Toothpaste

I just cracked open a travel sized tube of Crest Total toothpaste and I just want to vent.

The aftertaste is miserable, totally ruining my brushing experience.  While brushing, it tastes a little minty, but once you're through, it's just pasty.  And gross.

Every single type of toothpaste should be flavored - whether it be cinnamon, mint, chocolate, cherry - I can care less.  I would rather use a pea-tasting toothpaste than this Crest crap I am using.

Once the snow subsides (tomorrow), I might have to go out and buy a new tube of cinnamon flavored toothpaste.

Am I alone on this idea that every toothpaste should be flavored?

Oriental Rugs

Is it me or is every single brick-and-mortar "Oriental Rugs" store a) going out of business or b) having a 70% off sale?

I shit you not, every single one I drive by, whether it's Kaoud Oriental Rugs, J. Namnoun, or Safavieh, they all have sales or going out of business signs in their windows.

I have never gone into one of these stores, but I can imagine the supply far exceeds the demand for imported rugs in this economy.  They all have wesbites (well, most do) but they offer absolutely no information about the pricing.  That's how they suck you in to the physical stores, I guess.  It hasn't worked on me.

I'm guessing they offer more than the typical ugly-ass Oriental rug design that we all think of when we hear those two words together, but still, how the hell can a store operate selling only rugs?!?

I might stop in the next time I pass one, which seems to be every day, just to see what they're all about.  But only if they're offering at least 70% off prices.

A&E TV

I was up the other night watching television in bed - yes, I can do that again now that Nolan has his own room to sleep in and Lindsay and I no longer have to creep around our bedroom.

Anyway, I was flipping though the channels (because Lindsay was asleep already) and stopped on "American Hoggers" - a show I had never even heard of.  Captivating television.

It's a family-owned, family-operated boar capturing business.  It takes place down in Texas, where wild, feral boars often run rampant, causing chaos and terrorizing farms and families.

Apparently, Jerry, the patriarch of this hogging brood, is a legend in the hog hunting game.  He could also be a stand in for ZZ Top.  His son Robert is 28 and can often be heard yelling at the old man, who seems to be a bit nuts.  Jerry also has his 23-year-old daughter Krystal "Pistol" in on the capturing as well.  They travel all over the Lone Star State hunting and trapping these hogs, using several dogs who wear flak-jackets to protect them from the wild hogs.  FYI, the dogs (Walker Hounds, the best trapping dogs out there) lay into these hogs when they catch them.  Jerry's wife, Kathie, packs the coolers for the trips.  And a friend of the family, Leah Penick, travels with them because she's an accomplished horsewoman, whatever that means.

The best part was the closed captioning on the bottom of the screen while the old man spoke, which was imperative because I couldn't understand a word he said.  OK, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but it was funny as shit hearing some of the slang and terminology he uses when referring to hogs.

Wednesday nights at 10/9C on A&E you can catch "American Hoggers" - I promise you, if you're a fan of the new wave of reality television - family reality - you will not want to miss this one.

Trust me.

Scrub a dub dub

Have you ever seen a nurse or doctor running errands around town in their scrubs?  How comfortable do those things look?  Warm, no, but relaxing and free, absolutely.

I always wondered where to buy them.  Look no further - http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/.

I went here and began searching, but for scrubs for men, obviously.  And if you want to know where to buy cheap scrubs, you can stop looking.

You want red scrubs?  Got it covered.  You want black scrubs with a white stitched pocket?  Check.

Who knew there was a comprehensive site out there that offered so many different types of scrubs.  There's kids scrubs, jackets, caps, earrings, lanyards - almost anything you can think of. 

Don't just take my word for it, check it out yourself.  I know some of my readers wear scrubs and others might know people who do, so let them know.  This is the place you want to go for scrubs.

