MLB Playoffs and NFL Quick Hits

Autumn. It's that time of year when Sam Adams Oktoberfest comes back to bars and liquor stores near you and when you have to get the damn leaves off of your lawn.

Yes folks, it's October.

At this time of year the MLB Playoffs begin and the NFL regular season is 4 games in and in full swing. October also seems like a perfect time for another Tom Ace blog post.

Baseball and I have been estranged for most of this year as my beloved NY Mets tweaked, tore, and strained themselves to a woeful 70-92 record for the season. The rag tag Mets, led by players like Jeff "Frenchy" Francouer and Luis "Look I Can Play Alright Sometimes" Castillo, just could not overcome the injury after injury to the teams core star players. During one stretch this year none of Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, or David Wright were in the NY lineup.

Although upset, I can't really get down too much on the team. You take away the 4 best everyday players on ANY team and they are bound to struggle. And struggle the Mets did. Tons. Once again Mets fans look to next season in hopes of another championship. Note to Omar: we need a LF, a power 1B bat, and a #2 pitcher (Carl Crawford, Hank Blaylock, and John Lackey would be my choices).

That said, let's move on the to the teams that did not suck this season.

The current champs the Philly Philthies play the hottest team coming into the playoffs for the National League, the Colorado Rockies. I place great faith in momentum, and just can't trust the leaky Philadelphia pen. I give this series to the Rox in 4. Oh yeah, plus I f-ing hate the Phillies.

Staying in the National League (where there is no DH aka Real Baseball), the LA Dodgers play the St. Louis Cardinals. The Dodgers limped into October and the Cards have really good pitching. That being said, it's tough to overcome errors like the one Matt Holliday made last night with 2 out in the ninth -- shades of Daniel Murphy if you will. I still like the Cardinals to take this one, especially since all the Yankee fans still have a woody for Joe Torre. I thought the Cards would take this in 4 but I guess let's call it 5 instead.

Moving to the American League, the Sawx play the Halos. Boston has tons of mojo in this series, beating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in their past 3 meetings in the postseason. That didn't help yesterday as Boston's Grungiest got shutout by pitcher John Lackey (Omar, sign this man!) and the Angels, 5-Love. I still got the Sox in 5.

The Minnesota Twin-kies play the hated New York Spankees in the other ALDS. New York fields a veritable pseduo All Star team led by the Captain of Intagibles and butt plugs, Derek Jeter. I personally like the frisky Twins and usually keep them as my fallback team on sad Mets seasons like this one. Nevertheless, I think Cy Young and Weight Watchers candidate CC Sabathia and the rest of the Yanks rotation will be too tough to overcome. I got the best team blood money can buy winning in 5.

With that, the ALCS will be another hyped up Boston - New York showdown. The media will be all over this and the public will just be glad to read stories not about Brett Favre. I look for Red Sawk traitor Johhny "I Once was a Caveman" Damon and Alex "Bitch Tits" Rodrigay to come up big in this series and help the Stanks take it in 6. Boston will breathe a collective groan and see if they can start a program to get Big Papi back on the juice.

The Cards and Rox will meet in the NL Championship Series and call me crazy but I also like Colorado in this matchup. They don't call it Rocktober for no reason. They just have "the look" -- in my eyes anyway. Hopefully Holliday makes a couple more ultra-costly errors for his former squad to help out my prediction. Rockies take the series at home in game 6.

And in the fall classic, the momentum driven Rockies will play the steroid injected Yankees. I like the mid-season switch from Clint Hurdle to current manager Jim Tracy and see it being similar to the Marlins' switch to Jack McKeon during their WS Championship year. The Rockies will rule Rocktober and crush the hearts of Yankee fans with their game 7 win (Hopefully! Please?!). All the Yankee faithful in attendance will sit in silence as the upstart Rockies celebrate their 2009 championship on the field of The New Yankee Stadium. You know, kinda like when the Diamondbacks did it in 2001. It will happen and it will be glorious.

I was going to write about the NFL too but this shit is getting long.

Still... Go J E T S !

