Beer Pong Never Looked This Good

Spent the last 2 days working on the table and this drawing for the center. More pics to follow.

Become Legendary

I need to implement this somewhere in my blog. Any ideas?

Just a Quick Link.

Forget what she did...They should fire her for being - as Charles Barkley would say - "turrble".

http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1101535

17

17. Paul Pierce is Finals MVP. Yes!

The NBA vs. Sir Isaac Newton

(I apologize for taking so long between posts, but I have been working on a few at a time, and have just finished one of them)

The NBA has reached that point. The hole in the space-time continuum. The entrance to a parallel dimension has been located, and we have just unhinged the door. They have proved Sir Isaac Newton's 3rd law of motion (For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction) to be present well past the physical world. They have truly reached the point where nothing good can happen without some sort of bad being attached to it.

I am talking, of course, about the conspiracy that is associated with the officiating of NBA games.

Well before the investigation into Tim Donaghy became news, NBA games, more than any other league, appeared to have been directly influenced by the officiating. It was often noted that fan favorites like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant were allowed to stretch the rules a little bit. A travel was no longer just the lifting of a pivot foot. A carry was no longer placing the hand under the ball. A drive to the hoop almost always resulted in a defensive foul call, provided the star on offense attempted to wow the casting directors in Hollywood with his acting ability.

As legends like Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson retired, so too did the interest in the league. There was no longer any stars to watch, and the larger market teams began to do poorly; a result of so many great years with weak draft picks resulting from their playoff runs. We were left with a league with little watchability.

(please note that some of the statements I make in the next few paragraphs are my own personal beliefs and not necessarily the truth)

When a league becomes unwatchable, there are only a few options. They can a) Fold (XFL), b) go into a lockout, make the league a bit more small scale, and rely on new talent to generate some interest (NHL), or c) Make the game more interesting. Now how could option C be utilized? Simple. By giving the viewers more of what makes sports so interesting in the first place: tough match ups, series going extra games, all-star players putting up outrageous numbers. The NBA appeared to choose option C. As we were leaving the 1990s and approaching the new millennium, the NBA needed something to help compete with the mass markets of MLB and the NFL. All of a sudden, we start seeing some tough series go 6 or 7 games. We see teams in large markets like the Lakers, Nets, and Knicks competing for the title of World Champion. We see players like Shaq and Kobe being given permission to sidestep common NBA rules (illegal defense, traveling, etc.) to provide a bit of an advantage.

We see what might be the NBA "adjusting" games/series.

Tim Donaghy may be a rogue referee in a sense. He BET on games. Outside of his involvement, we have not seen any evidence to indict any others of this felony. But in an attempt to lessen the jail time he will inevitably serve, Donaghy has cowardly passed information on, true or untrue, regarding other officials helping fix games, including a disputed game 6 in the 2002 NBA Playoffs.

The infamous game 6 between the Kings and the Lakers, though not officially the game in question, was considered odd back in 2002, but has recently taken on a new life with the allegations. Not only did the Lakers get every call in the final quarter of the game, but they exceeded their average free throws per game in ONE quarter!! Does that sound a little familiar during this postseason (and I'm not just talking about game 2 in the Finals...the Lakers could have driven to the basket a bit more and not tried to flop around like the Euro-trash they are)?

Commissioner Extraordinaire David Stern has time and again made comments assuring the public that Donaghy was a rogue official, and that all the problems are baseless, but yet former officials are being questioned by the Feds about current official Dick Bavetta (check this great post by Bill Simmons to see who reffed game 6 in 2002). Then David Stern doesn't bat an eye as he allows Bavetta to roam the court in Sunday's game 5. If you want to look like you are handling the situation, you leave nothing to speculation. Now we have TWO games in the 2008 NBA Finals refereed by an individual who is being looked at by the FBI. I don't know how any fans can look at these games and question how legit they are.

Which brings me back to my original point...

Why is it that after every great game, the officiating becomes more and more of a focal point?

