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Viking TD song!
It's a Viking victory song - Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" ! Some of the songs only play in a 30-sec preview mode. Look in the top right corner for a square icon to launch player in a separate window OR look in bottom left corner where it may say "stand alone". Another window will pop up and the songs will play in their entirety. You may or may not have to be logged into Imeem - which means you might need to register. It's FREE.
misc.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #14!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Camán" & Amanda. After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page fo that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to the top of the right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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YOU, Mr. Favre, are the NFC Offensive Player of the Week!
Not only did Brett Favre throw 4 TDs against his former Green Bay Packers AT Lambeau Field in a win last Sunday (2nd highest rated NFL game on Fox since Fox began airing the games), BUT he equaled former Miami Dolphins great Dan Marino's NFL record of 21 games with four touchdown passes.
Whatcha gonna do to celebrate, #4? (He didn't say this - I'm just guessing.) "Well...I'm gonna relax during the bye week a bit and think about what an awful mistake it was to come out of retirement again since the media and some dumb ass fans seem to think I got nuthin' left in the tank. Then maybe I'll go out and shoot a deer".
Read more!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Origami No. 24. "autumn".
Grove of birch trees in Whitnall Park, Greendale, WI. © Copyright 2009 Jeffrey James Ircink
i see the trees, sans leaves,
and realize i'm back home in wisconsin.
from cal-i-forn-i-A once i came,
eleven years i had been.
five months of winter lay ahead,
i roll my eyes in dread.
i harken back to the bliss of the west coast sun,
and quickly blurt out, "fuck this".
(Origami is sort of my catchword for a featured blog post that highlights my original writings - could be an excerpt from one of my plays, a poem, a song, a rant, a rave, a cursing, etc. Origami is the art of folding paper (the word is of Japanese origin). Or, it could be the creative juices of someone else I know - or don't know. So, within the folds of this particular blog feature you may find something really beautiful, meaningful or poignant.)
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An expensive Halloween mocoa.
At about the time I was taking my first sips from this hauntingly tasteful mocoa (see below) at some nondescript coffee shop last Halloween Saturday, an email was being transmitted to my hotmail account. The gist of that email was 'we aren't getting along; you disrespected me; you need to leave.'
The email was from a friend (let's call her "Babs") I was staying with (not her house). Considering the events that had unfolded leading up to my mocoa, I wasn't completely surprised. I was more surprised when I found my belongings on the front stoop, waiting for me. Bye, bye, Jeff.
I comment that this was an expensive mocoa as our friendship (mine and Bab's) is in jeopardy. "Was" in jeopardy? Is kaput? Whatever. Not sure at this point. Shit's gone down like this before between us and it's always resolved itself. I remind you of my shit on the stoop.
I guess what I'm most perplexed about is how one deals with someone who's been diagnosed with inadequate interpersonal skills (sort of - I won't get into the specifics) when it comes to certain relationships in his/her life. In other words, Babs is fragile, an addict and needs to be handled with kid gloves. The sticky point in all this is how much can I (or anyone else dealing with Babs) bend over for her (or people like her) while treating her with kid gloves AND at the same time not allow Babs to walk all over everyone in her path, using the 'I'm fragile and I'm not supposed to be treated this way' crutch?
Am I making myself clear? I'm not without fault. I blew up at Babs the 3rd time she told me how to drive my car. 1) I already told her twice before not to do that, 2) I just moved back to WI from Los Angeles after 11+ years of driving in the worst traffic in the United States, and 3) I always check my blind side when merging onto the freeway - I'm blind in my left eye. I have to. It's as much of a reflex as your kick reflex when you hit your knee in the doctor's office.
That incident triggered what was to become my undoing. In hindsight, knowing Bab's condition, I should've curbed my tongue. But this brings me back to my original thought: treat others as you would want them to treat you (I guess). If Babs expects to be treated kindly, so do I. No personal relationships are one-way streets.
In the end, I hope Babs and I can someday move beyond all this. We've been estranged before. But in the almost 12 years I've known her, I've come to realize she has excellent qualities and I wouldn't want to be deprived of them. I was pissed - to find my shit on the stoop, yeh. Fucking, steaming pissed. Like busting shit up pissed. But the Christian side of me says to forgive and turn the other cheek.
Ha...I can be stingy when it comes to turning the other cheek. We'll see.
Read more!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Favre, Harvin nominated for Whackin' the Pack!
Favre was nominated for his 2nd FedEx Air Player of the Week honors. Percy Harvin - Pepsi Rookie of the Week Honors. Vote for Favre here and Percy here.
Nice job against the Pack - Favre, Percy and the entire Minnesota Vikings' team. Have a well-deserved bye this weekend and remember: learn how to close games! SKOL VIKINGS!
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Good Jeff. Bad Jeff.
This is a promotional/marketing short film I shot with a couple friends to introduce my latest full-length play, HOW TO KILL A BOY. I plan to go viral (YouYube, my blogs, Facebook) in August and see what happens. Maybe no one will watch it. Or maybe everyone will watch it and it'll become an Internet hit.
The real motivation behind creating this (it was free) was that I wanted a carrot to dangle in front of artistic directors and literary managers of theaters in the hopes that they be persuaded into allowing me to send them the full play instead of a 20-page sample OR that theaters might forego their rule of taking submissions only from literary agents.
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I'll see your eye gouging and raise you a slap on the hand.
Florida coach Urban Meyer suspended Brandon Spikes for the first half of this Saturday's game against Vanderbilt (2-7) due to attempted eye gouging of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey last Saturday.
Granted, the NCAA may take further action after it reviews the case. But a big SHAME ON YOU Coach Meyer for basically doing nothing to Spikes. First half suspension???? Are you fucking kidding me? For eye gouging??? This disgusts me.
If you missed this flagrant foul committed by assfuck Spikes, watch it here.
I realize the Georgia running back said Spikes shouldn't be suspended and that the attempted eye gouging didn't come close to his eyes. OK - sooooo....do we just forgive people for attempted armed robbery? Attempted murder? Attempted kidnapping? Where in the NCAA rulebook does it say "eye gouging, etc.....welllllll....if you're caught, we won't discipline you for it" ? Why don't we let players carry other weapons ('cause your hand is a weapon) onto the field with them? Make the game really interesting. What sort of example are you setting on the high school football level? Wonder what Knute Rockne and Lombardi and Landry and Halas (college and NFL coaches) would do if they were in Meyer's shoes?
HALF GAME suspension? Highly unlikely.
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Monday, November 2, 2009
Vikings Fudge Pack Victory, 38-26! Vikes, 7-1!
“I saw some cheers (and) a couple fingers,” Favre said, drawing a loud laugh from the assembled reporters. Brett Favre's response to the boos he received throughout the Viking-Packer game yesterday.
For the 2nd time, the Minnesota Vikings stuck it to the Green Bay Packers, this time at Lambeau - Favre's first return to the stadium that made him a legend for 16 years while he played with Green Bay.
I expected the boos (which died by the end of the game and turned into cheers...hypocrites). But they (the boos) seemed to unfaze Favre, who threw for 4 TDS in a 38-26 win over the Pack. Favre about the fans' reaction, "I hope that everyone in the stadium watching tonight said, 'You know, I hate that the joker's on the other side, but he does play the way he's always played, with his excitement and passion for the game...As long as I play, that's not going to change. That's what people have admired about me throughout my career. That's all I can do."
For game highlights, click here. Click on READ MORE! for more pics. NEXT WEEK: Vikings have a bye. In two weeks, the Vikes (7-1) meet Lions (1-6) at Minnesota.
Favre and GB QB Aaron Rodgers meet after the game. At the midway point in the season, Favre ranks: #4 in passer rating, #3 in completion percentage, tied for 1st with 16 TDS and is #7 in passing yards. Nice job, 40-year-old man who can't play anymore.
Percy Harvin (12) has certainly made a statement for Rookie of the Year.
Favre in the huddle.
Favre back for a pass.
Favre and Greg Jennings after the game.
Favre and Donald Driver embrace.
Two ex-Packers - Favre and Kicker Ryan Longwell.
Favre and Adrian Peterson celebrating a TD.Read more!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy All Hallows' Eve!
"Lok'tar ogar"! Enjoy the Halloween posts and videos that follow....there's 12 more after this one. And BOO!
Read more!
Michael Myers has something to say...
Minnesota Vikings & Brett Favre @ Green Bay Packers November 1, 2009. Favre's "return" to Lambeau Field.
Read more!
"1,000 Ways To Die" on Spike TV.
Just saw this program for the first time. Very interesting. Here's the site. Go knock yourself out... :)
Read more!
Miss Allerdyce from "Burnt Offerings".
This movie frightened the shit out of me when I was growing up. And it was this scene in particular that still spooks me. The movie plot is confusing (look it up on IMDB) but I'll tell you this - the house this family is temporarily staying in "rebuilds" itself each summer by feeding on the lives of the family/caretakers. In this clip (which is near the end), Oliver Reed finds out that his wife has "transformed" into the old lady he thought his wife was looking after. Was there ever an old lady? It's confusing...just watch it.
(You're going to want to mute the jukebox at the very top of the blog before you watch any of these videos.) And no, Oliver Reed is not overacting at the end. His horrific screams are justified. Rent the movie. And scream yourself.
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Jeff photographed a ghost!
I posted this last Halloween but it's a favorite - 'cause it's a ghost on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Snapped it last year. Sent this to two paranormal experts and neither could say it WAS or WASN'T a ghost. What do YOU think?
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My Scariest Movies.
In order. Maybe. They're all great flicks. I posted a couple vids from these movies below - check'em out.
1. The Exorcist
2. The Shining
3. House of 1000 Corpses
4. Burnt Offerings
5. The Ring
6. Aliens
7. Seven
8. The Omen
9. The Thing (remake)
10. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original)
11. Salem’s Lot
12. Hellraiser
13. Jaws
14. Rosemary’s baby
15. Night of the Living Dead
Read more!
My favorite Scream Queen...Sheri Moon Zombie.
Tom Waits' "What's He Building In There?". Halloween classic.
Classic. Posted this last year as well but it's genius. Thought I'd end this year's Halloween post with it. Don't be too creeped out.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Favre's return to Lambeau...as a Viking. 2 quotes.
Much is being said about Brett Favre's return to Green Bay's Lambeau Field this Sunday as the Minnesota Vikings clash with the Green Bay Packers in their 2nd meeting of the season (MN won the first game).
Some say cheer Favre. Others say boo Favre. Some say be silent. Even the mayor of Green Bay has gotten in on the action, asking fans to email him tasteful ways to welcome Brett back to Green Bay for his first visit since his "divorce" from the Packers after the 2007 NFL season. I emailed the mayor and told him to do nothing - just let the game be played. All the hub-bub concerning Brett's return will play itself out - no need to add fuel to the fire. Wasn't it the Packer organization that breathed a sigh of relief once they traded Brett to the Jets last year? No more media circus? Get on with their season? They why is a politician stoking the flames by taking fan requests? Dumb question, I know - and an even dumber idea, Mayor.
The most intelligent article I've read detailing how fans should react when Favre strolls onto Lambeau Field Sunday as the "enemy" (after 16 years with the Packers) comes from Gary Howard's "Cheer first, Jeer later" (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 10-27-09). YOU are a classy man, Mr. Howard.
Being that I and my brother and mother are staunch Favre supporters (dad's ambivalent), we obviously want Minnesota to kick the shit out of the Packers. But here are two of my favorite quotes regarding Brett's playing for the Vikings this season - the Packer's most hated rival:
No. 1 = Cool quote:
"Seeing Brett in purple, when I first saw it I kind of threw up in my mouth...When that jersey comes off and he decides to retire, we'll bring him back home." - Ex-Packer Defensive tackle Santana Dotson (above), Super Bowl XXXI winner with Brett on the 1996 team, regarding Favre playing with the Minnesota Vikings
No. 2 = Dumb fuck quote:
"I'm still green and gold all the way. I hate Minnesota...It didn't bother me, him (Favre) with the Jets. But Minnesota I know personally I could never do it. I would just retire." - Ex-Packer Tight End Mark Chmura, Super Bowl XXXI winner
Well, you basically DID retire, Chewie, 'cause no one wanted your happily married-w/children- skank-ass after the Packers released you following those charges of inappropriate contact with a minor in a hot tub in Wisconsin, dipshit. You were good with the Pack, but no one cares if you'd retire or not, given the opportunity. You fucked yourself, asshole.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
"To Irc, With Love."
