NHL: Injecting some new blood

Finally, the NHL is thinking revolutionary. They see the NFL is starting to stagger with the backlash from all of Roger Goodell's rulings on hits. MLB had one of it's lowest rated World Series in decades, and if not for the LeBronathon, the NBA would be just an afterthought.

The NHL competition committee decided the selection of All-Star teams will be more akin to a 1st Grade game of kickball. I know it's just an exhibition, but this type of idea will keep things fresh and new every year. Hopefully it can aid in the development of rivalries and bad blood.

Just imagine Sid the Kid is a team captain. He's got the first pick in the game, and everyone is screaming for him to select Alex Ovechkin. He's thinking in his mind, "f that, I don't want a single Caps player on MY team". Steve Stamkos, welcome to #87's squad.

Perhaps say a player like Sean Avery makes it, who both captains dislike, and he's last picked? How hilarious will it be watching his facial expressions as the line of guys next to him dwindle away?

The selection process alone could be an event in itself, much like the NFL draft. Think of how sad/embarrassed/happy/overjoyed you were when Brady Quinn kept falling down the board. I can only hope I'm posted up at a bar with a restaurant full of NHL fans watching this process go down. Arguing over every selection.

Yes I'm biased, but I believe the NHL has by far the most exhilarating All-Star game and playoff system around. Only March Madness comes close, and that's purely based on the gambling aspect. The skills competitions are noteworthy in itself. I can remember watching Ray Bourque and Mark Messier as a kid battle over the accuracy contest. Or Al MacInnis or Al Iafrate rip 110 mph slap shots, in the hardest shot contest. It's a mini-Olympics of hockey.

Between this addition, the Winter Classic (PENS VS CAPS IN PITTSBURGH!!), and a new crop young All-Stars, the NHL is fighting it's way back from the dead. They're the movie equivalent to Rocky vs Drago. There's no way he should have made a comeback, but maybe, just maybe it still has a chance to become one of the top 3 sports in America (Canada already has it's priorities right; beer, hockey, and free healthcare).

The new NHL, I love this game!

Reverse Discrimination - The NFL way

Let's get one thing straight and understood right out of the gate. I am all for equality in the workplace. I believe people should be hired on how well the can crunch numbers, not on the numbers of crunches they can do.

Now, do I believe every office would benefit from at least one "attractive" female co-worker? You're damn straight. Even if her sole job was to boost employee morale by asking how your weekend went or smiling at you when you walked into the office, that's easily worth $20,000-30,000.

You figure it's professional environment, what's the worst that could happen?

Well why don't you ask Sean Salisbury, Steve Phillips, or Harold Reynolds at ESPN?

All were let go for some type of harassment or alleged affair with co-workers and interns.

I'm not here to condemn them at all. I'm here to elaborate on something everyone already knows, but seems to get passed over in the court of common sense.

Men find women attractive, and the ones they find attractive, more times than not they will pursue.

It's not rocket science, hell it's about as elementary as 1+1=2.

You see "harassment" accusations all the time in politics and corporate settings. It's a known fact that one of the most controversial Presidents of the United States was caught up in a similar case.

It's a natural reaction of men, most times we can control it, but hey sometimes we just gotta let it out (No Brett, I'm not talking about that, pull up your pants).

The NFL should really know better than to even put the temptation out there. For the most part, their interns, assistants, and marketing personnel are young 20-30 somethings just trying to get their foot in the door.

Are you really going to put these type of women around men whose testosterone levels are RED on the Homeland Security Reading Rainbow chart?

These players either just finished working out for a few hours or competed in a sport in which the goal is pure animalistic instinct, tackling whoever has the football.

Out of the top 3 things that get men riled up, I'd be safe to say working out and competing in sports are #'s two and three. Guess what numbers one is?

So after they finish either of these activities, and see an attractive woman coming their way, guess what crosses their mind?

I can't blame or condemn them. NFL Players are made from a different cloth. The human beings are bred and raised for the sole purpose of high impact competition. They aren't physicists or doctors, they're taught to rely on instincts 95% of the time. In addition, they have been shown they're judged on a different level than everyone else (which I don't agree with). What makes you believe they don't think they should be catered to and get away with everything and anything?

These recent stories with Ines Sainz and Jenn Sterger just point out a bigger problem.

The NFL needs to hire less attractive women. I mean really, do you believe former playboy playmates can be taken seriously as a game day host? You don't think every guy in that locker room is going to make a pass at her? Or how about Miss Sainz. When you show up to a Super Bowl event asking Tom Brady to marry you, and years later accuse players of making inappropriate comments, I'm sorry you pretty much asked for that. Your professional integrity went out the window when you showed up in a wedding dress that Super Bowl weekend, and in skin tight jeans to interview players.

Listen, I'm not saying attractive women CAN'T do this job, b/c just at ESPN alone there are a 5-6 women, who have legitimate knowledge of sports and are fantastic commentators or analysts.

I'm saying maybe teams shouldn't allow the players to have direct access to these women.

You always hear people complain "oh I wonder how she got this job", just because another person is probably better looking than they are. Sometimes, those accusations hold true, other times, one can truly have both beauty and brains.

So let's go a step further and use reverse discrimination to hire those dubbed "unattractive". As Chris Rock once said, "I'm not saying it's right, but I understand".

At least then the players would be more faithful to their wives and we wouldn't be forced to see what's below those Wrangler jeans.

I'm on to you LeBron!

Can you believe it's October 1st??

I mean it snuck up on you better than that ghost in Paranormal Activity. It's been a busy week and it only looks to get better as we swing into one of the best months, sports-wise.

LeBron James. No one name in sports is more polarizing than his. He's loved by some, yet hated by millions. I have to admit I was going to write a scathing review of his most recent comments. LeBron recently said he thinks race played a factor in how the public has perceived his defection to the Miami Heat. Since the beginning, I've openly admitted I had NO problem with him going to the Miami Heat. We get to see a team you'd try to assemble on NBA Live or 3/10ths of a Dream Team. My problem was the way he went about announcing his decision. I openly believe 75% of the media and public shared this view. It was nothing short of an open slap in the face to all his fans and the entire city of Cleveland.

However, I think I'm starting to catch on to LeBron's game. He's performing the old "heel-turn" perfected by one Hulk Hogan. For years LeBron was the most beloved Superstar in the NBA. He was always the 2nd or 3rd best player in the league. He was able to sell millions of jerseys, gain a ridiculous following, and even promote a new saying, "I'm a witness". He single-handily took on the monumental task of turning around the fortunes of one terrible sports town (Cleveland). Now don't get me wrong, Cleveland fans are both loyal and volatile. What I mean by that sentence is that they've been tortured for pretty much their entire existence, with the exception of the Jim Brown Era.

Look at what history LeBron has had to battle against. The Browns losing the "Fumble Game" against the Broncos in 1988 AFC Championship game. It has it's own Wikipedia page dedicated to it. Go ahead, start typing "the fumble" and see what comes up. Then in the 90's, their team gets stolen. The Browns are repackaged as the Baltimore Ravens, and win a Super Bowl a few years later. DAMN!.

In baseball, the Indians last enjoyed a World Series championship in 1948. They made it back to the World Series in 1997, had TWO OUTS in the bottom of the 9TH of Game 7, and STILL managed to lose. Did I mention it was to a team whose inaugural season was 1993? GUT-PUNCH!

How much worse can it get???

Finally, in basketball, the Cavs first get their hearts ripped out by the ruthless Jordan in both 1989 and 1991, on his way to his first championship. Then in 2006-07 they make it to the NBA Finals led by LeBron, only to have Tim Duncan and company, laugh in their faces, and sweep the series 4 games to none.

LeBron started looking across the way at Kobe, who admittedly was the most hated player in the NBA (except by those in LA). However, Kobe also had 5 championships. LeBron knew his time was limited and he needed to start winning titles ASAP in order to cement his legacy as one of the top 10 players of all-time.

This is where my theory comes in to play. He knew if he just announced he was going to Miami, everyone would still love him, but he'd risk falling into Dwayne Wade's shadow as the 3rd most popular player. LeBron began planning his attack carefully. He knew being the nice guy or "babyface" would only get him so far. I'm convinced he knew he was going to Miami months before his ill-fated "The Decision 2010". He looked at Jordan, Kobe, and Isiah and thought, "I gotta get that mean-streak, I need to turn a few shades darker". That night, he decided to turn "heel" on the entire league and its' fanbase.

On National TV he basically told Cleveland, "FU, I'm taking my talent elsewhere where it won't be squandered". Within an hour time, he went from most beloved player to most hated, even passing Kobe along the way. Anytime you can get millions of fans to go from jeering to cheering Kobe, that's a helluva feat.

However, he didn't want it to stop there. He wanted to show the world he wasn't messing around. In an interview he called out the critics by saying, "don't think I'm not taking note of what's been said". That didn't quite have the effect he wanted in having more people turn on him. Therefore, recently he went with the old stand-by.

The Race Card.

You know every time it's brought up in Professional Sports, it gets people talking. Usually a lot of disdain is shown towards the person who is using that card. In this case, his claims are so outrageous, people can't help but naturally hate him.

After the interview on CNN, he just sat back and let the controversy boil over, like a master chef preparing a stew. Going into this season he knows he's public enemy #1, not only in the NBA, but in all of professional sports. It was A-Rod, but people have started to warm to him through indifference.

I know LeBron isn't dumb enough to believe race was actually a factor. I do believe he is smart enough to know that controversy creates cash, and will only help his legend grow. That is if he silences all the critics by winning the title this year or next. Everyone is rooting for him fail, and nothing provides a greater motivation that proving them wrong, not even winning one for your hometown team.

In this day and age, being anti-establishment and the cocky heel is cool. LeBron is a marketing genius and understands this. That's why he's decided to switch personas. He no longer wants to be Batman, but rather the Joker, because the Joker always gets the last laugh.

We can't have nice things

As many of you know, I try to stay pretty active, especially this past summer. I currently play dek-hockey, softball, and flag football to round out the week.

What can I say, if it's competitive, sign me up!

However, I usually run into one slight problem. Most of these co-ed or corporate leagues are not as competitive as I'd like. I'm not trying to prove anything here, it's simply a fact. Whether it be a debate, a sprint to the end of the parking lot, or a game of football, I WANT TO WIN. But you already know this.

That's why I think I'd make a great rapper or at least lyricist. I'm sure I could write 52 bars that just rip someone to shreds.

Unfortunately, that's not going to happen anytime in the near future. Yet, I still apply the same attack when smack talking.

