Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you have heard about the Mallice at the Palace...the brawl between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons at the Piston's basketball arena, the Palace at Auburn Hills. If not, read all about it here:
Mallice at the Palace
Well, the story doesn't end there. The first meeting between the two teams after this incedent took place at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game went without a hitch, and everyone finally thought this ugly tale was behind us.
Wrong.
On March 25th, the Pacers returned for the first time to the Palace since the Brawl. They were met with not 1...not 2...not 3...but 4 BOMB THREATS!! The game was postponed for well over an hour to take care of all necessary precautions.
What the hell Detroit fans? Are you kidding me?
The latest episode with the fans happened in the second game of the NBA playoffs between Detroit and the Philadelphia 76ers. Detroit easily defeated Philly in game one, and were well on their way in game two when Detroits fans struck again. This time on Philly's team Captain, Allen Iverson.
With 2 minutes left in the game, a fan hit Iverson with a quarter thrown from the stands. Before you say, it's just a quarter, put one of those bad boys close to your eye and think about the damage a quarter could do if it were to happen to hit you in said eye from a distance. It would mess you up. Of course, it didn't hit Iverson in the eye, but it could have.
The big question here is, Why do Detroit fans suck so bad? Not all of them, but a portion of them. Let's forget about the stupidity of Ron Artest for a second, and let's forget about the arrogance that Iverson displays sometimes...and let's focus on the truth...
Objects are being thrown from the stands.
This is more stupid than Artest going into the stands...it's more arrogant than Iverson on his most arrogant day...
You might say these men are professionals and get paid a lot of money to endure the fans. Nobody makes enough money to be pelted with beer or quarters.
How about the guy in Boston who took a swipe at Gary Sheffield in center field of the Yankees/Red Sox game the other day? The guy took a swipe and hit Sheffield in the mouth...Sheff didn't go into the crowd, but he could have. He could have grabbed that guy and pulled him onto the field and beat the piss out of him, and I think he would have been justified. Does Sheffield make enough money that he should endure being hit in the mouth while doing his job?
No.
I'm tired of hearing the media report these incidents with the emphasis on the player's reactions.
"Sheffield Will Not Be Punished For Reaction."
"Artest To Be Suspended For Season."
"Iverson Reacts How Artest Should Have."
BS. I've played a lot of sports and have had spectators in the stands. Heckling? Fine. Throwing objects? Not fine. Can you imagine basketball or baseball or football with no fans? Or with plexiglass seperating the players and fans like a hockey match? The way things are heading, it will be a reality soon. I can't imagine going to see a basketball game from behind glass. It just isn't right that some fans are ruining it for all the rest of us.
Detroit fans, I'm talking to you.
And the Yankee fans...and the New York Giants fans who pelted San Diego equipment manager Sid Brooks with an ice laced snowball, knocking him unconscious...and the countless other times objects and fans made their way onto the field.
The fans need to grow up...the stadiums need to not worry so much about profits on alcohol sales and more about the players and fans well-being...and the players, well, they need to not worry about being attacked.
Now, tell me how the players can be at fault, when they have to fear for their safety?
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
It's All The Rage!!
I'm a big supporter of the Lance Armstrong, LiveStrong bracelets that are out there to support Cancer research. I proudly wear one on each wrist, one for my Uncle who beat cancer, and one in rememberence of my grandfather, who passed away with the diesease.
It's unfortunate that this fad has gone as far as it has. I love seeing others with the yellow band on. Becky has a pink one for Breast Cancer...all proceeds go to Breast Cancer research (from Target). But, now you see red, blue, black, rainbow, purple, etc, etc etc...they all mean something, but they can be picked up at gas stations. Do you think they forward the money to AIDS research, to Tsunami victims, or to the other causes? Probably, sadly, no.
There was one I saw today that I think crosses the line...
Beat Bullying
"BEAT" Bullying?!? Beat it? Wow, I think that's the wrong message to get across.
"Mommy, I'm being bullied at school!"
"Here, Timmy, don't beat the bully with your fists, beat them with this bracelet!"
"Thanks mom!! I'll put a big rock in it and crush that mo'fo's head!!"
Wow, wrong message!! At least the bracelet isn't pink!