Again, if I had some money and a little better use for scrubs, I might order myself a pair.  I think I'll just have to wait a while until I get a job that brings in a little bit of money - stay-at-home-dad is a very rewarding job (and one where I could wear scrubs if I wanted) but there isn't much income.

Happy scrubbing!

Prognostications

Have you recently made a prediction?  I make them every week when the NFL games come out, and many times, I'm wrong.  But it doesn't stop me.

I often predict endings in movies or television shows, or at concerts which songs will be played during the encore.  Predictions are endless and everyone makes them.

Last night, for example - I would have bet money on the Ravens beating the Jaguars (if I had any) and I would have been wrong.  Does that mean I am done predicting what I think will happen?  Absolutely not.

Here's my latest prediction - Rangers in six.

A lot of money is made and lost on predictions - it's called gambling.  But there's nothing wrong with a friendly wager on whether or not something will happen, even if it's not money.  A beer at the bar if this guy strikes out, a shot if he gets on base.  Anything can be predicted.

Except the end of the world, where some nut job decided he'd let New Yorkers know the world was going to end by buying billboards and signs in the subway tunnels.  Turns out he was wrong and shouldn't have spent his life savings on said billboards.

Do you make predictions?  Even if they are totally ridiculous, I bet there's at least one other person out there who agrees or disagrees with what you're predicting. 

Nolan is sleeping right now and I'm guessing he'll wake up within the next 15 minutes - and cry until he gets changed and fed.

Check out my latest prediction (seen above) and make your own.

Two Wheel Drive

I said it several years ago to Lindsay - "I want a motorcycle!" (namely a Harley).  She looked at me like I was crazy, but it's a dream of mine to own and ride a Hog, like Wild Hogs, but not quite like that.

I have done extensive research on which bikes I like and what visually appeals to me.  They're pretty expensive and should I come into some money, might be something I entertain - after I get a more practical SUV for myself so I can drive my family around in.

But if I want to build one from the ground up, as both my uncles have done at one time or another, I'm going to have to research where to find motorcycle parts.  There are plenty of auto salvage yards around me here in Connecticut that I can check out and there's also a bunch of websites that I can check out.  Every time I've ever been to Canada, the prices on things have been cheaper, so I might have to check that out should this opportunity ever present itself.

For now though, I'm in a DIY mood, and have been for a while.  Sadly, I haven't had the chance to do anything myself because we were prepping for our escape from NY to the quiet corner of Connecticut.

The rules of riding are weird here in CT though.  In New York, you need to wear a helmet.  In Connecticut, all you need is a pair sunglasses.  Doesn't really make a whole lot of sense - last time I checked, a pair of shades isn't going to protect your melon from the pavement.

Anyway, I am going to check out some parts online for a few while the kid naps. 

Safe riding!

Football and Football (soccer)

There are those of us who enjoy a few games on Sunday and those that enjoy a match on Sunday.

Me personally, I prefer the NFL to the MLS or UEFA or whatever it is.  And there's thousands of people, probably millions, that have custom football jerseys with their name and number on them.  I am not one of them - but the thought of getting football jerseys customized has crossed my mind.  Instead, I went for a Fred Biletnikoff #25 Oakland Raiders jersey.  I'd rather not walk around with my name on the back of a Raiders jersey, but that's not to say you shouldn't want your name blasted across the back.

You also see a lot of high school football on television, and I'm sure there's parents out there who get their sons high school football jerseys customized.  Shoot, I might be one of them in a number of years when Nolan grows up a little.  First though, would be customizing a youth football jersey - but I'd get his number on it, not mine.  He'd be my favorite player!

For those who prefer the pitch and the rioting in the crowds during international "friendlies", soccer jerseys might be more up your alley.  Soccer uniforms and jerseys are a huge phenomenon ever since the US went pretty deep in the last World Cup.  I was in Dallas and was watching it at a local dive cantina.  Had a lot of fun with the wife though. 

