On Saturday night (October 4, 2008) scotiabank's 3rd annual nuit blanche events happen in Toronto from 6:52pm to sunrise. I love their description "a free all-night contemporary art thing. One night only. All night long."
It will be a chance to be part of a massive and sometimes interactive art and installation show in Canada's largest city - you just have to stay awake and enjoy the creativity. Check out their website at http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/home.shtml.
Besides the art I hope to see the zombies which are supposed to gather on College Park (you can even participate and get a zombie makeover) which also reminds me that the 2008 Toronto Zombie Walk is scheduled for 3:30pm (meet at 3pm in the pit) Sunday October 19, 2008 starting at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
The teen undead at the 2007 Toronto Zombie Walk.
See you there!!!
1
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Cardinals continue to leave everyone guessing
Note: This column appears in the 10/2 issue of The Glendale Star, and the 10/3 issue of the Peoria Times
Like most people at this point, I don’t know what to think of the Arizona Cardinals anymore.
Just as I was prepared to blast the team for its lackluster showing on Sunday -- down 34-0 at halftime -- they go and make a somewhat valiant comeback. At least offensively. (For many Cardinals’ fans, I’m sure that effort typified what this franchise has come to represent: too little, too late. If at all.)
Just when I thought the Cardinals had a stranglehold on the division -- all alone in 1st place with the Seahawks reeling -- the team loses two straight while Seattle gains a much needed win and gets healthy on their bye week.
Just when I thought their defense was turning a corner after stymieing the 49ers in the second half of the season opener and shutting down the Dolphins a week later, the Cardinals go out and throw up two clunkers, allowing the Redskins and Jets to run roughshod. And pass roughshod, too. Can you even pass roughshod? Against the Cardinals you can.
Just when I thought the Cards could win on the road -- defeating the 49ers in San Fran in Week 1 -- they go and play two more road games.
Just when I thought the quarterback controversy was over and done with, Kurt Warner goes and turns the ball over eight thousand times against an average Jets’ defense.
Just when I thought the Cardinals had rid themselves of their penchant for horrendous penalties…wait -- I never thought that. Scratch that one.
Just when I thought the team was on a fast track to the playoffs, the beneficiaries of a very workable schedule, I now see only a .500 football team that is staring straight down the barrel of some very, very tough matchups.
And just when I thought that trying to figure out the Arizona Cardinals was the most important thing on my plate, Anquan Boldin goes and reminds all of us that it’s really not that important at all. Thank God it looks like he’s going to be alright.
Still, the inconsistencies of this team are maddeningly inexplicable. I don’t know whether this is due to the “parity” of the NFL -- hey, the Chiefs just beat the Broncos -- or if it’s the fatal flaw of an ambiguous team. I don’t know anything anymore. I don’t even know why I’m writing any of this down.
I have no idea what to think anymore when it comes to this team. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if they beat up on the undefeated Bills at home this week. It also wouldn’t surprise me if Buffalo one-ups the Jets and drops a 60 on this defense. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kurt Warner throws for 400 yards and 4 TDs. And it wouldn’t shock me in the least if he finally decides to streamline his mistakes and starts handing the ball off directly to an oncoming Buffalo defender.
I have no more analysis to provide, if I ever did. At this stage, I have no more opinions on this team. No more educated guesses. This is just going to be a week-by-week thing now with the Cardinals. One day they’ll be world-beaters. The next they’ll be, well…the Cardinals.
That’s the way it is, and apparently, the way it’s going to be. I just hope they don’t plan on making the playoffs this way because, if I recall correctly, they tried it this way last year. And it didn’t work.
Like most people at this point, I don’t know what to think of the Arizona Cardinals anymore.
Just as I was prepared to blast the team for its lackluster showing on Sunday -- down 34-0 at halftime -- they go and make a somewhat valiant comeback. At least offensively. (For many Cardinals’ fans, I’m sure that effort typified what this franchise has come to represent: too little, too late. If at all.)
Just when I thought the Cardinals had a stranglehold on the division -- all alone in 1st place with the Seahawks reeling -- the team loses two straight while Seattle gains a much needed win and gets healthy on their bye week.
Just when I thought their defense was turning a corner after stymieing the 49ers in the second half of the season opener and shutting down the Dolphins a week later, the Cardinals go out and throw up two clunkers, allowing the Redskins and Jets to run roughshod. And pass roughshod, too. Can you even pass roughshod? Against the Cardinals you can.
Just when I thought the Cards could win on the road -- defeating the 49ers in San Fran in Week 1 -- they go and play two more road games.
Just when I thought the quarterback controversy was over and done with, Kurt Warner goes and turns the ball over eight thousand times against an average Jets’ defense.
Just when I thought the Cardinals had rid themselves of their penchant for horrendous penalties…wait -- I never thought that. Scratch that one.
Just when I thought the team was on a fast track to the playoffs, the beneficiaries of a very workable schedule, I now see only a .500 football team that is staring straight down the barrel of some very, very tough matchups.
And just when I thought that trying to figure out the Arizona Cardinals was the most important thing on my plate, Anquan Boldin goes and reminds all of us that it’s really not that important at all. Thank God it looks like he’s going to be alright.
Still, the inconsistencies of this team are maddeningly inexplicable. I don’t know whether this is due to the “parity” of the NFL -- hey, the Chiefs just beat the Broncos -- or if it’s the fatal flaw of an ambiguous team. I don’t know anything anymore. I don’t even know why I’m writing any of this down.
