The New Theravada

2007-07-12T15:11:00.000-04:00

Must Read of the Day

I'm really loving the blog Kissing Suzy Kolber lately. Its probably the best and funniest sports blog on the planet right now. Check out the posts about the NFL Season Prekkake -- especially the one about the Baltimore Ravens -- F-n brilliant!!!

Sidenote: And any use of a derivative of the word bukkake is, in my mind, as funny as it gets.

2007-07-12T11:40:00.000-04:00

Tunnel to Towers Run 2007

It's official bitches!

After thinking about this since last year, I finally made it official and signed up for the Tunnel to Towers Run on September 30th. For those who don’t know, this 5K run follows the footsteps of NYFD Firefighter Stephen Siller (story below) on September 11, 2001.

The $40 entrance fee is for a good cause and will go to Stephen Siller’s “Let us do good” foundation that helps kids that have lost one or both parents.

Here is the link to the home page with all of the instructions on how to sign up.

I want to get a group of people to run with me to make to more fun and of course so we can go out and drink our faces off afterward. For those of you like Moe Green who run all the time, a 5K is no big deal. But for those of you like me who feel like dying at the 1 mile marker, this will serve as a good way to force us to get into some kind of shape. Right now I'm stepping up my cardio workouts in preparation for the run so if any of you want to go for runs (I mean like nice short ones -- not those tri-county weekend runs like crazy Moe Green) please let me know.

If you're looking for something fun to do this fall that will also help you get in shape -- then this is the perfect thing to do.

Speaking of running and Moe Green, as many of you know he is doing this year's NYC Marathon. Please consider making your donation to support Moe and Team Continuum by clicking here.

Thanks and I hope that you consider joining me in this year's run!

Follow the Footsteps...Stephen Siller, beloved husband and father of five, was a firefighter from Squad 1, Park Slope Brooklyn. On 9/11, he was off-duty, and on his way to golf with his 3 older brothers. When Stephen heard on his scanner that the World Trade Center had been hit, he turned his vehicle around and headed towards the site. When his truck was prohibited from entering the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, typical of him, he raced on foot towards the site with his gear strapped to his back. He was last seen alive on West and Liberty Streets where he, more than likely, went looking for his Squad, all of whom perished. The Tunnel to Towers Run retraces Stephen’s footsteps on that fateful day. In running along his path, we honor the memory of all the Firefighters, Police, and EMS workers who performed their duty that day. In running this race, we are reclaiming still another part of the city for all our heroes and for all of those who died on 9/11.

2007-07-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

At my signal, unleash hell!

The knock on Jeter as a captain has always been that he's not a leader. He won’t challenge teammates, he won’t get in people's faces and he won’t talk shit just to gin up some momentum for the squad. Kevin Kernan of the Post reported today, "Asked if the Red Sox can be caught, the Yankees captain answered, 'No question.”

While not exactly the same speech that Maximus (Russell Crowe) gave to his troops before entering battle, it was a little more then we're used to seeing out of our shortstop. It's nice to see that his teammates seem to be following his lead as well. Let's hope that the second half of the season at least keeps us optimistically fooled into thinking that the Bombers can make the playoffs.

On a somewhat unrelated note, reports have it that Justin Timberlake is now dating one of K. Rove's top five hottest women on the planet, Jeter's former girlfriend Jessica Biel. I'd like to take this opportunity to tip my cap to Mr. Jeter and Mr. Timberlake for their noble conquest of one of the finest women to walk the face of this beautiful earth.

I would also like to remind JT to play his cards right because on nature's order of dating progression for hot women it goes 1. All-Star shortstop for the Yankees 2. the country's most famous male pop star 3. The most charming, charismatic, funny and well written blogger on the planet.

Watch your back Timberlake ...

2007-07-06T17:30:00.000-04:00

Scarlett Johansson was NEVER that hot!

Kudos to WWTD for posting these pics of the most overly hyped average looking girl since Lindsey Lohan. I find myself fighting with people every day (guys and girls) who for some reason think this chick's one of the hottest girls on the planet. Seriously, this girl wouldn't be one of the hottest girls in my high school.

And another big "I told you so" to all of you who told me a few months back that that Rihanna "Umbrella" song wasn't going to be the song of the summer. Its not only the song of the summer but the reigning number 1 song in the country. It's also so overplayed that I hate myself for ever liking this song in the first place. I suck.

Have a good weekend bastards.

2007-07-06T09:56:00.000-04:00

When a new tax is a good thing

As a Libertarian/ fiscally conservative Republican, I rarely find it necessary or prudent for any level of government to impose a new fee or tax on its constituents. Furthermore, I find it even more unacceptable when there is a plan to impose that additional cost to people who are commuting to work or doing business. But Mike Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan is an exception to the rule.

Yesterday, a gang of unemployed liberal hippy activist assholes took to the streets in Times Square in favor of the plan that would charge $8 a car, $21 per truck, to enter Manhattan below 86th street between 6AM and 6 PM on Monday through Fridays. These miscreants would have you believe that this measure will help stop global warming and prevent little kids from developing asthma. I think those arguments, like most arguments from the hippy left, are nonsensical bullshit. But the plan does have some merits.

What I do like about the plan is that it will likely ease the insane congestion in midtown and downtown and make it a little easier for those who do drive in the city. As someone that lives 7 miles outside the city, I have become comfortable with taking the PATH, the ferry, busses and subways on my exploits to the city, whether on business or while tooling around for fun. Public transportation in this instance is more convenient.

Bloomberg's measure will encourage more people to use it and for those who must take their cars into the city, may not be subject to the typical gridlock that crowds the streets today. Even for pedestrians and people eating lunch outside, the city will be a little quieter, a little less congested and probably smell a little better with less cars on the road. I don’t know too much about what the proposal says about a dedicated funding mechanism but I can only hope that the dollars raised from this initiative go directly back into transpiration and infrastructure improvements in and around Manhattan. It would only be fair.

2007-07-05T17:53:00.001-04:00

He's Back!

Tomorrow tickets go on sale to see His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, who will be speaking at Radio City Music Hall on October 12-14th.

Not much info is given on the website yet even though the tickets go on sale tomorrow. The website does urge everyone to practice patience so I guess that's what I'll have to do for the time being.

If you've never had the opportunity to see him in person I would highly recommend it. It's really one of those experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life. I never forget when Ricky and I traveled down to Rutgers Stadium to see him back in 2005. I literally felt peaceful and high for days afterward -- it was amazing. Tickets aren’t usually expensive and proceeds often go to help support a local Buddhist school or temple.

I'm not sure what day I'm going to go but if any of you are interested, please let me know. The fall is shaping up to be full of vacations, running events, Bon Jovi and Buddah -- I'm kinda lookin' forward to it.

Peace bastards.

2007-06-28T10:51:00.000-04:00

Bon Jovi Unplugged

For those fellow Bon Jovi fans out there (everyone in the world except CD apparently) who haven’t seen their new Unplugged show on VH1 --you HAVE to record it. I stumbled upon it last night while watching "Those We Do Not Speak Of" loose to the Orioles in what was the most apathetic show of offensive performance I've seen in years. But I digress...

From the intelligence I got from loyal Therevada readers CS28 and Mallmadam, this was the session shot in Brooklyn a few weeks back in which Richie Sambora showed up trashed and entered rehab shortly afterwards. Bombed or not - this show was phenomenal!

They will be re-airing the session on VH! tonight at 11:00 - record that shit!

In the meantime, if you're looking to jam out at your desk on this sticky Thursday and just can't wait to see it on TV.. .check out the links below:

Here is "Till we ain't strangers anymore" with Leanne Rhymes

Here is "Hallelujah" which was made famous by Carm's favorite Jeff Buckley and reminds me of the season finale of both the West Wing and Grey's Anatomy -- listen you will recognize it.

Here is "Bed of Roses" which might be my favorite Bon Jovi song of all time. If you ever get the chance , REALLY listen to these lyrics. Amazing.

Here is "Make a Memory" off the new album

Here is "You give love a bad name"

Here is a phenomenal version of "Livin' on a Prayer "

Here is "Its my Life" with the two dudes from All American Rejects

Here is "Lost Highway" -- title track off the new album

And as you may know, because of overwhelming demand and record breaking sales, Bon Jovi added another 5 dates to their fall session to open the Prudential Center in Newark. Right now they are playing Oct. 25,26,28,20 and November 1,3,4,7,9, and 10. that's a lot of Bon Jovin in Jersey!

Have a good weekend bastards.

2007-06-27T13:33:00.001-04:00

Eating like a Rockstar
NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2007

As usual, your man K. Rove is here to remind you of NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2007. This year it runs from July 16-20 and 23-27. Like last year, pre-fixe lunch prices are $24.07 and pre-fixe dinners are $35 (drinks and tip not included). Click here for participating restaurants.

This is always a great time for you cheap bastards to eat like kings and try some of the city's better restaurants. I try to make it our at least once for the summer week and once for the winter week every year. If you're like me, you can pick on of the pre-fix courses and not feel guilty about loading up on the booze knowing you and your dates food portion isn’t more then $48 for lunch and $70 for dinner.

So round up your wives, girlfriends, mistresses or that chubby snaggle-toothed broad from the local bar that you can’t bear to take out to any New Jersey spots -- and head on out to the city and enjoy some good food, at some trendy spots at some reasonable prices. Happy eating you bastards!

2007-06-27T07:59:00.000-04:00

The techno-geeks are getting horny!

The hype surrounding Friday’s launch of the Apple iPhone is unprecedented. Although I do work for a big PR firm I am not your typical PR guy. But from hanging around the corporate people in my firm at happy hour all the time, I picked up a thing or two about the way things work on that side of the business.

One of those few things that I do know is that the way Apple has launched the iPhone is innovative and risky. It could either put Apple into the stratosphere of corporate society or knock them off their pedestal being the best of the best in reliable, functional, convenient and cool technology. Here is an interesting article about the launch and the PR work behind the scenes. Pay particular attention to the part about the blog that drove stock prices down. It just goes to show you how much new media (like blogs, RSS feeds, podcasts, etc.) are affecting not only pop culture in America but the corporate bottom line of some of the world’s most successful corporations.

Apple will start selling the iPhone on Friday at exactly 6:00 in every time zone meaning that people in Jersey will get them before people in Chicago who will get them before people in LA. There isn’t really any logic to this staggered opening other then getting great earned media about the launch like this article about some idiots who have been waiting outside a New York retailer since today (Tuesday) in +90 degree heat to be the first to get their hands on the new iPhone.

Personally, the iPhone launch isn’t really changing my life. Sure, much like the iPod I will eventually get one (probably like all of you) but there is no way I’m going to wait in line to pick one up on Friday. Contrary to what those IT guys in my company are doing, I’m gonna wait this one out till at least the end of the summer till all of the kinks are worked out in the iPhone.

Those We Do Not Speak Of

Many of you are noticing that I have not been writing about “Those We Do Not Speak Of.”

No, not like the movie The Village, Those We Do Not Speak Of are not the monsters in the woods just outside of the village that are attracted to the bad color. These monsters live throughout the Tri-State area and congregate in the Bronx and sometimes around the country. Instead of the color red, they are attracted to money and they leave the places where they live to show up where the grass is cut nice and do horrible, horrible things that make thousands of people mad everyday.

Maybe if I do not write about Those We Do Not Speak Of, they will feel bad and start playing better. Or maybe get rid of Those Who Play Right Field and maybe Those Who Pitch in the Middle Innings and call it a season and start over. But one thing I do know is, as the summer gets warmer, the sun gets brighter and the people get happier, those who follow Those We Do Not Speak Of get more and more frustrated. Maybe I’ll start writing about those who I can speak of, the Newark Bears who are respectably over .500 and just a few games out of first place.

A Little Time Away

I apologize about being scarce in posting the last few weeks but there are new adventures at work that are keeping me busy. That, and down the shore weekends, the Bergen Barons turning their season around (slowly), BBQ’s, golf, weddings, christenings, and general summertime bullshit. With that said, I will be taking a few more days off and will be back after the 4th of July with all new posts.

New restaurant reviews will include Ninja New York, Union Landing in Brielle, and a follow-up review of Cabana, only this time I’m reviewing the one in South Street Seaport. Have a great holiday weekend everyone and try not to get trampled but those horny techno-geeks on their way to buy iPhones. Later bastards.

2007-06-19T10:30:00.000-04:00

Bodies… The Exhibition

I first started hearing about the Bodies last spring when taxis all over New York had advertisements featuring the exhibit at the South Street Seaport. If you haven’t head of it, Bodies is a walk through exhibit that features real human remains and even full body human specimen in an attempt to teach the visitor more about the human body.

Bodies is featured in a few cities in the US and throughout the world and is becoming one of the more popular teaching tools for many teachers -- and I can see why. I learned more about the human body in the hour and fifteen minutes that I was there them through years of science and anatomy class.

The body parts and specimen come from a Chinese medical school and are dried and preserved through a process much like when you vacuum seal last night's leftovers. Many of the bodies were displayed in athletic positions so you really can see the specimens insides and some of the displays really show what can happen if you don’t take care of yourself. For example, the room with all of the heart and lung displays will make even the most hard core chain smokers think twice about ever having a cigarette again. They had a real lung of a person that died of emphysema and as nasty as that was, the person's heart from years of smoking was even worse. They had a large glass container in the room in which people are encouraged to throw their packs of cigarettes out -- the huge container was halfway full.

Another fascinating part was the part about the female reproductive system. Seriously, you women have a lot going on inside there, all types of tubes and canals -- who knew? The room about fetal development was my favorite. I've scene pictures and TV shows about babies being made but to see actual fetus' at different stages of development, from 1 week after the embryo is inseminated through its 8th month. It's amazing to see the different levels of human development and it really gave me a new found respect for all of you aliens --- oops, I mean "mothers" out there who experienced the beautiful miracle of childbirth.

Tickets for the show were about $30 and well worth it. If you want to make a night out of it, go early in the evening and spend the night at the new bars and restaurants at South Street Seaport. They have a lot of things to do in that part of the city and you will enjoy spending the night.

To learn more about Bodies or to pre-order tickets, click here.

2007-06-18T14:04:00.000-04:00

Sweet Sweet Justice

I almost forgot to gloat! As you know, I have been all over former prosecutor Mike Nifong since the early days of the Duke Lacrosse rape case. After over a year of dragging these innocent kids through the mud for political/personal gain, Nifong has been disbarred in North Carolina and faces many well deserved lawsuits from these kids and their families. Since he can no longer practice law in the state of North Carolina, I can only help he will find a job as the clean-up guy in a 50 cent peep show.

I've written about this a few times and I have to tell ya, I rarely get this fired up. This case in particular irked me form the beginning. It was obvious that this stripper/hooker was absolutely not credible from the start as her story starting falling apart in the first week. Idiots like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson played their typical race card and stirred up tensions in the community around the Duke campus. I want to know WHERE THE F IS THEIR APOLOGIES TO THESE KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES?

Its time for them to be held accountable. Well, as accountable as those two shysters can be. It's not like you can suspend them from their jobs because these clowns have no discernible jobs whatsoever. At the very least they can do … and I mean bare minimum of civility and decorum here, is to apologize to the kids, their families and especially to the black community in North Carolina in which they fooled in believing this woman's case.

But for now I'll have to be satisfied with what's happening to Nifong here. It's nice to see people get their well deserved comeuppance once in a while.

Writer's note: Credit for the use of the word comeuppance must be given to my friend Chiapas, who uses it at least 4 times a day.

2007-06-18T10:47:00.000-04:00

Restaurant Review: Bonefish Grill in Secaucus
Among the best seafood places in North Jersey

Looking for fresh, well prepared seafood in North Jersey? There was a time when your only legitimate choices were South City Grill in Jersey City and Rochelle Park, the Sea Shack in Hackensack, the Chart House in Weehawken and McCormick & Schmick's in Hackensack.

Well now there is another spot that deserves to be on that list, and quite possibly right under Chart house on the top of that list -- Bonefish Grill in Secaucus. And you thought Secaucus was only good for landfills, dirty movie theatres and convenient places to dump bodies of dead hookers.

I've been to Bonefish a few times before for drinks but never had the opportunity to eat dinner there before last week. The restaurant has been getting a good buzz from some of my coworkers and even from my friends Officer Mike and his wife who tell me it is their new favorite restaurant. Some pretty strong words from people that know their fish and enjoy good wine. So I decided to check it out…..

First, I did a little homework on the restaurant and found one of its best features online. If you are like me, you sometimes get a little confused about different fishes and what they taste like. The Bonefish website has a section called, "The Dish on Fish" where they give specific details on every fish they serve. From where the fish is caught, to what the fish looks like and tastes like, this site is easy to navigate and provides a fun learning experience about fish. Pretty cool.

Bonefish is situated oddly near the Mill Creek mall in between some office complexes and some stores. They set up beautiful outside furniture in front with some creatively displayed palm trees as well. Walking in you see the bar area where the dimly lit atmosphere is enhanced by good music and a trendy after work-type crowd. The hostess was friendly and our waiter even friendlier as he explained the history behind Bonefish and their philosophy on good fish.

On the menu, you can choose from a creative list of appetizers, soups and salads and some specialty dishes. But the upper right hand part of the front page is where you want to be because that's where the fresh fish section is. Depending on the season there could be about ten different fishes to choose from. Once you complete the daunting task of deciding what you want, now you have to choose how you want it prepared. All seafood is seasoned and cooked over a wood burning grill and served with your choice of lemon butter sauce, Virgin Mediterranean Sauce, warm mango salsa or Pan Asian style.

First we had the appetizer of all appetizers, their signature Bang Bang Shrimp. I did have the opportunity to try this before and have to say its one of the best things I've ever tasted so I had to get more. These are lightly breaded gulf shrimp tossed in this amazing spicy cream sauce eaten with chop sticks and served over a bed of greens. You MUST get this appetizer the first time you go there or you will be missing out on a seriously important life experience.

After the shrimp came the entrees, I tried the salmon topped with gorgonzola cheese, spinach and bacon and a side of grilled vegetables off of the specials menu and AO had the sea scallops and gulf shrimp served in the virgin Mediterranean Sauce (which she claims was named after her). Our food was perfect and in fact was even better then I could have expected. Even our martinis we had with appetizers and the glass of sauvignon blanc we had with dinner were phenomenal.

Our waiter was fun and friendly and the service and presentation was on the mark. For the entire dinner complete with appetizer, two marinis and two glasses of wine, the bill came to about $75. A comparable meal at Chart House of South City Grill would have had us up around $160 at this point.

Bonefish Grill is an outstanding seafood restaurant located in the last place where you would expect to find such a gem of a restaurant. The food is, for all intents and purposes, perfect, and the prices were a downright steal. Bonefish Grill automatically ranks among one of the overall best restaurants I've reviewed on this blog because of the quality of food and service that you get for a reasonable price.

Comparatively, you can try one of the better NYC seafood spots, pay $6 for the toll, $30 for parking, $180 on a dinner for two and years off your life getting frustrated sitting in traffic of you can do yourself and your significant other a favor and head on over to Bonefish Grill in Secaucus where the parking is cheap, the food is phenomenal and the prices are unbelievable. Congratulations to Bonefish Grill on becoming one of my "go-to" local restaurants -- keep up the good work.

On a side note, after dinner we saw the movie "Knocked Up" which was hilarious. I don’t do movie reviews but I do recommend seeing it for a good laugh. Oh, yeah one more thing before I do some work on this hot Monday morning….. Congratulations to the New York Yankees who took 2 out of 3 from the lousy Metropolitans this weekend and have Boston within their sight.

Let's go Yankees!!!!!!

2007-06-15T17:01:00.000-04:00

Running for a good cause

Most of you know exactly how I feel about people that run marathons, but I'm putting my own personal hatred (and, frankly my jealousy that I will NEVER be able to run one) aside and asking you to support a good cause.

My man Moe Green has announced on his blog that he will be running in this year's ING New York City Marathon. I, in turn, have announced that I will be along the route somewhere, most likely drunk, cheering Moe on to the finish line.