Here's an example. Last night we were in the midst of a close football game. It was the 2nd half, and my team was clinging on to a 7 point lead. Their QB ends up sprinting up the sideline trying to gain a first down. I KNOW I forced him out prior to the marker. The Referee unfortunately marks it as a first down, and I calmly jaw back you can see his footprints out of bounds prior to the first down.

Suddenly, I hear a voice screaming back my way. "THOSE WERE ALREADY THERE, QUIT COMPLAINING JUST B/C YOU DIDN'T CATCH HIM". Just when I start to turn around it continues, "I WAS STANDING RIGHT HERE AND SAW IT, YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR EYES".

When I finally turn around to see who is yapping all this trash, it's a female player on the opposing team.

Here's where the conflict began. You see, I was brought up to be a gentleman, and with it, respecting the opposite sex.

BUT, in my mind, once you step on a field of play, all that goes out the window. I had to fight back the urge to say, "HEY, WHY DONCHA SHUT UR MOUTH AND GO MAKE ME A SANDWICH IN THE KITCHEN WHERE YOU BELONG".

Luckily, the thought ran through my mind quicker than it got to my lips, and once it did, I just kept laughing at how outrageous the situation could have become.

Yeah, maybe it would have been fun to escalate things, but seeing as there were 3 females on my team, who we needed, it was better to pass this battle up.

Next time I'll just stop and think WWED or What would Eminem do.

I am whatever you say I am

"Can anybody hear me?
I guess I keep talkin to myself
It feels like I'm going insane
Am I the one who's crazy?"

- Eminem "Talkin 2 myself"


While I was relaxing outside on Saturday listening to my MP3 player, this recently added song came through my rotation. It was so good I had to listen to it twice, because the lyrics just hit so close to home. Eminem's whole recent CD (Recovery) has that affect.

I'm sure most of you have heard both "Love the way you lie" and "Not Afraid". Respectively, both are great songs but the lesser known ones stand out more.

Shortly after this song came through, "Way I am" was next. The lyrics are gritty and angry, but also very real. These two songs are what got me thinking...

Why?

Why do I have such a sarcastic sense of humor? Sure, sometimes it can be hilarious, ala the way Seinfeld or Lewis Black is, but other times not so much.

Why do I say things to friends none the less, that can be construed as rude or profane.

Why does it appear I'm always angry. I can't tell you the amount of times I've heard from people saying they passed me in the street or at the gym and I just looked p'd off.

The answer? I guess that's just the way that I am.

I'm 100% sure if you're reading this you're either a family member or friend. I'm sure we've interacted at several points in life.

I'm here to say I'm sorry. I don't want to come off as someone who is rude, non-caring, or a sarcastic asshole. That's not my goal in life. My goal is to entertain and have a great time. To be honest I think that's why "acquaintances" may be apprehensive about ever hanging out.

My bad man.

It's just a bit of a self-realization I've gone through. I just wanna say thanks to all of you out there who are friends and that I value those friendships.

So don't be afraid, because I can't be that bad of a guy, or else why would you be reading this?

Danger on the highway

You've seen it all the time on VH-1, E!, or A&E, shows detailing terrible inventions, ideas and creations. However, for the 21st Century, I'm here to present to you an invention so bad, the government should be banning these.

The GPS, otherwise known as the Global Positioning System.

Now before you start thinking, "here he goes again ranting and raving", hear me out. You may not realize it, but this device is causing the increase in road rage, crashes, and motor-vehicle fatalities.

The government would have you believe it's the talking on a handset for your cell-phone. I think we've mastered the use of the two motor-skills, talking and driving at the same time. It's no different than walking and talking on a phone. You're using one sensory skill (sight) to drive and another (hearing/speech) to talk on the phone. Sure, they're both utilizing the brain, but it's what we simpletons would like to call "multi-tasking".

The true error is the crowd that tries to text or utilize these Death Maps (Garmin I'm looking your way).

It becomes even more dangerous when people both listen to the voice and look at the screen on the GPS. Drivers will look at the screen, look aimlessly outside for signs and then look back at the screen. Did you notice where they aren't paying attention? ON THE ROAD. It's impossible to split your sight into two, unless of course you're a chameleon. Trying to utilize the same brain function for two items = burning car crash.

Today I drew the line on the way to work. I can only estimate how many times I've seen people swerve suddenly into the right lane because they realize they're missing their exit. I'd estimate this number to be near 100 in the past month. No joke.

The issue isn't the device itself, but people relying so heavily on this voice to tell them when to turn and not realizing 100 yards come pretty damn quickly when you're traveling 50 mph. If they simply switched it to voice only, most problems would be solved.

Much like cell-phones have allowed people to google information from anywhere in the world, the GPS has accomplished the same for directions. Just because something has the ability, doesn't mean you should use it's full ability.

The GPS is supposed to be an aid not a guide. People used to be able to plan their trips ahead of time, look at maps and write down directions. At this point you had a general idea where to go and only occasionally had to read off this paper. Nowadays, people think, "I'll just use my GPS and take a back way!". In small-town Kansas this may work. But when you drive in a city in which traffic is rated third worst in the nation, you need to know where you're going beforehand!! I've seen cars apparently out for a leisurely drive during rush hour.

You can easily identify who is using their GPS as a crutch, because they're the idiots doing about 35-40 on I-495, in the left lane. Why? Well because the pleasant British Lady inside their turn-by-turn direction guide is telling her the exit is coming up soon. Or they're the people who are riding two lanes when the split is the road is about to come up.

The Government regulated seat belts for safety because of crashes. Then they regulated texting and talking on the phone. Hell, they've regulated food in school cafeterias because we can't tell Timmy no to his 3rd serving of Mexican Pizza.

Well what ever happened to Geography? The general population must learn how to read and interpret maps. Doesn't it make you wonder when people can't even identify which coast the Atlantic Ocean is on. Or how about, if I was traveling from PA to California, which direction would I be heading? The people who rely on GPS are the same buffoons who cannot correctly answer these questions. Yet I'm led to believe they are mature enough to operate a 4,000 pound piece of equipment??

PLEASE MAKE U-TURN AT FIRST OPPORTUNITY. DO NOT PASS GO.

I won't even mention how the most common reason for car break-ins is to steal these same devices. Because really, if those with an IQ below 50 and a car already own one, why can't the poor, destitute common thief have one as well??

Have I made my point yet or are you thinking,

LOST SATELLITE RECEPTION, PLEASE RE-CONNECT.

The day I became (in)-famous

I was flipping through the channels the other day, while trying to avoid watching a San Diego vs Kansas City Monday Night football game. Low and behold I come across the USA Channel with WWE(f) Raw on it. Who is standing in the middle of the ring with his championship title, none other than the Mike Mizanin aka the Miz with Chad Ochocinco. You see, the Miz started out as a contestant on Real World/Road Rules challenges. Most of these people ultimately just become bar attractions for the next few years and die off into the realm of infamy. The Miz wasn't going to let MTV or Pitt that night, be his final send-off.

Apparently a lot can happen in 5 years, such as becoming the United States Heavyweight Champion in an international wrestling promotion.

Let's go back to 2004, at the University of Pittsburgh. I was still a young, naive kid at the age of 22. Somehow I was "elected" IFC President that year, and due to this title, I decided to compete in the Greek God/Goddess event. It was held at Club Laga, a dark, dingy concert venue, where most up and coming bands played. The judges for that year were Chevy Troutman, the Miz, and Tori Morris.

My turn came and I approached the stage. What happened in the next three minutes culminated with me cutting a promo on the Miz, saying how he was basically a nobody, who lived off his MTV fame, was dating a girl Paris Hilton was embarrassed by, and that he'd never make it to the WWF. The Miz was furious!! My next thoughts were, "oh shit I may have to fight this guy". Soon thereafter, followed by, "wait, there are at least 10 of my drunk brothers in the crowd, he'd be stupid for trying it".

The skit ended with a brother of mine, Chris Kenny, slamming a steel chair into my head and the audience cheering either b/c they weren't sure what they had just experienced or more than half I'm sure were hammered by then. Somehow that got me second place, to this day I wonder how in the hell that happened.

I'll tell you what did happen. It provided motivation for a man to become a superstar, and pursue his dreams. Unfortunately, that man was not me.

After the whole scenario was over I proceeded share a few drinks and shots with the Miz at Peter's Pub (local bar). All the while, he commented on how entertaining that was, how he would make it big, and how he was going home with at least two women. That last part was pretty much guaranteed with Tri-Sigs and DZ sisters throwing themselves at him. The first two I laughed off as lies, little did I know I'd be eating crow years later.

I gotta give the guy credit. Somehow he parlayed being a MTV "reality show" contestant into a shot with the WWE. From there worked his ass off for 5 years and became an entertaining and respectable wrestler. Go ahead and roll your eyes about being "respectable" in a fake sport, but it's honestly no different that acting. I'm just saying that a guy with no background in the sport, knows how to entertain and soon enough will be the face of the WWE. I'll just be waiting for that shout out Miz, because you and I both know you'd be nothing without the MIHLF!

And that's the bottom line.....because the Mihlfman said so!

The best you can hope for

So after an impressive outing by both the Steelers and Falcons defense on Sunday, the Black & Gold squeaked out a victory in overtime. Rashard Mendenhall's 50-yd run capped the game and more importantly gave the Steelers one victory without the Overrated One (Big Ben).

Momentum is a very crucial aspect of sports and particular football. The Steelers built up a bunch of it last night, taking down one of the early favorites to win the NFC (the Falcons). It gave Dennis Dixon his first win in the NFL and some confidence, as his final line was (18-26, 236 Yards, 1 INT). Not too bad for a rookie and especially for someone whose only expectation was to manage the game. The Steelers next 3 games are against the Titans, Buccaneers, and Ravens. Two out of the three (Titans and Ravens), will be very difficult games. Going into the first four games (length of Ben's suspension), no one was expecting them to win more than 2. The real question is what if?

If the Steelers lose the next three, that's a a tough uphill battle they have the rest of the season. After the suspension they still have to battle against the likes of the Patriots, Ravens (again), Dolphins, Raiders (don't laugh b/c they have a tough D), Saints, Jets, and the Bengals twice. Ben would probably be blamed if they miss the playoffs after such a start, since it truly is his fault for putting the team in that position. Every Steelers fan (Ben included) is hoping and would be satisfied by a 2-2 start. It would still give the team a great chance at the playoffs especially if their other win comes against Baltimore. This would guarantee all the teams in the division of having at least 1 loss after the first four weeks. At that point, everything is up for grabs.

