovela "Lalola."
Martin and Schiff join "We Need Girlfriends" under their recently signed overall deal with Sony Pictures TV, which is behind the laffer.
Based on a series of YouTube videos, "We Need Girlfriends" centers on three recent college grads who enter the Gotham dating scene after all of their girlfriends dump them at once.
Sony-based Darren Star is also exec producing. Steven Tsapelas, Angel Acevedo and Brian Amyot created the original Web series. Dennis Erdman and Clark Petersen are also attached.
Besides "Grounded for Life," Martin and Schiff's credits include "Cavemen" and "3rd Rock From the Sun."
As for "Eva Adams," the hourlong project revolves around a womanizing lothario who somehow turns into a woman -- and learns what it's like to experience the kind of abuse he used to dole out. Project is set in the world of sports management in addition to fashion.
Falls wrote the adaptation and will exec produce; Jamie Tarses is also exec producer. Sony Pictures TV is behind the project, which is based on the Dori Media Intl. format. Fox had previously picked up the project as a put pilot; new move bumps it up to full-fledged pilot status.
Dori Media Group began pitching the format in the fall as a "new type of telenovela," eschewing the genre's usual rich-poor love story in favor of something more contemporary and faster-paced (Daily Variety, Sept. 1).
More than one option
(Co) Daily Variety
Filmography, Year, Role
(Co) Daily Variety
"Lalola," which originally aired on Argentina's America TV, is also being adapted locally for TV in the Philippines.
Other projects in the works at Fox include the musically driven entry "Glee"; Sam Baum entry "Lie to Me," starring Tim Roth; the Paul Attanasio drama "Courtroom K"; the space thriller "Virtuality"; the comedy "Boldly Going Nowhere"; the Wilmer Valderrama vehicle "The Emancipation of Ernesto"; and the Shaun Cassidy entry "Inseparable."

Pretty sick news. Brian totally got the shaft on the hyperink, though.

2008-09-06T12:04:00.002-04:00

Sometimes An Old Thing Can Make You Feel Young

Remember this? Probably a familiar sight to everyone in college between '04 and '06. Probably a strange sight to all of those people's co-workers.

2008-08-30T14:55:00.003-04:00

In Retrospect, This Makes Total Sense

Came across this on CollegeHumor while trying to forget how old I am.

My roommate in Orientation was a pretty creepy dude. Nice enough in Orientation-terms but once the world was opened up to people beyond one-eighth of the freshman class, his weirdness shone. If my memory serves he was kind of like Dwight Schrute with a black belt.

Oh, and just to show how old I am... I was on CollegeHumor.com's list of first ever Campus Reps. Then they never sent me anything. Could you imagine if my talents ended up over there? They missed out on one good column every 7 months.

Dicks.

2008-08-29T18:32:00.002-04:00

Who Wore the Tie Better: Me or Obama?

2008-08-28T12:27:00.001-04:00

Good News For People Who Like Bad News

I'll be blogging more once I move next week.

2008-08-09T11:17:00.004-04:00

My Favorite Canadians List - Post Krug/Bay Weekend

After the events of last weekend I've finally been able to rework my list of Favorite Canadians. Jason Bay's scorching Red Sox debut helped his cause but not as much as Wolf Parade's killer set helped Spencer Krug. Also factoring, my first viewing of the trailer for "Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist" and falling asleep to Arrested Development DVD's every night for the past 2 years.

1. Milan Lucic - I wouldn't be a true fan of Boston hockey if I didn't love the play of Milan Lucic. He plays hard, kicks peoples' asses, and seems like a pretty funny dude. It also helps to picture Ike Brovlovski saying, "Yay, Milan!" after he scores goals.

2. The Collective Consciousness Of the Arcade Fire - Sure they're from all over, but collectively they are an entirely Canadian band. Like indie-rock Voltron. Or not. I love them.

3. Michael Cera - Not really sure where to begin, or if I even have to explain myself. Arrested Development. Clark and Michael. Superbad. Juno. Whatever he's in, it rules.