Moe is running with Team Continuum, an organization that helps cancer patients and their families by paying off any mortgage payments or basic bills that they may have fallen behind on from being out of work. His goal is to raise $2,500.

If you would like to help Moe by encouraging my readers to click here and enter in the name "Maver" and follow the instruction to make your tax deductible donations. On a personal note, I have to say I have a lot of respect for Moe for running 26.2 miles. You're either very determined or very crazy but wither way, I'm impressed man... good luck.

Also, as some of you know I am running the 5K "Tunnel to Towers Run" on September 30th. I'd like to get a group of people together to run it and maybe raise money for a good cause as well. Please let me know if you are interested or have any good ideas.

Have a good weekend you bastards… let's hope Roger Clemens hits Jose Reyes, David Wright and Carlos Beltran tonight and the Yanks sweep the weekend series. 10 in a row bitches!!!!

Upcoming reviews: Bonefish Grill in Secaucus and the Bodies … The Exhibition

2007-06-14T12:22:00.000-04:00

BON JOVI TO OPEN NEWARK'S PRUDENTIAL CENTER WITH SERIES OF CONCERTS FALL 2007

It's official! Bon Jovi will be playing 5 shows at the new Prudential Center in Newark the last week in October through November 1st.

Click here for details and special promotion and click here for link to Ticketmaster.

So if you're interested, buy tickets NOW!!!

See you bastards there!!

2007-06-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

The End of an Era
"Bid riggin. It's got bag men, whores...it's fascinating."

What can I say about the Sopranos that haven’t been said before? Simply put, it was the greatest written, most popular series of all time that made HBO a staple in almost every American household. The cast was phenomenal, the acting was brilliant and the storyline (although many disagree with this one) was one of the best ever.

Last night's finale was typical of almost every episode over the last 8 1/2 years …. it had funny parts, it had a frustrating ending, it had ambiguous parts with hidden meanings and it caused people throughout the country, especially here in New Jersey to talk about it all day long. To truly understand its significance, Satin Dolls, the strip club on Rt. 17 that doubles as Bada Bing, held a Sopranos party last night where the girls stopped dancing for the entire hour out of respect for the show. That's impressive.

One part that I really didn’t understand was how easy it was for Phil to get whacked. Remember a few weeks ago when Phil was talking with his boys and put the official hit on Tony, Bobby and Sil? Well Phil goes into this whole thing about how the Jersey crew is weak, they don’t make money anymore, they don’t have the manpower anymore and how New York runs shit. If that's the case (and I believe it is) how do you explain Phil getting hit by one of the few remaining Jersey guys? There are like 3 guys left in Jersey and a whole organization across the river.

By the way -- who is Carlo? This dude shows up in the last few episodes and plays such an important role? He flipped? The FBI agent says "We are going to win this!" when he finds out Phil's dead. Interesting.

How cool was it that the other FBI agent slept with that other agent to get info about Phil and called Tony from bed when just a few scenes before his wife is busting his balls about his food getting cold? AJ, the kid everyone loves to hate, changes so much in about 15 minutes… from a whiney, bitchy suicidal depressed kid that wants to join the army to a film executive driving an M3 and banging that model chick?

I've heard several theories on last night's episode already, here are a few:

1. In the credits, they listed a number of the names of the guys in the restaurant with Tony in the final scene. The guy at the counter was Nicky Leotardo (Phil's nephew), one other guy in there ripped off Christopher in an early episode and 2 other guys were the ones who took shots at Tony very early on.

2. Tony's dad was killed the same way, in a restaurant eating dinner with this family. Maybe Tony gets killed in front of his family, AJ becomes the next Tony?

3. As far as the scene going black at th4e end, remember Tony and bobby's conversation a few weeks ago on the boat about getting killed "you wouldn't even know it had happened: everything would just go black."

4. What's with the cat? Remember Tony was talking to Pauley about why he wants to keep the cat? Because he caught a rat in the basement? Does it mean anything that the cat was staring at Christopher's picture the whole time? And cam and sat next to Pauley outside of Satriallie's?

5. What was the significance of Journey's "Don’t stop believing" playing during that last scene? I liked the ending.

This show was never about simple ending and easy to figure out story lines. The ending makes the viewer think, and realize that there are 10 different ways that that family dinner could have ended. Well done Mr. Chase. Let me know what you thought about last night's episode.

2007-06-04T17:52:00.000-04:00

I must admit ......

Red Sox fans do have a sense of humor. This was the scene over the weekend in the field section right where A-rod warms up in the on deck circle.

Pretty funny guys -- this next scene is A-Rod having the last laugh as he hits a game winning 9th inning home run off of everyone's favorite smug, arrogant punkass closer, Jonathan Papelbon.

2007-06-04T17:07:00.001-04:00

Another Gem from the Phat Phree

This one from Miles Hurley is brilliant!

2007-06-04T14:19:00.000-04:00

Is it just me.....

Or is anyone else having a really shitty Monday because Sil isn't around anymore?

I never realized how important he was or how much I appreciated his character. I liked him so much more then Pauley, Bobby, or the other Jersey crew guys.

Speaking of, what Phil was saying about the Jersey crew and how "there are no scraps in my scrapbook" was phenomenal. All his points about the Jersey operation was right on. Ya know in hindsight, Tony was not a good manager and was not a good boss. He never spent enough of time cultivating younger guys and he never took tradition and "rules" that seriously. As in typical fashion all things are left up in the air until next Sunday and all the water cooler talk today revolves around the future of the family.

I know there are a lot of you who bitch and moan about the last two seasons of this series but you have to admit we are all going to feel a little bit of a loss when it's gone for good. It's been a part of our lives here in New Jersey and a part of American culture as a whole. It will end being the most watched and highly acclaimed series of all time -- cable or not. The Sopranos will be sorely missed and David Chase deserves the credit of being one of the greatest writers/creators and executive directors of all time.

Yes, there were a few slow and puzzling episodes throughout the 6 seasons but that what I appreciate most about the show. Like in the real world, sometimes there are slow boring periods, and maybe a few wacky dream sequences but they all add a little to this collage of episodes we life. I will miss this show terribly but I would assume that history will do this show the justice it truly deserves.

I would assume that the complete 6 seasons will be available on DVD box set in time for Christmas. I look forward to my next few "sick days" where I can lay on the couch and watch them all back to back. As for now, get ready to say goodbye to an important part of our lives and quite possibly the most creative, thrilling, suspenseful well produced piece of theater made since Shakespeare.

PS. a guest appearance by Eric Mangini -- BRILLIANT!!!

2007-05-30T14:27:00.000-04:00

Dan Mangan must be fired

I take people's careers very seriously and I understand the consequences of loosing your employment. People have bills to pay, they have families to support and I very rarely feel so passionate about someone being a complete and utter failure at their job or being so blatantly irresponsible in their craft that they deserve unemployment.

With that being said, New York Post reporter Dan Mangan must be fired immediately. He broke all sorts or unwritten rules regarding responsibility and integrity as a member of the media, he broke unwritten rules of loyalty towards a hometown sports team as well as just about ever common sense man law ever made. Dan Mangan not only needs to get fired, he needs to be taken out behind the New York Post building and have the shit kicked out of him buy every man in that organization.

Mangan is the staff writer who incomprehensibly wrote the front page story in this morning's New York Post entitled, "A-Rod's a Yankee doodle randy - Hits a strip joint with Toronto babe." In this sleazy tabloid type of an article usually reserved for Lindsey Lohan or Andy Dick, Mangan goes on to detail an evening that Yankees All-Star third baseman had with a young lady. He writes about the steakhouse that they went to for dinner, then the strip club that they visited afterward and even how they walked into the elevator of the Ritz Carlton together.

Where the F is the journalistic integrity? Where is the sense of loyalty to a hometown team (that happens to be in the middle of a horrible losing streak) and more importantly where is your loyalty to your fellow man? What if this chick is a friend or a girlfriend of one of his teammates? What if she is his cousin from Toronto? Or, what if, A-Rod and his wife have some type of open relationship agreement?

It's none of this dude's business and he has no right to print it on the cover of one of the city's biggest newspapers. Seasoned sports reporters and beat writers with any sort of moral compass would have never --ever -- written a story like this. They know that what happens with an athlete off the field, especially a married athlete, is out-of-bounds. Athletes are not celebrities. They get a pass on this kind of stuff and they always have.

Could you imagine what would have happened if New York reporters wrote about the nightlife of Babe Ruth? Of Mickey Mantle?

As if this piece couldn’t get any worse, this douche bag goes on to say that neither Cynthia Rodriguez, A-Rod's wife, nor his 2 1/2 year old daughter was anywhere in sight.

And they put the wife's picture in the article! Shame on Mr. Mangan and shame on the New York Post for printing this. I hope management comes to their senses and fires Mangan immediately. I hope the next time I hear from Mangan he's writing articles about ass infections of Golden Retrievers for Pet Lovers magazine.

2007-05-30T12:10:00.000-04:00

The continued demise of self responsibility

Yet another reason why we as a people are doomed

"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves," Ronald Reagan

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has announced the creation of a new worthless, unnecessary and frankly insulting bureaucracy, the Office of Nutrition and Fitness. The task of this taxpayer funded boondoggle is to "tackle the obesity problem through education" and to "de-moralize the massive portions served in restaurants."

You read that right, the state government here in picturesque New Jersey, has taken it upon themselves to spend what will undoubtedly be millions of dollars in salaries, public relations campaigns and administrative costs to teach New Jersey kids that being fat isn’t good for you. Has it really come to this?

This article by Linda Johnson of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that New Jersey in particular, needs this sort of agency because " The Garden State has the highest percentage of overweight and obese children under age 5, at 17.7 percent, according to a 2004 survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New Jersey also has many black and Latino youths, who are more likely to be overweight than white youngsters."

Solet me get this straight. New Jersey kids are fat, and fat in particular because we have a lot of black and Hispanic kids, and they, are really fat. And to combat the problem of fat kids, and more specifically fat minority kids, we will launch this program, whose stated goal is to get independently owned restaurants to make their portions smaller. Yes, the portions of food that people actually pay for and like to eat.

We need a government agency to tell our kids that eating Whoppers for breakfast and ice cream for lunch and sitting in front of the TV for 7 hours a day is a bad thing? What then, is the responsibility of oh, say parents, guardians and teachers? Seriously, what a crock of insulting bullshit.

Parents and teachers have the responsibility to teaching kids proper eating and exercising habits -- not the government. And if by chance, one of you liberal readers out there bring up the argument of lil' fat Johnny who grew up in a home without parents, and attended schools with big fat teachers who never taught him the value of exercising and who never, by chance, had the feeling of self worth or the gumption enough to go outside and play a little B-Ball with the other kids in the neighborhood I have an answer for you. At some point lil fat Johnny is going to be old enough to read and watch TV by himself. He will be bombarded by men's fitness magazines and early morning aerobics classes on the New Jersey Network. He will learn, through various methods of outside stimuli (maybe even by reading a book) that a diet of mozzarella sticks and Ho-Ho's ain't the best thing for ya.

C'mon people, we are better then this. As an evolved and educated society, government must allow people to make their own choices and live their own lives and rely on billion different resources out there to choose to live the lifestyle they want. Governor Corzine needs to show some resemblance of fiscal integrity and stop creating nonsensical way to yet again waste more of our hard earned tax dollars.

In the meantime I'm gonna order a nice big fat steak this weekend. The steak will be the size that I want and will be the steak that I will pay for because I, unlike the people that our government intends to protect, can make a decision for myself.

2007-05-24T16:59:00.001-04:00

Restaurant review: Fig & Olive - Kitchen & Tasting Bar NYC

What do you get when you cross traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a creative New York twist and a one of a kind olive oil selection? -- Fig & Olive in the meatpacking district.

If you're heading to the city for dinner and you're absolutely starving, this may not be the place for you. I'd recommend Fig & Olive if you are looking to go out for drinks and some small appetizers and cheese plates type of thing. Let me explain.

Walking in you immediately notice how cool the décor is in this place. It's bright and well lit behind the bar and the display shelves to illuminate the thousands of bottles of olive oil that are also for sale. The tables are small and very close to one another but that's typical for this type of NY hot spot. The crowds on the weekends consist of trendy, good looking meat packing district types out for a good dinner.

The menu is filled with a ton of choices of small and flavorful dishes that you can pick from that best enhance the taste of the olive oil that is featured in that particular dish. It's like a tapas bar except with Mediterranean food instead of Spanish food. They feature fresh vegetable plates (some interesting combinations), cheese plates, assorted olives (with cool descriptions of each) and carpaccio plates.

At first glance, the prices are very reasonable and you may think that you will get away with a relatively affordable night but here is the secret to this place. They offer a pretty extensive martini list with your choice of three different olives. The waiter will stand there and go through the taste of each particular olive and how it infuses with your choice of vodka. So of course, like anyone normal person would do, I had to have three martinis, each with different olives. By martini number three I'm ordering carpaccio and cheese plates one after the other and eating this delicious bread that was served to each table with three different olive oils, one from Italy, one from Spain and one from Greece. Each olive oil had it own distinctive taste and for the first time I start to realize how cool it is to have a real taste for-- and knowledge of-- olive oils. There is a whole subculture in with this stuff -- it's actually very cool.

Overall I have to say the Fig & Olive was a phenomenal place to have a light dinner and some drinks. I only tried their meatpacking district location and have not tried their uptown location, but I'd defiantly recommend Fig & Olive to any of you looking for a different and original kind of dining experience.

2007-05-23T14:41:00.000-04:00

When in doubt, turn to Buddha and don’t bother wearing panties….

I've intentionally stayed away from the Page 6/ Inside Edition type celebrity fodder that used to fill the pages of this blog back in the day. Over the last year blogs like Perez Hilton and TMZ have hired armies of full time staffers to update you all on the latest guy to play "stick it and run" with Lindsey Lohan or to document with excruciating detail the slow and painful "comeback" of Britney Spears.

But from time to time when I find that gem of a story, I feel the urge to share it with you all. That leads me nicely into today's news snippet which carried the headline, "Done with Schwarzenegger and God, Paris Hilton turns to Buddha for help."

Like many other Americans disenfranchised with traditional organized religions like Catholicism and Judaism, I found solace and peace in the wonderful teachings of Buddha, and most recently the Dalai Lama. Maybe Paris Hilton, who suffers from many of the same vices that I suffer from, has also found her way by following the eightfold path and trying to find her own personal enlightenment.

I must say that although I was never a fan, Miss Hilton has shown the integrity, the desire to change and the willingness to look to Buddha to find the answers of life's most difficult questions not in outside stimuli -- but within herself. And to make her path to enlightenment a little more comfortable and sexy, she is doing it wearing this thin silk dress without any trace of a bra or panties on underneath.

Let's all learn a valuable lesson form Miss Hilton … just because you found religion, doesn’t mean you still can’t be a little trashy. Happy Wednesday bastards.

2007-05-16T14:10:00.000-04:00

Personal thoughts from the treadmill on a Wednesday morning

6:36 AM - This is good, I'm feeling really good today. I'm glad I got the giant size can of Rockstar Energy Drink. I'd be done with one of those small Red Bulls by now. Maybe one more set on the ab machine before I hit the treadmill.

6:41 AM - You know what? Maybe I should forget the treadmill altogether and just lift a little more. Maybe some more chest presses, perhaps some tricept dips? Summer is like two weeks away, gotta look bigger… cardio is for women and gay guys…..

6:45 AM - If I don't do cardio I'm gonna feel lazy and shitty the rest of the day …and I know it… just do it and get it over with… fat bastard … fat bastrard … faaaaaaaat bastard…..

6:49 AM - (slowly walking over to the treadmill section of the gym, wiping my face with a towel) Uuuugghhh… this sucks…. cardio sucks…. I'm sweating more even being in this section of the gym … I want to go back to the weight room… maybe all of the treadmills will be taken and I'll be forced to ride a bike instead

6:51 AM - No luck, there she is …all shiny and clean with SportsCenter already tuned into the TV … must be an omen … I'll take this one…..

6:52AM - I'm tired and I just want to go home… this is bullshit… this is going to suck and it's not fun at all … I need to tie my shoes again….

6:58 AM - (Walking - .12 miles) Ok this isn’t so bad… a nice brisk walk before I start the run… limber up a little… its probably good for you ya know… to limber up … don’t want to just start running …that sounds harmful in some way … I thought I read that in some running magazine or from my high school track coach….

7:03 AM -- (Walking .37 miles) Now walking is getting boring and I'm breaking a sweat … damn it's hot over here… at least it looks like its turning out to be a nice day today… I'll just phase out and think of all the fun shit I'm gonna do today and look out the window while I warm up … I'll walk a good mile before I start the run… that sounds good…

7:07 AM - (Walking .57 miles) I have the concentration ability of a mosquito on crystal meth…. I'm such a loser… I'm walking and this fat chick next to me has been running for (looking over at her machine) 22 minutes! … you have to be shittin' me… this fat chick has been running for 22 minutes… wow I suck … I think the other people on the treadmills are looking at me walking and are realizing that I'm a loser too … I can’t wait to finish my warm up mile so I can go balls out and sprint this mile .. man that will feel good…I'm gonna run a 7 minute mile!

7:11 AM (walking .95 miles) Oh shit … my warmup mile is almost done and I feel just like I did 13 minutes ago .. except more sweaty … hey, maybe I can scrap the whole running thing anyway … I mean walking is good cardio … why run? I can go home shower, change and head to the office early if I don't run … yeah that's it …get some work done… drink a little coffee… maybe write a blog …

7:13 AM (Start of run) I had to eat that f-n double patty melt from Wendy's on Monday night didn’t I? I'm such a fat loser … all weak I'm eating good shit then I gotta go stop at Wendy's on my drive home from my central Jersey office… why didn’t I just pack some carrots and celery in some Tupperware and leave it in my car? That would have been smart … I still feel that f-n burger in my stomach … that's why I need to run … cause I suck and I'm a fat loser with no self control …..

7:15 AM (Running .22 miles) Carrots and celery in Tupperware? What the f was that? I mean sure eating Wendy's is shitty but then again so is eating carrots from a f-n Tupperware container while driving … just run don't think … and don’t look down … this will go by faster if you down look down at that screen that measures your distance … just watch SportsCenter and zone out to this Podrunner mix ….

7:17 AM (Running .42 miles) holy shit I'm dying … no, I actually feel like I'm dying … this Rockstar shit is giving me heart palpitations… I don’t want to die on a treadmill at New York Sports Club ... that’s no way to go out … I always thought I'd die saving a baby in a fire or of a Viagra overdose at age 85 in a Vegas hotel room … but not like this … just a little over half a mile left young man … press on … think flat stomach on the beach this summer … tall wafey Scandinavian models fighting AO just for the opportunity to lay on the blanket next to me … yeah that’s it … girl fight .... hair, boobs and sand everywhere ... run you bastard ...

7:19 AM (Running .68 miles) you have GOT to be kidding me … this thing is broke… I must have ran 3 miles already, I'm telling that guido looking guy at the desk to fix his f-n treadmills before someone kills themselves … I'm sweating my ass off and that Podrunner mix which was once so inspirational is now annoying and making me angry … I hate everyone around me and more importantly I hate people that actually like this shit … on my way home I'm gonna pull over at the sight of the first jogger, get out of my car and kick him right in the balls … ah, that would feel great …oh god, make this stop … maybe if I increase the speed I'll get over this faster … here I go ….

7:22 AM (Running fast .86 miles) Why am I making so much noise? My foot steps are thundering throughout the whole gym … this isn’t natural … no 6'2", 215 lb. guy should be running a mile … this is unnatural … this has got to be bad for my knees … I'm gonna need a hip replacement in a few years if I keep this shit up … there should be a law that only 150 lb. people should run distances … this is awful … I now welcome death ….almost there…

7:23 AM (Running fast .97 miles ) Almost there you fat bastard … see what happens when you drink all weekend, sneak cigarettes when you're drunk and eat Wendy's? … your body doesn't take kindly to this kind of exercise … I deserve to be in pain … but I'm almost there … gotta finish strong ….