Here's where it gets interesting. Say the Steel Curtain lives up to it's name. Say Dennis Dixon lights it up in one of the next 3 games, passes for 2+ TD's or over 300 yards. What if they start out 4-0? You may laugh but it's easily possible. The defense is that good and who knows if Dixon is the second coming of Kordell Stewart, who many forget led the team to the AFC Championship game one year.

What then?

99% of you will argue Ben is the franchise QB and should start no matter what the record says. The 1% of us who have a clue will say, not so fast. The Steelers would have a ton of momentum after a 4-0 start with a young QB, especially after beating 3 playoff caliber teams. Dixon would be battle tested and ready for anything the rest of the season may throw him. I'd say keep riding the young QB until he shows signs of falling apart. It's happened before, even in the Steelers history. Tommy Maddox anyone? The guy was supposed to be just a "filler" QB. Kordell Stewart after being in the AFC Championship game the year before was replaced three games into the next season by Maddox and never saw the job again.

Sure Ben has two rings with the Steelers, but the team clearly sees something in Dixon. Otherwise, why would they have drafted him and also started him ahead of Charlie Batch? Batch should have easily been the replacement QB for these first four games. He's safe, reliable, and no one would have expected him to start after Ben returned. Now with Dixon, who is a young, athletic QB, they may be starting a bit of controversy. It's almost the perfect storm if he does start 4-0. The local fans are getting fed up with Ben's off-the-field performance and the only thing that matters to these fans are wins. If Dixon collects 4 of them in his first four games, expect plenty of love from the Black & Gold faithful and one important question.

Ben who??

Brett Favre is your boyfriend??

After a recent conversation with Aaron regarding him being labeled "Mark Sanchez" at work (based on his resemblance), I wondered aloud to him about if you could nickname your friends/wingmen based on the current NFL QBs. I present to you the official guide. Feel free to name names in the comments section!!

Matt Leinart - You keep giving him every chance in the world, but he constantly lets you down. Failing to really add any value to your friendship. At this point he's only a friend via Facebook and you're even contemplating deleting him.

Matt Cassel - You had one epic adventure with them, when one of your other friends let you down. You continually hold this person in high regard due to that one great time.

Mark Sanchez - You put a lot of faith in this person, despite not knowing them too long. Great wingman based on his looks, but not sure if his personality can get the job done.

Matthew Stafford/Sam Bradford - New to your group of friends. Completely unproven, but you're looking forward to hanging out for the first time.

Jason Campbell - People seem to forget he's around, poor guy never has any good luck. You feel bad for him, but don't really go out of your way to hang out either.

Tim Tebow - Friend who's either really religious or very political. You don't want to get into conversations with this guy about either. Sometimes wonder if he thinks he's "holier than thou".

Jay Cutler - He's your A**hole friend. Sometimes you question why you have him around. Very over the top personality, but hey sometimes chicks dig that, and everytime it happens, you're amazed by this.

Kyle Orton - Solid friend. Always there for you in a bind. Isn't the most athletic, charming, or funny, but gets the job done when called upon. Never have a bad time or an amazing time hanging out together.

Vince Young - Token friend who gets a little too rowdy at times.

Carson Palmer - Great friend who's been with you for awhile. Although after his last break-up, he hasn't been the same. You keep introducing him to more people, hoping he gets his swagger back.

Brett Favre - Another old friend who's been through just about everything. The elder of the group. However, recently he's been very unreliable in terms of committing to hang out. When he does and he's not hungover, he tends to steal the show.

Big Ben - Friend who has been making poor decisions recently (hooking up with bombs, getting into drugs, investing in Ponzi scheme, etc). However, somehow he still holds his job at a prestigious Law Firm. You're beginning to wonder if he has a split-personality.

Eli Manning - He's that friend who somehow pulled in the perfect g/f. He has average looks and intelligence, but also has very few character flaws.

Phillip Rivers - He's much like Cutler in that he's an a**-hole, but the guy is hilarious and constantly hooks up with attractive females. Zero to negative 100% of him ever getting married.

Aaron Rodgers - Always had to live in his older brother's shadow. Finally, once the brother moved away, he's had time to shine in your group. You wonder why you guys' haven't hung out more.

Donovan McNabb - He's new to your group and a bit older. Real humble friend, whose friendship is underrated and under appreciated. However, there is that story you've heard about him puking on this model he was hooking up with. Seems to choke in the big moments with women.

Tony Romo - You laugh because every attractive female falls for his lines and southern charm. However, you'd never trust him around your sister.

Tom Brady - The "pretty boy" of your group. Pretty much has everything; the job, the hot g/f, the nice car. For whatever reason you don't hate him for it, because he's earned it all.

Peyton Manning - The jokester of the group. Some people find him awkward, while others think he's hilarious. Ridiculously intelligent and handy. Poor guy wasn't blessed in the looks department, but makes up for it every which way.

Drew Brees - Most underrated of the group. He's the friend who worked himself into ridiculous shape. He's also the one who is the most adventurous and willing to take risks. Not as smart as Peyton, but can go get hammered one minute and hold an intelligent conversation the next.

Pittsburgh on the mind

So first Big Ben goes down via his "throwin picks and abusin chicks" route, then Byron Leftwich has a sprain of his ACL. Next thing you know, everyone in Pittsburgh is panicking over their QB situation. My question to you is why??

Listen, we all knew Ben would only be out 4 games. We (the Steelers) had to escape those first four weeks with a 2-2 record. With the defense we used to have, this was easily manageable. From the day Ben shoved that girl into the bathroom, I wondered aloud, why don't we draft a young QB for the future, and have Charlie Batch fill in while Ben's out?

Charlie is and has been one of the best back-up QBs in the league. Sure, is isn't exactly the picture of durability, but when he does play, he wins. This guy was a starting QB for more than half of his career, back when Detroit was at least an average team. He's been with the Steelers since their first Super Bowl win of the decade. He knows the offense in and out. Yet, the coaching staff this summer treated him terribly. They kept him around, but yet never mentioned him being in the running for the starting job. He's the elephant in the room, they're hoping if they ignore long enough will just go away. Poor Charlie, he's always been there like a good neighbor, and now he gets to see Steelers management grovel at his feet.

With Leftwich out, there's no way you can start Dennis Dixon for a few weeks and hope for the best. The guy is a poor man's Pat White (former WVU QB), who himself was a poor man's Kordell Stewart. You know where a guy like that gets you? 0-4 or maybe 1-4. Too young, too inexperienced. I say ride Batch unless his legs fall off. If he gets hurt, he went down in a Blaze of Glory (cue Bon Jovi). Batch can manage games and even win them. Look no further than the two preseason games he's played in. Came into the game with no warm-up and calmly led them on scoring drives both times. I don't like how we got to this situation, but it's the ending we need.

Next on my Pittsburgh list is the Penguins. So they just signed former Edmonton Oiler, Mike Comrie, to a $500K/yr deal. This is definitely a bargain as Comrie as recent as two years ago was a 20-goal scorer. In addition, he also has managed to score Hilary Duff aka Lizzie McGuire. Nice going Pens! $500K for both a 20-goal scorer and Duff? I'll take that deal any day of the week. Now I can move back to Pittsburgh, impress Duff with whatever skills I have left and make it to Hollywood. At worst I'll settle for the more talented sister, Haylie.

Game. Set. Match. Time to put this plan in action.


Now if we could only somehow trade for Mike Fisher, we'd get Carrie Underwood too.

Addiction

The afternoon coffee is hitting me, and despite what 5-hour Energy says, there is no crash in site. With that I present to you my current addictions.

I'm addicted to:

-Coffee
-Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
-Chilling at the pool in Reston
-Laughing at the tan lines on my arms getting worse
-Protein powder & bars
-the Gym in my apt building
-Peanut Butter (no reason)
-Eminem's "Recovery" CD
-Country music in the morning
-Reese Peanut Butter Cup McFlurries
-DC 95.5 in the afternoon
-Radio station DC-101's "DEW-DEW Time Spectacular", where they play forgotten rock songs from the 90's
-The thought of the NFL season starting
-Dek-Hockey on Sundays
-Hating on LeBron and Big Ben
-Cheering for Tiger
-Cookie Dough Blizzards
-Mike & Mike in the Morning
-Searching for new cars to buy
-Cold beer on a Friday night
-Pair of jeans that fits just right
-Singing in "Rockband"
-Alice in Chains "Man in a Box"
-Bacardi Watermelon Rum (go ahead and laugh till you try it)
-The thought of another wedding to attend in a month
-Breakfast aka cereal
-"The way you lie"
-Family Guy
-Homecoming coinciding with Halloween this year
-Blasting "Summertime" by Fresh Prince as the last days of summer roll away.
-And finally, hopefully providing you with laughs and memories of the past

It's so hard to say good-bye to my homies

Yes the Master P song, not Boyz II Men, as "gangsta" as Boyz may sound.

While I was metro'ing all through the greater DC region, I had an unfortunate stop at Regan International Airport. This was because I was so mentally fatigued from running around all day, I didn't notice I jumped on the Blue Line instead of the Orange.

You may think I'm the one to blame, but really it's only about 67% my fault. Ya see, the Metro Transit Authority thought it'd be great to switch incoming times. I checked about 10 minutes before arrival and the sign said I had 12 minutes till the Orange Line and 8 minutes for Blue. Well whaddaya know, the Orange arrives first and next thing you know I'm at the airport.

With only a 25 minute layover till the next train, I quietly observed people being pick-up/dropped-off at the various airport gates.

The most obvious sighting was the "good-bye" hug. Two things shocked me while I was there.

1) Two parents dropped off their son, who couldn't have been older than 15. Mom got out of the car, gave him a 3-second hug, and Dad didn't even get out of the car!!! First-off, why is there a 15-yr old roaming the airport alone, in DC? Secondly, what kind of father-figure was this? I mean for god's sake, at least give him a hand-shake or slap on the back. No wonder he'll grow-up listening to Pantera and not give you a dime for the retirement home. I'm siding with the son on this one.

The second most disturbing sighting was a couple, who by my estimations were never going to see each other again. The b/f (I'm assuming here) dropped off his g/f or ex-g/f. She was packing light, one smaller suitcase and a back-pack. Nothing jumped out right away, but then they embraced in what could be the world-record for the longest hug.

