It Truly Is A Sad Day For Steeler Fans...

Myron Cope died

Best Actor In A Leading Role

Daniel Day-Lewis won "Best Actor" for his role in 'There Will Be Blood'. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I am sure this award is well deserved. Of course I was pulling for Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd), but it is what it is.

This totally makes up for Daniel Day-Lewis getting jipped on the 'Best Actor' in his role in Gangs of New York. Seriously, that performance blew my socks off.

Now, if Johnny Depp, Daniel Day-Lewis and Ed Norton could all be in the same movie...
I will start writing a screenplay now. Don't laugh, if a stripper from Minneapolis (Diablo Cody) can do it, why can't I?

Trying Something New

A friend of mine asked me to help frame a jersey for his dad's birthday. Since I lost a bet to this said friend and had to buy a Roberto Clemente jersey for him, it seems only fitting that I frame it as well.

I did a pretty extensive search online to find step by step instructions on 'how to frame a baseball jersey'. The only results I was finding were, 'GO TO A FRAME SHOP AND HAVE IT DONE PROFESSIONALLY'. Lets be honest, that scared me a bit. I started doubting myself before I even started. Along with the 'don't try this at home' suggestions, the price of the framing (by professionals) were also made available (at least $300.00 - $600.00). Considering this was for a jersey that is not signed and lets be honest, it would be quite hard to get a Clemente jersey signed at this point. The only option was to give it a shot.

I need to back track a bit. I went to Michael's about a week ago to check out frames. The frame I wanted to get was close to 50in x 40in, it was huge. This frame would have allowed me to keep the jersey pretty much unfolded. Then I thought about the wall space needed to house a frame this big. So, I decided to go with a much smaller frame (half the side). I had to fold the jersey quite a bit, but I think it looks ok.

If I attempt to frame another jersey, I definitely have some lessons learned. But, for my first time, I don't think it turned out too bad. I just hope that after a couple days hanging up on the wall, the velcro and pins don't give out.

Take a look:




If you want to spend $50.00 vs $300.00 - $600.00, let me know!

Oh--since I am such a nice friend, I made my buddy a little 'something' to put on his desk, as he likes Roberto Clemente too. Well look at me!!!

Trip Report: Daytona 500

A group of six of us, headed to warm Orlando Florida, from icy NOVA. We were so happy to be leaving the cold weather, we got a little crazy at the bar and almost missed our plane! We arrive in Orlando (early), then head to the rental car place to pick up our mini van. I was nervous about getting a mini van, because I knew at one point I would have to drive it. Lets be honest, I think my Honda Civic is big. Anyway, the minute I got behind the big beast, I loved it. I was instantly told that I couldn't enjoy 'the van', unless I had kids. SO... I will stick with my Honday for awhile.

We rented a house in Orlando (thanks to Marc for finding the house). It had 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, an awesome rec room, pool, hot tub, and PS2 (for Guitar Hero). We had a blast--from playing pool, to playing beer pong, sitting in the sun and watching Kane jump into the ice cold pool.

Friday, we had two more people join us (they drove up from Ft. Lauderdale). This completed our 'group' for the week. I would say, for the first time all being together on a trip, we got along great and had a blast. I can't get into all the details, but it was full of beer, music, pool, fun in the sun and racing. I took a lot of videos, but I can't put them on picasa site (there are parents looking at this). If you want to see any of them, let me know.

Some of the highlights from the trip were:
* You shut your mouth when you're talking to me
* Applesauce shots
* Jell-o shots
* Steak dinners
* Crazy drivers
* Sonic
* Breaking into the pool equipment to fix the freezing pool
* Rick being a lady for the afternoon
* Tim's limo ride
* Late night music sessions
* Pool betting
* Guitar Hero
* Rick's "would you rather..." questions
* Waffle House--smothered hash browns
* Motor boating
* I swear, just one more picture....
* Beer Pong
* Treasures at the bottom of the pool
* Phil and friends

There has been crazy talks about going to the Phoenix race in April. Who knows, this may be a group that travels all around the NASCAR circuit. Watch out for more trip reports. If you want to see the pics, check out Picasa.

Dancing With The Stars...

...announced the 6th season celebrity dancers. Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphin DE, will be one of the dancers. For this very reason, beside the fact that I love the show, I will be tuning in to watch the movie (aka - show).

The Best...

I have been looking for Kleenex with Vicks for sometime now. Finally, after a long search, I found a box at Super Target. I am not even sick, but I pull one out of the box and smell one everyday. Kleenex and Vicks have really out done themselves!

Question- If I put my face in a tissue and take a deep breath, is this considered 'huffing'? I sure hope not, because I don't want to give the 'tissues' up.

I Am One Of 'Those' People...

Did you ever walk into a Best Buy to get, I don't know, an iPod accessory or a DVD and walk past 'those' people playing video games. I always wonder what in the world would possess someone to sit in a big plush black leather chair and play video games in a store all day.

Well, Marc and I go into best buy this weekend to pick up a couple Guitar Hero accesories. We notice they have "Rock Band" set up at a gaming station, along side of "Guitar Hero". Marc decides he wants to try the drums out. He begins to hit buttons to try to get it to work. Its taking forever, so I decide, what the hell, I am going to play Guitar Hero. So, I pick up the axe, set the game to 'easy' and start rocking out to Barracuda by Heart. I haven't moved to 'medium' yet, it freaks me out. Nonetheless, I start crushing the song--whammy bar, star power and all. I wasn't worried how ridiculious I looked playing the game, I just went with the flow. I now have an audience behind me watching, this makes me get into the song even more. I finish with an 98%. I decide I was going to end on a good note and step away from the game. At this point, Marc gets the game working and starts playing the drums. He did pretty well, considering it was his first time at Rock Band. We did come to the conclussion that you need to have the sound up high on Rock Band, otherwise, the drums are kind of annoying.

We wonder around Best Buy for awhile and head toward the check out. We pass the Guitar hearo gaming station on the way and find a 15-16 year old jamming out on EXPERT to Cliffs of Dover (or something like that). If you play Guitar Hero, you know that Expert is crazy. This kid was even using the whammy bar. I had NO time for him. Marc assured me that this kid must sit around and play the game for 12 hours a day and that my performance was still good.

I will no longer say (under my breathe) that the people playing games in Best Buy are freak-shows. I will simple say "Rock on Witcha Bad Self" and tip my hat, as I am now one of 'those' people.


PS BVibe, I now have a wireless axe AND wireless Pedal (whammy bar and star power). We all need to have a jam session when you return to the country.

Gotta Love Super Bowl XLII!

Just to see Belichick and Brady's face!

Happy for Burress, what a great game winning TD catch.

Not going to tie Chuck Noll or Terry Bradshaw ;-)

Now--on to baseball!

PS. I can't believe Marc and I were jumping up and down for the Giants. What is wrong with this picture?

You Better Believe It

You better believe I will be watching this. It makes me cry (with pure joy).