Friday, February 27, 2009
Thank Dad It's Friday!
This post isn't going to harp on religion, so feel free to keep reading.
Anyway, in case you were wondering, Jesus would probably go out to the bars on weekends, but not on the Sabbath. That's a big no-no on the Jewish top ten list. Also, for those wondering, he would get a cab and not drive under the influence of alcohol. There is one that I still can't quite figure out. I've asked many historians and theologians and no one can come to a consensus on what Jesus would do for a Klondike bar.
Thinking more about Jesus, I bet he would be a lot of fun at a bar. He'd make the perfect wingman since he's always looking out for others. I would totally go drinking with him. In fact, the first round of HE'BREWs would be on me. [Who said Jews are cheap?]
Well that's it for me. In closing, as Jesus would say, "thank Dad it's Friday!"
Happy Friday!
PS: I think I'm going to add a Jesus tag. I have a feeling he will be resurrected in a number of future posts.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Oh Canada!
Today's post is a special shout out to our neighbor to the north...good ol' Canadia [misspelling intended]
EDITOR'S NOTE: This post is especially late because now I've been back in New York for about a week and a half.
While I sit around wasting time, looking for a job, and starting a business (or 3), I figured that such a stressful life deserves a vacation. Presidents' weekend is a nice long weekend so I figured that would be a good time to go away. So then I needed to decide where to go. My income is limited so it would have to be cheap and even these days, flights are too pricey. That narrowed the vacation radius to 7 hours of driving.
What better than to spend Presidents' weekend in a country where the weekend has no significance!?!?! Montreal, here we come! So I packed my stuff and planned to visit some friends from college and their kids and other friends up there. The week leading up to the weekend happened to have been incredibly busy so planning was last minute. I packed my skis with the intention of skiing one of those days, but between everyone schedules (the friends I drove to split gas and other friends) skiing wasn't going to happen so I my skis at my friends apartment in the city.
Over the weekend we realized that this was my ninth trip to Canada. The next time I go and get my card punched, I get a free sub, or car wash, or pint of Labatt.
So here are the highs and lows from the weekend (in no order):
- Didn't see any moose
- Good homemade pancakes on Sunday with (probably) authentic maple syrup
- Didn't see any mounties
- It was a little colder than I packed for (even after traveling there twice in the last 4 years, both in the winter)
- Whatshername (there's always a girl involved)
- Making it home in 5 and a half hours even after being stopped at customs for trying to smuggle a Canadian into the states (and no crazy speeding either)
- Playing hockey with my friends oldest kid in the living room (I love hockey)
- Those kids REALLY tire me out
- Drank a lot, but didn't have any Canadian beer
- Not as much snow as I thought
- Getting out of New York
- Not exchanging any money or speaking a word of French
- Waiter at the restaurant Saturday night who was a little too excited to talk politics with an American
On a side note, while waiting for whatshername to pick me up, I found some hockey on TV. The only problem was that the game was televised in French. I know about 7 French words that have nothing to do with hockey. No problem as I watched the game on mute and listened to NHL radio. I'd rather deal with a 5 second delay in the play-by-play than have to listen to the action in French
USA! USA! USA!
I Love You, Man
Before my Presidents' Weekend excursion to our neighbor to the north (see next post) I had a chance to catch an advanced screening of the upcoming flick, "I Love You, Man" starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. The film hits theaters on March 20th but here's a sneak peak:
Paul Rudd is the main character and the movie opens with him proposing to his girlfriend. While they plan the wedding, he and his fiance discover that while he has lots of female friends, he has very few guy friends, and no best man. Rudd's character then goes on a series of "man dates" to find a best man for the wedding.
Funnier Moment: Paul Rudd goes to Jason Segel's house following a man date. Segal introduces the dog as Anwar Sadat. When asked why he calls his dog Anwar Sadat, Segel replies "because he looks like Anwar Sadat" and the camera pans to a picture hanging on Segel's wall of the real Anwar Sadat.
I highly recommend this movie for a lots of laughs. [Okay, that sounds really lame] Guest starring Rush (the band) Jamie Pressly, Jon Favreau, and Lou Ferrigno (the original Incredible Hulk). Rated R for language and sexual innuendo (cue The Todd).
Check out the trailer:
SPOILER ALERT (which will have no impact on any storyline): You will not see as much Jason Segel as you saw in his last film, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." END OF SPOILER
Monday, February 23, 2009
I'm Baaaaack!