I kid you not. I can honestly say my MP3 player went through 3 songs while they were hugging!! I don't know about you, but after a minute or more, I start to get uncomfortable. Maybe, they somehow saw me and were testing to see how long I looked. Yeah, I thought of this option and looked away for a good minute. When I looked back, they were still at it. We're talking a good 10-12 minutes of hugging here. Some people don't even have se.....errr play Jumanji that long.

Perhaps their belt-buckles got tied together and they couldn't figure it out. Maybe they worked for the FAA and were timing to see how long it takes for Security to tell them to "move it along here". My craziest idea? She was leaving him to become the next contestant on the "Flava of Love" and you know once your girl goes on that show, you'll never accept her back.

Now through all of this crazy blabber, you're probably thinking, why were you running around? Ahhh yes, the weekend dilemma. I was searching for hockey equipment, to use that night, in the DC Street Hockey league. Finding hockey equipment, especially for roller/street leagues, is like finding a virgin in an fraternity house. It ain't gonna happen.

Honestly, the one place I found equipment was at Kettler Iceplex in the Ballston Mall. As much as I love hockey, there is no way I'm spending $350 on the stick/gloves/shin guards trio. I escaped outta there with equipment that'll hopefully hold up for about $75 for the pads/gloves and $40 for the stick.

The one glimmer of hope for the region, was watching a Pee-Wee and Midget game at the Iceplex. No, I'm not being an ass, those are the names of the leagues. The game is still pure at those levels, and the joy on their faces after a tie-game was something I haven't seen forever.

I hope the game of hockey and life remains that way for them for many years to come.

the "Superfriends"

D-Wade, LeBron, and Chris Bosh. As I'm sure you've all heard are teaming up in Miami to form a supergroup known as the "Superfriends". They've decided to forgo winning in other cities, and all re-locate (with the exception of Wade) to Miami. They're thinking it'll bring multiple championships, plus the amazing lifestyle of living in South Beach.

It got me thinking. This same scenario happened to a lesser degree just a short while ago.

The year was 2008. The location: Washington DC & Pittsburgh. I just got home from another day of Audit work, to find out my roommate at the time, Aaron, had just accepted an offer to start work down in DC (Reston technically). He was taking his talents elsewhere, decided to team up with Gigs down in DC. That's where every young professional wanted to be (other than NYC aka the Lakers).

It was a shocking moment that left me with questions. Most importantly, what am I supposed to do now in this struggling franchise known as Pittsburgh? I was that veteran teammate who grew with the franchise, stayed my whole career. But now, after seeing one of my running mates leave, I wanted that elusive championship. I was now stuck on a "re-building" team, and had to get out.

You see not long before this Pittsburgh was a contender. Every year (college life) making a run deep into the playoffs until 2008. Our team was just on the cusp of making the finals, when injuries hit. We'll call these "injuries", ex-girlfriends haha. So in a way, I don't blame him for getting out, starting new. He still had plenty of years left. Me, I was getting close to retirement. That's when lady luck would have it, intervened. On October 31, 2008, I was "released" from my contract and immediately went on the offensive, phoning every GM (employer/Pitt Grad) I knew.

The discussion then turned to Gigs, Aaron and I, all finally landing in DC and reliving the glory days of our rookie and sophomore years, running & gunning.

Less than a month later, it happened. I received a short-term deal to head to DC. There was one slight problem, I was no where near playing shape.

With a new city and opportunity in hand, I took to the gym like a madman, trying to prove myself to the skeptics. A few months into the season, our team was running on all cylinders. Living the lifestyle we all expected would come with the "South Beach" of the Mid-Atlantic.

Then, without warning, it happened. I remember receiving a call from Gigs on July 3rd. On my way back home for a visit. Our coach was let go (home invasion/robbery). No reasons given, some type of behind the scenes motive, but never addressed publicly. It destroyed any chemistry that was built up, and the wheels started falling off after that.

First, I was placed on the 90-day IR. Then Aaron suffered a career-threatening injury and returned home to rehab. Gigs was forced to carry the team for awhile. The team ended up missing the playoffs (everyone moving out). I returned this year (moved back in with Gigs), but it's just a two-man show now. Trying to get into better shape than ever, we'll see what the rest of the year holds. Gigs has started hitting his three-pointers and is back in the "game".

Sometimes even the best laid plans fall apart. It's my prediction the same will happen with this "Superfriends" group of D-Wade, LeBron and Bosh. On paper it seems like a great idea, but life throws you a sinker every once in awhile, and how the hell are you supposed to hit that??

Just for the record in case you didn't get the analogy, that was pretty much the past two years summed up. And more importantly in case you're wondering I guess this is the breakdown:

Gigs - D-Wade (we all eventually moved to "his" city)

Aaron - Bosh (sorry dude, I have no good explaination. He's more a combo of Bosh and LeBron)

Me - LeBron (moved from my hometown, made the "Decision announcement" at Thanksgiving dinner without telling the parents first. Everyone felt betrayed)

Music makes you lose control

Do you ever come across an old "mix-tape" cd that you made in college or high school, and become amazed by the randomness of it?

Right now I'm imagining all of you are nodding your head in approval. This morning while looking for my 2Pac greatest hits CD, I came across two unmarked/unnamed CDs. I threw them in my bag, wondering what possibly could be on them. I'll get back to the Pac reference later.

So I throw in the first disc, and I'm hit with New Found Glory, "My friends over you". GREAT song to start the drive to work. "Head on collision" from the same cd, Sticks & Stones, comes on next. I'm getting pumped that I found this lost album. Suddenly the mood changes severely. LL Cool J is track #3. No, we're not talking about "Mamma said knock you out" or "I can't live without my radio". But, the song "Big Mamma".

Yeaaaaa, I'm thinking, wtf is this??? I let it play through anticipating how random this can get. The final song before I arrive at work is Pantera "This Love". So there is at least a theme to this CD. Yet, when you go from punk to R&B to Heavy Metal, something just isn't right. In the words of the Ladies' Man, "that does not make sense".

Here's what else doesn't make sense in music.

-CDs are still being produced. Listen, the market for CDs is shrinking every year with services like ITunes, Pandora, and Rhapsody out there. The only way to counteract this attack is by having more tracks on a CD. Make it worth it for the consumer to buy a CD instead. Force artists to produce 20-25 track albums. You may think this is impossible, but most major artists record anywhere from 20-45 songs for a new CD, yet 12-14 make the final cut. Throw 20 tracks on a CD, charge $12 for it and call it a day. That's a savings of $8 over ITunes! It's time for record labels to think outside the box.

-The fact people still listen to Phish or Jimmy Buffet does not make sense. I suppose you can call their concerts entertaining, mainly because of the tail-gating and illicit drug use that I assume goes on. Why not just have someone organize a giant listening party for $20/person. You can drink all the booze you want and listen to the CDs, and basically have the same experience. Have you ever listened to them sober? I'm still amazed these two acts ever made it big. They continually sell out show after show, with basically no new material. Lump KISS in there with them. Each time I see those Dr. Pepper commercials, a small part of me dies inside.

-It's a play off of a Chris Rock joke, but I'm tired of Country music telling me just how "country" they are. Listen, when you're pulling in six figures, you no longer can say you're throwing around hay or bull riding. It's the equivalent to rappers saying they're smoking herb, dealing drugs, and shooting people. The only difference is, these guys are probably doing all 3 of those things as we speak.

-Speaking of country music, first they let in Hootie, which is ok b/c his music with the Blowfish wasn't too far from country-folk sounding. Now they're saying Kid Rock and Nickelback are "country" artists?? No, no, no, NO! Nickelback, you stay in your little pop-rock world, making catchy-as-hell lyrics with guitar riffs that sound all the same. You do NOT invade this genre. Your bastardization of "Saturday Night's alright (for fighting)" was enough, I'm drawing the line here.


One last item, as Gigs will tell ya I've been watching every documentary/movie on 2Pac and Biggie Smalls recently. Not sure exactly why, but the one conclusion I've reached is that 2Pac was a lyrical genius. People may laugh, but the man was thought-provoking, and well educated for someone raised in the streets. The fact he finally decided to stop producing new material in 2007, nearly a decade after his death is the most amazing fact yet. I mean the man predicted in late 1990's the nation wasn't ready for a black president and he was right. Hell I'm not sure if we are today.

"We gotta make a change...
It's time for us as a people to start makin' some changes.
Let's change the way we eat, let's change the way we live
and let's change the way we treat each other.
You see the old way wasn't working so it's on us to do
what we gotta do, to survive"

Getting back to basics

It's been entirely too long since I've written anything. Maybe it's because nothing in the recent news feed has interested or prompted to counter-attack. That was then, this is now. It's time for another weekly rambling. 5....4....3....2....

1 - That's the number of brain cells Jason Whitlock and other "sports journalists" share when it comes to their thoughts on NCAA athletics. (http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/jason-whitlock-expose-ncaa-not-reggie-bush-072210?GT1=39002) In this article, Whitlock refers to the NCAA as basically "slaving" away the student-athlete.

It's a tired argument made by the media types, that these athletes should be paid. They argue the University is making millions off of their hard work. Here's my argument to put this thing to rest.

First, they are getting paid. Look we're talking about basketball and football players only, because "Made up person in the sky" knows they aren't rallying for the poor lacrosse/track & field/field hockey players. The majority of the "student"-athletes not only receive free tuition, but all of them receive a stipend as well. Whether they utilize the free tuition/scholarship or not, is up to them. This payment is potentially valued anywhere between $10,000-$100,000 based upon the Academic Institution. I'm pretty sure that's more than any college student makes working 20-30 hours/week over their 4 year stay. So if anything, they're already at an advantage over every other student at the University.

In addition, part of their time is dedicated to working-out and film study. Film study is the equivalent to an internship. You're learning more about the "profession" you've chosen.

In summary of this point, these men are not only making more money, but also getting paid to work-out. How again is this like slavery?

If anything, the fact that in today's world there are both unpaid internships while in college and post-graduation, should be the larger topic of discussion. These companies ARE making money off of your hard work, and not giving you a thing in return. Now THAT is slavery. Hell, guys in Jail at least get a free meal and place to live while working on those Highway Paving projects.

This leads to my second point. All companies profit from your work. Sure University football and basketball programs profit in the hundred thousands or millions from games, merchandising, and advertising of these student-athletes. Tell me how that's different than any working professional? Say you were a main contributor in the design of the original I-Phone. We'll say your salary is $70k per year. Yet Apple will make hundreds of MILLIONS off of your hard-work. Is that fair?

