Payola

I've loosely been dragged into 'Big Brother 6' this year - it's one of those things where I'll watch it if it's on, but I don't go out of my not to miss it. However, I have to say, last night's exchange in power represented exactly what I love about reality TV. It's one thing to script a "shocking twist" in a film or TV drama, but when it plays out in reality like it did for Kaysar last night, it blows me away. I love that crap.

'Rock Star: INXS', along with 'Hell's Kitchen', are the only shows I'm finding truly worth watching this summer. My previous picks of JD and Brandon for the new lead singer of INXS failed miserably last night, to the point I think they've probably lost it. Either one could get tossed tonight if they're in the bottom three. Mig is the new frontrunner, in my opinion, after knocking it out for two weeks in a row with challenging songs. And the typical male in me has to say that there are a LOT of attractive female contestants in various states of undress on this show. Not hard to watch one bit.

Tomorrow I try my hand at pulled pork for the first time. I'm going to try it in the oven (wrong, I know) before I waste all my propane. I really need to get one of those bbq chimneys and learn how to use it.

Today's Random Links
I've been preaching this for freakin' ever. ;(

What I've Learned

I've learned things this week. No, not that dogs lay eggs, that's misinformation spread through the interweb. I have, however, learned that:

• The new Dog's Eye View album is going to rule.
  
• MySpace is way too addictive.
  
• Laura took pity on me and gave me my first comment, and that makes her my favourite New Yorker.
  
• The Dears have made a tremendous video for '22'.
  
• When Steve Poltz met Neil Young the only comment he could muster was "The tortillas taste real homemadey.” That sounds like something I'd do.
  
• I will perfect a bbq sauce recipe by summers end. And it will include tomatoes, coffee, brown sugar, and Jack Daniel's. Amongst other stuff.
  
• I still hate capri pants. A lot. I've voted against reality show contestants simply for wearing them.
  
• It's past my bed time.
  Posted by Rick Jessup at 11:53 PM | Comments (3)

Cogida! Cogida!

So I tried to tell y'all - interesting things happen at Blue Jays games when I'm there. Tonight, of course, is no exception. A repeat performance of a previous dance - "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" - earned us a place on the televised broadcast tonight. On with it..

Myself, Rob, Alex, Michelle, Junior, Melinda, Dennis, and Evan made our way to the game via Swiss Chalet (I wanted Big Daddy's, but I was outvoted) and arrived just at the bottom of the first. The tickets were $2 thanks to a WWE promotion, but an uncharacteristically large turnout (28,000) put us in the 515 level 12 rows up. I felt this was a good thing as obnoxious, rowdy behaviour is not only allowed in the 500s, but practically expected. The aforementioned "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" dance is one of those things - a silly little number that involves much pelvic thrusting, and certainly didn't belong on TV. However, someone has confirmed seeing us on there, and thus someone felt it appropriate.

Our entire section was populated, it seemed, by Mexican people. Or at least people of some Mexican heritage, as they began chanting "Mexico!" ("Meh Hee Ko!") repeatedly. Alex and I figured if you can't beat'em, join'em and chanted along. Since most of these people were girls under 16 or so, they found two pasty-faced white boys screaming "Meh Hee Ko!" to be rather funny. They then taught Alex a new word to chant - cogida ("Co! Gi! Da!") and he was happy to oblige. Michelle asked what it meant, and their response was "umm.. something like.. f--ker.." This only propelled Alex onward, chanting COGIDA as often as he could. I've noted that Babelfish translates it back as "taken", but if you put the original English word and translate to Spanish (minus the er, ie. f--k) you get it right. Maybe some slang at work here.

Dennis decided to cheer for Seattle, and that didn't go over well with one gent a few rows up who had apparently prtaken in a few too many pops. He laid into Dennis with a tirade for, oh, about a half hour and continued until he'd left the Rogers Centre. Seriously.

