Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Taking a break
Because of a recent personal tragedy, I'll be taking a short hiatus from the blog. However, I'll be back for some upcoming events (the Caps' Draft Day event among them). Feel free to revisit in a few weeks!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Cameras everywhere
Despite spending most of the month in Chicago, I don't have much to show for it. There was a lot going on, though.
Chanuck came to visit one weekend, and we headed to the Navy Pier. The Stained Glass Museum had this to offer:
And then outside of it, they were filming an episode of "Beauty and the Geek." So exciting.
There was a lot of filming going on (not to mention casting). One early morning in a neighborhood north of Clark & Division, I noticed that they were placing a bunch of old cars from the '50s on the street. Turns out they were filming for "The Express." No, I didn't see Dennis Quaid or Charles S. Dutton.
Lots of construction going on...at least three times I saw a crane lowering port-a-potties down from the upper floors. Always made me a little nervous; I hoped they cleaned those things out before they sent them down, but I doubt it.
Nothing too exciting happened there, which is why I'm ready for June and this event!
Chanuck came to visit one weekend, and we headed to the Navy Pier. The Stained Glass Museum had this to offer:
And then outside of it, they were filming an episode of "Beauty and the Geek." So exciting.
There was a lot of filming going on (not to mention casting). One early morning in a neighborhood north of Clark & Division, I noticed that they were placing a bunch of old cars from the '50s on the street. Turns out they were filming for "The Express." No, I didn't see Dennis Quaid or Charles S. Dutton.Lots of construction going on...at least three times I saw a crane lowering port-a-potties down from the upper floors. Always made me a little nervous; I hoped they cleaned those things out before they sent them down, but I doubt it.
Nothing too exciting happened there, which is why I'm ready for June and this event!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Oh, Buffalo!
After two weeks in Chicago, I'm trying to catch up on everything. I was reading the Buffalo News' Sabres Edge blog and happened to see this comment:
I'm a little confused. "She has followed your playing all season?" "It took all season to save up to get it for her?" Did this grandparent somehow know last October that Zubrus was going to be traded to Buffalo in February? Wish I had those mental powers. Then again, if I had that sort of intelligence, I probably wouldn't be whining about how some hockey player didn't stop to sign a jersey. Assuming the player was still going to be with the team in the fall (a big assumption), I'd get him to sign it at a fanfest or something. But that's probably too easy for this particular fan. Oh, and I really doubt that Zubie is reading the blog.
Not surprisingly, some jerkwad Rangers fan had to weigh in:
I can't believe what I'm reading- Zubrus, not Avery, is a cheap-shot artist? I find that extremely hard to believe.
Reading the other comments is worth it. A lot of Canes fans were more than happy to share their glee about the Sabres losing- can't help agreeing with them!
Not surprisingly, some jerkwad Rangers fan had to weigh in:
Wow I don't believe Zubrus did that GRATEFUL FAN. That is horrible. I can't stand Zubrus as it is because He tripped two of the Rangers players last series to get Drury open for the GTG in game 5. Zubrus is a loser, what a great class act just like the high hits on Avery and Jagr. Go to hell Zubrus.
As a Ranger fan , I have to say it was a great run, hope to play you folks again in the playoffs next year.
Reading the other comments is worth it. A lot of Canes fans were more than happy to share their glee about the Sabres losing- can't help agreeing with them!
Pepsi: Barbaro Edition
Clearly, if Barbaro had chugged a Pepsi before the Preakness last year, they wouldn't have had to put him down.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Magic of Pepsi
What's the message here? Maybe if the Sabres had drunk some Pepsi before last Saturday's game, they wouldn't have gotten knocked out...yeah, that's it.
Nice try, guys
I know it will SHOCK and AMAZE you to read this press release that the Redskins put out, supposedly from "Clinton Portis":
"In the recent interview I gave concerning dogfighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dogfighting or condone dogfighting in any manner."
Dan Steinberg had the same reaction I did after reading it:
Clinton Portis actually doesn't like dogfighting. My bad. I misunderstood the part where he said "if that's what he wants to do, do it."
Um, yeah. Explain that one to me. "If that's what he wants to do, do it...I want to make it clear I do not take part in dogfighting or condone dogfighting in any manner." Oh, and don't forget "if it's behind closed doors, it's OK." So he doesn't condone dogfighting in any way, but it's fine as long as it's not out in public. Got it! I sure hope he sends the Redskins PR guys a nice basket of muffins or something after this one. They must love him.
