Black Friday! Bright and Sunny for Max Martini - A Little Shady for Tiger Woods!

Millions of American shoppers hit the pavement today and juiced up the economy a bit.


Did you Survive Black Friday?




In recent years, you really needed to have your game face on to mix it up with the crowds. In some cases, having the face wasn't enough. Pads and protective equipment were necessary to avoid injury or death.

This year, I hit the bricks for a few hours but mostly just to run a few errands. The shopping I did today was mostly coincidental and by accident. I walked into a local sporting store to buy one item that was advertised in the newspaper for half price. I walked out of the store with two big bags filled with 5 items and a big smile on my face.

Contrary to what you might be thinking, I wasn't really smiling at the savings - It was more of a smile to embrace and welcome "the spirit of man." In my 35 minute shopping spree, I was fortunate enough to share a wonderful moment with actor Max Martini. Those of you who know me are aware that I was/am a huge fan of "The Unit"

You may recall my outrage when I learned that the show had been cancelled! In my humble opinion, the show was just starting to reach its' stride. The actors were starting to gel and the landscape was opening up.

One of the characters in "The Unit" who was particularly starting to find his way into the hearts of the viewers was "Mack 'Dirt Diver' Gerhardt." His character was shrouded in a bit of mystery initially and traveled between fighter, soldier, father, husband, and friend. But ultimately, as the episodes flowed - you had to fall in love with him.

Today as I chatted with him briefly, I learned that his charisma and charm are sincere. He's "For Real" folks! He took time out of his day to chat with a fan (me) and by doing so, I became a bigger fan. I passed on that I loved the show, hated to see it get cancelled, and admired his work as an actor.

I'm certainly pulling for a re-birth of "The Unit" in some capacity but failing that - I'll be sure to catch Max Martini's future projects and hope you guys will too.


Be sure to catch Trooper - (official trailer) and Unearthed when they hit the screen.



On a shadier note,


According to (CNN) -- Golfer Tiger Woods was treated and released after suffering minor injuries in a car accident early Friday in his central Florida neighborhood.

It seems Tiger, who is 33 and just about a month shy of a birthday, was in a minor accident outside his home. The details of the accident are a bit sketchy but it appears he is in good condition with a few cuts and abrasions to his face.

The single-vehicle accident occurred about 2:25 a.m. in Windermere, a suburb of Orlando, according to police. Woods pulled out of his driveway in a 2009 Cadillac SUV and struck a fire hydrant and then a tree. (Yep, Tiger is having another tough day driving! He's in the trees again! - You know the jokes are coming! figured I'd get mine in quick)








Police Chief Daniel Saylor said two Windermere police officers were the first to arrive on the scene.

"There was Tiger Woods laying on the ground in front of the vehicle, with his wife over him rendering first aid," he said.

"He was in and out of consciousness with lacerations to his upper and lower lip," Saylor said. "He was mumbling but didn't say anything coherent."


Woods' wife, Elin Nordegren, told police she was inside the house when she heard the accident. She went outside and used a golf club to break out the rear window of the vehicle, then pulled him from the SUV.


Hang in there Tiger.... here's to a speedy recovery!

Happy Thanksgiving! A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving - Watch It Here

When I was a kid, I couldn't wait for the Thanksgiving Holiday to arrive. Not because I was looking forward to giving thanks or eating myself into some ridiculous transcendental gluttonous state, but because I knew that when Thanksgiving arrived - Christmas was officially right around the corner!

One of the true hallmarks of Thanksgiving in our home was watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. It pretty much set the mood for a laid back and fun-loving Holiday Season.



A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is the tenth prime-time animated TV special based upon the popular comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was originally aired on the CBS network in 1973, and won an Emmy Award the following year. The special was directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman. In the special, Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving. Never deterred, "Good ole Chuck" with Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock, attempts to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner.

I'd love to invite you all over to my blog for some Turkey, hospitality, and more.... But since I havn't figured out how to upload pumpkin pie, I figured it's not too realistic; Therefore, feel free to stop on by to check out A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. I'm streaming the entire episode (compliments of Hulu.com) below.

I hope you'll enjoy it and have a wonderful Thanksgiving where ever you may be!


Here's Wishing You A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Reliable Crane and Rigging? Maybe Not! Accidents Do Happen!

Talk about a bad day at the office!