The NBA has the renewed Lakers-Celtics rivalry filling headlines and more importantly, television sets, across America. But with questionable call, the common fan must be thinking that the series might not be entirely up to the Celtics and Lakers. It could be the incredible free throw differential in game 2. It could be the fact that the refs decided to let a game in which the Lakers were dominating, suddenly become more physical to help aid the Celtics in an historic comeback. It could be the Kobe Bryant "hack Paul Pierce in the stomach to make him lose the ball" steal to secure a lead late in game 5.

As we approach game 6, Boston fans (let's go C's!!!) hope to finish off the greatest turnaround season ever, while Lakers fans shop for the newest Louis Vuitton bag (OK, that wasn't necessary. Lets try again...)

As we approach game 6, Boston fans (let's go C's!!!) hope to finish off the greatest turnaround season ever, while Lakers fans hope to prolong the season for just one more game, so they can have an opportunity to win it all. It has been an incredible series so far, complete with the two best teams from their respective conferences, and some of the best basketball players that have ever played the game. With all the competitive fire in the two teams, and the renewed rivalry, it was predicted by many that this game would potentially go 7 games. Could you imagine the buildup? All the former members of the two teams gathered to watch the deciding game, the competitive fire leaking out of the TD Banknorth Garden. The Celtics attempting to keep Red Auerbach's record alive by not letting the Zen Master Phil Jackson take sole possession of the most NBA titles as a coach. This would be the game for the ages. The NBA's very own Super Bowl. Everyone and their little sister would watch this game. America would be glued to the tube as Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant battle it out for the Championship and MVP trophies. WOW!! The NBA would make SOOOO much money off of this game!!

Now why do I feel (disgustingly) like this was the plan all along?

Surviving Summer Television

Jim Halpert couldn't find the right moment in Season 4 of The Office to propose to Miss Pamela Morgan Beesly. Ted Mosby, Architect DID propose to Sarah Chalke's guest starring character, Stella in How I Met Your Mother's season finale. Lost fans have once again been twisted around by the ever changing plot, and Prison Break continues to find people needing to escape prison.

But now what?

We are stuck in the 3 month torture chamber that is summer television. With our favorite sitcoms and dramas taking a break, we now must resort to the ridiculousness that is reality television, and primetime fillers. Without further ado, I now present a glance into what we will be watching once the dog days of summer hit, by network...

ABC has decided to become network television's answer to Spike TV. In addition to our favorite reality shows like The Bachelorette and The Mole (if I were to watch a reality show on any of these channels, it would probably be The Mole), ABC has decided to take a cue from G4TV and Spike TV by copying Japanese television. Not only are we going to experience "I Survived a Japanese Game Show", where Americans actually go to Japan and compete on their shows, but we are going to get our very own MXC clone, "Wipeout". Yes, I will probably watch "Wipeout". But probably only when I am bored out of my mind.

In my opinion, CBS might have pulled me in for their summer season more than any other network. They did this by following the two most important rules of new television series: 1) Sex sells, and 2) When in doubt, find Regis and make a game show.
The most intriguing new program on TV is Swingtown, a drama based in the 70s about "swingers". So basically, that means a lot of sex with a lot of different people. Lots of sex = Lots of viewers.
CBS then hit the game show jackpot by bringing back a little game called password. "Million Dollar Password" puts two contestants against each other as they give and receive clues to and from a different duo of celebrities each week, attempting to correctly guess the "password". With Regis hosting, and celebrity pairings such as Neil Patrick Harris and Rachel Ray (the premiere pairing), you have an instant hit. Watch out "Deal or No Deal".

Since the start of American Idol, Fox has decided to ditch the classic sitcom/drama model, and has pretty much gone exclusively into reality shows. Yes, we have 24, Prison Break, House, etc. but we know where Fox is making its money, and they are going to stick with the shows that cost the least while bringing in the most. That being said, the show I recommend from Fox this summer is "So You Think You Can Dance". I have always had rhythm, and am not afraid to move around a bit - I could probably go on the first stage of this show and not be embarrassed - but I would also not be invited to the next round because the dancers on this show not only have rhythm, but are also well choreographed and well versed in multiple forms of dance. If you have ever watched a Michael Jackson music video and were wowed by some of his moves, then check this show out (if you already haven't).

