Is it October Yet?

Since the Caps are(have been for weeks) out of the hunt. Is it next season yet?




Mopping?

What's in Your Tapedeck?

Right now.... Eat 'Em and Smile

two days ago... Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em

prior to that... Van Halen II

So I ask you, what is in your Tape deck?

(for you folks on the cutting edge of technology... what is in your 8-track player?)

Future Hall of Famer?

From Slam Sports - Canada's home for sports.

---Jeremy Roenick is trying to set the record straight after his untimely whining before the deadline. "I love playing for Wayne (Gretzky)," he told Phoenix reporters. "The guy's an icon. I respect him immensely. You may not see that by some of the stuff that I say, but I've always been a complainer and that's not going to change."...

what role model to have in dressing room, a real model of what not to do or say

John Paul Jones Arena?

Sitting here half listening to the Caps post game show...

I believe I hear that there is a new college basketball complex that has recently opened... The John Paul Jones arena... now, I have no idea where it is, nor do I really care, but it makes me wonder... did I somehow miss the opening of the Jimmy Page Arena? The Robert Plant Center? The John Bonham Memorial Park?

Just curious.

Pens vs. Flyers... is that Mr. Killer?

Just thought that I'd post a quick hit. This past Sunday, we flip the NBC game on during the third, and here is a transcript of the conversation that followed:

(flip to NBC- approx. 6min. remaining)

"Ooooohhhh, hockey! Daddy, is that Mr. Killer?"

"No son, that's not Mr. Killer."

"O.K..... is that man Mr. Killer? ...which one is Mr. Killer?"

"No, Mr. Killer doesn't play for either one of those teams."

"Oh..... Mr. Killer plays for the Caps?"

The Killer has a fan club. To paraphrase the great Pooh bear: You are the man Killer P. You are it!


you all play hockey... on ice?

Bitchin' Camaro?

Am I the only one who does this? Most of you know that my automotive preferences tend to fall on the blue oval side of the aisle, but everytime I see a half-way decent old camaro...
The Dead Milkmen start playing in my brain. I used to sing the chorus out loud, but with the parrot sitting behind me in his booster seat, I just hum and try not to head bang to much.
I can't find my cassette, but I know that song has got to be close to 20years old.

Yes, extend the fore finger and hold the thumb out to the side, now hold confidently in front of the forehead.

Welcome to 1989

As I pass time in my cubicle day to day, I often listen to a random playlist of mp3s. Well, when I say random... well, most of you know me by now. The thing is that frequently these tunes get stuck in my brain and I end up humming them all night, or weekend long (I stopped myself before Lionel Ritchie started up in my brain... darn, there it goes)

Anywho, last weekend the big tune in my mind was Rapper's Delight.

Monday thru Wednesday was the Humpty Dance... btw, have you seen the commercial, and I think it is for Pizza hut, but not sure, that has the guys with the unusually large features, eyes, ears, nose.... I start laughing every time I see it that I can't remember what the ad is for.

Back to my tune running in my brain, I'll share it with you. You're welcome in advance:

Fight the Power!

man, Flava Flav makes me laugh... he's like a live action cartoon.

at least I didn't say Pac-man Fever.

Eastbound and Down...

One of my favorite movies... one of my favorite candies...

What's next?

Jawa Jawbreakers? maybe.

Batman Butterfingers? perhaps.

Han Solo Rollos? I'd buy 'em.

We now return you to the Art Fern Tea-Time Movie...

Happy New Year!

I was flipping around the dial the other day and stopped on a televised sports talk radio show, on either MASN or ESPN, I can't remember which. I didn't catch the guys name, but he said that Terrel Owens was going to be in New York tonight at Times Square, at midnight, just to make sure the ball does in fact get dropped. And they say TO isn't a team player.

Super, Super!

Merry Christmas

Well it is Christmas time again. I hope all are well, and enjoy the season.

I also hope you have had the opportunity to hear some of the classic songs of the season. There are some great lyrics out there that really tug on the old heart strings and create nostalgic feelings... real Norman Rockwell moments.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas... just like the ones I used to know.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

Peace on Earth... can it be.

It's Christmas time in Hollis Queens Mom's cooking chicken and collard greens Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese And Santa put gifts under Christmas trees. Decorate the house with lights at night Snow's on the ground, snow white so bright In the fireplace is the yule log Beneath the mistle toe as we drink egg nog.

We can't get these little antlers to stay on.
Have you tried staples?

This is only a test...

After composing a lengthy post two nights ago about the skill and athletic talent that is the NBA, and specifically the New York Knickerboxers, only to have my PC crash (it must know that I'm a Mac convert). I have decided to take short shifts on the old blogosphere.

So after all this, I have a challenge for those willing to read further.

Yesterday, I was listening to the radio, 80s at 8:oo, and in reference to the new Rocky Balboa movie, they had a theme for the hour: any song title or artist that could be associated with Rocky. Pretty creative and funny stuff before they got to an obvious choice from one of the soundtracks.