I have no idea what to think anymore when it comes to this team. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if they beat up on the undefeated Bills at home this week. It also wouldn’t surprise me if Buffalo one-ups the Jets and drops a 60 on this defense. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kurt Warner throws for 400 yards and 4 TDs. And it wouldn’t shock me in the least if he finally decides to streamline his mistakes and starts handing the ball off directly to an oncoming Buffalo defender.
I have no more analysis to provide, if I ever did. At this stage, I have no more opinions on this team. No more educated guesses. This is just going to be a week-by-week thing now with the Cardinals. One day they’ll be world-beaters. The next they’ll be, well…the Cardinals.
That’s the way it is, and apparently, the way it’s going to be. I just hope they don’t plan on making the playoffs this way because, if I recall correctly, they tried it this way last year. And it didn’t work.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Classic card of the week
John Moses, 1989 Score
Perhaps you do not know the inspirational story of John Moses. Allow me:
John, who has good speed and plays excellent defense, was a capable replacement in all three outfield positions for the Twins in 1988.
John Moses: Capable replacement. It’s pretty much the highest compliment a professional baseball player can attain. To wit:
Random Twins employee: Skip, all of our starting outfielders are missing at sea. Something about the Vikings having a boat party…
Former Twins manager Tom Kelly: Well I’ll be gosh darn con farn it hootin tootin’!
Employee: Hold on, skip! Don’t blow a gasket just yet! What about John Moses?
Tom Kelly: Who in the what now?
Employee: John Moses, skip. He’s got good speed.
Tom Kelly: What does that mean?
Employee: He’s not very fast.
Tom Kelly: Grrrr…
Employee: But he’s got a great glove, and can play all three outfield positions!
Tom Kelly: At once?
Employee: I don’t know. But he says he’s capable.
Tom Kelly: Capable, huh? That’s a mighty strong word to be tossing around. Awww, heck -- call him in here.
But that was actually the happy ending of the John Moses story. It wasn’t always peaches and cream for young John:
It had been a difficult time for John since the end of the ’87 season, the first full one he had played in the majors after seven professional years. The Mariners dropped him just before Christmas.
Freakin’ Mariners. I mean, geez -- I understand this is a business, but what kind of timing is it to randomly drop a guy -- a capable guy no less! -- three months before the start of the season and right before the holidays? Several Seattle residents, during the harsh winter of ’87, claim to have seen John Moses staggering around town in a Santa costume, taking swigs of St. Ides and telling telephone poles exaggerated tales of his good speed.
Then the Indians signed him as a free agent in January. At the end of spring training they, too, released him.
He was beat out for the job by this guy.
Happily,
For John Moses
The Twins picked up John in April, and he stuck with them.
(Wiping away a tear.) The story of John Moses was wonderfully captured in the Hollywood film, “The Pursuit of Happiness,” which starred Will Smith. A few minor plot alterations were necessary.
Did you know?
Former Twins' manager Tom Kelly is actually a product of Minnesota, not, as you may have assumed from the above dialogue, 1904 rural Alabama.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
On avoiding physical contact will well-intentioned strangers
I’m not sure what percentage of people who read this blog also attend church on a regular basis. If I had to guess…4%? It doesn’t really matter. As I’ve maintained from the beginning -- this blog is about two things and two things only: stupid sports cards, and religion.
Anyhoo, so I have to discuss with you an aspect of Arizona -- one that is actually among the few things about living here that makes me very uncomfortable.
For starters, it’s almost impossible to find a Catholic Church around here. Back home in New Jersey, traditional Catholic Churches are like Seven Elevens -- you can’t walk three blocks without seeing one. Here? My wife and I have to drive about 35 minutes to get to church every week, which means that our travel time is longer than the actual Mass. The next closest Catholic Church is in Texas.
Stranger still, on our way to church we pass about seventeen other churches. They’re just not Catholic churches. Arizona -- at least where we live -- is a very Christian community. There are many, many Christian churches. Now, I am not here to discuss the inherent differences between Catholicism and Christianity, and why we consider ourselves Catholic (not because I couldn’t, but because it’s not warranted here). But I will say this: I am Irish with a father who is a Catholic deacon, and my wife is an Italian from Brooklyn. Christian church is not an option.
(When I originally moved here I was asking a coworker where the nearest church was, and she began telling me about a non-Catholic church where the pastor wears a Hawaiian shirt and occasionally drives his motorcycle onto the pulpit, and that there was also a Starbucks inside the church. We considered playing a prank on my mother-in-law by telling her that this was the church we decided to start attending, but we were honestly and legitimately concerned that she would have a heart attack, so we decided against it.)
But regardless of the commute, we like our church. It’s not grandiose in its style, with high, vaulted ceilings and dozens of stained-glassed adornments and the smell of incense filling the vast atmosphere -- the kind of church we’re used to and that, quite frankly, we miss. No, our church is flat and mostly bare, very “post modern,” I suppose. In fact, it’s celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, which makes it one of the oldest churches around. But hey -- it does the job.
But let me back it up a little bit. Several years before we moved here, a trend began in church: everybody started holding up their palms during the “Our Father.” I’m not sure exactly when this started, but apparently I missed the announcement. Thusly, I had always steadfastly refused to take part in this, mainly because a) nobody told me about it, and b) I was not just going to blindly follow the crowd. “God knows how I roll,” was my justification.