"In the recent interview I gave concerning dogfighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dogfighting or condone dogfighting in any manner."
Dan Steinberg had the same reaction I did after reading it:
Clinton Portis actually doesn't like dogfighting. My bad. I misunderstood the part where he said "if that's what he wants to do, do it."
Um, yeah. Explain that one to me. "If that's what he wants to do, do it...I want to make it clear I do not take part in dogfighting or condone dogfighting in any manner." Oh, and don't forget "if it's behind closed doors, it's OK." So he doesn't condone dogfighting in any way, but it's fine as long as it's not out in public. Got it! I sure hope he sends the Redskins PR guys a nice basket of muffins or something after this one. They must love him.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Portis shows his roots
I'm still in Chicago, so I hadn't heard about this until Chanuck alerted me. (They like to discuss that Florida couple's non-winning lottery ticket and the whales that are stuck in California instead. Seriously, the local channels have reported on such stories every day for the past week rather than actual news.)
Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis defended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in the dog-fighting controversy..."I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog," Portis told WAVY-TV. "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business."
I swear, this guy is the answer to the media's prayers. Not only does he never know when to shut up, but he says the most deliciously stupid things. Mind their business? What about aggravated assault, rape, murder, or embezzlement, Clinton? Those are felonies too. He'd probably think that's acceptable as well if it's HIS property. Stay away, folks.
But that's not all:
Portis also told WAVY-TV that he knows "a lot of back roads that got the dog fight if you want to go see it" and that "if it's behind closed doors, it's OK."
Listen, you back-roads hick, dog fighting is not only sick and inhumane, but ILLEGAL. Why is this so hard to understand? Oh, I forgot, this is Clinton Portis we're talking about here. I'm a little disappointed that he's a moronic country bumpkin with the intelligence of motor oil, because I enjoyed his colorful press conference personalities. No more.
Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis defended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in the dog-fighting controversy..."I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog," Portis told WAVY-TV. "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business."
I swear, this guy is the answer to the media's prayers. Not only does he never know when to shut up, but he says the most deliciously stupid things. Mind their business? What about aggravated assault, rape, murder, or embezzlement, Clinton? Those are felonies too. He'd probably think that's acceptable as well if it's HIS property. Stay away, folks.
But that's not all:
Portis also told WAVY-TV that he knows "a lot of back roads that got the dog fight if you want to go see it" and that "if it's behind closed doors, it's OK."
Listen, you back-roads hick, dog fighting is not only sick and inhumane, but ILLEGAL. Why is this so hard to understand? Oh, I forgot, this is Clinton Portis we're talking about here. I'm a little disappointed that he's a moronic country bumpkin with the intelligence of motor oil, because I enjoyed his colorful press conference personalities. No more.
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Pokecheck Professor
Apparently Peter Puck might be coming back. Which is good, because I love cheesy cartoons. He's a legend- he's even on the Hockey Hall of Fame website!
How can you not love this guy:
""Some of the letters people sent me were kind of cute," said [commentator Brian] McFarlane. "I used to keep the best letters, because kids would send in a drawing of Peter Puck or make a snowman out of Peter Puck, take a picture of it and send it in. I can remember letters like, 'Dear Peter, does it hurt when they hit you on your bottom?' He even got marriage proposals and things of that nature.""
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Lordy, Lordy...
A certain Chanuck is going OVER THE HILL to celebrate a MILESTONE, so be sure to get over to his blog and wish him a happy birthday today!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Hawk needs his wings clipped
Out here in Chicago, I don't have many options for watching baseball. Sure, I have ESPN and ESPN2, but I don't really want to watch the Red Sox or Yankees. So what's left are the local channels, which means plenty of Cubs and White Sox games. I don't have a problem with that, but after watching the White Sox vs. Kansas City on Saturday night, I don't think I'll be tuning in again any time soon.
Now, I realize that the White Sox announcers (Ken "Hawk" Harrelson and Darrin Jackson) are homers. Great if you're a White Sox fan! Not so great if you aren't. These guys sucked. When they weren't blathering on about inane subjects ("When I was playing, I used a heavyweight bat and didn't break too many"), they're criticizing the other team for events that aren't their fault (the Kansas City batter got hit by the ball and it bounced onto AJ Pierzynski and thus "the batter [was] not doing a whole heck of a lot to get out of the way). It's good to see that I'm not alone in my sentiments: there's a website, "Heave the Hawk," that aims for his removal from TV.