And this is where my challenge to you comes in, because this tune has been in my brain ever since, and while it is not even one of my favorite songs, it always makes me laugh. Now, I dare each of you to try and sit absolutely still in your chair when this song enters and plays in your brain:

"Living in America"


Its much more difficult than you thought isn't it?

And now, if you're anything like me, it will remain lodged in your brain for days.

Super highways, coast to coast, easy to get anywhere
On the transcontinental overload, just slide behind the wheel How does it feel
When there's no destination - that's too far
And somewhere on the way, you might find out who you are

Chorus: Living in America - eye to eye, station to station Living in America - hand to hand, across the nation Living in America - got to have a celebration

Rock my soul Smokestack, fatback, many miles of railroad track
All night radio, keep on runnin' through your rock 'n' roll soul
All night diners keep you awake, hey, on black coffee and a hard roll
You might have to walk the fine line, you might take the hard line
But everybody's working overtime

(chorus)

I live in America, help me out, but I live in America, wait a minute
You might not be looking for the promised land, but you might find it anyway
Under one of those old familiar names
Like New Orleans (New Orleans), Detroit City (Detroit City), Dallas (Dallas) Pittsburg P.A. (Pittsburg P.A.),
New York City (New York City) Kansas City (Kansas City), Atlanta (Atlanta), Chicago and L.A.

Living in America - hit me - living in America - yeah, I walk in and out Living in America
I live in America - state lines, gonna make the prime, that I live in America - hey, I know what it means, I Living in America - Eddie Murphy, eat your heart out
Living in America - hit me,
I said now, eye to eye, station to station Living in America - so nice, with your bare self Living in America - I feel good!

You're Welcome.

"Sing. All you have to do is sing. Cause Mick Jagger is one ugly..."

Hey, You Guys!!

Believe it or not, this is another post about PBS. The bane of my childhood (when we only had channels 2 through 13), now a refuge of quality in a sea of mediocrity, awash in a zillion ho-hum channels.

Naturally it is fundraiser time on PBS (when isn't it?), you know, when the best shows are on in shorts segments, surrounded by lengthy pleas for financial assistance. But yesterday, it was worth keeping in the "last channel" button of my remote. You know, watch something else while they are in studio with the phones, and flip back in hopes that they are back to the show.

Suspense killing you yet? Home of Fargo North, Decoder... and everyone's favorite literary soul man Easy Reader.... The Electric Company.

I had forgotten how cool that show was for being a spin-off of Sesame Street, and educational and being on PBS. It was a 'best of' clip show, but I had forgotten how great it really was. In addition to placing nearly a dozen obscure things that have existed in my brain, but not remembering where from, well WOW mystery solved.

As a parent I can completely see the educational benefits of the show. Even though, I too Love to Learn (after all, Education is Boss!!) As a kid, I guess I picked up some of the educational stuff through osmosis, while watching the sketches for Spiderman, Grover, Cosby, and the aforementioned Easy Reader. Of course, I know that I didn't learn everything... I still have a great appreciation for a well placed run-on sentence, or two, or even three, from time to time, like now, and perhaps tomorrow, and maybe the next day.

Where was I? Oh, that's right, the Electric Company. It is out on DVD, and it is definately worth a look. Those of us who are parents, it is a no brainer to go out and buy it for ourselves, ahem, I mean our kids.

"T-I-O-N... -tion, -tion, -tion"

Happy Little Trees... an ode to PBS... or just a trip down memory lane.

Yesterday, we were awoken to the prodding of B, politely requesting waffles. Of course, yesterday he wanted C, not me to go downstairs. A and I followed a few minutes later.

Anywho... we flipped on the tube, (I still like tubes versus LCDs, plasmas, etc. but that is a post for another day).

zipping through the guide, what do my eyes find? The best of the joy of painting! Yes, Bob Ross, the happy tree guy. I was always, and continue to be, amazed at how quickly the man could take a blank canvas, and in a matter of minutes create a landscape so realistic it you'd swear it was a photo.

It was cool to watch again, and listen to him talk. The contradiction of a voice that would be perfect for bed-time stories, and talent so amazing that you would hang on every word.

It reminded me of a time when there were only channels two through thirteen, many of which were duplicates, and I was the remote control. (commercials start... cue: "Rob, flip it to Hee Haw for a minute") Channels 2 and 4 were both NBC, 6 and 11 were CBS, 7 and 13 were ABC, 3 was the blue and red updated local weather and current time channel (really only useful for our Atari 2600), 5 was WTTG long before it was FOX 5, 10 was DC 20 (home of the ever popular Captain 20), 12 was the Christian Broadcasting Network, and then there was channel 8, PBS rarely watched during the week (I never really cared for Sesame Street, especially after Mr. Hooper died), Mr Rogers was only really interesting during Picture-Picture segments. But on the weekends, after a morning of cartoons, wrestling, kung fu theatre, and creature feature on DC 20, before Lawrence Welk and Hee Haw (what a combo there), there was the underwater world of Jacques Cousteau and The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross.