Oh - the PB Jelly Time dance was simply our effort to show what we'd do for a Klondike Bar, and was partook by myself, Evan, and Michelle. We didn't get a Klondike Bar (the ice cream people at Rogers Centre SUCK), nor did we get on the Jumbotron, but we did get on Sportsnet or TSN, which makes the dance worthwhile. We also saw Rowdy Roddy Piper, Mean Gene Okerlund, and Bobby Heenan in an absolutely worthless vignette that did nothing to promote the WWE or the launch of their 24/7 product in Canada, which we believe was the original intent. Probably not worth the promotion if you're WWE, but what do you expect when you hire Piper?

Lesbians.. Miss Teen Canada.. and now profane Mexican teenage girls. Next time I announce a Jays game y'all are going to make the trip, yeah?

Priorities

I had a chance to listen to the FAN 590 for most of yesterday, and the early parts of the program were dedicated to Tiger Woods. His 10th major win had come on Sunday at "the old course" (St Andrews), leaving him only eight short of the record at age 29. Unfortunately, the segment was not in regards to his accomplishments, but rather how poor of a role model he is due to his use of bad language and inability to be regularly polite to those that follow him from hole-to-hole.

Tiger Woods is, unofficially, the most fined player in PGA history for swearing. Those who watch golf will find this no surprise - every missed shot is met with something resembling "VACUUM!" Apparently this - and the fact he doesn't smile enough - are enough reason to begin the haterin'. I, personally, find this very troubling.

Society has long built people up just high enough to tear them down - it's human nature, I suppose. That much I understand. What I don't get is how our "heroes" are regularly those who are almost morally devoid. Madonna. Eminem. Dennis Rodman. Colin Farrell. A TV show with swearing and nudity is usually described as genius of some sort, even if it's another derivative TV drama. Yet the greatest golfer of all time is subject to criticism and hate because he's not kind enough and uses profane language?

Maybe I don't get it. It troubles me to think it could be racism of some kind. For the longest time I had honestly thought society had, for the most part, placed the evils of racism behind it. I've long been in support of not ignoring differences in race, but also not hating because of them. To say people of different race or skin colour are not different is false - there are obvious differences. But hating or judging because of them is something I simply don't understand or get. It's just sad to me that these criticisms are directed at Tiger Woods when we're busy supporting many who do so much worse.

Postcard from Purgatory

I spent my early years (ie. 14-19) as a busboy and waiter, a job I promised myself I'd never go back to when it was all said and done. I have every respect for those that can do that profession well, it's incredible what they put up with. That said, there's also too many people in it purely for the money and are thus extremely poor at their job. Regardless, this is required reading. Excusing the writer of the "I've been doing this too long" hardened heart, the points are well taken. This world would be so much simpler if we all just treated everyone like we treat our best friend, y'know?

I stole this test from Shazia's site - it appears I'm WAAAAAAY more Christian than she is, which is about as shocking as the forthcoming Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes divorce. Yet we still get along so well - go figure.

The Dante's Inferno Test has sent you to Purgatory!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Oh, and CBC Radio did come in to Jeff's restaurant, and I ran around taking pictures of the whole thing. I still have to take them off the camera, but I shall soon. He made Creole Catfish with Fried Okra, and the host seemed to like it quite a bit. He'd previously told us he wasn't a fish fan, but he kept eating this thing, even "off-air". Should air in a few weeks but I'll let everyone know.

Hilfiger or P-Diddy to design the new McDonald's uniforms (?)
Tell her what you find attractive...

Anti-Idol

Ok, how on Earth did Patricia Arquette get an Emmy nomination for 'Medium'? Has anyone else seen that show? She is so absolutely wooden and horrible I can't even bring myself to attempt watching it again. But not only does her show do well, but she gets nominated for an Emmy?! Nobody is ever allowed to question my hatred for awards shows again.

My brother-in-law is being recorded by CBC Radio tomorrow for an appearance on a show apparently titled "Chef's Corner". The host lives in Palgrave, just north of here, and is apparently a fan of The Angry Tomato. I've been tasked with photo duty, so I'll be sure to throw a couple up here.

Anyone watching 'Rock Star: INXS'? Bad ratings, but I'm enjoying it. Real music performed by real artists, aka the anti-'Idol'. It's on again Monday, catch it if you've missed it this week. And I reluctantly admit I'm being pulled back into 'Big Brother' against every effort to ignore it. Frickin' hot chicks.

I'm tired now, and must retire. Less than a week until the Jays game - anyone but Rob actually planning to attend?