Not to mention that the broadcast itself was awful. You could clearly hear crowd noise (like one chant: "1...2...3...Hey F*ck You Suck." How original), which is nice for about 5 seconds. And the crowd was screaming the ENTIRE TIME. I don't mean whistling and clapping, which is fine- I'm talking about stupid chants or general comments and insults. Well, that's a lot of spirit, I suppose.
I did note that 6'10" Sox pitcher Andrew Sisco has the same jersey number (51) as our towering inferno, 6'11" Jon Rauch. Oh yeah, don't forget about 6'10" Randy Johnson too. Somebody let Chris Young know that he has to change his jersey number to keep up with the rest of the big guys.
And don't get me started on the lack of Versus in this hotel room. Since I couldn't watch the game, I had to listen to Chanuck's play-by-play for the final two minutes of last night's Sens victory.
Now, I realize that the White Sox announcers (Ken "Hawk" Harrelson and Darrin Jackson) are homers. Great if you're a White Sox fan! Not so great if you aren't. These guys sucked. When they weren't blathering on about inane subjects ("When I was playing, I used a heavyweight bat and didn't break too many"), they're criticizing the other team for events that aren't their fault (the Kansas City batter got hit by the ball and it bounced onto AJ Pierzynski and thus "the batter [was] not doing a whole heck of a lot to get out of the way). It's good to see that I'm not alone in my sentiments: there's a website, "Heave the Hawk," that aims for his removal from TV.
Not to mention that the broadcast itself was awful. You could clearly hear crowd noise (like one chant: "1...2...3...Hey F*ck You Suck." How original), which is nice for about 5 seconds. And the crowd was screaming the ENTIRE TIME. I don't mean whistling and clapping, which is fine- I'm talking about stupid chants or general comments and insults. Well, that's a lot of spirit, I suppose.
I did note that 6'10" Sox pitcher Andrew Sisco has the same jersey number (51) as our towering inferno, 6'11" Jon Rauch. Oh yeah, don't forget about 6'10" Randy Johnson too. Somebody let Chris Young know that he has to change his jersey number to keep up with the rest of the big guys.
And don't get me started on the lack of Versus in this hotel room. Since I couldn't watch the game, I had to listen to Chanuck's play-by-play for the final two minutes of last night's Sens victory.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Yeah boyeee!
So I'm back in Chicago (no, I don't spend my life here, it only seems like it) and was greeted with this sign on the wall as I walked to my room:
I would have taken a pic of all the dudes waiting, if it wasn't so obvious. (There weren't really that many, maybe 8 or so, when I walked by.) If only it was Flavor of Love 3 or whatever number they're up to now; I would have been tempted to audition- not for Flavor Flav, just for the experience and the ability to say, "I tried out for Flavor of Love 3." Because how many people can say that?
All right, maybe that's not so impressive...
update #1: I ran into one of the casting directors on Sunday and asked her how it was going. "There's some real characters in the bunch," she said. No doubt, sister.
update #2: I happened to sneak a peek at the sign-in sheet today and caught the impressive name of "Lafayette B. Simpkins." Not sure if he lived up to that name, though. At least the guys I saw today were much better dressed than the guy in the red polo shirt and white tie that my friend spotted on Saturday.
I would have taken a pic of all the dudes waiting, if it wasn't so obvious. (There weren't really that many, maybe 8 or so, when I walked by.) If only it was Flavor of Love 3 or whatever number they're up to now; I would have been tempted to audition- not for Flavor Flav, just for the experience and the ability to say, "I tried out for Flavor of Love 3." Because how many people can say that?All right, maybe that's not so impressive...
update #1: I ran into one of the casting directors on Sunday and asked her how it was going. "There's some real characters in the bunch," she said. No doubt, sister.
update #2: I happened to sneak a peek at the sign-in sheet today and caught the impressive name of "Lafayette B. Simpkins." Not sure if he lived up to that name, though. At least the guys I saw today were much better dressed than the guy in the red polo shirt and white tie that my friend spotted on Saturday.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
They're so COOL
What do you suppose this tastes like? Hot wings? Bison? Babies? I hear they eat their young up there.
Silly me. It is described thusly:
Top Shelf Sundae, which boasts its very own “hat trick” with swirls of thick fudge, fudge coated cone pieces and chopped peanuts, is packaged in an eye-catching container donned in Sabres colors, including the team’s new logo.
Ooh, so eye-catching! Yes, I would notice a package that featured a slug on it too. However, that wasn't even the best part of the press release:
This isn’t the first time Perry’s has created a commemorative Sabres flavor. The company introduced Sabre Sundae, now known as Butterscotch Sundae, in the early 80s.