My first day of substitute teaching. October 22. Here's the title song (same name as the movie) from the greatest "teaching" movie, "To Sir, With Love" , starring Sidney Poitier (1967), sung by Lulu (girl on right of bust).
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Monday, October 26, 2009
"Billy Balfoor" makes semi's at Short & Sweet/Sydney 2010!
I've had some good luck at Short & Sweet - Australia, dubbed "the biggest little play festival in the world". "The Bed" - semi's in Sydney 2009, "Pass the Salt, Please." - semi's both in Brisbane and Sydney 2009, and "Billy Balfoor Wants An Apology" - Brisbane 2009.
300 shorts were shortlisted (semi's) out of 1026 entries. 160 are chosen to run over a month or so.
I understand I haven't been at this long, but once - just once - one of my shorts HAS to somehow squeak in the finals. Maybe this time around...
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
My brother.
At the famous Safe House in downtown Milwaukee. After the Brian Wilson concert (which was excellent, by the way).
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Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #13!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Na sacar". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page fo that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to the top of the right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #12!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Peil ghaelach". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page fo that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to the top of the right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Vikings lose to Steelers. Vikes 6-1.
Vikes had their chances. Way too many dumb penalties. What are the odds that a ball gets stripped from Favre and is recovered by a lineman who runs it in for a TD? THEN, Chester Taylor misses a ball he should've caught and THAT ball bounces into the hands of a Steeler who runs that one in for a TD? GOD DAMMIT! No pictures from the game 'cause when we lose I get pissy for 3 days.
(Not meaning to be a complainer 'cause every team gets bad calls, but the ref who called tripping on the Vikes player...he needs to read his ref manual again. That call negated a Viking TD and might've have been a momentum changer. Blatantly bad call.)
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Taylor Mills, the Ircink bros. and Brian Wilson in concert.
You would think I wasn't capable of using a camera. Dammit! Had it set to "museum" in the theater so it wouldn't flash and didn't reset it afterwards. Taylor said the shot looked good so I never double-checked it. I hate her now. Haha. Back-up singer Tay and I became FB friends and I got to meet her in Manhattan Beach earlier this year when I lived in Cali, so we - chit chat, you know. Jas and I have past dealings with the extended Beach Boys family through the Carl Wilson Cancer Foundation so we were pretty pumped to see Brian again - and Taylor.
Picked up Taylor's new album, "Under the Surface" More on this after I've listened to it a few more times. But I enjoyed it thoroughly. She's got a lulling, beautiful voice. Click on READ MORE! for a couple more shots of the evening.
3rd floor of the historic Pabst Theater. Sound was excellent and the view was nice. $50 seats though. Is that expensive for this vantage point?
Downtown Milwaukee riverfront.
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
Precarious position.
To say the least. Lots of "looks" when I wear this hat around Wisconsin. I wonder why? Isn't it just a game???
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Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A perfect fall day in the Midwest.
Took off Monday for Iowa for a couple days to catch-up with some theater people. Nice visit. Typically, when I lived in Cali, I'd come home in May for three weeks and fish for a week, then visit people in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. Lots of running around. Not any more. Now that I'm back in WI, I'll take my time visiting certain people. Quality versus quantity.
Anyway, here are a few shots of the ride from Iowa to Wisconsin - took the northern route home, up through Dubuque and into WI via Madison. That's Delafield, WI above. The better route by far (as opposed to Rockford, through the Quad Cities on Hwy 80 to Iowa City and then Cedar Rapids). Click on READ MORE! for a few more shots.
Delafield, WI.
Mineral Point, WI. The first capital of Wisconsin.
Mineral Point, WI.
Iowa hayfields.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #11!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "An bia uile". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page fo that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to the top of the right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Vikings beat Ravens, 33-31. Choked the Ravens, "3-in-a-row". Vikes 6-0.
Vikings offense played great. Defense played a great first half - then completely dismantled in the 2nd half...particularly the 4th quarter. Call it what you will - injuries in the Viking D, prevent defense, soft coverage. Whatever...the Ravens missed a FG with 2 seconds left on the clock that could've won the game for them. Too bad. Vikings need to finish games. If they're having trouble putting away opponents, then they need to play every minute as if it's a 2-minute drill.
NEXT WEEK: Vikings (6-0) @ Steelers (4-2).
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Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #10!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Mé". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page fo that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to the top of the right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Mad Woman.
“The guy I was dating when I first got to L.A. was not supportive of my acting,” she says. “He was like, I don’t think you’re going to be good at this. So—fuck you! He only has nice things to say now—if anything, I should thank him. Because the minute you tell me I can’t do something, that’s when I’m most motivated.” That guy was Ashton Kutcher.
Read the full interview on GQ online.
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
Jim & Jeff's 1,099.5 mile adventure!
(photo by Craig Sanford)
I met up with my close college buddy, Jim Sickels, and his family on a slightly overcast but beautiful fall Wisconsin day as his oldest daughter, Morgan, competed in the Classic 8 Conference Championship cross-country meet in Hartland, WI (I forgot my camera). Morgan placed 5th (she was lauded to finish first or second but was sick) and is headed to sectionals. She's a talented runner (top-ranked in the nation) and is contemplating several offers to run in college.
After the race, Jim and I retired to the Delafield Brewhaus to discuss one of the many adventures we plan to go on since my moving back to Wisconsin. Jim's an avid outdoorsman and hunter (like my family) and the 11+ years (not counting the 5 1/2 years I was in IA before CA) I've been away haven't afforded us much time to enjoy the outdoors together.
Click on READ MORE! if you're curious to find out what we're up to. If not, enjoy the above picture of a scenic Wisconsin vista north of Rice Lake.
Jim and I are tackling the 1,099.5 miles of Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail. We'll take it in segments (no particular order), a weekend here and there over the next 3 years or so. We've talked about this for a few years - and we're gonna make it happen.
"More than 12,000 years ago, an immense flow of glacial ice sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty across Wisconsin. As the colossal glacier retreated, it left behind a variety of unique landscape features. These Ice Age remnants are now considered among the world's finest examples of how continental glaciation sculpts our planet. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a thousand-mile footpath — entirely within Wisconsin — that highlights these Ice Age landscape features while providing access to some of the state's most beautiful natural areas." (Ice Age Trail Alliance website)
The Ice Age Trail is a designated National Scenic Trail in the United States that will run some 1,200 miles through the state of Wisconsin once completed. As of 2008, the trail is 1,099.5 miles long with 467 miles being traditional hiking paths, 103.2 miles being multi-use trails, and 529.3 miles being connecting roads and sidewalks. The trail wanders through 30 of Wisconsin's 72 counties, following the southernmost location of the last continental glaciation. The first person to backpack the entire length of the Ice Age Trail was 20 year old James J. Staudacher of Shorewood, Wisconsin during the summer of 1979.
We plan to begin hiking in December (we think). Stay tuned for a new blog tracking our progress and adventures. For more information, go to Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail on Wikipedia or check out the Ice Age Trail Alliance website.
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Friday, October 16, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #9!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Madra". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page fo that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to the top of the right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #8!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire, "Scannán caillte". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page of that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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TGIF! presents...Alec Finn's "Lady Hamilton"!
Alec Finn performs, "Lady Hamilton" , on the bouzouki, a Greek instrument akin to the mandolin. We visited with Alec and his wife, Leoni, at their home, Oranmore Castle, in Oranmore, Co. Galway, during our visit to Ireland.
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Thursday, October 15, 2009
Favre bashers having a change of heart?
I've blogged at length about the biased, unobjective (or is it nonobjective?) scrutiny the media (and fans) have shown Brett Favre since I began this blog in 2007 - look up "sports commentators", "sports columnists", "idiots", "hacks", "Jay Glazer", "Kevin Hench", "Mark Kriegel", "Adam Schein", "Allen Barra" or "FoxSports.com" on the right panel under BLOG TOPICS.
Now that the Minnesota Vikings are sitting at 5-0, some of the assholes I hate are starting to come around to my way of thinking. I know it's early in the season and anything can happen. But the fact that, for example, Kevin "Hatchet-job-haircut" Hench of FoxSports.com is rethinking his stance on Favre makes me question his credibility after he's torn Favre a new asshole for years. No - I've question his and other's credibility before. Leery...leery is a bette word.
"Hey look, ESPN's Adam Schefter...it's a schism in the Viking's locker room!"
Here's what Henchie said after the Vikings beat the Packers in Week 4: "When you assess Brett Favre's 24-for-31, 271-yard, 3-TD, 135.3 QB rating vivisection of the Packers, the numbers alone don't tell the whole story...Favre was so precise in dismantling his former team it almost didn't matter if his receivers got any separation at all. If he doesn't do something worth making fun of in the next couple of weeks this segment is going on hiatus."
I, for one, will not jump on the "Hench loves Favre" bandwagon because the minute Brett and/or the Vikings screw up, Hench will renege on his Favre lovefest comments and tear him a third asshole - that's what the media does. They have no allegiances to teams that they can admit to publicly - they're SUPPOSED to be objective. Unless it concerns Brett Favre. However, at least Henchie admits that he was premature in judging Favre - through 5 games into the season
As I've mentioned before, even if the Vikings go the Super Bowl and lose, Favre will be vilified by the press for being an old, over-the-hill, egomaniacal waffler. And if the Vikings go to the SB and win it - the media and Favre naysayers around the world will say 1) it was everyone on the team that contributed to the win BUT Favre, or 2) good - now that Favre has another SB ring maybe he'll finally retire and disappear. It's the fight Brett will never win (when you see groups of words highlighted, it's a link - click on it).
Like I said, it's a 16-game season. I'm simply going to continue in my enjoyment of watching the "Silver Fox" (as Favre's been dubbed by "the beast", Viking DE Jared Allen) play his 19th NFL season. And hope he continues to have fun.
Read more!
Driving from Denver to the Wisconsin border sucks.
Watch this video. What you're seeing is, in a nutshell, what the drive from Denver to the Wisconsin border looked like.
Were you bored to death? So were we. My brother arrived in Los Angeles to accompany me on my move back to Wisconsin. After eventful visits with the Nowak clan in Santa Barbara, Donovan & Maria and family in Tujunga (my best friends in Cali) and a coffee with the actor, Bo Svenson (more on those visits in another post) we made the long drive to Wisconsin and arrived home on September 11.
I wish I could tell you it was an eventful journey. My picture-taking is a sad reflection of what turned out to be THE most boring, piece of shit drive of our lives. At least that was the case from Denver east to the Wisconsin border. Denver and the remaining part of CO. NE, IA, IL - Jas and I were looking for guns and ammo in the car to shoot our brains out. And EVERYONE I've related our experience to agreed.
Click on READ MORE! if you wanna see some average pics of the most boring drive of my life. My advice to you wanderlust Bohemians looking for solace on the open road: do not take the northern route. Unless of course you're looking to become suicidal. Then by all means, knock yourselves out.
Iowa.
California desert.
Utah.
Colorado Rockies. The best part of the trip.
I wish I could tell you the name of this rest area, but...
Almost there. Thank God.Read more!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Origami No. 23. "Foppotte". In honor of Monty Python's Flying Circus' 40th Anniversary.
Something silly. "Foppotte" means "a simple-minded person". It was a writing assignment for a blog which I contribute to.