What a great time to be a kid, the 70s and 80s. A special treat was going to the Tastee Freeze for a small swirl cone, or a trip to Skate Land with a couple of friends, where we'd blow all our money on Pole Position ("...Prepare to Qualify!"), or a trip to the old mall when it was just the mall, having a slice of Tony's Pizza or a Bavarian soft pretzel while sitting on the ledge in front of Langrall's listening to the soundtrack of a trip to the mall in the 70s, the organist in the piano/organ store.

Good Times... Good Times...

dyNOmite!

Who Wants to be a Super Hero?

Who doesn't? Be honest, I think we all want a utility belt...

I missed episode two, felt a little bummed about that, but to my releif (and yours, if you've bothered to read this far) SciFi will be re-playing the first two episodes Thursday evening prior to the new one at 9pm. Starting at 7pm is the premeire, where we are introduced to this league of would be crime fighters. Episode two at 8pm, followed by a brand spanking new edition (pun intended) at 9pm. So set your VCRs, pop your popcorn and enjoy!

And tune in next week... same bat time... same bat channel...

I would've gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for those meddlin' kids.

Holy Guilty Pleasure!

Alright, stop what you're doin', cause I'm about to ruin the image and style that you're used to... I look funny, but...

Who Wants to Be A Super Hero? I don't know if any of you happened to see it, I only caught the last 20 minutes or so, but this show is hilarious.

I happened upon it after taking B upstairs and tucking him in. I caught the super hero challenge where, when called upon by Stan Lee via personal communicator, each mild mannered contestant had to find a place to discreetly change into his/her fantasticly amazing alter ego and race across a crowded public square to a designated location. They were all told that they should do this as quickly as possible, and obviously not be seen tranforming into their secret identity. But here in lies the rub, the producers planted a young girl near the finish line, crying and looking for her mother. Only about half even noticed the young maiden, altered their course, and escorted her to the security office that was plastered with enough signage for anyone with their eyes open to see.

There are some great characters though, some wierd, some strange, all the way to outrageous. My new favorite hero though is Major Victory, I almost laughed out loud as he saved the day. Looking like part morning news anchor, part power ranger, this un-caped crusader leaped through the square as deftly as Will Ferrell in Anchor Man, with a sprinkling of Belushi breaking into Dean Wormer's office, and a heaping helping of the Super Star pulling a Kramer as the World's oldest ball boy (naturally, for this visual substitute rolls of toilet paper where tennis balls should be). The guy doesn't have any facial hair, but for some reason the first thing that jumped into my brain when this guy started speaking was the great poet, Leaping Lanny Poffo.

Junior, put the evidence in the car...

Red Headed Step-Child

Or at least that is how it seems the NHL is regarded by ESPN.

I followed a link from the Caps web site to the ESPN Espy awards ballot, the cool thing is that Alexander Ovechkin IS up for two awards, however I was surprised that "The Goal" wasn't one of the nominations up for best play of the year. I mean, there he was, on.... and still had the presence of mind to put the puck toward the net, and Bam! Are you feelin' it Evel? It goes in the net. It was even cooler than the lacrosse style goal from years back. But ESPN doesn't like to reward or promote sports they don't carry or create. You like Spicoli type X-Gamers? The Espy ballot is full of them...

You take the van... I'll keep the dog.

Ladies & Gents... The New Lead Singer of O-Town...

Or maybe the name of the band is 68 degrees... she looks like even more of a little girl now than when she had Super Mullet in Pittsburg. Have you paid your taxes there little lady?

You ever play in Springfield?

Separated at birth? You decide...

Major Milestone

Its party time at the old homestead... why, you ask? did the Caps win the Patrick Division? no ...did Esa score in the Cup final? sorry, no again ... did Bettman realize that the Flames actually won the Cup in 2004, and sandblast the Lightning off the side of the silver chalice? no, afraid not

...did B recognize the need to use the potty, and get there in time to go without wetting his pants? Yes!!! ding, ding, ding... cue the confetti! strike up the band! break out the Lawrence Welk bubble blower!

Our little guy felt it coming and high-tailed it to his little Winnie the Pooh potty in the nick of time. He was thrilled, we're thrilled, elated, proud. This is a huge success for him, after several days of near misses and close calls, he did this one all on his own.

"If anyone knocks me into the boards..."

Sports hereos? or Compensated endorsers?

This is the random thought that dropped from brain today, actually I've wasted several minutes on countless occasions pondering this.

Isn't it funny that one generation's Pitcher is the next generation's Pitch man? For example, I'll freely admit that it wasn't until I joined a baseball card club as a child that I realized that Joe DiMaggio was more than just Mr. Coffee. And then there was that popular fellow from the Moneystore, Phil Rezutto (btw, in my world, right at this moment, there are no point deductions for spelling errors). Who could have known that he ever played baseball? Is it possible that one day one of my boys will be dumbfounded and say: "Dad, did you know that Michael Jordan played basketball before he started selling Hanes underwear with that guy who has been in a movie with everyone? "

I could probably go on and on for like dozens of minutes, but could great actors have had previous lives in sports? I mean Merlin Olson didn't do anything prior to being Father Murphy, right?


Right?