Talk about a breakdown in procedural protocol. Talk about the ultimate national security breach. What a farce. What an embarrassment. Heads surely will roll, thanks to this latest hoax … it’s ‘Balloon Boy’ all over again. Everybody wants to be a celebrity, their own reality show, their 15 minutes of fame … so pathetic!!

intravenous intertwined, why\’d you have to go and let it die?

A heart of gold but it lost its pride. Beautiful veins and bloodshot eyes.

I’ve seen your face in another light.  Why’d you have to go and let it die?

Why’d you have to go and let it die? Why’d you have to go and let it die?

In too deep and out of time. Why’d you have to go and let it die?

Why’d you have to go and let it die? Why’d you have to go and let it die?

Why’d you have to go and let it die? In too deep and out of time.

Why’d you have to go and let it die?

In too deep and lost in time. Why’d you have to go and let it die?

Beautiful veins and bloodshot eyes. Why’d you have to go and let it die?

Why’d you have to go and let this die? Why’d you have to go and let this die?

Why’d you have to go and let this die? Why’d you have to go and let this die?

Why’d you have to go and let it die?

That was the WestJet ad that appeared on the front page of The Toronto Star awhile back, maybe 1-2 weeks ago. Being curious, I went to their site and found that they did have these flights, and they were readily available … oh, and it was even cheaper – 8 bucks less a penny – $7.99. But, here’s the thing, it sounds incredibly cheap, and it is, but with taxes and fees it comes to $80.91 … so it ain’t exactly a burger, fries and a drink as you’d think. Oh, and to get back home, the price isn’t simply doubled as I thought. And, it’s not “let’s leave danistrulytheman’s sad, sorry, stranded ass in Jersey till he pays us through the motherfucking nose to get home” either as I also thought (I’m so cynical, suspicious, eh? Hahaha). It’s actually even cheaper – only $7 to return … and here’s the kicker … with taxes+fees it totals a whopping, paltry sum of $18.10!! WTF?!! My comments are, “Now, that’s a great fucking deal!!” … “What the fuck is up with the exorbitant gouging getting to AC?” and “Can someone please, please teleport me to Atlantic City?” … I’ll find my own way home!!

I purchased this at the LCBO about a week ago, along with 10 bottles of nouveau wines that they just released. Oh, and before I get to the beer story, let me say that it’s a mad rush to get any of these wines. It’s like Cabbage Patch Dolls, or Tickle Me Elmo … but for grown-ups with a hankering for booze. Luckily I went early, but still I had to run around to 3 more stores to track down everything I wanted, and still missed out on one of the Italian offerings that immediately sold out. Ok, now the beer part. I had to ask the employee for it (they didn’t have it displayed on the shelves yet). We walked together to the warehouse area and through the door … and there they were, just behind it actually – how convenient? I saw about half a dozen stacked unopened cases, and she simultaneously started opening the top one and asking me how many bottles I wanted. How many bottles? She obviously was oblivious to its price. I said to her that since each bottle was almost 10 bucks …$9.60 to be precise, that “I’d stick with just one … spank you very much!!” – ok, so I didn’t say that, but you get what I mean. She couldn’t fucking believe it, nor can I even now truthfully. Granted it’s a 650 ml bottle, but still, I mean c’mon give a regular guy, a hard working stiff a fucking break … lol!! I really like experimenting with these high quality beers, so maybe I should just bite my tongue and grin and bear it. All, I need now is a reason to crack it open and drink it … and from what I’ve read, it’s way too much for one person, much too sweet and rich, so it’d be nice to share. Any takers?

Just like sunny days that we ignored because we’re all dumb and jaded

And I hope to God I figure out what\’s wrong

Never thought I would forget this hate
Then a phone call made me realize I’m wrong

So, I’m back to drinking these bad boys … not that I necessarily stopped … because I hadn’t. Must admit that I’m a little surprised for not posting earlier about my absolute favourite beer. As far as an everyday, easy drinking beer goes, this is without equal… nothing, absolutely nothing beats this one!! Cheers!!