Fast forward to a year ago, when my wife and I first attended Mass at our present church. Being that we were attending a Catholic Mass, I knew that things wouldn’t be much different, however, there are certain subtleties that any Catholic who has been to a few churches in his or her day can attest to. Are they going to ring the bell after the blessing? How many verses do they sing? Of course, I was secretly thinking, “Man, I wonder if they raise their palms during the ‘Our Father.’”
Well, they don’t.
They hold hands.
You can imagine my confusion when it was time for the “Our Father,” and I am innocently looking around to see what everyone is doing with their hands, only to have my own hand grabbed by a complete stranger, and raised into the air as if we were on one of those Sunday morning Gospel television shows. (I wasn’t sure if I should tightly close my eyes, yell “Halleluiah!” and start dancing.) I looked over at my wife who had this particular look of fear in her eyes that I have only seen on the occasions when one of her favorite reality shows is interrupted by an election update. So as not to look completely out of place, I was forced to grab her hand as well.
As if this wasn’t shock enough, at our church they opt to sing the “Our Father,” as a means of prolonging the uncomfortableness. Also, towards the end of the prayer, there is a part where everyone raises their held hands even higher. If you don’t know about this part, you can easily separate your shoulder. As this is all going on, I’m looking around the church and the whole congregation is holding hands. I felt like a Who in Whoville on Christmas morning after the Grinch stole all of the presents. Except I wasn’t happy. Because my present was not having to hold hands and I wanted it back. Immediately.
I tried to be optimistic at first, thinking “Okay, maybe they only do this on the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, or whatever today is.” But my optimism was swiftly dashed during the subsequent weeks. We did not like this one bit.
This really, truly makes both of us very uncomfortable. My wife -- who works with kids and is always on the lookout for coughs and booger-picking -- will wash her hands for twenty minutes after church because of the “Sign of Peace.” Now she was holding hands with a stranger for two minutes straight. As for me, I mean -- do you know what it’s like to hold hands with another man for a few minutes? It’s the opposite of comfortable. I can’t even focus on the prayer. For one thing, I’m not used to singing it, so I’m always losing my place. More importantly, I’m wondering if my hand is too sweaty and if my handholding partner is going to take that incidental thumb movement the wrong way.
It has gotten to the point where my wife and I have to alternate who sits on the inside of the pew each week. An enjoyable Mass is one that does not necessarily feature an inspirational or thought-provoking homily, but one in which no one else sits in our pew. And even that is no guarantee, because apparently my wife and I are the only two people who find this routine awkward. Yes, several parishioners -- in an attempt to create a handholding chain that will reach around the world -- will cross the aisle to grab your hand! I mean, !!! Sometimes, if you are in the pew aisle seat, the person in front of you, in their aisle seat, will give you a backwards, no-look hand offer! Believe me -- I have seen it happen.
True story: About a month or so ago, my wife was busy with paperwork and we couldn’t make it on Sunday, so I went to Saturday evening Mass by myself. I purposely sat in the back, back corner. I was on the aisle, and nobody was in my pew, or even within range. I was safe. When the “Our Father” began, I suddenly felt somebody on my right side. It was the usher, with his hand held out for me to grab. He had a crazed look in his eye, as if to say, “Now you didn’t think I’d let you sing the ‘Our Father’ all by yourself, did you young man?” I was legitimately scared.
My wife and I have tried to resist. When no one is near us to grab our hands, we do not hold each others hand. This brings us looks of confusion and often disdain -- people wonder if we are fighting, or if we are in church against our own free will. When people are next to us, and the “Our Father” in on the horizon, we try to avoid eye contact, but you would not believe how aggressive other people can be when it comes time to hold hands in church. It’s like they’ve been waiting for this moment all week, and they will not be denied.
Listen -- I understand the meaning and significance behind holding hands, especially in God’s presence. But I just can’t help the fact that it makes me feel very, for lack of a better word…icky. It’s not that I’m so grossed out by other people; I mostly find it, quite honestly, cheesy. And forced. I just don’t like it. At all.
Apparently -- and I only found this out by exploring the possibility of attending a different Catholic Church even farther away -- this is not specific to our present church. It exists throughout the Diocese, possibly the state. There is no escaping this.
I’m sure that somehow it’s my own insecurities and hang-ups that make me feel so uncomfortable to hold hands with a stranger. Unfortunately for strangers, I am not willing to work on this. So if you are reading this, and you happen to find yourself in church this week next to a tall, lanky white dude with a cleft lip -- please look away. It’s not you. It’s me. I have sweaty hands.
And my wife thinks you’re disgusting.
Awww, geez Cindy -- you JUST had your hand in your nose!
Anyhoo, so I have to discuss with you an aspect of Arizona -- one that is actually among the few things about living here that makes me very uncomfortable.
For starters, it’s almost impossible to find a Catholic Church around here. Back home in New Jersey, traditional Catholic Churches are like Seven Elevens -- you can’t walk three blocks without seeing one. Here? My wife and I have to drive about 35 minutes to get to church every week, which means that our travel time is longer than the actual Mass. The next closest Catholic Church is in Texas.
Stranger still, on our way to church we pass about seventeen other churches. They’re just not Catholic churches. Arizona -- at least where we live -- is a very Christian community. There are many, many Christian churches. Now, I am not here to discuss the inherent differences between Catholicism and Christianity, and why we consider ourselves Catholic (not because I couldn’t, but because it’s not warranted here). But I will say this: I am Irish with a father who is a Catholic deacon, and my wife is an Italian from Brooklyn. Christian church is not an option.
