Feb 16th is finally here. The Miami Heat visit the Raptors in Toronto and the new "Public Enemy #1" Chris Bosh returns to the city he threw under the bus. Joining a lineup of fellow cast-offs Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Damon Stoudemire, Bosh should receive a similar cold and unwanted welcome when he takes the floor tonight.
Lets face it, Bosh was never the saviour that he was made out to be when he played in Toronto, but still, he was the face of a struggling franchise, the only franchise in an entire country. He could have taken the high road in the off-season and thanked the fans of Toronto (and Canada), and simply said that he would test the free agent market. Instead, he creates his own buzz on Twitter, downplays the city he is leaving, and signs on as a third wheel in Miami after stating that he wanted to be a center-piece of an organization. The thing that bothers me the most, and I am not a Raptors fan, is that he knew of this plan 2 years ago. In fact, that is what I hate about this when it comes to LeBron and his exit from Cleveland. Those 2 cities never had a chance, yet they were led to believe that they did. Bosh and James played these two cities along with other potential free agent markets, the fans, and the integrity of a professional league. In fact, this may be a key blow in the loss of the upcoming season as the league tries to ensure that there is no collusion or foul play by its teams and players...Good Luck with that!
I would love the fans to take a suggestion that was talked about on the Score TV network last night. When Bosh is introduced, all fans turn their back on him and not make a sound. Maybe when the game starts they can start with colorful and off-colored chants like "Useless Third Wheel", "Big 2 Patzie", and old faithful "F@@K You Chris Bosh". Hey, I would love Toronto fans to be more like scorned Philadelphia fans for one night!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Blog #6 - Poll Results - Greatest Villain Ever?
Well after all the votes were tabulated (5 in total - thanks to the masses), Darth Vader has been chosen as the Greatest Villain ever! I can't say that I am surprised, he was one of the epic images of the 1970's that is still popular and cool today. Whats more amazing is that his clothing style is one of the only 1970's clothing styles that I would personally rock to go bowling or a party.
Everybody knows Vader, they know his lines, his actions, his intro music, and his story. One could even argue that in a movie series about Good vs Evil, he is the character that is the central part of most people's memory of the films.
35 years later and Darth Vader is still HUGELY popular, with his likeness starring in commercials, spoof movies and of course comic and other geek powered conferences. (Before you get all reved up and attack me with with your pocket protectors/thick rimmed glasses/library cards, I am a fan too, and am known as the anti-cool so chill).
So thanks everyone for voting in the first installment of the poll. I have another coming very very soon. For you Vader fans, I have a video of a Vader's voice spot for his own GPS from TomTom
Everybody knows Vader, they know his lines, his actions, his intro music, and his story. One could even argue that in a movie series about Good vs Evil, he is the character that is the central part of most people's memory of the films.
35 years later and Darth Vader is still HUGELY popular, with his likeness starring in commercials, spoof movies and of course comic and other geek powered conferences. (Before you get all reved up and attack me with with your pocket protectors/thick rimmed glasses/library cards, I am a fan too, and am known as the anti-cool so chill).
So thanks everyone for voting in the first installment of the poll. I have another coming very very soon. For you Vader fans, I have a video of a Vader's voice spot for his own GPS from TomTom
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Oscar the Grouch - Bad guy or misunderstood?
Back in 1969 Oscar the Grouch first appeared on Sesame Street. 42 years ago, he was actually Orange in color.
He was quickly changed to green and his trademark gruff voice (Caroll Spinney) and backhanded compliments were soon a society norm for kids and adults alike. I remember watching and loving Oscar when I was 3 or 4 years old. (1980). Even today, when babysitting the neighbours 2 year old, I love to catch up with Oscar, giving Gordon, Maria, Elmo, Big Bird (that hack), or a kid a dirty shoe or worm sandwich. Oh the memories! 42 years this guy has had to live in a trash can.