Always seem to be wondering why there’s nothing going down here

It seems to me I can live my life a lot better than I think I am

Winter’s onset traditionally signifies the end of my barbecue season until spring. But, I must say there was a time when that wasn’t the case and I used to grill all year round. Now, I clean my Weber, and store it, protecting it from unnecessary exposure to Canada’s harsh winter. And frankly, I’m not keen on indoor grilling either, as the results aren’t remotely close to the authentic method … not to mention the smokiness, and greasiness that invariably fills the air. This year, I thought I would remedy that by constructing a hibachi made with an old roasting pan, and the cast iron grate from my electric indoor DeLonghi grill. To my amazement the fit was perfect, well almost. These are hot Italian sausages that I grilled in the morning for dinner’s preparation of my baked sausage, spigazzouli, onions, yellow peppers, cremini mushrooms, jumbo pitted olives, sliver sliced garlic, and my homemade fresh oregano, fresh rosemary tomato sauce, topped with freshly grated Romano Lupa. Of course, this is my recipe … what else would you expect? Anyways, here’s a few pics, along with a pic of the pasta I used … the exact brand and packaging too!!

There is a very fine line between nailing it … and getting nailed!!

I didn’t know which one was the better quote, so I reversed and re-posted!! That’s my prerogative motherfuckers … cuz them my words!!

Sometimes what separates perfection, doing a great job and screwing the pooch, fucking up royally, is a motherfucking cunt hair!!

Today I went to get a prescription filled at my local pharmacy, the one I deal with and have so for many years. The pharmacist, actually Pharmacy Manager as her pin badge clearly stated was taking care of me, and apparently they recently updated their computer system and transferred all of their customer’s information. She asked me my date of birth, and immediately I go into defensive mode, like a I-don’t-like-giving-out-my-personal-info-shit-to-people-I-don’t-know-motherfucking-ninja-warrior … I guess it’s a reflex. I’m always reluctant to quickly, freely hand over personal information, so I asked, “Don’t you have it?” She did!! She kept inquiring if I was the same person whose records they had … who I was claiming to be. It never dawned on me until I left that what I perceived as perhaps her being bitchy, or overly obtrusive with her queries, but she wasn’t. I realized she was giving me a compliment without coming out and giving me a compliment. Perhaps it was her professional work ethic, but I knew what she was meant by her repetitive questioning … that I looked younger than my supposed birth year … and hey, at my age, I’ll take a compliment any way I get it!! Thanks, you made my day!!

Think I need a devil to help me get things right

Hook me up a new revolution, cause this one is a lie

We sat around laughing and watch the last one die

Now I’m looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright

I’m looking for a complication
Looking cause I’m tired of lying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly

I think I’m done nursing patience
It couldn’t wait one night
Give it all away if you give me one last try
We’ll live happily ever trapped if you just save my life
Run and tell the angels that everything’s alright

I was doing yard work the other day. First raking leaves … then mowing the lawn for hopefully the last time before winter and in the process mulching leaves left over from my raking. Then, I was unraveling packs of burlap and winding it around (and around, and around, and around … ok, you get it) my cedars attempting to protect them from the frosty, snowy conditions that seem to burden us in the months to come … and then after all of this, for extra protection, was spending more time working, tying them with jute. I was really feeling all sweaty and shitty … and dirty, but after I was done, with the sun beginning to set, and the wonderful calmness and lighting, I thought that I’d snap a few shots of myself. Let me add, it was no small feat without a swiveling/rotating display on my camera either. But, I tried, and these are a few of the results!!

BTW, self photography is a motherfucking bitch at the best of times!! Oh, and as far as lacking a smile … I’m the happiest-go luckiest, laughing-my-ass-off-motherfucker (so many times inappropriately too … I’m so fucking immature, always cracking up over silly, stupid shit) out there, so please don’t read anything into it … so, I self shoot sans smile … so what? (love the alliteration, completely intentional), like I need to explain myself to y’all!!