A more real life scenario is, recently a co-worker had discovered my company has been "just" missing the opportunity to earn several thousands of dollars extra in travel revenue, due to segments not being properly allocated. Sure, he got a great recommendation, but I'm pretty sure his salary will not increase by much.

While everyone argues about these athletes not receiving extra benefits and pay, while being "slaves" to the NCAA, who is arguing for the poor interns, or those who work on the Hill?

That's the true injustice of this world.


In slightly related news, Senate has passed the resolution to extend the "extension" period for unemployment benefits, by dumping another $32 Billion of National Debt into it.

As someone who has utilized the Unemployment benefits system, I believe I have that insider's point of view. Here's my take on the situation. The $32 Billion is a waste. I without a doubt support the UB(unemployment benefits) system. However, too much of it is getting abused. There needs to be a limit set on how long someone can stay on this merry-go-round. Most states offer 26 weeks of UB. Yes, 26 weeks!! That comes out to roughly 6 months. If that wasn't enough the Federal Government will allow for you to extend those benefits for another 20-53 weeks, and THEN the Extended Benefits program allows for ANOTHER 13-20 weeks.

Listen, the extended benefits need to be cut off after 20-30 weeks. If you passed 3rd grade math, you'll realize that's 46-56 weeks of UB, nearly a year.

I sympathize and empathize with the unemployed, as I've been there. The most recent bout was from Nov-Feb, with December really being off due to holidays. By February I was going insane from the lack of work. However, as many of you know, I was relentless. Each day I applied for 10-12 jobs and eventually received an ideal offer. That was 16 weeks worth. I cannot even fathom milking the system for another 30-40 more.

The economy is bad, and job creation has been slow. However, if you stay at it everyday, there's no doubt a college educated person could find a job within a year. The Government is just allowing people to milk the system with little motivation. Sure, could I have continually collected check after check, while being on a "vacation" for another 30 weeks? Yes, but I was more concerned for my future and reputation. I didn't want to be seen as lazy, nor did I want to place the burden on others to support me.

So I ask Obama to take a stand, b/c I believe we are all making the job market out to be worse than it actually is.

As the Offspring once sang, "Nah, nah why don't you get a job?"

Dastardly Betrayal

"Do you remember
the day I turned to you and said
I didn't like the way he was lookin' at you?
yeah
How he made you laugh
you just couldn't get what I was sayin'
it was my imagination

So do you believe me now?
I guess I really wasn't that crazy
and I knew what I was talkin' about
Everytime the sun goes down
he's the one that's holdin' you baby
yeah me I'm missin' you way 'cross town
so do you believe me now?

I'm kickin' myself
for bein' the one foolish enough givin' him the chance to step in my shoes
He was bidin' his time
when he saw we were havin' a moment of weakness
he was there between us

oh yeah, I bet now you see the light
oh yeah, what's the use in bein' right...
when I'm the lonely one tonight?"

So I was driving into work today, sun shining in through the moonroof, wind blowing through my non-existent hair, and this song came on.

First you're probably thinking, "what the hell were those lyrics about/ok enough of the emo", and secondly, "Mihlf you listen to country?".

The first answer is pretty obvious and the second is yes, it helps calm the rage you build up while commuting in DC.

The song is by Jimmy Wayne and I thought it was fitting for two parts. One being for a situation I experienced a few months ago, and the other being exactly how the city of Cleveland is feeling right now.

Look again at those lyrics. You think everything is going great in your relationship, and you catch your S.O. (significant other) staring/talking to someone else. They tell you it's nothing to worry about, and you get past it, but push it to the back of your mind. This bomb is planted back there waiting to explode. Weeks or months pass by, and whatever happens. You're no longer together with this S.O. and suddenly you think back to this instance and mouth "I knew it!".

Tell me that entire paragraph didn't just describe Lebron's relationship with the Cavs? He's playing there for several years, things are going great. He wins two MVP's, the team makes the NBA Finals, has the best record two years in a row. However, a year or two back, he shows up in a NY Yankees hat. Suddenly, there's talk about him leaving. He assures Cleveland everything is going great, and there's nothing to worry about. They concede to all his needs/demands. Even going into their last week "together" they (the Cavs) think all is ok. He's holding a press conference to announce his decision.

You're thinking, no way will he break up with them on National prime-time television. But you forget, some people are just cold-hearted at nature, and look out for #1. Yes, on National TV, he announces he's going to Miami, to team up with his "best friend". Hmm he left his hometown team for his "friend", who he assured Cleveland not to worry about.

See it all ties back together. I feel for Cleveland. I usually despise everything about them. They rank below Philly and right around DC on my scale of dislike in terms of sports-town. But the went through the equivalent of being broken up via Stadium Scoreboard announcement. If you were with someone and they took you to a baseball game for a "big announcement", would you have any idea it'd be to end it? That's how they feel.

Lebron will ultimately have to come back and face the destruction he caused. There may be rioting, picketing, or worse. He has it coming to him and shouldn't have played the whole song & dance. I'm sure he knew of his decisions weeks ago, and instead of prolonging the pain, should have just made a brief announcement so all parties could save face.

Instead he goes from Super-Hero to Uber-villian. I don't think I've ever seen such a sudden turn of events since Harvey Dent turned into Two-Face in the "Dark Knight".

Again, if you know me, it's humorous how it all ties together.

"So do you believe me now?"

It's been a long time

We shouldn't of left you, without a dope beat to step to...

"Try again" by Aaliyah, keeping with the old school vibe, here we go!

So since the last posting, Soccer apparently ended in the US. I know what you're thinking, "you mean MLS?". No someone said we had a National team playing in the World Cup, and we lost to Ghana. GHANA! I know, who knew that was even a country.

I can just imagine how it all went down. It's in extra time, people are in the bars going crazy, waving their flags, chanting U-S-A, U-S-A, (think Hacksaw Jim Duggan), drinking their Bud Light (even though it's not an American beer). Suddenly, Ghana scores!!

Then like a bad dream, people wake up wondering what happened. They look around with quizzical looks on their face. "Why are we at this bar? And why I am only wearing an American flag for clothes?"

Just like that, the sport of Soccer passes again through the US. It'll be another 4 years till this phenomenon picks back up. Truly it's sad it can't sustain a larger following.

Italy and France were left out of the single elimination round, so now our best bets are either Brazil or Germany. Can one truly cheer for Germany? I mean should we ever support anything they do besides making beer?

Before you know it, they win the World Cup, their industry picks up from the ongoing celebrations. They're feeling a bit bulletproof, Austria and Hungary decide to merge again, and it's 1940 all over. Get ready Obama, the new Fuhrer in town is David Hasselhoff!

In other news...

Went home this past weekend for my oldest brother's wedding. Other than the drive, it was an amazing time. Weather was great, music was playing, and 151 mistakenly became a good friend of mine. I think more people I know need to get married, just so one can drink dressed up in a tux and hit on emotional women.

Ok, ok, you know I was kidding about that last comment. I'm one of the good guys remember?

I tried out a Yoga session on Tuesday, and a mini Crossfit session yesterday. Given that it was my first time for both, I was told I was quite impressive at Yoga. Never before in my life have I been so sore and stretched into crazy positions. Well except for that crazy night in Las Vegas, where I woke up in the Desert, but that's for another blog...

Starting up another season in the Fairfax County Softball league. Last season I got the nickname "Ichiro" b/c of my penchant to never hit for power, but being fast as hell. I'm now looking for street hockey in DC, which is like finding quality food in a sewer.

Looking forward to a 4th of July weekend of nice weather, grilling, pools, tubing, drinking and traffic free adventures!

Happy Canada Day everyone!

O Canada!

Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

This is getting ridiculous!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/24/mcdonalds-lawsuit-group-w_n_623908.html


STOP!, ENOUGH!, I TAP OUT!

I cannot fathom the absurdity of this lawsuit. People these days are so inclined to sue everyone and anyone in their sights. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is contending McDonald's is unfairly marketing towards children. Their lawsuit states that McDonald's uses their Happy Meal toys to "lure" children into eating the fatty foods.

If you know me, you know I am a huge supporter of the Non-profit industry. However, this group (CSPI) is way off the mark.

There are two HUGE gaps in this argument. One, McDonald's actually does have "healthy" items. Sure it doesn't stack up against your bland salad and tuna lunch, but compared to what's served at schools these days, McDonald's is a much more attractive option. It's not our fault that instead of getting your kid the usual Happy Meal, you go and feed him/her the 20 piece McNugget with a large Coke. Meanwhile, you shove your face full of two triple cheeseburgers and a milkshake. I've seen it too many times, that the parents themselves are giant wastes of life, and so they feed their child whatever they want. Start taking some responsibility!

Just last week I saw a Mother and her child feeding upon a tray full of fries and each had milkshakes. Now, God only knows if this was their main course or their only meal of the day. Either way, it spells obesity.

Secondly, the last time I checked, the whole point of Marketing, was to gain popularity within a certain demographic. McDonald's, Wendy's, Long John Silvers, etc all give away toys. It's away to attract attention to their business and away from the competitors. It's been a tried and true practice for over 30 years. Cereals have been doing this since the end of the Vietnam War.

As far as I know the toys do not contain nicotine or any other addictive drug, that makes kids yearn for their fix off of the McDonald's crack pipe.

If anything, McDonald's deceptively advertises to their adult consumers. Their "Chicken Select" meals are not that healthy, but advertise it as a smart choice.

Some of McDonald's' foods are a clear example of everything that's wrong with America. Do we really need a Big Mac, Triple Cheeseburger, and Half-pound Angus burger on the same menu??

Sure, their sign outside of the restaurant snidely advertises over 99 BILLION served. As Seinfeld once said, "we get it, you've served a lot of people, we know you're successful". However, this is one time I'm siding with the Golden Arches and their creepy cast of characters (no I'm not talking about the workers).

You (CSPI) are wrong in this case and as punishment you must consume a Big Mac meal and it better be super sized!

BA-DAH-DA-DA-DAH I'M LOVIN' IT

Sports and shorts

Monday officially started the "break your neck" season. I refer to it by this name because too many times guys will snap their neck by turning to catch a glace at the woman in the short skirt, running clothes, etc. Women are finally free from the winter/spring confines and figure, hey now is a great time to show what I've been hiding under that ridiculous sweater all winter.

Just be careful when you're driving out there. At least twice yesterday in Rock Creek park I nearly took out other cars ala NASCAR b/c of what some runners were wearing. Ahhhh DAMN!