A man walked into a coffee shop unaware that a book signing reception was in progress. Looking around, he recognized no one. Course he wasn’t from the area so why would he recognize anyone. The coffee shop was a-buzz with activity – people eating cheese and crackers, sipping wine, a violinist playing a cello in the corner (the cello player took sick), chit-chatting and – drinking coffee. In another corner there was a stately, middle-aged gentleman signing books. The author. The man walked up to the author and, noticing a few hundred books stacked on the table, grabbed one and paged through it.
"This your book?" asked the man.
"Yes," confirmed the author. "Would you like to purchase one? I'd be happy to sign it for you."
"No thanks." Uncomfortable pause. “What’s your book about?” asked the man.
“Growing up in Cambridge, Wisconsin.”
“Cambridge? Never heard of it,” said the man.
“It’s near Madison,” said the author. He returns to signing books.
Odd, thought the man. He imagined anyone could write a book about their childhood, particularly if they grew up in an interesting place. But Cambridge, Wisconsin? Never heard of it.
The man stated, "Now...if you had written about your life growing up in Madison, that would have been interesting." The author smiled. "But I didn't grow up in Madison. I grew up on Cambridge."
"Yes," said the man, "so you've said."
Madison would have been much better place to write about, the man thought to himself once again.
The author asked the man, “If you'd like some wine or cheese...”
“No thanks,” said the man.
“Well - enjoy your visit,” the author said and returned to signing books.
The man nodded at the author - and stood there for a few seconds.
“Foppotee,” said the man to the author.
“Excuse me?”
“Foppotee,” repeated the man.
“What does that mean?” asked the author.
The man stated firmly, “Foppotee.” He paused. “Foppotee, foppotah.”
The author sat there dumbfounded. He chose his next words carefully. “You’re a simple-minded person, aren’t you?”
The man stared at the author. It's not known whether the man was staring at the author or staring through him. It made no difference.
The man repeated himself. “Foppotee, foppotah.”
Then the man turned, walked out of the coffee shop as quickly as he had entered it.
The author stared at the door for a few seconds then returned to signing his books.“Foppotee,” he muttered under his breath.
Read more!
Happy 99th Birthday, Coach John Wooden!
I'm not a basketball fan. But it's difficult not to admire a 99-year-old man who's revered in the sports and coaching world.
Wooden 3 Rules - 1) always be on time, 2) no obscenities, and 3) never criticize your fellow players.
A note all coaches and athletes should take note of.
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Happy 40th Birthday, Monty Python's Flying Circus!
This groundbreaking, silly, television series, broadcast by the BBC from 1969 to 1974, was conceived, written and performed by the late Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
The above video is my favorite sketch. Click here for more info on Monty Python. Here are the CBC's 10 favorite Python moments.
Damn, silly show.
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On Obama's booby pri...I mean, Nobel Prize.
Today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Shucks...I thought I was the only one who felt this way.
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Wild hair. Door County. Flurries.
Got a wild hair and took off for Door County the other day. Wanted to capture the peak colors and I've only been to DC in the winter. Wasn't anticipating the snow flurries just past Green Bay. These two shots are about the only things I captured on my very wet trip. If you like Nantucket, you'll like Door County. Egg Harbor. Fish Creek. Very nice.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #7!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Pobal na hÉirean". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page of that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Meet Bailey from Wayzata, MN!
Your Minnesota Viking Cheerleader of the Week! The Viking website posts this and I stole it. Not sure if I'll do this every week. Click here to watch Bailey "live".
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Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #6!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Ceol". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page of that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Monday, October 12, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #5!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Teach ceann tui". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page of that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
Vikes Butt Rams, 38-10, Vikings 5-0.
Above: Favre congratulating Visanthe Shiancoe on his TD catch.
Nice ass-whooping by the Vikes. I understand the Rams were 0-4 going into this game and there's probably a lot of people thinking, "yahhhh but look who the Vikings beat". As I stated last season when the Jets (under Favre) beat the Arizona Cardinals (who lost in the Super Bowl), I will now repeat. "Yahhh, but..." comments are misnomers. To attain perfection in the NFL (perfect season including a SB win), a team MUST beat the "yahbut" teams. Period. On any given Sunday, ANY TEAM CAN WIN. We saw that a couple weeks ago when five or so favored teams lost to the underdogs. Look at the Patriots loss to Denver today. Nice job, Donovan & Maria & Tamra!
A win is a win. Period.
By the way, this is the first time in Brett Favre's illustrious, Hall of Fame, 19-year tenure in the NFL that he's been 5-0. NEXT WEEK: Ravens (3-2) @ Vikings (5-0). Tough game. GO FAVRE! GO VIKINGS!Read more!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Klan child.
I'm watching the history of the Ku Klux Klan in the United States on the History Channel. There was a modern day video of a child dressed in the KKK robes helping to light a cross. This picture off the Internet was the closest thing I could find to that image on the program.
Disturbing.
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Snowflake.
I saw a snowflake today. Brrrrrrr. Didn't add up to anything but it made me think about experiencing my first full winter in Wisconsin in over 11 years
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Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #4!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Teach tábhairne". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of that post to return to the main page of that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Favre wins FEDEX Air Player honors!
Brett Favre was voted (by fans) the FEDEX Player of the Week for games completed in Week 4 of the NFL season. Favre completed 24 of 31 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns to help the Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers, 30-23.
Among the records Brett added to, he became the first QB to beat all 32 teams in the NFL.
At 40 (today). Nice job, Brett. GO FAVRE! GO VIKINGS!
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Happy 40th Birthday, Brett Favre!
Asked for his birthday plans, Favre said, "Travel to St. Louis." Seriously, nothing?
"For the last 19 years, all the holidays including my birthday, I’m either playing or getting ready to play," he said. "No different this week, unless Brad (Childress) is going to throw me a big party. I think it deserves something. I really do. I just want to throw that out there. Forty."
Happy Birthday, Brett. You've shown the pundits and fans that, like a fine wine, your age has not prevented you from playing the game you love - effectively. Why the naysayers just don't listen to me and my brother (and other pro-Favreites) is beyond me. Morons. Good luck the rest of the season. GO FAVRE! GO VIKINGS IN 2009!
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Friday, October 9, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #3!
Good Craic. Welcome to Eire. "Fear Faiche". After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at the bottom of the post to return to the main page of that blog and see the previous posts. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Broad Street Coffee Company...in historic Greendale, WI
No, not Neil Young's album Greendale. Greendale, Wisconsin...my birthplace. And my father's birthplace. A lot of family tradition here in Greendale. My Grandpa Ircink was one of the "founding fathers" back in the later 1930's. Lots of fond memories. I'm at my new coffee house/writing hangout talking to Shirley's (nee Weber) youngest son who works here (Shirley manages the place - my mom and her coffee friends meet here everymorning at the crack of dawn to drink and jabber). Having an apple gingerbread cobbler coffee and a Door County cherry scone. Contented.
My recent trip to Ireland was the buffer between moving back here from California on September 12th and the reality that I must get a move-on and get on with my new life here. I've received my substitute teaching certificate from the state so as of Monday I'll be active to teach in the Waterford Union High School district and any other school district I'm interested in. Mukwonago, Greendale, New Berlin - the more shit you throw...you know the saying. It's a start. I'll also offer my services as a tutor for writing to high school students.
Above: Dale Park in Greendale. Then there's auditioning for theater in Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis. And my writing. Found a great theater in Bay View (adjacent to Milwaukee on Lake Michigan) that might be an ideal venue to have some of my plays produced. I've contacted the owner and we're due to meet up mid-October.
Wisconsin license and plates, find a place to live (at home with my parent's now). Much to do. I really need that Wisconsin license in order to get my WI bowhunting license. Have hunted on one occasion a couple years ago in WI since I moved to Los Angeles in 1998. New website to start called "Milwaukee on the Cheap". Busy.
I'm excited. I'll leave you with Neil Young & Crazyhorse's "Bringin' Down Dinner" from the album, Greendale.
Bringin Down Dinner (Album Version) - Neil Young & Crazy Horse
My mom and Aunt Ruth have to shopping for a wedding shower gift. They may stop in for a coffee. It's nice being home.
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President Obama + 2009 Nobel Peace Prize = Joke!
President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
The reaction around the world is mixed. From everything I've read, most people are confused (unless of course you're a Democrat or liberal). Consider this: Obama was in office just two months when nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize were closed. TWO MONTHS. What in God's name has the President accomplished in those first two months that would make him any more qualified for the prize than....me?
Consider these past recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize going back to 1962:JOHN HUME and DAVID TRIMBLE for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
JIMMY CARTER JR., former President of the United States of America,
for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development
JIMMY CARTER JR., former President of the United States of America,
for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development
YASSER ARAFAT, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the PLO, President of the Palestinian National Authority, SHIMON PERES, Foreign Minister of Israel, YITZHAK RABIN, Prime Minister of Israel. for their efforts to create peace in the Middle East.
NELSON MANDELA, Leader of the ANC.
MIKHAIL SERGEYEVICH GORBACHEV, President of the USSR, helped to bring the Cold War to an end.
THE 14TH DALAI LAMA (TENZIN GYATSO), Religious and political leader of the Tibetan people.
ELIE WIESEL, Chairman of 'The President's Commission on the Holocaust'. Author, humanitarian.
LECH WALESA, Poland. Founder of Solidarity, campaigner for human rights.
MOTHER TERESA, India, Leader of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity.
MOHAMED ANWAR AL-SADAT, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and MENACHEM BEGIN, Prime Minister of Israel. for jointly negotiating peace between Egypt and Israel.
HENRY A. KISSINGER, Secretary of State, State Department, Washington.
MOTHER TERESA, India, Leader of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity.
MOHAMED ANWAR AL-SADAT, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and MENACHEM BEGIN, Prime Minister of Israel. for jointly negotiating peace between Egypt and Israel.
HENRY A. KISSINGER, Secretary of State, State Department, Washington.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, campaigner for civil rights.
LINUS CARL PAULING, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA. Campaigner especially for an end to nuclear weapons tests.
President Obama is on THIS list? Best thing he could do is respectively turn down the award and say, though he's promoting world peace, he hasn't done anything yet.
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"TGIF! presents..."Hold Tight" by "Hold Tight" by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Titch!
From the disappointing Quentin Tarantino flick, Deathproof. This song is one of the few bright spots in QT'S snorer - that, along with Kurt Russell and the fact that every girl riding in this car dies.
This video is in tribute to Colton...you remember the little boy I lived with in Culver City? Whenever his mother wanted to go play bingo, Colton would have a fit and I'd egg him on by playing this song and dancing around the house. He never wanted this mother to do anything without him. I love this song.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #2!
"Good Craic. Welcome to Eire". Daor. After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at bottom of the post to return to main page. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Ireland 2009 blog UPDATE #1!
“Good Craic. Welcome to Eire”. Dathannach. After you click on this link, you may click on HOME at bottom of the post to return to main page. OR, go to top of right panel on this page and click on the link below the pub picture.
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Vikings/Packer MNF game breaks all records! Favre named NFC Offensive Player of the Week!
Brett Favre looks like the cat who swallowed the canary. I wonder what he's thinking?
A) The Viking/Packer Monday Night Football game this week set all records - most watched cable TV program, highest rated MNF broadcast and highest rated ESPN program period, producing a 15.3 rating and had 21.8 million viewers with 15.1 million HHs (households). The Vikings move to 4-0 after beating the Pack in Minneapolis, 30-23.
B) I wonder if I'll be chosen the NFC Offensive Player of the Week? Which he was.
C) Any victory is sweet; beating the team who's management felt I wasn't good enough to play for them is sweeter.
D) Schism? Fuck schism, bitch. I'm gonna be 40 Saturday and I can still play this game.
E) All the above.
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"Good Craic. Welcome to Eire".
Only a few hundred photos to go through from my recent trip back to Ireland. I thought I'd wet your whistle with one of the few dozen shots I took in the doorways of Irish pubs. Can't tell you what town this is in - there were so many. We hit Galway, Dublin, Ardfinnan, Oranmore, Swords, Kinsale, Cahir, Cashel, to name just a few. Once I get all my pictures organized, you'll be able to follow my trip via the series, "Good Craic. Welcome to Eire" . "Craic" (pronounced, "crack") is the Gaelic term meaning, "fun". Heard it a few times over there. Stay tuned.
