Buffalo Boy's Blog
Giving You More Than Just My Two Cents
November 2007 Archives
More Shameless 80's Plugs
This is a song that I look forward to hearing every Sunday night on CFNY with Martin Streek Live To Air at The Velvet Underground. Heaven 17 is probably lesser known that Flock of Seagulls but carries the same retro sound. this song is a staple of Sunday nights on the Edge. Let Me Go...
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Category: Music
In a Retro Frame Of Mind
Im feeling Retro tonight. Flock of Seagulls was known for their single I Ran, I liked that song, but this was the song that convinced at least me that they were more than one hit wonders. Space Age Love Song....
Category: Music
Greatest Alternative Band of All Time?
The Cure have been around since the late 70's. They have endured close to 30 years and they are still going strong, They have out lasted many of their influences and peers through the years and continue to be very relevant in the music scene.
Robert Smith and the Cure have been defining their influence with recent pairings with Korn and even Ashley Simpson. They may not be in the mainstream even now but 20 years from now I bet the Cure are looked at today how the Velvet Underground are looked at now.
Here is some Cure footage to boot:
Category: Music
Get Real Jorge!
Is Jorge Posada smoking crack? Maybe he should be the next one tested for drugs in the Majors. He thinks the Yankees should go after Johan Santana via trade.
Santana is arguably the best pitcher in the American League. Does Posada think the Twins will just cough him up for nothing? The Yankees already have payroll that went from huge to mammoth with their offseason signings and Santana is going to command lots more money next offseason when he becomes a free agent.
Have the Yankee players become that spoiled? Do they realize how unreasonable that trade would be for the rest of Major League Baseball? Besides, why would the Twins want to trade Santana when they just made a move to acquire Delmon Young to add some potent offense to their lineup? They are primed to have a solid year by acquiring the player that Johan Santana wanted them to get that essentially replaces Torii Hunter with a younger, better version of himself.
I think Jorge should shut his trap, leave the GM position to the GM's and be happy for the $300 million lineup hes got in front of him. Whats next,if they can't get Santana? Roy Halladay? Don't come looking for Roy cause hes staying put.
Category: Sports
War Funding
President Bush wants more money and it is time for congress and senate leaders to say NO!. Enough is enough.
I have been thinking about this war and the more I think about it, the dirtier it gets? Why did we essentially invade Iraq? Immediately after 9/11 we went into Afganistan because that was where we thought Osama Bin Laden was. However, Iraq had nothing to do with any of 9/11 yet somewhere along the line we got fed a line of BS that they were more tied into terrorism than they actually were.
George W. Idiot and his Dick of a Vice President got us into this mess on false pretenses that now have us in a war that is really not serving the purpose that it was supposed to serve. The war on terror shouldn't be fought in one country, it shouldn't even be fought exclusively by our military, yet that is exactly what we are doing.
We are spending money on a useless war. We haven't found the leading terror suspects including Osama Bin Laden who was the one behind the 9/11 attacks. He was never in Iraq, and Iraq never had weapons of mass destruction. The only reason we went in there was for the oil. Thats all I can see. as being the reason for our going in there.
So, we need to end this useless war, bring our troops home and stop paying private contractors billions to supplement our military. Once we stop the funding, lets investigate the administration and have them impeached on war crimes. I firmly believe that this whole war in Iraq has been for oil, nothing more. It certainly wasn't to catch Osama Bin Laden.
Category: Politics
Hip For The Hell Of It
The first time I ever saw the Hip live was on the Fully Completely Tour, this video is not from that Tour, but when ever I hear it, I think back to UB Spring Fest 1993 and the line up of bands from that show. Moxy Fruvous, School of Fish and The Tragically Hip headlined. From that night on, I was a devoted Hip fan and haven't missed a show yet.
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Category: Music
He Will Never Retire
Its amazing, yes I know the sport is fake, its entertainment, but seriously, The guy is 58 years old. fifty frickin eight! Its still a dangerous sport where if you aren't moving right your body takes a beating.
You can't tell me that the falls these guys takes and some of what they do don't hurt, never mind not hurting a 58 year old body. As good as Hulk Hogan was, he didn't have the longevity that Flair has had and Flair still puts on a great show and is able to do most of what he came up doing.
He is a dinosaur of the business and when he goes, a whole generation of wrestler will die with him.
Category: Sports
Frizb's
I haven't been to Frizb's in a few Saturdays, this past Saturday I had a swim meet in Orchard Park and then my wife and I went to Toronto for the night to go to the Grey Cup Party in Toronto. The Saturday before, I had to spend time getting school work done.
So stay tuned this Saturday after swim practice may be the next Saturday at Frizb's. In the mean time, if you are from Southern Ontario or Buffalo area check out Frizb's. They are located in Kenmore and on Saturdays every one of their CD's is $5.
Category: Music
Fantasy Hockey Update
I went 4-6-2 last week which leaves me at 42-42-12 on the season. That ain't gonna cut it if my team expects to find itself in contention. Im giving it one more week before I put Thorton on the trade block and try to pull off a blockbuster. What the hell I either go in the tank trying or I make a splash and jump start my season a little.
Last week: Markus Naslund had 6 points, Thomas Vanek and Wade Redden each had 4 points.
Henrik Lundqvist continued to lead my goaltenders he had my only win and had a 2.03 goals against last week.
Im currently in 8th place, 5 points ahead of 9th and 4 points behind 7th, so Im firmly in control of 8th spot barring a complete meltdown.
Category: Fantasy Sports
Dr. Robert Cade
Dr. Robert Cade, the founder of Gatorade passed away today. He was 80 years old. In 1965 he created Gatorade and the sports world would never be the same.
Nevermind that it was my drink of choice on meet days in high school and the sports drink of choice for thousands of athletes. It was also the celebration of choice for many teams after winning championships.
Okay I know Im A Little Late...
But, the passing of Kevin DuBrow really bummed me out. I remember playing air guitar and putting on a fake rock concert with my friend on our front porch to that album. I had the cassette version of it, played the thing till the tape disintegrated too. This is Mama Were All Crazy Now, Im getting out the air guitar for this one!
Category: Music
TNT is Ruining It
Im not going to show a clip here because I love the movie, because its simply not right yet to do so. TNT is showing a Christmas Story today as I was flipping through the stations.
They are ruining the whole point of that movie. A Christmas Story is meant to be a 24 hour marathon on Christmas Day movie, Thats the only day that that movie can be shown. Period, no questions asked.
Now, Elf on the other hand can get all the air play it wants leading up to Christmas. That was on USA tonight. No precedent has been set. Since I have been a little kid, I can remember A Christmas Story getting 24 hr play on TNT or TBS on Christmas Day but you wouldn't see it before then.
There are certain things that are supposed to be left for the actual holiday and that movie is one of them.
Category: Movies | Television
East Side Mario's
We ate here last night on Front Street. Not as bad as I remembered my first experience. I remember the food not being as good as it was hyped up to be. It wasn't awful and for in a pinch and considering the crowds down there last night, we got a table in 20 minutes and had our food in 40 minutes.
Overall I would say it was above average. I had the chicken parm which is difficult to screw up as far as Italian food goes. My wife had the past primavera with chicken and it wasn't bad. I may consider going back during Jays season next year or if some one from up there can scare me up a pair of Leaf Tickets.
Category: Miscellaneous
Rush- Stick It Out
The Ultimate psych up song of all time? I put my money on Rush- Stick It Out, nice lyrics, driving guitars and heavy drums great for in the gym when you are pushing yourself to the limit.
Category: Music
Grey Cup Party
My wife and I were in Toronto last night for the Grey Cup party at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. Spirit of the West, Great Big Sea and a pleasant surprise of Lowest of the Low greeted us.