Today's Random Links
"...we had almost nothing in common, except that we both loved Tom Cruise."
Man tries to kill to go to prison, so the Government will pay his bills..?
Kaysar from BB6 sounds like a party waiting to happen.
Collegehumor.com got a movie deal? Huh?!
This is annoyingly catchy.

Make Your Move... Smooooth.

I've got a few minutes here between all my little commitments. The only crappy thing about travel is coming back and catching up. So, as you can tell from the previous post, we goofed our way through Cedar Point. It's a good park, and the rides are much faster and meaner, although our own Wonderland seemed like it had more to do. Lineups for the two major rides - Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster - were insane, but everything else was almost a breeze to get on and off. Mean Streak was our favourite - a massive wooden coaster that went very fast and took almost a full three minutes to ride. Most of the coasters had photo stations hidden on them and the previous picture came from the tall Magnum XL-200. Rob and I made it our goal to find the cameras and goof off every time, which tended to have our ride-mates laughing pretty hard afterwards. The image gallery and a special Top Thrill Dragster video are noted in the links below.

The trip included some time in Michigan, namely Detroit. Never ever go there. It's a hole, it sucks, and is useful to nobody. I hate Detroit. If you take offense to that for some reason, tough. It's a crap city. Now Cleveland, that's a nice looking place. We popped by there on the way back and headed down to the water to visit the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. We didn't stay, I only ran in long enough to get a keychain for Rob and some guitar picks for me, but it's definitely a fine looking area. Spent some more time in Erie, PA, then Niagara Falls, and finally home. Which also reminds me - border crossings were the odd order of the day this time.

On the way over, after announcing our citizenship and Cedar Point intentions, the border guard leaned down to see me in the passenger seat and questioned "you ridin' roller coasters with a busted FINGER?" I paused and answered "yes", to which he motioned and replied "off you go". Even stranger was the toll booth in Fort Erie. When we arrived the agent had his hand out, looked at Rob and stated "make your move." Upon resting the $3.50 in his hand he replied "smooooooooth" and then let us go.

I swear, travel is never ordinary for me.

Today's Random Links
A video I made showing Top Thrill Dragster from beginning to end
The Image Gallery is updated with Cedar Point 2005
My theme park and ride count @ Thrill Network
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Smile

Interlude

I'm back, no worse for wear. And I can type again - I'm down to a traditional bandage now. Last night was Mar's birthday so we headed off to Rapini's in Brampton. Not bad, but overpriced for what you get. Some work to catch up on and then I promise a little Cedar Point update.

Today's Random Links
David Lee Roth to replace Stern? I could care less, I've never listened to either of them.
1980's comic book ads RULED. (Thanks, Kim!)

Millennium Force

I got the photoblogging working in hopes I'd be using it this weekend, but such is not the case. Rob and I are about to venture off to Cedar Point for a couple days and I was planning to send back some coaster POV shots. However, I've run out of time to get a new camera phone so you'll have to wait until next week for the photoblogging to start. BTW, load that site and find the POV video for Millennium Force. I'm so riding that.

Got the bandages off my finger this morning - it's worse than expected. Really good chop that should eliminate my pending career as a hand model. I'm wrapped again but typing is a pain. I'm going to close this off and shall return Sunday or Monday.

Cheers!

Coryell Court

Coryell Court, originally uploaded by overanything.

Test number two before bed - I meant to post this one a long time ago.

Me at the elusive apartments from my favourite movie, Singles. They

were exceedingly hard to find and get to - I somehow convinced the hotel

shuttle to drive me to and from.

Statue of Limitations

Statue of Limitations
Originally uploaded by overanything.

I've Got Your Tip Right Here

This is going to be the longest entry I've ever written. Meaning, the time it takes me to type it. See, whilst preparing lunch earlier today I saw fit to chop off the tip of my left index finger. So now I'm typing with the other three fingers and it irritates me. I think I'll take the rest of the night off. I phoned my wife and told her that it's customary for wives to bring their fingertip-less husbands home ice cream. We'll see...

Today's Random Links
Like Homer come to life - man takes a cannonball to the stomach. On purpose.