Observations from MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis

Since I am starting this post at the top of the ninth inning, you will have to forgive me if these little ditties don't really have any rhyme or reason. I'm just trying to remember thoughts I had while watching what has been a quick and mildly entertaining all-star game. Oh, if you don't like baseball, screw you. On to the post...!

- Ryan Howard you piece of crap. Not only did you check-swing strikeout with men on second and third to be the final out of the 8th, but you also look like a giant koala bear. I couldn't root for you and you absolutely gave me no reason to. C*cksucker!

- Manny "Jack Lalane" Ramirez would have gotten those RBIs for the National League. I have no doubt about it.

- Zach Grienke looks like my best friend in 4th grade. He might be 12 years old. This is coming from a 25 year old man who still gets carded to buy his Parliament Lights.

- Obama totally dissed Puhols after the ceremonial first pitch. Usually the President would take a picture with whomever (fancy yes, i know) caught the pitch, but Black Prez just shook his hand and walked on by. Sucks for you Albert! They didn't really show if Obama threw a strike or not, but it certainly looked better than Mark Wahlberg's embarrassing, ego-crushing, are you sure you even like baseball? attempt.

http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/celebrity-first-pitch-mark-wahlberg/

- As much as it pains me to say it, Jayson Werth just made a sick catch to end the inning for my buddy K-Rod. Slight hat tip to you Werth you scumbag. Nice soul patch you hippy.

- Mariano is up to close the game now for the American League. Douche bag.

- Jeter got hit by a pitch earlier in the game. I didn't hope he got hurt or anything since I know how shitty injuries are, but I still smiled.

- David Wright scored a run earlier in the game. Woooo let's go Mets!

- Miguel Tejada is the last chance for the National League (did I mention Koala Howard choked?). Hopefully Tejada is still juicing.

- I would wear glasses like Joe Maddon if I didn't have super amazing vision.

- The National League just lost again. Good job Koala you bitch ass. You suck too Heath "fat f-ing loud mouth" Bell.

- Carl Crawford robbed a home run from Brad Hawpe in the 7th. That was pretty sweet. He just got the MVP, too. I can't hate. He's a good player.

- Get Mariano's kid off the fucking field.

- I don't remember seeing any Pirates, A's, or Reds in the game at all. They pretty much suck anyway.

- The St. Louis Arch looks pretty cool.

- I wonder if all the Dominican players wanted to talk politics with Obama.

- No fucking way Prince Fielder is a vegetarian. Dude is immense.

Alright, Fox's post-game coverage is lame. I'm gonna watch a Seinfeld rerun.

Later Haters.

It's Been Too Long

Ee gads its been a long ass time since I've posted a damn thing on this site and for that I truly apologize.

I'm not making any promises but I'm sure I can do better than the 2 month+ stretch its been since my last post.

Anyhow, since I don't really have anything specific in mind for this post, and since I've left you without your Tom_Ace fix for so so long, I present to you today the first installment of...

The Tom_Ace's Friday 06/19/09 Running Diary !!!

Essentially I am going to just make comments on little things I observe throughout the day (thanks for the idea Sports Guy!). So yeah, grab a drink (preferably "The Tom"), sit back, relax, and enjoy motherfuckers!

8:17 AM -- I'm starting to write a blog post. It's been a while now. I'm kind of nervous. Hopefully my readers still like me. (crossing fingers)

8:18 AM -- God, I want a drink.

8:19 AM -- I'm sitting at work not particularly feeling like working. It is Friday after all -- it's the end of the week! Funny thing is I remember thinking to myself earlier this week, "I don't particularly feel like working right now. It's Monday, the beginning of the week!". It's all good though. I'm gonna go outside for a cig break now. In case you were wondering, I'm all about Parliament Lights. When I was younger I used to love having the conversation about what kind of cigarettes I or other smokers smoked. I got a real fucking kick out of it for some reason. I would be all interested about what brand and if they smoked menthol or not. If you blew a smoke ring you would blow my mind. I think maybe the whole thing reinforced to me how cool I was and am for smoking. Now I don't really care to talk about it all that much. OK, I'm lying. TELL ME WHAT KIND OF CIGARETTES YOU SMOKE!! NOW!! Parliament Lights are the best, so don't get it twisted.

