"4 Years None the Richer"

Last week was actually the 4th anniversary of Tucker's World. That is just totally amazing. 4 years is a long time.

When I first started writing this, I was still in college, and working at the Outlet with Tom and Ed.

Just thinking back on all that has come and gone since than it really makes it seem like a longer. This summer 4 years ago I was going out to the bars almost everyone's with Jenna who also worked at the outlet. Now she has started a family and I am sure that seems like decades ago to her. Thankfully Tom and Ed have moved on too.

With in the last 4 years of writing this, we went to war in which two of my friends served and made it back thankfully. I went through several different jobs before finding one I actually like after finishing college.

I had long term relationship come and go. Lost and uncle, and a good friend at work. In fact most of the readers are my friend who have all had their ups and downs in the last four years from getting married, to losing a loved one. But I guess that is life.

All the old articles are still here, which is strange to go back and read when I am still in college, and all the random things that I wrote about. I never thought it would last a few months considering I usually don't commit to anything.

There was stuff I shouldn't have written over the years, and at the same time there is stuff that maybe I should have written. I think my blog if by accident at least served a bigger purpose at some points. Linking friends overseas back home to a poorly written but humble blog debating everyday life and current events in addition to random silly stories, or links to time wasting websites.

I recall when Kenny Riddle died(many of my readers went to HS with him) lots of random people that knew him but didn't know each other somehow found my blog and left comments about him, and I even got a really nice email from someone that knew him well.

I seriously, have no idea who is reading my blog most of the time, and am usually shocked to find I actually have more than two readers. Which is kind of strange, because lots of times its people I really lost touch with that randomly show up on here. Sometimes they tell me when I bump into them they read the blog. I am not going to get rich doing it, and I am certainly not going to meet any women writing it, but for the most part it has been fun. With all the change in my life over the last 4 years, it has been once of the few constants.

There is a comment starter for everyone. Think back where you were 4 years ago in the summer of 2002, and comment. I am sure a lot of people here, will be like..damn that was 4 years ago already?


I have sparked many debates on here and made many people slack off at their jobs. Sure, we never ended the Philly drought in the four years, and comcast has only gotten bigger despite my warnings of it being evil. But, at least when you write a blog and you keep living your life, and have an endless supply of current events to blog about, you will never run out of ideas. Things always be fresh and new. Now, everyone what do you put on your hotdogs?

"It's Always Wild in Philadelphia"

once again our fearless fighting Phils are in a Wildcard race again, and for the most part no one seems to care. I recall last year all excited when it was down the wire over Duke's. No one there aside from Jason cared, or even knew. This year it's a bit better, but I am sure once the Eagles start the real season they will get all the headlines and 610 airtime.

At any rate not only to the Phils still have a leigit shot at a wildcard spot, Ryan Howard is poised to set a single season homerun record for the ballclub. Howard knocked out his 45th.

The blast put Howard in a tie for third place with Mike Schmidt (1979) on Philadelphia's single-season home run list. Jim Thome is next with 47 (2003), then Schmidt again with 48 in 1980.


Cincinnati
67 62.519
-
Philadelphia
65 63 .508 1.5
San Diego
65 63 .508 1.5
Arizona
63 65 .492 3.5
San Francisco
63 66 .488 4.0
Milwaukee
62 66 .484 4.0

"Flying Phils"

In case you havent seen it yet here is the footage of Rowand and Chase running into each other. Here is it.

"Twas the Night Before Doomsday"

August 22nd is supposedly a much feared day of terrorist attack. Thats a lovely thought. Apperently something "major" is going to happen. I can't help but shake a feeling recently that there is going to be an attack gain on US soil. Maybe the whole foiled plot last week got me thinking of it or that fact that its coming up on 5 years since 9/11. Read here to see why people a lot smarter than me think something big is coming. http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=nation_world&id=4483263. Its been 5 years, for most people 9/11 might as well not have happened, not that we should live in a contant state of fear, but at the same time I think the terrorists will eventually find a weak link.

"No Liberman Is an Island"

So, Joe Liberman lost the nomination from the democrats, so he is just saying he will run as an independent. The democrats were happy to see him lose because, they were basically throwing him under the boss for his pro-war stance. Although, he has come out and said he supports the war, but we really screwed up when we carried out the plans.

Oddly enough Hillary Clinton who is pro-war didn't get merely as much heat as Liberman (who John Kerry called the new Dick Cheney today) which doesn't make sense to me. Certainly if they want everyone to toe the line, because that makes for stronger machine even if that means throwing independent thought out of the window.

I really do respect what Liberman is doing, and I wish more presidential candidates would do that. I never understood how for months they could be telling us how badly they wanted to lead this country, than after losing the backing of their political party they throw in the towel and crumble like a drakes coffee cake.

A few of my democrat friends felt Kerry was a weaker candidate than people he beat out. Yeah, I know all the money is gone once you lose the backing from your party, but what kind of message does that send? I imagine most these guys hope that they get another crack in another 4 years, but how many people keep running and losing anyway? Hell, the movie studio barely had to spend a dime on Snakes on a plane to promote it. It was all internet buzz.

Can't some smart minded guy (good quality for a leader of the most powerful nation in the world) who doesn't have silver spoon in is mouth or tons of money win an election by means of the new media? Get support from bloggers, and give a different voice? Instead we are stuck with guys like Kerry who were having their strings pulled by all their advisors, pollsters, and money men, he really didn't come into his own till after he lost the election.

Having someone break away from a party would provide them the freedom to not have to walk on eggs shells and toe the line on all the issues. It doesn't have to be a two party system. Considering the millions and millions of people in the country, Id hope we could find more than two people to choice from. Maybe, things will change by '08, but I doubt it. I m sure we will be stuck with the same thing, people treating political parties like sports teams. Cheering their own and booing the opponent. Mindlesslessly pushing their chad all the way through simply based on the letter next to their name. Even in many cases when they admit they don't like the candidate.

"It is a Small Cyber World After All"

So, a girl in the department at work came into the office on a Monday morning awhile back telling us all she had been swept off her feet by the greatest guy ever. She met him at some bar in Philly. Everything was perfect, she even told us if he asked she would have moved to Florida for him. You see, the dude was in the Navy and had to ship out after a long weekend in Philly.

Anyway, the poor girl committed the sin of modern dating. She never goggled the guy! Her friend pointed this out to her Monday morning. A quick search came up with a site made by his proud dad. However, quite much to her surprise, the picture of him was of him and his lovely wife. A farther search revealed a MYSPACE account with pictures of his little baby boy.

Anyway, I will be honest with you. I had no idea what MYSPACE even was till earlier this summer. I heard people talk about it, and obsess about it. I guess I should have known more since my Ex had one, and talked about it all the time. Maybe, I should have been concerned about all the "Myspace" dudes that wanted to be her friend? But even still the whole trend didnt appeal to me. You see the point of it is for people to use the spot on the internet to the the whole world their life story or what they are up to, and who they know.

The goal for some people is, is simply to find more "myspace friends". You can approve or disapprove friends. This way you can have links to tons of strangers and post comments on whether or not people are hot or not. You also post strange pictures back and forth to one another.

I spent a whole night on there once, and found tons of people that I know on there. Not to mention people I haven't seen in years. It kind of felt strange by doing a search by my highschool. With a simple click of the button I could find out what all these people I don't talk to anymore are up to.

Most pictures of girls on there are of them with their lowest cut shirts on, or drunk or high some place. Some MYSPACE people put all kinds of information on there it makes you wonder if anyone can blame "Big Brother" for being the one showing the world their private information.

I really spend time looking at peoples MYSPACE pages, and I have to say I simply don't get it. Its so huge, and I just don't see the appeal. I guess lots of guys do it to try to get laid. I guess its nice since its free and easy, but I still don't see how it gripped an entire world's free time. I don't I guess I shouldn't talk since I have a webblog. Although it never lead me to pictures of girls dressed like sluts.

I seriously think the next election should be done on MYSPACE. Whoever gets the most myspace friends wins. At least if someone was sitting at their computer and they got a friend request from Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush they would be more likely to ROCK THE VOTE in 2008 than having to go out and interact with actual humans.

I don't mean to upset anyone by this post who holds their MYSPACE page dear to their heart. I am usually way behind on hot trends anyway. I have to go now, I have to feed my Giga pet.

"The Return of Tucker's World"

Well I was down the shore for a week and had no internet during that time. So, that is why there was no updates. But rest assured both my readers Tucker's World is back! Let's see what happened since I last blog. Hmmm.. The whole World War III, got worse. The Phillies were in and out of the wild card race about half a dozen times. Rico retired. The new season of the sopranos was pushed off again. What else did we learn? Mel Gibson only hates Jewish people when he drinks. Everyone is excited about the upcoming movie Snakes on a Plane, which could be one of the biggest movies of the summer. Oh, yeah a bunch of terrorists almost blew up a bunch of planes, but the bleeding hearts are still pissed that the government wants to listen in on our phone conversations.

What, else what else, what else...oh yeah. I keep finding Spiders in my apartment. What is up with that? Okay, I know its summer and there is a lot of woods near where I live. But, even still it seems like every morning I kill a spider before most people have their first cup of coffee.