7:26 AM (Walking again, slowly, panting and wiping sweat off my head with a towel) … yeah baby, that wasn't so bad ... damn, I'm a real distance runner … I need to go out and buy some cool Nike running gear so I can take to the streets this summer when I do my 7 or 10 mile runs … yeah that's it … I can’t wait for that 5K in October … forget that, I'm calling Moe Green to do a nice half marathon from Manhattan to Brooklyn or some stupid shit like that …this is great ... I feel healthier already ... maybe I should run another mile after work … I think I lost about what, a good 6 maybe 7 pounds right there. … boy I'm gonna write a blog about how much I love cardio … maybe I can be like the Tony Robbins of running and inspire others to be like me …

7:28 AM (Limping awkwardly to the locker room) … I still hate running and I always will … I'll be back here again tomorrow to do another mile … this sucks and I will never, ever like it … but if I have to pull one halfway decent thing about doing this 4 times a week, it's that it does feel good forcing yourself to do something that you hate so much…

2007-05-15T18:05:00.000-04:00

Restaurant Review: Balocco in Clifton

Many of you have said that my restaurant reviews tend to be generally positive. Some of you may even wish that for once I came out with a scathing negative review. Fret not my friends, I've been to Bolocco in Clifton and I'm ready to talk about it.

Situated obscurely behind that old monastery area on Rt. 3 East in Clifton, Bolocco has a unique built in feature that gives it an automatic advantage -- an amazing Cliffside Manhattan view. That view, and the valet parking were just about the best qualities of this establishment.

AO and I were there early and went to the bar to have a drink and wait for a few other couples who were joining us. There was a really bad Sinatra impersonator and a piano guy who had the volume so jacked up in a relatively small bar that made it impossible to think let alone hear. We sat at a table by the bar and had ridiculously expensive drinks served by some nasty waitress.

Once the entire party was there we were escorted upstairs to our table where we noticed that we were one of only two tables eating dinner on a Friday night -- an ominous sign. Another bad sign was when the first two bottles of wine that I ordered for the table weren't in stock and the waiter recommended something that tastes, "as good as that one," but turned out to be way more expensive and tasted like grape juice and urine.

The appetizers and meals themselves showed a little promise, you can tell that the chef knew what he was doing, but the portions were too small and the obnoxious waiter made for a shitty experience. He was one of those guys what likes to make really corny jokes and bother people and who you can tell was trying to rush us out of there when the other table left. Not for nothing but the tip was included because there were 8 people so you know you were going to get taken care of … why not try to be a little extra nice and hope we order yet another bottle of overpriced wine?

In short, Bolocco is the newest version of the restaurant to occupy that location and since its so obscure and so out of the way, they really had to make this place special. It failed miserably. Crummy service and outrageously overpriced food can't be overlooked because this place had a decent view. Next time you are in Clifton looking for a good meal, pass Bolocco and try Rutts Hut.

2007-05-13T19:19:00.000-04:00

OUCH!

I rarely write about golf because I know a lot of my readers are not huge golf fans but I got to take this one exception. Was anyone else watching the Players Championship this weekend and see this kid Sean O’Hair take Phil Mickelson to the wire and put two tee shots into the water on the 17th?

Only other golfers will understand the feeling of playing above your head for a round and getting to the end of the course and being in close range of beating a guy that’s clearly better then you. It’s one of the best feelings in the world. This feeling also brings on the thought that you need to take risks to keep up with that other guy --- the deadly combination of self doubt and the need for over compensation.

That’s exactly what O’Hair did on the treacherous and famous 17th at Sawgrass where he headed to the penultimate hole toe-to-toe with Mickelson and decided to take out the long club on the 17th – not once, but twice putting the ball in the water and taking him out of contention. What a devastating final round for this young man, $747,000 poorer because of these two ballsy shots and richer in the knowledge and experience knowing how to play such difficult situations on the golf course and in life.

Good luck to you Mr. O’Hair – I hope you recover from this and more importantly, learn a great lession.

And for the rest of us --- have a great start of the week and enjoy your Monday. I hear the weather will be nice for the next couple of days and you should do what you can to take advantage of such a great opportunity and enjoy being alive to experience such a beautiful day. Go outside, take a long drive with the windows down, call your loved ones, wish your mom a happy Mother’s Day again and don’t be afraid to crack a random smile for no reason.

Enjoy bastards……K. Rove.

2007-05-08T11:08:00.000-04:00

Restaurant Review: Cabana - W. Palm Beach Florida

I'd venture to say that 90% of my loyal readers are from the tri-state area so you may think that this post may not be immediately relevant -- but bear with me here. This post may sit neatly under my restaurant review section for a few months, maybe even a few years, until that time when you find yourself in South Florida, with some Cuban girl (or guy) you met at the club last night who wants to go out for some Cuban style food before returning back to your hotel for a night of wild drunken fornication. But you're a dirty guido (guidette) from Jersey -- what the hell do you know about Cuban food in West Palm Beach?

That's were this review comes in. You remember your old friend K. Rove wrote about this spot a while back and you use it to your advantage. Who's you boy?

Cabana Nuevo Latino , located on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach right across from the Fountain at Centennial Square. Being that the weather is basically always perfect in West Palm, there is outdoor seating starting late in the morning throughout the night. The décor is very Cuban/Florida fusion with loud and upbeat Cuban music blasting outside from the restaurant. Near the restroom is a wall of fame that included a picture of Rudy Giuliani. There were plenty more celebrities on the wall but I was a little tipsy at the time and can’t recall all of them -- point being they had a wall of fame -- stop busting my melons.

Cabana is a nice place to spend a lazy afternoon drinking sangria and people watching. Because AO and I ate there in the afternoon, we tried the white sangria (although it's rare that I drink the white) I have to admit they made it pretty good. I read something about their "famous" mojitos and had to try one before we left and it was alright. To tell you the truth, the mojitos at Sabor in North Bergen are better and more authentic -- but these were ok.

The food was decent, lots of Cuban influenced dishes but hardly authentic Cuban cuisine. I'm not saying that in a bad way, it was actually cool. We had some garlic shrimp over rice with some plantains, various tapas and some lime chicken dish which was all good. The service was quick and friendly and the meal was not too expensive. After all was said and done the bill was less then $100 which was great and made it well worth the visit.

So if you're ever in the mood for Cuban food while in West Palm, check out Cabana -- and good luck with that hookup from the club!

2007-05-06T15:21:00.000-04:00

WELCOME BACK!!!

During the 7th inning stretch of Sunday’s game, the crowd’s attention was directed to the owners box where Roger Clemens, wearing a suit, announced to an insane crowd in the Bronx that he was once again a Yankee and would be coming back this year!

This season just got a shot in the arm ---welcome back Rocket!

2007-05-04T16:03:00.000-04:00

Action Packed Weekend Ahead

With so much going on this weekend it may be easy to loose track of the really important things. Sure, the Yankees are back home to take on the Mariners this weekend and the Mets are in Arizona all weekend (tonight's matchup between John Maine and Randy Johnson should be good), tomorrow is the national get dirty tequila drunk holiday of Cinco De Mayo and of course there is the much anticipated De La Hoya vs. Mayweather fight is being billed as the best boxing match in years.

But the real can't miss action is this Sunday at 1:00 when the Bergen Barons(1-2) take on the Nutley Raiders (1-4) at Owens Field in Nutley in exciting Roy Campanella Unaffiliated Minor League Baseball action!

Have a great weekend bastards.

PS -- Tom Brady is a Yankees hat -- PRICELESS!!!!

2007-05-02T08:08:00.001-04:00

A call for a suspension

There are some things in life a guy just doesn’t do. You don’t bang your friend’s girl, you don’t use bottom shelf vodka in a martini and you don’t jinx a no-hitter. Those are three simple rules to live by that will pretty much get you through life in good standing. Last night, Yankees YES announcer Kenny Singleton broke one of these rules and deserves to be suspended immediately.

The Yankees, desperate for a win, roll out their 20 year old phenom Phil Hughes to the mound against the Rangers. The kid was impressive from the start and somewhere around the 4th inning, Yankees fans across the world started to take notice that the kid was throwing a no-no. Baseball by nature is a superstitious sport and there are certain traditions that were handed down form generation to generation that must be followed.

It is common baseball etiquette and basic human karmic law, that players, announcers, coaches and fans cannot utter the words "no hitter" when a pitcher is going for one past the 5th inning of a game. When a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter, his teammates will not say a word to him on the bench – often standing on the other side of the dugout as to not even make eye contact with his and even more importantly, never utter those sacred two words. Fans and broadcasters also share these same responsibilities as the Karma forces are lurking everywhere and taking notice of how many ignorant people are jinxing on of the most difficult feats in sports.

I was sitting on the couch with AO last night talking about the “situation” that Hughes was in without ever saying those words. Later, in the sixth inning while on the phone with the downright giddy Historelli, we were both careful not to break the rule.

But as the game went on I noticed something that was increasingly agitated. Ken Singleton in the Yankees broadcast booth was purposely dancing around those sacred two words for three innings. But it was until the start of the 7th that I lost my mind when he flat out said that Hughes had a “no hitter” going. U-F-N BELIEVABLE”!

The following set of circumstances were inevitable.

One batter later, Hughes, the young savior of our starting staff tore his hamstring following a pitch with one out in the 7th. Hughes left the game, never getting the chance to finish the game and most disturbing will be out from 4-6 weeks with the injury.

I am calling for the suspension of Ken Singleton from the broadcast booth for intentionally taking actions detrimental to the organization. He should be placed on suspension for at least the amount of time that Hughes is on the DL. I have lost a tremendous amount of respect for Mr. Singleton and await immediate action by the organization. That, my stupid, stupid friend – is Karma.

Side Note: How nice was it to see Jonathan Papelbon blow that save in the ninth last night? Sweet.

A call for an Investigation

So the buzz throughout the NFL over the weekend wasn’t all about the draft – it was about the acquisition of the ethically challenged wide receiver Randy Moss by the New England Patriots. If Moss pans out, the Patriots will once again be favorites to win the AFC East (causing the Jets to settle for the Wildcard) and would most likely be the favorites to win the Super Bowl. But before we give the Lombardi Trophy to Bill Belichick in his sweat-stained snot ridden gray sweatshirt – let’s just think about one thing.

Randy Moss is a punk. He’s always been a punk wherever he’s played and I expect nothing less from him when he goes to New England. Since I am a big believer in our justice system and a huge supporter of the law enforcement community, I would like to preemptively call for an investigation into Randy Moss.

Sure, I can’t technically prove that he committed a crime – but there is a good chance he did something – or is just about to do something illegal. Look, I’m not telling the Boston Police Department how to do their jobs but I’m sure this guy is smacking around some strippers, driving around with guns and weed in his Escalade or at the very least clockin’ somebody with a champagne bottle at a nightclub. I’m just sayin’ maybe you guys should look into this a little bit. I mean it’s only a matter of time before Moss is behind bars (hopefully in a cell next to Manny Ramirez) and as a Jets fan, I’d like to see it happen before the season starts. Let’s get on that.

A call for you to man-up

Lastly, I’d like to call out former CIA Director George Tenet for being the biggest scumbag of the week. Yesterday, Tenet released his book that slams the Bush administration in almost every possible way including allegations that President Bush had made up his mind to invade Iraq as soon as he got into office. Those are some big claims there, and Tenet has every right to make them -- if of course he wasn't part of the problem in the first place.

The problem I have is, if he was coerced into fabricating evidence to go to war, if he knew the administration was starting a war under false pretenses, and then he had the responsibility as head of the nation's intelligence agency, to act immediately. Whether that act is to confront the administration directly, to resign, to go to the press -- whatever the case you can't provide faulty intelligence as a basis for war, publicly support the president's effort, receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in December of 2004 and then try to sell a book talking about what a debacle the war is. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Tenet was part of the "problem" to begin with and a huge part of the reason that we went to war in the first place. You can't, in good conscious, sit on your hands and shut your mouth while serving as the head of the CIA and then write a book about how the president and his men were a bunch of bullies. You don’t get to do that -- and you certainly shouldn't get rich by being such a low-life. I hope his book bombs and I hope history will treat Tenet the way he deserves to be treated -- like the incompetent crybaby he always was.

Good day Mr. Tenet!

2007-04-27T14:48:00.000-04:00

K. Rove’s Best and Worst List – Spring 2007

Best New Cocktail – Introduced on a limited basis last summer, Tanqueray Rangpur Gin is a smooth tasting, rangpur lime infused gin that is the perfect compliment to tonic. If you are a gin and tonic fan, you will love this twist on the old classic. The next time you are at your favorite watering hole ask if they have Tanqueray Rangpur – trust me on this one.

Best TV Character – If you are not watching this season of Entourage – I seriously have to question your judgment. Entourage has taken over Soprano’s as the best series on HBO – and I’m not overstating that. The actors (Jeremy Piven might be one of the best actors alive), writers and producers (props to Marky Mark) deserve a lot of the credit for keeping the show fresh, funny and interesting but some of the accolades go to a new character this season – Amanda, Vinny chase’s new agent. Played by actress Carla Gugino, Amanda is hands down the hottest character on TV right now. More then just her looks, this chick is smart, she’s got a foul mouth, she doesn’t take any bullshit from anyone, she looks hot in a business suit and even hotter making coffee in her underwear (did you see that scene in last week’s episode? Oh My God!). Props to Entourage and even bigger props to Amanda. I just hope she lasts a few more episodes cause as we all saw at the end of last week’s episode – she is now bangin’ Vinny. This is MUST watch TV.

Best Non-Alcoholic Drink- In general I’m not a big fan of beverages that don’t fall into one of categories of coffee or booze, but I must admit that if you are looking for something really good to drink, check out the new iced teas from Snapple. Snapple came out with a new white tea in nectarine, green apple and raspberry flavors, a green tea in original, mango and Asian pears flavors and a red tea in mixed berry, peach pomegranate and mandarine tangerine. Although I haven’t tried them all yet, the ones I did lead me to the conclusion that these are the best iced teas in stores right now. Try some out this spring.

Best thing to do this weekend – If you are looking for something to do this weekend other then getting drunk on Saturday morning at your NFL Draft Day party, check out the Tribeca Film Festival that started a few days ago and runs through May 6th. There is a huge selection of movies this year and plenty of theatres that are participating. For more information, click here.

Best new cologne of the spring – It smells very similar to LaCoste Essentials but since that is probably the best warm weather cologne on the market – take it as a compliment. Nautica Island Voyage which was released a few months ago is the best new release in the men’s cologne market so far this year.

Worst way to spend your spare time: I had to throw in at least one “worst” thing on this list. Lately I’ve been noticing a disturbing trend popping up at bars all around New Jersey: No-Money Texas Hold’em Tournaments. What a complete and total waste to time.

Why the hell would you go to a bar, with 50 other idiots and sit around a table for hours on end with play money pretending you’re one of those professional poker player assholes. I had the misfortune of going to a sleezy dive bar last night with Ricky and witnessed this phenomenon first hand. I was amazed at the level of stupidity that these people had achieved. There were actually guys with sunglasses on, listening to iPods and trying to trick each other into putting money fake money into the pot. These people need to get punched in the face.

I like gambling. I prefer betting on sports rather then table games but I can attest to the fun and excitement of going to AC or Vegas and spending a few hours loosing your hard earned money at the black jack table. Although I’m not a hold’em player, I understand that it is a fun game judging by the amount of people that play it. But have some self respect and decency and if you are going to play, play for money. Jeeez. What’s next – sitting around the TV with your buddies watching football and calling up the bookie to play a $500 bet on the Bears with monopoly money? This is ridiculous. As Moe Green put it, “Gambling with play money is like kissing your sister.” Well said, Moe – I couldn’t agree more.

2007-04-26T10:14:00.000-04:00

The Next Rocket?

The Yankees starting pitching staff is in shambles. Mike Mussina and (predictably) Carl Pavano are on the DL and Kei Igawa has been getting smacked around like trailer park hooker. So who will Yankee nation turn to tonight in the Bronx to put an end to their dismal loosing streak?

None other then the most hyped pitcher in the minor leagues and 2004 #1 draft pick Phil Hughes. This 20 year old right hander has a fastball in the mid 90's and a sharp breaking ball.

He looked pretty impressive in Spring Training and after a couple of "mediocre" starts for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, he gave up 2 hits and notched 10 strikeouts in 6 innings last week against the Syracuse Chiefs.

Tonight will be Hugh's much anticipated first major league start. In a perfect world he would have spent more time refining his craft in the minors but due the current circumstances -- the Yankees need him now. I'm not putting too much stock in his first major league start but and am looking forward to finally see him pitch in the majors.

Yankees vs. Blue Jays, Tonight, 7:05, Ch. 9

2007-04-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

I may be good for something after all

Over the last couple of weeks I've been running into random Theravada fans, most of which I had no idea still read this blog. Something that I heard over and over was how sometimes my restaurant and bar reviews are helpful.

We've all been in those situations where you just can’t decide where to go tonight and time is getting short. Well, maybe my blog can be helpful. That is why, after fooling around with some blog options this afternoon, (and after my man at the Daily Doormatt helped me out), I was able to create this new archive you see to the right. I will be posting all of my restaurant and bar reviews in one place, in alphabetical order, for your easy access.

Yeah, I know, I'm the best --- have fun bastards.

Upcoming reviews: Fig and Olive NYC, Cabana West Palm Beach and Balocco in Clifton

Side Note: For any of you who think I am writing restaurant reviews this week to divert attention from the Yankees 4 game loosing streak including a three-game sweep in Boston -- you're absolutely right.... go F yourself.

2007-04-24T13:13:00.000-04:00

Restaurant Review: Sabor Latin Bistro in North Bergen

Dying for authentic Cuban food, great Cuban music and some authentically made mojitos but can’t wait for Castro to finally kick the bucket? Wait no more my little ninas y ninos, try Sabor in on River Road in North Bergen.

If you’re like me you know River Road in Weehawken and Edgewater but not in North Bergen. Well apparently, that street does run through a small section of North Bergen. Sabor is located on the left hand side if you are heading north toward fort Lee and on your right if you are heading down towards Hoboken/Weehawken.

Arriving at Sabor I immediately noticed the small parking lot. But, have no fear, their complimentary valet service was there to take care of things. Walking in you are immediately hit with lively Cuban music, the smell of fresh fish dishes and the sites of beautiful Latino girls with long flowing dresses congregating by the bar.

We were taken upstairs to the second level where we were seated a small table by the window with a great partial view of Manhattan. The service was accommodating and friendly and the waitress took the time to explain the items that were written in Spanish. Immediately I was impressed by the extensive mojito menu, which featured all types of innovative naturally flavored mojitos served with your choice of moderate to expensive rum. As creative as the mojito menu was, no drink exceeded $10, which was nice. The mojitos themselves were served with a real sugar cane stick, fresh chopped mint leaves and real cane sugar. The difference was amazing and worth the trip to Sabor alone.

But then came the food. The menu was filled with creative fish specials, tapas, poultry and meats but as soon as I heard one of the specials -- my decision had been made. It was a whole (head and tail included) red snapper, cooked, and sliced open and stuffed with blackened salmon, huge prawns and rice. On the side, there were grilled fresh vegetables, shrimp and rice and plantains. This was a special made for two people but three could have easy participated -- it was phenomenal. We sampled on various tapas and small seafood dishes and tried more mojitos.

Dessert was Spanish espresso and some Portuguese Cardinal, which if you have never tried it is a little tough to get used to but a great digestif nonetheless.

Sabor's atmosphere was authentic Cuban and the music was a great compliment to the dinner as a whole. The prices were very reasonable (figure on spending $100-$120 per drinking couple) and after diner you are 5 minutes awa from Hoboken or to the Chart House for drinks. Hell, if your into the fresh mojitos as much as I was, grab a seat at the bar and stay a while.

I highly recommend Sabor (they have another Sabor in Hawthorne by the way) as a great date spot, a good spot to have dinner with friends of just a place to gr5ab a great drink in a Cuban bar. Well done Sabor!