8:47 AM -- So I was smoking a cig with my co worker and as we were walking back in the building he screams "porno flicks"! I turned around thinking dude was crazy or on something but then he explained that the back of my shirt read "Kicks, Chicks, and Porno Flix". Damn my youthful urban rebellious fashion sense. I put on the t-shirt this morning not remembering the words on the back of it. Damn it. I asked around the warehouse to see if we had some duct tape laying around that I could use to tape over the obscene part. Of course, we do not. Now whenever I leave my desk I have to tuck in my shirt and look like a douche bag. I'll just tuck in the back and make it look gangsta. Word.

To give you an idea...

Yes, of course I rock the studded belt to work. Yes, of course my pants are always that low.

9:19 AM -- Sometimes drinking coffee makes me feel weird, wired, and antsy, and sometimes it doesn't do shit for me. This morning I am feeling the former. I suspect it could be the 2 shots of espresso I had them put in it today.

9:56 AM -- It's not 10:00 AM yet? I think another cig break is in order.

10:37 AM -- Sorry if this has been boring so far but this morning has not been all that eventful or inspiring to write about. Besides handling my work bi'ness, all I can seem to think about is going out later. While this work week hasn't been too stressful or anything, I really could use a dose of the HDP (homies, drinks, and partying). I'm fairly certain many of you out there can empathize with me. Oh yeah, even though I am a rebel, I decided to turn my t-shirt inside out to alleviate the whole tucking in / douche bag situation and any drama with the office bosses. They win today's battle, but they won't win the war.

12:08 PM -- So... it's almost time for lunch. Usually I bypass eating any kind of meal during lunch and I go to the gym and get my swoll on. If you haven't seen me lately... phew! Straight Cotton D. OK, I pretty much look the same but I'm much more physically fit than I have been in a while -- ever maybe. I'm considering going on a diet to cut some weight too but I'm not sure if it's that serious yet. If you've read this blog before you know how much I love food so it'd be tough. A couple more sets of abdominal excercises wouldn't hurt my cause either. I'm feeling pretty good though. Regardless, today I won't be going to the gym and instead will probably make a quick mall / Target trip. I got some shit I need to pick up.

1: 38 PM -- As planned I went to the mall and got myself a new silicone case for my Storm. This one is neon green cause I'm gangster like that. Somehow my old one tore and my idea to heat it up and meld it back together didn't work out so well. Apparently silicone cases are not like plastic. I held the torn part above my lit zippo for a while and all of a sudden it started turning white and disintegrating. It was pretty cool except I was in my office at the time and it started to smell something wicked. The HR lady at work was walking around at the time too. She didn't say anything to me though. Anyhow, I also got 3 crunchy tacos, fiesta potatoes, and a mountain dew for lunch. Ironically I actually would have preferred to just have the protein shake I have after my workouts at the gym. Shit is functional, flavorful, and refreshing.

1:40 PM -- The screen print graphics on my inside out t-shirt keep sticking to my lower back -- fuck.

2:06 PM -- Bone Thugs-N-Harmony "1st of the Month" just came on my slacker radio player. I remember when I was young and had this song on tape after I recorded it off the radio. I also remember a time when I kept playing and stopping the song so I could memorize the lyrics. Unfortunately I had a hard ass time just understanding those fools, especially that crazy ass Bizzy Bone. Unfortunately I still can't understand those fools. Now my slacker radio is playing Pink. At least I can understand what this bird is saying.

2:38 PM -- I'm officially burned out on this week. Shit, I don't even want to do this right now and this is for "pleasure." I persevere though for you, my dedicated audience. After seeing two episodes of Top Chef Masters so far, I gotta say I approve. 3 and half to 4 stars. I heard host Kelly Choi could be kind of annoying but she doesn't really have enough camera time to get to that level. They have her presenting the challenges and getting the hell out of the way. I think the adjusted tournament format of the show works out fairly well too. I didn't see how they could get all those "master" chefs to move into one apartment for a month like they do the regular contestants. Plus could you imagine Elizabeth Faulkner making out with Wiley Dufresne on the couch one night and then things being really awkward between them the next day because they both have significant others? Yeah, me either. Plus I'm pretty sure Faulkner digs chicks -- nice. Padma fo'eva.