It's unfortunate that this fad has gone as far as it has. I love seeing others with the yellow band on. Becky has a pink one for Breast Cancer...all proceeds go to Breast Cancer research (from Target). But, now you see red, blue, black, rainbow, purple, etc, etc etc...they all mean something, but they can be picked up at gas stations. Do you think they forward the money to AIDS research, to Tsunami victims, or to the other causes? Probably, sadly, no.
There was one I saw today that I think crosses the line...
"BEAT" Bullying?!? Beat it? Wow, I think that's the wrong message to get across.
"Mommy, I'm being bullied at school!"
"Here, Timmy, don't beat the bully with your fists, beat them with this bracelet!"
"Thanks mom!! I'll put a big rock in it and crush that mo'fo's head!!"
Wow, wrong message!! At least the bracelet isn't pink!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Super Hero
I am starting to believe, in my advancing age, that I am slowly morphing into a Super Hero. No Super Hero in particular, but more like a mixture of many. Let's examine the facts:
1. Like Spiderman, I have Super Hero senses. I can always tell when it's about to rain because of the aching in my knees. I can always sense when I need to go to the bathroom...usually at least once in the middle of the night.
2. Like Batman, I have a Super Hero ability to sleep for long periods of time. Bats hybernate, don't they?
3. Like Plastic Man, I have Super stretchy skin...in the waist area...allowing maximum weight gain.
4. Like Kojak, I have little hair. What? That could be a super power!! Wait, Kojak isn't a Super Hero? Oh...scratch that.
5. Like Superman, I have the ability to ... well...I could probably change clothes in a phone booth.
Here are some other Super Hero abilities...
---THE ABILITY TO BRUISE LIKE A PEACH.
---THE ABILITY TO LOSE HIS TEMPER ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT, BY A SINGLE MISSED CALL.
---THE ABILITY TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS (I DO HAVE TO LIFT MYSELF OFF THE COUCH, YOU KNOW!!)
AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY...
---THE ABILITY TO DASH CHILDREN'S HOPES AND DREAMS BY TELLING THEM I AM, IN FACT, TOO SORE TO BE THE HORSEY.
Maybe they don't add up to much of a Super Hero, but hey...it's better than The Waffler!! "Gold and crispy, bad guys are histr'y...WAFFLERRRRRRRR!! (Oh you, go rent Mystery Men!!)
1. Like Spiderman, I have Super Hero senses. I can always tell when it's about to rain because of the aching in my knees. I can always sense when I need to go to the bathroom...usually at least once in the middle of the night.
2. Like Batman, I have a Super Hero ability to sleep for long periods of time. Bats hybernate, don't they?
3. Like Plastic Man, I have Super stretchy skin...in the waist area...allowing maximum weight gain.
4. Like Kojak, I have little hair. What? That could be a super power!! Wait, Kojak isn't a Super Hero? Oh...scratch that.
5. Like Superman, I have the ability to ... well...I could probably change clothes in a phone booth.
Here are some other Super Hero abilities...
---THE ABILITY TO BRUISE LIKE A PEACH.
---THE ABILITY TO LOSE HIS TEMPER ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT, BY A SINGLE MISSED CALL.
---THE ABILITY TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS (I DO HAVE TO LIFT MYSELF OFF THE COUCH, YOU KNOW!!)
AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY...
---THE ABILITY TO DASH CHILDREN'S HOPES AND DREAMS BY TELLING THEM I AM, IN FACT, TOO SORE TO BE THE HORSEY.
Maybe they don't add up to much of a Super Hero, but hey...it's better than The Waffler!! "Gold and crispy, bad guys are histr'y...WAFFLERRRRRRRR!! (Oh you, go rent Mystery Men!!)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
I Walk The Line
Last night walked a very fine line between being funny and being down right pathetic. It seems that Becky and I have a "schedule" that is very much set in stone, and must be strictly adhered to...and it revolves around television.
Last night, we went to Franklin to pick up some cookie dough I had bought from my cousin's daughter (I guess that would make her my 2nd cousin or something? anyway...). It was a beautiful day to drop the convertible top and enjoy the ride. But, despite the relaxation that came from the trip, I also knew we had to leave Franklin at 7:00 or before, to make it home in time to get dinner and make it home by 8:00.
We picked up the dough, chatted a bit, and wrapped things up at 6:58...still on schedule. As I was driving into town, trying to pry a dinner idea from Becky, the timeline I had so carefully planned took a hit.
"We need to go to Target."