I mean it would not be such a big deal if it was the same kind of spider. Like, oh maybe Tucker just has a huge family of spiders living with him. But thats not the case, they are like all different kinds. Big ones, hair ones, green ones, long legged ones. I came home from work the other day and there was actually a camera man from the Discovery Channel was filming aspider in my bathroom.

He was saying excitingly into the camera.

"Wow I have never seen a this species before!"

Anyway both my readers, Tucker's World is back.

"Stop It Right There!"

Dorny won't be in the booth the coming season for the Flyers. He "retired" and got some lame ass office job with the Flyers. Keith Jones will take his place in the booth. The Flyers kick off the preseason in about a month and a half! Go to http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/ for the update on Jones and Dorny. Dorny will be missed.

"Heath Ledger: The Joker.

So Warner Brothers said today that they have cast Heath Leadger as the Joker in the sequel to Batman Begins. I have only seen two of his movies, and he is a pretty good actor. But, I just can't picture this guy pulling it off.

"City of Bloody Hate"

Philly has gotten totally out of control. Murders are out of hand and after the 226 homocide Mayor Street has finally decided to do something about it. Now young people gunning each other down isn't anything new for our neighbors across the Delaware. However this is an 8 % increase in murders over last year.

Philly is trying to cool off the killing by hiring 200 more police officers.

They are actually going as far as to install cameras at certain communites (wonder if they will just shoot them out anyway). This comes a year after National Geographic named PHilly "The Next Great City" and during their bid for future Summer Oylmpics.

At this points many residents are scared, because quite a few of the murders were just people caught in the cross fire. What is even more upsetting is the ages of all the people. IF you read in the papers they are mostly 16-21.

Just people killing people.

With the 3rd heatwave of the season here now, it is likely going to put tensions up even higher.

"Classic Conan"

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3740421 Here are some classic Conan O brien videos. When you are done with the first one, make sure you watch Conan's car and Cat accountants.

"Sal is No Longer Our Pal"

I guess now I don't have a good reason to grow a handle bar mustache anymore.....http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060722&content_id=1569573&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi. How many days before Mike "Leave them on" (as Jay calls him) gets hurt again?

"No end in Sight"

The heat just wont stop...Record heat in LA, hot everywhere still!

"Now Europe Roasts!"

Global Warming has gone EXTREME! Buy a home in the midwest before becomes beach front property! Read alllllll about it! More Records broken! Hopefully Al Gore can smash the sun bettween his hands.

"Roasting US"

48 of 50 states hit 90 or above. Highs in South Jersey came close to 100. No end in sight...

"Is Weezer Done?"

iIt certainly sounds like it. I guess Rivers is getting up there for the Weezer type music. I can see him releasing a really lame solo albumn in like 3 years. I wish I had seen them in a better venue than from 50 miles away at the Tweeter Center. I mean it was fun and all, but I would have liked to be closer. I was told the played at the electric factory once (might have been the other small philly concert place) and it rocked. RIP Weezer 1993-2006. Read here http://www.comcast.net/entertainment/index.jsp?cat=ENTERTAINMENT&fn=/2006/07/13/433631.html Okay everyone top 5 Weezer songs ever.

"Killer Klowns"

Not from outer space....but its a fun way to get your summer kicks I guess. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003121207_insaneclowns12m.html

"Super Flop"

Its official after this weekends totals came in Superman Returns is a huge flop. Superman Returns" slipped to No. 2, making $21.9 million in its second weekend and taking the Man of Steel's 12-day tally to $141.7 million. Distributor Warner Bros. Pictures, a unit of Time Warner Inc., said it expected the movie to reach $200 million. ---YAHOO What it doesnt mention there though, is that the movie lost over 50 percent of it's audience from week to another. It's highly thought in the industry that the sequel to Superman Returns has already been nixed. I guess the core movie goers (really young people) are just not interested in Superman anymore, and they flock to the more modern super heros like X-men. I really liked the film (review to follow) but it has been a total disaster for Warner Brothers. Just their worst nightmare. If there is a sequel it will certainly be really low budget. But it is more likely though that the movie series will lay dead for 19 years again at least.

"Biggest Movie Ever!"

55 Million and Counting it is not even Saturday Night Yet. That is in one day. Biggest Movie Ever....

"Hot Dog Talk"

So, my dad was at a charity event recently, and at the end they had hotdogs out for refreshments. Anyway he put some ketchup on his dog, and the guy behind him, was like "Are you really going to put Ketchup on your dog?!?!". My dad did, and it got me thinking is ketchup not as a common dressing for a hotdogs as I thought. I am a ketchup and mustard guy myself. But, if I had to pick one of the two it would be ketchup easily. I would think the most common dressing for a dog would be as follows. Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, chopped onions. What does everyone else put on their dog?

"10 Reasons Why Jaws Still Rocks"

I finally got around to screening Jaws on the bigscreen.

For that reason alone I decided to post 10 reasons why the movie still rocks after over 30 years.

1. You can say what you want about the fake shark, but honestly the shots of the shark are so few and far between it doesn't really matter. Also, it looks a hell of a lot better than most of the CGI images used in the Star Wars Prequels.

Anyway, if they movie was shot today. I doubt they would have had the film shot the same way. The 2nd act of the movie out on the water, was shot on actual water. They had another boat with cameras and a crew on it. If they made this movie today, it would be 3 actors sitting in front of a bluescreen in a soundstage, with awful CGI water added later. Having the movie shot on actual water made you feel as if you were there.

2. The music score. I mean it's just truly classic. Something lacking in the blockbuster films these days. Can anyone actually tell me how the X-men, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings themes go?

3. All the extras, and some of the small speaking roles were all cast with residents of marthas vineyard. Since it was supposed to be a small new england town. This worked great. Too often you have extras that just seem fake and mostly just people that hang out in LA all day waiting for their big break.

4. I have seen the movie countless times. Honestly, every time I have watched it. I pick up something different. That is the sign of a truly great film

5. The acting. Roy Scheider is truly on top of his game in the movie as are Robert Shaw and Richard dreyfuss. Scheider playing Brody is great at the anti-hero. Most of his flaws are not brushed with broad strokes that they would be as today. It is clearly implied he has a bit of a drinking problem, and his fear of water is a nice touch given what he has to do. But his fear is never blown up into a huge deal. Robert Shaw is full of energy (and from what I read about the making of the film booze during most of the filming) with his random singing, disdain for richboy know-it-all Hooper(Dreyfuss). The exchanges of the three make the movie tense as much as shark looming.

6. The lines. Very quotable movie.
7. The fact that it is created as the first blockbuster ever.

8. The dinner scene. Truly one of my all time fav. Scenes. You got Quint and Hooper comparing battle scares from run ins with various sea life. Than poor Brody tries to chime in with what looks to be an appendix scar, than decides "man that's too lame to bring up, they are talking about arm wrestling injuries and shark tails cutting them"

After that is Quint's powerful WWII story, followed up by "Show Me the Way to Go Home" which in an instant turns back into action when the shark starts slamming his head into the side of the ship.

9.
Mayor Vaughn (played by the Murray Hamilton) is a great villain of sorts. Just trying to great a big smoke screen in his little summer town. Hoping that no one gets hurt, but at the same time people don't really fear for their lives enough not to spend money in order for his "summer town" to get their "summer dollars". This is most evident when he tells a reporter (mind you after a girl, a little boy, a dog, and a fisherman were all killed) that a shark supposedly "injured some bathers"

10. The movie is paced perfectly. Never a slow moment, and the action doesn't drag forever like modern movies. It ends enough time that you almost wish it was longer, which means they did their job. I also love the final scene of the movie. Which I always think is key to wrapping up a great film.

"Flyers Lose Johnsson to Wild"

Kim Johnsson has the Flyers for the Wild. Making the Philly blueline, even worse. In order to try to make up for his loss the Flyers have signed Nolan Boaumgartner who played for the Cancucks last season and had 5 goalds, 29 assists for 34 points. Who knows if Johnsson will ever return to form after getting his bell rung really bad last season. However, I am pretty bummed to and mildly shocked to see Johnsson walk like this. Meanwhile Blake went back to LA and Weight went back to St Louis. Read more here.

"Almost Here"

Don't forget to run to the theaters Wednesday to catch Superman Returns on opening day. Or for you nightowls catch a midnight showing Tuesday.

"Who Sucks The Most?"

Let's face it all 4 Philly teams are not good. So lets rate the 4 Philly teams from who sucks the most to who sucks the least.

Here is my Rank:

Sixers: No one cares about this team at all. Not even the players feel like showing up for games at the end of the season. Literally, they don't show up on time for their games.

Phillies: I was so excited about this season for some reason. They started off pretty bad, and than seemingly turned it around. However, after the winning streak the team went into a tail spin and can't seem to win any more than back to back games. Getting swept by the Mets last week already may have melted their shot at winning the pennant, and its only June. With sad outings against the Yankees and Redsox even their Wild Card hopes might be fading. This gives them 2nd place, but before the end of the season they might suck worse than the Sixers.