4. Spencer Krug - The Wolf Parade show on Saturday was fucking awesome in part due to the awesome vocal stylings of Krug. The guy's a force and I immediately bought Sunset Rubdown tickets for September after the show (that's Krug's other band.) I also had a fanboy run-in moment with Krug at the Paradise Rock Club before the show. I was alone near the merch tent in the front hallway and Krug came walking out to look outside, he then turned out and walked back down the long hallway towards me. The entire time I was thinking of what I would say to him (Went from, "Hey Spencer"->"Have a good show"->"Hey"->:knowing head nod pending eye contact:) Naturally, no eye contact was made, and I just stood against the wall, flustered. I'll rectify this at the Middle East next month, where acts just walk around all the time. Plus, I'm pretty sure my girlfriend wants to hug him.

5. Will Arnett - Come on!

Honorable Mention: Jason Bay, Marc Savard, Tim Riggins

Civilian Canucks were not included in this poll.

2008-08-08T20:06:00.000-04:00

ATTN HIPSTERS: Room Available For Sublet:

2008-08-05T14:41:00.001-04:00

Essentially The Same Picture

2008-08-01T19:28:00.002-04:00

A Big Weekend For Canadian-American Relations

As ~~most~~ ~~some~~ ~~none~~ one of you know, I keep a running list of 'Favorite Canadians'. I don't know why I have to keep a running tab on our neighbors to the North, but I do.

Right now Milan Lucic is in the top spot, and only a brutal sophomore slump could knock him out.

Behind him, the collective consciousness of Arcade Fire. Spencer Krug of Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown is in the top 3, but here's where it gets dicey.

Friday Jason Bay is making his debut of the member of the Red Sox. Bay, of course, is from British Columbia.

Saturday, I go to see Wolf Parade.

The list is currently in flux, and usually not as populated until fall and winter (for obvious reasons). Could it change based on impending events? This is an important weekend.

I'm sure Zach Schiff will be playing close attention.

2008-07-04T15:57:00.002-04:00

Boston = Hell On Earth?

So Boston's world famous 4th Of July ceremony is being ~~graced~~ tainted by none other than Rascal Flatts. Reminds me of this sign I saw at the Austin City Limits Music Festival last year.

2008-06-27T21:35:00.000-04:00

Am I A Baseball Fan?

I've been watching baseball my whole life. Playing baseball, playing fantasy baseball, collecting baseball cards. I have an old beat up Red Sox hat that looks worse than Nick Nolte. I consider October 2004 the best month of my life.

But, right now, I can't watch a baseball game.

I don't know what it is, but every time I flip on the Sox I change the channel within 3 minutes. Forget lasting through a pitching change, I can barely wait for the score to pop up before I'm flipping the channel to watch the 37th re-run of America's Best Dance Crew 2.

I'm not really sure what's wrong with me, but I've narrowed it down to 2 things:

Complacency - Maybe I'm feeling OK with things after two championships in the past 3 seasons. Um, probably not, I'll gladly take many more.

Urgency - With the Bruins and Celtics playing playoff games as the Sox started their marathon season, I found it hard and unimportant to watch. Yea, that's gotta be it.

The Sox started their season on March 25. The Bruins ended theirs on April 22 and the Celtics, as we all know, ended theirs on June 17.

Now, I'm used to the overlap in seasons, but normally I'm praying for the baseball season because the C's and B's have been so pathetic.

I'm sure I'll get back into the baseball groove, and right now, it's a pretty good problem to have.

Anyone else experiencing the same thing?

2008-06-21T13:10:00.002-04:00

Blame It On The Marketing Department

In my mind I'd like to think that this was included somewhere in Papelbon's random contract extension. OK, we'll up your pay, but you have to do this one thing...

beatlajv9.gif hosted at ImageShack.us

2008-06-18T12:33:00.001-04:00

Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!

2008-06-16T12:28:00.002-04:00

Essentially How I Felt Last Night

This image of Sasha Vujacic (that Blogger won't let me host, so you'll have to click on it. Lame) is essentially how I felt last night after the Celtics' loss (only with less hair and less douchiness).

Selfishly, I wanted them to lose, because I won't be at work for the next two potential games, but realistically I wanted the series OVER.

My brother and 'Zo told me to stop posting about "weird bands". So I promise I will not blog about this Kooks review that I wrote. At all.

2008-06-13T18:37:00.001-04:00

Hilarious Facebook Update From The Band Foals After Their World Tour

summer seasons greetings

hope everyone's well.