Let's be honest here...if it weren't for "Comedy Night Done Right", NBC might be completely down the tubes. Guess what NBC?!? American Gladiators was cool in the 1980s. It is a cool rerun show. But I am not going to watch it more than twice this summer. If NBC wants to do a show about Americans badasses, then work with G4TV, find a way to get Ninja Warrior into the U.S., and watch Americans go against a tough course.
On the Ninja Warrior subject, that is probably the only Japanese show that can really translate to America, because it doesn't really rely on the goofy people looking stupid. Yes, those people are fun to watch splash in the water, but I would much rather see the guys who can do the tough stuff, and have a shot at winning. This is why CBS is going to have a tough time with their new shows. Without the Japanese dubbing, it won't be funny after one or two episodes.
I should also mention that America's Got Talent is back, but that is another rip off show...

NBC, get your act together...I don't want you to fail and then have to cancel some of the best comedies of all-time...

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Two quick notes:

1) I am probably going to end up losing a ton of money this summer, because I have become addicted to horse racing. I've been to the track 3 times now in two weeks, and I have cashed at least one ticket each time. This Saturday, I cashed a $0.10 superfecta ticket for $89.89. I'm beginning to feel like I know what I'm doing, which is the worst thing that could happen because that's when you start to bet more money than you should.

2) Celtics vs Lakers. Tonight. Don't miss it.

Update: Big Win by the C's. Yes, they stopped playing defense in the 4th quarter, and allowed the Lakers to have their own little 3-point shootout, but when you build a big enough lead after 3 quarters, you don't necessarily have to play better than the opponent in the 4th quarter.

Enjoy the summer television.

Ryan

Thursday

Guess how tired I was this morning?

It wasn't just the fact that I had witnessed one of the best basketball games of my life, which so happened to end about an hour after my new, working world bedtime. It wasn't the fact that I have to wake up at 5:30 AM to get ready for work.

The reason I was so tired was the absolute draining of all emotion I experienced from the combination of the eventful (to say the least) Red Sox game and the unbelievable spectacle that was Paul Pierce making me go from entirely deflated to incredibly pumped up in a matter of a couple NBA minutes (like 15 minutes NHT (Normal Human Time)).

I don't want to really go into too much detail about either of these situations, as I know that every person and their sister have an opinion they want to discuss, so I will just leave you with a few thoughts.

1) Paul Pierce, whether the media wants to admit it or not, is 100x more the heart of the Celtics than KG. I love KG...but we could play without him. Losing Paul Pierce would be beyond devastating.

2) Paul Pierce did NOT fake the injury. I have watched The Truth play for quite awhile now, and I can tell you that he is not one to wuss out and fake an injury just because he wants a call or something. Paul Pierce was in pain (I thought I heard him say something like "Why me, why?" when he was on the ground), and if you watch the replay, it definitely didn't look like a fun twist of the knee.

3) As much as I hated the 3 day layoff in between games, I now love it. As a Celtics fan, I can only imagine how difficult it would have been for Pierce and Perkins to have come back with only one day of rest. So thank you NBA Scheduling Director, whoever you are.

4) I understand Kobe doesn't want the Celtics to feel like they accomplished something by playing solid D against him, but give credit where credit is due. You missed shots because you were double teamed or had a hand in your face. Don't tempt the Celtics.

As for the Red Sox...

1) The suspensions were fair with the exception of 1. Jon Lester. I mean, you give the guy 5 games (1 start) when he didn't have a part in the altercation, then only give Shields 6? 6 games for a pitcher is STILL only 1 start. What is the point even?

2) How stupid were the Rays?

3) I love how Coco almost tempted the Rays to come back at him again in the future with his beautiful interview after the game.

watch here

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Before I call it a night, here are some interesting links in the world of entertainment:

You loved Superbad...now the writers are going to get a bit more cartoonish

Not a bad year or so for an ex-stripper....

First of all...How does something like this even start? Second, thank God it isn't...

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I'm off for now...I will post something interesting tomorrow. I will be busy so I will have things to talk about (going to the track again as well). Have a good one.

Ryan

Calling All Democrats!