NOTE: For technical purposes related to Blogger, I'm posting this series on a separate blog - same name as the blog post series. Just go to the top of the right panel, click on me in the door way of The Roadside Tavern, and you'll be transported to Ireland, sort to say. I'll be adding to the blog daily so check back for updates AND I'll alert readers on PASSION = TRUTH through update posts.
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Anatomy of a 1:34 minute drive by a legend. Week 3 - Vikings versus 49er's.
I was in Ireland while this game was broadcast - didn't see it live. I suggest that if you wanna experience the thrills of a 1:34, 80-yard game-winning drive with NO timeouts and your team is behind, watch this video.
If you're impatient and just wanna see the game-winning TD pass by Favre to Greg Lewis in HD, click on this link. And pause the jukebox above before you watch this. :)
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Vikes beat Pack, 30-23. Vikings 4-0!
The game lived up to the hype. Favre and the Vikes against Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at the Metrodome in Minnesota. It was a game that Packer management did NOT want to face, which is why they traded Favre to the Jets last season and out of the NFC North Division.
Favre, who'll be 40 this Saturday, played the game like he was 30 - course he's been playing the game of football like he was a kid in the alley his entire 19 years in the NFL. And this day belonged to him, and Jared Allen (above), who had 4.5 sacks and was a beast on defense - team effort really.
By the way, Brett was 24 for 31 for 271 yards and 3 TDs (135 rating), moving him up to the 3rd ranked QB in the NFL at the quarter mark of the season AND the first quarterback to ever beat all 32 teams in the NFL. i believe Favre added to more of the records he already has, but if you're a Favre-hater, you wouldn't care about a tired, old, egotistical, worn out piece of shit QB, would you? Schism? Haha...shut up.NEXT WEEK: Vikes (4-0) @ St. Louis Rams (0-4).
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Back from Ireland. And Favre & Vikes beat the Pack!
Zzzzzzzzzz time. Just got back from Ireland earlier this evening - in time to watch most of the 2nd half of the Viking-Packer game. Lots more on Ireland (you mean...pictures??) and the Vikes' win! Glad to be back in the U.S. but Ireland is as gorgeous as ever.
Justyna???? Where were you when I needed you??
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Now following...The Daily Norseman.
The Daily Norseman. I think this picture and text says it all.
GO FAVRE! GO PETERSON! GO VIKINGS IN 2009!
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Two Ireland we go - in two days!
Getting excited. Been to Ireland twice before. Belfast in 1989 for the day and then in 2006 when my play, "Stan's Addiction" was read in Belfast - saw Dublin, stayed in Redcross, Wicklow Co. Gorgeous country - I love it there. My brother decided not to go - too much work. I'm sad about that.
That's Doolin (above) on the West coast - the heart of traditional Irish music.
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Vikes Mute Lions' Roar/27-13. Favre = 271st start.
Upset Sunday. Bears beat Steelers. Jets beat Patriots. Ravens beat Chargers. Bengals beat Packers. Houston beats Tennessee. Not sure if Philly was a favorite but they got beat by the Saints. Cowboys lost to the Giants.
And then some people don't upset. Brett Favre set another NFL record, making his 271st straight start in the regular season - hasn't missed a game since 1992 when he started for the Green Bay Packers. "Every game I play in at this point, I'm pretty grateful," he said. "I know how difficult it is." Favre was 23 of 27 for 155 yards with 2 TD passes to rookie Percy Harvin and Visante Shiancoe. The previous consecutive start was held byMinnesota defensive end Jim Marshall who played for the Vikings from 1961-1979.
And the Vikes beat the Detroit Lions 27-13 at Detroit.
"I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out if you come and try to stop everything but Adrian Peterson, you're a fool," Favre said. "I got no problem telling you our offense is based around Adrian Peterson. Big deal. We're going to give it again to him next week."Jas and I headed to The Legion in Greendale to watch the game. Rough crowd. All Packer fans. We minded our own business (which is strange when you've followed the Packers you're entire life but have now boycotted them).
Next Week: 49er's (2-0) at Vikes (2-0).
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Sunday, September 20, 2009
Women Celebs I Love #8 - Sienna Miller.
She's brash, sexy, irreverent, blunt, honest, is chastised by the press and, in short, is a bad girl and I love her. Sienna graces the cover of this month's British GQ - here are some excerpts from the interview. Click on READ MORE! for more pics of Sienna. An acquaintance of mine in LA met Sienna and spent a bit of time with her. He said she was very nice.
So saucy. So sweet. Makes we wanna eat her.
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Saturday, September 19, 2009
Vinnie (bottom) and Sanchez (top).Friday, September 18, 2009
Kanye West sticks his head up his ass. Wait...no, I mean he put his foot in his mouth.
What I really mean is Kanye West is an ass. I blogged about this ass' shenanigans before. Ass. And Jay-Z, Beyonce's husband, defended him. Well - what did you think he'd say? Ass. West, I mean. He needs to become "the mute singer".
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TGIF! presents..."Riverdance!"
The broadcast of Riverdance at Eurovision 1994 was the FIRST occasion American audiences witnessed what became a worldwide phenomenon. I remember seeing it on television on PBS and running to my theater friends, saying, "you've got to see this!". None of them had.
Oh - and I thought this was an appropriate "TGIF! presents..." as it's my FIRST "TGIF! presents..." since arriving back in WI (to stay) AND I'm headed to Ireland next Wednesday and will be remiss in posting for 10 days.
The video is worth seeing just for Jean Butler's (the redhead) dancing. Please skip ahead to the 1:40 mark. Enjoy. Slan!
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
I wanna take a crap on ex-Patriot Rodney Harrison.
I do. If you read this idiot's comments, they're totally unfounded.
Harrison's ripped on Favre before. Here's what one of the dirtiest NFLer's had to say about Favre last year.
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Favre Jersey #1 Seller. Again.
From April 1 - August 28, Brett Favre's Viking jersey was the #1 selling NFL jersey. And get this: it was only available for sale from August 18-28. 10 days.
Guess not as many people hate him as you naysayers believe. HEEEEEHAWWWWW! Oh...and Favre was elected one of five team captains for the entire season. One more reason why the "schism" that ESPN, ex-Patriot Rodney "Dirty HGH" Harrison, Fran "Bitter" Tarkenton and others harped on is bullshit. (The captains are voted on by the players.)
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Monday, September 14, 2009
"Schism?" I don't see no stinkin' "schism"/Vikes 1-0.
If there's been a divide in the Minnesota Viking locker room over the arrival of Brett Favre (as reported by ESPN using unnamed sources and latched onto by every media source in the country), I didn't see it yesterday as the Vikings clobbered the Cleveland Browns, 34-20.
RB Adrian Peterson was a machine, scoring 3 running TDs. Favre's numbers were modest: 14-21, 110 yards and 1 TD. Would I have liked to see Brett air out some longer passes and have more TDs? Sure. But he managed the game as he was expected to do.
And all you asshole, anti-Favre morons who bitch that the only thing Brett is concerned with is his stats and records - and then bitch that he had an unspectacular game yesterday...make up your minds. And while you're doing that (you know, how you say that Favre should make up his mind about retiring or not), lick my lingum.
The photo above is Favre tackling Percy Harvin in the endzone after a TD pass. Some things never change. :) Percy said he's learned more from Favre since Brett joined the team a month or so ago then years of playing football. Schism? Never believed that bull in the first place (media hype over nothing), and if there was discontentment in the locker room, it probably was with Sage and Jackson, the QBs who lost starting jobs when Favre joined the team. Favre denied it. NAMED players denied it. The coach denied it. Bunk, I tell you. BUNK!
Next Week: Vikes (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-1)
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Happy Birthday, Cousin Mark!
In all the hubbub of my move from CA back to WI, I forgot to post this. Happy Birthday, Mark. My cuz is fighting Iraqis overseas - he's past the half-way point in his tour of duty. Be safe, Mark.
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sean McColitas hosts the 3rd Annual Scottish Cup!
My first full day back in Wisconsin and I hit the boards running with a very fun acting job - MC of the 3rd Annual Scottish Cup. It was started by my cousin SCOTT Schmidt and Ryan ISHerwood. Get it? SCOTT and ISH? Bastards.
Anyway, we had a piper for the morning session of 18 holes at Edgewood and I performed solo during the 2nd 18 holes at Morningside - both in Big Ben near my hometown. Perfect day for golfing. Like the tee? "Ted Thompson (Green Bay Packer GM) ruined my Christmas." My brother and I each got one for Christmas 2008. TT is a bastard.
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Saturday, September 12, 2009
I'm officially back in Wisconsin to stay.
Made the long drive from Los Angeles to Milwaukee with my brother, arriving Friday morning in Waterford, WI. Lots to talk about...pictures from the trip, the Scottish Cup I hosted. Gimme a few days to ease into Wisconsin living. Gonna watch Brett Favre is his debut regular season game as the Minnesota Viking QB and relax with family. I'll hit the boards running sometime this next week....it's very odd when you move - even if it's back to your home state.
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Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Beatles' "Two of Us"...for Jeff & Jason
Today my brother and I officially take off on our road trip back to Wisconsin. After 11 1/4 years in Los Angeles - I'm moving home.
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Friday, September 4, 2009
The best about California = the McCann-Glover Clan.
I've already blogged about the worst thing I experienced in California since moving here in 1998. OK...rant. Whatever. As my move date back to Wisconsin approaches (Wednesday of next week), I've spent most of my time reflecting on my good memories of LA, which I talked about in a previous blog post.
But my friendship with Donovan and Maria and their children Grace (2) and Gwyneth (8 mos. - my god daughter), and by association, their friends Jay & Susie, is the highlight of my stay here in Cali. These last few months I've been spending extended stays with the family - three days here, four days there. In anticipation of leaving them...this is gonna be very difficult.D&M have ingrained (en?) themselves into my heart and we've become best friends and I am now "family" - a "Nino" to their youngest daughter. Maria's cooking, D's breakfasts, the laughter, D's novel, the smokes, the kids, "The Office" and "Rome", acting, the Packer, Jets and Bronco games and Sunday's filled with tension and cheers (often behind real time...you know - the kids...thank God for TIVO), Maria's parents and siblings, Donovan's mom - so much more to say...well, most of it is up here (my head) and down here (my heart). :) and :( .
So how 'bout I say it in pictures. Click on READ MORE! to see the people who became my family in California. Donovan and Maria...I love you. You mean the world to me. And kids - your Nino's gonna miss you. I'll be back to visit - I promise. Don't forget me, please.
Jay & Susie's boys and Grace.
Grace's 2nd b-day.
Clearman's North Woods Inn in Arcadia. Sort of looks like a picture of the McCann Glover's visiting me in Wisconsin, no?
Magic Man Donovan Glover.
Maria's family.
My god daughter Gwyneth.
Donovan and Baby Grace.
Maria - Rose Queen, with her father, GW, the retired fire chief.
Maria and Susie - with Gwyneth.
The McCann Glover chicks!
4th of July at Jay & Susie's in Pasadena, 2008.
Had to throw a shot of Brett Favre in here because - heaven forbid - the McCann Glovers LOVE Favre as much as I do. Their fanaticism for him peaked in 2007 and then they boycotted the Packers with me and watched Brett the Jet. This year - along with their Broncos - they're rootin' for Brett the Viking! GO FAVRE IN 2009!
Maria and Susie on my birthday this past week. Probably the only native Californian girls I know. High school best friends from Arcadia. If I do know any others I'm closest to these two. And they love to drink and cuss - and get bitchy when they play video games. Ircink kinda women!
My birthday, 2009. That's Monica in the white, the godmother or "Nina", to Baby Gwyneth.
Grace is already at a contemplative stage in her life - whil Gwyneth is all a'smiles.
Gwyneth at her baptism.
The godparents to Grace and Gwyneth.
Donovan and Gwyneth.