I thought this would be a good time to write to everyone. Now, today as the lustre of our ill acquired fame fades to a colonic grey and the busty, botoxed fairweather friends we made find the next hipper-than-hip band to hang and bang with i thought:..... yesss why not connect? why not indeed spread spores of love and misinformation to the world? the lattice, the earth, the people in it..Here Ya Go! Can You Hear Me?? it's getting quiet.....sssshhhhhhh....

in our time of R+R ( read roofies + rum):

Walter has been watching stuff on youtube, getting a "to the bone haircut" which makes him look like a charming pimple and putting in the hours in his nest.

Jimmy after a brief time stoking the fire of the rising gangland troubles in Wooton, returned to his watering hole of Oxford and got promptly trashed after making himself a pseudo medicine shoe from a flipflop and some ageing bottom-of-the-bag type masking tape. He's now in Cologne.

Edwin, who's basically not stopped touring due to his fast rising star as the band's only willing DJ, is probably exhausted. It was his birthday too; so wish him well. He also had to endure the hell that is Ibiza..again we applaud yr courage Colonel Congreave.

Jack, who i saw the day we got back home, has been buying DVD's he doesn't really want, soireeing at anniversaries and weddings like a lovely redhaired rooster and is probably RIGHT NOW destroying cambridge while worrying about his callouses. word.

Me...i'm in Greece. i flew here on Olympic Airways (tsh!) where the service still sucked and listened to my Grandma tell the same stories she has told for the past aeon while her peacocks ran around fucking each other. no joke. she has peacocks. and its mating season. i wish you could all, every single one of you, be here. with. me.

Anyway enough self-worship, here's some more, in the form of WORLD TOUR PRO'S + CONS ( brought to you by NTV + Tepsi Cola.....a better, greener way to subvert yoof kulchur..with added neon for the modern era.)

+ simple. The fact we got to play our songs all over the world ( with some exceptions which will be rectified on upcoming world tours)

- the jaded, soul crushing effect this can and does have to everyone who experiences the aforesaid euphoria. boo hoo.

+ deal with it.

- no need to mention bad cuisine.

+ Japan. our first time. the shows, the people, the vintage keyboards. each and every one amazing!!! thankYOU.

- watching Edwin get lured by Middnight Juggernaut's tour manager into some pleasurably macho mano a mano eating games involving ( Scroll Down Now Vegeterians): raw horse. squid intestine. & eel intestines.

+ Edwin's totally unfazed facial expression whilst doing so.

- shame the same can't be said for the following facial expressions:

: Jimmy, when he fractured his foot and woke in the shower getting scalded by burning water.

: Walter when we buzzcutted his hair.

: Jack, anytime anyone mentioned his death and/or food poisoning.

: My face probably around the 18th time one of our things broke on tour.

+ Anyway...the West Coast USA bit of the tour was great. we got to drive around in a porsche, breathe in the forests of Oregon, destroy $1000 worth of stuff at Neumo's in seattle and go to the beach!!! what do they say again.."Off the Richter??" yeah that's it.

- the amount of different types of change which we were carrying around by the end.

+ the completion of the Red Socks Pugie video by David Charles Wai Koi Ma viewable here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaU6MFRrXGw

- when all the David Cross satnd-up had run out....BOO.

+ leading us to listen to these great records :

Third - Portishead

Person Pitch - Panda Bear

Best Of...- The Ventures

21 - Mystery Jets

Sensuous - Cornelius

Harlem's Finest - Big L (archives)

anything by Holy Fuck, Wild Beasts and No Age.

- not having time to learn or write anything new really. come on Men In Suits! let us let us let us pretty pleeeease. it is " WHAT WE SIGNED UP FOR" after all

+ the fact we will be writing a new glossier more hook laden record some time soon.

So anyway i feel harrowed by this whole writing experience and am going to go eat some souvlaki. Keep an eye out for the following sideprojects:

Jimmy + Walty = Infinity Penis

Me + Andrew Mears = Bins Are For Bombs

Edwin + Jack = Boring Room. heh heh. heh

We hope yr all well and rested and hopefully see you at the summer. Red Socks Pugie is out. whatever you've already heard it. though the b sides are good and new.

BIG LOVE from the island with guns and goats

Yannis b. e. Philippakis

xxx

2008-06-08T20:33:00.002-04:00

If You Noticed Something Different About This Blog...

... Go outside, nerd.