2007-04-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

Song of the summer?

You know how every summer has a few songs that get so big that the literally define a whole season. Well, I know it's early, but the just released song, Umbrella (no video yet) by Rihanna and Jay-Z is an early favorite to make that list. Have a listen, picture yourself driving down the Parkway in 80 degree weather with the sunroof open. Ahhhhh summer is almost here-- can you feel it!

Have a great weekend you little bastards!

2007-04-19T22:13:00.000-04:00

ANOTHER A-BOMB!!!!!

A-Rod might be having the best month of any player in the history of major league baseball and it’s only April 19th!

This afternoon, New York’s new superhero, Alex Rodriguez hit yet another 2-out, bottom of the ninth, walk-off home run to win the games for the Bombers. Click here (and click on the second audio file labeled Rodriguez's walk-off homer) to hear John Sterling lose his mind – it will give chills to any Yankee fan. Oh, yes, it’s another A-BOMB from A-Rod!!!!!!!!!

This amazing game set up the first, of what it going to be a season long epic battle between the winningest most respected and revered sports franchises in history and, well, the Boston Red Sox.

Friday night – 7:05 PM – Andy Pettitte vs. Curt Schilling in Fenway Park. WHO IS NOT WATCHING THIS???

2007-04-19T08:12:00.000-04:00

Early Morning Quick Thoughts

I have to admit that I haven’t really got a chance to think this through (other then the 20 minutes on the treadmill this morning) and I’m finding it really hard to put myself in the shoes of the NBC executive who had to make this decision. But, with that being said, I think it’s really f-d up that NBC released that video tape and those pictures of that kid that shot up Virginia Tech.

A caller into Opie & Anthony made a great point this morning. Shouldn’t the media follow the same basic rules as baseball has with regard to people that run onto the field? For all of you longtime baseball fans, you may remember back in the 70’s and 80’s when they used to show streekers running across the field and chicks that used to run by the dugout and lift their shirts. Yeah, baseball made the conscious decision that showing that stuff on TV only encourages others to do it as well.

Shouldn’t the same apply here? Buy giving this psycho all this air time in the last 12 hour aren’t they encouraging other psychos? Another example of why the media can be really powerful and REALLY dangerous.

2007-04-16T21:40:00.000-04:00

On a serious note, God bless those 32 kids form Virginia Tech and their families. It’s times like this when we are reminded of how crazy and sick people could be and how you really need to be thankful for every day you are here on earth.

Lesson of the day: Don’t take shit so seriously and be thankful for your loved ones.

2007-04-16T07:40:00.000-04:00

Must read column of the day

This originally ran in the 4/11 edition of the Kansas City Star so I’m a little late. Timing aside, columnist Jason Whitlock is quickly becoming one of my favorite people to read. This article is on point – well done Mr. Whitlock!

2007-04-16T00:39:00.001-04:00

Bar Review: Plunge: The Rooftop at the Hotel Gansevoort

I know on a rainy, shitty day like this is hard to imagine having drinks enjoying a warm Manhattan sunset with a breathtaking view among beautiful trendy people, but work with me on this one. This may be the type of review you need to get you thinking about all the fun stuff you’ll be doing once the weather gets nicer.

Long story short, this isn’t one of those reviews that I intentionally set out to write. Due to a crazy set of circumstances, a surprise party last week in Hoboken, an April Nor’easter that cancelled a down-the-shore trip, and a hectic and unpredictable work week, I was two days away from my girlfriends birthday weekend without any solid plans. For those of you who know me, you know how stupid and neurotic I am about these things and how much I need to have events like this planned out way in advance. I like taking the time to plan trips, dates and dinners and I hate rushing things -- that’s when bad nights happen.

So I’m on the phone with DT and I tell her that I’m going to be having dinner on Saturday night in the meatpacking district and I was looking for a pre-dinner drink spot. She recommends Plunge, the rooftop indoor/outdoor bar at Hotel Gansevoort. I know many of you have already been to Plunge and I’m a little late with this review, but cut me some slack.

Fast forward a few hours later and I’m having drinks with AO at one of the most beautiful Manhattan spots I’ve been to since Rise (See the Rise review in the July 2006 archive). It’s actually a similar type of lounge, only in a busier part of the city and frequented by a younger, better looking crowd.

Walking into Hotel Gansevorrt I was totally impressed, The layout of this hotel is beautiful, lobby was clean, trendy and young – much like the overall theme of the lounge. We take the elevator to the penthouse level and the door opens up to Plunge. It was early in the night, probably about 7:15 and the sun was still slowly setting. The first thing that I noticed was the sheer size of this place. It takes up almost the entire roof of the hotel, including the area around the pool. There are small cocktail tables with comfortable leather chairs lining a removable glass wall with another set of tables and chairs on the outside of the wall near the railing.

The majority of the view is to the West, overlooking Downtown Jersey City. The indoor lounge to the right was typical trendy meatpacking, lots of couches and sectionals but without the pretentiousness of bottle service. I’m sure they do offer bottle service but it was nice to see that they offer the option to grab a great table and open a tab. The music was great, sort of a newer type of background club music with a little hip-hop mixed into it. The crowd was downright beautiful, a nice mix of singles and couples, and I’m sure a few swinging couples. There were a few rich wall street guys dropping serious cash, a few hungry looking waifey models, a few older business guys with girls have their age and a couple of B & T types – like us.

I had a few negroni’s and AO had a few mojito’s – all of which were excellent. The bartenders and wait staff were friendly and drink prices were city typical, but nothing outrageous. Although it was a little cold out Saturday night, it was still nice enjoying the view from what might be the tallest building in the district.

In summary, Plunge is a great good-weather drink spot in a neighborhood that although crowded and overly popular, still has a few good seasons in it. It’s a great date spot, a great couples spot and a comfortable place to meet friends and coworkers after work. How many places can you say that about these days? I highly recommend Plunge, and will make it a point to be back there a few more times this spring and summer – hope to see you bastards there. And yes, of course, props to DT for the hookup.

Ironic sidenote of the day: Remember Christopher's after party for his movie premier in last night's Soprano's? That was filmed at Plunge.

Soon to be reviewed:
Sabor, North Bergen
Fig & Olive, meatpacking district

2007-04-11T15:23:00.000-04:00

I TOLD YOU!!

Breaking News: An excerpt from a statement just released by the North Carolina Attorney General:

The result of our review and investigation shows clearly that there is insufficient evidence to proceed on any of the charges. Today we are filing notices of dismissal for all charges against Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and David Evans.

Following my suggestion in the April 18, 2006 edition of The New Theravada (just kidding -- but it was a great blog) charges against all Duke Lacrosse players were dropped because of insufficient evidence. I must say that this case in particular makes me madder than pretty much any other current affairs issue. From the start I thought these kids were being railroaded because they were a bunch of rich white preppy kids going to a good school and the alleged crime took place in a black neighborhood and involved a black stripper.

I just hope that former district attorney Mike Nifong is disbarred, and is subsequently sued by all indicted members of the lacrosse team. These kids have had their lived virtually ruined because of a political ambitious scumbag, spurred on by a bunch of know-nothing community activists and bandwagon jumpers.

These kids deserve an apology from every single unscrupulous douche bag that appeared on FOXNEWS, CNN, MSNBC, etc. and had their reputations ruined. Every African American activist, liberal blogger, so called "legal analyst" and other miscreant headline-grabbing know-nothing degenerates to have that had the balls to suggest that these kids were guilty of the charges levied against them, without actually being there to see what took place, should all offer written apologies to the boys and never be taken seriously on any issue ever again.

This really pisses me off. Above all else it pisses me off that the justice system can be used for political gain, albeit a short political gain, and be used to ruin the lives and reputations of innocent people. All involved should be ashamed.

2007-04-11T13:35:00.000-04:00

Don Imus, Tony Soprano and A-Rod
What a crazy week this is turning out to be

The I-Man and the comment

The Don Imus/ Rutgers Girls basketball situation is turning out to be the story of the month. It didn’t have to be if things were handled properly. Everyone has their own opinion about whether what he said, in the context he said it, warrants him being fired from his radio and TV programs. I'll reserve my opinion about the comment and I'll just state that I am no fan of Don Imus. Personally, I'm more of a Howard Stern and Opie and Anthony guy and I never really found him that funny or entertaining. And besides, the guy is really boring, his speech is so slurred he is barely audible and he looks freaky in his stupid cowboy hat.

So he gets into hot water after his comment on the air last Wednesday and goes into panic mode. His well paid PR guys take "control" of the situation and he issues a formal apology on the air on Friday. But that wasn't enough in their opinion.

On Monday morning he goes back on the air and apologizes again, almost breaking down in tears and then goes on Al Sharpton's radio show in the afternoon. Sharpton, a shrewd and savvy media guy, grilled Imus for the length of the show, made him look stupid, made him apologize over and over again and still maintained that he should be fired. Yesterday morning Matt Lauer grilled Imus on national television and while not as harsh as Sharpton, still made him look weak and stupid. Imus was suspended for two weeks from both of his jobs because of this incident.

In my opinion Imus deserves to be punished, not because of his comments but because anyone stupid enough to handle a media situation like this deserves to be punished.

First, why the hell would you go on Al Sharpton's radio show? Who even knew this idiot had a radio show?

Sharpton is a hack. He is a race baiter who makes his living off of inciting race tension in any given situation. Sharpton doesn’t speak for the "black community", he doesn’t represent Rutgers University and he certainly doesn’t represent the young women on the Rutgers basketball team. Sharpton is a fraud. From the Twanna Brawly incident to almost starting a riot in Brooklyn between the Jewish and Black communities over an unfortunate car accident, Sharpton's "career" feeds on idiots taking him seriously. I seriously question the judgement of anyone who puts him on camera and asks his opinion, frames him as a spokesperson for the entire black community in the United States or feels the need to issue an apology to him.

The point is Imus never, under any circumstances should have talked to Al Sharpton or Matt Lauer for that matter. He should have apologized to Rutgers University and more specifically the women's basketball team. He rightfully will meet with them to apologize in person and apologized over his airwaves to anyone that might have been offended. That should have been it. Imus himself caused this media firestorm that doesn't seem to be dying down. He deserves what he gets and he should hire some new PR people that can better handle a crisis situation like this.

Still a great storyline

Like many of you I've been anxiously the start of the final season of the Sopranos. Much like last season, the people who only watch the show for gratuitous violence, sex and bad language have been complaining that this first episode was too slow and drawn out. I'd argue otherwise.

I think that is set a solid storyline for the rest of the season and hinted to who will take over the family once Tony leaves. What we know is the feds are starting to reveal that they might have a credible case against Tony, that Bobby, after f-n with Tony while drunk, did the right thing and made his first kill. He showed that he has a little backbone while AJ's behavior is starting to make me think that something really bad is about to happen to him. I think AJ will get killed off. You heard it here first.

(Is it just me or do you want to grab AJ and lecture him about the future he has in front of him and how he needs to grow up and started acting right?)

Anyway, I liked the first episode and actually thought it was a little better than the first episode of Entourage, which I thought was a little uneventful. Ari looks out of character this season and looks pathetic trying to get Vince back as a client. And there is something totally hot about his new agent. She's not your stereotypical beautiful girl, but there is something about a well dressed, smart ass successful powerful chick like that.

Turning out to be a better storyline

Many of you are probably just as amazed and happy as I am to see A-Rod off to a record breaking start. Last night he hit his 6th home run in 7 games in Minnesota, breaking the Yankees team record and more importantly had that walk-off grand slam on Saturday afternoon that won’t soon be forgotten by Yankee fans. Yes, an A-Bomb by A-Rod.

I have to congratulate all of the A-Rod apologists and sympathizers out there (including my girlfriend) who have defended this guy over and over again for the last two years. I'm still not going to be wearing an A-Rod jersey anytime soon but it's nice to see him finally looking comfortable in New York, a task that is probably harder that most people realize.

That’s all I got for now folks, it’s a hectic week and I hope everyone is having fun. Oh, yeah … and nobody I know had a baby this week!

2007-04-06T13:47:00.000-04:00

It sucks to admit when I'm wrong.

But alas, after a few months of talking shit about Boston's $103M untested arm from Japan, Daisuke Matsuzaka shut me up yesterday -- BIG TIME.

He did it by scattering 6 hits over 7 innings, giving up only one earned run, one walk and an astonishing 10 strikeouts. Well, that’s one way to shut me up.

Props to the little man and the Boston fans who believed in this dude throughout the winter and stood by Theo Epstein's decision to spend so much money on him. Yuck.

2007-04-05T11:20:00.000-04:00

Babies, Baseball and the Islanders Ice Girls -- What I'm thinking about on Thursday Morning

Good morning everybody! I know it's been over a week since my last post and I appreciate all of you for telling me how lazy I am and how bad I suck. A special shout-out to one of my favorite people and former campaign fundraiser for telling me that she gets sad every morning when she goes to read the blog and finds out that I haven’t posted. This one's for you kid (even though you never post comments!).

New Babies

First, let me take care of a few housekeeping items. Following on what seems to be a theme this year, I am happy to announce the arrivals of a few more babies in the last month or so. I know I usually do marriage and baby announcements one-by-one one but since it seems like everyone I know doesn't know how to date and have protected sex, I'm forced to do a monthly recap. (You people really need to stop).

I'd like to welcome baby Robert Anthony to the world and congratulate his parents Big Rob and Lisa, baby Mikayla Joan and her parents D Rock and Michelle, baby Harrison and his parents DT and DT and lil' Lucy Emerson to my favorite Democratic attorney and his lovely wife. For those of you keeping score, that’s 4 babies in the last few weeks in my inner circle of friends and associates.

New Season

Ok, with that out of the way let's get down to business. Everyone is back from Florida and baseball season, by far my favorite time of the year, has officially begun. The Mets are off to a 3-0 start and of my unfortunate friends who happen to be fans of the team from Flushing are as expected, overly optimistic. I'd like to caution you all to please calm down. Yes, it’s a nice start but you starting rotation is still suspect and your bullpen doesn’t exactly strike fear in the hearts of opposing teams. Remember that pitching does ultimately win games and in a long season these things tend to even out and weaknesses become apparent. Take it easy Mets fans.

And for those of you who laughed at me (Moe Green, Officer Mike and Druks) when I told you that my two sleeper teams in the NL were the Pirates and Brewers, I'd like to point out that the Pirates are 3-0 and the Brewers are 2-1.

As for the most successful franchise in the history of organized sports, the Yankees are off to a nice 1-0 start but it's hard to take anything more from this series because we are playing the Devil Rays. I'm just excited to see the boys back in action.

For those of you wondering what game to watch today, its definitely the debut of the over hyped and over paid Dice-K who will get the start this afternoon for the Red Sox in Kansas City. Personally, I'll be glued to my computer hoping that the Royals light this kid up. Stay tuned.

New Technology

Speaking of watching baseball, I just bought the MLBTV Premium package for the season for $120. This allows me to watch every MLB game live on my computer at any time. The best selling point was the Mosaic feature, which allows the view to watch up to 6 games at one through their computer. Sounds great right?

Yeah, I thought so too until I bought it. There I was on opening day, trying to watch the Yankees on my office computer and the site was down. Dead. Crashed. Inoperable. So I try calling the customer service hotline and it's overwhelmed with calls from other angry baseball fans from around the country having the same problems as I had. So Instead of canceling my subscription right then and there, I decide to cut these bastards a break. So later that nice I download the software you need to watch the Mosaic TV. Well, first the files are huge and take up a lot of room on your hard drive and it takes forever to install. Once installed guess what -- it doesn't work. I called customer service again only to find out there is all types of glitches in the system and Mosaic TV isn’t working right either.

I'm a patient guy but this is ridiculous. I'm canceling my subscription to MLBTV right away. Well, right after the Red Sox game this afternoon. I'll try again next year.

And just as a good business piece of advice to the folks who make way more than I do over at MLB -- make sure you get your shit together before you go launching a national subscription service that costs $120.

New Low for the Rangers

The story of the day has to be the incident involving New York Rangers goalie Hendrik Lundquist and a few members of the New York Islanders Ice Girls. I first heard the story on Opie and Anthony this morning and then read up on it in the Daily News.

First let me explain, that for decades it was common for arena maintenance guys, mostly fat dudes with plumbers-crack, to come on to the ice during TV time outs and clear excess ice from the goalie creases. Years back, the Islanders had the brilliant plan to hire hot 18-26 year old girls called the Islanders Ice Girls to skate their around is skimpy outfits and clear the ice. Brilliant!

We'll on Tuesday night the Rangers are playing their rivals at the Coliseum and the normally grumpy and overly superstitious goalie Lundquist refused to leave the goalie crease during a time out. When one of these chicks was skating by he allegedly took a swipe at her squeegee with his goalie stick -- cause her squeegee to bruise her stomach. Poor thing.

To make things worse, another ice girl claimed that a Ranger on the bench spit at her during the next time out. Totally unacceptable. Guys, I'm all for rivalry here and I do enjoy a nice bench clearing hockey brawl. But let's keep the rivalry between the men on the ice and leave the chicks out of it. This is just another incident in the long line of reasons I am no longer a Ranger fan. Go Predators!

Have a good Easter weekend -- catch you guys next week.

2007-03-24T15:03:00.000-04:00

Restaurant Review: Esca in NYC

Last night I had the pleasure of having appetizers and drinks at Mario Batali’s newest New York restaurant, Esca, located on 43rd between 9th and 10th in Hell’s Kitchen. For us New Jerseyans, it’s really easy to get to since its right outside of the Lincoln Tunnel – just gab your first parking lot as soon as you get into the city and walk there.

I was meeting clients at the last minute so I didn’t have time to do my regular pre-dinner research so I didn’t know it was a Mario Batali restaurant before I got there. It was actually cool because I didn’t give it any pre-judgement. One thing that I did notice was the music in this place was pretty cool and very different from the typical stuffy Italian restaurant type background noise that you usually hear. I heard some Rolling stones, some Black Crowes, some Jane’s Addiction and even Moby.

I later learned that the music played in all of Mario Batali’s restaurants is actually taken directly off his i-Pod. I read up on this and apparently many food critics trash him for this but I thought it was a pretty cool touch. I believe that food, wine and music all combine to form a full dining experience and what better music to have then the type of music that the chef who created the menu listens to everyday.

This spot is a very original and well presented Italian seafood joint with an amazing wine list with an exclusively Italian selection. The list doesn’t include any Chianti or Pinot Grigio which I found interesting. I always thought of Chianti as one of the better Italian dinner wines, along with Multipulciano which I couldn’t find on the list either. But what the hell do I know.

The people I was with knew a lot more about Italian reds and ordered me a glass of Barbaresco, which is a strong bold and flavorful Northern Italian wine. I didn’t know it was $21 a glass but I gotta tell you it was amazing, and even more amazing because I didn’t have to pick up the check.

I had raw fresh sea scallops that were served with this lemon and oil sauce sprinkled with a parsley-like spice (I totally forgot the name) which was phenomenal. Then I had this carpaccio with crushed black pepper and this crab roe on top. It might have been one of the best tasting appetizers I ever had, seriously. Later on I had a cheese patter with had 5 different types of cheese all with their own history. I also learned that the menu changesevery two weeks and changes to present the freshest fish at the time.

All dishes were heavy on presentation and since we ate at the bar, we got to know Victor – one of the best, most knowledgeable bartenders I ever met. Even the overly trendy bar manager was intimately knowledgeable about everything including the type of soil and climate in the region where your wine was made. Pretty impressive.

From my many years as a bartender I didn’t think there were many drinks that I didn’t know how to make, let alone drinks that I’ve never tried. A rare exception was the Negroni, an Italian cocktail that while technically an aperitif – was flowing last night long after the food was over. A Negroni is made of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, served on the rocks with an orange rind garnish. The next time you’re out looking for a new ore-dinner drink, try a Negroni --- you won’t be disappointed.