As much as I resolved to stay on top of this blog, I have failed. But guess what? I don't care.
While I plan to keep up with this, I still make the rules. I reserve the right to go on vacations, get sick, or stay away from computers for extended periods. However, at the request of my fans, I will resume posting and include the posts that I wrote in my head during my absence.
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. [Editors note: I've never said this nor heard anyone else actually say it, but just roll with it.] Thanks for missing me and stay tuned to a record [for this blog at least] number of posts over a short period of time.
Warmest regards, [can I be any more full of it?]
DeathoftheCourtesyWave [can I have a longer name?]
Friday, February 6, 2009
Happy Friday!
Today's Friday session with yours truly will be devoted to sayings that make absolutely no sense or just rub me the wrong way.
1. Under the weather
We all know this to mean that someone isn't feeling well. That could span anything from a lil tummy ache to projectile vomiting to a mild cough. But how does that have anything to do with being under the weather? Earlier this week we got about 5 inches of snow in New York. When I left my house, it snowed on me. Then, and only then, was I under the weather. When the suns rays burn my skin while I'm laying on the beach in August, Captain Weatherman would say it's sunny, and again, I would probably be under the weather. But when I'm sitting around my house and I'm seeing weather out my window that doesn't impact on me in any way until I step outside and it actually hits me.
2. Rubs me the wrong way
Anytime you hang out with a large crowd, there's always this one guy/girl who just irks you. Some say that person "rubs you the wrong way." Unless your nemesis is a licensed masseuse, chances are they are not rubbing you the wrong way. Right now I've have my Swedish "assistant" (she's definitely not a Sven) giving my a full body massage while I dictate this post to my midget personal secretary at the computer. She's rubbing me the right way, but if she did something wrong, I would surely point it out to her and tell her that she was rubbing me the wrong way.
3. Sounds like a plan
Now my personal favorite! If I tell you that I'll pick you up at 7pm and we'll go for sushi, can't you simply say "I'll see you then?" NO. That would be asking too much. Instead you have to say "sounds like a plan." I guess it is technically a plan, but it's rather weak. Maybe we should try this: You flash the valet and I'll steal all the keys till I find the nicest car on the lot. Then I'll drop the top, pull up to the front and while you're dancing in front of the valets you'll jump into the car as I speed away. We'll pull into my friend Vinnie's body shop for a quick license plate and registration swap and he'll pry off the VIN. Maybe he'll add a racing strips across the hood and trunk. Then we'll sneak out a side exit, avoid all cops, and drive off into the sunset where I'll pull over so we can eat sushi and watch the sun set. Now THAT is a plan!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
#9
Tonight I would like to dedicate this post to Adam Graves, #9. Adam Graves was not the biggest, strongest, fastest or hardest shooter, but he was a solid all-around player. His teammates enjoyed the time with him and he was good to them. Adam Graves played hockey the way it should be played. He was smart, quick, played solid defense, and stood up for his teammates. Getting a busted lip or broken nose or teeth knocked out was a regular occurrence for Graves.
Not only that, Graves was a solid role model off the ice. Many athletes have their own "foundations." There may be some generosity, but it's also good for tax purposes when athletes make a hefty sum of money. Adam Graves not only gave to charities, but also gave time and served as a vehicle for others to donate. Writing a check from your millions is easy, but giving your time and being the solid role model that gets others to give is something special. Both on the ice and off, Adam Graves was as selfless as it gets.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, sports is a metaphor for life. It's the good people who are truly happy. Graves' accomplishments on the ice will not get him into the Hockey Hall of Fame, but he has been recognized by his teammates, the City of New York, nationwide organizations, and the National Hockey League for his actions on and off the ice.
He could have been greedy and selfish, but that's generally not how any team or individual achieves success. The whole is always the sum of its parts and Adam Graves was successful on a team that hadn't won the greatest trophy in all sports in over 50 years. He also played on a team with names such as Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter, yet was able to be successful in his own right.