3:01 PM -- Despite some struggles this year, this has to be in here somewhere: Let's Go Mets! We're kicking some (Devil) Ray ass this weekend.

3:14 PM -- I really want a new tattoo. I've been toying with a bunch of ideas in my head as of late, most recently thinking about adding a Japanese style dragon to my right shoulder above an existing tattoo on my upper bicep area. Thoughts?

3:45 PM -- Brain. OFF.

Alright folks, I'm getting outta work soon so I gotta end this thing. Have a great weekend and drink tons for your boy.

As always, be careful. I love you, aight?

Nike Hall of Fame Event - David Wright @ Nike Sportswear 21 Mercer St

I was fortunate enough to attend the Nike Hall of Fame event in NYC last night at the Nike Sportswear store on 21 Mercer. These HOF events are essentially opportunities to get to know NYC sport legends in a more intimate setting and out of the glare of the media spotlight where you can get to know them outside of their public persona.

The guest at last night's Nike HOF was none other, than Mr. David Wright -- starting 3rd baseman of the New York Mets!

In this blog I'll be giving a quick summary of the night.

This picture is some artwork that greets you as soon as you enter the Nike Sportswear store. It's made up of exclusively New York Met and New York Yankee baseball cards. The folks at Nike provided sharpies and encouraged people to draw or write whatever they liked on the cards.

Considering last night's event was for David Wright, and the crowd was predominantly if not completely full of Mets faithful, I'm sure the things written on the Yankee cards was fairly interesting (ahem Jeter is gay ahem).

If I didn't love Nike before, I certainly do now. When I got into the store and grabbed a seat, I was immediately offered free beer, hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts. Of course I got one of each. OK, I had 4 beers total, but who's counting?

Here is a closeup of the beer bottles they were handing out. They are the aluminum don't shank somebody kind and they include both the Mets logo and the Citi Field inaugural season patch that appears on the Mets home unis this season.

My cousin Jeff took this picture as I was about to shake D. Wright's hand. I haven't washed my right hand since.

This picture is during the interview session with D. Wright and host Chris Isenberg. The interview was cool and definitely different than the classic ESPN interview. Although I kind of hoped D. Wright would be more candid, I came to the conclusion that he really is just a wholesome and conservative dude from Virginia. He did crack some funny jokes here and there though. The one sticks out in my mind is when he mentioned Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey tripping off the mound while pitching the other day.

My cousin Jeff took this last pic as D. Wright was leaving the event. Apparently he had a mini police escort.

I Know. You Hate Me.

Yes, I know. I promised you guys to post more often, I strang you along, got your hopes up, and smashed them to the ground like Plaxico Burress' football career (zing!).

I'm sorry, I'll try and be better (ahem bullshit ahem).

Anyhow, here's a quick post of the random thoughts going through my head.

These are real thoughts from Friday, 04/03/09 at 5:53 PM.



I f-ing love oysters. If you don't add tabasco, you're a bitch and you're missing out. Apparently my thoughts on a Friday early evening are littered with curse words. That's OK.




Baseball is back and the Mets will begin their pursuit of a World Series Championship. I f-ing love baseball and the Mets. I will undoubtedly be doing a post strictly on this topic soon. Maybe Monday even. It's a date.


It's Friday! I'm getting drunk later! Oops, I mean I will be responsibly enjoying alcoholic beverages at some point!

I'm going to the Bronx Zoo on Sunday. Animals are fun! Didn't a chimpanzee (sp? - too lazy to check) beat a woman down recently? I won't be going to see them -- asshole ass monkeys.

I left my work phone at Tom B's crib yesterday. I need to pick it up.

I need to shave every other day now. I'm a man! One day chin strap, one day.

Enjoy your weekend you fuckers!

Damnit Now I'm Hungry

You’re all probably tired of reading me write about alcohol all the time (I’m lying who the hell gets tired of drinking?). Anyhow, for something different, today’s post will cover another subject near and dear to my heart -- food.