But yea, you may notice that there is now a silver/gray/whatever box on the righthand column that has a bunch of links. Basically, I hooked up my Google Reader account to this here blog and when I "share" anything I deem interesting it pops up right there.

Essentially, this serves two purposes.

1)It'll allow me to "post" new, cool things on my blog without having to actually create a post (I'm lazy).
2)It (might) stop me from incessantly sending my girlfriend links via AIM.

So, there's that. You'll notice a link from Deadspin on there (RIP GINO!), some good news about the new Girl Talk album (I'm as cheap as I am lazy) amongst other stuff.

I'm tempted to add my blog to my Google Reader than share my posts and blow your collective minds off. Actually, that will require me to post more. Nevermind.

ok bye.

2008-06-05T15:31:00.002-04:00

If You See Any Homeless Veterans In Ironic T-Shirts...

It's only because I donated, like, 3 bags of old clothes today. Alas, the "Similes Are Like Metaphors" shirt remains in my possession.

2008-05-31T21:01:00.001-04:00

My New Favorite Blog

WTF?

2008-05-28T16:34:00.002-04:00

Found Whilst Moving...

So I'm moving tomorrow to, errr, home. I really thought that the best way to invigorate my blog would be to become the proverbial blogger in my parent's basement. Actually, I'll be on the first floor, so there's that.

Actually, it's only for a month or two. But still.

Anyway, I've found a bunch of interesting shit while cleaning out my room. I've been here for three years and I'm one of the biggest pack rats you'll ever meet.

So here's something I'll transcribe from a sheet of notebook paper that dates back to Austin City Limits 2007.

Dave Chalvers' Austin City Limits Superlatives

Top 5 Bands

1) Muse - Melted my face off. Again.
2) Ghostland Observatory - 2007' Muse of 2006. Get it?
3) M.I.A. - Not since Bowdoin and Geneva have I heard a better use of gunshots.
4) Damien Rice
5) Bloc Party - The little band that could given the circumstances: extreme heat->dancing

Biggest Disappointments

1) The White Stripes - WTF Jack? (Ed. Note - they cancelled)
2) Ben Kweller - Did not unleash the fury
3) The Killers

Top Surprises

1) That I'm still alive after a 5 day diet of Sonic, Whattaburger, Chuy's, Freebirds and made-to-eat omelettes (Ed. note - Embassy Suites owns)
2) That everything in Texas is, "so tight, y'all"
3) That J.K. Rowling sent emissaries to ACL: Kara Grainger, Grace Potter. Where was Johnny Weasley and the Leggy Blondes?

Favorite Moments

1) The insanity that was the front row for Muse
2) The Ghostland Observatory acid trip w/out acid.
3) The overwhelming feeling that I have so much downloading/purchasing to do. Plan accordingly, Ben Lee

Favorite Fan Related Thing

"The chi chi monsters." (Ed. Note - On our cab to the hotel our cabbie told us about the bike path along the lake that was a good path to Zilker Park. He also mentioned that it was great to look at "the chi chi monsters". Wasn't sure if he was referring to lizards or college co-eds. Still not sure. Whither Chalvers?)

2008-05-28T13:24:00.003-04:00

Lacrosse Finals.

Had an awesome time at the championship game.

Blogged about it here.

Took a zillion (200) pictures that you can see here.

2008-05-25T23:18:00.001-04:00

There Are 79 Of You Weirdos?

2008-05-25T17:44:00.002-04:00

NCAA Men's Lacrosse Finals Photos

Lacrosse is making a name for itself in Massachusetts (typically it was rare and only really found on the Cape or in the Western part of the state).

I got really into it at college (on Long Island, natch) and it's pretty exciting that the Final 4 is being held at Gillette Stadium for the next 2 years.

Here are some Syracuse-Virginia, Hopkins-Duke photos from yesterday. I'll be going tomorrow to take pictures of the finals.

Check em out:

2008-05-23T11:49:00.003-04:00

Rasheed Wallace Loves Guns N' Roses

If you caught Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals you may have noticed Rasheed Wallace channeling his inner-Slash.

Before tip-off, as the opposing players were pounding fists before battle, the PA was blaring "Welcome To The Jungle" and 'Sheed was playing air guitar!

Then, in crunch time of the 4th Quarter 'Sheed was lip-syncing to "Paradise City"!

What a loon.

If anyone has video, let me know.

2008-05-10T11:48:00.001-04:00

Oh, About that Foals Show....