What I was in awe over however, was the massive size of the convention center. I have walked through the immediate Front St. lobby to get to the parking area under the place but I have never been into the North and South Buildings. Wow.
It was massive and very impressed with the overall showing of it. I have never been to a CFL game and I usually follow it a little, though this year, I have not been following, I can't believe the atmosphere around it. It was more like a college atmosphere than a pro league. Much more passionate than NFL fans. Next year, Im going to make it to an Argos game one way or another. I want to see the CFL experience first hand
For now though, we thoroughly enjoyed the show, Great Big Sea impressed me more this time than when we saw them here in Buffalo. Spirit of the West needs to tour this way more often I miss them.
Overall it was good to back up there if only for a few hours, hope to be back soon for some hockey, anyone got any tickets for me for a Leaf game? I have never witnessed one at the ACC.
Category: Miscellaneous
Back to .500
This has been an impressive week for Buffalo, A against Ottawa Wednesday and then two in a row in a home/home series against Montreal.
While I was at the Grey Cup Party last night watching Spirit of the West, Lowest of the Low and Great Big Sea, I missed Jocelyn Thibault's shut out. Thomas Vanek netted another and the power play got the eventual winner.
They moved up the standings as well, tying the Leafs for fourth (or last in the division). To be honest, they look like two teams going in opposite directions all of a sudden.
Category: Sports
Happy Holidays Vs. Merry Christmas
Honestly, I don't care. But this time of year at least on this side of the US-Canadian border, it seems to be an issue and I have no idea why.
I honestly think its an issue for those who just have way too much time on their hands. Who cares if someone wants to wish me a "happy holidays" over a "Merry Christmas" What the hell does it matter as long as they are wishing me a happy day or series there of.
This overly religious and overly protective country wants to protect their Christian rights. Well in addition to that, recognize the good intentions of someone just wanting to wish you well no matter what they use. It shouldn't matter and I think those who care, are being way to critical.
What do you think? Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or I don't give a rats ass?
Im for the latter.
Category: Miscellaneous
Buffalo 4 Montreal 2
Three in a row! Its officially a winning streak. Just when I am about to write off Maxim Afinogenov, he comes out and plays like a champ. I still need to see more but at least he hasn't totally fallen off.
Daniel Paille is looking good as well with another goal via the empty net variety, however, it wasn't undeserved. Paille has been working very hard of late.
Ryan Miller is on a streak now, he hasn't given up more than two goals in probably 5-6 games. There were a few where he lost but not because he didn't play well.
Vanek and Roy are playing well too, Roy has 8 goals and they come out tonight going into Montreal with the chance to sweep the home and home series and get over the .500 hump.
Category: Sports
Black Friday
This day is just nuts. Midnight mall madness, 4 AM store openings, mad rushes to get the "Bargain".
I will never understand this day. Not to mention that most people who are insane enough to do this today, are not getting the bargains they think they are getting, The week before stores are jacking up the prices so they can make you think you are getting 50, 60, 70% off.
To add to that, these freaks are out in like 20 degree weather freezing their asses off waiting for some 18 year old store clerk to unlock the door.
Most of the blame to me goes on the stores, Whats wrong with opening at 9 AM and offering the same sales? Why 4 AM? Seriously? You can't wait 5 hours? IF you offer the same sales at 9 you are still going to sell the place out, more people will actually be out of bed to be there.
There is no bargain that will ever, ever, get me out of bed to go shopping at 9 AM, nevermind 4 AM. Alright, I confess, Tragically Hip tickets or Tragically hip CD release maybe, other than that nothing. That said, Im up, I have to go to work, but before I do, Im gonna check out Ebay from the comfort of my own home.
Category: Miscellaneous
$90 Million?
I understand the need for a bat and a center fielder but did the Angels overpay for Torii Hunter? $90 Million seems like a bit much for a guy who has hit 30+ home runs only once, cracked 100 RBI's twice and only barely with 102 and 107 and is often injured. Hes getting $18 million a year over the life of the contract, my bet is, he doesn't see the end of it.
Category: Sports
What A Pathetic President
George W. is going to turn down $50 Billion in war funding if it has anything to do with ending the war. This came last Wednesday as congress began debating the proposed funding. It seems when ever this President makes a decision he is doing to us exactly what the picture above shows.
I borrowed the picture from Freddie P. Freddie talks a big conservative talk in Canada but Conservatives in Canada are like the most liberal politicians here. I guarantee you there is not a politician in Canada who couldn't find some good use for $50 billion, if it was going to be turned down to end the war, they would try to use it to fund something useful. .
Rod Watson wrote yesterday in the Buffalo News how that $50 billion could go to good use in this article. He is absolutely on the ball with this. He brings up things that are obvious being Thanksgiving day like turkey dinners and feeding the homeless on this holiday, but most importantly, he brings up funding children's health care and even more significant, how close to universal health care could that $50 billion take us?
What are we so afraid of when it comes to guaranteeing health care for all Americans and providing the stipulation that no health related company will make a profit off the sick in this country?
He also talks about Head Start whome my wife teaches for, a year or so ago they decreased health benefits for Head Start teachers. Decreased benefits for teachers who make about $25,000 a year in that program.
Those are very important teachers in the overall picture because they deal with kids who come out of poor socio-economic areas who need to get the early head start on education because they will probably need it at some point due to their disadvantaged living situation. It is a fact that kids from poor socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to present with learning disabilities and other delays/disabilities that will affect their education. So getting that is imperative. Instead lets just throw it away unless it is going to keep his war machine moving.
So, for today, Im giving thanks that we only have a little over one more year with the idiot at the top left hand corner of this blog, I can hardly stand to type the mans name anymore. It will be a year that can not go by fast enough.
Category: Politics
Spirit of the West
Im getting a little excited for Saturday. I will be at the Metro Toronto Convention Center for Spirit of the West and Great Big Sea. To get in the mindset, here is Venice Is Sinking by Spirit of the West, Enjoy!
Category: Music
Thats Two In A Row Buffalo 4 Ottawa 2
Two in a row and the Vanek/Roy line is starting to look good. Scary Good. Vanek couldn't have been closer to scoring without actually scoring. He did have two assists and it was nice to see Derek Roy cash in tonight.
Ryan Miller was solid again. Now would be a perfect time for Lou Brown to do his speech from Major League, Okay boys, thats two in a row, one more and thats called a winning streak! Next stop, Montreal Friday at the Arena.
Category: Sports
Happy Thanksgiving (US Readers)
With Thanksgiving comes turkey. And this happens to be what is called a Turducken. Im curious, I have heard of them but never seen them. Has anyone Canadian or US seen or tasted and are they as easy as a regular turkey to make?
It looks so good. One of these years when we host our own Turkey Day, this is what we are getting. For those of you who don't know what it is....I took this right off the Turducken website:
Q. What is a turducken and how much does it weigh?
A. We now offer 2 different sizes of turduckens - a smaller 10 pound bird and our regular 15 pound bird.
The 15 pound version is a semi-boneless turkey stuffed with duck and chicken with layers of our delicious stuffing between each bird. You have the choice of either our traditional cajun sausage or a cornbread stuffing.
The 10 pound version is a semi-boneless turkey similar to the 15 pound version. For the 10 pound version, you have the choice of our traditional cajun sausage, a cornbread stuffing or a delicious breading mix.
Category: Miscellaneous
30 Games In 30 Nights
This guy planned a 30 games in 30 nights trip in which he gets to witness all 30 NHL buildings. It cost him roughly $8000. Not bad. You can check out his site here
Let me tell ya, If I had the cash and the time, Id be on his heels. His trip started October 26th in Detroit and ends Saturday in his home town of Tampa.