I LOVE FOOD. I am constantly watching the Food Network and other food related TV shows, I would gladly pay to eat at [good] "fancy" and expensive restaurants, I've been known to throw down in the kitchen a bit, I will occassionally glance at a food blog or two, and I want more foie gras.

This post will cover my three favorite foods. For the sake of building suspense that you will not feel anyway, I will present my favorites in reverse order. Screw you.

3. FRIED CHICKEN

Yes folks, fried chicken is indeed food crack. It’s fairly cheap and you can get it everywhere. There are fast food chains, grocery stores, and every diner or eating establishment has their own version of fried legs, wings, thighs, and breasts.

Which one do I think is best? Of course homemade is the best -- its made with love. Not for nothing, but can one of my darker friends please invite me over for dinner sometime? Come on.

Anyhow, if you can’t get your paws on some home made fried chicken, try out the grocery store. I know for a fact that Shop Rite and Pathmark make totally decent (decent as in amazing) fried chicken for really decent prices. The other day I picked up an 8 piece for $7.00 -- not bad at all. And if you’re Filipino, and I am, all you’ll need is some rice and you’re set for a banging meal.

Fast food franchise wise, the answer is simple. The best fast food fried chicken comes from Popeye’s -- no question about it. It’s crispy, its spicy, its fucking fantastic. Hook yourself up with some red beans and rice, a biscuit, a Hi-C fruit punch, and you’re good.

I will admit that I was a little intrigued by KFC’s new commercials saying they have “a cook in every KFC” and use Tyson brand chicken. Then I thought, WTF they didn’t have cooks and real chicken before? Whatever, KFC gives me stomach aches. I think it’s their oil.

2. LECHON / ROAST PORK




It might be a Filipino or Hispanic thing but GD lechon is awesome. For those not in the know, lechon is a whole roast pig as shown by the picture above.

Some may be intimidated by the seeing the actual face of the thing they’re about to eat but not me. Shit, some people even eat the eyeballs. Even if you are scared, try the stuff. You will change your mind.

The best part of lechon is the skin. It’s crispy and delicious. Pork Rinds you get at Quik Chek do not do lechon skin justice -- although I eat those too.

The actual pork meat is really tender and good as well. My mouth is literally watering just thinking about this. Maybe lechon is my #1 favorite food…

1. STEAK

And the champ (for now) is steak. I’m a man, what can I say? I love steak and will order it almost anywhere, anytime, and often.

You know how George Costanza ordered a t-bone steak at lunchtime to encourage his co-workers to call him “T-Bone”? Well me, I order steak at lunchtime and they call me Tom. It’s just not usual.

First things first, I like my steak medium rare. I came across some trouble with this the past two times I’ve ordered steak at two different places. Both times the server presented me with a good looking steak, until I cut it. The steaks were medium/medium well, and if you’re like me this is unacceptable. How do I combat this? Do I ask for straight up rare? For reference the picture above is what I’m looking for. Is that not medium rare? Is my expectation wrong?

In terms of cut, ribeye is my favorite. I also like eating prime rib at Houlihans, will eat any other cut of steak you offer me, and secretly will always think filet mignon is crap.

Anyhow, I’m hungry as hell now and all I’m doing for lunch is going to the gym. This blows.

PS - Don’t trip Baus, this is just a one time thing. I’m not stealing your gig. =)

Sorry

Sorry blog audience -- I have neglected you.

The life of Tom_Ace has been quite eventful as of late: work has been extremely busy (damn), I went on a family snowboarding trip to Okemo Mountain in Vermont (awesome), and I went on an unexpectedly good business trip to Orlando (very fun).

I won't bore you with my work problems, but unfortunately I just haven't had much time to think or write anything worthwhile.

Snowboarding was fun. I just wish I was better at it. Next season, next season...

Someone buy me a Lib-Tech Skate Banana.

I'm probably not good enough to make full use of all its capabilities but I'll learn.

Even though it was for work, my trip to Orlando was kind of off the chains. My part of the presentation went well, the dinner and drinks with the client was great (and free), and I even saw a bikini show. Let's just say the nickname I have for the city of Orlando did in fact hold true. Let's just say I was glad it was St. Patrick's Day and little shamrock stickers could be strategically placed and used as substitutes for a bikini top.