Eagles: Andy Reid lost total control of his team. Most football fans don't think enough changes were made in the off season to make up for last year's train wreck of a season. You can be sure enough that most of their are already getting their excuses ready. TO, might be gone, but we have to play him as a Dallas Cowboy. The final meeting of the two teams is even on Christmas Day. One can already see it play out being the game that if the Eagles lose ends their season. I can already see TO running for 3 or 4 touchdowns and blowing the Eagles out and mocking them. Driving the holiday suicide rate even higher in the Delaware Valley.

Flyers: I know you might say just because its the Flyers I put them as the least sucky team. Please make no mistake. This is a pretty lousy team, with no goal tending and no 1st line centers with Forsberg out for over half the season. Lets face it. If it weren't for the hot run on their annual west coast road trip last season, there is a good shot they would not have made the playoffs. They were at best a .500 team without Forsberg, and will have to play with out him most of this coming season. I have huge doubts the team will even qualify for the playoffs for the 06-07 season. Which could land them right above the Sixers on the level of suck.

Come on who agrees or disagrees with the suck list?

"Superman Returns Earlier"

Many sites debated the release date of Superman Returns. If it was Friday June 30th or Weds, June 28th. Based on the TV spots. Its clearly June 28th.

"Global Sheep"

When it comes to Hurricanes most people look to weather expert Bill Gray. Gray's predicitions are usually copied or at least referenced by most weatherman. Recently, Gray came out and blasted Al Gore and the theory of global warming. This guy isn't really a political guy, but he is well respected in his field. Here is a link.

"Fear the Storm"

Rod Brind'Amour let his team yet again picking up two goals including the game winner to overcome the Oilers 5-4 in game one. The Hurricanes took advantage of the fact that the Oilers #1 goalie Dwayne Rolston left the game. Their back up Ty Conklin was so bad he was on my fantasy team. Brind'y got the puck on a give-a-way and scored on a wrap around. Now the Canes led 1-0 in the series no one cares about. Game 2 is on OLN (Channel 60) at 8pm. Go Canes!

"Sharkey's Up for Sale"

One of my beloved bars Sharkeys in Lindenwold is up for sale according to Rick who saw it in the Sunday paper this weekend. If you ever wanted to own a bar, nows your chance if you have 850k laying around.

Now, this doesn't mean that Sharkey's is dead. Bars like the Wick and Harpers have changed ownership in the past 10 years without most people noticing. However, it's not out of the question that the bar could close its doors all together one day.

The bar has been struggling for awhile. Even had live bands which drove away more business than brought in. The bands were simply too loud for the small bar, and charging a cover charge made no sense when people just went to Harpers for free music.

To make matters worst the smoking ban in NJ has clearly hurt the local bars. People just go and grab a six pack now instead of going to their local watering hole. I was at Sharkey's a few weeks ago sitting next to a guy at the bar (who had something to do with the Bar Business) who was telling the bartender that her bar wasn't the only empty bar he was at that night. All the other places he was in were either half as busy as usual or full of empty bar stools and tumbleweeds.

Of course, the smoking ban had to be based, but it is clearly from what I have seen having an impact on the local bars, maybe night the night clubs where all the shiny shirt guys and slutty girls will always go to hook up. But the quiet local bar could be dead. The only lucky ones are the ones with decks. Rick was even told before the bar was up for sale that Sharkeys was going to get a deck, but its likely it wasn't allowed due to zoning rules. In which case the owner realized he was screwed and put the bar up for sale. Without a deck people are just going to be sitting at home buying their cases of beer and working on their my spaces.

Not sure if you could connect it, but if Sharkey's closes for good since smoking ban was here to it will already be the third bar I know that has closed. Bamboo Bernies actually popular bar had their lease raised and couldn't renew it, Kemensikis in Cherry Hill near the Coast Line got bought and will be leveled for a new night club from the people who brought you Adelphia's.

So, who wants to put in some cash to buy the bar?

"Canes Storm to Finals"

During a stormy night in South Jersey, former Flyer Rod Brind'amour lead his Caroilna Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup finals. This will be only the 2nd visit to the finals in the franchise history. The team formerly known as the Hartford Whalers also has former Flyers Mark Recchi and Justin Williams(who added the empty net goal in game 7) on the roster.

Maybe this was the NHL's dream matchup of the small market teams in the finals. Proving in the post-lock out world anyone can compete. However, it's fairly clear the NHL will see the lowest ratings in the history of their games for the cup finals by far. Given the fact that one team plays in another country and the other is lost in NASCAR and college hoops land.

At any rate the hard working Hurricanes deserve all the credit in the world. They game back from 2-0 in the first round and came from behind in many of their games. It's clear Brindy wants his first cup and this might be his last shot at it.

The Edmonton Oliers on the other hand should be renamed the Edmonton Spoilers, because the ousted a bunch of teams no one thought they could including the Red Wings in the first round. They barely needed to break a sweat to swat off the not so mighty Ducks.

Despite the Oiler's underdog story, the Hurricanes are just an awesome team and can't be beat. The Hurricanes should win easily in 5 games and make it short cup finals.

"Summer Movie File 301: Poseidon"

Cast: Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, Jacinda Barrett, Emmy Rossum, Mike Vogel, Mia Maestro, Jimmy Bennett, Freddy Rodriguez, Andre Braugher, Ferrgi and Kevin Dillon. Director: Wolfgang Peterse


There are two kinds of movies you see at the theater sometimes. Those you go to see, and those you go to see because what you wanted to see was sold out.

This was one of the later, normally I would not have paid to see remake of a movie I liked. Certainly not a remake of a Gene Hackman movie. The original spawned a sequel and a mini-series remake on NBC a few months ago.

Going into a movie like Poseidon you know what to expect. It's just supposed to be a fun movie to watch, and if you have seen any disaster movies you know the rules. Lots of famous people, many of which will die. The jerks will all die.

The movie only gives you 20 minutes to find out who is who before the ship flips over and the action starts. Than its a game of who is going to die first. The movie is pretty much the same thing the original was. A ship is upside down and a bunch of people on board must band together and get the hell off. Like the original each person (some bigger than others) has a backstory and of course since its a remake there is a gay character.

A movie like this I cant tell anyone to go out and see right away. But it held my interest for the slim 90 minutes of running time. The actors did what was asked and the director does his best with this kind of film. In fact looking at his previous work I realized I hated most of his films, so I think this is his best.

As far as acting goes, really most the dialouge is about what to do next to not drown. So, there isnt much there.

Russel and Lucas play the dual hero part, Dillion is fun was the sleezy poker player, and Dreyfuss displays the most depth. I am also offically in love with Emmy Rossum.

Final Thought: It is mindless a popcorn movie. The action is pretty good, and I love Emmy Rossum.
Sometime this weekend: Tucker on the CODE

"Superman Videos"

Came Across two videos about the original Superman movies here is one set too some really loud club music with sound bits from the movies which is pretty cool http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LijFPPDvts&search=Reeve but a much better one is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQwFrgU5xeg&search=chris%20Reeve set to the Five for Fighting song about Superman. The Lyrics were perfect and match on some of the images.

"Im Back"

I was down the shore for the weekend..but I am well rested and BACK! Two movie reviews for the summer coming soon...check back

"Just for the Record"

Since my internet was down before the final four in the NHL started I didnt have a chance to blog about it. Canes in 7, and Oilers in 6.

"Comcast Hates Me"

For about the 6th time since I got cable at my apartment I am having issues with Comcast.

Last night I was watch Season 2 Rescue Me DVD, and when it finnished I wanted to check up on the fighting Phils. However, the cable was out and after unplugging the box and plugging it backed in (solves some of the problems) it was still not working. I got the icon for the box followed by a typical vauge error.

"These Advance Features are Not Available at This Time"

Appernently actually watching moving images with audio is considered an advanced feature by our friendly neighborhood monopoly. So, I resorted to calling up for help. The first guy told me that my box was "looking for signal" that wasnt there so it didn't know what to do. Also that it "might" be back up in a half an hour or so.


Of course since the guys response to me was based on basically nothing another episode of Rescue me later and I was back on the line.

This time I got a girl who gave me the same suggestions. She than told me that something must be really wrong, and pointed out to me I was getting no signal for my internet with. It's just dead.

Nothing we can do.

We dont know why this is happening.

The best thing they could do is send tech out Friday, during the day. But, I have this thing called a job. So I couldnt take the day off to wait for their idiot repairman. So, now that pushes it to Saturday which will likely sour my plans to go down the shore.

So, no cable, no internet for me. From this awful, awful company.

I used my sales skills to get them to take 20 bucks off my bills.

I will likely squander that at Happy Hour tonight, since im going straight to the country club after work.

"Best of Bush"

When he is not setting the stage for World War III and getting ready to start nuclear war with Iran Bush does provide some laughs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efVin_K6W_s&search=President%20Bush%20CNN%20Speech%20Rehearsal%20Media%20Bias

"Where is Superman?"

About a month and half to go till Superman Returns!

"Funny Jaws Spoofs"

I came across these spoofs of Jaws one is a fake trailer making it look like a heart warming adventure, the other is cartoon bunnies recreating the movie in 30 secs.

"Verizon to Invade Comcast Country"

The stage is set. The War has begun!