The one thing I have never seen is youth soccer jerseys though, but I guess without a child who'd be playing soccer, that's probably par for the course.  I know there's a million and one different combinations and patters and colors to choose from, and minus all the littering from sponsors, team soccer jerseys would be pretty cool.  I just can't get over the fact that unless you make it yourself, which you certainly can do, it's like you watching a match with a bunch of running and flopping billboards.

But regardless of which football you prefer, you are certainly able to customize it however you see fit.  But not me, I will stick with the classic silver #25 on the black jersey.

NYC to CT

Attention readers - I have been on the lam lately because of an impending life change.  I am not coming out of the closet, I am a happily married man with a great son and awesome dog.

We are moving to Connecticut because my wife took a new job.  I am excited for the move and for a fresh start in a new state.

We've been in the Bronx for the past six years and it's like we've been in a rut for the past three or four.  I've been a Bronx resident for four years of college and six years as a college baseball coach.  I am no longer in college and am no longer a college baseball coach, and the time is right to move on.

We're looking forward to raising the little guy in a more rural setting - there isn't really much green grass here in the Bronx for him to enjoy.  Our new place has two bedrooms, so Nolan will finally get his own place to sleep and play.  And oddly enough, I am looking forward to decorating the new place as nice as I can.  HomeGoods is right up the block from our new place, as is a TJ Maxx, Wal-Mart and K-Mart - all great places for a discount.

As for Nathan, he has gotten some ticks the past few times we went to Connecticut but it's nothing a tick collar won't handle.  There's also a dog run 45 feet from our door so he'll get to enjoy the freedom he has experienced at the dog parks here in NYC.

I am having fun posting over on my other blog - Postgame Vigilante - but I know where most of my following started - right here on WRT.

I will be back in full force once the move is complete and we are all settled in.

Bx20

This must be some bus route. I think I'll stay off this.

We're moving north to Connecticut anyway. I'm sure there's a few of those up there too.

Drugs are bad,  mmmkay.

Boooo!

I am not sad, in fact, I am pretty pumped up to go pumpkin picking with Nolan for the first time.

There will be pictures taken.

Happy Halloween!!

Bet On It

Now that baseball season is officially over for me (the Yankees were eliminated because of their inept offense), it's on to college football, NFL, and even some NHL.

I've written about it before, but if you're into online sports betting then there's a plethora of sites to check out.

All or most are off-shore since online gaming is illegal in the states, I think, but some of these sites almost want you to win money.

Take NFL games, for example.  There are sites that will give you matchups, weather, injuries, previews, odds from all sorts of sports books, and even predictions for the entire slate of NFL games.

If I wasn't unemployed - I am a stay-at-home-dad - I'd put some cash into a site and bet a little bit.  Why the hell not?

Although the more I think about it, the more I look at my fantasy football team and think twice.

But if you're feeling lucky and want to throw some cash on some NHL games or some NCAA football games, do your homework before dumping money into some of these sites.

Good luck and happy gaming.  I'm going to stick to my miserable fantasy football team.  More like misery football for me.

Surf's Up, Dude!

Here's to an article pertaining to something I've never even attempted - surfing.

In order to surf winters around these parts, I'm assuming you need to get your hands on some pretty good wetsuits.  And what better company than Body Glove - I mean they even make cases for cell phones now - I actually have one.  It's like a wetsuit for your phone, except I don't think it's waterproof.

Anyway, surfing is something I've always wanted to try but have never really had the guts - or time - do.  Maybe with my pending move to Connecticut I will entertain my desire to surf.  I doubt there's many places to really go inland but maybe something along the coast.  Although the more I think about it, Long Island (where I'm from) is a pretty good jumping off point to learn to surf and since I've never really been inspired, I'll probably never go.  But...

A few of my buddies surf and they use Body Glove wetsuits and rave about them - no scratches, no sores, no bruises, no problem.  They're almost so convincing that I want to buy one and just wear it around.