So, I finally made these, and here are pics of them just before I am putting them in the oven to slow-cook. I didn’t take any pics when they came out all cooked to perfection … like I said before, I really can’t be bothered to take out my camera and start shooting … it just isn’t me!! I was very, very impressed with the outcome for a first time effort, although I’m constantly analyzing and criticizing, thinking of ways to improve … I know, you don’t have to tell me, I’m anal that way … hahaha … trying so hard to be a perfectionist. I ate some more last night (again) for leftovers, and I don’t know why it didn’t dawn on me before, but cabbage rolls is the type of food that tastes better when re-heated and served as leftovers … in the way that chili the next day is better. Also, in terms of sitting down, eating and truly appreciating the food, I don’t think it helps that I was working so hard making them, with all the prep work involved and then the cleaning of my kitchen … I become so spent and exhausted that the effort overshadows the results. Well, I guess that’s just me being a complaining cook … a kvetching cook …lol!!

She matters when everything is meaningless

I won\’t let you fall apart. I won\’t let you fall apart. I won\’t let you fall apart. I won\’t let you fall apart.

She doesn’t see her beauty

She tries to get away

Sometimes it’s just that nothing seems worth saving

I can’t watch her slip away

We’ll find the perfect place to go where we can run and hide

I’ll build a wall and we can keep them on the other side

November 9, 1999 was a special, special day. I remember it vividly. I will never forget it. It was a beautiful, balmy,  22º C, sunny autumn day … and seems appropriate 10 years later we are eerily having a very, very similar day. I’ve said it before, many, many times … and will do so forever … Lily – I love you!!

She certainly was … and finished her career with a Hollywood ending. The TV Gods must be happy. They were playing up this scenario all day. I know this will muddy the voting waters for Horse of the Year honours … but it shouldn’t. And I hope eventually by that time the murk clears. And then I hope those casting their ballots for the Eclipse Award will be able to see beyond a doubt that Rachel Alexandra is the deserving choice!! Rachel Alexandra is the only choice!!

swinging from the chandeliers, hanging on your word

a little bit of resolve is what I need now, pin me down show me how

I would never change a thing, even if I could

all the songs we used to sing, everything was good

Hideki Matsui was the first Japanese born player bestowed this honour, as well as being the first full time DH to win it. He batted .615, drove in 6 runs, and had 8 RBI in the series, both feats tying previous records. And he did it with a paltry 13 at bats … motherfucking mind boggling numbers!! It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy either, he is so fucking humble … unlike other me first-team second accolade seeking athletes with egos the size of Yankee Stadium!!

Kitchen Mission … I like that!! And I better not see a show on the Food Network with that title either. I’ll be fucking pissed … sue your thieving motherfucking plagiarizing asses too!! Ok, so get this, I’ve become so fucking obsessed with this lately. I’ve never ever made cabbage rolls before, really had no desire to so either. When I think about, find it kind of odd considering my European roots. But for some reason I’ve immersed myself in this latest cooking quest of mine … another notch on my chef’s knife. I’ve been scouring cookbooks and the internet, drawing from both what I feel would work, and what won’t. Sorry, Tyler Florence, but a big fat F U to you … and usually I really like your shit, but not this time pal!! It certainly helps (actually, helps a lot) that I have kitchen skills. I take what is useful, and helpful (and weed out what is nonsense). Frankly, I cringe at what chefs nowadays want to create as nouveau cuisine. I’ve decided on a combination of a few recipes. So, yesterday at my favourite Highland Farms, I sought out my Polish ladyfriend (well, one of my favourite ladyfriends … she’s the head of the cheese dept.) and started asking her for advice and any tips she could offer me, and in the meantime I started talking about my thoughts and what I felt would work. Well, next thing you know, about half a dozen employees (all Polish women) gathered and started giving their 2¢ worth. I couldn’t fucking believe it … I was holding court with these b’s right there and then … and I learned so much from all of them!! My friend actually took a knife and showed my how to cut the large vein of each cabbage leaf without cutting it out completely and leaving a chunk of the leaf missing as other recipes call for … that means you too Tyler Florence. She practiced her technique on an outer leaf which is to be discarded anyways. What she did was slice the outer side of the vein parallel to the leaf, thinning it out, but leaving the leaf intact. She said, “How else are you going to roll up the cabbage without having any of the filling come out?” Genius, shear motherfucking genius!! I’m well on my way … I bought many ingredients already, and will probably tackle this in a week, or two. I can’t wait!!