So let me preface this post with saying this: I hate discussing politics. For me, it always turns into an argument, and it always ends up finding its way back to religion. I do not want to discuss my religious views on this blog unless out of necessity, so I will just let you know that I am a Republican, and therefore, pretty conservative (yeah I know, what kind of college student is conservative?). The point is, I in no way want to step on anybodies toes, and I am not trying to start an argument. I just feel that as a college student who understands a little bit about the U.S. Government (I did get a passing grade on my AP test as a Junior in High School), that I need to offer some help to the voters of the upcoming election.

As it stands, we now have a chosen representative of the GOP and Democratic Parties in John McCain and Barack Obama, respectively. With Obama just recently wrapping up the nomination, many are complaining that Hillary will not be President, and that McCain is better than Obama. Now, I don't know which current Senator is the better candidate, but I do know one thing regarding the Obama Haters/Hillary Lovers...

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, though having different approaches, had similar views. This is what frustrates me:

I have heard countless whiners and complainers saying that it is an outrage that Obama beat Hillary and that they will now vote for John McCain. THAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!!!

If you want to vote for someone, you should want to vote for them because they have the same values and morals as you do, not because you like one person or the other. This is not American Idol. If you screw up the election, you don't get to just change the radio station and hear another artist. You are stuck with the same guy for 4 (maybe even 8) years.

This is why the whole racism/feminism thing is so hilarious. I will handle both of these separately:

Racists: You don't deserve a vote anyways, so just be thankful that you get one. If you are pro-life, against gay marriage (I should note that all of the 'big-3' candidates are against gay marriage), don't want to spend government money on anything excessive, want to continue fighting in Iraq, and want to limit higher taxes, then go ahead, vote for McCain. But if the reason you will be voting Republican this fall is because you hate blacks...well, go to hell. Seriously, I don't want you scumming up our election.

Feminists: Same as above, if you are pro-life (I think that right there should be all I need to really question), don't want to spend government money, etc. etc., then by all means vote for McCain. But then drop your feminist act. If you were going to vote for Hillary because she was a woman of power that had all the same values as you do, but now are not voting for Obama because he happens to have a Y chromosome...then please just re-evaluate your life.

Here's something I learned in my 21 years: The President doesn't do everything. They have a Cabinet. They have speech writers. They have Advisors. They pick people that are in agreement with their morals, values, and have the same views on the progression of our great country, not by their race, creed, color, or gender. If you can't vote for Obama because he isn't Hillary, fine. Just make sure you aren't voting for McCain because he ISN'T Obama.

This is not a post about how I think you should vote for Obama. I don't know who I will be voting for. I can tell you this much, however; I will be voting for the candidate whose views most resemble mine.

So think twice, Americans, because you really do have an opportunity for change. But it rests on what we do this November. Vote because you know what you want, and if you don't know, stay home (yes, I am saying you should not vote if you don't know who the better candidate is). It is better to not help either candidate, then it is to help one for the wrong reasons.




p.s. If Obama decides HRC is the best VP candidate, he is out of his mind, and then you should forget everything I just wrote and vote for McCain.

Bud Selig...

(Here's the link to the original story: http://sportfiends.com/2008/06/02/bud-selig-hates-little-leaguers/)

If it wasn't for the fact that you keep handing over World Series trophies to the Red Sox, I would probably have to hate you (in fact, someone else could give the Sox the trophy...I'm officially off Bud). If you think that as commissioner, you have done what you can to save baseball from the annals of sports shame with the steroid issue, you are wrong. We all know there are still guys out there that are finding a way to use PEDs. But I guess you have gotten a little sick of picking on the Really Big (read: Juiced Up) Boys, and decided to find someone of a little bit smaller stature to harass.

I understand the move regarding the Cape Cod League and requiring certain teams (Chatham A's, Hyannis Mets, etc.) to pay royalties to Major League Baseball for using the trademarked names (Colleges and High Schools tend to pay for using similar logos, so the CCL shouldn't get a break), but now you, Bud Selig, have gone too far.