Category: Miscellaneous | Sports
Lead off Hitter for Jays
If JP Riccardi is serious about contending, he should stand up and take notice of this available free agent. Scott Posednik was released today by the Chicago White Sox. He is 31 and stole 59 bases two years ago.
He plays left field and if they wanted to give Reed Johnson a little competition heres your man. They need to know if Reed Johnson can still play and what better way to do it than to provide him with some healthy competition. IF you get the Posednik that stole 60-70 bases two and three years ago, Posednik is your man, if you get the Reed Johnson of two years ago, Reed Johnson is your man.
Either way, one of them could also be useful as a 4th outfielder off the bench especially since Adam Lind is not ready. Considering he got cut, Posednik could come cheap, something the Jays would be okay with .
Category: Sports
Fantasy Hockey Update
The Road Apples had a pleasant surprise last week. Going into Sunday the Road Apples were 5-5 for the week, decent but not good enough. We got some timely scoring and improved to 6-3-3 so it turned into a nice winning week keeping the Road Apples in solid playoff contention.
Last weeks top scorers were Joe Thorton with 5 points (2 G, 3 A), and Thomas Holstrom with 4 points (2G, 2A).
Goaltending has been decent, Lunqvist had 3 wins and Toskala had a win which just so happened to be a shutout.
Stay tuned for updates weekly! We are now a respectable 38-36-10 for 86 points and sitting in 6th place among the 12 teams in the league.
Category: Fantasy Sports
I Was Going To Post the Field Goal
But then Youtube pulled it before I could. This season is turning out beautiful. Yes I like the Buffalo Bills because everyone is in a good mood around here when they win, but I love the Browns. Finally, they have that franchise on the right track and at quarterback they can't go wrong.
It looks like a Drew Brees/Philip Rivers situation in San Diego. Sooner or later Brady Quinn is going to play and Cleveland can use Derek Anderson as trade bait. In the mean time Im enjoying the ride. 6-4 in playoff contention after starting the year having no idea what they were doing at quarterback.
Derek Anderson should go to the Pro Bowl and Romeo Crennel should get coach of the year.
Category: Sports
Black Friday
I hate this day. I hate the traffic, I hate the idea that people have to trample over each other to get things that quite frankly they could get earlier in the year for the same prices or a few dollars more on some other sale day. To me its embarassing. To make matters even worse over here on the US side, all of our Canadian friends will be taking advantage of our screwed up dollar (which I can't blame them for) but its going to add to the maddness over here.
I don't believe in the religious aspects of Christmas, Im by no means a religious person, however, if Jesus saw what we do on black friday I think he'd cancel his birthday on us all together. (not to mention that Christmas is really not even his true Birthday anyway so what the hell are we actually celebrating? more on that as that holiday gets closer) We go out shopping on this day like a bunch of heathens. Its pathetic.
So while all of you freaks are out there at 4 AM or what ever shitty time you wake up at, Ill be sleeping until I have to go to work at 8. Im going to work a half day, and then Im going to go home and not worry about getting all these stupid ass sales that the rest of you think you have to beat the previous nights stuffing out of each other for. I am going to be as far away as I can get from a mall or major department store on Friday, To the rest of you, good luck and just so you know, its also the single biggest day for traffic accidents (they all occur in parking lots with people trying to grab spots).
Category: Miscellaneous
Enough Already, Impeach!!
WASHINGTON - Former White House press secretary Scott McClellan blames President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney for efforts to mislead the public about the role of White House aides in leaking the identity of a CIA operative
Well, finally someone comes out with what we have all suspected. If Bush and Cheney knowingly outed Valerie Plame they can be and should be impeached on that alone. That is called treason. They basically revealed the identity of a CIA operative who was already putting herself on the line for her country.
The President of course insists its time to move on and that the case is closed. I don't think it is. I think the case just got a little more interesting. This administration has put itself above the law and the constitution for its entire time in the White House and its time they start paying for it. From illegal torture to wire tapping to editing global warming documents to this the Bush Administration has been one of the most corrupt in history.
Time for a little payback. The Democrats need to take this and run with it now. If Bill Clinton can get hell for cheating on his wife and for what was essentially a private matter and had no political implications what so ever, Bush and Cheney should have been going through the impeachment process a long time ago.
Category: Politics
That IS unless I hear.....
Huey Lewis and The News- Couple Days Off, This is another get me the hell out of work type song.
Category: Music
Lust For Life
Sorry no bloggage the last few days, I have been working way too much. Today was a 12 hour day and so is tomorrow so I am not going to promise much the next day or so especially with the holiday, however, I got in my car today after work and this song was playing on my IPOD.
I can't think of anything better to crank on the car stereo than Iggy Pop's Lust for Life after getting out of a 12 hour day at work. Enjoy!
Category: Miscellaneous | Music
Sorry for lack of stuff.....
Been extremely busy at work, school and swimming. I will have a few blogs over the next few days I promise.
Category: Blogging
That Was Better
Sabres 4 Montreal 1. We finally saw a team take the lead early, score first, hold a lead and play with confidence. Maybe we are on to something here.
No Vanek didn't find the back of the net but he did assist on two goals and Clark McArthur looked very impressive scoring two and may be the guy that will keep Andrew Peters on the bench.
Ryan Miller has now put together about 5 solid games in a row despite losing the vast majoirty of them. Its not his fault they haven't been scoring but with the way he has been playing if they can score 3 a night he will do the rest.
Now, all that said, the slump isn't over. Wednesday night if they make it two in a row I'd be willing to start breathing a little easier. Until then, its just one game. One game they had to have
Category: Sports
Two Princes
The same goes for the Spin Doctors, I remember I couldn't get this song out of my head for a year or so while it was playing on every radio station from CFNY all the way down to Kiss 98.5. Air play killed it but 15 years or so later, we come back looking for it. IT was a great tune.
Category: Music
TTWS- Fall Down
Toad the Wet Sprocket had this hit in the early/mid 90's what ever happened to them?
Category: Music
Just A Hunch
I have a feeling that JP is going to be on top of his game Sunday night against the Patriots. He is going to have to be.
Think about how this season has transpired. The Bills could easily be 7-2 with two or three last second games and some better decisions. They had the Dallas game and the Denver game in the bag. With an extra running play in each game they run enough time off the clock in both games to win.
This team isn't a bad team. The defense will score one touchdown, the special teams will be stellar as always and Im thinking that JP comes out and has his first 300 yard game of the year, especially with Marshawn Lynch out of commission.
Bills can win this, 34-27.
Category: Sports
Let Them Have Him
Let the Yankees have him back. They haven't won anything with him, what makes them think that spending all that money on him now will change things?
The Yankees yet again prove their greed and A-Rod will have to show the New York fans for another 10 years how he folds in pressure situations. Add to that the fact that he is in his 30's and playing a position that requires athleticism and may lead to injuries in the coming years.
Also, take into the fact that the year he put up this past year, likely will not be matched. The Yankees are just extending the curse of the A-Rod. So let them have him, they won't win anything with him. $275 million for nothing. Have fun Yankee fans.
Category: Sports
Take Away The Records
Take away the records. Thats the first thing major league baseaball should do. They should do it tomorrow. Bond's indictment is huge. He could go to prison for 30 years. He lied to a grand jury about taking steroids and he lied to the fans, the comissioner and every one of his peers in major league baseball.
How could a guy who came from the bloodline that he came from (Bobby Bonds, Willie Mays ect) put such a black eye on himself and the sport that his own blood built up so much with their great careers?
Bond's is officially a loser in my book. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and wait until something was said. Well, something has come out and Im through. I hope he gets all of whats coming to him. He has been the poster boy for a problem that is rampant throughout the sport.