"Good Old Dan K"

Dan K and I have had a history of random emails that make no sense and usually out of nowhere. This is a throw back to when in gradeschool we would have each other randomly to pages in our textbooks to point out random pictures that were normal for a textbook and not even the least bit funny. However, we would find them hilarious. For example..turn to page 256, and it would be a crossing guard directing traffic. Turn to page 156 a dog walking in the park. Now we just do it through emails Now almost our entire communication in the last year or so has been mainly random pictures of the Sopranos, or off the internet with no explanation or any text asking how the other person is doing. I am pretty sure he has no idea I moved out. Im sure he doesn't know my girlfriend left me. He could have a kid for all I know, or have moved out of South Jersey, or emailing me from his bunker waiting for the end. I have no clue how he likes the married life. None. My latest email was classic Dan. Subject: The End of the World Body: I think we're all going to be dead within 2 years. There seemed to be some type of download that didn't work on my end (likely my computer can merely do what his could in 1999) which made it all the more random.

"Here We Go Canes"

I just don't get it. Before the season started this team was expected to go no where. Than people said when they started out great it wouldnt last. Now they are up 3-0 against the Devils who no one thought they could beat. On their way to the final four. Everyone has thought I was crazy for saying this team was going to far. Duke thought Tampa would beat them and still tells me they are not a good hockey club. They have owned the NJ devils. I said all along it was going to be this team out of the East. I would love to see Brindy win a cup. Now with San Jose their likely foe, I think they will.

"June 30th"

"Super Sunday: The Trailer"

The new Trailer uses More of John William's original score and includes a glimpse of Brando as Jor-el. Also, lots of footage with Lex, which lead some people to complain. Still looks like a good movie to me. http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?id=1426641&sdm=web&qtw=640&qth=400 see for yourself.

"Round 2: Picks"

WEST



Oilers vs Sharks.

The Oilers suprise run will end by fate of the Sharks. Cheecho and Thorton will dazzle again and light up the Oilers.

SHarks in 6.

Ducks vs Lanche

Okay, I really didn't pick either of these teams to make it out of the first round alive. So, I am going to go with the Colorado in 6.

EAST


Ottawa vs Buffalo

Yeah, the Flyers are long gone, but this is going to a hell of a series! Its going to be wide open hockey and Ottawa can actually keep up with Buffalo. The Flyers looked like the team that always gets their asses kicked by the Harlem Globetrotters.

Ottawa in 6.

NJ vs CArolina

Cant stop the Hurricanes. Carolina in 7! Yeah I said it! I know even after they came back from being down 2-0 people still dont respect this team. But they are the real deal. Look out NJ!

"Daily News Movie Madness!"

The Philly Daily News has put together a movie madness bracket for the summer movies. Kind of like the March Madness but with movies. The idea is to guess what movies will make more money than than others. All the directions are there and it seems pretty fun. THE DEALINE IS MAY 5 at NOON. Sorry for the delay but I just found this yesterday. Hopefully those who want to do this can enter. http://pdn.philly.com/2006/bracketmaster.asp

"Only the Good Die Young"

I pretty much love my job, so going to work Monday morning isn't the drag that it was with most my other jobs (or going in at all for that matter). However this Monday was a total and utter shock for me

A co-worker of mine, who pretty much trained me in my department since I started last year passed away from a heart attack early Monday morning.

As if it isn't shocking enough to hear that your co-worker is dead. It was overly shocking because he was 32 years old, not heavy, not a heavy drinker, didn't smoke and was full of life. 32 is a mere 6 years older than me. I never heard of someone dying of a heart attack that young.

Its extemely tradgic because he just go bumped up to pretty much the highest position in the office last December. A job he had wanted for a very long time. He leaves behind a wife and a 3 year old and a one and half year old.

I guess lifes not fair, but it just seems like total bullshit for a good person to just die so young. It just doesnt make sense. The office is pulling together but this week has been really rough so far and the funneral is Friday which will be just awful.

I guess you really never know when your time is up. This guy was on top of the world and he is gone in the blink of an eye.

It really makes you take stock, I guess no one can really know what I am talking about unless they have been really jolted by losing someone close to them out of the blue who was so young. I worked very closely with him over the year I have worked there. I even went on a business trip with him last summer.

"Flyers Suck"

The Flyers got destroyed tonight and sent home for the summer. This by far the worst team they have had since they started making the playoffs again in the early 90's. For the first time in my entire life I shut off a Flyers game (out of anger) after one period of play. After the 3rd goal I litterally did not watch another second untill I flipped back (and timed it perfectly) to see the final 20 seconds tick off.

Yeah, you can make the excuse off all the hurt players. But the team just didn't want to play tonight. Thats the bottom line. They were ready to go home. I can't think of anyone other than Gagne, Carter and Richards I want to see make on the team. No exageration here. All the others are expendable including Foresberg who they could get a bunch of great young players for at next year's trade deadline.

Sadly, the Clarkie will be under the illusion that his team is a cup team and do nothing to build for the future and likely not make any deal like that. Don't worry about next year, worry about 5 years from now. Build and grow a team together, don't just rent players and buy washed up talent, through them together in hopes they will win the cup. It doesnt work. They have tried it for over 10 years.

Rebuild, Rebuild,Rebuild.

If that means writing off the next 3 years at cup years, so be it. Thats the only way it will work.

Anyway, according to Jay if you add up all 4 teams its 90 straight seasons with out a championship.

Why not check out the Curse of William Penn on a day like today. Check it out. I don't know its serious or not but it looks like they made a movie about it. The music is perfect.

Flyers Suck


http://www.phrustratedphan.com/home.html

"Even"

Well, I was going to recap each game by game. I have been real busy and never got around to it. I really need to get a laptop so I can blog while watching the game or a movie like Drew used to do. I plan to swing back into that starting with game 5. What can I say what a difference a week makes? The Flyers are right back in it. Sure, the HAVE to win in Buffalo at one point, but I think the Sabres are the team doubting themselves now. I think who ever wins game 5 wins the series. We should see game time is 2pm Sunday. MOre to come...

"He's a Magnet!"

GAME 1 RECAP
ROUND 1
Flyers 2 Sabres 3 2ot
The gloomy weather in South Jersey yesterday pretty much summed up the fans and medias expectations of the Flyers actually making it out of the first round of the playoffs this year. However if the Flyers are going to be a one and done team, they should proved yesterday that it would be an enteraining round.

The first game had what 3 playoff games usually have in it. Bad calls, great saves, double OT, Umberger getting knocked back to the AHL, and lots of hard hits.

First lets give credit where credit is do. Robert Esche might have played one of the best goalie performancs I have ever seen a Flyer do. He kept them from being blown out. Some of his saves were amazing, and it is shame that his teammates did not win the game for him. I put away any doubts about who should be starting last night.

Early in the game Peter Forsberg coughed up the puck which resulted in Buffalo going up 1-0. Earlier his line missed an open net. If they had raised the puck it would have been an early lead for the Flyers and taken the fans out of the game.

R J Umberger was the unfortunate vicitm of a legal but hard hit in OT. However, the postgame people say he is going to be alright. Despite the fact he didn't seem to know where he was for part of the game.

One of the biggest stories was the disgraceful officaiting. It had to be one of the refed games I ever saw.

The Good:
At least the Flyers killed off the man advantage well. Even the BS OT powerplays for Buffalo.

Point the Ponder:
When the Flyers were killing off the man advantage. Petr Nedved was offside. Not be an inch but he was clearly hanging out near the Buffalo goal. What in the hell was he doing? The puck was at the Flyers defensive ciricle when they were about to launch it down the ice only to be offside since Petr was way down on the other side of the ice for no reason.

"Flyers Fight Song"

The Flyers now have a "victory" song which will play after each win. Which if my predicit is right you will be lucky to hear once before they realize what an awful song it truely is. I wonder if the people who wrote this song realized the team plays in a city that jeered Santa Clause and launched a full beer cup at the face of the Sabres coach a couple years ago.


Check it out.

http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pressbox/archive/2555.asp

Tuckers Cup Picks: The East

(1) Ottawa vs (8)Tampa

Tampa won the last cup. They won't win this one. The barely made it into the playoffs this year, and one of the weakest teams in the playoffs. They simply don't have the goal tending to GET HER DONE.

I am pretty sure these teams never played each other in the playoffs and they both game in the league the same time.

Tampa could steal a few with their scoring touchs. I expect a wide open run and gun match up here with tons of goals.

Ottawa in 6.

(2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal

Montreal has been tearing it up the last month or so and turning lots of heads. I have really been impress the way they have been playing.

However, they are no match for the Canes in a best of 7 series. Its funny everyone thought the Canes would be bad this year, than when they were good, they said it would last. Than they just missed the #1 seed in the East, and people still think they are a weak team.

It really bewilders me. This team is the real deal.

Canes in 5.


(3) New Jersey vs (6) New York Rangers

NEw Jersey was flying high at the end of the season and the Rangers sunk to depths of hell.

At anyrate Jagr and Nylander are a force to deal with. The Rangers actually have fans that will be behind them. The Devils have 3 fans. I think this series will be a huge battle with quite a few overtimes.

The Devils will prevail in 7 games.

(4) Buffalo vs (5) Flyers

Before people think I am being "negative" or "hater". Lets be realistic neither Flyers goalie is better than Buffalo's back up. So it doesn't matter who is in net.

