Remember when they used to play hockey?

That sound you hear is Don Cherry throwing the Labatt Blue Bear under the bus... I can't believe that Gary Bettman actually went through with cancelling the season. I guess it's my own fault thinking that there could've been some last second comprimise that coulda been made to salvage the season. I didn't think that nothing could compare to the debacle that was the Lockout of '95. Live long enough and I guess there are a lot of things that play out that were once deemed unthinkable (see: 2004 Boston Red Sox). And the sad thing is that there used to be genuine interest in hockey here in the States. There was a time that people actually played hockey in the street and on in-line skates just because it was fun. How quickly those days seem like ancient history. What's even sadder is that the season is gone now and the majority of the country could care less.
Between basketball players beating the piss out of fans in the stands, rampant steroid abuse in baseball and now no hockey, is it any wonder why kids these days would rather stay inside and veg out/kill each other on playstation or xbox?
And to make matters worse, I've been struggling with this mystery pain in my left foot since Monday. After consulting WebMD for a few minutes I was able to determine that I have a mild case of plantar fasciitis. Yeah it sounds as much fun as how it feels but I'm pleased to report that it's feeling better today.
I saw this awesome martial arts movie on Wednesday called Ong-Bak: Thai Warrior with my sis and my Dad (it was his birthday). Tony Jaa (main character) makes Jackie Chan and Jet Li look like street mimes. No CGI, no wires, no stuntmen. Just straight up, ridiculous martial arts/acrobatics. Once Tony learns to speak some English, it'll be a matter of time before he's a household name here in the good old U.S of A.
I have to give a major shoutout to my homegirl Karen for hooking me up with a sweet t-shirt from her office that pokes fun at Naomi Campbell. On the front it reads: "Naomi Hit Me." And on the back it says: "And I loved It." Also mad props go to her and her boo Shane for getting my Kobe Bryant poster out to LI. They had every right to junk that thing for quite some time now but managed not to and for that I thank them. Thanks guys, you're the best!

When 7-7= $200...

...that's the winning formula that resulted in me being $200 richer, courtesy of Super Bowl XXXIX. Can't believe I actually won, I never win anything. I've decided to put that money aside for my World Cup trip next year. Of course, I'd be lying if I said that I haven't thought of a hundred ways to spend it.
Now that Lent is officially underway I've decided to give up coffee and bagels. Been drinking and eating both of items a lot lately so it's a suitable sacrifice.
Everybody and their brother has been bugging me to see Napoleon Dynamite and I have to say that I'm glad I did. It was totally hilarious in a sweet, nonsensical way. That's the best way I can describe it and I mean that as a compliment. That character is totally original and unlike any leading character that I've seen in quite some time.
Jason Giambi finally spoke out about his steroid use in an attempt to start rehabilitating his career. Can't say that I feel bad for the guy (he is a Yankee afterall) but it had to be tough being the guy that everyone has been crucifying since his testimony in the BALCO debacle leaked out. He's been thrown under the bus more than any person should have to be. He says he sorry for letting down his teammates and fans and I 'm sure he is. I guess we'll see just how much the 'roids really meant to his game.
I'm psyched that Pedro reported to camp early. This is a great way to get things goin this year when one of you're ket veteran additions sets the tone the way he has. He says he's "feeling great" throwing at about 65% and he was still throwin heat. I still have to pinch myself when I see Pedro wearing the blue and orange thinking that I'm still dreaming that the Mets have him.

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away ...

I think one of the main reasons I enjoy the OC so much is because I can totally relate to the writer's sensibilities especially as it pertains to Star Wars. They must be around my age because no matter what they throw out there I can totally get it and more often than not it really works for the show. For instance, in last night episode there were several Star Wars references that were made to describe Caleb Nichol and the way he lords over Newport. Without bragging too much, in my last blog about the OC I had made the same Darth Vader analogy that Ryan ulitmately made last night. Since we're on the subject of last night's episode here are some highlights:
-Marissa and Alex have upped the ante with their relationship, let's just say the last shot of the show was of them at the Bait Shop holding hands and the scenes from next week's episode promises to put me at Critical Mass.
-Caleb had a heart attack during dinner w/lindsey, Kirsten and Ryan after he and Ryan went toe-to-toe trading equally appalling insults about fathering children out of wedlock.
-Seth, Summer and Zack are moving forward with their comic book experiment. However, unbeknownst to Zack, Seth and Summer experienced some sexual tension while Seth attempted to sketch Summer for the comic book. They were able to put the brakes on that situation and agreed that they probably shouldn't be alone together for extended periods of time. Meanwhile, the comic book idea has gained so much steam that Zack has arranged for them to go to San Diego to meet with some comic book reps in order to pitch it.
-Back at the hospital, after nearly losing him, Lindsey discovers that she has developed feelings for Caleb and wants to get to know him better. Needless to say that has put a damper on Ryan's relationship with her.
-Sandy has decided to try and exonerate his long lost love, Rebecca Blume, in court at the urging of his dying mentor. However, he has her crashing at his office while letting Kirsten think that she's dead. Unfortunately, she decides to stop by the office after goin to the grocery store to try and spruce up the office for him only to run into Rebecca there. Let's just say that it doesn't look like Valentine's day will be too happy for Sandy this year.

Now to rap up things up I'll end it on yet another Star Wars related issue. I recently wrote about my very first foray into the world of ebay and I'm happy to report that I just received what I bought: a "Blue Harvest: Horror Beyond Imagination" T-shirt!
How the hell does that relate to Star Wars you ask? In order to keep production of Return of the Jedi under as much secrecy as possible, he called the film "Blue Harvest." They carried on the hoax to the point where he even commissioned to have crew gear made up with the "Blue Harvest" logo. And now I'm happy to say that I am proud owner of a t-shirt that is a reproduction of the shirts that were issued to the crew.
Yeah I know I sound like a complete tool but I can't help it, that's part of who I am and there's really no need for me to hide it. Besides it's not like I'm making scale models of the Death Star in my garage. I just like it cuz it's something that I haven't seen anyone with and that only true Star Wars afficianados would be able to appreciate. As an added bonus, I love how it fits.

Say Cheese...

As some of you may already know, I was NOT on Prime Time Live at all last night much to my chagrine. Oh well, at least I got a free teeth whitening out of it, thanks to Shane and the lovely people over at the Brite Smile Spa on 57th St. And I must say I really am glad I had it done. My smile is 8 shades whiter and I am all smiles especially since the procedure usually costs $500. The process only lasts an hour and I only experienced some slight sensitivity during the procedure. I also had to avoid certain foods and drinks for the first 24 hours afterwards. All in all a small price to be paid. Did I mention that it lasts 2 years as well? So while I was denied some of my 15 minutes of fame I can't complain.
I do feel bad for Shane cuz I think he got a raw deal from the producers of PTL. I mean, there was absolutely no mention of Brite Smile during the piece and for that I do feel a bit guilty. But then again, after working in tv I can't say that I am surprised, especially when I heard that the Teri Hatcher interview ran long.