Make an example of him. Take the 73 home run record away from him, take the all time mark away from him too. Make the record books appear like he never existed. That would be a huge first step for helping me have a little faith that major league baseball is intent on dealing with their problem and also willing to deal with Bonds.
Category: Sports
Not One Mention of The Environment
I sat through 2+ hours of the democratic debate on CNN tonight instead of watching the Sabres lose to Ottawa and was disappointed. Not one mention of what to me is the most important issue facing the next administration.
Global Warming and climate change will be and is the biggest issue. With out a healthy planet there are not other issues. Instead there are stupid questions about what kind of jewelery Hilary likes. Well thats nice. How about asking what kind of fuel they are going to use to get those jewels?
They talked a little about alternative fuels but not nearly enough to give uninformed voters a clear picture of the issues. Global warming and climate change are closely tied to energy policies and what our next president does in these areas.
If the United States decides to become energy independent and we as consumers make the right choices to change our energy usage we can eliminate any need for being in Iraq and talking about the middle east.
So start the conversation where it needs to be started. If you have the right energy policy, you solve global warming and no longer have to be concerned about the middle east because you won't need their oil. They have nothing else we could possibly want from there.
The candidate Im voting for in the primaries and next November will be the one who ties these issues together. I think that Bill Richardson is the closest to that person, I also like John Edwards lately. I would settle for Hilary but I am not going to vote for her just to vote for her.
Bill Richardson speaks with good fluency and has a vision. Most importantly he has experience in energy and has a plan to end our dependence on oil. I only wish they would give the guy a chance to speak a little more. I have yet to hear that from the others on what to me is the most important of all. The planet.
Category: Global Warming | Politics
Banning Hugs In Schools
Public displays of affection in schools are under attack. Now I agree that kids making out in school is inappropriate, but a girl got detention for hugging her friends and showing empathy toward her fellow classmates. How is this a bad thing to the point of detention?
Kids need to be able to express themselves and learn appropriate social skills that involve the ability to show affection toward their peers.
There is a limit however, the girl in this article did nothing wrong. If schools are going to start banning these so called PDA's they need to do it based on what is appropriate social contact and what is not. An innocent hug between classmates is not detention worthy.
Category: News
Swimming Goals
Yesterday I surprised myself.
Swam during swim practice with my swimmers and I made part of the workout for me and them .
I warmed up with them with a 200 free/200 breast
Then we got into 10X50 Kicking alternating 50 Free kick/50 Breats Kick on 1:30, It would seem like a big time for 50s but trust me, my kids needed every second. We then worked on Butterfly drills and I did some demonstration.
I did cool down with them and then after I did a few swims with the Dolphin group.
All in all ~1250 yards for the night. A surprise to even me.
Category: Swimming
Top Drummers
Im watching VH1 Classics Top Rock Drummers countdown and number 6 was....Phil Collins? Id have trouble with him making my top 50. Ginger Baker was number 5, I still disagree. I would put either one of them close to my top 10. So that got me thinking my top drummers:
1. Jon Bonham- If you havent seen the Led Zepplin DVD go out and buy it and tell me he doesn't have the quickest hands of any drummer you have ever seen.
2. Keith Moon- My friend Rich would know how hard it was for me to rank Moon ahead of my number three but because Moon was such a huge influence I had to rank him higher.
3. Neil Peart- The fact that him and Rush are still going full speed ahead almost 35 years later is incredible especially with all Neil has been through personally. I would have ranked him one but I had to keep bias out of it.
4. Stewart Copeland - He was amazing and a big part of the Police's sound especially on the early records like Outlandous and Regatta De Blanc. Ghost In the Machine was absolute Stewart Copeland art.
5. Jimmy Chamberlin- Smashing Pumpkins. It may have been the melodic sound of James Iha Guitars with Billy Corgans vocals that drew mainstream listeners to them but for me it was all about the pounding of the drums by Jimmy Chamberlin. Siamese Dream and Gish are two of the best examples of his work ever.
6. Dennis Wilson- One of the greats. He made so much of what Brian Wilson wrote come to life. Pet Sounds would have been impossible without Dennis Wilson.
7. Ringo Star- He was a big part of that Beatles Sound.
8. Dave Grohl- Drummer for Nirvana enough said.
9. Matt Cameron- Pearl Jam and Soundgarden Drummer especially impressive on a lot of Soundgardens Early stuff.
10. Bill Berry- Drummer for REM who left way too early no surprise REM has leveled off since his departure from the band.
Category: Music
Humble And Fred Christmas Spectacular Podcast 2007?
I sure hope so! I started getting in the holiday spirit over the weekend and today, I pushed a cassette of old CFNY Humble and Fred stuff and it happened to be their Christmas Spectacular at the Horseshoe the last year they had it there and the BNL's played.
I keep those cassettes on hand for this time of year because nothing quite says Christmas like hearing the voices of Humble and Fred doing some of their old bits. Maybe this year if they do it they can get the Doo Whops in for a few songs.
Im still shocked that they can't get the show up and running anywhere in Toronto but for now, lets keep our fingers crossed that we will get the gift of Humble and Fred for Christmas.
Category: Humble and Fred
What's The Frequency Kenneth?
I love this song. One of my favorite REM songs. The history behind this song is also interesting. Dan Rather was attacked by two un-named assailants back in 1986 (one was named later William Tager). During the attack they kept repeating the question, "Kenneth, What's the frequency?".
Enjoy the Video!
Category: Music
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Some alternative vehicle fuels such as liquid coal can cause more harmful greenhouse gas emissions than polluters such as petrol or diesel, scientists warned in a US study released Tuesday.
Liquid coal is viewed as a potential replacement to the oil on which countries rely heavily to fuel vehicles.
"Corn ethanol, conversely, could be either more polluting or less than gasoline depending on how the corn is grown and the ethanol is produced," the report said.
I would say this article is extremely misleading. Of course liquid coal is going to pollute even more, ITS STILL A FOSSIL FUEL!. IT IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL. Same shit different toilet.
Now ethanol on the other hand is less polluting. What they are referring to in this article is that the production of ethanol can contribute to pollution more depending on how much is produced. That is true. As with all new technology though, as they do it more, it will become a more efficient process.
This article is really misleading and I could easily see some passing it off as another knock against going green. Don't let the article fool you. Liquid coal is just another word for oil and it probably costs just as much to liquefy it as it does to produce the oil we are already using. It won't be cheaper and its not a renewable source.
Category: Global Warming
Higher and Higher
Its a good thing I only drive a mile to work. Technically if I had nothing to do after work, I could walk. Gas prices are expected to rise another 20 cents. For those of you who drive big cars and SUVs, It sucks to be you.
I drive a Toyota Corolla. Not its not fancy, not its not big, but it gets me from point A to point B. Its small, its economical and the most I have ever had to spend to fill it up came last week at $35.00. I can handle that though. Even if it starts heading to $40.00 I can handle it because I only fill up everyother week.
I try not to drive on Sundays, I try to stay close to home in general on weekends because its just not worth it to go out and drive anywhere when it costs that much to fill up my gas tank.
The rest of you out there should be yelliing and screaming over these prices. It won't get you anywhere because this is where prices are going to stay. Oil is a fuel of the past. We are past peak oil and thats all there is to it.
The Bush Administration should get a ton of heat over this for not having any kind of real energy plan that doesn't involve fossil fuels. They are so married to the oil companies its pathetic and they are probably reaping huge payouts from oil lobbyists for not lifting a finger to correct their putrid energy policies.
Energy prices are going to be like this for a while so trade in your SUVs and start looking for cars that are more fuel efficient. Its time to start altering our lifestyles to conserve. And believe me we can conserve here in the US. We are the biggest users of fossil fuels despite having a fraction of the population.