UGH!! I forgot about Target. She DID tell me that before, but my mind is only a steel trap for useless information, and not for important stuff. So, I rearranged the timeline, pushed down the gas, and pulled into Target at 7:30.
"I'm going in, I only need 7 minutes, I'll be back at 7:37." I told Becky...if I took 7 minutes here, 15 minutes to get food, and 7 minutes to get home...I would make it before 8.
I "hurried" into Target (I don't run, and I'm too fat and sore to jog.) My mission was clear. Toaster Pastries, Laundry Detergent, Dryer sheets, out.
I grabbed the items and picked up speed going to the register, dodging shopping carts and leapfrogging little kids (no, I didn't really leapfrog any little kids...are you laughing? I could do it, you know!!)
I got to the registers and quickly surveyed the cashiers...line's too long...cashier looks slow...cashier is a guy...this one looks good. I made a step towards register 3, but my gut told me to change over to 4.
Good thing I did. As I came to a stop in 4, 3 switched her light on for a price check. I wiped the sweat from my brow and thought to myself...that was a close one.
Lane 4 ended up being the fastest lane in the store, and I got to the car at 7:36, one minute ahead of schedule. We tore over to Wendy's, got our food at 7:45 (7 minutes ahead of schedule) and made it home with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy American Idol and Amazing Race.
(Editors Note: Did you SEE Amazing Race last night? The one couple took the Fast Forward (skip all taks) and in order to skip all tasks, the chick had to shave her head...and SHE DID IT!! I think she looked pretty good with no hair, actually.)
The pathetic thing is (yeah, like that about isn't pathetic enough) we do this on Monday (shows are on 8-11)...Tuesday (8-11)...Wednesday (American Idol results show, duh!!)...Thursday (8-11)...and Sunday (8-11)...it's sad, but with the summer coming, all the shows will be re-runs, and we can enjoy the summer...until Big Brother comes on!!
Last night, we went to Franklin to pick up some cookie dough I had bought from my cousin's daughter (I guess that would make her my 2nd cousin or something? anyway...). It was a beautiful day to drop the convertible top and enjoy the ride. But, despite the relaxation that came from the trip, I also knew we had to leave Franklin at 7:00 or before, to make it home in time to get dinner and make it home by 8:00.
We picked up the dough, chatted a bit, and wrapped things up at 6:58...still on schedule. As I was driving into town, trying to pry a dinner idea from Becky, the timeline I had so carefully planned took a hit.
"We need to go to Target."
UGH!! I forgot about Target. She DID tell me that before, but my mind is only a steel trap for useless information, and not for important stuff. So, I rearranged the timeline, pushed down the gas, and pulled into Target at 7:30.
"I'm going in, I only need 7 minutes, I'll be back at 7:37." I told Becky...if I took 7 minutes here, 15 minutes to get food, and 7 minutes to get home...I would make it before 8.
I "hurried" into Target (I don't run, and I'm too fat and sore to jog.) My mission was clear. Toaster Pastries, Laundry Detergent, Dryer sheets, out.
I grabbed the items and picked up speed going to the register, dodging shopping carts and leapfrogging little kids (no, I didn't really leapfrog any little kids...are you laughing? I could do it, you know!!)
I got to the registers and quickly surveyed the cashiers...line's too long...cashier looks slow...cashier is a guy...this one looks good. I made a step towards register 3, but my gut told me to change over to 4.
Good thing I did. As I came to a stop in 4, 3 switched her light on for a price check. I wiped the sweat from my brow and thought to myself...that was a close one.
Lane 4 ended up being the fastest lane in the store, and I got to the car at 7:36, one minute ahead of schedule. We tore over to Wendy's, got our food at 7:45 (7 minutes ahead of schedule) and made it home with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy American Idol and Amazing Race.
(Editors Note: Did you SEE Amazing Race last night? The one couple took the Fast Forward (skip all taks) and in order to skip all tasks, the chick had to shave her head...and SHE DID IT!! I think she looked pretty good with no hair, actually.)