Fortunately, no one was injured in this accident but it's clear to me that the "Numbers" didn't quite add up.

Crane Smashes House

Let's see.... How does that equation go again?

(Total Weight of tree) x (Moment Arm) < (Total weight of cab) x (Moment Arm)

Ah, forget it.... I can't remember that stuff anymore

It's been a few years since I've had to make these computations but I guess there really is a practical application to all of the engineering mechanics I studied in college. I hate to see the effects of miscalculations when it results in bent metal, splintered wood, or injuries and casualties.

I'm relieved that no one was harmed when the crane smashed through this house in Santa Rosa, California and it's a little bit easier to giggle at it all and laugh it off knowing it's not my house and not my company that owned the crane, and no one got hurt. But I wonder how it's all going to get cleaned up. I'm sure the owners of the home will get their home repaired and all their furnishings will be replaced or fixed. That's what insurance is for right?

I'm a tad bit curious about the mistake that was made to allow this accident to happen. Clearly, someone decided it was okay to try to lift the tree over the house with the crane. I'm not completely sure what went wrong to allow the crane to tip over and smash the home but I'm sure it will be fully investigated and someone will be held accountable.

Here are a few details about the accident:

The accident happened at about 2:20 p.m. last Monday at a home on Molly Court, a small cul-de-sac in west Santa Rosa, according to fire Battalion Chief Andy Pforsich.

Apparently, they were using a crane to remove a tree from the back yard of the home. The weight of the tree was more than the crane could handle and the crane tipped backward and crashed into (through) the home. The cab portion of the crane remained suspended in the air Tuesday morning.

Dennis Olson, a neighbor who lives nearby on Nightingale Drive, said he was near the crane and saw it fall into the home.

"My first reaction was to get out of the way, and I ran to get clear in case it tipped sideways," Olson said. "Then I thought, Why didn't I hit the video button on my camera?"

Yep Mr Olson, it would have been nice to see the crash first hand. And I'm sure some network would have paid you big bucks for the rights to the video as well. But luckily you're safe. I read that Kevin and Michelle McCarthy, who had just moved in to the home in August, had gotten into a car accident earlier Monday, and the couple was in Marin County dealing with the crash when they got the call about their house. Sad news about their car accident .... but at least it kept them away from their house and away from danger.

Here's the news story:

Creative Education - The Electric Company - Spidey

Since we're talking about the friendly neighborhood web-slinger.....


The Electric Company really made the most of this character. Marvel Comics provided the Spiderman character to Children's Television Workshop/PBS free of charge.





Here's a longer clip. See if you can pick out a very young Morgan Freeman.

Spidey Goes to Jail! Spiderman in cuffs?

About two weeks ago I met with a friend in Hollywood. While it's true that I drive through Hollywood frequently, it's rare for me to find myself walking smack in the middle of all of the activity. It was a summerish kind of afternoon with temperatures approaching 90 degrees F and the streets were bustling with tourists. As I walked to my meeting place, I dodged scantily clad girls zooming by on roller blades. I bypassed a ten foot tall man on stilts. In between my side-steps, I marveled at the many different languages and dialects being spoken. Hollywood Boulevard was particularly alive that day. I joked out loud, "It must be a full moon."

As I strolled by Grauman's Chinese Theatre, I walked by a cluster of people speaking a strangely familiar language. Grauman's Theater is always a hot bed of tourist activity. There are usually 5 -10 impersonators walking around taking photos with the tourist and polishing up on their acting skills. I stopped and looked and listened. I couldn't quite make out the language right away but after a few seconds of watching and listening, I determined they were speaking Italian. It was now clear to me that a group of Italian tourist had surrounded "Spiderman" and several others were busy snapping photos as they all posed with the ever popular "homo-arachnid." I pondered the stories they would tell about the friendly neighborhood web-slinger when they returned to Italy.

Anyway, I walked on..... taking notice of Sylvester Stallone, Madonna, and Michael Jackson impersonators. I looked down at the many "STARS" that lined Hollywood Blvd. and briefly stepped back in time.


There were street performers singing, dancing, and playing a variety of instruments.


But I couldn't get that crazy Spiderman theme from the 60's cartoon out of my head.

"Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can...... Spins a web...."

Oh, that was a great cartoon series. I still watch it occasionally; in between Sponge Bob episodes of course.