As a little kid, I waited by my phone anxiously every Little League draft night for my coach to call and tell me what team I was on. Every year, I hoped that that year's Red Sox coach would draft me. I wanted to wear a Boston 'B' and play under that uniform. If I was on the Red Sox, I would be just like my heroes...John Valentin, Mike Greenwell, Mo Vaughn, Nomar Garciaparra...I never did get to play for the Red Sox. I was locked up as an Oriole for my extended time in the Majors, so I had to settle on pretending to be Cal Ripken Jr. (it could have been worse).

Little League baseball is now going in the same direction that some Sports Video Game franchises have gone...no illegal use of team names. Unless the leagues pay licensing fees, teams will have to settle for non-MLB team names or advertisements on their jerseys.

When I was 13 and made the jump to Babe Ruth League, my town made the decision to use our jerseys as billboards, allowing local companies to advertise by sponsoring a team. Gone were the days of imagining I was actually on the Baltimore Orioles, playing Shortstop as Cal Ripken Jr. made the move over to 3rd Base to make room for me. Now I was playing for "Savings Bank Life Insurance".

I had a hard time imagining Johnny Accountant moving out of the corner office and into the cubes to make room.

Here's the link to the story. If any more details comes out, I will certainly post them.

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Some other links of note:

Kelsey Grammer suffered a mild heart attack after having symptoms following a morning of paddle boarding with his wife.

Have you heard about the MTV Movie Awards bit with the boys from Pineapple Express?
Take a look for yourself
If you were one of the 27 people to have watched this airing, what did you think?

For music fans, a sad day... Bo Diddley has passed away due to heart failure. He was 79.

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That's a wrap. Don't forget to follow me on twitter for updates all the time.

How the NBA Wanted It.

I would say it's not much of a surprise that the Celtics and Lakers will be squaring off in the NBA Finals starting Thursday. First of all, both of these teams were the best teams in their conference. This is the ultimate reason they both made the finals. However, it came a little easier for the Lakers than it did for the Celtics.

It seemed like every game in the WCF, once the third quarter started to come to a close, everything would work in favor of the Lakers....the rolls, the refs, etc...

Let's be honest...did Derek Fischer commit a foul in game 4? YES.

Did Paul Pierce commit that offensive foul last night? NO EFFING WAY.

Despite the bogus call going against the Celtics, in what should have resulted in a potential 4-point play, the Cs did exactly what I couldn't do. They kept their cool.

Down 10 in the 4th, they kept fighting, allowing only 13 points in the 4th, and beating both the Pistons, and the WWE Refs.

If I am David Stern, I am getting out of this league as fast as possible, because even though the dream matchup is in effect, and television ratings will be through the roof, it only means more people watching the NBA referrees botching more calls than their Pro Wrestling counterparts. I don't know which way the calls will sway, but lets be realistic and say that the Celtics haven't exactly had much help this postseason, and probably will not in the Finals.

Regardless, WHAT A WIN. Beat LA.

I'm off to the horse track in a few minutes. I went for my first time on Thursday afternoon (gotta love corporate sponsored boozing and gambling). After winning my first ever bet on the horses (a $2 exacta on a 1-4 and a 10:1 paying off $14), I became absolutely hooked. I'm going with my dad and my grandfather, and I am determined to come out in the positive.

To those of you who have been waiting for some entertainment news...well, so have I. I promise that with the Celtics not playing until Thursday, I will have other stuff to write about. I might do a couple CD or Movie reviews, or do something similar to what is on Popcandy.Usatoday.com with a bunch of interesting links I am viewing (you can also see some by checking out my Digg page). Once again, don't forget to add me on Twitter and get updates from me when I am not able to post here.

Let's win some money.

Podcast Heads Up

Just wanted to give everyone a little heads up on the podcast I'm starting on this blog. I am putting together a little intro music as we speak, and will try to have that ready by this weekend so that I can record a show. I have a few things I'd like to talk about (just like Mr. Rogers) but I always appreciate listener/reader content. So either send me an email at legendaryblog@gmail.com or send me a response in the comments here or on twitter.

Have a good night, and I'll try to update after the Celtics game tomorrow.

Ryan

My School won a National Championship...

and I still went to bed upset.

First off, a big congrats to Syracuse on their 10th Lacrosse National Championship! As a 'Cuse fan, I am excited that we will not have to remove the lacrosse banner in the Carrier Dome that says we have the most championships ever. That would have been depressing....like an anti-retirement of a number.