The economy was tough back then with only Mr. Hooper having a legit business. The Count had a prostitution ring, and Luis, well his fix-it shop always looked a little shady. Snuffy looked whacked out, which is a normal occurrence in poverty stricken neighbourhoods. Today, the economy is still tough, Mr. Hooper is dead, and the Stereotype-thinking and Hate still occur on Sesame Street. I recently read that the City of NY raised Oscar's property tax by 13% over the past few years yet still hasn't eliminated the problem of roaming dogs (Barkley) and other animals in that area. Perhaps Oscar is just a guy down on his situation. In 1969, if times had have been better economically, Oscar may have been Oscar the Awesome, or Oscar the Happy. It's just too bad that Prejudice has lasted all of these years. At least 1 guy had it right:
He was quickly changed to green and his trademark gruff voice (Caroll Spinney) and backhanded compliments were soon a society norm for kids and adults alike. I remember watching and loving Oscar when I was 3 or 4 years old. (1980). Even today, when babysitting the neighbours 2 year old, I love to catch up with Oscar, giving Gordon, Maria, Elmo, Big Bird (that hack), or a kid a dirty shoe or worm sandwich. Oh the memories! 42 years this guy has had to live in a trash can.
The economy was tough back then with only Mr. Hooper having a legit business. The Count had a prostitution ring, and Luis, well his fix-it shop always looked a little shady. Snuffy looked whacked out, which is a normal occurrence in poverty stricken neighbourhoods. Today, the economy is still tough, Mr. Hooper is dead, and the Stereotype-thinking and Hate still occur on Sesame Street. I recently read that the City of NY raised Oscar's property tax by 13% over the past few years yet still hasn't eliminated the problem of roaming dogs (Barkley) and other animals in that area. Perhaps Oscar is just a guy down on his situation. In 1969, if times had have been better economically, Oscar may have been Oscar the Awesome, or Oscar the Happy. It's just too bad that Prejudice has lasted all of these years. At least 1 guy had it right:
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Sexiest TV Beast Ever?
When it comes to narrowing down TV's all-time Sexiest Beast (actor or character), many factors had to be taken into account. Raw animal magnetism, the ability to regularly steal a scene, amazing catch phrases, control of props, and many other intangibles make a common man a Sexy Beast. I have to admit, there could have been many other finalists but I have chosen two. So with all due respect to Adam West, Tom Selleck, The Hoff, Chuck Norris, Guy LaDouche and others, here is the final match up:
Captain James T. Kirk VS Horatio Cane
I realize that neither of these guys wore a medallion, but hear me out. For starters, Kirk ad-libbed his lines, spoke with his hands, was an amazing fighter, and had sex with many different colored women and aliens. He brought a coy smile and an unmatched leadership to the Enterprise. 40+ years later, people still impersonate him at every chance. In my book, Sexy Beast. However, he narrowly loses the belt to....
Horatio Cane. My God, has anyone ever controlled a scene like this guy ever? Extreme close-ups, an unending supply of one-liners and play-on-words, and a sharp smirk only rivaled by the sharpness of his 1000 dark suits. The kicker however, is how his lines only seem to work after he crouches, takes off his glasses, stands back up, puts on his glasses, says his lines, and backs out of the camera's frame. His mastery is like watching Picasso or Gretzky work in 1985. Thank you David Caruso for allowing us all to live in a time of your brilliance that will be talked about in a similar breath as people who lived in the time of Shakespeare. And now, for your viewing pleasure:
Captain James T. Kirk VS Horatio Cane
I realize that neither of these guys wore a medallion, but hear me out. For starters, Kirk ad-libbed his lines, spoke with his hands, was an amazing fighter, and had sex with many different colored women and aliens. He brought a coy smile and an unmatched leadership to the Enterprise. 40+ years later, people still impersonate him at every chance. In my book, Sexy Beast. However, he narrowly loses the belt to....
Horatio Cane. My God, has anyone ever controlled a scene like this guy ever? Extreme close-ups, an unending supply of one-liners and play-on-words, and a sharp smirk only rivaled by the sharpness of his 1000 dark suits. The kicker however, is how his lines only seem to work after he crouches, takes off his glasses, stands back up, puts on his glasses, says his lines, and backs out of the camera's frame. His mastery is like watching Picasso or Gretzky work in 1985. Thank you David Caruso for allowing us all to live in a time of your brilliance that will be talked about in a similar breath as people who lived in the time of Shakespeare. And now, for your viewing pleasure:
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My Greatest Sports Moment Ever!