The pathetic thing is (yeah, like that about isn't pathetic enough) we do this on Monday (shows are on 8-11)...Tuesday (8-11)...Wednesday (American Idol results show, duh!!)...Thursday (8-11)...and Sunday (8-11)...it's sad, but with the summer coming, all the shows will be re-runs, and we can enjoy the summer...until Big Brother comes on!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
A Birthday Trip
I did it!! I survived the year that I was dreading...I am now, officially 28 years old. For those of you not in the know, I have a HUGMONGO problem with the number that sandwiches between 26 and 28. I don't like seeing that number, hearing that number, saying that number...ok, you get the idea. Well, I thought for sure I would have big problems that year, but somehow, I made it out unscathed.
To celebrate, Becky and I decided to take a road trip this past weekend, to celebrate my birthday, her birthday coming up, her new job, etc, etc etc...
So we packed up the Convertible and headed towards the bustling town of Galesburg, Illinois. Never heard of it? Neither did we, until a quick Google search for antiques in Illinois brought us to the town. We drove for 5 hours, got lost once while I was behind the wheel (duh, I always get lost!!) and finally arrived in Galesburg...at about midnight-thirty.
The next day, we hit the Galesburg Antique Mall, a nice three story Mall in which Becky found several Little Golden Books (her vice of choice) and I found a handful of the vinyl records (my vice.) Next, we walked up and down the streets, and found a few closed antique places (BOO) before heading towards a building down a side street that read Collectible - Flea Market. We got halfway there before we realized it said Collectible FIREARMS, not Flea Market. I don't know how we made the mistake either.
We packed up and drove towards our next destination, Kankakee, but Becky stopped at one more place. A real dive looking place called Ziggy's Antique Corporation. I wanted to keep going, but Becky was persistant. I am sooooo glad she was.
Inside, Ziggy's was a virtual record store with some other antiques thrown in. And, no, it wasn't just boxes of junk Musical records...it was the real deal. Among the finds...
George Harrison - All Things Must Pass (3 album set)
Joan Baez - 1st Album, on Vanguard!
2 Beach Boys 45's with Picture Sleeves
A handful of Gene Pitney LP's for $1 each
An even bigger handful of 45's for .25 each
A few Beatles 45's
Ok, I'll stop, I know you probably are saying Gene PitWHO? What does Vanguard mean?
Anyhoo, I dropped a good $70 in there, and came out smelling like roses. If you are in the Galesburg area, I highly recommend Ziggy's on Main Street.
With the top laid back and the high shine shinin', we headed towards Kankakee via 17. It was a really nice 3 hour drive through the small towns and the farming communities. I can tell you, there is more than corn in Indiana, but after this trip to Illinois, I'm not so sure there's much more than that there.
We made it to the 50,000 square foot Kankakee Antique Mall at about 4:40 pm, and they closed at 5. So, we started to bust through the Mall, but found it was too big, so we decided to leave and come back the next day. Becky spent my last $2 cash on a Book, and we left. We drove to Bourbonnais, and grabbed a bite to eat at Ruby Tuesday's. Since the restaurant was in the mall, we decided to walk around when we were finished.
In the back of the mall was a store called Krazy Kollectibles. This place was the bomb!! It had old magazines, music memorabilia, and RECORDS...IN THE MALL!! I couldn't believe it. Of course, the prices were a bit steep. I bought a Lovin' Spoonful 45 with Picture sleeve for $5...I think that was a good deal, but the other stuff...not so much.
We stopped at the Ice Cream shop in the mall, and, since I had no cash, and they didn't take Debit card (who doesn't take Debit card? Even White Castle takes Debit card!!) We asked them if they took an out of State check.
"Um, I don't know..." was the response from the teeny bopper behind the counter. Then silence. Hello, McFly? Are you going to try to find out? Nope. We left. After driving all around the town, we found another ice cream place (unfortunately, it was the same company) but Becky had a 5 in her purse (which she didn't have with her in the mall) and we were able to eat.
We went back to the Antique Mall in Kankakee the next day, and it was a complete bust. 50,000 square feet and I only found 1 record for $2. I took it to the front, slapped it on the counter, and proceeded to pull the Debit card from my wallet...at this point I had no cash.
"Sorry to have to do this to you," I said slidding the card her way. A look of disapointment covered her face.
"Take the album, I'm not running a Master Card for $2!!" Ok, if you say so. I tucked the album and we started to walk out.
"Who doesn't carry cash? What if you wanted to buy a hamburger?" she asked.
I wanted to say:
"Hello, it is 2005 Wilma Flintstone, get out of the cave and join the human race!!"
What I did say was:
"Actually, Debit card is accepted at fast food places now, too."