If not for the road trip winning streak during the holidays, the Flyers would not be in the playoffs. They have shown a few moments of greatness in the 2nd half the season, but not enough to forgive the awful play.

Granted the Flyers have missed half their team, but sometimes the playoffs are a matter of w ho is still standing at the end of the spring. The Flyers are in no condition to be that team. The defense is terrible and the Scoring is hot and cold.

If the Forsberg gets hurt before the Flyers first win, it might be time to get the brooms out in Buffalo. The Flyers beat BUffalo just once all year, and can't win in Buffalo and can't kill pentalies at home.


I hope I am wrong on this one, but I although it will break my heart to see them go out in the first round. I am just trying to pick these match ups the best I can. I will be Flyered up, but I have almost zero confidence in this team, and you get the impression that most the players are down on themselves right now after a month and half of poor play. NOt to mention they have not won back to back games in a month, and have a bad record against playoff teams.

I think Philly could win one game, but it will likely be a one goal game.
Buffalo in 5.

Tuckers Cup Picks: The West

(1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton

After all these years the Red Wings are still a playoff machine. With the Likes of Zetterberg, Holmstrom, Shanahan, Yeserman and Cheilos, there is just way too much fire power for the Oilers to over take them.

The younger players play years ahead of their peers, and the older players like Shanahan who had an awesome year are still a force.

Detroit in 5

(2) Dallas (7) Colorado


Colorado must have wanted to make a bid for the worst trade of the season which was won by Boston when the delt Thorton, when they traded for Theodore who played bad this year and was hurt at the time of the trade.

Somehow Dallas has gone under the radar all year despite play almost flawless hockey. People just forgot all about Mike Modano and Brenden Morrow both had great years. Oh yeah and Marty Turo had 3 shut outs which is pretty damn good in the Western Conference in the new NHL.

Even so Colorado has a lot of heart and will make a fun matchup to watch.

Dallas in 6.

(3) Calgary vs Anahiem (6)

The Flames have a ton of fire power in Inginla, Amonte, and Huselius. Oh dont forget they have the best goalie in the entire conference in Kiprusoff.

Flames in 6

(4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose

CHeecho( seen above), and THorton. Thats all I have to say. Oh wait, also no Vokum for Nashville. Sharks will wreck back up CHris Mason who has barely ever played in the NHL.

Sharks in 5

"Heartbreak in Stratford"

My father who was on the school board for over a decade lost tonight by 3 stinking votes. It really sucks because it ment alot to my father is who a retired teacher. I think this would have been his fifth term. I am not sure if Sucks is a strong of enough word to lose by 3 votes. My family has had so many personal issues going on lately, this is the last thing we needed. Hopefully I got all the crappy stuff that will happen to me out of the way for the calendar year now. Seriously, would you have rather lost in a blow out? Or lost knowing that there is a good chance people that were supposed to vote for you had a wave of laziness or apathy come over them at the last minute?

"Worst President Ever!"

Don't know how much water Rolling Stone holds in the world, but they seem to have declared Bush the worst President in the history of our country. This by far could be the most memorable cover since the time they showed Jennifer Aniston's ass in the mid-90s.

Come on Drew, Jay give points to support this claim.

"Smoke Night Recap"

So, this past Friday night marked the end of smoking in public places in New Jersey. I had planned to get some people to go out for the historic night in south jersey. However, my plans didn't go as I hoped at first. I had planned to get a large amount of people to the bar and have the smokers smoke more than usual, and the non-smokers smoke cigars.

I called Duke who told me everyone was coming over to watch Dr. Who on the Sci-fi channel and had no desire to go out at all. This apparently a new version of the long running show. Think of how some of your friends are about Desperate Housewives or Lost and multiply that by two and you have the level of obsession of the show they have. They even had downloaded the very same episodes that are all seen the episodes that are airing now months ago when they were airing in England. Its become a weekly event for them.

So, that left me with my friend Rick who like myself does not smoke(well Rick does when he is majorly intoxicated). The two of us were to lazy to actually get cigars.

We first went up there at 9:30 since I had to be up early for half day of work. The night started with tons of people lighting up. I wondered if they even cared about anyone smoking that night up till last call. However, the bartender told me that the cops told them that all ash trays must be behind the bar at 12:01 or she would get a $250 fine.

There was a bit of a buzz going on in the bar that night, and the smoking pan in NJ was being talked about quite a bit. Some how myself and the dude next to me got into a discussion about it. He was from Millville in Cumberland county, which is a different world.

He kept calling himself "ghetto" and blame "punks like me" for the smoking ban. I told him, I didn't really vote for anything towards a ban so I doubt it had anything to do with me.

Before midnight approached Rick and I agree to stay till the ban went into effect. Around that time some people I knew from highschool came up. One was getting married in Jamaica in a few weeks. So, we shared a beer together. Next thing I knew a bunch of people Rick knew came up and it turned into basically a party.

Later, some dude who I found to know common people with told me he lived next to my house for years (I have no idea who he is). He even invited me to some party the next night. It was pretty random, and all the groups of people just kind of mingled for once, and almost no one was sitting at the bar, just hanging out and shooting pool.

When midnight came the last cigarettes went out and the new social scene known as outside the bar started. Now, this is a new thing for me. I mean I was playing pool with Rick, the random guy and his lesbian friend (who told me she was not of the legal drinking age) and since they both smoked it turned into a very long couple of games, stopping for their smoke breaks. Now, what is the edict here? Can a non-smoker go outside and join the smokers ?

During the game Rick wondered off a few time (I'm pretty sure he was kicking game to one girl) so a few times I went outside, since I already knew everyone there it wasn't strange. But its clear that most bars there will be socializing inside and out. Sometimes the outside was better than the inside.

The bouncer told me he was worried about having more problems thanks to the ban. He explained that many local bar owners were worried about drug dealers having a much easier job of making sales. They don't even have to enter the bar.

The cops never came to check if anyone was smoking indoors (if they need they may have seen the one guy smoking a joint outside the bar) but for the first time that I can remember I could actually see across the bar without a smoky haze.

For the last time, I threw my clothes that were worn for a mere few hours in the wash due to the reek of smoke smell.

Will the ban kill bars? Maybe. Or at least make people stay there for shorter periods of time. I know since my friends are pretty well split with smokers and non-smokers I maybe sitting there awkwardly waiting for them to return or take their next shot.

I didn't smoke cigars that night, but Rick did get drunk enough to smoke a cigarette and some drunk girl told me I should start smoking weed, so that counts as something right? Despite the fact the no one was down (or I neglicted to call them) the strange mix of characters that meshed together that night made smoke night rock.

"Sad Day"

For ever since I can remember I have gone to a little produce stand called Bucks on Laurel Road near where I grew up. As a kid I was taken there often by my parents, and years later my parents would become friends with Buck and his wife through a common interest.

The the couple now in their 80's has ran the stand for decades with the help of their kids and the friends of the family. The season would kick off around now this time of year, with flowers followed later by delicious tomatoes, corn and other summer treats.

I was looking forward to this season since my new apartment is not far from my house where I grew up and Bucks was not going to be out of my day after a day at work.

However, I found out this weekend that the Easter weekends that just ended was the finale for Buck Produce. Their daughter is moving to Florida leaving the eldery couple with no one at all to help them with their business.

So, despite the fact they still have a farm, some land, horses the stand will still as empty during 4th of July as it does during the dead of winter.

Truely a sad day.

"Next Stop: Hartford?"

Is Sid the Kid waving good-bye to the Pittsburgh faithful? Perhaps. There is a rumor that the would be buyer of the team will move them to Hartford! The hockey hotbed! They won't play in the mall where the Whalers played, but the great city of Hartford would have a new hockey team.

Super Mario has to sell the team, and attempts to keep the team in Pittsburgh seem to be failing. The city could careless if they team stays or goes, and their plan to have slot revenue support the team, might not even be legal after all.

So, as the Carolina Hurricanes the team formerly known as the Hartford Whalers prepares a likely return to the Cup finals, hockey fans in Hartford have two reasons to be pumped up. Meanwhile although this humble blogger predicited greatness, the penguins hockey club was been on of the worst teams in NHL history. Rookie Sidney Crosby is the only bright spot on the team who could reach100 points before the season ends.

Since nothing is offical yet, its unclear when the team would actually move. However, I imagine it would be after all efforts are played out to keep the team in Pittsburugh. If they do all fail and the sale is bad in the off season, could that mean a the team might even play in the MALL awaiting the new arena to be build? Or would they have one last tour of duty in Pittsburgh?



I would really like some sort of feedback on here considering the comments have been light lately. Pretty soon I am going to have to resort to off color remarks about Drew's mom for no reason.

"Losing and Misery in Philly"

Its becoming harder and harder to stay a happy Philly fan anymore. Lets see you have the Sixers who before tonight's game despite having a playoffs spot were 4 games below .500 and doing everything in their power to be eliminated from the post season spot. The eagles are off a terrible year, with coach Andy Reid having about as much control over this team as a student teacher.

Meanwhile the Flyers came up short last night against the Rangers when they could have went into the lead in the Atlantic division with a win. Although it was a playoff like exciting game and real thrill ride, at the end of the day it was likely the Flyers last shot at the crown.