(When I originally moved here I was asking a coworker where the nearest church was, and she began telling me about a non-Catholic church where the pastor wears a Hawaiian shirt and occasionally drives his motorcycle onto the pulpit, and that there was also a Starbucks inside the church. We considered playing a prank on my mother-in-law by telling her that this was the church we decided to start attending, but we were honestly and legitimately concerned that she would have a heart attack, so we decided against it.)
But regardless of the commute, we like our church. It’s not grandiose in its style, with high, vaulted ceilings and dozens of stained-glassed adornments and the smell of incense filling the vast atmosphere -- the kind of church we’re used to and that, quite frankly, we miss. No, our church is flat and mostly bare, very “post modern,” I suppose. In fact, it’s celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, which makes it one of the oldest churches around. But hey -- it does the job.
But let me back it up a little bit. Several years before we moved here, a trend began in church: everybody started holding up their palms during the “Our Father.” I’m not sure exactly when this started, but apparently I missed the announcement. Thusly, I had always steadfastly refused to take part in this, mainly because a) nobody told me about it, and b) I was not just going to blindly follow the crowd. “God knows how I roll,” was my justification.
Fast forward to a year ago, when my wife and I first attended Mass at our present church. Being that we were attending a Catholic Mass, I knew that things wouldn’t be much different, however, there are certain subtleties that any Catholic who has been to a few churches in his or her day can attest to. Are they going to ring the bell after the blessing? How many verses do they sing? Of course, I was secretly thinking, “Man, I wonder if they raise their palms during the ‘Our Father.’”
Well, they don’t.
They hold hands.
You can imagine my confusion when it was time for the “Our Father,” and I am innocently looking around to see what everyone is doing with their hands, only to have my own hand grabbed by a complete stranger, and raised into the air as if we were on one of those Sunday morning Gospel television shows. (I wasn’t sure if I should tightly close my eyes, yell “Halleluiah!” and start dancing.) I looked over at my wife who had this particular look of fear in her eyes that I have only seen on the occasions when one of her favorite reality shows is interrupted by an election update. So as not to look completely out of place, I was forced to grab her hand as well.
As if this wasn’t shock enough, at our church they opt to sing the “Our Father,” as a means of prolonging the uncomfortableness. Also, towards the end of the prayer, there is a part where everyone raises their held hands even higher. If you don’t know about this part, you can easily separate your shoulder. As this is all going on, I’m looking around the church and the whole congregation is holding hands. I felt like a Who in Whoville on Christmas morning after the Grinch stole all of the presents. Except I wasn’t happy. Because my present was not having to hold hands and I wanted it back. Immediately.
I tried to be optimistic at first, thinking “Okay, maybe they only do this on the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, or whatever today is.” But my optimism was swiftly dashed during the subsequent weeks. We did not like this one bit.
This really, truly makes both of us very uncomfortable. My wife -- who works with kids and is always on the lookout for coughs and booger-picking -- will wash her hands for twenty minutes after church because of the “Sign of Peace.” Now she was holding hands with a stranger for two minutes straight. As for me, I mean -- do you know what it’s like to hold hands with another man for a few minutes? It’s the opposite of comfortable. I can’t even focus on the prayer. For one thing, I’m not used to singing it, so I’m always losing my place. More importantly, I’m wondering if my hand is too sweaty and if my handholding partner is going to take that incidental thumb movement the wrong way.
It has gotten to the point where my wife and I have to alternate who sits on the inside of the pew each week. An enjoyable Mass is one that does not necessarily feature an inspirational or thought-provoking homily, but one in which no one else sits in our pew. And even that is no guarantee, because apparently my wife and I are the only two people who find this routine awkward. Yes, several parishioners -- in an attempt to create a handholding chain that will reach around the world -- will cross the aisle to grab your hand! I mean, !!! Sometimes, if you are in the pew aisle seat, the person in front of you, in their aisle seat, will give you a backwards, no-look hand offer! Believe me -- I have seen it happen.
True story: About a month or so ago, my wife was busy with paperwork and we couldn’t make it on Sunday, so I went to Saturday evening Mass by myself. I purposely sat in the back, back corner. I was on the aisle, and nobody was in my pew, or even within range. I was safe. When the “Our Father” began, I suddenly felt somebody on my right side. It was the usher, with his hand held out for me to grab. He had a crazed look in his eye, as if to say, “Now you didn’t think I’d let you sing the ‘Our Father’ all by yourself, did you young man?” I was legitimately scared.
My wife and I have tried to resist. When no one is near us to grab our hands, we do not hold each others hand. This brings us looks of confusion and often disdain -- people wonder if we are fighting, or if we are in church against our own free will. When people are next to us, and the “Our Father” in on the horizon, we try to avoid eye contact, but you would not believe how aggressive other people can be when it comes time to hold hands in church. It’s like they’ve been waiting for this moment all week, and they will not be denied.
Listen -- I understand the meaning and significance behind holding hands, especially in God’s presence. But I just can’t help the fact that it makes me feel very, for lack of a better word…icky. It’s not that I’m so grossed out by other people; I mostly find it, quite honestly, cheesy. And forced. I just don’t like it. At all.