As for the restaurant itself, I highly recommend it. I know that technically I didn’t even have dinner there but from the buzz around the restaurant, the music, the service and the menu, I can guarantee that you can’t go wrong with a visit to Esca. Click here to read more reviews – my writing skills are a little weak today -- those damn gin hangovers are really rough.

2007-03-20T11:47:00.000-04:00

MLB 2007: The Show
The game every baseball fan needs to own

This year's edition of MLB 2007 The Show is even more realistic and closer to actual real game play then its 2006 predecessor -- and that says a lot. Clearly, I must lay the disclaimer that the best video sports series is still Madden Football, but for those baseball fans out there, The Show comes in a close second.

This year's version is even more detail driven. See, the thing about this game as opposed to other baseball games and other sports series is the attention to detail. There are detailed scouting reports on every hitter in the league. Each team has a complete and accurate (well, as accurate as could be expected for a game that came out only a few weeks ago) 3-4 team farm system. Pitchers have realistic fatigue, relievers get warm at different paces in the bullpen and different catchers call games differently. One thing that I noticed that was completely different than the 2006 version was that some of a particular pitcher's breaking pitches break differently at different speeds. All of this adds up to a more realistic game experience.

Some may see this kind of stuff as too technical and tedious to every really grasp or understand. But that's the beauty of the sport. Let me explain.

There is one of my friends who happens to be a huge Madden fan. He has a very short attention span and plays every game, one after the other, night after night with the same team, running the same plays and to top it all off, doesn’t even save his game in season mode. There are no playoffs in his world, there are no seasonal strategies or injuries he has to deal with and saddest of all, no Super bowl championships. Just exhibition game after exhibition game, with the setting on rookie mode and his team usually winning by 20 plus points. As much as I don’t understand that kind of gamer, I do realize that much like there are different personalities out there in the word, there are different ways people play video games.

MLB 2007 is definitely not for everybody.

Right now I just started a season in franchise mode, a task that will require a serious commitment over the next few months of my life. I don’t get a chance to play as much as I used to but I still can squeeze in a few hours a week.

Here is how the franchise mode works: Basically you are the GM of the franchise. You manage and play with your MLB franchise but also oversee all things related to your minor league teams as well. You negotiate contracts with players, scouts and coaches, you set prices for beer and hot dogs and you design PR campaigns for your team and featured players. You have to buy a new plane if your team's plane breaks down, you have to trade players that are team distractions and you have to upgrade your training facility if your players think they don’t have the latest equipment. Players send you e-mails bitching about the weight room being too small, the manager not playing him enough or the media being too critical. Basically all things that a real GM has to deal with in real life.

Again, it may seem tedious to some, but this is baseball and this is what I love. Simply put, in my opinion MLB 2007 The Show is the best baseball game ever made and I recommend it for all the baseball fans out there looking for a new game this spring -- enjoy!

2007-03-19T10:21:00.000-04:00

Forget the Yankees, Bergen Barons Spring Training has started!

Who needs the Yankees in Tampa when the Bergen Barons are now practicing at an indoor facility in Oakland. Season starts on April 1st so if any of you are looking to catch some high quality semi-pro ball this spring, think about catching a Barons game.

70% of the earth is covered by water… the rest is covered by the right fielder for the Barons.

2007-03-18T23:51:00.000-04:00

Another Man Down….

I’d like to extend a big shout out to my man Killer Kaz and his beautiful girlfriend TA on their surprise engagement and their wedding date in a few short weeks.

They are one of my favorite couples and I wish them the best of luck. Judging by how much fun I’ve had at their parties in the past, this wedding should be something to remember. Congrats kids!

2007-03-16T11:15:00.000-04:00

Ou -zo crazy!

The NY Press has a Best of Manhattan Section for food and booze and I found this part interesting. As a big fan of after diner drinks (digestifs) such as cognac, port, sambucca, frangelico, that 150 year old Grand Mariner, etc., I was particularly interested when I came across an article on a cool way to drink Ouzo, my favorite Greek aperitif.

Here is what they suggest, " We've always liked anise-flavored liqueur—sambuca, pastis—but we love ouzo, if only for the ritual of drinking it. As Zen master teaches, ritual and form are the keys to understanding our existence, and there are both ritual and form to ouzo. We take ours neat with a cup of ice on the side. Such is how master taught us; so it is that we drink it. Sometimes, it's our aperitif, but often it accompanies a light meal of mezedes: saganaki (fried cheese), keftedakia (meatballs), tzatziki, taramosalata (fluffy fish roe dip), loukanika (sausage) and the like.

We add two cubes—no more, no less—into the glass of clear, thick liqueur; the mixture becomes cloudy. We sip slowly, savoring the bite of the anise, the layers of spices, then add more ice. We continue sipping and adding ice until the cold liquid has just a whisper of the original ouzo. Then, we order another."

Sounds good. I'm trying this technique next time I'm in an ouzo kinda mood. I bet this technique could work well with ouzo's Lebanese cousin, Arak, which I like as well. Enjoy.

2007-03-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday details

Although things are still a little uncoordinated, figure meeting at noon at Tempest Bar (formerly The Garden Tavern) located on 8th between 30th and 31st -- across from MSG. From there, its random dirty bar hopping for the rest of the day. Everyone keep your cell phones handy and I'll see you tomorrow.

2007-03-15T17:08:00.000-04:00

Random Thursday Nonsense

I've been listening to a new station on Sirius called Lithium which is a 90's alternative station (Ch. 24). They play bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Hole, etc. (Just heard Glycerine from Bush -- remember how good that song was?)

Anyway, I'm jamming out to "Trip like I do" by the Crystal Method and all of a sudden hits me. There is a whole generation of kids in their early 20's who probably think of this shit as oldie rock. Man that made me feel old. But screw them anyway because there was some great music made in the 90's, I don’t care what anybody says. So for all you little punks who can’t appreciate Weezer and Candlebox -- your loss.

For you Sirius people out there, check out Channel 24 -- this station rocks.

On another topic, we are supposed to be getting 3-5 inches of snow tomorrow? Are you kidding me? We have like 16 days till MLB opening day and it's gonna snow? I heard its going to be cold and shitty on St. Patrick's Day too. That sucks, but at least we have the Jameson to keep us warm. Yummm…….

OK- getting back to work … enjoy your Thursday and try to keep your pants on.

2007-03-14T18:05:00.000-04:00

Think you had a bad day?

Another gem from the Phat Phree!

2007-03-14T14:01:00.000-04:00

St. Patty's Day in the Big City

Last year enthusiasm from my close circle of friends about going out and getting drunk for St. Patrick's Day was downright embarrassing. I don’t know if it's because most of them are Italian, don't like the bar scene in Hoboken and Morristown or they just suck. The point is, although I love you all, and you know who you are, when it comes to St. Patty's Day you guys are atrocious.

Rather then spend another miserable holiday begging my lethargic friends to come out and have drinks with me, I made it a point to help lay the groundwork for an all day bash in NYC on Saturday. It should be a nice mix of my political friends, possibly some work friends, my girlfriend and her friends, etc. I think we will start somewhere in Midtown on the Westside and work our way downtown. As soon as we nail down an official meeting spot and time, I'll post it.

As I've done for the past decade, I encourage ALL of you to join me. For those of you who work on Saturday's I humbly suggest that this may be one of the very few Saturday's out of the year that you should really consider talking off.

Reason #72 why I love AC

I try not to get too much into local political stuff on this blog, but when I find a gem of a story, I need to report it. Most political types in New Jersey are following the story of newly convicted and sentenced former Atlantic City Council President Craig Calloway. It's really a great story of bribery, official misconduct, election frauds, hookers, hotel rooms in AC and all sorts of fun stuff. Definitely read about this guy if you get a chance.

As a great example of the mentality of a lot of political types in New Jersey, but more specifically in big urban cities, Calloway was driven to and from court by his brother who serves in a politically appointed position of AC's Public Works Director in a city owned vehicle. Sure, by far not the most egregious of offenses but it just goes to show you that in the minds of some government employees, there is no right and wrong -- just a whole lot of gray.

Still want to have kids?

128 felony charges including breaking into homes and businesses, stealing checks from seniors, and beating the crap out of police informants.

R. Rove's latest vacation to Vegas? Nope, it’s the charges against a 13 year old from Ohio who is the subject of the most interesting story of the day. Gotta love this kid!

2007-03-11T23:45:00.000-04:00

I'm Back!

I am back with a vengeance and a tan --- Happy Monday everybody!!!!

Damn I missed the blog, we have so much to catch up on … so let’s get started, shall we?

Waffle House

I’ve been down south for a while and I had the pleasure of eating out at a few good restaurants that I’d love to review. But since the majority of my readers are located in the tri-state area, I don’t think it would be worthwhile to give you a full blown review of Landry’s Seafood in Tampa or Bernini’s in Ybor City. (Landry’s was average and Bernini’s was good – that’s all you get)

But what I will do is take the time to talk about my new favorite breakfast spot, my new obsession and my latest get rich quick idea --- Waffle House.

For those of you who don’t travel south, you may not have heard of the famous restaurants that have about 1,500 franchises in 25 states. The quick and dirty of it is that Waffle House is an iconic type of 24 hour restaurant that is famous for being small, dirty, cooking their greasy food out in the open where everyone can see it and having these obnoxiously loud jukeboxes filled with hard core down-south rap like Master P and Big Boi. My kind of joint.

Sure, you may not take that new chick you’re dating for a romantic brunch at the local Waffle House but there its no food better to cure a nasty hangover and no better person to serve that food than an ill tempered trailer park hooker with a gold tooth and a second grade education that just hates your guts for coming in, wanting food and talking with a Jersey accent.

They may have gotten my order wrong, gave us coffee mugs with lipstick on it and the waitress may have almost punched my girlfriend for ordering egg whites and whole wheat toast but the Waffle House experience was enlightening. It was enlightening because the food, while totally bad for you and possibly unsanitary, was awesome and second, that they are franchising these little jewels all over the country. Now here is where I get rich. Right now, there are no Waffle House’s in Jersey and I argue that we desperately need one. I could have definitely used a Waffle House in North Jersey when I was in college and drunk every night.

That's where my brilliant idea comes in. Anyone want to look into the possibility of bringing the Waffle House franchise to New Jersey? I need some business partners … and some capital!

Thomas Jones

Props to the New York Jets and their strategically thinking management team for signing running back Thomas Jones from the Chicago Bears. Jones was one of the two back that carried the Bears offense on their back all the way to the Super Bowl last year and made up for the lackluster play of woefully inadequate quarterback Rex Grossman. Jones, who is a good combination of a speed back and power back should be a great addition to the Jets backfield.

Person that needs to be publicly executed

I’m sure everyone has heard by now that a scumbag degenerate is running around the Bronx mugging old women. Recently this guy even robbed a 101 year old lady, punching her in the face and fracturing her cheekbone. Thankfully she is ok.

Props to the police commissioner and all of the NYPD in the Bronx who have been working overtime and scouring the streets looking for this guy. I can only hope that they find this guy and the cops and his cellmates give him what he deserves for a long, long time.

Korn Unplugged

Did anyone else see the Korn unplugged session that has been airing on MTV lately? I think they did a phenomenal job, both on the way they sounded and they way they presented the show (goat masks, Chinese acrobat drummers, etc.) And although I thought it was a little weird at first, they had guest vocals by the chick from Evanesence and that dude with the hair from The Cure -- both of which came out great.

Anyone know why I can’t download this from iTunes?

Richard Jeni

On a sad note, comedian Richard Jeni (remember his old HBO special Platypus Man?) apparently shot himself in the face and committed suicide. Jeni, who was found alive by police, was battling depression for quit sometime. The comedy world will miss Jeni and this is just another reminder for all of you out there that are struggling with depression to get help before things get this bad.

The Grapefruit League

During my Florida getaway, I had the pleasure of visiting three spring training facilities: Legends Field in Tampa (Yankees), Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie (Mets) and Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Dodgers). Although I had the best time at the Yankee game, being a huge Yankee fan and seeing Bronson Shardinho hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, I have to admit that Tradition Field was the nicest facility. The Mets deserve credit for making the field accessible to the fans no matter what seat they are in, building fun concession stands like a tiki bar and speed pitch machine, picnic tables along the left field line and a grassy hill in Right field where people can watch the game on blankets and lawn chairs, etc.

If any of you are down in Florida in March, I definitely recommend catching some games -- it’s a whole different experience from seeing them during the regular season.

Daylight Savings Time

Props to the guy who decided that daylight saving should come three weeks early this year. I'm not sure on how this date is determined but I'm sure there is some person, or board or entity that decides this kind of stuff. And is you think about it, you are a pretty powerful dud if you get to decide when the sun comes up -- think about that.

But on behalf of all of you who will get an extra hour of sun in the afternoon -- thanks!

OK- I have to get to work to catch up on stuff -- but it feels good to be back and I hope you all enjoyed the frigid temperatures last week. I thought of you a lot. Thought of you while sipping fruity drinks in the sun!

Later bastards.

2007-03-02T19:54:00.000-05:00

K. Rove is on Vacation

See you punks next week!

2007-03-02T13:37:00.000-05:00

Another reason I'll never run for office

Being involved in politics over the years, I've gotten the same question over and over again from people I used to work with. From sweet old ladies to bright-eyed fresh out of college interns, it's the same thing:

"Why don't you run for office?"

My typical response is to give them the ol' K. Rove smirk and say something like, "we'll maybe someday," but the fact is that day will never come. I was actually a day away from filing my signature petitions to run for a spot on the municipal council in my hometown in 2001 -- before I got forced out because of, well a long political story.

Nevertheless, the thought never crossed my mind again. Besides, being involved in this game as long as I have you get to realize one thing --- the guy behind the guy is the one with the power. A few examples are how Karl Rove probably gets his phones calls in DC returned faster is then George Bush and how the handful of Democrat power brokers who got McGreevey elected really made all the decision s in New Jersey form 2001-2004. Trust me on that one.

The guy standing behind the podium underneath the American Flag backdrop wearing the blue suit and red tie is compromised. His speech is crafted by others, his policy decided by an inner circle of associates and his sound bites are the product of hours of standing in front of the mirror in his/her bedroom the night before. It's a show, and like shows in Hollywood the actors may get the fame and awards, but the producers make things happen and always make the money. I like producers - I hate actors.

I’d like to think I'd be a good state legislator. I know enough about state government to work the system a little better than some current legislators and I think I've identified enough avenues of ways to raise money. And I think I know how to be enough of a press whore to make sure I'd get the front page of the Star-Ledger above the fold more then a few times a year.

But when my urge to feed my ego in the media ends, so does my thought of running for office. Because not only do I like being the guy behind the guy, I'd NEVER be the guy.

The picture above is causing all types of controversy over the pond in the last few days. The long haired dude in the middle, you know, the one making the "jerk-off" sign -- that's British Prime Minister Tony Blair. (If anything people should be outraged by what he is wearing, but I digress) And that's the real reason why I'll never run for office.

My political die has been cast. I'm sure most of the readers of this blog have a picture of me in some sort of an uncompromising position or doing something that would, ummm, be considered illegal. I'd literally have to spend two years paying off all of you NOT to show those pictures, video tapes or to tell those stories to reporters before I even declared my candidacy.

But in the age of camera phones and e-mails, I doubt I'm alone here. So that leaves those of you, the very few, who believe that their past warrants then a shot at running for elected office. Unfortunately, those aren’t the people I want governing our country. Much like I don’t respect rappers unless they've done time for gun charges, I don’t respect my senator whose never smoked pot, my governor who has never been in a druken bar fight and my mayor who doesn’t have some crazy chick he used to date that is out to ruin his life by putting that video on YouTube.

Those things build character, those things give you perspective and well, life experiences. To sum up, I think we need to stop blaming Blair for the hand gesture, Clinton for the cigar-in-the-chubby-intern trick and all Bush the expensive Ivy League blow he used to do. We're all flawed and well, that's probably a good thing. If not, we'll get some morally correct, ethical righteous guy like Evangelical Pastor Ted Haggard.

2007-03-01T12:37:00.000-05:00

A New Theravada Exclusive:

Breaking News: It is with great joy that I report on the arrival of the world's newest Mets fan, Nathaniel Thomas, who was born this morning weighing in at 8 lbs and 15 ounces. The proud parents of little Nate are my man Moe Green and his beautiful wife Mrs. Green.

Knowing Moe, lil' Nate will soon be embarking on his career as a lefty relief pitcher. I'd like to officially be the first person to express interest in becoming his agent, and because of my close ties with the family, I am willing to work for a mere 15% of the first signing bonus and subsequent contracts and extensions.

(Endorsement contract fees and playoff bonuses do not apply. Agent reserves the right to re-negotiate contract with said player after the period of three years or at the end of term of fist Major League contact, whichever comes first)

Congratulations and best wishes to the family!!

2007-02-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

My Birthday Continues!

Quick props to Mr. and Mrs. Chiapas for my belated birthday present from overseas.

Mrs. Chipas’s sister, who lives in merry old England, tracked down two bottles of my favorite cologne, Versace Blue Jeans, which was discontinued a few years ago and is hard to get in the states. She then sent some over across the pond for my birthday present. It was very thoughtful and much appreciated and on behalf of all the people who will be enjoying the sweet smell of K. Rove over the next year… thank you! You guys rock!

PS. As a reluctant side note- props to Chiapas for the Giants beating the Buccaneers in overtime in last nights Madden 07 match up --- I could blame the bottle and a half of Shiraz for my defeat, but in fact it was your skill and talent that lead the Giants down the field on that last drive.

NOT!

PSS. 34 days till MLB opening day.....

2007-02-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

The Griffin Den

Those of you who went to high school with me will appreciate this. Adam Zagoria of the Herald News did an awesome piece today about a new phenomenon at Queen of Peace High School. Junior Ben Pitman started a cheering section for QP basketball games called the "Griffin Den" that has become a staple for both basketball programs and as Zagoria reports, is making QP basketball the talk of North Jersey sports.

Some of you who went to big sports schools may not care about this, but when I was at QP all of our sports teams sucked. Nowadays, QP football is a legitimate state powerhouse recently winning two state titles in a row and the basketball program is making great strides as well. Click here to check out the article and to see the video. Go Griffins!

2007-02-26T12:36:00.000-05:00

Making tax season a little easier

So I'm reading an article today in the New York Times (yeah, I know, it's THAT kind of day) and I some across this article about this accountant that does people's taxes in a bar in Hoboken. Brilliant!

Then as I'm reading I realize that I actually went to high school with this guy.

Anyway-- big shout-out to Carmine and props on his tax "invention". It's too late for me this year, but I'll be filing my taxes with you next year.

2007-02-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

Another good one from Phat Phree

For those of us who grew up on He-Man cartoons, you will enjoy this.

2007-02-20T15:23:00.000-05:00

Things that are making me happy this week

In the midst of a very busy time in my life, I want to take the time out to pause and reflect on the small simple things that are making me happy …. if only for a week.

Tarrazu Blend

First, and most importantly, after years of searching I am happy to announce that I have finally found the perfect morning coffee. For those loyal readers out there, you know that I'm a crazy coffee addict who will travel great lengths for a good cup of coffee. After trying every blend from chain stores like Starbucks to small independent neighborhood roasterias, I was pleasantly surprised to find my new favorite morning blend at Trader Joe's -- for only $6.99 a pound!

Trader Joe's has a pretty impressive coffee selection that can fit the needs of just about any serious coffee drinker out there. As I made my way though the selections, I was convinced that their 100% Kona blend, as is the case with most coffee suppliers, was their best blend. Indeed it was good, but at $19.99 lb, Kona gets quite expensive. I always try to keep a nice Kona blend around the crib for those lazy Sunday's when I drink coffee throughout the day, but its not like I can afford to blow through a pound a week. Some say Kona is over-hyped and over-priced -- but is one of the most consistent smooth medium to dark blends out there.