On the night Graves broke the Rangers goal scoring record, he was interviewed after the game by former Rangers goalie John Davidson and Sam Rosen who called the game. It was noted that shortly after he scored the Rangers record-breaking goal Wayne Gretzky scored an NHL record 802nd goal breaking Gordie Howe's record (same night, different game). The Rangers were in Edmonton (Gretzky's original team) so at a stoppage in play, they made an announcement about Gretzky's accomplishment to a standing ovation at the Oilers-Rangers game. Graves simply laughed it off telling Sam Rosen that his name should never be used in the same sentence as Wayne Gretzky-the best player to ever play the game.
That is #9 for ya.
So pop open a HE'BREW Mr. Graves because you earned it!
PS: If there are lots of errors on this post, it's because I had a few shots earlier at an engagement party but this post had to go up tonight for Adam Graves night.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Finally a reason to go to California
There were other topics of conversation that night. For one, we also discussed her desire/plan to move to California. I have never been to the left coast. [Been as far as Edmonton, Alberta Canada, which is in the Canadian Rockies for those non-moose loving or geographically challenged folk.] I want to go out there and ride along the coast on my most awesome Cannondale roadbike, and also see friends, hit the beaches and check out the girls. Not that there aren't enough fake or enhanced girls in New York!
[NOTE: I would never go out there and escape the seasons. I am perfectly content with my New York summers and winters. I love the beach and love to ski. I can do without spring and fall.]
ANYWAY, Danielle asked me if I would visit her if she moved out there. Considering that in my many years of existence I have never ventured out there, was this enough to tip the scales, and go west (albeit for a brief vacation)?
I said yes because that's always the right thing to say, but then yesterday I finally got a good reason to go to California. After that football game last night (which I did watch very intently), I went online to re-watch the Audi commercial with Jason Statham ("The Transporter" or "El Transportador" south of the border). I also found this other Audi commercial which did not air in the US.
And THIS is why I need to go to California:
Friday, January 30, 2009
F-U Friday
So instead of ending the week on a happy note, I will pull a page from the Opie and Anthony playbook and contribute to their F-U Fridays.
Earlier in the week I made a post about things that bother me. I think I made it pretty clear that I am annoyed with Dish Network and Versus for not allowing my to watch/record the NHL All-Star Game and skills competition. Well now my F-U goes out to the good people at Dish Network.
Towards the end of the month, Dish Network releases new channels to preview for a month. In the past I've enjoyed stations such as the Do It Yourself Network, National Geographic, and Fine Living (all in varying degrees). Today I checked the previews for the new month and sure enough I can enjoy the quality programming on Versus for the month of February.
DOES ANYONE CARE ABOUT THE PROGRAMS ON VERSUS IN FEBRUARY??? I missed all-star weekend and the playoffs don't start for a few months. In case anyone is wondering, fishing was on when I checked it out.
Way to blow that one Dish Network.
Happy Friday!
PS: My name is DeathoftheCourtesyWave and I have no interest in seeing Slumdog Millionaire.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Pimp My Ride - Executive Edition
The show had a modest following and they've "pimped" all sorts of cars.
Today we are "pimping" the presidential limousine. Why? Because we can! Also because the most powerful man in the world should have the most awesome vehicle. We all know how ginormous his car is, given the 2-inch think armored windows, 6-inch thick armored doors, and the ability to withstand attacks from the best that over 170 countries can throw at it. I should also add that this "car" is almost as tall as our president and taller than some secret servicemen, rides on truck tires, and can probably off-road as well as most SUVs. Let's just say this Cadillac looks like a car but most suspect it's based on a GM truck platform. There's a reason that insiders have called this limo "The Beast." The exact specs for President Obama's car are classified (shocker!).
There are just a few guidelines to "pimping" such a vehicle. First, we cannot disrespect the car or rider by giving it a crazy paint job. If we are going to add an insane sound system, it can only play "Hail to the Chief." I thought about putting a giant flag on the hood but this isn't Washington Heights (and Obama isn't Dominican). Finally, no spoilers that look like park benches.
So here's the plan:
1. Lot's of chrome.
If applied properly, chrome denotes wealth. If applied incorrectly, it looks straight out of Compton. The Cadillac grille could use a little more shine and maybe some trim. OK, while I'm out it, why not model the chrome add-ons after this beauty spotted in Dubai.
2. Spinners.
How do you stop any potential assassination attempts? Distract them with the hypnotic powers of spinners. You think Lee Harvey Oswald (or that secret shooter) would have hit JFK if his car had spinners?