Apparently -- and I only found this out by exploring the possibility of attending a different Catholic Church even farther away -- this is not specific to our present church. It exists throughout the Diocese, possibly the state. There is no escaping this.
I’m sure that somehow it’s my own insecurities and hang-ups that make me feel so uncomfortable to hold hands with a stranger. Unfortunately for strangers, I am not willing to work on this. So if you are reading this, and you happen to find yourself in church this week next to a tall, lanky white dude with a cleft lip -- please look away. It’s not you. It’s me. I have sweaty hands.
And my wife thinks you’re disgusting.
Awww, geez Cindy -- you JUST had your hand in your nose!
A diary of the Cardinals’ smooth transition to three and…oh
Note: An edited version of this column appears in the 9/25 issue of The Glendale Star, and the 9/26 issue of the Peoria Times
I wasn’t sure when I was going to get another opportunity to watch the Arizona Cardinals possibly move to 3-0. Kurt Warner is 37 years old, Anquan Boldin wants out, and, well...the team doesn't exactly have a history of strong starts. Or middles, or ends. With that in mind, I decided to do a running log of Sunday's game in Washington. Because if 3-0 actually happened, I wanted evidence.
9:58 AM: Before I even start this -- and I don't care if this makes me look like an idiot 500 words from now -- I am convinced the Cardinals are going to win this game. Really, I am.
9:59: I should also mention that the Giants are on CBS right now, yet I’m voluntarily watching the Cardinals. And by “voluntarily” I mean that my editor has me chained to the couch, with my eyes pulled open "A Clockwork Orange" style, and has hidden my remote control somewhere in the desert.
10:09: The Redskins are marching down the field right now, and sideline “reporter” Tony Siragusa has this to say about their quarterback: “One thing people don’t realize…Jason Campbell is 6’5”…” Really? Nobody realizes that? I mean, it’s listed pretty much everywhere.
This guy is too tall! I never realized!
10:13: Clinton Portis scores easily to put the Redskins up 7-0. There were a lot of holes in the Cards’ D on that drive. I’m already a little worried about my opening statement.
10:21: The Cards are driving, but Tim Hightower falls just short of the first down. Before I can even write that they should go for it, they do. But an unbelievably gutsy play call that would have been an easy touchdown is negated by a delay of game penalty. None of the announcers are stressing just how awful that was.
10:28: Jason Campbell -- what is he like, 5’7”? -- cannot throw an incomplete pass right now.
10:34: Finally, a defensive play for the Cards -- a Karlos Dansby sack of Campbell. That leads to a stalled Washington drive and a weak punt. The Cardinals might be in business right now.
10:38: Or….not. An Edgerrin James fumble ends the first quarter.
10:44: It’s 10-0. I have to admit -- I’m kind of bored right now.
10:48: The Cardinals, facing a 3rd & 17, complete a pass for 14 yards. Our color analyst Moose Johnston says there’s nothing wrong with that. Apparently, he hates first downs.
10:56: A decent Steve Breaston punt return is negated by what Tony Siragusa describes as one of the worst cases of holding he’s ever seen. I think that may be a bit of an exaggeration. Still, penalties are killing this team right now.
11:00: This probably isn’t the most opportune time to say this, since Edgerrin James has looked very good so far this year, including this game. But I’m going to say it anyway -- Tim Hightower is better than Edgerrin James. There. I feel so much better.
11:09. Wow. Wide receiver Jeremie Urhban throws to Tim Hightower. The announcers make fun of the quality of the pass instead of recognizing that the Cardinals are now 1st-and-goal. I really should put this game on mute.
11:11: Warner-to-Boldin. 10-7. Tony Siragusa on Boldin: “That’s a huge man right there.” Anquan Boldin is one of the smaller wideouts in the league. I am so confused right now.
11:19: Big third down stop for the Cardinals. Before punting, the Redskins allow the clock to run down and then call a timeout, which Siragusa rationalizes by saying, “And five yards doesn’t make a difference.” I’m sorry -- is it a penalty to call a timeout now?
11:20: Speaking of penalties…penalty on the Cardinals.
11:39: Mr. Siragusa opens the second half by telling us that he spoke with “Coach Wasinhunt at halftime.” If anyone knows who that is, please email me.
12:06: I don’t know what’s worse for the Cardinals -- the horrendous penalties, or getting beat by Todd Yoder. Either way, now it’s 17-10, Redskins.
12:12: Approximately three milliseconds after Sirgusa compliments Washington’s defense for not giving up a big play, Warner hits Larry Fitzgerald for a 62-yard touchdown. If the distribution of inaccurate and/or pointless information were a baseball game, Tony Sirgusa would be pitching a no-hitter right now.
These words are strange...what's a "Plexico?" I'm just going to ask Coach McLoughlin what he thinks
12:30: A tip-passed interception leads to a touchdown for the Redskins. It’s still a one-score game, but the Cardinals are playing with the urgency of a hungover Eddie Curry. In the middle of all this, Siragusa has managed to drop another “Wasinhunt” bomb. Things couldn’t be going worse.
12:50: The Redskins opt for a 52-yard field goal attempt rather than a punt. The Cardinals capitalize on this awful decision by immediately going three-and-out.
12:58: I am an idiot.