The Flyers are up and down all the time. If they went out in four games the first round I would not be shocked. Nor would I be shocked if they made it to the final four. It's just hard to believe in the team, because they will lose a bunch of bad games in a row, and the next day the players all say the same things.

"We didn't play a full 60 mins"; "We really just came out flat"; "We pretty much got one goal and were thinking about the first round of drinks after the game"; "Ah, gee we sure are sorry, it won't happen again I swear it wont!"

Monday, was the Phillies home opener. I have really been looking forward to the season this year for some reason. Ryan Howard played awesome in the pre-season breaking a grapefruit record for homeruns by the fighting phils.

Now I am pretty realistic and from what I read about the pitching a wild card spot is about as lofty as I should set my expectations. Anyway, all I asked from this ballclub was to win the home opener. They couldn't even do that. Not only that they made fools out of themselves.

Now I am not ready to bury this team yet (the papers and sports radio have been acting like the season is over), but it is just a frustrating feeling of disappointment that always goes hand and hand with cheering for any of these teams. I was counting down the days to the home opener and they were out of the game in two innings.

Yeah, Yeah I know you can't win them all. But can't we just for once win the big game?

"Snow Way!"

Old man winter must not have gotten the memo that it was time to punch out. Someone
forgot to tell him its spring time!


It snowed in south jersey today. Although there was no accumulation it came down fast and furious several times over the course of 5 hours. Some of the snow limited visiablity and caused various accidents all over the place.

Although its rare to snow in April it does happen. In fact my last interview for the job I currently have was around this time last year and it was snowing than.

Pretty crazy stuff, I have heard that Scranton got close to 6 inches today, although it melted quickly.

Im going to dollar dog on Sunday at the ball park (I have yet to come up with cool nickname for htat place) and hopefully Old Man Winter didn't buy tickets either.

"All Strange Things Real and Fake"

So this weekend a few very unsual things occurred in the NHL.

On Saturday the Toronto Maple Leafs desperate for their playoff lives slammed Buffalo who was has been struggling worst than the Flyers recently. The final score was 7-0 Leafs. At one point Biron was pulled in the really goings in favor of Ryan Miller who let up a goal on one of the first few shots he faced. By the start of the next period Biron was back in net. Meaning both goalies were pulled it was that bad.

On Sunday the Flyers effortlessly rolled over the Ilsanders who are busy deciding what golf course they will be playing on in 3 weeks. With well over 2mins left the Islanders pulled their goalie. At the time they were losing 3-1. The Flyers scored a goal on the open net almost right away, and the Islanders kept their goalie out despite being down an impossible to return from 3 goal deficit.


Meanwhile during my NHL2k6 on my playstation. The season I was playing, I finally decided it was time to turn of the computer trades. Since Brind'amour the heart and soul of the Hurricanes was delt to the Devils. But even worse yet, Mario Lemiuex was traded to the Ilsanders for basically nothing.

So, the owner traded himself. You would have thought they would program certain players not to get traded during the season. In past verisions of games I knew a way to "cheat" and return players to teams basically over ridding dumb trades the computer does.

Something is really funny about seeing Super Mario zipping up and down wearing the blue and orange. I wonder if he has to fly back and miss time with the Islanders in order to make board meetings.

"Tommy Petty & Friends"

Tom Petty and the heartbreakers are going to release yet another albumn sometime this year. In order to promote the albumn as usual Petty and the boys are taking it to the road.

HOwever, Petty said he wants to do something different this time around. Last year they brought the Black Crowes with them. So, I think they are leaning towards bringing bigger more modern acts around with them.
The three candiates this year are all people I would not mind seeing in addition to Tom PEtty.

THe acts include Pearl Jam, John Mayer and the STrokes.


So who is down for living up in the worst city in America for two straight years and enjoying some good music?

"Tucker Vs the Spider"

On the wall by my computer tonight was easily the largest spider I have ever seen outside of a zoo or on the discovery channel. It was so large that for a second I swore it was a joke my father was playing on me. Since he had been here the other night, I swore it had to be fake. This thing was at least the size of my cell phone. The frist swipe I took at it, it litterally leaped onto my computer desk. The second swipe (With a larger roll of newspaper) made him into a mile of oooze and gore. That could have been an escaped pet for all I know. That thing was frigging huge. I am going to sleep with one eye open tonight. Hoping that his brothers dont seek revenge and spin me into a web of death.

"Flyers Wives"

This is just a link to a good article on the origin and the reason for the Flyers wives fight for lives carnival an annual event and how it started.

"RIP TERMINUS"

My friend Drew has been the author of a blog for many years, it is with great sadness and shock that I inform my readers (who dont already know) that TERMINUS is dead. Drew has quit blogging. I guess the republicans have won and Drew is bowing down to the man. There is no more movie reviews, no more Dr. Who updates, and no more TERMINUS. Click on the link and go back and read his various articles.

"UGh"

I thought this weeks Sopranos was really good.

However, the minute I got to work people were bitching about it.

Saying that "Nothing Happened" and there were no "Expolsions or deaths"


It really drives me nuts. The show is about two famlies. The blood family and the crime family. This episode in particular was about the blood family. Call me a nerd, but I like character driven episodes. Which is why I liked season 4 so much, which is clearly the least popular.

I mean in that season you had Tony and Carmela break up, Ralph become a simpathic character (briefly), watch the slow corruption of Carmela's cousin Brian, and the really two faced side of Paul Walnuts.

You can't have a scar face type plot every week.

What show does?


I still think she show has remained great the entire run. Its one of very few shows that I actually "Love" on the air right now, and there about 5 I "really Like"

"Summer of Death and Doom"

The experts think that the North East (and if you check the map particuarly the Garden State) are prime for a colsion course for death, and destruction by being hit by one of the worst hurricanes in the area's history.

Supposedly the pattern is close to that in which produced deadly storms in the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's.

The Northeast is staring down the barrel of a gun," said Joe Bastardi, Chief Forecaster of the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center.

They claim it will likely hit us this season, but if we get spared in 2006, than 2007 is when we will meet our doom.

"Echelon Mall News"

Supposedly there will be a big announcement about the mall Weds morning at some point. So, keep your ears peels and id suggest checking WPVI or the COurier-post during the day while you are at work. If its a big story I am sure they will have it. I will report back after work (I cant blog at work).

"Flyers Rant"

So, they Flyers tie the game at the last minute against the best hockey team in the league the Carolina Hurricanes. Actually it was the last two tenths of a second. They forced overtime, and won in a shootout. Making it back to back shoot out wins, and I thought that would be the game that pulled their heads out of their asses.

However, come Saturday (a game I was on hand for) they totally lost any momentum they got from the last second heroics from rookie Freddy Meyer. The Flyers not only gave up 6 goals, but they lost with less than 30 seconds left in the third period.

They spent most of the 3rd period on their heels, taking dumb pentaly again and just letting Buffalo take over the game. It was ugly.

Over the last 15 games, the Flyers can only beat teams who have no shot at a playoff spot anymore, and fall like a deck of cards against most of the playoff bound teams. The defense once a bright spot with this team has been a disgrace. They keep leaving the goalie (no matter who is in net) left high and dry. Letting players skate all over the place. Leaving star players uncovered, making dumb passes in front of the net, throwing the puck out the center in stead of actually using the boards, and losing the battles in the corners.

The offense has been just as bad. They players seem to just quit if they have a one goal lead as if that is enough to win a game. In stead of going in for the kill they just sit back and let the team hang around and hang around before they know it the game is tied.

The pentaly killing is ranked 29th of the 30 in the league. They can't win any important face-offs anymore, and their powerplay looks as bad as it did years ago when all the players blamed the coach.

Awful, just awful.


This team is going to be out on the greens early this spring if they don't wake up soon!

As I type this they are losing to the Penguins 1-0. Letting Sidney Crosby do whatever the hell he wants on the ice, and acting like they are drugged everytime they get the puck into the offensive zone.


WAKEUP!

UGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

"Angry Tom Hanks"

I didnt watch the Oscars (although I like movies I find the Oscars a waste of time) however, apperently Tom Hanks was caught on live tv mouthing cuss words to someone. From what I can see it looks like he says F---ing Douchbag or something to that effect.

Two theories are out there on why he said this. First that it was a play on some joke host John Stewart said during the oscars. Which even though I didn't see the joke, it didn't look good natured.

The other theory is that they promised him they would not play the forrest gump music when he came out to present the award for best director. However, obviously they did.

Check the video out: www.defamer.com/hollywood/oscars/oscar-mysteries-tom-hanks-potty-mouth-158694.php


Supposedly, Hanks said he is "past" Forrest Gump and it was too far in the past. I really had when actors bash their older movies as if they are all high and mighty now. The movie bridged his carrer from comedy and sometimes drama guy, one of the biggest lead actors in the 90s.

I think it was likely Hanks things he is better than that movie, because I once saw him bash Turner and Hooch once on Conan. Not like joke bash, but bitter that anyone would ever tell him they liked him in that movie. That movie did him good too at the time, it being a hit around the time Joe Versus the Volcano and The Bonfire of the Vanities came out which were both dogs at the box office and with audiences.