So imagine my dismay when I learned of the recent arrest of this web-dwelling wonder.




Apparently, Christopher Loomis, 39, was arrested and is being held on outstanding misdemeanor warrants in lieu of $5,500 bail on November 11, 2009. The details of the arrest are still a bit unclear but it seems that LAPD patrol officers received a radio call reporting a battery by a man in a Spider-Man costume. When they arrived, they encountered four different people dressed as the web-slinging crusader. (LA Times Hollywood Spiderman caught in legal web)

"They stopped one, it wasn't him," LAPD Lt. Beverly Lewis said. "They stopped the second, and it was the suspect."

The victim, who said he was hit in the face and arms, refused to press charges against the costumed impersonator. But Lewis said that when they discovered the warrants, he was booked. She said it appeared the suspect and victim knew each other.





All of a sudden, that story the Italian tourists are telling just got a little more interesting.

You just never know who is hiding behind those masks.....

Courageous or Dumb? "Lingerie Football League"

Are you ready for some football?

When I first heard about the Lingerie Football League, I thought it was a joke. As in, "there really can't be an entire league of women teams that compete in lingerie - it's all a facade! Right?


Wrong!

The Seattle Mist

The LFL is for real! The concept of the LFL originated from the Super Bowl halftime alternative television special called the Lingerie Bowl which draws millions of viewers worldwide. The event is a pay-per-view event which is shown annually directly opposite the Super Bowl halftime show. The show has become a staple for many and currently is broadcast in 85 countries. Sure, I remember the ads - But I wouldn't dare miss the halftime show to watch a "powder puff" game. At least that was my thinking back then. Now I know differently. It's more than a "powder puff" game.

The teams play full-contact football which is similar to other indoor football leagues. They play 7 on 7 players on a 50 yard field. Uniforms consist of helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, bras, and panties. (I wonder if they'll be wearing sports bras or padded bras?) There are no field goals and no punts. There is a kickoff to start the game and the second half.

There are currently two Conferences.

The Eastern Conference:

1. Philadelphia Passion
2. Chicago Bliss
3. Miami Caliente
4. New York Majesty
5. Tampa Breeze

The Western Conference:

1. Dallas Desire
2. Denver Dream
3. Los Angeles Temptation
4. San Diego Seduction
5. Seattle Mist
   
   (In 2010, Charlotte, North Carolina will be getting a team called the Charlotte Crush)
   
   The league was founded by Mitchell Mortaza, a 35-year-old sports marketer from Los Angeles about six years ago. The league's administrative offices are in West Hollywood, California.
   
   
   

Without a doubt, this league adds a whole new dimension to fantasy football! The kind where grown men sit around and hope for an equipment malfunction of some sort and the kind where High Definition television makes all the difference in the world. I still don't think I'll miss the halftime show but the next time I see a game on television, I might tune in for a few ummm Downs!

Truly a Courageous Idea! Learn more about the LFL by clicking here

Creative Ads - What Happens In Vegas.....

A few years back, Las Vegas gave up on it's quest to make "Sin City" a family destination. Instead, they decided to pursue the "What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas" theme. I think it's been a successful campaign.

Many people now see Las Vegas as an adult getaway spot where all is forgiven as long as you don't get caught. I think it adds to the mystique of the city and makes it more appealing to those who are looking for a scandalously good time.

To that end, someone came up with another bright idea to perpetuate the mystique.....

Taking flesh to the streets.

I wonder how these mobile exotic dance vans are affecting the flow of traffic...

Creative Minds! Hitler Finds Out Governor Palin Resigned

I know Sarah Palin resigned from office a few months ago, but I just saw this video and I howled! So After my "Sarah Palin and Tina Fey - Life Just Isn't Fair" post, I couldn't resist sharing this.......




Someone really has a whacked out sense of humor. But I like it!

Sesame Street Turns 40!

In five days, Sesame Street will be celebrating it's 40Th birthday. The show premiered on PBS on November 10, 1969. Sesame Street is well known for its Muppets characters created by Jim Henson. It is also the longest running children's program on US television. The show is produced in the United States by the non-profit organization Sesame Workshop, formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), founded by Joan Ganz Cooney and Ralph Rogers.

CTW Original Logo

I think they've done a great job over the years combining entertainment and education and making learning fun for kids. In recognition of their 40 years of success, I'm streaming a few of my favorites.