What a letdown. To go from the exciting and thrilling "Sabre Sundae" to something as lame as butterscotch.
I leave you with one comment:
Let's go Sens!
Silly me. It is described thusly:Top Shelf Sundae, which boasts its very own “hat trick” with swirls of thick fudge, fudge coated cone pieces and chopped peanuts, is packaged in an eye-catching container donned in Sabres colors, including the team’s new logo.
Ooh, so eye-catching! Yes, I would notice a package that featured a slug on it too. However, that wasn't even the best part of the press release:
This isn’t the first time Perry’s has created a commemorative Sabres flavor. The company introduced Sabre Sundae, now known as Butterscotch Sundae, in the early 80s.
What a letdown. To go from the exciting and thrilling "Sabre Sundae" to something as lame as butterscotch.
I leave you with one comment:
Let's go Sens!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
"Chicago" translates into "wild onion" or "polecat"
Some pics from Chicago last weekend. These billboards were everywhere; I kept wondering what a Cubs fan must think of this ad campaign. "WE are CHICAGO baseball." Don't think they would like it too much.
Oh, John Patterson. Why did you have to go get hurt again?
The t-shirts on the street were quite...colorful.
Sombreros, not surprisingly, were everywhere.
Chicago lives up to its nickname. My hair was so windblown, it took 10 minutes to brush it out. We were pleased to see quite a few other Nats fans there, besides the ones we knew. Now that's dedication! We did have to explain to a vendor what the "W" stood for. She probably thought it was a Walgreens hat or something.
Mr. Smooth had asked me to take a pic of the new ad on the ivied outfield wall. Seemed kinda weird and out of place there.
The one game that the Nats were winning was in an ad. Sad. At least they gave us the benefit of that doubt.
And now I'm headed back to Chicago. I hope to catch at least one game of the Cubs-White Sox series at Wrigley next weekend, if I get the time and tickets. I hope it isn't the "frozen tundra" it was last weekend (and this is according to Cubs fans! I'd have thought they would be used to the cold weather).
Oh, John Patterson. Why did you have to go get hurt again?
The t-shirts on the street were quite...colorful.
Sombreros, not surprisingly, were everywhere. 
Chicago lives up to its nickname. My hair was so windblown, it took 10 minutes to brush it out. We were pleased to see quite a few other Nats fans there, besides the ones we knew. Now that's dedication! We did have to explain to a vendor what the "W" stood for. She probably thought it was a Walgreens hat or something.
Mr. Smooth had asked me to take a pic of the new ad on the ivied outfield wall. Seemed kinda weird and out of place there.
The one game that the Nats were winning was in an ad. Sad. At least they gave us the benefit of that doubt.
And now I'm headed back to Chicago. I hope to catch at least one game of the Cubs-White Sox series at Wrigley next weekend, if I get the time and tickets. I hope it isn't the "frozen tundra" it was last weekend (and this is according to Cubs fans! I'd have thought they would be used to the cold weather).
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
In a perfect world...
Interesting post out of Bobby Boswell Land today:
The bottom line is that D.C. United offered me a great deal this past off-season! I just decided to turn it down for personal reasons. It was not a shot at D.C. United, or the MLS, or anyone, or anything. If I really needed or wanted that money, then I would have taken the deal. I will not sit here and bad mouth a league that has given me an opportunity to fulfill a dream and do what I love.
While the roses and kittens and rainbows are just pouring out of this post, I can't help feeling a little skeptical. Turning down a big deal when you're only making $30K a year, even for the love of the game? I find that hard to believe. I have to think that there was something in that deal (terms, length, etc.) that he didn't want to agree to, and this is an easy way of shifting the focus. Read D's post over at The DCenters for a good POV on the subject (especially the reference to Devon McTavish).
The bottom line is that D.C. United offered me a great deal this past off-season! I just decided to turn it down for personal reasons. It was not a shot at D.C. United, or the MLS, or anyone, or anything. If I really needed or wanted that money, then I would have taken the deal. I will not sit here and bad mouth a league that has given me an opportunity to fulfill a dream and do what I love.
While the roses and kittens and rainbows are just pouring out of this post, I can't help feeling a little skeptical. Turning down a big deal when you're only making $30K a year, even for the love of the game? I find that hard to believe. I have to think that there was something in that deal (terms, length, etc.) that he didn't want to agree to, and this is an easy way of shifting the focus. Read D's post over at The DCenters for a good POV on the subject (especially the reference to Devon McTavish).