I wasn’t sure when I was going to get another opportunity to watch the Arizona Cardinals possibly move to 3-0. Kurt Warner is 37 years old, Anquan Boldin wants out, and, well...the team doesn't exactly have a history of strong starts. Or middles, or ends. With that in mind, I decided to do a running log of Sunday's game in Washington. Because if 3-0 actually happened, I wanted evidence.
9:58 AM: Before I even start this -- and I don't care if this makes me look like an idiot 500 words from now -- I am convinced the Cardinals are going to win this game. Really, I am.
9:59: I should also mention that the Giants are on CBS right now, yet I’m voluntarily watching the Cardinals. And by “voluntarily” I mean that my editor has me chained to the couch, with my eyes pulled open "A Clockwork Orange" style, and has hidden my remote control somewhere in the desert.
10:09: The Redskins are marching down the field right now, and sideline “reporter” Tony Siragusa has this to say about their quarterback: “One thing people don’t realize…Jason Campbell is 6’5”…” Really? Nobody realizes that? I mean, it’s listed pretty much everywhere.
This guy is too tall! I never realized!
10:13: Clinton Portis scores easily to put the Redskins up 7-0. There were a lot of holes in the Cards’ D on that drive. I’m already a little worried about my opening statement.
10:21: The Cards are driving, but Tim Hightower falls just short of the first down. Before I can even write that they should go for it, they do. But an unbelievably gutsy play call that would have been an easy touchdown is negated by a delay of game penalty. None of the announcers are stressing just how awful that was.
10:28: Jason Campbell -- what is he like, 5’7”? -- cannot throw an incomplete pass right now.
10:34: Finally, a defensive play for the Cards -- a Karlos Dansby sack of Campbell. That leads to a stalled Washington drive and a weak punt. The Cardinals might be in business right now.
10:38: Or….not. An Edgerrin James fumble ends the first quarter.
10:44: It’s 10-0. I have to admit -- I’m kind of bored right now.
10:48: The Cardinals, facing a 3rd & 17, complete a pass for 14 yards. Our color analyst Moose Johnston says there’s nothing wrong with that. Apparently, he hates first downs.
10:56: A decent Steve Breaston punt return is negated by what Tony Siragusa describes as one of the worst cases of holding he’s ever seen. I think that may be a bit of an exaggeration. Still, penalties are killing this team right now.
11:00: This probably isn’t the most opportune time to say this, since Edgerrin James has looked very good so far this year, including this game. But I’m going to say it anyway -- Tim Hightower is better than Edgerrin James. There. I feel so much better.
11:09. Wow. Wide receiver Jeremie Urhban throws to Tim Hightower. The announcers make fun of the quality of the pass instead of recognizing that the Cardinals are now 1st-and-goal. I really should put this game on mute.
11:11: Warner-to-Boldin. 10-7. Tony Siragusa on Boldin: “That’s a huge man right there.” Anquan Boldin is one of the smaller wideouts in the league. I am so confused right now.
11:19: Big third down stop for the Cardinals. Before punting, the Redskins allow the clock to run down and then call a timeout, which Siragusa rationalizes by saying, “And five yards doesn’t make a difference.” I’m sorry -- is it a penalty to call a timeout now?
11:20: Speaking of penalties…penalty on the Cardinals.
11:39: Mr. Siragusa opens the second half by telling us that he spoke with “Coach Wasinhunt at halftime.” If anyone knows who that is, please email me.
12:06: I don’t know what’s worse for the Cardinals -- the horrendous penalties, or getting beat by Todd Yoder. Either way, now it’s 17-10, Redskins.
12:12: Approximately three milliseconds after Sirgusa compliments Washington’s defense for not giving up a big play, Warner hits Larry Fitzgerald for a 62-yard touchdown. If the distribution of inaccurate and/or pointless information were a baseball game, Tony Sirgusa would be pitching a no-hitter right now.
These words are strange...what's a "Plexico?" I'm just going to ask Coach McLoughlin what he thinks
12:30: A tip-passed interception leads to a touchdown for the Redskins. It’s still a one-score game, but the Cardinals are playing with the urgency of a hungover Eddie Curry. In the middle of all this, Siragusa has managed to drop another “Wasinhunt” bomb. Things couldn’t be going worse.
12:50: The Redskins opt for a 52-yard field goal attempt rather than a punt. The Cardinals capitalize on this awful decision by immediately going three-and-out.
12:58: I am an idiot.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Classic card of the week
Elvis Grbac, 1998 Upper Deck
This is probably the most visually exciting and stimulating football card that I own. Many people believe that “high definition” was “invented” in like 2005, or something. But this card is proof that high definition dates back as far as 1998. Of course, the kinks weren’t all worked out, as far as background graphics are concerned. (That’s actually Ted Danson standing on the sidelines, though it’s hard to tell.) Regardless, it feels like Elvis Grbac is going to run right out of the front of this card! When he reaches the front of the card. In twenty minutes.
Really though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a still shot that gave away how excruciatingly slow somebody was. And it’s not like I’m surprised that a 6’5” white man named Elvis wasn’t exactly a speed demon. But it looks like Elvis Grbac is running in quicksand, and that there’s an invisible belt around his waist that’s strapped to the goal post. If those feet in the background are attached to somebody, then Elvis Grbac is in trouble.
But even though Elvis Grbac wasn’t fast, he won ballgames. In fact, he was the winningest winner ever:
Grbac is 14-5 as a starter, good for the best winning percentage (73.7) among all active quarterbacks.