Since my last ex, I've been searching for a "healthy" cookie to replace the oatmeal/flax seed/brown sugar ones I've had stored away. I think I may have found a good replacement.

Another friend (who btw refuses to publicly acknowledge reading this blog! haha), dropped off a great replacement. This is made with oatmeal/flax seed/apple sauce/chocolate chips. Hopefully these will curb my addiction to ice cream/frozen yogurt. FrozenYO got me again last night for another 1/2 pound of french vanilla. Those bastards!

In Hockey, two females were elected to the Hall of Fame yesterday. Cammi Granato and Angela James received the phone call late Monday, giving them permission to enter the hallowed gates in Toronto.

I'm torn on this subject. On one hand it's great they recognize Granato for basically breaking down the women's barrier in professional/international hockey competition. James was supposedly the greatest player so far, and has no relation to LeBron. The other half of me thinks, SO WHAT? Has anyone ever seen a professional women's hockey game, besides in the Olympics?

Their contribution is undoubtedly great, but we're not talking about Jackie Robinson here. There was only a barrier b/c there was no interest in it, and still appears that way. It has less of a following than the WNBA, and that's sad. Is Pro Football suddenly going to enshrine women in theirs b/c I know for a fact there are professional leagues for only women.

Listen, I'm not trying to be sexist here. What they've done is great and truly was ground-breaking. You have to question the validity though, if they are only being enshrined "just because" and to start up a new wing in the Hall.

If this is true, I'm pushing for Manon Rheaume (first female goalie).

http://www.keepsakevideo.biz/images/ManonRheaumeICEHawks.jpg

I'll pass on making comments about scoring, going top shelf, and the five-hole haha.

We didn't start the fire

Here's a firestorm of thoughts to get you over the hump for the week.

-On Monday I was coming back from the gym, and ran into a girl on the elevator, who I can only describe as an ideal woman for Aaron. Tall, blonde, and wheeling up a case of wine bottles. Not realizing that everyone doesn't get my sarcastic side, I spit out this little gem, "Like to drink much?". This was met by 5 seconds of silence, before she realized I was joking. At this point she busts out laughing, and before she can respond, I'm at my floor.

Was that a win or should I chalk that up in the loss column?

-The other thing many of you observe about me, is I'm constantly talking or looking at jobs. For whatever reason, something about interviewing at a new employer is exciting. Recently, I've started to look back into public accounting. Apparently I haven't learned my lesson yet, since my last two jobs in public accounting, lasted a combined 2 years. Accounting as a whole is like the two polar ends of women you end up with. On one end you have the Corporate side, which is your safe bet. Pretty much always guaranteed to have a job, the pay is decent, benefits are good, etc. This is akin to the woman you settle down with. Early in your career, you're not ready for it, and may even look at it as boring and monotonous. Public Accounting, is like that crazy girl you saw for months. It's a helluva ride and you don't know if you'll make it out alive. Some people last in that industry for weeks, some months, and others somehow transform it into a career. This can only be directly related to marrying the stripper girlfriend. You may think it's a great idea, but others are shaking their head wondering why you keep putting up with it.

-Yes I just somehow connected accounting to strippers....

-The song "We didn't start the fire" by Billy Joel has been playing over and over in my head today. When you Wiki the events that Joel somehow rhymed together, it's amazing (Wheel of fortune-Sally Ride, Heavy Metal Suicide, foreign debts-homeless vets, AIDS,crack, Bernhard Goetz????). Who cares that the song was voted as the #41 worst song ever.

-FrozenYO opened up in Columbia Heights a month or so ago. The concept here is to self-serve frozen yogurt. It's both genius and horrific. Genius because they realize Americans cannot control themselves when it comes to ice cream, and even fewer know how to approximate the weight of an item. Their toppings vary from fruit to Fruit Loops cereal. It's horrific b/c I fit both categories and consumed .81 POUNDS of frozen yogurt and toppings in one visit. Get this place outta here!

-Another sign I'm extremely bored at work, I wiki'd the year 1982 to see who else was born in the same year as me. If you ever want a wake up call to compare what you've accomplished to others. Within the same month I was born here's a small list of the celebs:

*Ben Roethlisberger (shoot me)
*Jessica Biel (Call me!)
*Landon Donovan (GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALL today!)
*Kat Von D, (Would def get ink done by her)
*Danica Patrick (Please stop the Go Daddy commercials)
*Chyler Leigh (paging Dr. Lexie Grey)
*Seth Rogen (Has anyone had a better 3 year span of movies?)
*Kaka (the soccer player not the turd itself)


Those are some pretty successful people. Would you ever guess any of them were the same age as yours truly? With the exception of Chyler Leigh, I gotta say I look the most youthful of the bunch.

-Last weekend I was up for my brother's bachelor party, and what started with getting drenched and drunk from the rain delay at the Pirates game, soon turned to entering the Casino in Pittsburgh. If you ever want to see the biggest mix of hillbillies, yinzers, grandparents and club rats, this is the place. It was too much for my mind to handle.

-The highlight of the night was two part.

1) After going out Friday night till 2:30, I woke up at 7:00 am to drive from DC to Pittsburgh. Halfway through the party I figured it was a great idea to drink Redbull, followed by "strong" coffee, followed by Playboy Energy drink. I could hear my heart saying, "that's it, I'm giving up!!"

2) The reaction that Donnie Iris (DAHNEY R'IS in Pittsburghese) is overwhelming. I'm convinced that if he ran for Governor of PA, Pittsburghers alone would get him elected. You would have thought Jesus himself appeared with all the cheering, shrieking and women's clothes falling off that happened.

Unbelievable.

Just fake it

It's the new Nike slogan, "Just fake it!". Within the past 3 days I've been reminded why I've watched less and less basketball and soccer growing up. Both sports have become almost unwatchable, with Soccer lone saving grace being the goal celebrations. Let's get this moving...

I've given both the sport of soccer and soccer players credit in the past, for being some of the most skilled and well conditioned athletes on the other side of the pond. Having to only use your feet and head, while continuously running for 45 minutes, is impressive. The largest problem the sport is facing is the terrible, terrible acting these Euro-pansies employ. In every game I've watched so far, guys are taking dives. They'll act like their leg's been broken b/c of a slide tackle, all in the name of drawing a yellow card. Once said yellow card is given, they jump right back up and everything is alright. That's simply disgusting.

Sure in every sport people try to draw penalties, but their attempts are pathetic. Look no further than the Nigeria-Greece game. (http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Kaita-s-red-card-could-be-this-World-Cup-s-worst?urn=sow,249204)

Sani Kaita barely even touches the Greece player with a kick, he goes down immediately, and Kaita receives a red card. I'm just saying, you try and pull something like that in football or hockey? You can bet your life you'll be in for a beat down next time around.

The only way a yellow card should be handed out is for incidents like Zidane's headbutt, or if you literally tackle someone else. The whole concept of "tripping" someone by tapping their leg is absurd. I've seen better acting and actual hitting in wrestling, and we all know it's fake.

Act like a man, footballers, and maybe your sport will earn more respect here in the US.

Basketball is in the same category as soccer. If you watched the game back in the early 90's, and compared it to a game today? No comparison.

In today's game, players put more effort into trying to draw charging fouls and shooting fouls, than the do actually shooting. Everyone is included in this. In last night's Game 7, there were at least 4-5 instances of Kobe purposely trying to draw a foul rather than just posting up for a good shot. In the words of Charles Barkley, "That's just turrrible Kenny, straight turrible". This is why Jordan and older players will always be held in a higher regard than today's crop. They worked for their points. Jordan had to fight the Pistons, Knicks and Pacers, tooth and nail. Sometimes, actually "fighting", aka throwing punches and shoving.

Guys will try and take a charge instead of attempting to play actual defense. Another strategy you never saw in the 90's and earlier. They're already leaning back like Lil Jon says, before there's even contact. How can guys making millions of dollars do this? Some even "rep" where they're from, trying to say they grew up in the streets or ghetto. Man, I know for a fact that shit doesn't fly in a game of streetball. Hey I understand, you're trying to do whatever it takes to win, but have some pride in your game, and man up.

Last night's Game 7 was unwatchable because of those reasons, as well as the pathetic shooting percentages. You're telling me these guys are pros, yet they shoot between 30-40% from the floor? Supposedly two of the top 50 players in the league, Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen, went a combined 9-for-38. 23%!!! Neither team played well enough to win, but the Celtics played poor enough to lose it.

Now we get to hear all about how "great" Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant are. I just have one question?

When does the NFL season start?

I don't think you're ready for this....

Rolling Stone magazine, in 2004 unveiled its greatest(read: worst) list of the Top 100 artists of all-time. These lists are always great because of the debate they cause, and ultimately attract more attention to their magazine.

I've had numerous discussions/arguments with friends in regards to the Greatest Guitarists/Albums/etc. However, this one takes the cake.

This Top 100 list includes all genres, which already makes it a bit burdensome and difficult to judge. I could more concisely argue for Rock, Country, or even Rap. However, this list includes Blues, Motown, and other genres I'm not completely familiar with.

If I were to throw out the name Michael Jackson (all jokes aside), where would you rank him? Top 5? Top 10? I mean the man dominated the charts for over 15 years. Any album he released topped the charts.

Now how about Little Richard or Velvet Underground? Either you're scratching your head or thinking, "I dunno maybe Top 50?". Remember, we're talking of all-time here.

What if I told you MJ was ranked #35, while Little Richard and Velvet Underground were ranked at #'s 7 & 19, respectively.

Yes, you read that right. Somehow they believe both of those artists are not only better, but infinitely better. Others in front of MJ, the King of Pop, are the Who, Neil Young, Nirvana, the Beach Boys, and Bob Dylan.

Nirvana, was a good band. Revolutionary? Not quite. They were neither the founders of grunge, nor were they the best band from that era. Sonic Youth, Pixies, the Melvins, and even Soundgarden were out before Nirvana. The greatest "grunge" band? I'd put Pearl Jam atop that list, perhaps followed by Soundgarden, THEN Nirvana. Nirvana is always ranked so highly on these lists, and I've never understood why. Case in point, Dave Grohl (their drummer) has had an even more successful career switching instruments (guitar) and leading his own group (Foo Fighters).

The Beach Boys? I mean they had hits, lots of them. Were they catchy? Hell yeah, as they're still played today during the summer season. Was the music that intricate? Absolutely not. I mean hell, if they make the Top 15, where's N*Sync? Basically the modern equivalent of the Beach Boys.