MMMMMMMM Chocolate ....BEEEEER.....MMMMM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chocolate enjoyed around the world today had its origins at least 3,100 years ago in Central America not as the sweet treat people now crave but as a celebratory beer-like beverage and status symbol, scientists said on Monday.
Oh to be alive 3100 years ago to experience that sweet treat back then. Of course I did a previous post of Youngs Double Chocolate Stout and there are other chocolate beers out there. Im sure what this is talking about is not like the actual beer but more chocolate flavored than the stout version.
They found traces of a chocolate substance in ancient pottery that suggests that they had this type of substance. The chocolate like substance was probably used at ceremonies and special events.....Kind of like today. What do we throw together around Christmas and Easter and Valentines Day....Chocolate upon Chocolate.....
Category: Miscellaneous
Hip For The Hell Of It
Tonight is a light blog night, too much school work to do so just to keep you all into it here is possibly the favorite Hip tune here in Buffalo,
Category: Music
Surprised Myself
As out of shape as I am, I swam today not this morning like I was planning, but this afternoon after work at 3:15 I dove into the water at the Aquatic and Fitness Center and by 4:00 I had done 15X50's on 1:30. I had done three breast stroke and the rest freestyle. I finished with a 200 which I suffered through by not stopping.Tomorrow morning I will probably do 750 yd and scale back a bit because Im feeling it already.
Category: Swimming
Tomorrow I Start My Comeback
Im starting my comeback. Enough is enough its time for me to get back at it and try to get myself in better condition. I don't know what to expect other than Im shooting for 500-1000 yards tomorrow. Which isn't alot but it will be a start.
My goal, first is to beat my last outing at our swim clubs swim-a-thon where I did 51 lenghts. 1275 yards. It was actually quite pathetic. It took me an hour to do that. When I was in shape, that distance would take me maybe 20 minutes.
My second goal, is to compete at the masters level at some point between now and next year. That will be an interesting goal because quite frankly, I won't compete unless I am 100% ready to do so both physically and time wise.
The good thing is, I will have the support of the swimmers I coach and hopefully others to push me a little and make sure Im sticking with it,
I have a feeling once I get into it Ill get there faster than I think, I need to push myself without killing it at the same time.
I am easily 100 pounds over my competitve weight so Im thinking if I can get within 50 lbs of that Ill be ready to compete again.
Wish me luck!
Category: Swimming
5440
I was going to do some Hip for the Hell of It but I changed my mind. Im in a 5440 mood today.
I have something I am going to share one of these days on here but Ill wait for a slow blog day. For now enjoy this video Love You All by 5440.
Category: Music
Saturdays At Frizb's
Every other Saturday I try to stop in at Frizb's for $5 Saturdays. Frizb's is this used record store on Elmwood Ave. in Kenmore. They have an outstanding selection for a small independently run music store. It seems like every time I go in they get more and more cool tunes for me to check out. This is my take home for this past Saturday:
1. Rush Remasters- Moving Pictures- I don't know how I haven't owned this one yet but for $5 its mine.
2. Rush- Exit Stage Left
3. Jane's Addiction- Ritual De Lo Habitual
4. The Beastie Boys- Check Your Head- Easily my favorite Beastie Boys CD.
5. Sloan- 4 Nights At The Palais Royale- I wish I was there for this double CD. Amazing set on both discs. I saw Sloan two summers ago and it was awesome. My first time seeing them was well worth the wait.
6. Beck- Mellow Gold
7. The Eurythmics- Greatest Hits- Had to get some 80's retro. Gotta love Annie Lennox.
Total Cost- $30. You can get a card at Frizb's and they keep track, for every 10 you buy, you get one free. Be sure to check out their link on my side bar.
Category: Saturdays At Frizb's
Arctic Ice
This was a photo from this photo set featuring some of the endangered areas of our planet due to; global warming Check it out, some of the photos are startling. This one tells us just how much we have damaged the Arctic Ice by our actions. The ice has receded by record levels this past summer. This picture was taken in September of this year.
You can see the blue areas which are the shipping lanes that many countrys are actually trying to lay claim to. You would think we would learn our lesson. This area should be hands off until it is repaired.
Category: Global Warming
Boston 2 Buffalo 1
What more do you have to do to win a hockey game? Buffalo did everything but score. They out shot the Bruins 46-22. If there is a way to lose, they are finding it in this early season. Tonight effort was not the issue.
I just sat in disbelief that they could actually get 46 shots on goal and only score on one.
Where does it end?
Category: Sports
Enough Hockey
Okay enough hockey, I need to cheer up. This is Trio with Da Da Da. A CFNY favorite from back in the day. Elastica does a great cover of this song but no one does it like Trio.
This is the Elastica version, live at the Fuji Rock Festival. Not a bad cover of Trio.
Category: Music
Trade Bait
If Im looking to make this team better via a trade, this is the guy I start with. Max is coveted by other teams throughout the league and has speed and talent to fit in on most teams. His numbers this year?
If you could get worse than Vanek's his are. 3 goals, 3 assists and a horrible -8.
He would be included in any package I would put together for any team. Any chance of making a deal for Drury? Mckee? Grier? Those are the types of guys they are missing in that dressing room. I don't know what you would get for a deal involving Max but hes definitely not valueless on the trade market and I could see them getting someone of greater value in return.
I could see a GM overpaying for Max.
Category: Sports
Where Is the 50 Million Dollar Man?
The Sabres are looking for leadership, it should be coming from this guy, He got the big bucks, thanks to the Edmonton Oilers, but its what he was looking for. So where is he? Just 4 goals and a lovely -6. Those are poor numbers for a guy who had 43 goals and led the league in +/- last year.
If his play continues, I probably will be changing my mind on him soon. I think at some point you have to say we should have taken the 4 first round draft picks from Edmonton. I am sure Vanek will get it turned around but when?
For a guy who is the highest paid player in Buffalo Sports history it better be soon or he'll start hearing it.
Category: Sports
The Clutching is Back
Im also noticing something that is making me very unhappy as a fan of this league. The clutching and grabbing and the trap is back.
It makes for extremely boring hockey and the referees not calling penalties consistently is a big part of it. There has to be some way to outlaw the trap. If you put your stick on a guys mid section it needs to be called. If you impede a guys path to the puck it needs to be called. Enough is enough. Im all for exciting 2-1 games but, 2-1 games with the trap and clutching and grabbing is sleeper hockey. Its boring and it makes me want to watch something else.
I noticed it the other night when I had the radio on with the game against Montreal and for a good 15 minute span, RJ and Neale sounded like they were falling asleep.
If the NHL allows this stuff to continue it doesn't play into the Sabres hands or anyother team that plays an offensive style and it sure makes for boring hockey even if you are on the winning side, the trap is the most boring brand of hockey you can watch. It turns off fans as scoring goes down as well.
Florida has done it to us consistently, the Leafs played the trap for the better part of the third period last night and Montreal did it too a few nights ago. Its right out of the New Jersey Devils play book who I will say is the most boring hockey team to watch in the entire league.
Category: Sports
Leafs 3 Sabres 0
If there is any hope that Sabres fans can take from last nights game is that Ryan Miller has looked good if not great in their last three.
Other than that, I have nothing good to say about last night. Before the third Toronto goal I was willing to say that Raycroft got the best of them and stopped 30 Buffalo shots. That was far from what happened though.
Buffalo looked like a team in the third period that gave up. How sad is that? Drury and Briere or not has any player on that team learned anything from playing with Drury and Briere the last three plus years? Has any of their influence rubbed off even a bit?