Click the picture for the review.

2008-05-08T12:26:00.000-04:00

Ticketmaster Thinks I'm Retarded

2008-05-06T16:17:00.003-04:00

Foals Tonight

Review tomorrow.

Bragging today.

2008-05-03T17:54:00.004-04:00

Sick Burn, Ikea. Sick Burn.

The Ikea catalog came the other day and I couldn't help but thumb through it. See, I'm moving soon and could use some furnishings to make wherever the place I call, "home," homey. Ikea tends to preach 'vertical living', with the thinking that you can create more space by building up. Currently, Craigslist is devoid of vacant windmills and smokestacks in the Boston area, but I'm on the lookout.

Anyway, I was perusing the chair section, if only to glance at the wacky names of the products. The names are, essentially, a mixture of every contestant on 'World's Strongest Man' and the liner notes of Peter, Bjorn and John's last album.

Then I came across...

The Jeff!

I was so excited for a fleeting moment.

The Jeff, as it turns out, is nothing more than a $4.99 standard folding chair. Bullshit. What did I ever do to Ikea? So, the next time you're in overflow seating on the High Holidays, or at some sort of company related annual meeting, think of me.

2008-04-18T12:19:00.002-04:00

A Story Everyone Should Know About My Friend Dave Chaves (And Also Stevie Ray Vaughan, Who Is Not My Friend)

Most of you know I acquired a press pass for Austin City Limits Festival last year and with it came certain perks of which I was not too proud to use. There was access to a small press area where I ran into Alex Turner (midget) and scored free snacks, VIP Dell Lounge access, where my friends and I had free everything (beer, water, food) and sidestage access, but there were also a shitton of events I was getting invited to outside the festival, because my name had appeared on some sort of ubiquitous solicitous list.

One of them was a kickoff party put on by the record label BMI. BMI sponsors an ACL stage for up and coming artists and the person in contact with me was incredibly nice and allowed my two friends Dave Shaw and Dave Chaves to come along. Since it was before the festival started, therefore not conflicting with anything, we decided to RSVP Yes.

We get to the restaurant where it's being held (this really classy barbecue restaurant called Lambert's), head upstairs and try not to stick out like sore thumbs, sampling the delicious finger foods, and such.

At events like this there's always the same sort of feeling out process with the food and drink. Is it free? Is the bar open? When in doubt, don't be tentative and just go for it, which we did wholeheartedly. Turns out everything was free and we sidled up to the corner of the bar, where it turns out singer songwriter Kara Granger was drinking wine.

I begin throwing back Gin & Tonics with Dave Shaw and Dave Chaves starts his normal process of draining whatever locale he's in of their stock of Southern Comfort. We're listening to the musicians perform, getting crunk, eating damn good BBQ and all is well. Dave Shaw starts the Mojito ordering trend, which makes every bartender manning an open bar cringe and that catches on like wildfire.

Finally things are settling down, and we're about to see a presentation. BMI presents the co-writers and bandmates of Stevie Ray Vaughan plaques in honor of the 1,000,000th radio play of SRV's song "Crossfire". People are giving speeches, people are breaking down and crying. It's very touching (possibly because everyone's drunk). Then the titular Dave Chaves leans over to me and says:

"Who is Stevie Ray Vaughan?"

I looked down at his plate of free food, his 3/4 full alcoholic beverage and promptly told him to shut the fuck up. Good times.

2008-04-09T14:48:00.002-04:00

Opening Day At Fenway Photo Blog

Headed to Fenway yesterday to p'blog Opening Day shenanigans. It was pretty awesome, great atmosphere, especially with ticketless fans chilling around the outside of Game On! to watch the ceremony on their outdoor TV's. Great weather, etc. Took about 200. Check em.

2008-04-05T00:33:00.003-04:00

Goodbye:
Hello:

About damn time! See you at Game 4

2008-03-31T15:47:00.002-04:00

Vote We Need Girlfriends!

Just had a communique with We Need Girlfriends creator Angel Acevedo (fancy way of saying my homie just Gmail chatted me) who made me aware of something all WNG fans can help out with.

Head over to this site and vote for We Need Girlfriends in the Media Industry Poll (it's in green).

All the guys at WNG thank you for your support, assuming you vote. If not, they collectively tell you to fuck yourself (actually that's my improv).