That's when I tried the Costa Rican Tarrazu blend. It's not one of their organic blends and it doesn’t come in decaf (not like that matters) but it's truly an amazing blend. Trader Joe's also only sells fair trade certified coffees to ensure that small coffee farmers are compensated fairly for their product. It’s a medium roast, on the dark side without any hint of a bitter or burnt aftertaste. It tastes good for up to an hour after brewing and has a perfect morning coffee-type aroma. I would suggest grinding the beans immediately before brewing and not letting an opened container lay around for more then 10 days. If you're looking for a nice smooth blend for the morning (even if you're the type to spoil your coffee with milk and sugar) Trader's Joe's Tarrazu blend is the way to go.

Robin Thicke

This may be one of those things that I like for a week and then hate for the rest of my life, but for now, I'm diggin' Robin Thicke's song, Lost Without You. It’s a smooth song with an old school almost Michael Buble-like feel to it, with some hip-hop inspired lyrics sung by a guy that sounds like Justin Timerlake (he's actually actor Alan Thicke's son). I'm not sold on Thicke's overall talent yet, but it sure is a good song with a really hot chick in the video. So for this week at least … I'm likin' it.

NY Sports Club in Clifton

Props to my man Chiapas for giving me the scoop on this one. NY Sports Club just built a huge-ass super gym right off of Route 3 in Clifton. The building is the size of your average warehouse with all top of the line equipment including treadmills with flat-screens and personal air conditioning units. Now that's how I like to run! All classes such as boxing and yoga are included in the $65 a month price and if you join before it opens on March 1st -- they'll waive the sign up fee. I just signed up over the weekend -- so if you're looking for a new gym, it's worth checking out.

Cucumber and Feta sandwiches

Sounds nasty huh? Yeah, I thought so to as my girlfriend made them for me over the weekend. They're actually pretty good -- but apparently you have to use the Middle Eastern Feta rather than the Greek Feta for it to taste good. Crumble some on top of a sliced cucumber on some wheat bread or toast for a healthy and good-tasting snack.

Knicks vs. Bucks

I'm happy this week because I'm looking forward to heading to the Garden Friday night to see the Knicks, who have as many wins at the All-Star break as they did all last season, take on the lowly Milwaukee Bucks. This should be good one to watch.

The Demise of Britney Spears

This crazy bitch. I've known some crazy bitches in my time and I can tell ya … this is one CRAAAAAAZY bitch. This weekend she shaved her head and got some bad tattoos and threw up outside of a club. She apparently also cried when she heard that Kevin Federline and Justin Timerberlake, both of her exes, where hanging out at some club over the weekend and making fun of her in front of a group of people. How funny is that shit?

Breaking news for Tuesday afternoon: She just checked into rehab again.

A-Rod saying stupid shit

Lastly, what is making me happy this week is the fact that A-Rod is once again popping off at the mouth and causing unnecessary drama by whining to reporters that Jeter doesn’t like him anymore. Well boo f-n hoo. As much as I want to kick Mr. $252 Million in the balls I realize something far more important than him -- baseball's back!

Oh, yeah, one more thing… 4 day work weeks -- that makes me happy too!

2007-02-12T15:25:00.000-05:00

That Warm Tingly Feeling
Love is truly in the air

There is something special about this time of year. Like many people you've probably been experiencing the winter funk lately. "The Funk" is a few week period out of the year, were the temperature is at it's coldest, the weather at its most brutal and the daylight the shortest. It seems like everyone is a little more stressed, a little more tired and nobody is having as much fun as they usually do.

For me personally, I too have been feeling the effects of the funk. I've been using every excuse in the book to skip days at the gym, I'm lost on Sunday's without football, and I've been dedicating all the free time in my life to a season of NBA 2007 on PlayStation II. Although I HATE reality shows, I've developed a crack-like addiction to The Surreal Life Fame Game on VH1 and I started reading cook books for fun. The low point of my winter was last night when I found myself sitting on the couch at my girlfriend's place watching Rascal Flats utterly destroy Hotel California at the Grammy's and commenting on just how under-rated of a talent Mary J. Blige is. The funk had gotten to me and this time -- I may not recover.

But I woke up this particular morning with a little more of a sense of purpose and determination -- and I'm sure I'm not alone.

There was something about this morning that was different from all the other mornings this year. I woke up with a smile from ear-to-ear and jumped out of bed with a certain happiness and a new skip to my step. It was a cold and dark 6:00 AM as I kissed my sleeping girlfriend goodbye and headed off to start my day. My morning coffee was a little bit better than usual, my shower a little warmer, and my drive to work not as congested. There was something different about today that warm tingly feeling… but where was it coming from?

Then I realized what day it was and more importantly, what happens this week. It's the greatest time of the year, a time when men are moved to love and passion permeates through the air like the perfume on a Vegas hooker.

It's a time when it’s ok to show the world that you are in love and it's ok to get a little emotional about it.

It's a time where as bad as some aspects of your life may be, at least she's there …. waiting for you with open arms.

She doesn't know of jealously, she doesn’t ever make you mad. She is reliable (except for that one time in 1994) and she's fair. She makes you happy every night that you're with her and even though she will most likely break your heart in the end -- you still come back for more.

Is it Valentine's Day what makes me so complete?

No my friends, it's my love baseball ………and we are officially dating again!

Tomorrow, pitchers and catchers report for duty as the 2007 Spring Training officially gets underway. This year the story lines are especially hot as the beleaguered National League got a lot better from the migrating of many key players from the AL like Randy Johnson, Gary Sheffield and Vlad Guerrero.

The Cubs, are all of a sudden a good team (well, good team on paper) with the additions of manager Lou Pinella and solid starting pitcher Ted Lilly. But the most important acquisition is that of Alfonso Soriano, one of the best players in the game today. I was such a fan of the former Yankee second baseman that I still wear his old batting practice tee shirt to bed at night.

The Red Sox have dumped $103 million into the untested arm of Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzuka who will hopefully suffer a complete emotional breakdown on the mound in Yankee Stadium, succumbing to the shear pressure of pitching in the Bronx. I only hope that in the next 2 years we refer to him in the same sentence as Hideki Irabu.

As for the Yankees, they have brought back an old reliable arm in Andy Pettitte, who as long as he stays healthy will be a great #3 guy behind Wang and Mussina. The middle relief is decent and Mariano is, well, Mariano so all they need is two other solid starters for it to be a good spring for the men in pinstripes. I'll be watching for two things this spring 1) whether Carl Pavano can pitch decent enough and stay healthy long enough for the Yankees to trade his ass and 2) to see how far the young flamethrower Philip Hughes came along in the off-season.

It looks like Bernie Williams may not be back with the team and I can only hope that he retires as a Yankee and stays in the system as a coach somewhere. Bernie is one of my all-time favorite Yankees and he deserves to go out with respect and dignity and I just hope he's not the 4 th outfielder for the Brewers this year.

St. Joe's contract is up at the end of this year and not many people are expecting an early extension. Torre, one of the most revered people in New York (In my opinion Joe Torre and Rudy Giuliani are the two most influential people in the city) may just go out on his own terms at the end of the season win or lose. That sets the stage up for the heir apparent to the coaching throne, Don Mattingly. Yes, you heard it here first -- well, maybe from Mike Francessa from WFAN first -- that Joe Girardi is the second choice to Donny Baseball among the people that matter within the organization. (see Steinbrenner and Cashman).

Over in Queens baseball fans are a lot less enthusiastic then during last year's spring training. Many people are saying that the 2006 Mets were the best chance for that team to go all the way and this years team is merely just an older, beat up version of last year's team. The Metropolitans will be pinning their World Series hopes on the fragile shoulders of senior citizens Tom Glavine and Pedro Martinez. Offensively that team is one of the most exciting I've ever seen, but unless they strengthen their stating rotation it's gonna be a long summer in Flushing.

For the first time ever, K. Rove will be experiencing spring training first hand as AO and I will be at Legends field in Tampa on Monday, March 5th to see the Yankees play the Tigers. We will also be heading over to Port St. Lucie to see the Mets take on Baltimore on March 8th. From what I hear, spring training games are all day events with practice starting at 8:30 AM and continuing through the end of the game in late afternoon. That's a lot of drinking and a lot of baseball folks.

The start of the 2007 season may be well over a month away but for baseball fans like me, it's starting already. So on Wednesday night when you look across the table into the eyes of your Valentine and contemplate ways to kill yourself because you absolutely HATE this holiday -- fret not my friend. Just remember that your mistress is waiting for you when you get home and she's wearing a dirty jersey and chewing some tobacco --- and that's just they way you like her!

2007-02-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

Experience, Timing, and the Rock Star Quality
Why Rudy Giuliani will be the next President of the United States

I’ve been a staunch supporter of Rudy Giuliani since he first became mayor of New York. As someone who used to go into the city a lot, I distinctly remember how the city was under the Dinkins’ administration. New York was dirty, crime ridden and the undesirables ran the show.

There were aggressive homeless people that would get up in your face as you walked down the street, there were these squeegymen who attacked your car at red lights and spilled urine filled bucket of water on your windshield and demanded money and the heart of the city, 42nd Street, was overrun with porn shops and hookers.

Giuliani’s approach was based on the “Broken Windows” theory that I learned about in college. It’s a theory of urban city management that says, the first thing you need to do is improve the small quality of life issues to make the city better before you attack the larger problem. Turnstyle jumpers, graffiti writers and those squeegymen were the first to go in Rudy’s bigger scheme of things.

His administration was not with out controversy as some of his tactics were criticized by many of the liberals, hippies and communist academics who said Rudy’s approach was too aggressive. Rudy’s implored these undercover plain clothes cops that would aggressively crack down on troubled neighborhoods one by one. I remember this professor of mine at NJCU hating Giuliani. He used to slam him for all of these “civil rights violations” and accuse him of not liking cops and firefighters because of his no-nonsense style of negotiating their union contracts. From Rudy’s perspective, just because he was turning around the biggest city in the world, doesn’t mean he had to raise taxes on residents to pay for it.

Rudy Giuliani is a Brooklyn guy who went to Manhattan College and NYU Law School. Besides a pretty sweet appointment to the Reagan Justice Department, Rudy made a name for himself by being an Italian US attorney for New York that went after organized crime – something that was done only on the surface before. Rudy actually called out the heads of New York’s “five families” and made these outrageous bold statements on how he was going to prosecute them. And he did. Rudy is credited as the person to have weakened the mafia’s hold on New York to what it is today. Not to say that the mafia doesn’t exist in New York – but few could argue that they run the city like they did in the old days.

As a testament to Rudy’s character he didn’t just prosecute mafia kingpins. He also went after white collar Wall Street types how until his tenure at the US Attorney’s office, have gone relatively unchecked. This says a lot about his sense of fairness, not only as a prosecutor, but later as mayor, and I believe soon, as President.

Rudy is days away form officially announcing that he will be running for President in 2008. Political analysis’s agree that Rudy is not your typical Republican primary election candidate. He’s pro choice, pro gay rights, pro gun control and has been married three times. He’s also a Catholic with an Italian last name – things that don’t exactly appeal to Bible belt conservatives that usually make up the majority of voters in a Republican Presidential primary. But as in politics and real life, sometimes you can get lucky by just being at the right place at the right time.

Unless something unforeseen happens, Rudy’s main challenge will come form US Senator John McCain, a nice enough guy who would be the oldest person to ever be elected President. McCain, a war hero and respected legislator, has no administrative experience and like Rudy, has some problems with conservatives. His one advantage is organizational support. Many State Chairmen, his fellow legislators and the machine that helped George Bush get elected twice are firmly behind McCain – things that make Giuliani even more appealing to Republicans like me.

Sen. Sam Brownback from Kansas, an uber-conservative Evangelical who’s claim to fame is trying to fine shock jocks on the radio, his disbelief of evolution, his anti-gay rights stances and his comparison of abortion to the Holocaust. This is just the type of dude that, if he stays in the race, can siphon off enough conservative votes to make the conservative right a non-factor in the 2008 primary setting the stage for a Rudy vs. McCain showdown.

That’s where I think Rudy wins this thing and why many of my McCain-backing colleagues are wrong. Rudy doesn’t have to appeal to the traditional Republican bases for support, nor does he have to go after the traditional fundraisers to raise money for him. Rudy is a rockstar – with name ID that is priceless to the average candidate and has broad-based appeal to Independents and Democrats.

Another factor is the Republicans chance to win in November. Let’s face it, with the US engrossed in a tough war in Iraq and the President’s approval ratings in the toilet – even your biggest elephant realizes it’s going to be a tough general election and they’d be smart to elect the most appealing candidate in the primary. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that that candidate is Mr. Rudolph Giuliani.

I had the opportunity to attend a small fundraiser with Rudy last week and I couldn’t help but be downright giddy at the possibility of chit-chatting with the next President of the United States in a close, personal and intimate setting. I met him before but never saw him on his game like this. Although there were only about 70 people in attendance this particular day, he spent about 40 minutes telling us what he thought about the future of this nation and another 30 minutes taking questions from the audience. I’ve been around a lot of candidates in my day and to take that amount of time for 70 people is rare – and refreshing.

Rudy talked about his accomplishments in New York, his belief that we need to be tougher of terror and how our current leadership is dropping the ball on being energy independent. He talked about ethanol and cleaning our environment -- things that Republicans don’t exactly run on in a primary. But that’s exactly it – in a primary season that will be anything but traditional – a non-traditional Republican will emerge as the victor.

And as far as the general, with Rudy on the top of the ticket states like California, New York and New Jersey are in play for the GOP and the Dems’ nominee (who I believe will be Hillary Clinton) will have to spend money defending her base – a recipe for a Republican victory in November 2008.

2007-02-05T23:34:00.001-05:00

Restaurant Review: Nino’s Tuscany

There aren’t a lot of restaurants on the Upper West Side and that’s what makes Nino’s Tuscany a real treat.

Nino’s looks small from the outside, noticeable by the small red awning in the front but is surprisingly spacious on the inside. The wait staff and bartenders are very friendly and the indoor décor is old-school Italian and the music was all Sinatra.

I took a chance on this place the night that I went to the opera. Since we were seeing an Italian opera, I wanted to stick with the theme and get some good Italian food beforehand. That’s when I came across Nino’s on a random stroll through the internet. For appetizers I had the most thinly sliced carpaccio I’d ever laid eyes on topped with red onions, radicchio and some oil and vinegar. Good call. So was the calamari that AO ordered although I expected a little more out of the sauce.

At the suggestion of the waiter we ordered this really great Italian pinot grigio, so good in fact that I wanted to write the name of it down so I could write about it later. Without a pen and paper AO stored it in her phone and it has since been erased – a tragic loss to the vino fans who regularly read this blog.

For dinner I had the Tortelli alla mugellana which is ravioli stuffed with creamy potato, mascarpone and sausage in a rabbit meat sauce. Yes, that’s right – rabbit sauce – cause that’s how I roll bitches! AO’s picked the Gamberi ubriachi - jumbo shrimp in a brandy sauce, cherry tomatoes, spinach and thyme. I have to tell you that these were some big ass tasty shrimp. Another good meal.

All things considered, Nino’s Tuscany is a great intimate little Italian place in a part of the city that needs such an establishment. For a relatively small bill, Nino’s is worth the trip if you’re in the mood for a different take on some old Italian classics.

2007-01-31T17:57:00.000-05:00

Ol' K. Rove is off to DC for a few days and will be back blogging again on Monday .. have a good weekend everybody!

PS. Special thanks to AO for putting together a great surprise birthday party for me last Saturday and thanks to all those who came. You guys rock!

2007-01-25T11:49:00.000-05:00

Screamers

For those of you who may be interested, I am going to see the movie Screamers Friday night at 7:30 at the AMC Empire 25, located on 42nd St. between 7th and 8th Avenues. Screamers is a limited release documentary that is described as follows:

Documentary feature examining why genocides keep occurring -- from the Armenian genocide in 1915, to the Holocaust, Bosnia, Rwanda and now Darfur -- through the eyes and music of the Grammy award-winning rock band “System of a Down,” based in Los Angeles, whose members are all grandchildren of genocide survivors. As the band tours the world and touches on the locations and stories of genocide in the last century, the film follows the personal story of the lead singer’s grandfather, a 96-year old survivor of the Armenian genocide, one of the few remaining survivors from his village in Turkey. With the arguments of Harvard Professor Samantha Power, the personal stories of survivors from Armenia, Rwanda and Darfur, policy critics and whistleblowers – the “screamers” – the film targets the problem of genocide denial, with specific reference to the Turkish government’s current campaign to stop its citizens from discussing the genocide. When the band arrives back in the United States, they confront the hypocrisy of U.S. foreign policy in the debate on genocide recognition, with Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, actively blocking a vote in Congress. Through the band’s efforts to get Dennis to “Do the Right Thing” and Power’s thesis that America’s interest has always been to stay neutral, no matter how wide-scale the carnage, the film shows how successive Presidents and corporate interests have conspired to turn a blind eye to genocides as they are happening – whether it be Iraqi Kurds in the 80s, Rwanda in the 90s or Darfur today. After the Holocaust, we may say ‘never again’ -- but we don’t mean it.

If you get a chance, watch the trailer for this on the website.

As many of you know, when I get on one of my policy kicks about a particular topic I do everything it takes to learn as much as I can about this issue. The Armenian Genocide was something I always found interesting but since it’s a very important topic for my girlfriend and her family, I've been really studying this issue for the last year. Fascinating shit.

I've been tracking federal legislation that would officially recognize the genocide and as usual, watched it expire. The lack of courage by our President (and the presidents before him -- this is NOT a partisan issue) and Members of Congress to enact genocide recognition legislation is embarrassing -- as is the influence of the Turkish lobby on our government. This type of issue should be of utmost importance to all Americans -- not just Armenian-Americans.

Anyway, although I need to see Smoking Aces sometime soon -- this movie takes precedence.
And for a lot of my friends who like System of a Down -- this might be a good movie for you to see as well.

We 're getting a bunch of people together to see the 7:30 show tomorrow night, and in typical K. Rove style -- drinks in the city will follow. If you're interested in attending let me now ASAP because you should reserve tickets early.

Thanks.

2007-01-24T23:54:00.000-05:00

50 All New Sex Positions

The guys over at Phat Phree have done it again. Check out their new post entitled 50 All New Sex Positions. Pay particularly close attention to the Tony Romo, the Dudley Ramsey (if you don’t get that Different Strokes reference go kill yourself) and the Handsome Pilot. Well done!

2007-01-24T22:41:00.000-05:00

A Night at the Opera

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you’ve seen reviews from everything from music to restaurants to condoms. Today, I’m going to throw you a curve at you and review my first ever opera experience.

As part of my Christmas present to AO, I got her tickets to see La Traviata (if you click on that link and then click the little speaker, you can hear Luciano Pavarotti singing one of the songs from Traviata Act I) at the Metropolitan Opera House. Neither of us had ever been to the opera but it’s one of those things that we’ve talked about trying before. I was a little pessimistic going into it because I have a very short attention span, I don’t speak Italian and I’m not nearly pretentious enough to become an “opera” person.

I decided to make a whole night of it so I wanted to go to dinner first, then the opera and then for after-opera drinks. Tuesday rolled around and I picked up AO and we headed to dinner at Nino’s Tuscany on W. 58th St. keeping with the whole Italian theme (a review of Nino’s will be following shortly). After dinner, we walked over to the Met and I was amazed at this place. I’ve driven and walked past it a million times but I never really took the time to appreciate it.

I was in a suit without a tie and AO in a hot black dress, expecting to be one of the more casually dressed couples there. Every time I’ve seen people at the opera in the movies, guys were in black tie and women were in ball gowns. But that wasn’t the case. Most people were dressed up but it was hardly an overly dressed up event. It might be a reflection of society in general not dressing up like they used to.

So we walk thought the front door, hand the tickets to the usher and head to our seats. Walking in, I immediately noticed the shear size of this theatre, drastically larger than I ever thought it would be. The balcony seats along the side looked all fancy and reminded me of that little area in the theatre in which Lincoln was assassinated in.