Grace when she was one.
Gwyneth and her Nino.
Gwyneth's hand in mine.Read more!
The last "Californian" TGIF! presents...Wang Chung's "To Live and Die in LA"!
Wang Chung - To Live and Die In LA
Uploaded by jpdc11 - See the latest featured music videos.
Goodbye California...and LA. This is officially my last "TGIF! presents..." as a Californian. I'm hittin' the road. Moving back to Wisconsin. After 11 1/4 years here, I need a break. I could be pessimistic about some of the time that I spent here - as easy as it would be to say that a lot of great shit happened to me while I lived here. I made some great friends - best friends. I became a god father. I fell in love. Met some interesting people - a lot of celebs. Some of you - and you know who you are...it breaks my heart to leave you. But in this day and age of Facebook and the Internet, we're not really that far away, are we? I'll be back to visit.
Right decision to move? Wrong decision? Who knows. It feels like the right decision NOW.
It was a wonderful adventure. No matter what I'm feeling now or how I'll feel about later, there is a part of me that will never leave LA.
This song is my homage to the City of Angels. And to the state of California, I say, "see ya later".
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To my friends in Los Angeles and California, I bid you "adieu".
...with a Beach Boys tune that Paul McCartney said was the saddest song he'd ever heard - "God Only Knows". I will miss you all. And I love you (most of you).
Jeff
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
My adopted word is "FOPPOTEE".
It means, "a simple-minded person" .
Let's try it in a sentence. "I think Jemele Hill (ESPN "correspondent") is a simple-minded person".
I like it. Figure I'll use it enough to bring it back from the English language equivalent of the Tower of London (does that make sense...maybe I'm simple-minded). If you can save a whale, save a tree, save a child, save a building, save a whatever...you can surely find the time to SAVE A WORD!
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The worst about California = my last two years in Bel Air.
I'm moving back to Wisconsin next Wednesday the 9th. And I've been reflecting on my 11 1/4 years here in Los Angeles. Thought I'd dish the bad news first.
For seven years I lived a surreal life in a gorgeous two-story guest house on 10 acres high above Sunset. A life only a few people can relate to. The first five years were great. It's the last two years that were shit.
2004 was when I got whacked in the eye by the gardener. Whacked bad. My boss and property owner, Barbara Bollenbach did nothing. I forgave the guy who injured me - it was a stupid act but he didn't mean to hurt me. Barbara, however, did nothing at a time when I needed her the most. She didn't give me a WC claim form to fill out. She never confirmed with me that she had WC and she never reported it. I gave her the benefit of the doubt for two years (under CA law) and she did nothing. I sucked it up for TWO YEARS - waiting...and she made no offer to rectify the situation (there are more details but I'm giving you the watered down version). Only after I moved out in 2006 and sued her did she THEN report my injury to her insurance company. She even had the balls to say to me when I told her I had an eye doctor visit on a day I was to be working on her property, "You had a doctor visit on my day last week...I feel like I'm getting the short end of the stick."
I've been fighting with her insurance company since 2006. And the cheap bitch millionaire who didn't report my injury to her insurance company (for what I assume to be many reasons) has now purchased and razed two multi-million dollar properties adjacent to her own so she can expand her own acreage in order to construct a compound in order to allow her children to live close by (each of whom owes me $10 by the way).
So, as I reflect about those last two years in Bel Air and think about Barbara, I'm reminded of the words Marlon Brando spoke in a scene from Last Tango in Paris:
"You cheap, goddamn, fucking, godforsaken whore. I hope you rot in hell. You're worse than the dirtiest street pig anybody could find, and you know why? You know why? Because you lied. You lied to me and I trusted you. You lied. You knew you were lying! Go on, tell me you didn't lie. Haven't you got anything to say about that? You can think up something, can't you? Go on, tell me something! Smile, you cunt! Go on, tell me...tell me something sweet. Smile at me and say I just misunderstood. Go on, tell me. You pig-fucker! You goddamn, fucking, pig-fucking liar."
I pray you or someone you know reads this, Barb. All that money you give to charity? All those honors bestowed on you by charities - for being charitable. Bullshit. Where I come from charity begins at home. And you failed miserably at it. (Go ahead - tell me I need to "let go". Yeh...when I settle with her insurance company. Until then, go back and read the quote above.)
NOTE: If you're curious to see a virtual map shot of the property where I lived in Bel Air, click on READ MORE!
The red denotes Barbara's property line when I lived there. The blue denotes property she added while I was there but razed after I had left. The yellow is where a famous singer lived (can't tell you who) and last time I checked, that house had been razed as well - for Barbara's compound. Yet she couldn't report my WC injury to insurance company.
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
"See ya later", Marla!
Marla, Marla, Marla. We dated a number of years ago. I joined her and her girlfriends in Hollywood for her birthday in July. I really haven't frequented the Sunset Strip much in the 11 1/4 years I've been in LA. Not a Sunset Strip dude. Most of those were with Marla. But this night was the most fun I've ever had with Marla On the Strip, I mean.
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"Hell-A Woman". From Season 1 of "Californication".
One of my favorite scenes from one of the first episodes. Hank is a novelist from New York who's bitter about how Hollywood "treated" the movie based on his best-selling novel. He has writer's block and, against his better judgement, takes a blogging job at the behest of his ex, who's fiance owns the company Hank would be blogging for. Here are some of Hank's thoughts as he writes his first blog post....very poignant. (Adult language, kiddies)
Season 3 starts at the end of the month. Well-written comedy. One of the best on television.
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Triplevision Favre.
Favre with the Vikings. Favre with the Jets (retro unis). Favre with the Pack. I just thought this was nice - for those of you who can't get enough of #4. Does it kill you, Packer fans - to see Brett in that purple? God - your life has just taken a downturn spiral, hasn't it?
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6 downfalls of not choosing an abortion.
Top left to right: Alex Ponytail Marvez, Kevin My Haircut Sucks Hench, Mark Bonaduce Kriegel, Jay Un-named Source Glazer, Adam Dick Schien and Jemele I'm Just A Plain Ole Moron Hill. FoxSports.com line-up of hack, pieces of shit "writers" - except for Hill, who "works" for ESPN.
Had five mothers made the right choice 30+ years ago, I wouldn't have to write this post. That being said, these douche bags are alive and well because their mothers made the WRONG choice.
I swear these douches gather at the water "kool aid" and flip a coin to see who's gonna write the next scathing attack on Favre 'cause that'll be sure to generate lots of irate comments by readers. I'm not saying that these assholes have to write glowing articles extolling Brett's talent and achievements. But anything that's unbiased and objective would be a nice change. Henchie and Kriegel are the worst of the lot - but they all suck. Hench stated plainly in his last Brett rant that he's never liked him. Fine...then why is FoxSports.com allowing him to write about Favre? And Hill has been suspended once and give two verbal warnings for her dipshit commentaries - the last warning came on the heels of Hill's comments encouraging Packer fans to throw batteries at Favre while on the field at Lambeau this season. They're nothing but yellow journalists who work for the National Enquirer of Internet-based sports companies. They're not writers. They're celebrities. They try and convince you that they're knowledgeable and yet most of their articles are composed of cute little one-liners attacking Favre (and whoever else they're writing about) and, quite frankly, anyone can write those. I can write those. I'm writing one right now.
I don't make sports predictions. But I'll make one now. Should Brett Favre have an outstanding season with his new team, the Minnesota Vikings, these wafflers will be sure to jump on the Favre bandwagon. That's the only time they come close to writing anything flattering, unbiased and objective about Favre (while they're sitting around waiting for Brett to screw up). And, like the waffling vultures they are, the minute Favre falters, they'll disregard him like yesterday's news.
And of course, they're always right. Because no matter how well Favre does this season, they'll add a comment to their story that Favre's luck won't last. If it doesn't last, they're geniuses. If they're wrong and Favre goes to the Super Bowl and wins ('cause that's the only way this whole story will turn out for the best), they'll won't admit they were wrong - they'll just say "good...maybe now Favre WILL retire for good".
I'll stack my writing against these imbeciles' crap any day. Check the archives on each of these hacks if you don't believe me. I've been blogging about Favre since March 2007. Or check the comments associated with their Favre-related articles. 80%+ of the comments (even those who are either neutral or anti-Favre) wail on these idiots.
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Favre = Respectable against Houston.
I normally don't comment much on the NFL preseason, but as this is Favre's first season with the Minnesota Vikings AND the game last night against Houston was the first time Brett played a substantial amount of time (3 quarters), I wanted to say that Brett looked good. Not phenomenal - but respectable. He was 13 of 18 for 142 yards, 1 TD and no INTs.
That's a 114 QB rating. GO FAVRE IN 2009!
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Part Deux! Fiesta! Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara!
Seems I forgot to regale you with pictures from Fiesta! 2009 in Santa Barbara. Click on READ MORE! for more shots. If you love horses, the horse parade on Friday (this was the first weekend in August) was quite spectacular. I've been to Fiesta many times since living in Cali but I prefer Solstice in May. I thought this may be my last "Old Spanish Days" for a while so I took in the sights and sounds as one last swan song before I move back to WI. Plus, any excuse I can use to party with the Santa Barbara Nowaks is an excuse I'll snap up in a minute. Incidentally, my parents and Brother Jason were partying that same weekend with Tom Nowak (of Santa Barbara) and Rick Nowak (Greendale, WI) at Village Days in Greendale. It was a West Coast/Midwest Ircink/Nowak party weekend! (If you don't know, the Nowak's are family through marriage - my dad's youngest sister, Aunt Ev, married the oldest Nowak, my Uncle Bob.)
The dancers above were featured on that same Friday evening at the Sunken Gardens (part of the Santa Barbara courthouse grounds).
Greg Nowak (standing), Chuck Nowak and his wife, Heather and their four children at the Children's Parade on Saturday.
Horses during Friday's horse parade, one of the largest in the country.
More dancers at the Sunken Gardens.
Mark Aldecoa, Laura (Nowak) and their eldest, Melissa, who's off to start her freshman year at UCLA.
The Santa Barbara courthouse.
Chuck's two oldest. We passed out flowers to the pretty senoritas during the parade.
Even this dog got in on the festivities.
This lady, I believe, was a Fiesta parade grand marshall or Fiesta princess back in like 1900.Read more!
SI issues is "100% Favre-free". Not really.
The current version of Sports Illustrated (8-31-09) promises a "100% Favre-free issue" . THAT in itself is, I think, quite the amateur and juvenile thing to place on the cover of a sports magazine. However, doesn't this contradict what SI set out to do in the first place...have a "100% Favre-free issue"? Like him or hate him (and SI has had a love affair with Favre for 18 years), Favre's like an addiction for the press. Even when the press says it's not gonna cover Brett - they cover him. Idiots.
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Dave & Buster's birthday celebration in Arcadia!
Above: Donovan, Monica, Jay and Susie. Foreground: Maria.
We celebrated my b-day Saturday evening at Dave & Buster's - the adult version of Chucky Cheese's. It's adjacent to Santa Anita track (horses) in Arcadia - where Seabiscuit set all the racing records. Donovan & Maria are my best friends in Cali. Jay & Susie are Grace's god parents (D&M's oldest) and Monica and I are Gwyneth's god parents.
Never been to a restaurant with a security check-point like they have in airports. Apparently there had been a shooting there. Nice.
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Monday, August 31, 2009
ACLU wants to consider giving illegal aliens voting rights???
From the Pasadena Star News, Monday, August 31, 2009...The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will present a public forum on immigrant voting rights Sept. 8. The forum's purpose is to raise the question of whether non-citizens should be allowed to vote, and at what level of government.
We should consider giving illegals in the U.S. voting rights? What flaws in this logic can you see?1. It's American Civil Liberties Union. AMERICAN. Not the Illegal Aliens Civil Liberties Union. I'm quite certain there are plenty of advocacy groups that might handle such an illegal and ridiculous proposition.
2. By the ACLU's own definition on its website, "The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country." The "laws of the United States" covers citizens of the U.S. - not people who are here illegally.