Speaking of anti-retiring (is there a better way to say this??), I really wish Roger Clemens had retired a few years ago and some team jumped to be the first to retire his number, then all these allegations came out, and the team decided to un-retire (better?) his number... This probably would never happen, but I am hoping that it does eventually (and not the un-retiring of a number like Michael Jordan...I want something to happen where an athlete actually does something so bad that his former team is too embarrassed to have his number retired).

And I'm ranting.

It is days like this where I just want to fall asleep at 7:00.

When you are at work at 7:30 and do nothing all day because you are in training, the day just snails along. Throw in the 1 hr. plus commute due to traffic (idiot drivers), and you have yourself one long, monotonous, frustrating day...

Then we throw in the Celtics...

I posted on my Twitter last night that watching Big Baby and Sam 'Yoda' Cassell on the floor together was like watching a bunch of little kids playing Y ball. The only problem was that Mr. Doc Rivers, Not Ph.D must have been trying to make up for all of his son's Y ball games that he missed when he was on the road, because he just didn't stop playing these guys! The only thing these guys have going for them is that every single time they make an average play, the fans go nuts because it is so unexpected. Davis made a lay up at one point (practically uncontested), and I found myself jumping out of my seat and screaming how excited I was (then he blew a defensive assignment and I just sat there like I expected it).

I can't figure out why Doc always brings the scrubs out to start quarters after we have rallied back at the end of the quarter. We have the momentum with our big guys...why don't we try and keep it?

I can't really blame everything on Doc. I think he is a nice guy, and a DECENT coach. His players don't complain about him, and the media loves him. Overall, the reason we lost last night was because we couldn't shoot. Ray Allen apparrently started sharing his water bottle during practice, and the whole team caught the cold (as ice).

But it is still an even series, and we have home court advantage.

I'm off to get food, then probably a few drinks at the bar...$10 buckets of Rolling Rock is decent when you are off of a college campus.

In the meantime, friend/follow me on Twitter for more updates.

Peace

Ryan

Celtics Get Some Away From Home

I have said in the past that if a team cannot win a game on the road in the playoffs, they don't deserve to advance. The Celtics finally decided to play like the regular season team with the best road record, and put all the critics to rest as they defeated the Detroit Pistons 94-80. Despite a few late runs by the Pistons, the Celtics were able to calm the storm and hold on for a 14 point win.

I love how despite it being a 14-point win, it still feels like they only won by 4 or 5...

That's what it is like to be C's fan this postseason. It took 17 games for a road win, and it felt like a lifetime (or 2006-2007).

As for the Western Conference Championship...

EVERYTHING is going LA's way.

Kobe Bryant is absolutely manhandling the Spurs, and will continue to do so during this series.

I wouldn't be surprised, nay, I expect to only see a 4 or 5 game series...this thing is NOT going 6.

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Two more notes before I sign off:

1) Jamele Hill is a very respected columnist for ESPN.com, but completely whiffed at this one.
Hill: The dream matchup

2) I live in the Chicago area, and although I am not a fan of Chicago teams, I still read a lot about them. This article right here did not surprise me AT ALL. Joakim Noah

I guess we now know exactly what he was talking about...

Winner Winner. Chicken Dinner.

So California Pizza Kitchen DOES serve Beer. That was a relief. The only thing that I really think I like about CPK is that I know exactly what I'm going to get every time. I don't have to look at the menu really. I just go to the 10 or so Pastas they have and choose between the Kung Pao Spaghetti or the Tequila Lime Fettuccine (I got Kung Pao Spaghetti with some Goose Island 312...which was pretty tasty).

Nothing interesting really happened last night. Two of my friends wanted to play chess, badly. We have an ice cream store around here called Oberweis, which resembles one of those zappers that attracts mosquitoes. If you could imagine the lighting section at Home Depot, but with all of those lights being fluorescent, you would understand the attraction to Oberweis. Basically, you drive down the highway, and are blinded by this incredible amount of lights, and you have no choice but to walk in and see what is going on.
Here's the thing about the lighting though...their energy bills must be through the roof. That explains why it is over $3 for a lousy single scoop of their "super-premium" ice cream. I mean, I understand Super-Premium gasoline. But I'm pretty sure that super-premium ice cream has ZERO beneficial effects on a person. If anything, it probably makes the consumer more gassy than usual (I see the connection now).