In preparation for the opera, we read a book about it to study the basic plot and some of the characters. La Triviata is known as one of the most simple and easy to understand operas. But even if we didn’t read up on it, there were these little screens on the back of the seat in front of the viewer to translate what was going on. I was amazed at the voices these people had. The vocal rages were unbelievable, and the orchestra was precise and flawless. I was floored by how loud these singers were – no microphones, no speakers, their voices rocked people in the back of the theatre. One weird phenomenon was that although I expected opera singers to either be fat Italian guys with beards or 7 foot tall big breasted Swedish women – the two leads in this production were Asian. See – that’s what I get for stereotyping.

Thanks to the hook-up from my man Moe Green and his father in law, we were able to go back stage between acts and watch the stagehands build and change sets. I’m sure not many people get to go back there and see all that goes into building, moving, changing and storing these sets that are bigger than some houses. It was very cool – shout out to you guys.

In between the second and third acts we went where all the cool people go – the bar of course. AO had some champagne and I had some cognac and caught up in the moment I started singing my own opera about things I wanted to do with her later that night. Apparently I was pretty loud because people gave me dirty looks and AO yelled at me. It was time to go back to our seats.

The final two sets were totally sad and heartbreaking. I knew the opera was going to be sad, but this was ridiculous. Unlike most movies, with a beginning, a plot twist and either a sad or happy ending – this opera was more like real life. It was kinda f-ed up and twisted, with some good people and some shady people getting into a difficult situation that leads to a horribly tragic ending that made no one happy. Just like real life!

I respect that. After the opera was over we dried up our weepy eyes and headed back downtown for drinks. The opera was a truly great experience and if you haven’t been to one, I highly recommend you try it. From now on I plan on at least going once a year.

For more information about the Metropolitan Opera House and upcoming shows, click here.

Also, for those of you with Sirius Satellite Radio, tune to channel 85 for performances live and commercial free from The Met.

2007-01-24T20:03:00.000-05:00

RETRACTION

In order to maintain my journalistic integrity, I must apologize to Mr. Michael Vick for reporting that he got caught with marijuana a few posts back. As it turns out that the tests on the substance were inconclusive.

My bad yo…..

2007-01-21T13:24:00.001-05:00

Restaurant Review: Angelo & Maxie’s

As some of you know, every year about 12 of us guys who have been friends since high school, some of us since elementary school, get together every year for our Christmas dinner. We’ve been doing this for about 6 years now and every year it’s someone else’s turn to take the lead and book a restaurant. Since some of the crew are now married (a 6-6 ratio between married guys and single guys with the scales about to tip in favor of the married guys this year) and some with kids, we’ve moved the annual dinner into January because it’s hard getting everyone together around Christmas time.

This Saturday Ricky did an outstanding job of booking us a table in the Havana Rick’s Room of Angelo & Maxie’s located on Park & 19th. Being a huge steak guy I was really looking forward to trying out the popular steakhouse for the first time. I was very impressed.

Walking in the front door we hit a traffic jam. There is a relatively small bar and a small waiting area in the front that produced a total log-jam. I took 10 minutes for me to weave my way up to the reservation desk and a few of us had a hard time getting to the bar to order a drink before we sat. But, as it turns out, this was the only negative part about the whole experience.

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the drinks at Angelo & Maxie’s being larger than your average Manhattan spot and well, they were. Nothing makes me happier than a perfectly made Ketel One martini, up with olives served in a decent sized glass. And that’s exactly what I got at Angelo & Maxie’s. A few of us were drinking a Markham cab during dinner. In Jersey you will pay about $40-$45 for a bottle of Markham so the $56 price tag for bottle in a Manhattan restaurant was not a bad deal. Even the after-dinner drinks were served in larger than normal glasses. Well done.

Since there were 12 of us we ordered the $155 3 tier raw bar platter with an additional 2 tiers on the side. The patter included large lobster tails and claws, oysters, huge shrimp and clams with all the sauces and dips you can imagine. Great way to start a dinner.

Now on to the entrees. I have a policy of judging a steakhouse by their filet mignon. It’s a good barometer of how the other cuts are prepared and since every steakhouse makes a filet, it puts all steakhouse on a level playing field.(Besides, the filet is my favorite cut) This filet, which was only $26 – downright cheap by any standards – was the second best filet that I’ve ever had. Last night’s filet just edged out the filet at Edward’s Steakhouse in Jersey City and came close to knocking off the champ – the filet at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. It was cooked perfectly (medium rare as a filet should be cooked) and served with an outstanding béarnaise sauce.

The sides were equally impressive. Creamed Spinach, fried zucchini with some really good dipping sauce, and harsh browns ---- all kicked ass.

I even like the way the place is decorated with all these paintings of cows eating and drinking. All in all I totally recommend Angelo & Maxie’s – it’s one of the best steakhouses I’ve ever been to and I look forward to going back soon.

2007-01-19T10:38:00.000-05:00

Death Penalty debate in NJ

Anyone following the Tyron Franklin case lately is probably just as outraged as I am. Sick to my stomach is more like it.

For those of you who haven’t been reading about it, 23 year old rookie Paterson police officer Tyron Franklin was shot to death while paying for food in a restaurant a few weeks back. After a massive manhunt involving an astonishing amount of law enforcement agencies, the cops nabbed Teddy Charlemagne, an Irvington stick-up kid, for the murder. Charlemagne had his first court appearance yesterday and prosecutors are calling for the death penalty.

The death penalty in New Jersey? Yeah, New Jersey technically has the death penalty but hasn't used it since the US Supreme Court re-instated capital punishment in 1976. In fact, a commission designed to study the death penalty in the state just submitted their recommendation to completely abolish it in New Jersey on January 3rd -- just 4 days before the Franklin murder.

I was a criminal Justice major in college and I've spent countless hours studying this subject. I am fully aware that it is more cost effective to keep a person in jail for life that it is to execute them and I am also aware of the many humane/inhumane aspects of putting someone to death. And then there is the whole evolution of society aspect that says that we as a people shouldn’t be supporting state sponsored murder. I get all that.

But cases like this just play to my most basics of instincts. That instinct says that this dude Charlemagne needs to be sentenced to death -- and that sentence needs to be carried out. Although this is a very complicated and emotional issue, I think now is the time to bring this discussion to the forefront here in the Garden State.

2007-01-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

Total Ricky Move! So the multi-million dollar quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons is boarding a plane in Miami and he’s got some pot stashed in a secret compartment in his water bottle. WHAT??

I’m not making a big deal out of an athlete smoking a little pot – especially since the Falcons aren’t playing anymore. But I must take exception with Michael Vick being stupid enough to try to sneak it on an airplane. Dude, you’re rich – go buy some pot when you get OFF the plane. And if you are that big of a pothead and you really want to try to sneak some on the plane – try stashing it in something other than an item that is currently prohibited by the TSA.

I know potheads. I used to be one in college… well, ok in college and in graduate school. Well, ok, even a little after graduate school but who’s counting? The point is this incident is a typical pothead move. If you’re high all the time you start doing stupid shit like loosing your cars keys, forgetting appointments and getting lost driving places that you go to all the time. There is also another phenomenon – the “I’m not gonna get caught factor.”

The more people smoke the more comfortable they get with it. People get so used to smoking all the time they don’t think twice about leaving a bowl in their car, keeping a pack of E-Z Widers in their office desk, stashing some phillies in their gym bag or just walking around all day with a stash in their pocket. It just seems normal, and just when it seems normal – bad shit happens.

If you are going to smoke don’t let it cloud your better judgment. Don’t take it to work, don’t have it in your car, don’t operate heavy machinery while high and don’t try sneaking it onto planes in fake water bottles. C’mon now…

2007-01-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

Finally Getting Some Respect

According to the Dutch agency ANP, Amsterdam will soon reveal a new bronze statue of a hooker in the famous red light district as a tribute to prostitutes around the world.

For all the hookers that read my blog … today is your day girl! Enjoy!

2007-01-16T12:38:00.000-05:00

K. Rove's Official Review of the 2007 golden Globe Awards from Last Night

Beyonce wore this.

End of review.

2007-01-13T13:05:00.000-05:00

I Told You So

On April 21, 2006 I woke and ran to the computer to write a blog about what I thought was one of the biggest injustices in recent memory. The Duke Lacrosse team rape case was just a few weeks old but I was disgusted by the actions of the black community and by the reprehensible behavior of the District Attorney Mike Nifong. (You can read this blog by clicking April 2006 on the archive list to the right and scrolling down to April 21)

From the start this case reeked of political ambition, gross self promotion, pandering to a particular community for political support and an overall hatred of rich, white, preppy kids that go to a good school from the district attorney in question. Nifong was given a shitty case and he knew it.

After a few weeks of investigation he knew that the stripper had many different forms of male DNA on her that night, none of which were from the Duke kids, her testimony changed daily, she couldn’t remember anyone’s names, and couldn’t ID the kids correctly in lineups. Her only witness was another stripper who after a few months said that she talked about framing the white rich kids while they were driving to the party.

Despite the facts, Mr. Nifong was up for re-election and the black community in North Carolina wanted to see these kids behind bars. So Nifong ran on the issue. He started making outrageous comments about the students in the press to rile up the black community. He was going to indict these kids whether he had a case or not. And that’s exactly what happened.

So at the expense of destroying the lives of a few college students, this scumbag handed down indictments. Since then, the case has been slowly and predictably falling apart. Before the end of the year all rape charges had been dropped and now it looks like the sexual assault and kidnapping charges will be dropped as well. The NC State Bar association has filed ethics complaints against Nifong and he has just asked the state attorney general to take the case over – I mean what’s left of the case.

Even the New York Times said, “ Mr. Nifong compounded his troubles with seemingly avoidable blunders, most in the earliest weeks, before anyone was indicted. He ordered a lineup that violated standard police procedures. He spoke misleadingly in public about evidence in the case and disparaged the Duke lacrosse team as “hooligans” whose “daddies” would “buy them big-time lawyers.” He refused to hear out defense lawyers who proffered photographs and phone records intended to prove their clients’ innocence. Most significantly, he mishandled the DNA test results by failing to turn them over to defense lawyers for seven months.”

It was clear from the start that Nifong didn’t have a real case, but despite that, he dragged these kids through the process and changed their lives forever. They were dismissed from school, their names have been released and tarnished forever, and their families were embarrassed and forced to spend tons of money of defense attorneys. For what? So this guy could get some good ink and get re-elected? Shameful. Beyond shameful, I hope it can be found to be criminal.

I pray that Mr. Nifong is barred from practicing law for the rest of his life so he can’t ruin every more lives. When the last of the indictments are dropped, the district will be open to lawsuits from the families of the accused, and rightfully so. Taxpayers in North Carolina will be paying a lot of money, for a long, long time to the families, and rightfully so. I only wish they could disproportionaly charge the families of the people who protested and held vigils in front of the frat house – they too need to be held accountable.

I hate people with knee-jerk reactions to serious situations. I hate politically ambitious lawyers who love to be in front of the camera. Rae Evans, the mother of indicted player David Evans, said it best, “Mr. Nifong, you've picked on the wrong families … and you will pay every day for the rest of your life.”

2007-01-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

I Love Baby Showers!!

Seriously, I do. How nice it must be for a bunch of women to gather around and talk about pregnancy, and babies, and labor, a baby poop and all that goods stuff. It must be like some communal reproduction bonding ceremony… how beautiful!

This Sunday, Mrs. Green, the wife of one of my best friends Moe Green will be having a baby shower -- and I couldn’t be happier!

See, we have a tight knit circle of friends that have been hanging out since high school and as a result our girlfriends, wives and mistresses have all become friends and most of them will be attending the shower. Unfortunately for us guys, tradition says that baby showers are just for the ladies -- which will leave us with nothing to do at 1:00 this Sunday afternoon.

Ah well, those are the breaks. But on behalf of the guys, I just want to let all the ladies know that we love you and we will be thinking about you the whole time.

Best wishes,

K. Rove

P.S. Coincidently, the Bears vs. Seahawks playoff game happens to be at 1:00 this Sunday afternoon. Also coincidently, the Franklin Steakhouse, complete with big screen TV's and hot bartenders, will be open for the game. Just thought I'd throw that out there for no particular reason at all.

2007-01-10T13:24:00.000-05:00

I'm on my way bitches!!!

I'll be the first one to admit that the weather lately sucks. Wearing a tee shirt outside in January just doesn’t feel right. Everybody I know has been getting sick, and as much as I enjoy going outside and washing the car or playing a round of golf in above 50 degree weather, it just doesn’t feel right.

Experts say that THIS IS NOT GLOBAL WARMING, rather than just a product of an El Nino-driven change in the continental weather rift, or someshit. I'll buy that explanation for now, partly because I don’t know much about weather patterns, partly because I'd rather be a skeptical prick rather than agree with Al Gore.

With all that being said, AccuWeather.com is reporting that winter is on the way -- in a BIG way. Don’t put away the ol' snowblowers just yet, old man winter will be here next week!

2007-01-04T14:07:00.000-05:00

Who saw the Sugar Bowl last night?

LSU gave Notre Dame a full blown ass-whooping last night but that wasn't the thing I was particularly interested in. All the pre-game hype was about Notre Dame Quarterback Brady Quinn who Coach Charlie Weiss said will be the third best QB in the NFL behind Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. (No, that wasn't a type-o, he actually SAID THAT!)

Anyway, Quinn sucked and his status as the most over-rated college QB since Rick Mirer and Ryan Leaf continues (Yeah, Moe Green, I made a Rick Mirer reference! Impressive huh?)

The star of the game was this monster QB from LSU. JaMarcus Russell is 6'6" And 240 lbs and has a rocket for an arm. He can also tuck the ball and blow through defenders as he did last night. This kid is impressive.

I'll tell you one thing, the Jets should seriously take a look at this kid since he will likely come out in the draft this year. I know it’s a lot to be so crazy over one game but as far as basic skill-sets goes, this guy is a can’t miss!

PS. I just heard from of my sources that Coach Mangini is spending the entire afternoon today working on new plays for the Jets' Red Zone offense. Watch out for some chicanery on Sunday bastards!

2007-01-03T11:36:00.000-05:00

New York Restaurant Week

Winter 2007

Back in the summer I wrote a post about NY Restaurant Week and some of the cool restaurants that were participating. Well, I just read about all of the restaurants that are participating in the Winter 2007 version of this event, which runs from Jan. 22-26 and Jan. 29- Feb. 2, and the list continues to be spectacular.

Here is the rub - all participating restaurants offer a three course lunch for $24.07 and a three course dinner for $35.00 (beverages, taxes and gratuities not included). This is an especially cool deal for those couples that like to get their drink on. You won’t feel as bad running up a $120 bar tab knowing that you and your date are only getting hit $70 for the food.

Another Ciroc Martini sir! And yes, the lady can have a refill too!

So here is the link to the Restaurant Week site that provides all of the information that you need to know. Also, for those of you who do not have an account, I suggest registering with Opentable.com. This is a great site for making reservations at most restaurants in the tri-state area and also e-mails you with all sorts of cool promotions and deals.

Enjoy bastards!

2007-01-02T16:46:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Bastards!

I've been away for a while and now I'm back at work trying to catch up on things so I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. I still feel a little under the weather from our New Year's Eve bash but I should recover after a few days and a few more gallons of water and naps on the couch.

Sorry about this short and uninteresting post, but I just can't think right.

For those of you who saw the dominant performance of the most well coached team in football, the New York Jets, know that Gang Green laid the beat-down on the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. The win sets up an epic match-up between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots on Sunday at 1:00 in Foxboro. I CAN'T WAIT to see the Jets go up to New England and punch the Patriots right in the mouth, for the second time in a row, in their own backyard. The story of the week will be coach Mangini going back up north to face his old team and mentor Bill Belichick. Football just doesn't get any better than this and if you're not watching this game you should check your pulse and make sure you're still alive.

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!!!!!

Awsome article.

2006-12-29T00:08:00.000-05:00

The Best Drunkard Ever?

Click here to read a great story about a great drinker that I never knew about. This is an amazing tale of a man we all knew and loved, but most of us never knew what kind of a drinker he was. Props to the big man.

2006-12-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

The Art of Talkin' Trash

I love talkin’ trash for no reason. I seriously do. I think it’s a real talent to talk a lot of shit and if done right, it can be downright beautiful. When I’m in a situation where I get real competitive, my creative side takes over and I’ll annoy, intimidate and generally piss off my opponent. Ask Chiappas, Moe Green and Ricky about how I get during a game of Madden on PlayStation. If we are playing Madden all day, well then I’ll be talking all day.

I’ll talk about how you can’t play. I’ll talk about how you can’t coach and how I can’t be stopped. I’ll talk about how Terrell Owens had “relations” with your sister. I’ll talk about how Chad Pennington likes a certain type of sex with your mom. I’ll run up the score, do a dance in front of the TV and let you know how you don’t deserve to be in the same room with a talent like me.

I give myself nicknames -- creative nicknames and leave drunk messages on your voicemail in the middle of the night referring to those nicknames. There is this one defensive formation in Madden in which the voice of John Madden says, “There is 8 men in the box” (meaning all linemen and linebackers are lined up in front of the Quarterback). I named this defense after one of my friend’s sisters saying that “8 men in the box” was a usual Friday night for her.

With all that being said, I am also humble enough to recognize other trash-talking talent when I see it. That’s why I like Gilbert Arenas from the Washington Wizards.

Arenas is a quirky, crazy dude that says weird and inappropriate shit to the press all the time, talks trash for no reason, but then backs it up on the court. Recently, Arenas gave himself a new nickname “Hibachi” and gave a quick explanation of it.

“The Hibachi is coming to a city near you. I’m cooking chicken and shrimp, but if you want to throw a double-team my way, filet mignon gets cooked too.”

BRILLIANT!!!! Gilbert Arenas, you get the New Theravada’s first annual Trash-Talking Award for 2006! Keep up the good work my man.

2006-12-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

Remembering a life well lived

Last night, the United States lost one of its most influential and most well respected statesman, President Gerald Ford.

Although I wasn’t born yet and have to rely on what I watch and read and from what I hear from members of the older generation, I can deduct a few certainties from the life of a man we should all spend time to get to know a little better. There is no need for me to re-write his biography but I must admit – I find this guy’s life fascinating.

Ford was born to a broken family and rose up to become one of the most accomplished people in our nation’s history. He won two college football national championships with the University of Michigan, playing ironman style (both offense and defense) and then turned down a few offers to go pro to instead go to law school (a little institution called Yale Law School). Ford then went on to serve in the Navy in World War II (serving some time in scenic Camden New Jersey) earning a bunch of honors, came home, ran against an incumbent Republican in a primary, won in a huge upset and continued to serve with honor in that position for twenty-four years. All the while Ford continued to pursue sports and competition with passion, quietly asserted himself as a leader in the Republican caucus and was a dedicated and loving father and husband.

Even Ford’s wife Betty, was an influential person of the time in her own right, publicly battling breast cancer, establishing herself as a leader for equal rights for women and eventually dealing with addictions to alcohol and painkillers and founding the Betty Ford Clinic. (And you always wondered were that name of the place you go to every summer came from).

Sensing he would never get a chance to become Speaker of the House in a Democratically controlled congress, Ford was tapped by then President Richard Nixon to become Vice President after Spiro Agnew resigned in disgrace. Following Agnew, Nixon resigned, giving the presidency to Ford, who was the only president to ever serve that never won a national election.

Ford governed with a humble but strong attitude and led the country through the withdrawal of troops in Vietnam and the controversy that followed Watergate. Ford committed what proved to be political suicide by pardoning Nixon, the man that was responsible for giving him his job – a loyalty that although controversial, should be seen as admirable. A sense of loyalty in politics is virtually non-existent these days. If we have learned anything from old gangster movies, it’s that you should always do the honorable thing and fall on the sword to protect the guy that made you who you are.

(Pictured from right to left, Rumsfeld, Ford & Cheney)

Ford also made some cool appointments in his brief tenure as President, naming a guy named George H.W. Bush as head of the CIA, a young former congressman named Donald Rumsfeld as his first Chief of Staff and some dude named Dick Cheney, another former congressman, to take Rumsfeld’s spot when Rummy became the Secretary of Defense.