To say that I am a big sports fan would be quite the understatement. I have followed.......no LIVED sports since I was 4 years old. I knew all of the players in the NHL at 5 and pretty close to all MLB players at 6 or 7. I got into the NBA in 1987 and the NFL shortly after. Sports became a very important aspect of my day-to-day life and it's still the same today. Baseball is my game, it always will be. I love how it reminds me of a game of chess on a field. Every step thought out, thinking about counter and counter-counter moves that will follow. My love of the strategic part of the game obviously led me to National League Baseball, where bunting, hit and run, pitchers hitting, bullpen manipulation, and larger than life coaches rule the scene.
Hockey has really changed over the years, and since Gary Bettman took over the product has gotten less and less enjoyable to watch. Add to that the fact that 100% of Canadians SHOULD want to strangle him, makes it more about a Rat-faced inept hockey guy, then the players on the ice. Every week its an argument about a new rule change, or changing a rule back. Here is an idea: Contract 4 teams and have a draft amongst the other 26 teams. This will eliminate the worst players in the league who water down the product. Next, take 2 other teams who have no support, fans or money and move them to Winnipeg and Quebec where people BREATHE hockey, even though they don't have a team. Funny how Bettmen lets US franchises lose money, lose potential buyers and he gives them 20 chances, Canadian based teams didn't get this luxury. To the Bettman lovers, remember this: the Canadian dollar was less than .70cents on the US dollar in the mid 90's, now it's close to par. That is why the Canadian teams were struggling back then moron.
The NFL and NBA are both closing in on work stoppages. To be honest, I am a much bigger basketball fan than I am football fan (NFL or CFL). I find the game the most exciting of the 4 sports, and love how the young and athletic game has become even faster. I also love how the NBA promotes it's players. Brilliant! I just hope that they get their stuff together and keep the game on the playing field next season.
So, my favorite teams are the Atlanta Braves, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Pistons, Miami Dolphins, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Braves are my life, the Habs I follow religiously, and the others I follow.
My favorite sports moment of all-time? That one is easy. 1992 NLCS - Game 7. The infamous Sid slide against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 9th inning. Sid Bream scores from second base on pinch-hitter Francisco Cabrera's single. Took me 8 years to find this autographed poster, but it was well worth the wait!
Hockey has really changed over the years, and since Gary Bettman took over the product has gotten less and less enjoyable to watch. Add to that the fact that 100% of Canadians SHOULD want to strangle him, makes it more about a Rat-faced inept hockey guy, then the players on the ice. Every week its an argument about a new rule change, or changing a rule back. Here is an idea: Contract 4 teams and have a draft amongst the other 26 teams. This will eliminate the worst players in the league who water down the product. Next, take 2 other teams who have no support, fans or money and move them to Winnipeg and Quebec where people BREATHE hockey, even though they don't have a team. Funny how Bettmen lets US franchises lose money, lose potential buyers and he gives them 20 chances, Canadian based teams didn't get this luxury. To the Bettman lovers, remember this: the Canadian dollar was less than .70cents on the US dollar in the mid 90's, now it's close to par. That is why the Canadian teams were struggling back then moron.
The NFL and NBA are both closing in on work stoppages. To be honest, I am a much bigger basketball fan than I am football fan (NFL or CFL). I find the game the most exciting of the 4 sports, and love how the young and athletic game has become even faster. I also love how the NBA promotes it's players. Brilliant! I just hope that they get their stuff together and keep the game on the playing field next season.
So, my favorite teams are the Atlanta Braves, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Pistons, Miami Dolphins, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Braves are my life, the Habs I follow religiously, and the others I follow.
My favorite sports moment of all-time? That one is easy. 1992 NLCS - Game 7. The infamous Sid slide against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 9th inning. Sid Bream scores from second base on pinch-hitter Francisco Cabrera's single. Took me 8 years to find this autographed poster, but it was well worth the wait!
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