Checking In

Hi friends,

It's been a while, hasn't it? Just thought I'd throw in a nice update to let you all know that 1) I am alive and 2) this blog is still alive as well. And as much fun as it is to have a blog, it can also be quite a pain as well. It's weird that you sometimes feel obligated to write in your blog... but to who? To yourself? I guess so. To other people? Sure, but it's kind of arrogant to think that people really care that much about what you have to say. Let's just face it -- the only real way to feel like your blog has a true purpose is if you're getting paid for it. And unless someone reading this wants to make that happen, my motivation to write in this blog will be up and down. There will be good stretches and there will be bad stretches. Kind of like the Miami Heat.

Anyway, just wanted to check in and say hi. I leave you with something fun for fans of Parks and Rec and/or Casablanca.


AND two things to look forward to in the coming days/weeks.

First...


And second...

L...O...L....

Remember my post from January 12?

....

Nothing else needs to be said.

Too Close for Missiles, I'm Switching to Guns

I recently watched Top Gun again and it just confirmed what we've all known for many years now: the soundtrack is beyond epic. I can watch the movie just to hear the music.

Exhibit A. The most popular:

Exhibit B. The ballad:

Exhibit C: The anthem:

As a side note, I'm pretty sure I want these two guys to play at my wedding. And probably my funeral too.

Get On Your Bicycle (Kick)

I'll be honest: the only time I ever really follow soccer is during the World Cup -- so basically, once every four years. But I saw this goal from Wayne Rooney on Sportscenter the other night and it deserves to be shared.



Pretty sweet, right?

Now I don't watch European soccer at all but have you noticed that it's become like the "hip" sport to follow? There's this perception that only the well-informed sports fan follows European soccer, and he or she turns their nose to the less "qualified" sports (i.e. American sports) and the fans of those sports. Look, that's fine if you want to like soccer. I have nothing against it. In fact, I have a great appreciation for the game. But no one likes a snob, so stop being such a douche.

Here's a better analogy: you know your hipster friend who listens to all those random indie bands you've never heard of and they can't stop talking about how amazing their favorite bands are and your friend also looks down on your taste in music because you happen to like stuff that's actually played on the radio? Yeah, that's basically what it's like having a friend who is a fan of European soccer. Freaking snobs. Go watch your soccer game wearing your ManU jersey while listening to Bright Eyes on your iPod.

Super Bowl (Commercial) Recap

The Super Bowl was a mixed bag of emotions this year. It brought the good, like a pretty good game featuring the Packers holding off a valiant second half comeback from the Steelers. It brought the bad, like Christina Aguilera messing up the national anthem. And it brought the mind-boggling, like the Black Eyed Peas and their part-Tron, part-Xena Warrior Princess halftime show.

Interestingly enough, you could probably categorize all of the Super Bowl commercials under one of those labels as well. Overall, I was largely underwhelmed by the advertising efforts of this year's big game. But there were a few standouts. Let's recap, shall we?

Honorable Mention - NFL: Super Bowl celebration

If you didn't watch a lot of TV growing up and/or don't watch a lot of football, you probably don't have that great an appreciation for this commercial. Fortunately that's not the case for me.

3. Doritos - Finger-licker

A lot of people thought this commercial was kind of creepy and gross. Maybe it was. But it was also hilarious.

2. Pepsi - Love Hurts

One could argue that physical humor should be done tastefully and with respect to the person at whose expense we laugh at. But one would be wrong because it's so much funnier when it leaves you wondering whether to laugh or feel sorry.

1. Volkswagon - The Force

Come on. How can this not be number one? There's something about the dejected mannerisms of a little Darth Vader that makes me laugh each time I watch this commercial. The Force is strong with this one.