Ford, who lost the 1976 presidential election to Jimmy Carter, was a fun loving, personable and honorable man – things that are far too rare in today’s world of cut-throat politics. Mr. Ford was a great man who lived a great life. Let’s take some time out over the next few days to remember one of the people who have played an important role in making our nation what it is today.

Farwell good man.

2006-12-26T16:42:00.000-05:00

Jets 13 Dolphins 10

The New York Jets, led by the Great Penguin Eric Mangini are in control of their own destiny into the playofs with one game left next Sunday against the lowly Oakland Raiders. Last night, Jets fans got a great Christmas present as Gang Green smacked around our divison rivals, the Miami Dolphins in the slush and rain in Miami, 13-10. Druks and Moe Green --- awfully quiet today huh?

Almost as exciting as the game itself was the fact that that talent less douche-bag Tony Kornheiser, who made it a point to say, for 3 1/2 quarters straight, that Chad Pennington didn’t have an arm. To paraphrase, Mr. Cockheiser … "My dog has a better throwing arm than Pennington". With 2 minutes left and the Jets with the ball on their own 20, this dick actually asked Joe Theisman if he thought Chad had a good enough arm to lead the offense down the field in 2 minutes with 2 timeouts left. WHAT?

But, at the end of the game it was Chad's revenge to be had because he did lead the Jets down the field (ok, with a lot of help from Leon Washington) for the game winning field goal and he was forced to admit that Chad had a solid game. How does that feces sandwich taste?

2006-12-26T15:28:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Every Date Ever

As you know I rarely give other people props for creative blogs, but I laughed my ass off at this one. EVERY guy reading this has had 50 of these dates and if you are a girl reading this and you recognize some of these characteristics, kill yourself before the new year. Props to Mike Polk.

2006-12-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

What the Dalai Lama taught me in 2006

Last Christmas, a friend of mine gave me one of those "page-a-day" calendars that I've kept in my office all year long. Because I have slight OCD, I've always made sure to tear a page away everyday because it would drive me insane if the date was wrong.

The Dalai Lama, in my opinion, is one of, if not the most, spiritual beings on the planet. I truly believe that most everybody could improve themselves in almost every category of their lives if they just listened to the teachings of His Holiness.

Throughout the year, I've come into the office in the morning hurried, stressed or troubled. In some cases, just reading a sentence or two from the Dalai Lama would make me put life into perspective -- thus making me feel better instantly.

Anyway, a few teaching really stood out over the year and I put up that page on the bulletin board in my office. Since this week is kinda slow at work and I have the opportunity to clean out my office a little bit, I decided to file these teachings. But since many of us have the same experiences and the same problems, I thought I'd share a couple of these with you. Of course I;ve only chosen a few, but if by chance any of these get through to you and help you with whatever you may be dealing with in life -- then it will have all been worth it. Enjoy!

"If you want to change the world, first try to improve and bring about change within yourself. That will help change your family. From there it just gets bigger and bigger. Everything we do has some effect, some impact."

"Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time."

"What irritates us in the first place is that our wishes are not fulfilled. But remaining upset does nothing to help fulfill those wishes. So we neither fulfill our wishes nor regain our cheerfulness!...... we should try never to let our happy frame of mind be disturbed. Whether we are suffering at present or have suffered in the past, there is no reason to be unhappy."

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy"

"On a daily basis, you must take more care of your mind than just money, money, money!"

"I believe that constant effort, tireless effort, pursuing clear goals with sincere effort is the only way."

"We need to give more attention to our inner values."

"If you know that someone is speaking badly of you behind your back, and if you react to that negatively with a feeling of hurt, then you destroy your own peace of mind. One's pain is one's own creation. One should treat such things as if they are wind behind one's ear. In other words, just brush them aside. To a large extent, whether or not one suffers pain depends on how one responds to a given situation. What makes a difference is whether or not one is too sensitive and takes things too seriously."

"Great compassion and wisdom are the chief qualities of the Buddha. Even in worldly terms, the more intelligent and knowledgeable a person is, the more the person commands respect. Similarly, the more compassionate, kind, and gentle person, the more he or she should be respected. So if you are able to develop that intelligence and altruism to their fullest extent, then you are truly admirable and deserve to be respected."

"You need some relaxation, mental as well as physical. They all converge into the same point."

"Right form the moment of our birth, we are under the care and kindness of our parents and then later in life when we are oppressed by sickness and become old, we are again dependent of the kindness of others. Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on others' kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect kindness towards others?"

2006-12-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

2006-12-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

Shame on Tara Conner? No, no…. shame on you!

Many of you have probably heard about the terrible ordeal that the reining Miss USA, Tara Conners, is going through right now. The poor girl is the subject of wild accusations that almost led to her getting stripped of her crown by pageant head Donald Trump. Thankfully, due to the kind heart and mercy of the big man, Tara will get to retain her crown as long as she doesn’t get into any more trouble and goes to rehab.

But that's just it. Miss USA is supposed to be this idealistic representation of what good American girls are supposed to be. I say that Miss Conner has done her job with grace, dignity and professionalism.

Some would argue that Miss USA shouldn’t be partying every night at New York clubs, blowing lines in the restrooms of trendy lounges, banging every club promoter in the city or performing lesbian acts on top of tables with Miss Teen USA. (pictured below). Maybe I'm alone in having this opinion, but isn’t that exactly how we want our Miss USA to act?

In the era of Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan and Britney's cooch, what more to we expect of poor Miss Conner? Isn’t the media being a little overly critical?

To quote the disgraced ex-Senator from the great state of New Jersey, Bob Torricelli, "What an unforgiving people we have become."

Let's look at this from her perspective. She's a hot 20 year old chick from East Bumblefuck Kentucky that never worked a day in her life, that gained her popularity by, well, being hot, and became Miss USA. To go along with the title, Conner was living rent free in a luxury suite in Trump Plaza in Manhattan and living off an undisclosed amount of cash. What do you want did you expect this girl to do? C'mon people, let’s cut her a little slack here.

Miss Conners was forced to appear at a press conference where she voluntarily agreed to go to rehab in order for her to retain her title. The poor girl braved through her press conference with grace, dignity and tear-proof make-up. Tara is an inspiration to us all.

Admittedly, before this incident I didn’t know who Tara was, and frankly, I didn’t care. But I'm now proud to call myself a fan and supporter of our Miss USA, a role model to us all.

I closing, I support Tara Conner, Miss USA and wish her the best of luck with her remaining months as the crown holder. And I want to personally thank Mr. Trump for not bowing to the media pressure to replace this small town Mid-Western poor girl who was just overwhelmed by the bright lights of the big city.

Editor's note: Today's NY Post made reference to the fact that she may have slept with Ryan Seacrest. If true, I take back all this nice things I said about her and change my mind about her keeping her title. Any girl that doesn’t have the common sense not to sleep with Ryan Seacrest doesn’t deserve to be the role model to my unborn baby girls. SLUT!

2006-12-18T17:15:00.000-05:00

K. Rove's Got a Present for All of You

Watch the whole video ... trust me.

2006-12-18T12:49:00.000-05:00

"for seizing the reins of the global media, for founding and framin ghte new digital democracy, for working for nothing and beating the pros at their own game, TIME's Person of the Year for 2006 is you."

Congratulations!
You (& me) are TIME Magazine's person of the year!

On Saturday night I was watching the CNN special about the process in which goes into deciding one who gets its popular Person of the Year Award issue. I had no idea exactly how much time and effort goes into this award. Frankly, I had no idea how relevant (or how relevant they think they are) TIME Magazine is nowadays. But anyway…..

So their editorial boards were meeting a few times a week for months and having these huge brainstorming sessions to discuss who deserved this year's honor. Finalists included North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Ill, who continues to spend all of his time and nation's resources on nuclear proliferation, underage girls and DVD's of ABC's Desperate Housewives (I'm not kidding) while his people starve to death in the streets, Iranian President Ahmadinejad who's charismatic charm has been likened to Bill Clinton's, Donald Rumsfeld, the "architect" of the "failed" war in Iraq and the founder's of YouTube.

Then at the end of the documentary, TIME pulls a fast one and snubs the founders of YouTube (the likely recipient) and put a picture of a flat screen monitor with a reflective pane inside and made "you" the person of the year. "You" meaning those who write blogs, comment on blogs, and participate in message boards or who make "user generated content (UGC)."

Being a blogger for some time now, with this personal blog and my other one dedicated to public affairs which was recently launched and is slowly getting off the ground, I have been very interested in the way "our" new media has had an effect on society and has diminished the roll of mainstream media. A few months ago I had the opportunity to attend a conference at George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs that hosted a day-long panel discussion on this.

One of the panelists was Michelle Malkin from Hot Air, who I respect a lot (and who I think is kinda hot -- in a fiery, wacky Republican sort-of way.) She's one of the more popular and widely read political bloggers in the nation and is often the guest on Fox News programs. As a testament to how far the world of UGC has come along, notice how many bloggers are guests on mainstream news programs these days. Instead of asking one of the senior editors of the Chicago Tribune their opinion on the War in Iraq, reporters are now asking some dude how stays home and blogs in his underwear. UGC media hasn’t become part of mainstream media -- it has overtaken mainstream media in readership, relevance and timely news dissemination. Don’t believe me? Ask soon to be ex-Senator and ex-Presidential candidate George Allen how effective he thinks YouTube is in swaying public opinion.

While it takes Fox News and CNN a few commercial breaks to get a breaking story together and prep the spokesperson on the topic, bloggers are talking about the news topic instantaneously -- while it happens. And because this new media encourages, and frankly thrives on, public participation, readership is far outpacing newspapers and TV programs. We are finding people are more apt to pay attention to the news, if they can participate in the news -- even if that means leaving a comment on a blog.

When it comes to news relevance nowadays, blogs, MySpace and YouTube are far more effective in most cases than the New York Times and CNN are. Like it or not, you and I have the ability to sway public opinion and cause a real or imagined difference in society by doing this thing that we do.

As many of you know I work for one of the nation's largest PR firms and we have guys that are solely dedicated to new media technology. Literally, all day long it's their job to blog and set up blogs for clients and sway public opinion through UGC. 5 Years ago there were no such jobs -- let alone an industry dedicated to it!

This blog which started in August 2005 after reading The Daily Doormat (the original Doormat) has since encouraged my other friends to get their own blogs and create their own forum to encourage UGC. From Historelli, to Ricky's House to Moe Green's Vegas News, everyone had their own forum to disseminate news, through opinion, vent or run scavenger hunts! The possibilities are endless and are as individual as we are.

I no longer have a MySpace account, but for those of you who do, you can testify what a huge part of everyone's life that has become. It's like internet crack for a whole generation of people.

While some other bloggers and UGC experts (which is an oxymoron because we ARE ALL UGC experts) think TIME's selection of "You" is a copout, I applaud TIME. In a weird way, the editors of TIME are admitting their own declining relevance in the media along with their mainstream brethren and giving credit where credit is due …. to you and me.

Congratulations!

2006-12-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

The Christmas 2006 Men’s Cologne Shopping Guide

For those of you who know me, you know that I take men’s cologne more seriously that any other straight man on the planet. I grew up in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s in southern Bergen County, in what will forever be known as the epicenter of guido culture. (Those from Staten Island and Bayonne may dispute this fact, but we can argue about this later.) We spent every night of our lives bouncing from one club to the other, from Joey’s in Clifton to The Plant in Hoboken, from River Street to Club Abyss in Sayreville – the guidos were everywhere. Our windows may have been tinted too much, our hair may have been too stiff and spikey but we sure did smell good.

My style has been refined slightly over the years, conforming to the corporate business culture. I wear khakis and golf shirts in the summer, I wear some sweaters in the winter and nice preppy suits at work. With all that being said, a few distinguishable characteristics remain – I am big on gel, paste, pomade and other hair products and I still wear cologne – all day – every day.

For as far back as I can remember I’ve worn cologne, and a lot of it. I think my hobby dates back from when I was a little kid and I remember the smell of my dad leaving for work in the morning. He wore Brut aftershave, an awful scent but at the time it was the coolest scent worn by the coolest guy I knew. The smell would linger in the house long after he left. I remember being 7 years old and instead of asking for a football or train set for Christmas I was asking for cologne. Back then it was British Sterling, Old Spice, Chaps and Brut – scents that would probably make me gag nowadays but were all that we had back then. I distinctly remember when Proffered Stock was launched and I used to spray the tester all over myself every time my mom took me to CVS. She eventually had no choice but to buy it for me because that smell would linger in her car for days after she drove me home.

Cologne became more mainstream in my neighborhood and circle of friends when Drakkar Noir hit the scene. Drakkar was the ultimate guido cologne, strong, long lasting and Jersey girls with big hair loved it. Everyone wore it. So many people wore it in fact that the hallways of my high school in my freshman year smelled like someone spilled a bottle of it on the floor every morning. Through the years, the scents have changed, but not my love for cologne and my desire to always be that guy that smells good.

I have the largest and most extensive cologne collection of anyone I know, with my old roommate Ricky being a close second. In our old apartment, we had a 5 tier glass tower filled with bottles of cologne separated by seasons and occasions. We were cologne whores, with house rules that prohibited us from wearing the same cologne on the same day – cause, well, that’s just gay. There were a few occasions that I literally yelled at Ricky as he left for work for committing the sin of wearing Aqua Di Gio (a classic summer scent) when it was snowing out or wearing Armani Black Code in the summer – things that you just DON’T DO.

I could write all day about the way I distinguish scents, but the cliffs notes versions is this:

First, and most importantly, I categorize colognes by seasons. There are cold winter colognes, summer colognes and trans-seasonal colognes. Winter colognes are thicker, heavier spicier and generally stronger and longer lasting. Winter colognes smell good with leather and stay longer on winter clothes such as sweaters and scarves.

There are also distinct summer scents. Summer scents are lighter, cleaner and sweeter and generally don’t last as long as winter clothes.

Then there are transitional weather scents that fall in the middle of both of these categories and can be worn in moderate weather in the fall or spring.

Within these categories, colognes should be separated into casual and formal scents – think of the different scent you want to have while going to Starbucks on a Saturday afternoon and the scent you are wearing while in a suit on a date on a Saturday night – two totally different scents, same season. But that’s where things get complicated, so lets keep it simple here.

Do how does this help you? Well I’ve always thought that cologne is the perfect gift for just about every guy, provided you get it right. So girls, it’s great as a last minute stocking stuffer for your husband or boyfriend, for an office grab-bag or for that guy that you’re hooking up with on the sneak, but not really dating so you didn’t know that he bought you something. Then he told you he did and you’re like, “holy shit I have to get him something.” Yeah that guy – he gets cologne too.

That is why I am going to lay out some can’t miss colognes that you can pick up at any Sephora or Macy’s for that guy on your list. I left out obscure, limited edition or discontinued colognes.

Can’t Miss Winter Colognes

Chanel Platinum Egoiste – The newly released version of the great Egoiste is an even cleaner version. Classic spicy smell, great for winter nights.

Dolce & Gabbana – The ultimate classic scent. Warning: this cologne smells very different on every guy that wears it, so I wouldn’t buy it if it’s his first time wearing it. But it is one of the best scents ever made.

Polo Black – Getting a lot of play in the preppy guy circles. It does have a great initial scent, but if you're looking for something that is going to last for more than 4 hours, it’s not your best bet. (similar to Ralph Lauren Romance Silver – good but short)

Armani Black Code/ Emporio Armani: Great scents, smooth, clean but unfortunately, they don’t last long. They also smell somewhat similar. They are good for the guy that doesn’t have a huge selection and might appreciate a smell that he could wwear on any occasion.

Versace Blue Jeans: Although discontinued a few years back, you can still find some, mostly on-line. It is the ultimate guy smell for winter, classic, sharp and sophisticated. Its a must have for all guys. I stock up on this shit like I'm building a bomb shelter for the day I can't get it anymore.

Transitional Scents

Bvlgari Aqua- Bvlgari burst on the scene with its classic original scent and it seems like overnight they have 7 more scents on the market. The best of the lot is Bvlgari Aqua. It’s a multi-purpose cologne that smells good on the golf course or the beach or for a night out for drinks in the spring and fall. It’s the utility infielder of new colognes.

Givenchy Blue Label- I actually bought my first bottle of Givenchy Blue Label from one of those tax-free perfume shops in St. Thomas in 2004. It was available down there a full year before it was available in stores in the mainland US. I used to think of it as MY scent, but since I saw it in Sephoria this fall, I guess it’s fair to say it’s now mainstream. I have gotten more compliments on this scent than practically all other colognes I’ve ever tried.

Burberry London & Burberry Touch: Sure they are a little preppy, but great scents nonetheless. My sister is the only person I know that hasn’t given me compliments on wearing these.

Summer Scents

Lacoste Red Style in Play & Lacoste Essential: By far, without a doubt, the best summer scents available right now. Both are good for casual and formal summer events and are my favorite of all time. Chicks dig the Essential.

Kenneth Cole Reaction : Great clean soap-like smell with a little sophistication. One of the best scents out there but doesn’t last long enough for my taste.

Issey Miyake and Aqua Di Gio : I put these in the same category because they are both great scents for warm weather that will be popular forever. You won’t be breaking any new ground for originality here because everyone wears these, but hey, what’s good is good.

I hope this guide helped you out a little during this crazy holiday shopping season and please feel free to write to me if you have any questions. Now go out and get some cologne so that smelly guy in your life smells good for a change.

2006-12-12T23:03:00.000-05:00

Oh shit—I forgot about the kids!

Just a reminder, for those of you who are participating in the Winter Wishes program and haven’t yet sent in your present …YOU’RE LATE!

It’s ok, the program extended its deadline for a few more days, but let’s try to get your shit together, huh punk?

2006-12-08T13:19:00.000-05:00

Good News on the Horizon for Satellite Radio?

The Washington Post is continuing recent speculation that Sirius Satellite Radio will merge with XM Radio, uniting the world's two largest satellite radio companies.

As a Sirius subscriber and a huge fan of commercial free satellite radio, I am optimistic about the merger that will add both Opie and Anthony and every single Major League Baseball game to Sirius' already cool channel selection that includes Howard Stern, a new Paul Oakenfold show (for all you old Manhattan club hoppers like me) comedy stations and a great hip-hop station among other things. For those of you who have not yet tried satellite radio, you really need to check into it. I have the car hook-up and both the office and radio internet hook-ups as well, and I listen to it all day long. It's so nice not to have the same boring commercials repeated over and over throughout the day and have the choice to listen to virtually whatever you want to at any time.

If any of you out there are still looking for good Christmas present ideas for loved ones, a subscription to satellite radio, whether it be Sirius or XM, is always a cool idea. Have a good weekend bastards and try not to catch the syphilis!

2006-12-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

I Love the New York Post

Yesterday's top news story was that the Iraq Study group, lead by Jim Baker and Lee Hamilton, had delivered their report on what the US should be doing in Iraq. After reading highlights of the report, and reading the administrations reaction to it -- I firmly believe that most of the suggestions were realistic and accurate. Among the most important highlights in the report are:

* More military trainers
* Gradual pullback of 15 combat brigades, ending in early 2008
* Replace combat troops with special forces commandos
* Hold Iraqi government accountable with "benchmarks" -- or hold back financial aid
* Deliver better equipment to Iraqi Army units
* Demand Syria stop financing anti-Israel group in exchange returning Golan Heights to Israel
* Open dialogue between the US, Iran and Syria.

The Administration seems to be loosening its, "stay the course" attitude and is taking all of these recommendations into consideration.

But with all that being said, I have to give some props to my favorite daily newspaper (The Jersey Journal is a close second), The New York Post, for today's front page cover. The Post, time and time again, kills all of the other New York papers with funny and entertaining covers and today was no different.

Happy Thursday bastards!

2006-12-05T07:18:00.000-05:00

Opie & Anthony Clip - Egg Nog Puking Contest

Here's a little early Christmas present for you bastards. This is a little nasty, so if you have a weak stomach -- DO NOT WATCH.

2006-12-04T20:49:00.000-05:00

Please Stop Her!