Don't get me wrong, I love Tom Hanks, but if thats really why he was cursing he really needs to get a grip. Millions of struggling actors would kill to have just one of the roles he has had. I mean he did when an oscar for it, and it was the er..oscars. So, it's not really far out there to play that music.

One more thing, now that Crash won best picture. Tony Danza can hold his head proud and say he was in an Oscar winning film.

"Spring Starts"

The snow storm I blogged about before was called off. Not only that its going to be getting close to hot weather on Sunday. We should have no trouble breaking 70 degrees. March and April are supposed to be pretty warm and April should be borderline hot.

Check it out.

Crazy global warming...

"One Foot in the Grave"

The last thing the Echelon Mall had going for it, was that one of the two remaining anchor stores was Boscov's a somewhat popular store that you couldn't get a deptford.

That will come to an end this coming fall now that Boscov's plans to move into the Deptford Mall. I assume they will take up the empty Strawbridges store. I highly doubt that that Echelon Boscov's will update themselves at all. So, shoppers will just go to the NEW Boscov's not the OLD one.

Months ago it was annoucned the mall would be scaled down and part of the land would be used for a super market, and a strip of stores (huh?) in addition to over priced town houses.

You would think if everything was going to be revamped new blood would have gone into the mall. Instead the opposite has happened. The remaining rats are leaping from the ship. The Mildly popular Ritz Camera Shop closed a few months ago. In addition CVS and Gap Kids are pulling out at the end of the month and Radioshack is rumored to be not far behind.

In addition the Mall must have totally thrown in the towel on the food court, because a jewerly store from the empty part of the mall will soon take up long vacant food establishments.

Things have gotten so bad, that my friend Rick works in the mall tells me that the McCdonalds opens up basically whenever the person with the key to the fast food place rolls out of bed. Leaving customers facing a pulled down gate most days well into the lunch hours.


Most stores have cut their work force to the bare bones and have two or as few as one person working. A common sight is a gate pulled down and a message saying "Be Back Soon" on the store.

"Primeau's Fate"

Keith Primeau who has not played since early fall,because of a concussion will address the media Tuesday morning. If he doesn't play the rest of the year it will open up salary cap room for the Flyers. Which would likely result in Clarkie making a move at the trade deadline. Perhaps getting someone that can actually win faceoffs.

Primeau played like a bat out of hell in the 2004 playoffs, despite still feeling the effects of his previous concussion.

To be honest, I would not be shocked at all. In fact I am half expecting Primeau to not only say he is not returning this season, but not at all. He is just too messed up to return to the game of hockey and play at the level he used to play at.

So, internet surfers at work, check to the Flyers webpage around lunch time.



http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pressbox/archive/2460.asp

"Old Man Winter's Last Stand"

If we are going to get any more big snow storms, or snow at all for that matter it will likely be the start of next week.

Here is the thoughts on what could happen next week

http://www.fox29.com/_ezpost/data/31615.shtml


Maybe Jay won't have to go to many weeks having to work all 5 days.

"Darren McGavin dies at 83"

Actor Darren McGavin passed away at 83 this weekend. McGavin was best known playing "The Old Man" in the classic holiday comedy "A Christmas Story"

In addition to numerous TV appearances including having the lead in 70's sci-fi series Night Stalker, although short lived the show was inspiration for the long running X-files. In fact the X-files creator was so influenced by the series and a fan of McGavin he was cast in two episodes of the X-files playing the original head of the X-files.

In addition to the X-files McGavin was nominated for an emmy for playing Murphy's father on Murphy Brown.

Other notable film roles included the Natural, and the Adam Sandler's father in Billy Madson.

To read more about McGavin check this link out. He died of natural causes, and he lived a long life, but even still I always liked his work. Bit of a bummer.

In addition to reading about the passing of Don Knotts from 3's company and Andy Griffith Fame. Not to mention his guest shot on Scooby Doo.

"Sopranos Season 6 Trailer"

If you havent seen it yet. Here it is. The trailer for the season 6 opener.

"Port of Problems"

Over the weekend it became public that a United Arab Emirates (UAE) based company control of ports of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Miami, and New Orleans. Bush says that UAE is big partner on the war on terror.

The big stink that two of the September 11, 2001, hijackers were from the UAE. To make matters worse, according to the Justice Department and the 9/11 Commissionmost of the hijackers received money channeled through various sources based in the UAE.

Was Bush just a sleep at the wheel when this happened? Or will he prevent it from happening?

I doubt either. Since I doubt such a huge move that would effect the country would not be brought to the president's attention. Also, the White House went on the defensive by the middle of Sunday.


Related CNN article
I can only hope they come to their senses and prevent this from happening. Maybe I am just being paranoid and my general concern of this company running our ports is offensive to people. However, I think we should really in this day in age of terrorism letting a company based in an area of the world where its confusing enough trying to figure out who wants to blow us up and who doesn't have access to where all our food comes in and access to an easy way to destroy most the major cities on the east coast just might be a bad idea.

For someone who ran his election campaign on keeping America safer Bush at the very least has a lot more explaining to do here. This is a fairly large contradiciton to anything he has stood for if you think about it.

"Port of Problems"

Over the weekend it became public that a United Arab Emirates (UAE) based company control of ports of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Miami, and New Orleans. Bush says that UAE is big partner on the war on terror.

The big stink that two of the September 11, 2001, hijackers were from the UAE. To make matters worse, according to the Justice Department and the 9/11 Commissionmost of the hijackers received money channeled through various sources based in the UAE.

Was Bush just a sleep at the wheel when this happened? Or will he prevent it from happening?

I doubt either. Since I doubt such a huge move that would effect the country would not be brought to the president's attention. Also, the White House went on the defensive by the middle of Sunday.

I can only hope they come to their senses and prevent this from happening. Maybe I am just being paranoid and my general concern of this company running our ports is offensive to people. However, I think we should really in this day in age of terrorism letting a company based in an area of the world where its confusing enough trying to figure out who wants to blow us up and who doesn't have access to where all our food comes in and access to an easy way to destroy most the major cities on the east coast just might be a bad idea.

For someone who ran his election campaign on keeping America safer Bush at the very least has a lot more explaining to do here. This is a fairly large contradiciton to anything he has stood for if you think about it.

I never understood why everytime the olypimics fool around all the other networks that are not airing the winter games just roll over and die. They usually take place right in the middle of sweeps too, and traditionally networks will just throw reruns on of all their popular shows.

Anyway looks like some of the networks are finally saying the hell with it. Lets see what happens, and it is paying off. FOX is still running new American Idol, CBS is still running new Surivor and ABC is still running new Desperate Housewives and Lost. FOX won the night with American Idol and NBC is feeling the sting.

Read this article for more http://asia.news.yahoo.com/060216/ap/d8fqf40g0.html.

Oh yeah and I thought of this idea years ago. So, if I worked for a network I would be getting a huge bonus and could buy robots with lazers and lots of other cool stuff.

"Is Netflix Shafting Frequent Users?"

Apperently the more you rent the more you wait with Netflix. The internet movie rental company that has given Blockbuster a run for the money the last two years. Will loyal supporters jump ship? Will Drew ever want to be my Netflix buddy?


Check it out folks! http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/10/netflix.renters.ap/index.html

"Old Man Winter"

Finally Old Man Winter has arrived. He was about two months too late, but anywhere from 6-12 inches of snow is expected in much of south jersey tonight (saturday) through tomorrow. My final prediciton is that it will max out around 8pm. Just getting back from being away for a week, the timing of the storm couldnt be any better since I have little desire to do much.

"Sounds Like a Classic"

Now with no hockey for a month I have more time to watch movies off Netflix. I came across the new release Gingerdead man. Evil never tasted so good! When Sarah Leigh (Robin Sydney) testifies against three murderers in a death penalty case, she never expects them to return to life in the form of delicious desserts. But that's exactly what happens when their cremated ashes accidentally fall into a batch of batter and are baked into a trio of gingerbread men. Now, the adorable yet evil cookies will stop at nothing to find the woman who sent them to the electric chair. Sounds like a winner....the cover is classic.

"Leaving on a Jet PLane"

Gone on Business for a week. See you Saturday!

"superbowl Predictions"

Any last minute predicitons?

"Exxon Mobil Corp. , the world's largest publicly traded oil company, on Monday reported a quarterly profit of $10.7 billion, capping a year of record earnings dominated by surging oil and gas prices. The results pushed up Exxon's profit for the year to a staggering $36.13 billion -- bigger than the economies of 125 of the 184 countries ranked by the World Bank. Profit rose 42 percent from 2004."---From Ruters.com


Wow, the same company that charges almost every other gas station more money per gallon. They must really be hurting by the whole Katrina deal. You know its amazing how the minute the hurricane hit the prices sky rocketed. Yet, the even when all the transportation issues were fixed it took months to go back down.

Also for almost no reason at all prices have spiked again in the past 3 weeks. Its to the point that oil companies barely come up with a reason why they are up. I hear because of the winter oil prices were up. Its the warmest winter that I can remember in the entire north east. It barely gets cold at all except for at night. Besides, shouldnt they catch on by now that people run the heat in the winter and try to catch up with it.

The sad thing is, there is nothing we can do about it at all.