3. They're illegal aliens. ILLEGAL!!!! Are you deaf?
So the ACLU wants to debate whether illegal aliens should have some voting rights in the U.S. This is mind boggling. How about concentrating on the rights of U.S. citizens, ACLU? Please tell me your organization isn't that daft? It's like PETA sending off a letter to the Green Bay Packers several years ago asking that the organization change the name "Packers" as the name refers to the meat packing industry that first sponsored the team way back when. Why waste time on something that will NEVER HAPPEN??? It you want to effect change, pick your battles, you dumbasses. Maybe you'll actually help your credibility with people who think you're run by a bunch of yahoos.
If all people are deemed to have certain rights (as the ACLU contends), why not give voting rights back to felons? Or people under 18? Why shouldn't dead people be able to vote? Why not just let the ACLU run the United States so no one will be left in the lurch and everyone can be happy? Once again - the ACLU's stance that those in the minority should get the upper hand takes the cake. Why not have the minority party in the House and Senate be the one whose votes count the most - then all the Republicans can take back control. No? That doesn't fly, eh?
The ACLU can kiss my fucking ass.
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Angeles National Forest Fire.
30,000+ acres burned already. 15 or so structures gone. 3 people burned (2 idiots who thought it was safe to hide out in their hot tub in Tujunga Canyon). 2 fireman dead.
My birthday weekend turned out to be one in which my friends - Donovan and Maria - were on pins and needles about whether their home would be safe. They live in Tujunga, which is in the heart of where the fires are raging. Because of the smoke and ash in the air, we've been camped out at Maria's parent's home in Arcadia (today you can now smell the smoke there). Maria's father is a retired LA fire chief so the man knows something about fire. Donovan and I packed up whatever irreplaceable valuables we could from their home yesterday just to be safe.
I snapped this picture of Grace's hula hoop amidst the ash that has reigned down on the town. Poignant to say the least.Read more!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Milton Greene's Marilyn.
Seeing as it's my birthday, I wanted to post my favorite shot of Marilyn Monroe by Milton Greene. Just so I could look at her....
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The music video that represents my life.
I've said for a couple years now that this compilation video for "Don't Worry Baby" by The Beach Boys best sums up my - my being, soul, fiber, essence, whatever. Today is my birthday. I am past the half-way point in my life. Who doesn't reflect on their birthday?
So here's my reflection....
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Friday, August 28, 2009
TGIF! presents...Brett Favre's Sears outtakes & commercial"!
And hey, if you're not happy that Brett's playing for the Minnesota Vikings, just like Brett said - "don't watch".
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I think I have my Vikings TD celebration song...
For the 16 years Brett Favre played for the Green Bay Packers - helping to bring that franchise out of the pits and back into relevance - I had one song that I played every time the Pack scored a TD, field goal - any points. "Scotland the Brave". I love the bagpipes and I would blare the music as loud as I could crank my "stereo system". The bitch I worked for in Bel Air said she always knew when the Packers scored 'cause she heard "the pipes" from guest house...and my own victory screams.
When Favre joined the New York Jets last year, I began playing "New York Groove" by Ace Frehley of KISS. Then Donovan (of Donovan & Maria fame in Tujunga) suggested the song, "Jet" by WINGS. Being The Beatles fan that he is (me too), I went with it.
This year, as Favre embarks on his 19th year in the NFL as the new starting QB of the Minnesota Vikings, I've had some difficulty finding suitable celebration music. Norse odes and ballads just don't cut it. Everything else I've found is metal "Viking" stuff. So - back to the good ole U.S. of A. I think this tune sums everything I want in a Viking celebration. No?
(Make sure you PAUSE the jukebox at the top of the page.)
Its My Life - Bon Jovi
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
"Dear California, I'm dumping you."
Saw the most apropo opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times on August 16th. I was planning to post something on my blog in this vein but another writer beat me to the punch.
In Candice Reed's column, "Dear California, I'm dumping you.", Reed extols all the wondrous reasons she moved to California - then turns on each and every reason (like that UCLA couple during my visit to Cali in 1994 when Wisconsin beat UCLA in the Rose Bowl - Tom and I still can't figure out what we did to that couple). This paragraph sums up some of the reasons why I am departing this state and the City of Angels:
"I’ve been thinking about this for a very long time, and I’ve come to the conclusion that we should go our separate ways. I thought I loved you and it would last forever, but I was so very wrong…You’ve totally lost perspective, and I’m sinking into depression! We can’t pay our bills, and the phone is ringing off the hook with creditors calling from all over the world. Children across the state are losing healthcare, more than 766,300 Californians lost their jobs in the last year, and we’re at the top of the foreclosure charts. You need to change, and you refuse to admit it. For the first time in our relationship, I’m embarrassed to say that we are together…So that’s it, California, it’s over. You’ve cost me too much. I’m starting over, but I can see happy times ahead. Like we once had…You could be a great state again but I can’t wait in order for you to turn it around."
She pretty much hit the nail on the head. Add to that the runaway production in the entertainment industry, my eye injury (which made me feel like damaged goods and no I do not need a therapist), the onslaught of illegal aliens on every corner, a bankrupt city that seems to find money in its coffers to pay for the King of Pop's $1.4 million memorial service, and the traffic congestion and THAT...is a wrap.
Los Angeles isn't representative of the state of California. I'm a firm believer that if you put LA inside a snow globe and shipped it off on a one-way ticket to Greenland that it would survive just nicely THERE and no one would miss it HERE.
That being said, there's much I will miss. My best friends, Donovan & Maria & their two daughters, Grace and Gwyneth (my god daughter), other friends including Susie & Jay, Maria's parents and siblings - Mike and Bill and their families, Tat, Michael Gregory, Marla, Dave & Linda Parke, Stephen Carver, Rick the photographer, Michael Carrera, Bruce Johnson & Bill Baumann (my ex-bosses), the Nowak clan in Santa Barbara, and others.
Speaking of Santa Barbara - what a gem of a place! How I will miss the convenience of jumping into my car and driving up the 101 for an hour and a half and escaping LA (the Santa Inez wine country will be sorely missed by moi). Being a history buff and actor, it was far-out being in a city where so much history in the entertainment industry took place. To know that Dean Martin always ate at this table or that Brian Wilson lived in that house in Bel Air. I'll miss the intimate venues where you can catch a music act like Berlin, Gordon Lightfoot or The Zombies - and not just IF they roll through your town on a tour they go on once every five years. Or The Smoke House and Formosa Cafe (any eatery for that matter really) where you can run into just about any celebrity on any day of the week. The weather and the beaches - the goes without saying.
I'm fortunate to have been involved with the Carl Wilson (The Beach Boys) Cancer Foundation. Or to have struck up a friendship and mentor-ish relationship with guys like The Waltons creator, Earl Hamner, Jr. or actor Bo Svenson. I think it's cool that I lived in a guesthouse in Bel Air for seven years and lived a very surreal life...experiencing a way of life very few people get to experience. It's unfortunate that the last two years of all that was soured because of the bitch who lives there. (That's one feeling I can't shake - I want that bitch to rot in hell.)
Sorry. Where was I? California. Yeh, I do feel some sense of accomplishment after having lived in your state for 11 1/4 years. Being The Beach Boys groupie that I am, it felt like the right place to be...to experience. I met Brian Wilson and rubbed elbows with Beach Boys' ex-wives, children, ex-/current band members (CW Cancer Foundation) and had the honor of becoming friends with Dennis Wilson's ex-wife, Karen Lamm about a year before she died. I met Ricci Martin, the son of my favorite all-around entertainer, Dean Martin, and feel fortunate to call him "a friend". I got my SAG card (like everyone else in the state), met a few celebs, shared some awesome Brett Favre moments with Donovan & Maria at their home in Tujunga, started a blog in March 2007, started a career as playwright - finishing 4 full-length plays, one play adapted from a movie, a one-act, seven short plays, published twice and traveled to Cedar Rapids, Ireland, Miami and Seattle to watch my work performed by others. I even won the jackpot as a "seal trainer" on To Tell The Truth.
No - I never met Mel. Never got to see The Walton's house on the Warner lot. Never tried surfing (sharks). Never made it north of Monterey. Never got laid in Santa Barbara (well, I didn't). Never saw a performance at the Greek Theatre or been to LACMA or The Getty. Blah, blah, blah. But I did a lot of other shit.
Next week my brother arrives and we'll do some visiting around Cali, then pack up the car (the bulk of my belongings have been shipped home already) and make the long drive back to Wisconsin. So - "all good things...", as the saying goes. And unless you (Cali) fall into the ocean, I will return at least once a year to visit you and my god daughter, my extended family in Santa Barbara and friends. Maybe then I'll be able to do some of the things I never got around to doing when I lived here.
In the words of the great Dennis Wilson, drummer and co-founder of The Beach Boys (like I was gonna end this post with anything but something Beach Boy-related), from his 1977 tune "River Song" :
"...You know it's rough gettin' round this place, So crowded I can hardly breathe, You can only see about a block or two, In LA that's the truth, I'm lookin' for some country life, Some kickin' room, no more city life, I want the river...".
River Song - Dennis Wilson
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"See ya later, Val." Val & I at the Formosa in West Hollywood.
Saying goodbye to ex's can be...dicey? Not with Val. The Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood has been another Hollywood hangout for decades. My first visit since I moved to CA in 1998. The Lana Turner scene from LA Confidential was filmed here. Val and I had a few drinks and caught up. She's quite the talented lady - script supervisor, screenwriter, belly dancer, resume retoucher and medieval reenactor.
Hollywood haunts. I'm a history buff (and actor) so access to places like Formosa Cafe was nice. Next stop: Westwood Memorial, to say goodbye to Deano, Marilyn, John Cassavetes, Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Bob Crane, Carroll O'Connor, and Carl Wilson - among others.
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My friend, Michael Gregory. "See ya later, Michael!"
I hate saying "goodbye" to people. I'm moving back to Wisconsin soon - gotta be there by 9/12 to MC a golf tournament. So I don't say "goodbye" - I say, "see ya later". And I will.
So, I had lunch Wednesday at Silver Spoons in West Hollywood with my friend, actor Michael Gregory. We met years ago while I was working at PorchLight Entertainment and we were in the movie, Combustion, together. Helluva guy, that Michael. He worked as Dean Martin's bodyguard for 10 years. (Deano is my favorite all-around entertainer. His son, Ricci Martin, who I also know, used to refer to Gregory as, "Mike DaGard"or Mike DeGard - a moniker Michael uses from time to time.) Michael has starred in film, TV and theater, including: Terminator, RoboCop, Total Recall, Beverly Hills Cop, the original Dr. Rick Webber in General Hospital, Return of the Outlaws and Blue Eyes.
Michael's been involved with charity work for years. Veterans are the biggest heart tugger for him, including Iraq War vets. Two of his charities include Desert Thunder, a children's charity dedicated to raising donations that are distributed to children's service organizations in Southern California and Southern Nevada, and Stars and Stripes Foundation.
Above: Michael on his bike outside Silver Spoons, a Hollywood and celebrity gathering spot for decades. The waiter asked for Michael's autograph. Didn't ask for mine. Oh - forgot. The kindly gentleman pictured below was very helpful to me in finding the front door to the place (he was on the patio, as were we). Come to find out that the kindly gentleman was a friend of Michael's actor Robert Forster. He's at Silver Spoons every day.
Forster's film career was revived when Quentin Tarantino cast him in Jackie Brown. He's starred in Mulholland Drive, Charlies Angels: Full Throttle, Delta Force, Psycho (remake), TV series, "Heroes", among others. Forster saw Michael and he came over to our table and chatted with us. Nice guy. One of the things I'll miss about CA - you can run into anyone at anytime - anyplace.
As Mike DaGard says, "Make every day some kinda holiday!".
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Separated at Birth? Christoph Walz and Stephen Rea.
Waltz in "Inglourious Basterds" ...