Bob Dylan? I've never understood what makes this guy so great, other than being able to play two instruments at once? He mumbles worse that I do, and his biggest hit, "Like a Rolling Stone", might make a top 100 song of all-time list.

As we scroll further done the list, John Lennon makes it at #38. You're thinking, "yeah he was an amazing songwriter for the Beatles". I definitely agree, but the Beatles are #1 on this list. So you're telling me John Lennon was sooooo good, he can make the list twice, over Run DMC or Elton John? Hmmmmm.

We all know to take Rolling Stone polls with a grain of salt, but this is the best example of how far off they can actually get in these rankings. Hey, at least Eminem made the list at #82. Now THAT's an all-time great.

Question of the Day: (Read the Column too!)

So with the World Cup starting tomorrow, I pose this question:

During the Olympics, rooting for any country not named the United States was seen as anti-American. Is it ok to cheer for another country during the World Cup? Such as the country where your grandparents or great-grandparents are from?


-Yes (Explain)

-No (Explain)

Final(s) Thoughts

With the Blackhawks successfully defeating evil personified in the Philadelphia Flyers last night, and bringing the Cup to Chicago. I thought I'd give my final take on the season that was.

-Great to see NBC cover Game 6. It gave the sport a big-time feel. You had two of the largest TV markets tuning in, and it couldn't have ended on a better night. Sandwiched between two NBA Finals games, and the World Cup. Hockey had it's own night to shine and did it ever.

-Even though everyone wants to see a pivotal Game 7, having Game 6 go into overtime is all you could have asked for. It was an extremely competitive game, with breaks for both teams. There was nothing to complain about in terms of biased referees or non-calls, and the GWG (game-winning goal) was controversy free. Perfecto!

-I said it here earlier in the year, that the Hawks were the Penguins of the West. They proved it last night by having a "younger" team, take it to the experienced Flyers. The Blackhawks, Kings and Canucks are the future of the West, while Pittsburgh and Washington will get over this past season hiccups to dominate the East for several years. Watch out for Boston and Tampa Bay(yes I said it), as they keep adding younger talent, as an under-the-radar pick.

-I don't care what anyone says, hockey is catching on big-time. If you watched any of the Playoffs, each game felt like a big deal, and the fans were electric. I have to give Montreal, Philly, and Chicago their due, as they seem to have the most dedicated and rabid fan base.

-Speaking of Philly, I can't believe I'm going to say this, but you showed real class last night by cheering and allowing the Blackhawks to celebrate in peace. Nothing was thrown on the ice and the ceremony wasn't booed at all, which is phenomenal.

-I still get a kick out of Gary Bettman (NHL Commissioner) getting booed in every venue. The guy is socially awkward, he needs to hire a public speaker, perhaps Bruce Buffer, to give his speeches. I rank him 3rd in the Commissioner poll, only beating Bud Selig in terms of ineptitude.

-Jonathan Toews (pronounced Taves) did his best imitation of Sidney Crosby by winning both a Stanley Cup and Gold Medal in the same year. The guy is 22 yrs old!!! Comparatively speaking, Stephen Strasburg made his debut two nights ago and already is 21. Toews has 3 championships under his belt already. Dominating stuff.

-Patrick Kane (their true superstar) is bringing back the mullet. He needs to be traded to Pittsburgh to fit in with that hairstyle.

-For those that don't know: The handlers of the Stanley Cup (two guys with white gloves) travel everywhere the Cup goes. Everybody in the Blackhawks organization gets a day or two to do whatever they want with the Cup. If I were one of the players, I'd get them drunk and then run off with the Stanley Cup. Maybe you wanted to spend the night with the Cup and some random "Bar rat", would they come into your room and watch b/c they had to keep an eye on the Cup? I need to know this.

-F' You to ESPN once again. Their coverage of the Stanley Cup final consisted of about 5-10 minutes worth of SportsCenter. By comparison, for Strasburg's debut, they interviewed 4-5 different people. Do they not understand the only way to help the Sport grow is to provide coverage?? The Finals had two major markets competing against each other, and don't tell me no one cares about hockey. Go to every major TV market as ask about their NHL team, and you'll find a huge fanbase. Just think if you did this, you wouldn't have to show the Harlem Globetrotters or Spelling Bee on your main channel.

-Doc Emerick is one of the best Play-by-play announcers alive. He gives every play the feel of life or death. In addition, it sounds like he's getting robbed at gunpoint after a great save. Classic stuff.

-We get two days to recover before cheering for the second most underrated and under appreciated sport in America, the World Cup of Soccer. Time for more chants, shenanigans, hooligans, and beer!!

U-S-A, U-S-A!!

Virtual Insanity

I'd like to believe most people are very visual learners. It may sound insane, but I whole heartily trust that my driving skills are attributed to playing Need for Speed, Daytona USA, and Gran Turismo. Sorry, Mario Kart doesn't make the list, because as far as I can see, there are no magic boxes that'll allow me to speed up, fire weapons, or make traffic ahead of me minuscule.

In the same belief, recently I've learned that if the end of the world comes, and the dead rise to become zombies, the safest place will be in Apt. 242. I know Gigs and myself would be Zombie Killing M'Fers. After watching 28 days later, 28 weeks later, Resident Evil 2 & 3, and shooting an African country's worth in Resident Evil 5, I feel pretty confident I'll be able to mow down hundreds of the blood-suckers. Of course if it was an attractive woman, maybe I'd let her think about it, before I took off her head.

I pose this question: Would you hook up with (fill in your celebrity), if afterwards you became a Zombie?

While we're on the subject, here's what else I've learned from video games:

-I could never be a sniper. Instead of firing one shot, I pretty much go into Rambo mode and shoot as many bullets as possible.
-Even in the virtual world, I am frugal with spending. I could have $75k, and I'm thinking "eh I'll pass on the rocket launcher, there may be something better down the line".
-Apparently all great things in life are hiding in boxes/crates. Some you can break with your head, and others you'll need to find a special key.
-Mushrooms give you super powers, or at least you think so, after you've taken them.
-Grand Theft Auto should just be renamed: "Another day in Columbia Heights, DC"
-According to RockBand, I should probably take over as lead singer for Alice in Chains
-If I ever get shot, I'll just either sit in a corner to heal up or eat some plants.
-Never trust Russians. They are ALWAYS evil. Especially Russian women (personal experience aside).


http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/the-fratellis-chelsea-dagger/025947d318e1fa4a9a53025947d318e1fa4a9a53-63378358826

LET'S GO HAWKS!!

I drive East every other Friday....

Home. It's where the heart is, the old saying goes. For this blogger, I've called Pittsburgh home for 26 years of my life. Time in DC has flown by, already living here for a year and a half. As Gigs will tell you, I'm still clueless as to how to get around the city. I know my escape route to Virginia and other points East. Otherwise, unless it's Adams Morgan, DuPont, Georgetown or Chinatown, I have no idea where it is.

Back in Pittsburgh, I could find a back road or route to get you anywhere. I'm not sure if that exists in DC. Seems at every turn there is more and more traffic. Another thing I've noticed is that in DC, you don't meet many/any people actually from the area. I'm not exactly sure why, but it's a bit odd to me. Whenever I meet someone from Pittsburgh in DC (that I didn't know beforehand) it's like running into an old friend. You reminisce about the place and your favorite spots.

That's the funny thing about the Burgh. For all those years spent trying to escape, you eventually look back on it and smile. Exploring new cities may be great, but once you KNOW everything about a city, it's that much better.

I'll be heading up to the Steel City twice in the next month. The 250 mile drive Northwest on I-70 and I-76 is equal parts relaxing and boring. The scenery as you're driving up the mountains in PA, heading towards Breezewood is intoxicating. You get a view that looks down upon small towns and the countryside. During the Spring/Summer, it's a perfect example of how tranquil parts of the world can be.

Soon, you hit one of the most amazing places on Earth, Breezewood Pennsylvania. I kid you not. After driving how many hours, being stuck in traffic, and just wanting to get to your final destination, this place is a glimmer of hope. It has everything you want and need. From Sheetz to Dunkin Donuts to Starbucks to Wendy's, it's a fast food haven. If you feel like sitting, there's even a Bob Evans, where Flo will serve you up some of the best fried country cookin'.

After passing through Breezewood, it's a race on the PA Turnpike against Tractor trailers and other crazy drivers. When it's raining or snowing, you may even begin to doubt if you'll make it out alive. Of course, it's just a thought, and as it passes, so do the final 110 miles.

Finally, you jump off on the Monroeville exit, fly through the Squirrel Hill tunnels, and the city landscape is there to slap you in the face. At night, it's a stunning view of steel buildings and lights. To this day, I believe Yellowcard wrote the song "City of Lights" after Pittsburgh.

I finally make it home, and within the first floor of my house the last 20 years of memories rush over me, like a flashback in LOST. I see pictures of family and pets (both with us and deceased). I'd then make my way into the dining room, where the piano I used to play for 10 years sat.

But on this next trip back, the piano will no longer be there. It finally was sold, and it's been a mixed review. Home will look a bit different, just as it marginally does every other time I travel back. Just like the city, for so many years I tried to escape playing the piano, and now that it's gone, I want it back. Just one more time to play "November Rain". As I think about the drive next week, I can't seem to shake this song outta my head...

"So I'll drive
And I'll think about my life
And wonder why, I'll slowly die inside
Everytime I turn that car around, right at the PA line and i count the days and the miles back home to you on that Highway 76 ride"

-Zac Brown Band

New Sporting Rules

Here here, the Sports Czar is holding court and hereby passing these laws.

1) The NBA needs to push those photographers back about 20 feet. Why in the world do they need to be so close to the action? I'm pretty sure we've developed camera lenses that will zoom in. I'm sure the players love it when they're in a full out sprint and end up crashing into a sea of midgets and cameras. Ahhh feels great on the back! I don't blame Dennis Rodman for kicking these guys.

2) While we're on the subject. Just because you're a fan doesn't mean you can get away with anything. Case #1, the Artest Melee in Auburn Hills. If you throw your drink at any athlete, they should have free range to inflict whatever bodily harm they see fit. When else in society is it acceptable to do this? If someone did that to you at a party or on the street, wouldn't you re-act the same?

3) I understand golf is one of the few sports that had remained "traditional" and up until a few decades ago, only snobby old white men played it. However, Golf has become revolutionized since Tiger Woods started playing, and now other aspects need to be changed. Cheering/jeering. Why is it Golf is the only sport where they need absolute silence? Are the golfers that thin-skinned they can't handle hecklers? Every other sport has crowd noise, music, yo-momma remarks. Just accept it Golf and watch the sport captivate more young people. Just look at horse racing for an example. They allowed drinking in the middle of the tracks, and throngs of 20-somethings show up to their major races.