Way to go Sesame Street! Many Happy returns!

Sarah Palin and Tina Fey - Life Just Isn't Fair!

A year ago today, Americans went to the polls in great numbers. Voter turnout for the 2008 election was the highest in at least 40 years. We all know the outcome of the election, but what happened to two of the prominent figures of those days? Sarah Palin? and Tina Fey?

Sarah Palin, a little known Governor from the state of Alaska jumped out of the "Alaskan Bush" and onto our television and computer screens, literally overnight. The selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate, made her face and name common in most households. Everything from her sexuality to her "hockey mom-isms" were questioned, discussed, critiqued, and blogged about.

Palin's new popularity and mannerisms also made her an enormously popular target among some comediennes... In particular, Saturday Night Live actress - Tina Fey.

What Tina Wants

Tina Fey's Saturday Night Live Sarah Palin impressions thrust her into the spotlight in an unorthodox and cult-ish sort of way. Her impersonations were truly uncanny.

But just where are Sarah Palin and Tina Fey today?

Are they being treated fairly?

Let's ask Vanity Fair.

According to VF, Tina Fey has now reached "Rock Star" status. She's snared a $5 million dollar book deal and ignited the ratings of her sitcom, 30 Rock, with her universal appeal. In January 2010, she'll grace the pages of Vanity Fair as she becomes the focus of a photo shoot with the legendary Annie Leibovitz.

(see - "What Tina Wants," by Maureen Dowd.)

On the other hand, Sarah Palin's political future is in question as she waffles along. According to a CNN/Opinion Research poll conducted Oct 16-18, 71 percent of the people polled don't think she's qualified to sit in the Oval Office. (Republicans believe she's qualified by 52 percent to 47 percent.)

After resigning from office this summer under suspicious circumstances to say the least, Palin's resignation speech was "assassinated" by most people who heard it. Vanity Fair obtained a copy of Sarah Palin's resignation speech and turned it over to one of their editors for review. The result was comical...... I had to go back and listen to some of her speech on YouTube just to verify that she actually said those things. Here's a brief look:

Wanna See More?
Palin's Resignation Speech - The edited version

So let's revisit that book deal discussion.....

Tina Fey had a book deal - but so did Sarah Palin..... Some reports indicate that Palin received as much as a $7 million advance on her book. Is that enough to make you retire from office??? Is that fair enough?


Going Rogue - An American Life went on pre-order a few weeks ago and soon hit the top of Amazon.com's Top 100 list as well as Barnes & Noble orders. No doubt it will be a huge hit.

The book is scheduled for release Nov. 17, 2009. The book seems to be crushing the nearest competition, including Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. I'm sure it will be a popular Christmas gift this year among the "Hockey Mom" crowd. I actually hope Santa puts a copy in my stocking. I love reading gossipy, soap opera, scandalous stuff. Palin's 2008 run for the White House with John McCain was highlighted by reports of bickering, back-biting, criticism, and conflict. Sarah Palin has already revealed that she was writing the book to tell her "Fair" side of the story.

Latest reports indicate that McCain continues to be cautious in his assessment of what her book might unveil. I'm confident he will be fairly and accurately portrayed!

Don't you just wanna know how fair she'll be in her book?

My friend "Big AL' maintains that nothing is "Fair" and nothing is "Easy."

He goes on to say that both of those words are "Four Letter" words!

Perhaps he is right!

Life is not Fair!

Krispy Kreme Burger??? That's just sick!

Face it, Krispy Kreme Donuts are pretty good.

I like the glazed chocolate cake donuts slightly heated, with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Dunking the donuts in the coffee is absolutely heavenly. Sometimes, it's even worth a second donut. Another one of my K.K. favorites is their Blueberry Fritter. Simply Delicious!



But this is absolutely disgusting!

Horrible! Shameless! and Contemptible!



I dare you to watch this.........

A Krispy Kreme Burger? with Bacon and Cheese?

That's Unbelievably Wrong!

Personally, I've never had one. But everyone knows it's wrong because

If you're gonna eat one of those.....

You'd better wash it down with one of these.......

Just makes sense. Forget the calorie count!

Here's the nutritional information for Krispy Kreme donuts: KKnutritionalinfo.

Beer, Beef Patties, bacon, and cheese are extra!