...and Rea in "Interview With A Vampire". I could have sworn Waltz WAS Rea. The picture in my head of Rea was from "Vampire". If I could've found a picture of Waltz smiling - they're dead ringers.Read more!
Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" is a Jew's wet dream.
I keep describing the movie that way but if you saw it, you'd agree. And I don't mean any disrespect to Jewish people...just see the movie. You'll say, "you're right - it is a Jew's wet dream". It's supposed to be.
Went to see it Monday night with Donovan. The shot above is from the opening scene - one of the two best scenes in the movie. The other one was the scene in the tavern in a basement. Both were excellent. Donovan enjoyed the movie more than I did, though he had some issues as I did. "Tonally inconsistent"...his choice of words. I agree. Brad Pitt's character seemed like he should be in a different movie - his character, the leader of the Inglourious Basterds, was more caricature than anything. The Italian cinema scene with Pitt and two of the Basterds? Same thing - different movie. The Jewish soldiers that comprise the Basterds had no depth whatsoever, save for Pitt and Til Schweiger, whose character is a disgruntled German soldier the Basterds recruit to fight on their side. I felt mislead. I thought this was a film about the Basterds and it wasn't. It was a film that had a couple plot points interwoven and the Basterds were a part of that. If you're going because you're thinking, "Dirty Dozen" - don't. It's doesn't hold a candle to that movie.
Christoph Waltz (pictured above, right) is by far the strongest character. He'll get nominated for something. Eli Roth, who played the Basterd, "The Bear" (the guy holding the bat in the trailer) - again, there's hardly any depth to any of those guys. That's all Roth does. I can't believe they paid him for what I'm assuming was an extraordinary amount of money. B.J. Novak sucks in everything I've seen him act in ("The Office"). I seriously wanna punch him. The female leads are both strong.
I love war movies. I love blood and guts. Normally I'd say if you saw the trailer on TV...that's your movie. But those two scenes I mentioned earlier are worth seeing. They're about 20 minutes each. So 40 minutes for $11.75 a ticket? B-. Maybe.
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Teddy Roosevelt says get off Brett Favre's ass!
To all you sports columnists and hack writers (including FoxSports.com) who dare to call Brett Favre a "waffler", yet waffle yourself every week when you pick teams across the board to win or lose. To all you Packer fans who, not long ago, would've done ANYTHING to defend the good name of your 16-year QB - the QB who helped bring the Green Bay Packers back to relevance. To all of you who think you know the reasons why Brett does what he does - who can miraculously read his mind. To all you hypocrites who say Favre is a baby - a selfish egomaniac; who are bitching that he's now playing for the Minnesota Vikings and how it tears your heart out so much so that you've relegated yourself to hitting Favre pinatas and burning or throwing out your Favre jerseys or wearing shirts that say, "Traitor Brett" or "We'll never forget you, BRENT". To all football fans in general. Look in the mirror. Look at the baby and the selfish egomaniac in the mirror and then read this:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
President Theodore Roosevelt was a great man. Those were his words. Think about them before you put your dumb cheesehead on (which I never liked in the 42 years I was a Packer fan). I'd eat TR's shit before I'd give blood to Packer GM TT (Ted Thompson) and any of you hypocritical bastards (unless I know you and you're really bleeding to death...but I will charge you for it). I hope the Vikings kick the shit out of the Packers 2x and then I hope - as has happened in the past - that the domestic violence rate skyrockets and you all pummel the shit out of each other. And if you're gonna be morons and burn or toss out your Favre GB jersey...don't be a total dumb ass. Give it to me or my brother.
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Purple never was a good color for me...
...but I'm supporting Brett Favre (as I did last year when he played for the Jets) as a Minnesota Viking.
And don't tell me I was never a Packer fan and just a Favre fan. I was a Green Bay Packer fan for as long as I can remember...long before Favre joined them in 1992. I have nothing against the GB TEAM but I won't support them as long as the GB Packers current management is in place. Now...now I have to cheer for a team that has been a bitter rival.
GO FAVRE IN 2009!
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Call 1-800-950-7529 for your Heuer Publishing catalog today!
My publisher just came out with its 2009-2010 catalog. My award-winning, 10-minute play, "Pass the Salt, Please." is now in it - as is my full-length play, "Stan's Addiction". If you're in any way involved your theater's play selection, get this catalog. It's FREE - call 1-800-950-7529. Check out Heuer's website here.
Incidentally, the lastest edition of my self-published photography book, Passion = truth, a photographic essay of life's truths, is available on this blog (check widget on right panel, near top) or at Blurb.com. It's 130 pages chock full of artsy pictures. You know, it's not too early to order that coffee table book for a Christmas gift. Softcover version is the only edition I'm making available - $49.00.
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Singing to my god daughter, Gwyneth.
I was practicing this traditional Irish drinking song for my trip to Ireland in late September. It's called, "Here's A Health to the Company". I sang it once for a girl I love...thought I'd practice for another girl I love - my god daughter, Gwyneth.
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Monday, August 24, 2009
I want FoxSports.com to choke on its own vomit.
My battle with FoxSports.com is neverending it seems. They're biased hatred of Brett Favre knows no boundaries. Sure - when he's doing well they're up his ass like any other Favre fan but when Brett slips, they cut the umbilical cord faster than I could say "KriegelScheinHenchMarvezandGlazer can eat my shit".
I'm not saying they have to love Favre. All am asking is reporting that doesn't resemble The National Enquirer. And when these hacks throw personal opinion into their "stories", try and be a little more unbiased. Example, here's the poll they had up on their site today:
I mean, seriously? Why didn't they just have a third choice: "dies"? I'm beyond disgust with these assholes. And I have to put up with their bile for another football season.
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Sunday, August 23, 2009
Jeff knows Bo.
"Brother Jeff - Write on! Act on! Live on!" Bo Svenson.
I first met Bo, ohhhh....6 months ago or so. We've stayed in touch. I've read his screenplay (above, which I enjoyed). I met Bo at his home Friday. Beautiful place. Gorgeous garden - I must've seen 10-15 hummingbirds feeding. Never have I seen so many in one place. Spectacular view of the ocean. Wanted to say "see you later" (my move back home). Wonderful man. We had such a good time that he invited me and my brother back with Jason gets here to drive me back to Wisconsin. Jas is excited.
Bo as Reverend Harmony in Kill Bill II. Tarantino loves films from the 70's, particularly Italian cinema.
Bo starred in the original The Inglorious Bastards with Jim Brown. Tarantino's premise in his new film is similar. Bo also has a cameo in Tarantino's "remake". 
Bo played Jo Bob Priddy in North Dallas Forty, alongside Mac Davis, Nick Nolte and John Matuszak (pictured above with Bo) and the gorgeous Dayle Haddon. Walking Tall's another film you may remember Bo from. He owns his own production company, is a producer, writer, director and Judo champion (and still competing).Stay tuned for more on my visits with Bo.
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Milwaukee Mayor Barrett ain't no creampuff.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett were attending the Wisconsin State Fair when the mayor hears a woman yelling for someone to call 911 (this is outside the fair grounds). The mayor responds to the women and gets into fisticuffs with some punk who was assaulting the girl.
The mayor had a few scrapes and bruises. The punk is in custody. Great story.
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Come on, everyone! Let's whack the Favre pinata!
Wow...disgruntled Green Bay Packer fans whose lives have been shattered because Brett Favre came out of retirement once again to play for the Packers' rival, the Minnesota Vikings, paid to take a whack out of a Brett Favre pinata this past Friday at a restaurant(?) in Middelton, which is adjacent to Madison.
Hilarious. These are the same people who worshipped Favre during his 16-year tenure at GB. These are the same people who now call Favre "selfish". Take a long look in the mirror, folks. Look in the mirror now that you've burned your Favre jersey (as ex-Viking QB Fran Tarkenton said you should do) or whacked that Favre pinata at Quaker Steak and Lube in Middleton this past Friday. Steak & a lube & a whack. Fun.
Hypocrites. Look at my gorgeous goddaughter above. What else will you whack because your life sucks now that Brett's a Viking?
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Jeremy Piven is not cocky or loudmouthed.
The actor recently told the Dallas News that his Ari Gold persona on Entourage of a cock, loudmouthed agent is on-screen only.
I beg to differ. I know two people whose opinions I trust beyond a shadow of a doubt. One met him while he visited the set of a movie she was in and one worked with him for an entire movie shoot (my friend was on the crew - very high up on the crew). Both said he's a dick.
And that seems to be the consensus from everyone else I talked to. He's great on Entourage - don't get me wrong. Piven saying he's not cocky or loudmouthed is like Piven saying he got mercury poisoning and that's why he had to drop out of "Speed-the-Plow".
I ain't buying it.
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Saturday, August 22, 2009
"You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older." Anouk Aimee
For 4 days last week I was house sitting for my ex-boss in Westlake Village (affluent town as you head west on the 101) and part of my responsibilities included preparing evening meals (sometimes breakfast) for Bruce's inlaws who are elderly and in need of some assistance. I did this at Christmas for a week. Quite a pleasurable experience. Not counting our own families, I believe we as a society take the elderly for granted. We forget that they were our ages at one time. We forget they had the same needs, wants and opinions as we have. We forget that one day we will be just like them. One day.
Every now and then Bill and his wife would reference the negatives associated with aging - the physical wear and tear, or not remembering things. Quite evident when I took Bill out for a "walk" in his wheelchair (only when he leaves his house). But he doesn't complain. He's appreciative that he can get out and enjoy the nice weather. As I was helping Bill maneuver through the Internet and figure out his ITunes (he IS 86), we listened to some of the music he had downloaded (or maybe someone downloaded it for him - his eyes aren't what they used to be so I was reminding him what tunes he had downloaded), we listened to Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller and others. Bill's a big fan of James Taylor, don't you know? Listening to those songs - "Moonlight Serenade", "In the Mood" and "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" - I recalled how much I love them and appreciated what Bill and I have in common. Remember, he and his wife are members of The Greatest Generation. To take them for granted would be a travesty.
Coincidentally, the following story was emailed to me yesterday by my close friend, Lord Michael Brown, a family friend and 6th Baron and Lord of the Barony of Oranmore and Browne.
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in Australia, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. When the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in magazines for mental health. And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.
"Cranky Old Man"
What do you see nurses? What do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice the things that you do.
And forever is losing a sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding the long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse, you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty, my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my wife is now dead.
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own.
And I think of the years, and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass, a young man still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells,
I remember the joys, I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years, all too few gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people, open and see.
Not a cranky old man. Look closer . . . . see - ME!!
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Friday, August 21, 2009
TGIF! presents...Huff 'N Doback's "Boats 'N Hoes" from "Stepbrothers"!
This song is dedicated to all of you who've been sucked into a convoluted world where athletes like Plaxico Burress, Michael Vick and Donte Stallworth (et al) can be found to be armed & dangerous, kill dogs for sport and drink & drive & kill people, yet seemingly don't get anywhere close to the headlines or press as someone like Brett Favre - a man who has been weighed, measured, and found WANTING...to play football in the NFL.
Forget Favre...let's celebrate those other guys. Yo, yo!! Boats 'N Hoes! Boats 'N Hoes! Ain't that right, homey? YO!
(If you wanna sing along with the song, click on READ MORE! for the lyrics.)(boats n' hoes, i gotta have me more boats and hoes!
boats n' hoes, boats n' hoes, i gotta have me more boats and hoes! x2)
The nina, the pinta, the santa maria
I'll do you on the bottom while you drink a Sangria
Nachos, lemonheads, and my dad's boat
You wont go down cuz my dick can float
We sail around the world and go port to port
Everytime I cum I produce a quart
Put on your lifevest, lets drop anchor
(oh) that's a nice lady, who I'd like to spank her
(boats n' hoes
Boats and hoes, I gotta have me more boats and hoes! x2 )
Deadliest catch, without the crabs
We're almost out of gas,
Call the arabs!