I can't believe this team depended on them that much for guidance and leadership. This team quit last night in the third. The third goal of the night featured one of the sloppiest plays I have seen this team make since the year they were bankrupt and they were lucky to have the place half full.
They hung Miller out to dry on the last goal plain and simple. When is Ryan Miller going to stand up to his team mates and let them know that their play is simply unacceptable? I consider him to be the next Drury on this team. He has stuggled early and understandably so after losing his cousin, but after watching these last three or so games, hes looking sharp again and like hes ready to start playing hockey again.
They need him now more than ever, not just to play out of his mind but to give his team mates a piece of it. These performances can not continue. I still believe this team is the most talented team in the Eastern Conference, the question is, are the willing to work again and will they find the leadership and mindset to use that talent before it gets to crunch time.
I would be shocked if this team accepted anything short of the playoffs this year and I would be even more shocked if they allow this play to continue. IF this heads into December I expect a move or two of the major variety from Darcy Reiger. I have said it earlier, Jovo Cop may be the guy to bring in here and provide some hard nosed grit and leadership to a team that is sorely lacking it.
Category: Sports
Feeling Sorry For OJ
Im actually feeling sorry for the guy. I know that most of what he gets he has coming to him but this trial stinks of foul play.
The defense and witnesses are stating that OJ did not have a gun and that he was potentially set up. There are people in this who are just flat out out to get him and for that I feel sorry for the guy. He may actually be innocent in this one.
However, the ironic thing is, he may be innocent yet he may be found guilty. Go figure, guilty for murder yet found innocent, Innocent in this case and found guilty.
Category: Celebrities | News
Fox News Is Getting Desparate
If all Fox News can dig up on Hillary Clinton is one planted question during her most recent campaign stop in Iowa then they are truly desparate for ways to knock her down.
Hillary's campaign despite her not knowing, planted one question about global warming in the audience and Fox News is making this out to be big election changing story. Here is an Idea, lets make the issues a priority Fox News.
I want to hear about what the candidates have to say about global warming and if they have to plant the question to get it answered so be it.
No one seemed to recall how during the 2004 elections how George W. held town hall style meetings and invited only republicans. If you were a democrat you got turned away. Oh thats old news. At least Hillary lets people of all beliefs and backgrounds into her speeches.
Fox also feels they have to make her out to be a flip flopper as well...haven't we heard this one before? Oh yeah, John Kerry was a flip flopper....Can we please drop that one. I have watched Hillary on several occasions over the last year and she has been as consistent as day and night.
Fox News and Republicans have this small problem, they dont listen and what they do listen to they only want to put their spin on it. The are despate and its beginning to show in their attack mode on Hillary. They can't present any of the republican candidates ideas because all except Ron Paul have none. So the only thing left is for them attack the democratic front runner and make shit up.
Category: Politics
Sloop John B.
I stumbled across this video today. I love the Beach Boys and this ranks right up there as one of my all time favorite Beach Boys classics. Up until last year when I decided to cheat and look up the lyrics we couldn't figure out the lyrics in the one part of the song when they talk about the cook.
What the hell were they saying? Im not going to tell because I found out on my own, Enjoy the song and if you want to leave your answers you may submit them in the comments.
Category: Music
Beer Me
Ahhh from politics that piss me off to beer, sweet suculant beer....mmmmmmmm.
I was introduced to Beamish Irish Stout over the summer and let me tell you, I like it more than Guiness. Real smooth and has a lot of the same characteristics as a nice Guiness but it has a little nicer after taste that actually was a little on the sweet side.
I really liked this beer. I haven't had any since but my mind has been on it lately. It may land in my hands over the next few weeks.
Category: Beer
Rudy and Pat Team Up
Once again religion throws its hat into the political ring. A ring it has no business being in. Pat Robertson wants to support Gulliani, then I think that Christians ought to do what the Christian thing should be, DON'T support him.
Lets see Christians, this is Gulliani's rap sheet:
He is a cross dresser, married three times, his own kids can't stand him, hes a liar, hes running on nothing but 9/11 which brain washes all of you and he doesn't even know the facts about what happened in his own city. He also screwed 9/11 rescue workers and fire fighters who also can't stand the guy. Add to that, Gulliani doesn't even support Pro Life!!!!!!!!! He's pro choice. So why would you pick him?
Gee nice choice there Pat and I won't even get started on your rap sheet. Pat Robertson showed where his heart is and it surely isn't for Chrstian Values by supporting Gulliani. So Christians, support someone else not these two idiots.
And Ill say it again, if the church leaders insist on getting involved in politics like this, we need to start taxing them. Taxing churches that feel they need to get involved in government and influencing elections would bring in a ton of revenue, maybe enough to support a Christian value or two like oh I don't know....Universal Health Care?
While We Are on The Subject....
Has anyone even heard him speak about anything that is going on? We are in the midst of a huge spike in energy prices, a crumbling American dollar, unstable markets and an imploding Pakistan and the guy has been dead silent on all the above.
The only thing he has had time for is to veto a bill supporting increased funding for childrens health care. What a great president we have. Not to mention the Impeachment hearing against the vice president that is on the floor of the house. The media has been quiet on it, I have been watching CNN and MSNBC and haven't heard a peep.
When there was even the mention of impeachment against Bill Clinton for something totally unrelated to the job he was doing in the White House it was all over the news. There is something going on that isn't being talked about and as each day goes by what little faith I have in this administration is leaving me. I have absolutely no trust left for this guy and his cronies.
Dick Cheney's approval rating is down to 9%. How embarassing is that?
Category: Politics
President Blockhead
This is our genius talking about how he is "truly not concerned" about Osama Bin Laden. This shows that the man was never concerned about it and used the whole 9/11 thing not to catch Bin Laden but to attack Iraq and start his own personal war over fictitious WMD's. The guy is an asshole and totally deserves Impeachment over that statement alone.
This video was just six months and two days after 9/11 and he is already dismissing the guy who planned the whole thing and murdered 3000+ Americans. The only thing I can do is laugh anymore because its a joke that the people who believe in him actually still support him. How can you support George W. Bush?
Category: Politics
Why Didn't I Think of This?
All the guys out there who have heard their wife, mother or significant other complain that they forgot to put the toilet seat down, this one is for us.
This 9 year old kid did what no other guy could. Jason Wulf invented the "Privy Prop". Its a foot activated toilet seat raiser and lowerer.
If I had that Id lower the seat after I was done. He invented it because his mom kept complaining that he left it up after tinkling. (Sound familiar) She complained that he would leave it up and she would fall in....(thats her fault for not checking I say). But this kids going to be a millionaire.
His invention is going to be on a show for young inventors. Unfortunately it won't be at Home Depot anytime soon as they are not mass producing it...I WANT ONE!
Category: Miscellaneous
Did Someone Mention.....
Lowest of the Low in that Waltons Video? They are still around and doing well. I saw them two summers ago at the Molson Canal Concert series. They were awesome and was well worth the wait as I had never seen them before that.
This is Bleed A Little While, to this day my favorite Lowest of the Low song. The audio isn't the best but this is from that show, the camera work isn't half bad.
Category: Music
The Waltons
No not the Television show, the band. What ever happened to them? They had some great tunes including this live one, one of the few Youtube videos of them:
Category: Music
Hugs Banned?
MASCOUTAH, Ill. - Two hugs equals two days of detention for 13-year-old Megan Coulter. The eighth-grader was punished for violating a school policy banning public displays of affection when she hugged two friends Friday.
Quite possibly the most innocent and sociable act banned by a school and a girl given detention over it?
Isn't a school supposed to provide a learning friendly, brain friendly environment where children, teachers and staff feel like they belong. A school is supposed to teach social skills to kids, especially at the middle school level.What is more socially appropriate than a hug to a friend?