Here is a pretty bad picture I took using my phone's camera. Check it though -- the girl to the far left looks almost naked. That is because she pretty much was. Hooray for Orlando!

Anyhow, hopefully I'll have more free time to hook ya'll up with my flavor. My writing, I mean.

I know I am supposed to be doing a Happy Hour alcohol entry so here is a little tip. Before taking a shot of alcohol, take a deep breath in. Then drink the shot all the way down. Then, you exhale. Makes the shot hella easier. Trust me.

Have a great weekend folks.

Be careful. I love you, aight?

American Idol - I'm Lazy

Work has been fucking hell the past couple of weeks so my blogging ambition took a backseat.

I was going to post a long and thoughtful post of my American Idol Predictions, but instead I'm just going to write haikus for my favorite contestants.

Lil Rounds

"Lil Rounds" quite the name,

for the lady with big voice

and three young children.

Megan Joy

You are quite sexy,

but you move like a chicken.

I would still do you.

Matt Giraud

You have a chin strap.

I am jealous because I don't.

I hope you don't win.

Allison Iraheta

Since you are sixteen,

I cannot say much besides,

you sing very well.

Who goes home tonight, you ask? I would have to say, Alexis (the chick who went last) and Scott (hopefully).

PS - I am having trouble spacing this shit. If anyone can help, please do. Thanks!

Friday Happy Hour - What Kind Do You Want?

As promised, here comes another blog post about everyone's favorite subject -- drinking. Since I already discussed my favorite drinks last week, this week I am going to highlight those awesome little get-me-drunk-quick-ers called shots.

First, don't expect to see any of those wild and crazy "fuzzy nipples", "mind erasers", or "oatmeal cookies" on my list. I mean don't get me wrong, I will drink such shots if you buy them for me, but I won't buy that shit myself. Something about mixing alcohol with juices or saying the words "blue smurf piss" reminds me of something... oh yeah, being a bitch. Leave these ones to the ladies fellas.

"Soco and lime" is also included on that list. Soco is so senior year of highschool, so freshman year of college. You're grown, grow a pair already.

On to my favorites...


Much like my favorite drink, "The Tom", one of my favorite shots is the plain vodka shot. Of course I prefer a shot of Grey Goose or Kettle One, but I can get down with Svedka or Absolut too if need be.

Vodka is just easy for me. This is probably related to my regular and frequent consumption of it but I don't want to discuss my problems that right now.

Ahhh... God's gift to urban America -- Hennessy.

Hennessy gets a lot of flack. Granted, I will admit that the stuff smells strong. As soon as you walk into a room you can smell me if someone has just been drinking some hen-rock. Then theres also that whift of it you get right before you take a shot of it. This is usually what turns away those who didn't really want to take the shot in the first place but were coerced to. Once they smell that distinct Hennessy smell, their courage crumbles. Not me though, I'm strong (scrong).

Honestly, Hennessy is smooth as hell. When I take shots of it, there is never that bite or discomfort you get after drinking other shots. You know that bad feeling in your throat; I get it from drinking tequila. Tequila is gross and will not be on my list.

The only fault with Hennessy is that it can be expensive as hell. I've seen a Hennessy fifth going for as much as $40 bucks. Outrageous. Why is everybody always trying to keep Urban America down? You know what I mean.

Last and least (in my heart), is Jameson's Irish Whiskey (Top 3 though! Alright!). I know lots of people out there drink Jack Daniels and hold it very near and dear, but I really just prefer the Irish stuff.

Me and my friend Steve Rizzy used to drink JD a lot when we were both young, dumb, and full of c 20. We would get drunk on JD and talk about how pissed we were to not be 21 yet. And when I say "got drunk", I mean got absolutely hammered. I remember (actually I don't remember) making many drunk dial phone calls during those nights. Not cool, not good, and diverging from my normally super suave self. Anyhow, ever since those days, I can't get myself to drink the stuff.

As soon as we did finally turn 21, me, Rizzy, and now also Grimmags would sometimes go to bars and drink shots of Jameson all night. I think Rizzy was the one who suggested them, but I also know that it was always Grimmags who paid for them. "Shots on Grimmags!" was the theme of those times. Those memories of good, free whiskey will always stay with me when I take shots of the smooth Irish stuff.