Geez. Talk about taking liberties with a statistic. (Even Grbac’s face on the back of the card expresses his displeasure.) The week after that stat was printed, Charlie Batch won his first game as starter for the Detroit Lions*, thus shattering Grbac’s active winning percentage record, and grabbing the title of Winny McWinnerson. Unfortunately, both quarterbacks would lose the rest of their games, forever.
Nevertheless, Grbac was able to distinguish himself in other ways. For example, he remains the only player in NFL -- and human -- history whose name was Elvis, and whose last name featured the letters g, r, and b consecutively. In addition to that, he made history at the 1993 NFL combine by becoming the only known player to eat a sandwich during his 40-yard dash.
Did you know?
According to Wikipedia, as it related to Grbac's tenure in Baltimore: When Grbac was injured midway through the season and replaced by Randall Cunningham, the crucial taunt "Elvis has left the building" was used. This marked the first known occasion that an NFL crowd was able to chant, in unison, an entire sentence, and also the first time a taunt was described as "crucial."
Did you know Part II?
Kid Rock and a well-trained orangutan write most Wikipedia posts.
*May or may not be true, did not have time or motivation to research
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fashion Cares 2008 - Media Launch
For pictures, videos and a review of the 2008 Toronto Fashion Cares presents: Fashion sCares event held November 1, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre please go to my blog post here.
______________________________________________________
Models greet the media at Brant House.
Toronto, get ready for Fashion Cares 2008: Fashion sCares! The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) brought out some beautiful models with Fashion Cares' Chair Michael King and genius Creative Director Phillip Ing for the media launch of Canada's largest AIDS fundraiser to be held November 1st, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The warm up event was held at Brant House within the Fashion District of downtown Toronto, Ontario and as an invited blogger I joined mainstream media for an up close look at the spectacular event that will be Fashion Cares.
The roster of musical acts and celebrity hosts was presented which included director David Furnish as host (with many celebrity co-hosts) and recording artists Katy Perry (I kissed a girl) and Kreesha Turner (Don't call me baby). I just want to say MAC Viva Glam!
Phillip Ing (centre) joins models and friends during the media launch.
Some of the many camera crews on hand for the evening.
The City's biggest costume party of the year will move away from their recent detour at the historic distillery district back to the Convention Centre and from a spring show to the 22nd installment just after Halloween. The timing of the show has certainly influenced this year's theme - Fashion Cares Presents Fashion sCares. Fantastic clashes of haute couture and halloween craziness will make it harder to keep your eyes off the models as they compete with the hip see and be seen crowd attending the party. I found the models and their outfits were fascinating.
Here is a Youtube video I made featuring bonus pictures, video clips of the models and music by the group No, Really.
While models worked hard, so did the bartenders and the DJ.
And there was a great crowd of media, sponsors and supporters attending the function and the after party.
Enza Supermodel (right).
Honorary Chair, Jeanne Beker - host of the very famous Fashion Television.
We say hi to Fashion Designer Andre Gorokov who will be participating in Fashion sCares.
And we say goodnight to the media launch of Fashion sCares and look forward to the upcoming Fashion Event of the Year - get your tickets and see and be seen.
______________________________________________________
Models greet the media at Brant House.
Toronto, get ready for Fashion Cares 2008: Fashion sCares! The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) brought out some beautiful models with Fashion Cares' Chair Michael King and genius Creative Director Phillip Ing for the media launch of Canada's largest AIDS fundraiser to be held November 1st, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The warm up event was held at Brant House within the Fashion District of downtown Toronto, Ontario and as an invited blogger I joined mainstream media for an up close look at the spectacular event that will be Fashion Cares.
The roster of musical acts and celebrity hosts was presented which included director David Furnish as host (with many celebrity co-hosts) and recording artists Katy Perry (I kissed a girl) and Kreesha Turner (Don't call me baby). I just want to say MAC Viva Glam!
Phillip Ing (centre) joins models and friends during the media launch.
Some of the many camera crews on hand for the evening.
The City's biggest costume party of the year will move away from their recent detour at the historic distillery district back to the Convention Centre and from a spring show to the 22nd installment just after Halloween. The timing of the show has certainly influenced this year's theme - Fashion Cares Presents Fashion sCares. Fantastic clashes of haute couture and halloween craziness will make it harder to keep your eyes off the models as they compete with the hip see and be seen crowd attending the party. I found the models and their outfits were fascinating.
Here is a Youtube video I made featuring bonus pictures, video clips of the models and music by the group No, Really.
While models worked hard, so did the bartenders and the DJ.
And there was a great crowd of media, sponsors and supporters attending the function and the after party.
Enza Supermodel (right).
Honorary Chair, Jeanne Beker - host of the very famous Fashion Television.
We say hi to Fashion Designer Andre Gorokov who will be participating in Fashion sCares.
And we say goodnight to the media launch of Fashion sCares and look forward to the upcoming Fashion Event of the Year - get your tickets and see and be seen.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Cards have opportunity to make even bigger statement
Note: This column appears in the 9/18 issue of The Glendale Star, and the 9/19 issue of the Peoria Times
The “but…” in explaining how the Arizona Cardinals’ are atop the standings is that they are a product of their division. The NFC West is widely recognized as one of, if not the, worst divisions in the league, a perception made even more viable after the early-season injuries and underperformance of perennial division favorite Seattle.