I'm a pussy pirate my name is Jack Sparrow
I'll take off my pants she can see my flesh arrow
Make sure to wax
Use your mom's Nair
You'll be amazed when i cum in your hair
Pull up the anchor, cause we are leavin dry land
Get below deck, with a dick in your hand!
Anchors away, and shiver me timbers,
we like to fuck ladies with our eight-inch members!
Love me hookers who be a curvy,
eatin lemons and lime no don't contractin the scurvy!
Drop the archor give the hoe a shout,
cuz I'm usin my compass to find a nabby dugout!
(boats n' hoes
Boats and hoes, i gotta have me more boats and hoes! x3 )
Thats the male Mariah Carey y'all, give it up!
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ESPN's Jemele Hill needs a bitch-slapping.
ESPN's Jemele Hill to Packers Fans - Batteries at Favre
Uploaded by bobsblitz. - Check out more sports and extreme sports videos.
Just yesterday, this hack wrote an article chastising Favre on ESPN.com and 95% of the comments were anti-Jemele Hill (regardless of whether the comments were pro-Favre or anti-Favre). Pathetic piece of trash. Her article. Hill stated Favre was harming his legacy by flip-flopping on retiring AND by playing for the Minnesota Vikings, a hated Packer rival. That's odd -how flippant Hill was when she illustrated (however poorly it was written) how these events might tarnish Favre's image, yet weeks ago she wrote an article about Steve McNair, saying, "Steve's faults should not weigh on his legacy." OK.
A few hours after her piece of shit article on ESPN.com was getting bombarded by readers' negative comments, Hill goes on ESPN's "First Take" and encouraged Packers' fans to give Brett Favre the "Duracell Treatment" during his return game against the Packers at Lambeau Field. She said to Packer fans:
HILL: "Listen to me, okay? If you have a shred of pride you will give Brett Favre the Duracell treatment when he comes to Lambeau Field."
OTHER GUYS: The Duracell treatment, what's that?
HILL: "Batteries! Batteries!" (She was saying to throw batteries at Favre while he's on the field.)
THIS - an ESPN "reporter"? You're joking? ESPN issued this apology:
And this isn't the first time Hill stuck her foot in her mouth. She was suspended for comparing the Boston Celtics to "Hitler" and "Nuclear War". Sorry - I shouldn't have said "her mouth". She needs to stick her head up her ass. And she should be fired and arrested for inciting a mob to riot. I'm serious.
Soooooo...if you're looking to book Jemele Hill for your next event, fill out this form. It'll cost you between $2,500 - $5,000 to hear her insult your party guests and incite them to riot.
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Enjoy the Jailhouse Rock, Plax! WORD!
Hope it was worth it, tough guy. You - Mr. Cowboy. Mr. Gangsta. Loaded weapon in a nightclub. You're one bad mama jama, Plax. Ya...your team beat the Packers in OT and went on to win the Super Bowl. Great memories...and great memories to hold you over for the 2 years you're gonna spend in the pen, Bitch! Ain't so tough, be'in tough. This song's for you, BRO!
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
(Funny...people can say all they want about Brett Favre. But Brett ain't spending time behind bars for drinking/driving and killing someone or killing dogs or failing dope tests...or carrying loaded weapons into nightclubs. Hahahahahahahahahahaha.)
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Thursday, August 20, 2009
Part 2/Bitter Fran. Someone sedate Fran Tarkenton...for my own good.
I blogged about the bitter, old, ex-Viking QB in May. Well, Fran's back. Maybe he's pissed 'cause his jersey wasn't offered up for sale on FoxSports.com (see comments below).
"I really have no interest in what Brett Favre does. He kind of lost me a few years ago by retiring and unretiring and here and there," Bitter Fran said on "The Opening Drive" on Sirius NFL Radio. "I asked a few friends here, maybe 10 or 12 people we were out with last night. I said, 'What do you think about Brett Favre going back to the Vikings?' You know who cared? Nobody." THEN WHY ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT HIM (AGAIN) ON SIRIUS RADIO, YOU ASSHOLE?! HYPOCRITE!
"I think he has been a great flamboyant quarterback, but he has made more stupid plays than any great quarterback that I've ever seen. Look at his final game in a Packers uniform. He blew that game [NFC championship] against the Giants," Bitter Fran said in late May on KFAN-1130 in the Twin Cities. YOU BLEW 3 SUPER BOWLS, FRAN! HYPOCRITE!
"Wouldn't you be upset if you're a Packer fan? I think you're going to have Packer fans burning the No. 4 Favre Green Bay jersey. I think the Packer fans have every right to be outraged." BURN YOUR JERSEYS...THAT'S RIGHT. NO - WAIT...GIVE THEM TO ME! AND WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, BURN BOOKS...AND WITCHES TOO!
(Paraphrasing Bitter Fran's comment in May) "I hope he signs with the Vikings and I hope he fails." IF FAVRE FAILS, DOESN'T YOUR EX-TEAM THE VIKINGS FAIL? AREN'T YOU BEING HYPOCRITICAL AND SELFISH JUST AS YOU HAVE ACCUSED FAVRE OF BEING? HYPOCRITE!
Get a grip, bitter, old man.
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"Timeline of Favre lies". FoxSports.com is pathetic.
My comment on FoxSports.com regarding Mark "Bonaduce" Kriegel's Timeline of Favre lies story:
"timeline of lies?. hahaha. now who thought that one up? surely not Bonaduce. quite the dramatics. i mean, like Favre's actions have any consequence on any of our lives - like war in Iraq, the economy, unemployment, health care, etc. 'TIMELINE OF FAVRE'S LLLLLLIES!!!' it's like 'AND THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES'. i can see where Favre not making up his mind is akin to killing dogs and shooting off guns in public, drugs, drinking and driving and killing people...yeah, indecisiveness off the field...yeah...TIMELINE OF FAVRE'S LIES!!!!!! funny stuff. and that intro, "Turns out that Brett Favre has something in common with his fans. My opinions are wasted on all of them."...classic! Bonaduce finally admits his opinions are wastes of time on us readers. I LOVE THIS! precious. and the LAKERFAN SINCE 1980 - saying you wish Bledsoe woulda got Brett's SB ring....another classic! i love this little fairy tale world some of you people live in. funny, cause i wish Kriegel Bonaduce would get hit by a bus every day of my life.
Alex "Dumb Ponytail" Marvez has another beaut article up as well. It boggles my mind how such hacks can get paid to write the shit they do. Boggles...my...mind.
Whores.
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Favre + Vikings. Front page headlines.
Course...it depends on who you talk to. Obviously, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Gazette aren't too happy. Minnesota papers like the St. Cloud Times, Pioneer Press, Duluth News and Free Press are optimistic - even giddy - that Brett Favre brings leadership and diversity to the Minnesota Vikings that the team didn't have before. Or the NY Daily News - who's just plain pissed (along with columnist Gary Myers) that the Jets fell apart at the end of last season after starting 8-3. Fuck NY. That city, the press and those fans (long-time Jets' fans) crowned the Jets SB bound at 8-3. And the media there basically blamed the 1-4 year-end tumble on Brett. That's on THEIR heads.
Time will tell. I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy this for now. GO FAVRE IN 2009! Jealous bastards.
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Introducing The Right Honorable Michael George Browne, 5th Baron of Oranmore!
Michael is - excuse me, Lord Michael - is a family friend of the Ircink's. His father passed away recently and - well, to make a long story short, he found out that his ancestors in Galway were a bunch of barons and ladies. It shit you not. This ceremony at Irish Fest (above) in Milwaukee was the official ceremony bestowing Michael with his title.
Now - the good part. Lord Michael wants my brother and I to accompany him to Ireland so that he can meet his cousin, The Hon. Garech Domnagh Browne, and see his ancestoral castle in Galway. Lord Garech is a member of the titled family of Oranmore and Browne in the West of Ireland and is a wealthy patron of Irish arts, notably traditional Irish music. He is the owner of the estate, Luggala (seen below) in Wicklow County, a member of the Guinness family, helpe to start The Chieftains, and blessed with a black lake on his Irish estate, improves the picture by surrounding it with white sand to make it better resemble a glass of the famous family beverage. His brother Tara was the man immortalized in The Beatles' "A Day In A Life" for "blowing his mind out in a car".
I want to go. I should. Odd time for me though...with the move home, trying to find a place to live. I think I might go. I'll keep you posted.
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GB Packer GM Ted "Douche" Thompson's reaction to Favre signing with the Vikes.
Serves you right, you dumb, douche asshole. You blew your chance. This is your "poison pill" biting you back. TEE HEE. DOUCHE! I HATE YOU!
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
It's Favre-a-lot on Vikings.com!
Vikings.com has some excellent graphics on its site pertaining to Brett Favre's becoming a Minnesota Viking today. Check'em out on the site for the full effect.
Video from Favre's first day of practice as a Viking.
w+steve+hutchinson.jpg)
That's Steve Hutchinson. There's a reason Favre is embracing him - Steve's a guard on the offensive line. His job is first to protect Favre, then open up lanes for Adrian Peterson to pummel through. He's a 6-time All-Pro and 6-time Pro Bowler from 2003-08 and is widely considered the top LG in the NFL. Good man to have on your side.Read more!
It's official!! Favre signs with Minnesota Vikings!
Brett practicing with the Vikings earlier today. More from the press conference that's occurring right about....now.
As a long-time Green Bay Packer fan (except for last year), it'll be....odd...cheering for the Vikings. They've been Packer rivals for eons. But, I'm a Favre man and I will follow him into hell if need be.
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The stupidest sportscaster on radio = Mychal Thompson.
I had to preface my headline by saying "on radio" as there a ton of sport commentators I detest (think FoxSports.com).
Mychal is currently on 710AM ESPN's LA Sports Live in Los Angeles, a weekday program he co-hosts with Andrew Siciliano. Today they were discussing the propensity of some sports (namely baseball) to pay outrageous salaries to rookie athletes before they've even proven themselves on the field.
Andrew repeated over and over again that he's not berating the athletes ("take it if you can get it") but that it's a problem with the system. But this dipshit Mychal Thompson kept coming back to his, "if you were an athlete wouldn't you take the money?" argument. WTF? Are you fucking deaf, Mychal? And he kept doing this with whatever subject they were talking about.
LISTEN UP, ASSHOLE.
It's no wonder that Mychal (and his co-host) was fired from the LA AM Radio program Loose Cannons (they show was cancelled).
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Brett is a VIKE!
Favre has just arrived in Minneapolis. Pending his physical, he will sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Haha...just when you thought this saga was over (I certainly wasn't sold on Brett's decision a couple weeks ago to not sign with the Vikes). I LOVE IT! GO FAVRE IN 2009!
NOTE: That's 291 consecutive starts with playoffs. Brett needs 2 more games to overtake former Viking Jim Marshall for the ALL-TIME consecutive start record (he already holds the QB consecutive start record).Read more!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Couple Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt ideal candidates for lobotamies
I just read an interview - Pratt interviewing Montag - in the September issue of Playboy. Yeh - I DO read the articles. I have no interest in these two idiots and the only reason I read the interview is because I blog and like to be "in-the-know" on things.
I was right. The interview qualifies as the dumbest interview I've ever read. I understand there are people who are self absorbed. All kinds of people. Artists are notorious for it. Actors, writers, bloggers, painters, singers. But these two jackasses have no talent. Both Pratt and Spencer need to RUN out and get lobotomies. For mankind's sake. I'd even pay for them.
My Bitch-of-the-Week post on Montag back in June 2009.
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Sunday, August 16, 2009
F. Scott Fitzgerald's epitaph. And other stuff.
This is a rubbing from author F. Scott Fitzgerald's tombstone. A former co-worker gave it to me a couple years ago. He was gonna toss it. I thought it would be a cool thing for a writer to have on his wall.
I emptied out my storage space today and loaded all my personal belongings - everything, aside from what I'm putting in my car - in readiness for my move back to Wisconsin. Brother Jas is coming in a week and a half, have some play time here then drive back to WI.
My stuff. I'm a pack rat. It looks like there's more than what was in my 5 x 10 space.
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