This school should be ashamed of itself for reacting this way and banning such a socially appropriate form of communication between two human beings.
Ban the kids who are bringing guns into school not the ones showing compassion towards their fellow classmates.
Category: News
Confidence Booster!
Finally, a big time confidence booster from a hockey team that needed one big time. Clarke Macarthur netted the game winner in overtime and Ryan Miller looked solid in a 2-1 win.
This could be a spring board to get this teams confidence back. Overtime win and come from behind. My only question is why Macarthur didn't break camp with this team. Id gladly have him in the line up instead of Adam Mair or Andrew Peters. He gives you more scoring touch and much more talented than either one of those two.
Miller has had two decent games in a row only giving up two against the Canadians and one tonight hopefully means hes on a bit of a roll. They are going to need him at his best to turn this thing completely around.
Category: Sports
Decreasing Dollar
Since our dollar is fading, maybe we can start using these over here more. I love the design of the looney and the twoney. I love the two toned look of the twoney and the looney is a classic coin. I have a ton of them in my casino jar waiting to be used but since I honestly don't go to Falls View to gamble anymore, maybe I can spend them over here.
I used a looney at the Grand Island Bridge the other day and they tried to give me a hard time about it but I simply stated that its more than our American Greenback is worth so they should take it. I eventually gave them three quarters (one was canadian).
I don't get the reluctance of US retailers to accept Canadian money over here. They are too lazy. When our dollar was worth $1.20 over there they gladly took our money. Now its our turn since our dollar is going in the dumper thanks to poor management of our economy by every one from the Bush Adminisration to the bank and mortgage industry.
Category: Miscellaneous
$35.00 Fill Up
Up until yesterday, I haven't had much to bitch about, I drive a Toyota Corolla that gets 30+ miles to the gallon, I live within a mile of my full time job which I could walk to but I don't because I usually have somewhere else to be after work.
I literally fill up once every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. So yesterday, I reached the limit in which I would start bitching. I have told myself anything on the $30 side of $35 is fine. Its livable. Yesterday, I hit $35+. Im now headed to $40 fill ups in a little rice burning car like a Corolla.
That to me says gas prices are getting out of control.
That said, I think this recent spike should have been expected as we are now past peak oil and I highly doubt we are going to see cheaper prices in the forseeable future. The only thing that will result in lower prices, is new renewable sources coming out to help take the pressure off the demand for oil and gas. Don't hold your breath. At least not until the two idiots running this country are dismissed in January of 2009.
Category: Miscellaneous
Okay, They Have Been Bad
But Im not ready to castrate them just yet. Im giving them till December 1st to get this ship turned around.
A 2-0 loss last night isn't helping them last night though. I was driving home after my class and for the 10 minutes of third period action I listened to for it being a 1-0 game, you thought that RJ and Harry Neale were ready to take a nap.
Thats not the type of atmosphere you expect out of a Buffalo-Montreal game. But I didn't hear one exciting play on my way back home. So I did what any respectful fan would do after hearing that, I turned it off.
I am however, not giving up. Here are somethings that I need to see before November closes on this team:
1. Thomas Vanek- Hes been invisible. I know hes only 23 and got the richest contract in franchise history but still, he just game off a 43 goal season and is loaded with talent.
2. Derek Roy- He needs to pretend its preseason again and score 13 points in the next 6 games. That kind of production would win 6 games in a row.
3. Ryan Miller- Heres my plan if Im Lindy Ruff, Sit him for a week. Give him all the time he needs for the next week to get away from the game and rest his mind and put himself at ease. After the week, get him refocused and back into games and be very up front in telling him that this team will not win with out him playing at a high level, which he has not. I have yet to see him look comfortable in a game this season. I don't know if its from losing his cousin or what but we need him back at 100% mentally and physically. I Think its more mental.
4. I don;t care who, but someone on this team, needs to step up and let this team know that they are not going to win on talent alone. That is what they have been playing like. They have been playing as if a win is going to be handed to them just for being them. This team is dripping with talent, they ooze talent, but they are not working hard. I have never in the last two years of watching them, seen them stop skating and get into penalty trouble because they refuse to work more than they have in the first month of this season. Its time to start working if they expect to start winning.
5. If the above don't start clicking, Darcy Reiger needs to make a move. Not a huge move, but one small enough to keep the core intact yet big enoug to bring in a solid verteran leadership guy with some grit and sandpaper to his style of play. I keep seeing Jovo Cop is available he would be very nice and he would provide just that.
If none of the above happen by December 1st, Im going to start getting somewhat critical. Until then, they have 8 more division games this month. Time to start winning boys.
Category: Sports
Fools Gold
I played this CD single so much it wore out. Luckily I found it again on Limewire. It also had the extended 9 minute and 25 second version on the CD single I had. The Stone Roses- Fools Gold has a kick ass beat and that distinct Manchester sound that had everyone loving the early to mid 90's British music scene. This is the 4 minute and 15 second video version. Enjoy!
Category: Music
$3.25 Across the Board
Canadians finally got some justice with their rising dollar today. Americans got what they should have been expecting since September. The tolls at the bridges are now $3.25 whether you pay in American currency or Canadian Currency.
Im surprised it happened so soon. Starting November 15th the rates go into effect. Next in line is the price of books and magazines being leveled which I hear is happening at select retailers already but not necessarily everywhere.
Category: News
My Swimming Goal
Starting this week I am starting to work out again.
I am not exactly in the best shape of my life. so I am going to start tracking my return to the pool. Stay tuned.
My goal: To compete again in 2008 in a 200 yard freestyle.
We shall see if I can acheive this or not.
Category: Swimming
Goodbye Pettite
Its turning out to be a wonderful offseason so far. Andy Pettite declined to resign with the Yankees. For a team that is likely to not have Mussina and Clemens back as well they are looking to need a ton of pitching to piece together a pitching staff.
Pettite would look nice for a three year deal in Toronto in the number 4 slot in rotation. Just a hint there JP. Im sure Mcgowan or Marcum would take the 5th spot to make room for Pettite and hes not going to cost a fortune to sign him. I
They do need a lefty in the rotation. Right now there are 5 righties counting Jesse Litsch. I like Jesse but Id rather have a lefty in there somewhere to change things up.
I know Im probably dreaming, but its a lot more realistic than my earlier suggestion of Glaus for A-Rod.
Category: Sports
Fantasy Hockey Update
The Road Apples lost last week 6-5 which was disappointing. Leading scorer for the week Joe Thorton was the only bright spot offensively and Henrik Lundqvist was outstanding in goal going 2-0 with a .48 goals against.
I need an overpowering week to really get up there in the top three. This may be my week to do that as the team Im up against this week was 2-10 last week.
Time will tell.
Category: Fantasy Sports
Oil and Gas Prices
Oil for all intensive purposes is going to hit $100 a barrel and beyong. What I find intriguing is that no one is mentioning that oil is a dead resource. In 10 years, oil use had better be on the decline all over the world because if it isn't we are going to have some major energy problems.
I can't help but get the feeling that the price is being jacked up because they are trying to squeeze every last cent out of oil as a major energy source. This could really be the last big spike for oil because people are starting to really feel the pressure from rising prices.
The thing about this spike in prices is that it is for supply concerns that have nothing to do with a major disaster. There just isn't enough of the stuff to go around. Its time that we start to make some major concessions when it comes to our energy use. You can;t help but get the feeling that once oil goes over $100 a barrel, its staying there and beyond.
Category: News
PLEASE DON'T DO IT
Replay will be discussed at the Major League Baseball winter meetings. PLEASE NO!!!!!!
What do they realistically need it for? you can't use it for calling balls and strikes. Apparently they want to use it for determining home runs and if hits are fair or foul. How many of these calls to umpires really get wrong?