In the end though, drinking alcohol is always up to personal preference. This is what I drink, not necessarily what you would like to drink. Then again, I'm better than you. Keep that in mind. =)

Enjoy your weekend and don't drink and drive.

Be careful. I love you, aight?

Yes. I Watch American Idol.

What up blog audience?

I'm going to confess to one of Tom Ace's guilty pleasures.  I watch American Idol.  I don't watch it religiously, but I do watch it often and regularly -- like going to church.  Wait what?  

This season has gotten a lot of publicity, but not necessarily for great reasons.  From the questionable addition of new judge Kara, to changes to shows rules and format (not to mention declining ratings and a supposed cat fight [meeeow!] between the aforementioned Kara and the always entertaining Paula Abdul),  people have begun to wonder whether the AI phenomenon is over.

That's not what my post is about.  I'm not a fan boy or anything.  I love Simon.  Wait what?  Regardless, I'll probably check out the show as long as its on.  I like music -- sue me.  

This post has a different focus, much more questionable content, possibly controversial even.  

Pcitured below is American Idol contestant Scott. 

Scott looks like your average, kinda goofy guy on the surface.  After close investigation, I have come to a new conclusion; Scott is just that, an average, kinda goofy guy who is also blind.

Scott is not a great singer.  He is not a great piano player.  Yet, for some reason, he remains a judge favorite to make it into the show's highly coveted Final 12 Round.  New judge Kara even said Scott "moves mountains when he sings."  Really?  He does?  I'm going to start using that phrase.  

"I move mountains when I'm in the bedroom, ladies."  

"I move mountains when I'm on the toilet."

"I move mountains when I'm shifting tectonic plates."

Neverthless, I digress.

Scott's voice is slightly above average at best, and as shown during Hollywood Week, his supposedly awesome skills behind the piano leave more than a little something to be desired.  

I mean I get it.  I get the sentimentality of it all.  The underdog story.   The guy overcoming odds.  Shit, Scott is even a nice guy.  However, nice and a good story does not an American Idol make. What the hell was that song he sang too?  Simon usually would have ripped him on that. 

Remove the blindness and the judges would've been all over that fool.  Actually scratch that, remove the whole blind thing and Scott isn't even past Day 1 in Hollywood.

Scott is not Stevie Wonder ladies and gentlemen.    

Nevertheless, although I am blogging this right as the results show begins, I know for certain that Scott is making the Final 12.  I'll bet you a million bucks.

It's pretty much a certainty, and pretty much bullshit.  

"Snowball? What's a Snowball?"

Props to you if you know what movie the title of this mini-post comes from.  It's a quote from a funny ass dialogue.  Leave the answer as a comment and impress me.  

Anyhow, as most of you know, the heavens opened up and dumped 6-8 inches of snow on the tri-state area.

While I was glad to work from home, using my personal latop is not the best workstation.  Everything is slow as shit and work BS just gets more frustrating because of that.  

Anyhow, I couldn't get to an entry all day.  

Inspired by today's snowstorm, please enjoy viewing the thing I will be waiting for all week long.   The shipment gets in on Friday.  Yeee...!

This, ladies and gentleman is the Forum Stomper 2009.  I will be ripping and shreading the slopes of Okemo, VT with it in two weeks.  Alright alright, I'll be trying to anyway.

I can't wait.   

Anyone want to go somewhere more local before that?  After Friday though.  But not during the weekend.  Then I'm down.  

Friday Happy Hour

It's Friday so obviously I already have the itch to drink. Yes folks, I am indeed writing this at 8:06 AM.

I don't think that means anything, but hey you can never trust an alcoholic. Wait what?

Regardless of if you feel thinking about drinking and partying during the wee hours of the morning is a problem, I think most can appreciate that drinks after work to start the weekend is a fantastic thing. After all the BS that we put up with at work during the week, that little drink does wonders to make all that stuff not matter anymore.

Today's post will cover the alcoholic beverages I am currently pledging my allegiance to. Damn it that makes me sounds like an alcoholic again. Oh well.