Monday, May 07, 2007
They don't call it the Windy City for nothing
Just flew back from Chicago, and boy are my arms tired! Pics to come soon, between now and the next time I go to the Windy City (which would be Friday, to be exact), but in the meantime, here's the best quote I heard all day. Overheard in the bathroom at Giordano's, by a little girl:
"Mommy, dance for me while I go poo...show me some moves!"
Seriously. I don't even want to know.
"Mommy, dance for me while I go poo...show me some moves!"
Seriously. I don't even want to know.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Future goons
On a warm day when Chanuck and I are trying to stay cool in our 80+ degree apartment, it's slightly comforting to watch scenes on ice. These kids learn early!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The most disturbing thing I've seen all day
Thanks a bunch, Lucky.
That reminds me. Did anyone catch last Thursday and Friday's Dr. Phil? Apparently the former Slapshot and his wife were on, and I missed it. The show highlights are some riveting, scary weird stuff.
That reminds me. Did anyone catch last Thursday and Friday's Dr. Phil? Apparently the former Slapshot and his wife were on, and I missed it. The show highlights are some riveting, scary weird stuff.
Great ideas
I'm still at a loss to understand how Giants fans can stick by Bonds, but whatever. Read this on Dave Sheinin's baseball chat today and liked the suggestions. I think the third one is my favorite:
Dave, can we start a contest? Let's see who can come up with the most creative suggestion for how fans can protest when Bonds hits No. 756. My entry -- the fans in attendance that day maintain absolute silence as he rounds the bases. No cheering, no booing, just total quiet.
-----
I'd suggest that any fan sitting in the outfield seats at any game where Bonds might hit 756 should come equipped with a black indelible marking pen. If the fan should wind up with the ball, use the marker to write "cheater" on the ball, then ship it to Cooperstown.
-----
in addition to total silence when Bonds breaks the record, who about also turning around and facing away from him as he rounds those bases...
And a nice reminder from Section 213:
Section 213, Row 12: Shiner, For all the Doom and Gloomers out there, note that the Nats finished April 2007 with 9 wins; this is one more win than in 2006. I might remind the folks that the Nats did not set a record for losses last season, and they won't this season. After a 1-8 start, our Nats have gone 8-8. Also, note that the Nats nine victories are the same as the Yankees nine victories, for about $150 million less.
Not to mention that the Nats have unearthed some real gems in their pitching staff in Bergmann and Hill. (I won't talk about the duds.)
Dave, can we start a contest? Let's see who can come up with the most creative suggestion for how fans can protest when Bonds hits No. 756. My entry -- the fans in attendance that day maintain absolute silence as he rounds the bases. No cheering, no booing, just total quiet.
-----
I'd suggest that any fan sitting in the outfield seats at any game where Bonds might hit 756 should come equipped with a black indelible marking pen. If the fan should wind up with the ball, use the marker to write "cheater" on the ball, then ship it to Cooperstown.
-----
in addition to total silence when Bonds breaks the record, who about also turning around and facing away from him as he rounds those bases...
And a nice reminder from Section 213:
Section 213, Row 12: Shiner, For all the Doom and Gloomers out there, note that the Nats finished April 2007 with 9 wins; this is one more win than in 2006. I might remind the folks that the Nats did not set a record for losses last season, and they won't this season. After a 1-8 start, our Nats have gone 8-8. Also, note that the Nats nine victories are the same as the Yankees nine victories, for about $150 million less.
Not to mention that the Nats have unearthed some real gems in their pitching staff in Bergmann and Hill. (I won't talk about the duds.)
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Just had to post this in hopes that Dainius Zubrus would see this and read this. You passed my little granddaughter as you left the arena today. You saw her. Do you remember the little 12 year old reaching out to you at the stop sign there as you pulled pass the gate? She was all alone with YOUR jersey on asking you to pull over for just a few seconds to sign it. You looked at me then at her and stepped on the gas. What would it have hurt Zube? She has followed your playing all season. The girl's crazy about you and she sat down on the curb and cried her heart out. She waited 5 weeks for that jersey and had just gotten it on Thursday. It took all season to save up to get it for her. Thank God Campbell stopped. I even forgave him for the penalties he got. HE was sooo nice! HE even gave her a hug! And it was HIS birthday. You couldn't care or think about anyone but yourself and how you were hurting. You're such a disappointment. Have fun on the course.
To the SABRES Organization-Thanks so much for a great season...and Tom you're one for the history books. You make us all proud. It's purely a joy to support your team. Thank you sincerely for the fun. It was amaaaazing!