"The Whale"

We have talked about this many times at the bar. But here it is the official list on this site of all the players that have played for the defunct Hartford Whalers. I also breaks down all the netminders.

Duke and I were talking I couldn't recall the two goalies from the 90s that I that were going to be awesome, so I looked them up it was Mario Gosselin and who could forget Mike Lenarduzzi? Of course neither them were Sean Burke who not only still plays today but shut out a certain Philly hockey team this afternoon.

A quick count I came up with 14 players in the league still playing that were once Whalers. Glenn Wesley was the only player left on the hurricanes who played for the Whalers even though he was gone for awhile. Jeff O'Neil left this summer who at that point played his whole career with the team.

So, check the site out. I enjoyed it. How could I have forget the CVS line?

"My Secret Phone"

So Duke and I were at the Flyers game a few weeks ago. Afterwards we went to Chickie and Petes for a post game dinner/drinks.

93.3 WMMR was there, and they gave out cell phones for some contest. Of course it was too loud in there to hear what the rules were. ALso, no one seemed to be pay any attention. They handed phones out and I thought it would ring or something if I won.

Who knows.

All I know is the phone actually works, from downloads, to text message to making actually calls. I have no idea why, but its been weeks and it seems like I have a free phone with no bills of any sort. Perhaps the service will be cut off one day or something. But right now it works just fine. I can even play mrs. pacman.

From what I gavered from the contest is that you are supposed to pass the phone on or something so other people can enjoy it. That really dosent make sense if they cut off the service or you have people calling you from the previous friend.

As anyone heard of this promotion?

If a man commands me to do stuff on the phone one day should I do as he says?

"So Long, Super Mario"

Mario Lemieux has retired again and with recent health problems and his age. It will be for good this time. Lemieux retired once before and was away from the game for almost 4 years. He shocked everyone and came back. That year he led the Penguins to the final four.

Super Mario also became part owner of the team and has kept the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Without him they would have moved years ago.

Mario said he is ready to go and pass the game onto the young players like Sid Crosby.

Do you consider Mario's final years after his retirment a success?

Also to read more go here.

"IMDB & Sopranos"

So I was bored the other day and was on the internet movie database as usual. I was floating through the Sopranos page and found something interesting.

If you click on some of the regular guest stars it tells what actors appear in epsiodes of season 6, along with the epsiode title.

For example you can find that the character Rosalie Aprile apears in the episode 6.5 "Mr. and Mrs. Sacramoni Request"

Also Capo Vito will be in the season opener "Members Only" and at least live to espisode 6.6 "Live Free or Die"

One possible clue could be the fact that the Benny charcter is only in the first show at this point. Benny was the low level wiseguy who portected the Soprano family from the black bear last season. He ended up in the hospitial after almost getting beaten to death. Also there is someone credited as doctor. Perhaps he never got out of the hospitial.

"What I have Learned"

Here is what I have learned since living on my own.


Without George Foreman tons of guys that live on their own would be dead with in the first two months. Also, if they can ever come up with one that self-cleans. It would change my life forever.

Grease down the drain is bad.

Grease in the trash can smells terrible after a day or two.

Cleaning sucks.


You will never buy everything you need for your apartment. Each day you realise you dont have something you need. It never ends.

Used stuff saves money.

I honestly have no idea where my socks go. I have several pairs without mates.

I can actually cook some stuff.

Cleaning really sucks.

It will never stop raining for more than a day in order for me to enjoy my deck.

I can talk to myself a lot more and wear pants a lot less living alone.

My notions on getting a dog have been put off, because of money and time. I do however have a Scooby Chia pet. I guess that is a step in the right direction. Provided the seeds actually sprout this week.

Living alone food can go bad and go to waste. Also, when you grocery shop it seems like everyone else eats better than me.

Without Liza I wouldnt have half of what I do in my apartment.

There is a fine line with apartment heating bettween the artic and a flaming inferno.

"Since Tucker Has Been Gone"

Bid Laden told us that we are all screwed.

Spring started 4 weeks ago in South Jersey apperently.

The Flyers went on an impressive run winning most of their games on the 11 game road trip. The longest in NHL history. Going losing in regulation twice.

Jimmy Carter went to the hospitial.

West Wing was cancelled by NBC. Which was by far my favoriate show that I never watched an episode of.

A smoking ban was put in place for all public buildings in South Jersey. Including bars and resturants. Casinos dodged the bullet. Most people I talked to are actually cool with the notion. Although some bartenders are concerned it will kill business. Oh, and a bunch of strippers are protesting to NJ lawmakers.

Everyone is really big on that gay cowoboy movie. About the two cowboys who love each other.

I went to a Pizza Hutt Itlaian Bistro, and it was terrible.

"The Comback"

In order to put our rumors of the fate of Tucker's World. It is tonight that Tucker's World is going to be relaunched. Easily the longest gap bettween updates in the blog's history comes to an end tonight. I certainly needed the break and plan to return to updating a few times a week.

Hopefully the comeback will last longer than the short lived awful HBO show.

"Merry Christmas"

Well, if you haven't noticed on here the updates have been few and far bettween the past month. Well to be honest its been hard to get on here and update. I have major problems with my computer in my apartment. Also now the new apartment takes up a lot of my free time to clean and what not. But now that obviously all my shopping for Christmas is done, I will have more free time to decidate to the blog. I have had so many rants that just never made their way out of my brain no the the blog. So keept his in your daily routine to check at work or whenever.

As per usual here is my traditional christmas story posting.



"The Gift"Some time around the first week of the year. I took a second look at one of our traditional Christmas decorations; it was a complete and total eyesore. It was a gift some old lady gave my mother 10 years ago for Christmas and I guess she felt obligated to put it on the tree each year. It was a gaudy looking knitted cat. It was one the most hideous things I have ever laid eyes on.

They say its thought that counts well it’s the thought that angers me when I see it every year.That same Christmas like every year an epidemic spread through the grade school. This year it was in the form of Sega, the newest video game system. Over greasy square pizza, pale yellow peas, and flavorless mashed potatoes shaped like an ice cream scoop, I would hear all the kids discuss the latest video games. I would try my best to stay absent from the conversation. I wouldn’t know what to say when they would ask me if I had gotten past the castle board yet.

One day went I went home I sat my father down and tried to tell him how I would benefit from having a Sega game system of my very own. I told him it would give me better hand eye coordination and against the popular notion it made kids zombies, I told him it acutally made them think and make quick decisions. He went on and on about how when he was a kid he would just use his imagination to have fun, and how kids today are spoiled. I think that conversation is had all over America in every family at one point and time. I used to think that my parents and all the other parents would go to secret meetings at night or when all their kids were in school and discuss stuff like this. I pictured a man with a gavel leading the meeting and hammering home the idea of telling children why they are spoiled and to shove vegetables down their throats. One time I actually searched my mother’s purse for a pamphlet when they got home late the night before.That Christmas I was hoping for a miracle.

I rushed down the steps that morning and studied each mystery. I did the shake test, the weight test and the hold them up to the sunlight test. As I tore, open each one my chances of getting the coveted Sega was getting slimmer and slimmer. All kinds of flashes were going off from my mother’s camera capturing images of me, and my reactions to each present. Later that day my family and I went to my aunt and uncle’s for dinner.

I was in a miserable mood the whole time. The only bright spot was that my cousin Robby who was about my age was there. And guess what he got for Christmas? Of course the very same Sega system. He told me he got it weeks before Christmas even came. Robby and I were always highly competitive. So while the sweet smell of the pending ham dinner dissipated through the air we settled down in front of the television. With all those weeks of practice, he had on me he humiliated me. I think he set a record for goals scored in a hockey game, shot my plane down about a dozen times, and beat me all over the wrestling ring. I went home feeling worse than I did when I realized I wasn’t getting the Sega.

On the ride home my father tried to reach out to me. But I just pushed him away. The image of my wrestler I was controlling laying on the floor after about 30 seconds was burning in my mind. I sat in fit of rage in the back seat as my parents were in the front. My father turned the radio down. He told me that maybe one day I would get one. But I didn’t hear it. I wanted to tell him how Robby’s parents weren’t any richer than we, that I was the only kid that didn’t have a Sega. But all that came out at the top of my tiny lungs was I HATE YOU! And instead of saying anything after that. I just repeated I HATE YOU! Because he was driving of course he had his back to me. But we passed a street light that light up the rear view window and I glimpse of his face. Suddenly I didn’t want to yell anymore. I did not apologize either, in fact no one said anything. The car just hummed along the rest of the ride.

About two months later I got a Sega for my birthday. It funny the minute I unwrapped the gift and realized what it was, I almost had to fake excitement. Sure I spend many a night in the glow of my television going to far off lands and winning championships, but I could never take those words back. At least in a video game you are blessed with more than one life. At the time I meant the words that came out of my mouth. I hated my father as much as I hate that stupid knit cat now. One time after coming home from a fishing trip with my father after many years of those words keeping me up at night, it figured it was time to apologize. However my mouth froze, I never did. I like to think that my father knew what I was thinking. Like I said they say it’s the thought that counts. I put the rest of the ornaments in a box, and I carried them basement. I placed them in a closet we hardly used. It was full of dust and mildew. I rested the box right on top of the Sega.