My current, favorite drink of choice: Grey Goose on the rocks with a lemon

Doesn't get much better than this folks. Strength you want in a good drink, without the nasty flavors you'll find with other alcohols like scotch or rum. I'm not knocking scotch, I've drank it before, in mass quantities even. But let's be honest, it tastes like armpit. I also can't really get down with mojitos or alcohol/juice or alcohol/soda mixes. Some of those drinks are just too sweet and mixing alcohol with other liquids only takes away glass space that could have been filled with more alcohol. This is important especially in clubs and lounges in NYC when you're paying $15.00 per drink. You can buy me a drink with the money you just saved not filling up on cranberry juice.

This is why the Grey Goose on the rocks with a lemon or "The Tom" is so good. Lots of vodka in the glass and it tastes good. If you don't trust me, try it out. After the 2nd one you'll think you're drinking good old agua.

My beer of choice: Coors Light

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I already know some of you are snickering. Folks, when I'm drinking beer, I'm not trying to appreciate the hoppy character or anything fancy like that. Like any other alcoholic beverage, when I'm drinking beer, I'm trying to get drunk.

That's the problem, getting drunk by drinking beer is hard work. With such a low alcohol percentage you need to drink a lot just to get "a buzz." So drinking beer for me is a numbers game -- drink as much as you can as fast as you can. That being said, why not drink the lightest, coldest beer possible to make that process easier? And for that, we have good old Coors Light.

For the record, yes, I am white trash.

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I was gonna get into some other drinking stuff, but I think I'll save that for a future post. Do I smell a Friday themed post ahead? Possibly....

Have fun this weekend folks. Try out "The Tom" or drink Coors Light all day long. You will not be disappointed.

Oh yeah, don't drink and drive.

Be careful. I love you, aight?

Really? Are We Sure About This? *SPOILER ALERT*

Last night on the season finale of Top Chef, Hosea from Colorado pulled the upset and beat out this season's consistent challenge winner Stefan.

From the title of this post you can probably tell how I feel about this.

Hosea sucked. He sucked all season. All he did was try to mack on Leah the whole time, actually succeeded, and then regressed in fear. What a poon. Also, he strongly reminds me of Mister Potato Head. I honestly cannot remember a single impressive dish he cooked that sticks out in my mind. Granted I don't have the privelege of actually eating the stuff, but I can at least recount a bunch of dishes Stefan and Carla (the other runner-up) made this year.

This ranks up there with season 2 and its so-called "winner" Ilan. He fucking sucked too.

Here's how I rank the 5 season champions.

5. Ilan
4. Hosea
3. Harold
2. Stephanie
1. Hung

Regardless, I'll miss the show and look forward to the next season. Hopefully Comcast gets me fucking Bravo HD by then.

Just cause I <3 You Padma

I'm Tom, How the Hell are Ya?

Greetings potential blog reading audience. I don't think it bares necessity to say so, but this is my first entry. Impressed by my writing skills yet? Probably not, but give it time, I'll grow on you.

Considering this is in fact the first time many of you will be reading anything written by yours truly, I suppose this first entry should be devoted to me introducing myself.

In the spirit of blogging, I will do so in a quick, convenient, easy to read, (lazy) little list.

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1. I am "The Man." I know this because I tell myself so during my daily affirmations.

2. I am not the funniest, the most athletic, the best looking (I'm lying), or even the smartest (I'm lying), but I know for sure that I am the Tom_Ace-est.

3. I'm probably the most humble person ever.

4. While I do appreciate good writing and proper grammar and the such, you will sometimes find some incorrect punctuations or other general writing errors within my posts. Scruw you,

5. I like nice things and treat myself to them at will.

OK well, that completes my first entry. I know you're riveted but please hold your fan letters till I write some more and feel like I deserve them.

Please do stop in again though, otherwise all this time at work I'm wasting will be for nothing.

Special shoutout to Adrie and Robyn for inspiring me to become a blogger.
You can visit them at http://adjism.blogspot.com/ and http://adayinthelifeofmystomach.blogspot.com/ respectively.

And to quote my friends Kyu and Juice,

"Be careful. I love you, aight?"