4) If your team has 10+ consecutive years of a below .500 record. They WILL be moved. No if/and/buts about it. There are plenty of other owners and cities looking for teams. Congratulations to the Las Vegas Pirates!!!

5) If a baseball batter steps out of the box more than 3 times in one at-bat, the pitcher gets to ding him with a fastball, free of charge. Hopefully this will stop the whole Nomar and A-Rod trend of constantly adjusting.

6) WNBA is now the professional mud-wrestling league. Of course we'd have to replace all the players now. Sexist you say? Does anyone even attend these games or watch them on TV? Might as well make a bit more interesting at least. Look at the bright side, I'm sure Budweiser will jump all over this as a sponsor.

7) New idea for UFC. Tag-Team fighting or escape from the cage matches.

8) NFL-NCAA Football. No more kickers. We're going old-school here. No more extra point attempts, only two point conversions. If you want to kick a field goal, one of your other players must attempt it. Someone who can actually stand to be tackled. For kickoffs, you throw it, just like in those famous Thanksgiving Bowl games.

9) Steroids are now allowed in any sport. I want to see what the human anatomy is full capable of. 650 foot home runs, tackles that take off some one's arm, 180 MPH slapshots, 135 mph fastball. Let's show the rest of the world what we're made of! GHB and HGH!!

10) Please take away the uniforms from baseball managers. I'm tired of seeing 60-70 year old men walking around in tights. Christ, if I wanted to see that I'd go back to watching WWF.

UPDATE:

1b) All professional athletes are on incentive based contracts. The contracts will have a stated minimum pay, say $1-5 million. Then, based upon your performance, compared to others in your position, you get paid on your ranking. This will eliminate all arguments of being underpaid or overpaid. The top 5-10 players at each position will be handsomely rewarded with $15-20 million/year. I'm tired of seeing guys holding out in training camp b/c of one good year. Let's see how motivated all players remain, it can only increase competition in the league. Of course this makes too much sense and will never happen due to Players Union (another unnecessary evil of sports).

Don't piss on my head and tell me it's raining....

Obama nation is slowly turning each day into a Jim Jones cult. With this BP Oil Crisis, it's becoming more and more prevalent. In the beginning, we were willing to give him a pass, because he had to "clean up" the mess GW Bush left us with. People would argue to me all the time, "anything is better than another Republican President".

So I ask, when do we stop drinking the Kool-Aid and realize what's going on? This isn't meant stir panic like Glenn Beck, it's an honest question. Do we realize how long this event has been going on? It started back on April 20th, and by the looks of it, it'll at least be June 20th, before anything has been resolved.

Two months of oil leaking out into the water, towards Louisiana and affecting not only the Ecosystem, but the Fishing industry as well. People flipped out when Bush did not respond to the Hurricane Katrina quickly enough. It was less than TWO WEEKS, before the Southeast area was flooded (pardon the pun) with supplies, volunteers and benefit concerts. From my view, Obama STILL has not done anything to quell this disaster. Again, some will argue this is not affecting people's lives, and thus does not require immediate response. It is and will affect lives, and two months later, you're still dragging your feet? Pick it up man!

The Unemployment rate is still sky high at 9.7. When he took over the office of President, the rate was 8.2, and it's high mark was at 10% in November-December. Most of the jobs he has introduced recently, have been temporary assignments. Argue you all you want about GWB, but while he was in office the high mark was 7.4 and that was the December before he left office.

Listen, I want Obama to succeed and become this President that unites the country. However, his decision making, authority, and responsiveness has been questionable for much of the first year and a half of his Presidency. Yet, people are still quiet and mum on any flaws he may have.

This isn't a race thing, but Obama needs to start focusing on actual issues. I give him praise for pushing through Health Care reform (even though it should have been passed back when Clinton introduced it). Otherwise, I'm seeing goose-eggs up on the scoreboard. Stop trying to be the friendly, funny, sports-enthusiast President, and focus on getting things done. Be that A-hole needed to put the fear of God in BP and Wall Street. No one wants to look back on your term and think, "he didn't get much done, but he was a nice guy". As we all know, nice guys finish last.

Memorial Day was dominated

Fresh off the 3 day weekend, which seemed like one non-stop day, here's some food for thought.


-Capital Skyline Hotel throws an amazing pool party. At 12:30 pm there was already music blaring, drinking/BBQ'ing, and scantily-clad people everywhere. If they only renovated the hotel, they could become the SW version of the "W" Hotel.

-Speaking of the scantily-clad, after discussing opinions of what bathing suits guys prefer on women, I quietly noted that the wrong crowd wears what I call the "Pregnancy" bikini. You seemingly notice women who are in-shape sporting it, but those who think a Gym, is a name of a guy, have no problem wearing Euro-style suits.

-I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to the dudes wearing the Banana boats. Unless this is a bodybuilding competition, there is no need to be wearing that in public...Just the thought makes me shudder. At this point I wish I was drunk!

-Attended a friend's BBQ on Sunday night and was having an amazing time, when I thought I was about to see a suicide attempt. This woman thought it was a great idea to storm off, jump the railing, put both hands on the ledge and.........sit down. This is about the only negative of ever hosting a Rooftop party. Next time leave the crazy at home!

-Walking from Chinatown to Columbia Heights isn't too bad (2.9 miles). However about halfway through the walk at 2:30 am, after about 8 police cars buzzed by, I thought "do I have a better chance of making it home alive or the Pirates having a winning season?". I felt better immediately afterwards.

-Celebrated a year anniversary of my amazing tan lines on Monday. No one can say I haven't tried to get rid of them. They've survived two beach trips and the recent 5 hour excursion at the pool. After they solve this BP Oil Crisis, perhaps the US Government should focus their attention on this...

-The Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) are up 2-0 in their series after Monday. The only sporting event that could beat this is watching Kevin Garnett scream "ANYTHING IS POSSIBBBBBBBBLAAAAAH"

-I take that back, Jan. 1, 2011, will crush it by comparison. Pens vs Caps at Heinz Field...Where do I sign up????

-Last year was Michael Jackson, this year Gary Coleman and Corey Haim. If I'm Maculy Culkin, I'm in full on panic mode right now. (NOTE: Put your money on him in the 2011 Celebrity Poll)

-DON'T ICE ME BRO!!! http://brosicingbros.com/

-Buy stock immediately this second in Smirnoff, Bacardi and Mike's Hard Lemonade.

I could really use a wish right now.....wish right now

How do you decide what your preferences are? (No I'm not talking about sexual preference).

I can tell you right now, I prefer Coke vs Pepsi, Windows vs Apple, Canada vs Mexico, Red Sox vs Yankees, Playboy vs Penthouse, etc....etc.

I don't remember any certain time in history I made this choice. I was just born that way and I'm the type of person who sticks to their guns. Sure each of those opposing choices have their benefits (Mt. Dew, Ipod, Tequila, Jeter, extreme expose), but it's not enough to sway my vote.

It's akin to the which hand you write/eat with. Did I choose to be left-handed? Absolutely not, there are very few advantages to being lefty. Hell, my writing is so sloppy, I don't think people would notice if I switched from one to the other.

Where does it end though? I've never been able to define that line of where preferences are choices. Take for example women. I prefer brunette to blonde 10 outta 10 times (sorry to all the blondes out there). I know for a fact, two of my closest friends would chose the opposite, and a third would just take whatever. Were we born this way or was it because of some ridiculous justification? I've even forced myself to date blondes, but a few months later I'm stuck with thinking, why did I do that???

The more I think about it the more I get this feeling, we're all just pre-programmed a certain way, and so are our lives. It's an odd thought to have, but maybe, just maybe it's true. Either that or I'm drunk at work....

Work, work, work, all day long

After that last disaster of a blog, I'm hopefully back on track for you, my loyal readers.

Try and follow my logic here. Recently, I was thinking about a conversation that I had with Aaron regarding what qualifies as an expert. There is one theory out there that qualifies one as an expert, if they dedicate 10,000 hours to their craft. Simply put, that would be 2 hours of practice/work a day for over 13 years. Many of us cannot stake claim to this, especially at our age. I of course, immediately thought of myself as a hockey expert because of being involved in the sport or study of it for over 18 years. Do I sincerely believe I've studied the sport for over 10,000 hours? Hopefully not.

Then my mind wandered a bit more, thinking perhaps I am an interview expert. It would still take several years to even consider this, but in my 12 years, since being able to work legally, I've had 12 jobs. Now mind you, 3-4 were summer jobs, but still that's quite a few. In the past 2-3 years, I'd be safe in saying I've been on about 20 interviews alone. So perhaps, this is my calling, teaching those how to properly interview, and spinning a negative into a positive.

After this mindless thought process, it hit me. I've changed jobs often b/c I'm never willing to settle and get bored easily if I'm not challenged. One has to believe this is the biggest generational gap between our parents and the current crop.

When I go into an interview with a company, I ask myself one question. Can I see myself working here for at least 2-3 years? Hopefully the answer is yes, otherwise, even if offered the stars and the moon, I'd turn it down. (This recent one is the exception to the rule).

Maybe there are a minority of people who actually enjoy both their job and company. They see themselves sticking with it for the long haul. I say, More power to ya, it'll help when you're building up those 10 weeks of vacation. However, I tend to believe more often than not, we view our jobs like relationships. After those first 2-3 years the fun and "newness" is starting to wear, and you're forced to looking long term. By year 4-5, you're either a "lifer" or if things haven't improved you're bailing ship. Sure, there would be reasons why you'd stay, even if you're dissatisfied. Perhaps the "economy" is bad and you don't have any other options. Maybe this company gives you really "good" money and benefits, and you can't turn it down.

It's funny because unlike my personal life, I jump from job to job with reckless abandonment. It's definitely a terrible approach, but I'm looking more long-term. Whatever job will get me closer to the ultimate goal of working with a "Secret" agency, I'll take it.

Our parents believed in loyalty to their employers. Even if the job became mundane and the pay was not so great, they stuck with it, for the kids. It's a huge sacrifice they made, and I'd like to thank them everyday for it.

I guess I still haven't fully matured yet, because I'm unwilling to make that sacrifice and settle for anything less than everything. Will that ultimately come back to haunt me? Maybe, maybe not. But it's been a helluva ride so far.