Not that we should be looking ahead (coughASUcough) in crowning the Cardinals division champions just yet, but I don’t think it’s fair to diminish their early accomplishments based on the inadequacies of others. The Cardinals are 2-0 because they are a darn good football team, not because they are some indirect beneficiaries of the St. Louis Rams’ secondary. If anything, their inspired play has improved the NFC West’s reputation. And wow, yeah…that felt weird to write.
Speaking of divisions, when the NFL undertook its divisional realignment a few years ago, it promised to maintain any of the (not so) traditional rivalries lost in the process, which is why the Cardinals get to face-off against all of their former NFC East counterparts this season. (Quick interjection: The fact the Cardinals used to belong to the NFC East is made even more comical every time I have to hop on a 5-hr plane ride back home to New Jersey…that was quite the geographical error.)
The NFC East is perceived to be as good as the West is bad, which is why I consider the Cardinals’ trip to the Nation’s Capitol this Sunday to be a huge test for this football team. The Redskins are coming off a surprising win over conference favorite New Orleans, and the Cards arrive fresh off their undressing of the Miami Dolphins. For the Arizona Cardinals to go into hostile territory and take down a team from a “power” division would be quite impressive. I’m pretty sure people would stand up and take notice. People like the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles, for example -- all future Cardinals’ foes in ’08.
Not that the Cardinals’ intention is for people to take notice (although, ya’ know, it wouldn’t hurt when trying to sell out a home game before the 11th hour…I’m just saying). All they want is a win. Nevertheless, three weeks into the season, this game is as big a test as the Cardinals have faced. To pass it would be a testament to just how good this team can really be.
The Cardinals were always part of the reason the NFC West was considered to be so bad. Now they appear to be the division’s only hope at respectability. Personally, judging from the way this team has performed thus far, I think they could hang with anyone, anywhere.
Indeed
Sure, judging divisions is quite overrated, and actually sort of pointless. After all, no matter how noncompetitive a division is deemed to be, its winner goes to the playoffs, every time. Just ask the Los Angeles Dodgers. (And yes, in the span of 400 words I just threw ASU and the Diamondbacks under the bus. I certainly don’t have a good grasp of my audience…sorry.)
It took about two minutes last Sunday for the Cardinals to send a message to the Miami Dolphins. Let’s see how successful they are this week in sending a message to the rest of the NFL. I think they will.
The “but…” in explaining how the Arizona Cardinals’ are atop the standings is that they are a product of their division. The NFC West is widely recognized as one of, if not the, worst divisions in the league, a perception made even more viable after the early-season injuries and underperformance of perennial division favorite Seattle.
Not that we should be looking ahead (coughASUcough) in crowning the Cardinals division champions just yet, but I don’t think it’s fair to diminish their early accomplishments based on the inadequacies of others. The Cardinals are 2-0 because they are a darn good football team, not because they are some indirect beneficiaries of the St. Louis Rams’ secondary. If anything, their inspired play has improved the NFC West’s reputation. And wow, yeah…that felt weird to write.
Speaking of divisions, when the NFL undertook its divisional realignment a few years ago, it promised to maintain any of the (not so) traditional rivalries lost in the process, which is why the Cardinals get to face-off against all of their former NFC East counterparts this season. (Quick interjection: The fact the Cardinals used to belong to the NFC East is made even more comical every time I have to hop on a 5-hr plane ride back home to New Jersey…that was quite the geographical error.)
The NFC East is perceived to be as good as the West is bad, which is why I consider the Cardinals’ trip to the Nation’s Capitol this Sunday to be a huge test for this football team. The Redskins are coming off a surprising win over conference favorite New Orleans, and the Cards arrive fresh off their undressing of the Miami Dolphins. For the Arizona Cardinals to go into hostile territory and take down a team from a “power” division would be quite impressive. I’m pretty sure people would stand up and take notice. People like the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles, for example -- all future Cardinals’ foes in ’08.
Not that the Cardinals’ intention is for people to take notice (although, ya’ know, it wouldn’t hurt when trying to sell out a home game before the 11th hour…I’m just saying). All they want is a win. Nevertheless, three weeks into the season, this game is as big a test as the Cardinals have faced. To pass it would be a testament to just how good this team can really be.
The Cardinals were always part of the reason the NFC West was considered to be so bad. Now they appear to be the division’s only hope at respectability. Personally, judging from the way this team has performed thus far, I think they could hang with anyone, anywhere.
Indeed
Sure, judging divisions is quite overrated, and actually sort of pointless. After all, no matter how noncompetitive a division is deemed to be, its winner goes to the playoffs, every time. Just ask the Los Angeles Dodgers. (And yes, in the span of 400 words I just threw ASU and the Diamondbacks under the bus. I certainly don’t have a good grasp of my audience…sorry.)
It took about two minutes last Sunday for the Cardinals to send a message to the Miami Dolphins. Let’s see how successful they are this week in sending a message to the rest of the NFL. I think they will.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Cayuga NCATS August 30, 2008
I join a Canadian Tire rep for a picture in the winners circle during the NASCAR Canaian Tire Series race held at Cayuga on August 30, 2008.
During the race the lights on the track went out three times and each time the race was halted. During one such lull Joe Hamilton took my picture as we hang in the pits.
The real winner of the race was #9 Mark Dilley.
During the race the lights on the track went out three times and each time the race was halted. During one such lull Joe Hamilton took my picture as we hang in the pits.
The real winner of the race was #9 Mark Dilley.
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