3. Killer sound system.
After much consideration, I think it would be the coolest thing if the presidential motorcade drove by blasting "Hail to the Chief." Turn up the base and put a giant subwoofer in the trunk. Now we're in business. Save the police sirens for an emergency.
4. Toys.
All good "pimpings" need to have toys. Considering the limo already has multiple phones (and lines), satellite TV, world radio, a well stocked bar, and the ability to control our nuclear arsenal (hopefully not while he's raiding the bar), what else does he need? Roll-out spike strips, oil slicks, smoke screens, and machine guns/rocket launchers straight out of James Bond's Aston Martin. Maybe Q and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman in the new Batman movies) can get together and discuss other ideas.
NAME THAT MOVIE: "Hail to the chief cuz I'm the chief and I need hailing"
PS: How white am I that I use quotes around "pimped" and "pimping?"
Monday, January 26, 2009
Things that Bother Me
I may have mentioned at some point that I have no patience or tolerance. It's true. With that I bring you some of things that have bothered me lately.
Here's a collection of just a few of the things that have gotten under my skin:
1. Nancy Pelosi
OK, I get that people from California are strange and different but Madame Speaker of the House is trying to turn this country into China, and not the good kind of China. Part of the new trillion dollar economic "stimulus" plan (yes, TRILLION) includes birth control funding. Her reasoning is that "it will reduce costs to the states and federal government." (Source: ABC's This Week with George "My Last Name is a Spelling Test" Stephanopoulos). Next she's going allow Americans to keep only one child. Keep the first male child and throw the girls into the Potomac.
This comes from a woman with 5 children and, as of this posting, 6 grandchildren.
2. Hugh Jackman
How does a guy go from Wolverine on X-men to this? I don't care if you've been voted hottest man alive by a bunch of middle-aged women, you can't be Wolverine and that guy opposite Siegfried in "Siegfried and Roy." Next we'll have Clay Aiken star as the next Batman.
3. Foreign Currencies with Ridiculous Conversion Rates
Go to Japan with a crisp $20 bill and what do you get? A little over 1818 Japanese yen. 2 million of these yen will fetch you a stripped Toyota Camry while $2 million will land you any exotic supercar. I've never been to Japan but hope the smallest paper bill is a 100 yen note. I know I get excited when I look into my wallet when I see anything with a $100. If I were in Japan right now I would be carrying around roughly 5158 yen.
This goes for any country with similar conversion rates!
4. Bush Bashing
Over the last few years, Bush bashing was the "in" thing. Whether it's celebs during award shows, athletes, or the media. You know why people don't take us seriously anymore? Maybe it's because this country doesn't show any respect to the office of the president. Like the man or not, respect him for the position he holds. I know I would never want that position.
On a related note, where's Obama's exit strategy? Sure, let's close Guantanamo Bay, but where are you going to put all the prisoners? You can always send em home so we can read later that they are high ranking terrorists in Yemen. Maybe he can send em to California and reopen those internment camps that have been vacant since WWII. The media would just love that.
5. Corporate Greed
When business is booming, we love big business but in recessions, they are evil. I personally have no problem with them so long as greed never exceeds profits. The big 3 automakers got lynched for flying to D.C. in their private jets for congressional hearings to ask for money. Banks are already getting their share $700 billion and now I read that Citigroup is ready to take delivery of a rare $50 million jet. There are only 9 in the entire U.S. Way to properly spend our $45 billion in tax dollars to turn your company around.
BUT WAIT, it actually gets worse. The plane was made in France!
6. Versus and Dish Network
Versus what? Remember that station OLN? You know it...the hunting and fishing channel. Now I don't watch hunting or fishing, and have never gone hunting, but my hatred for Versus runs deep. You see, a few years back, they outbid ESPN for rights to NHL coverage. As a Rangers fan I watch most games on MSG, but on occasion Versus has the rights to the game and it's blacked out on MSG. Worse, they have the rights to the NHL All-Star Game and skills competition. It took awhile before Versus was even available to those non-rabbit ear users.
For some reason Versus is part of a premium package on Dish Network after Comcast (owns Versus) first didn't provide Versus to them. So in all my roughly 200 channels, I don't get versus and on the NFL bye week (read: no football, for you non-sportsfans) I did not get to watch the NHL All-Star Game. Stay tuned for a possible award nomination (I'm not going to say which award) for one of the parties involved with #6 come playoffs.
7. Hugh Jackman