I would say there are not enough called wrong to warrant it. Replay doesn't belong in baseball and using it would put the sport in a place many purists, me being one, don't to see it go.
I think umpires for all intensive purposes do a fantastic job and I would say that baseball is one of the better managed sports from an officiating perspective, especially when compared to hockey and football which I would call the two worst. So I am begging, no replay in MLB!
Category: Sports
Hip For the Hell Of It
I have some school work to do tonight so this will most likely be my last blog until tomorrow, maybe Tuesday. So lets make it eventful, this is a great live version of Little Bones, Enjoy!
Category: Music
Swimming Update
The swimmers I took to Brockport swam very well. All time improvments including huge drops in the 200 freestyle, the 200 IM and 100 free. At this particular meet, swimmers scored points for themselves in what is called the IMX series. The bigger time drops they have the more points they score and they can win end of season awards. One of our swimmers improved to silver times in all but one event
The one event was the 100 fly and a flutter kick off the wall cost him We will do that one again in a few weeks and get it. Overall a great weekend and well worth the trip.
Category: Swimming
Blast of Heat
No wonder why the US is the biggest user of fossil fuels. I walked into Tops Supermarket today and was greeted by this super warm heater blowing heat at me. Is it really necessary to blow 120 degree air at me as I walk into the grocery store?
Gee theres an idea to run up a heat bill. Lets blast our heaters at doors that open to the outside. Why is it that supermarkets are intent on baking you when you walk in the door?
You wonder why the US is the worlds biggest producer of global warming gases and pollutants, because we use energy wastefully.
How many of you have heaters at home and point them outside? That is essentially what Tops and Wegmans do at their front doors. Glad I'm not paying their heat bills and Im sure at some point the cost of that gets passed down to the consumer in the aisles.
Category: Miscellaneous
Brockport
I will be in Brockport this weekend for the Niagara Bronze IMX meet which is a two day swim meet. So while my posting time may be limited, I am bringing my laptop so I may check in a few times so stay tuned.
Category: Swimming
Bruins 4 Sabres 3
Another point lost last night. Yes they got the point by going to overtime, but you are not supposed to lose games to divisional opponents. The Sabres have 9 games in a row against division teams this month, I think its now or maybe not at all.
Ryan Miller has to start getting hot because he has been average at best for the most part this season.
I would say 6-3 on this 9 game swing is the minimum in order to stay in this thing and at least start going in the right direction. October is over and Im starting to get a little scared now that this team isn't playoff material at this point. They just don't play with enough grit.
I think the most important non-signed player in the offseason was Zubrus. They could use his physical presence regardless of how many goals he scored with them in the playoffs. They need something and they need to get it fast because once the snow flies, the clock starts ticking and this team is still in last place in the Northeast Division.
Category: Sports
Writers Strike
The impending Hollywood writers strike will not stop this blog but it will stop my two favorite shows when it starts.
The Daily Show and The Colbert Report will both be effected the most because they both require freshly written material daily due to the current event style of their shows.
All I can say is get the damn strike over with. I don't watch much on TV but these are two shows that I bust a gut over nightly and the writers are going to strike and take it away from us. From the sounds of the news this morning, neither side is willing to budge much either so it could be a long time before we see new Daily Shows or Reports.
Category: News | Television
The Sex Pistols Reunion
The Sex Pistols are back and I think thats awesome! They gave Rock a kick in the ass back in 1977 and maybe they give it just what it needs in 2007, another boot up the arse. As a tribute to them, this is God Save the Queen. I hope they come close to Buffalo/Toronto, never seen them and would love to.
Category: Music
K's Choice
This song was huge for a while during the 90's. It was part of the post grunge explosion of music that came from bands like Catherine Wheel, Belly and this band K's Choice. They may be a one hit wonder to most but their CD Paradise in Me is a pretty solid listen from 1st to last song. This is "Im Not An Addict"
Category: Music
Why The Hell Can't We Get These Here?
It's bad enough we can't get Sleeman's Honey Brown down here, (of course it would probably come in a different bottle and watered down). Why can't Lay's and Nestle put their collective heads together to put these two items south of the Canadian Border?
Do their drivers not know how to cross bridges? All I know is our Canadian PT student at our clinic brought in bite size Coffee Crisps and Ketchup Potato Chips today and the place when crazy over them.
When ever we come up there for a Jays game, Casino trip or what ever the reason a stop at the Duty Free Shop is in order to stock up on several items that are for sale in Canada. These are just two of them.
Don't even get me started on the beers that don't show up here. You would figure at least the Buffalo-Niagara region would be privileged enough to enjoy these products seeing as we are a border town.
Guess Not....hmmm lets see what we have that you can't have.....come to think of it, what do we have here that you would even want?
Category: Miscellaneous
Glaus For A-Rod.....
I should replace Riccardi as GM for this Idea. First taker on Troy Glaus gets him. Dump his salary on anyone who is willing to take his $11+ million salary and ship him out. No disrespect to Troy but for that much money we could do so much more. He has had a few good years here but this past season was a waste for him and his injuries.
Like, raise the payroll for A-Rod. One guy at 3rd base could turn this thing into a World Series Team. Glaus is limited, hes injury prone and has steroid issues to worry about so replace him with A-Rod even if it does cost the extra $20 million.
You will recoup that in a sold out Rogers Centre for the first time in 15 years and you'll have more nationally televised games on ESPN to cover A-Rod which will bring in more revenue.
Now this is probably a far cry from where A-Rod is really going but its always nice to dream at the start of the free agent season.
Category: Sports
Thursdays at Frizb's
Today I decided since I won't be around Saturday that I would do Thursday at Frizb's. More than just buy CD's I wanted to see about a little promo deal with Frizb's and I got a chance to speak with the owner today. He is a great guy to talk music with and for the little time I have talked with him he is as knowledgeable about music as his collection is diverse.
I asked if he would be interested in promoting the Buffaloboy blog for my posts on Saturdays. He responded enthusiastically and I invited him to check it out. Hopefully this will lead to a nice productive relationship between us.
Now to my selections. Today they are full price which is $7:
1. Cracker- Kerosene Hat (features the song everyone knows "Low")
2. K's Choice- Paradise in Me (Had a nice hit in the 90's called "Not an Addict")
3. Yes- The Definitive Rock Collection (A nice double disc set that includes the important stuff from Classic Yes, Big Generator and 90125)
4. Led Zeppelin- Latter Days The Best of Led Zeppelin Volume 2. (A nice little set that includes my favorite Zeppelin tune of all House of The Holy)
My next time at Frizb's will probably be a week from Saturday as I will be in Brockport this weekend for a swim meet.
Category: Saturdays At Frizb's
Clinton and Spitzer Aren't Far Off
Let everyone get down on Hilary in the debate last night. I think that her and Spitzer are right on the money. Illegal immigrants are in this country....Illegally. That means they are probably not being tracked, no one truly knows their where abouts and therefore they are just here doing what ever they want to do in our country illegally. Sometimes, doing illegal things.
If you allow them to get a drivers license, you can track them and see what they are up to. Think about it, how many things do you need a drivers license for that are trackable. You need a license to get a credit card, a job and just about any other form of ID. You can track banking records if you had to with a license number.
So now you say okay you are here illegally, thats fine, you can get a drivers license (provided they pass the test) but now we are going to have our eyes on you until your citizenship here is legal. Having a license also helps speed that process along. What can you realistically do in this country without proper ID?
Not a whole hell of alot.It has the potential to get these people on payroll and paying taxes as well. So go ahead and fire bullets at Spitzer and Clinton but I don't think they are far off the mark. At least they are thinking progressively.
Category: Politics