I smiled, turned and left with my free record in tow. We put the top down, and drove the 4 hours home with the sun on our skin, and the wind in my hairs. Overall, a great trip.
To celebrate, Becky and I decided to take a road trip this past weekend, to celebrate my birthday, her birthday coming up, her new job, etc, etc etc...
So we packed up the Convertible and headed towards the bustling town of Galesburg, Illinois. Never heard of it? Neither did we, until a quick Google search for antiques in Illinois brought us to the town. We drove for 5 hours, got lost once while I was behind the wheel (duh, I always get lost!!) and finally arrived in Galesburg...at about midnight-thirty.
The next day, we hit the Galesburg Antique Mall, a nice three story Mall in which Becky found several Little Golden Books (her vice of choice) and I found a handful of the vinyl records (my vice.) Next, we walked up and down the streets, and found a few closed antique places (BOO) before heading towards a building down a side street that read Collectible - Flea Market. We got halfway there before we realized it said Collectible FIREARMS, not Flea Market. I don't know how we made the mistake either.
We packed up and drove towards our next destination, Kankakee, but Becky stopped at one more place. A real dive looking place called Ziggy's Antique Corporation. I wanted to keep going, but Becky was persistant. I am sooooo glad she was.
Inside, Ziggy's was a virtual record store with some other antiques thrown in. And, no, it wasn't just boxes of junk Musical records...it was the real deal. Among the finds...
George Harrison - All Things Must Pass (3 album set)
Joan Baez - 1st Album, on Vanguard!
2 Beach Boys 45's with Picture Sleeves
A handful of Gene Pitney LP's for $1 each
An even bigger handful of 45's for .25 each
A few Beatles 45's
Ok, I'll stop, I know you probably are saying Gene PitWHO? What does Vanguard mean?
Anyhoo, I dropped a good $70 in there, and came out smelling like roses. If you are in the Galesburg area, I highly recommend Ziggy's on Main Street.
With the top laid back and the high shine shinin', we headed towards Kankakee via 17. It was a really nice 3 hour drive through the small towns and the farming communities. I can tell you, there is more than corn in Indiana, but after this trip to Illinois, I'm not so sure there's much more than that there.
We made it to the 50,000 square foot Kankakee Antique Mall at about 4:40 pm, and they closed at 5. So, we started to bust through the Mall, but found it was too big, so we decided to leave and come back the next day. Becky spent my last $2 cash on a Book, and we left. We drove to Bourbonnais, and grabbed a bite to eat at Ruby Tuesday's. Since the restaurant was in the mall, we decided to walk around when we were finished.
In the back of the mall was a store called Krazy Kollectibles. This place was the bomb!! It had old magazines, music memorabilia, and RECORDS...IN THE MALL!! I couldn't believe it. Of course, the prices were a bit steep. I bought a Lovin' Spoonful 45 with Picture sleeve for $5...I think that was a good deal, but the other stuff...not so much.
We stopped at the Ice Cream shop in the mall, and, since I had no cash, and they didn't take Debit card (who doesn't take Debit card? Even White Castle takes Debit card!!) We asked them if they took an out of State check.
"Um, I don't know..." was the response from the teeny bopper behind the counter. Then silence. Hello, McFly? Are you going to try to find out? Nope. We left. After driving all around the town, we found another ice cream place (unfortunately, it was the same company) but Becky had a 5 in her purse (which she didn't have with her in the mall) and we were able to eat.
We went back to the Antique Mall in Kankakee the next day, and it was a complete bust. 50,000 square feet and I only found 1 record for $2. I took it to the front, slapped it on the counter, and proceeded to pull the Debit card from my wallet...at this point I had no cash.
"Sorry to have to do this to you," I said slidding the card her way. A look of disapointment covered her face.
"Take the album, I'm not running a Master Card for $2!!" Ok, if you say so. I tucked the album and we started to walk out.
"Who doesn't carry cash? What if you wanted to buy a hamburger?" she asked.
I wanted to say:
"Hello, it is 2005 Wilma Flintstone, get out of the cave and join the human race!!"
What I did say was:
"Actually, Debit card is accepted at fast food places now, too."
I smiled, turned and left with my free record in tow. We put the top down, and drove the 4 hours home with the sun on our skin, and the wind in my hairs. Overall, a great trip.
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