But back to my chess story...

Oberweis has a few tables with chess/checkers boards. Even though they are always losing the pieces due to petty theft, there is always enough for probably one game of chess. We walk into the "Mosquito Zapper", and see the chess board...then see 3 kids (probably 8-10 years old) hogging the board and playing with the pieces like they are action figures. After 15 minutes of sitting there watching these kids, my friend had enough of it. This 21 year old guy walks up to these kids and asks them if they could let him use the chess board since they were obviously not playing real chess. Then one of the parents looks at my friend and practically rips him apart for intimidating little kids.

Long story short...my friend felt bad, so he gave the parents his receipt from the ice cream he bought, which had a coupon on it for a free extra scoop of their "super-premium" ice cream.

Anyways, next time I go out, I'll take a picture of the place so everyone can see how ridiculous it actually is.

Before I sign out...make sure you follow me/add me as a friend on twitter for more insights from myself, as well as friend me on Digg to see some of the things I might talk about in the future.

Peace,
Ryan

This Blog is Going to be - Wait for it...

Legend.....ary!

Good evening and welcome to The Legendary Blog (no one had this title or url...go figure...I think it is the only url left on blogger). I would first like to thank Barney Stinson (NPH) and the 'How I Met Your Mother' writers for my little intro.

So here is the deal.

I've had multiple blogs in the past, including murrdogg4.blogspot.com and boxscorebanter.blogspot.com (now boxscorebanter.com). Though I no longer work on those (My first blog was tough to maintain...the 2nd one...well...long story.), I am incredibly excited to start this new blog up. And here is the best part.

This goes way beyond a blog!

As much as I like writing about things, I enjoy talking about them even more. Later this week I will be posting the first podcast from The Legendary Blog, complete with everything we discuss on the blog, but with sound!

So what do we discuss?

We (just me for now) discuss a lot. I have a wide range of interests and will try to talk about it all. Expect to hear a little about sports, television, music, and some other interesting things that I might come across.

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Right now I am heading off to California Pizza Kitchen (CPK for the hipsters out there) where I will bid a few friends adieu as they start their summer jobs in other locations across America. I would like to note that they are the only reason I am going there, as it is probably my least favorite restaurant. Not only do they not have REAL pizza (I'm not from NY so I'm not a psycho about my pizza, and I hate Chicago Style so I really have no bias), but they try to play it off like they do. Then you have to spend 10 minutes explaining to the waiter/waitress what you want on your pizza. Why can't I just say "I would like a normal human pizza. Similar to the ones that were consumed in Italy and Greece a long time ago. All that requires is dough, cheese, and tomato sauce. Thank you"? I suppose I could, but I try to be polite...I was raised that way.

Anyways, I'm going to be ordering some sort of pasta dish while my friends and the CPK staff will all be eyeballing me thinking "Who does this guy think he is? No one has ordered pasta here in weeks." So if anyone here hates CPK pizza and eats the pasta there, let me know so I don't feel so out of the loop. Also, do they even have alcohol there? That can make or break a meal for me (I am not an alcoholic).

On another note, the Boston Celtics square off against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace in the Michigan Ghetto (sorry Detroit fans....your city is gross). With the series even at 1-1, the Celtics need to win a road playoff game for the first time this postseason in order to advance. All I can say is, if you can't win a road playoff game ONCE (!!) you shouldn't be moving on anyways.

I will probably write about the game tomorrow, which means (gasp!) you will get posts 2 days in a row!

Now that it has reached the point in time that I have to get into my car, go to the bank, remove money from the bank, then go to CPK and eat pasta (if someone wants to stalk me...I just gave you directions), I must stop writing. I will be back tomorrow, and will be working on a podcast soon. Until then, I leave you with this.

- Ryan

p.s. Check out my links in the link bar to the right. Also make sure to friend me on twitter as I will be posting from there often (available on the right column of this blog).