UPDATE: She brought home a McD's sundae. What a great woman. :D

..overanything Meet III: Piper's Pit

I've got, like, no time today. I'll make it quick - Rob pointed me towards the fact that the July 20th Blue Jays game is only $2 AND features a live edition of Piper's Pit with Roddy Piper. Need I say more? Who's in?

Today's Random Links
Good to see the French fighting back - take that, Britain!
Sin City comes out August 16th with four covers
Live 8 got a dirty mouth
Batman is a fugitive!

Blogathon Madness

Well, as hinted at in the Zonkboard it appears I'm out of Town for an annual trek to Wasaga Beach during Blogathon 2005. However, I've been pinning my hopes in raising some money for the Salvation Army on the Blogathon, and am thus not ready to allow it to pass so easily. I'm thinking of running my own event on a Saturday likely a little after the official one (August 5th), and attempting to get it publicized locally to generate some interest and income. Unfortunately going door-to-door doesn't work anymore, as we at the Red Shield Appeal discovered last year, and this seems like a better option. I'll have more info on that as it approaches.

I should also note quickly that Midnight Madness approaches rapidly. This street festival is an annual tradition here in Bolton, and one I'd always dreamed of running one day as I grew up. Somehow, that day arrived this year, as I'm the chair of the planning committee. The event is Friday, August 19th from 6PM until midnight and will feature lots to do and eat, some crafts to check out and buy, and as always, some amazing main stage talent located right on Highway 50 in our valley. I'll be there running stuff, but also enjoying it, so it'd be great if any of you want to join in. Come on down!

Live 8 The Sandbox

I caught the Mix 99.9 coverage of Live 8 over the radio today, and with the exception of Madonna's contribution, managed to enjoy what I heard. It goes without saying I didn't hear Celine Dion, and I'm told Dan Aykroyd took it upon himself to reprimand the crowd for their booing of our national diva.

So the entire idea of this 20-year sequel to Live Aid was to have us kids pressure our Government leaders into forgiving African debt prior to the G8 summit this coming week. A noble cause, and as someone who dedicates a lot of his time towards helping others, I respect the effort and the volunteering of time and service by all involved.

Too bad it's all going to amount to nothing. We live in a time where we are governed by men with little conscience or desire to do what is right. When billions are spent registering legal guns, but little on assisting victims of crime or staffing our streets with police officers. When you can get a free sex change but I can't get chiropractic work on my back. Or as Kip once noted, where you can get free marijuana to treat the glaucoma you had to pay to get diagnosed. And besides, who does forgiving debt help in the first place? Likely only the extremely rich leaders of African countries, who will do nothing to alleviate the problems in their society. There's a lot of money to be made in poverty.

Today's Random Links
Wilco cover "Love Will Keep Us Together". Best. Day. Ever. (Thanks, Frank)
Make a David Hasselhoff paper airplane. You can thank me later.
Make Poverty History, the Canadian edition
The Lucky Charms Sex Quiz (thanks, Kim!)

Happy Canada Day

My attempts to post daily again were thwarted yesterday, but I'm back now so everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. It's Canada Day here in the tundra and I've thus far hit the gym and played Tiger Woods - that's it. I'm loving Tiger Woods (the game, not the golfer) and the little hot piece of sexiness I made as an amateur golfer. She's good.

Speaking of golf, a couple weeks ago I hit Tangle Creek and did somewhat poorly - 125 on a par 72, but considering I rarely golf it's not all bad. My problem was everything but putting, but notably my drives were short and left every time. So last night I hit the driving range and I have to note that I hit about five or six to the 250 yard mark. That's big for me, I swear. And my one Happy Gilmore swing surpassed the 300 yard marker - and if you've never Happy'd a golf ball you're missing out on a significant part of life.

So now it's me, Tiger, 11 Steam Whistle (there were 12), and a marinating pork tenderloin. And my wife. She's missing so much I almost forgot her. I hope everyone here is enjoying the holiday - Americans, you can gloat on Monday when we're all back in the office.

Today's Random Links
Jessica Alba punches a shark. I like this girl more every day.
Mexican stamps are NOT racist.. (?)
Play Monopoly on the interweb.
That's a lot of fish.