If I ever get the cojones to go, I certainly will, but for now I'll settle for mobile products.

Hang 10, and when you do, be sure to get yourself into a Body Glove wetsuit.

Later, dudes!!

Let's Go Bowling!!!

I'm talking college football you goofs.  I have never been to a bowl game but I can imagine tha atmosphere.

It's got to be crazy, your favorite team in what is as close to a playoff as possible, the stadium is split down the middle with fans from both sides.  There's bowl games and then there's bowl game.

The Fiesta Bowl is one of the best, although last years was a blowout, with Oklahoma pounding UConn, 48-20.  Fiesta Bowl Tickets must be tough to come by, but with a little help, you might be able to get your hands on them.

Orange Bowl Tickets are always a hot commodity too - great weather in winter time always attracts the crowds.  Not to mention when past MVP's from this game include Andrew Luck, Matt Leinert, and Carson Palmer.  Get it!

Then you've got to try to get your hands on some Rose Bowl Tickets - talk about atmosphere.  Pasadena, baby!  A parade for the game.  And matchups like USC and Penn St., Oregon and Ohio St., and TCU ad Wisconsin.  Get out west and see this one.

And scoring Chick-fil-a Bowl Tickets can be tough, with teams like Florida State, South Carolina, LSU Auburn, and Tennessee all being past participants.  Who wouldn't want to catch some of the best teams in the country in this one?

Finally, trying to get Cotton Bowl Tickets is a fete in itself.  Ole Miss, Oklahoma St., Arkansas, and Missouri all have played in this one, played down at Jerry World, home of the Cowboys.

So get your hands on these tickets before they're gone.  I am seriously considering checking out one of these games this year, and so should you.

I HATE Radio

We drove up to Vernon, CT from Long Island this morning to check out places.  Then we drove back from Vernon, CT to the Bronx.  We stopped over in Hartford for a late lunch at the Trumbull Kitchen, which was awesome.

The FM radio was on most of the trip until I almost had a breakdown - I then switched over to ESPN Radio 1050.  Yes, traffic was bad, but it wasn't because of that.

The reason for the near breakdown was because the same five songs get played on every radio station in the greater NY area - and I can't take it anymore. 

I actually used to like some of the songs, but after today, I fucking despise them.  I will turn them off immediately upon hearing the first few chords.

#1 - Adele - "Someone Like You" - I like her entire album and can listen to "Rolling in the Deep" 1,000 times and not get sick of it but when this song comes on, I want to stick a screwdriver in my ears.

#2 - Maroon 5 - "Moves Like Jagger" - Adam Levine is awesome but this song was on 6 different radio stations within a ten minute span.  It made me want to pull over and rip the radio out of the car.

#3 - Foster the People - "Pumped Up Kicks" - I hated this song before I even liked it and I'm back on the Hate Boat. 

#4 - Pitbull - "Give Me Everything" - Never really liked this guy but his songs are pretty catchy.  This one, however, got dropped.

That's my rant for the day.  I know different songs are played on different stations throughout the country, but I'm sure you all have songs you cannot stand.

This is my Forgettable Four.

R(e)ally

While watching the Phillies fans writhe in pain and agony with their team losing in the ninth to the Cardinals last night, the TV cameras panned in to a guy with a rally cap on.

There is no reason a grown ass man should find the need to turn his hat inside out and put it back on his head.  Are there some magical spells that you can cast that no one else has figured out yet?  Is your hat the hat that is going to spark a turnaround?

It just looks ridiculous.  I like the effort and your heartfelt desire for your team to succeed, but a rally cap is not going to do a think.  Especially when you're the only one in the section with said cap on.

Take this guy for example:

He's so far away the rally cap effect doesn't even reach the field.

Occasionally you see the players in the dugout doing it, and that's a little less ridiculous, because they actually can help determine the outcome.

Fans, stick with wearing the cap properly - forward and straight with a little bend in the brim.

Good day.