Pet Peeve Thursday: How 'Bout A Lick?

(1 Cent): Hmmm ... Wet Bucks!

You know what really chaps my cheeks? People who lick their fingers -- to moisten them to the right viscosity -- right before they count their cash and hand it to me. I know there might be some times when you're counting some fresh bills from the bank and they're super stiff and stick together ... but can you attempt to separate them by rubbing your fingers together first? I don't want to be handed a small, aqueous wad that I have to touch with my own hands. That's a little sick-nick and deserves a solid 5 out of 10 on the HCP No-No Scale.

My favorite is when you have to continuously tongue-stroke your fingers (like an addict savoring every speck of crack) while you count each bill. I'm talking about people who would put Steve Nash to shame. Twenty ... (lick) ... forty ... (slurp) ... sixty ... (burp-slurp ... ooh, shouldn't have had that chili-Frito boat) ... eighty ... (snort-lick) ... one-hundred. Yeah, thanks for that. I'll be in the other room throwing-up about something else.

(2 Cent): You Little Liar!

Okay, so we all lie a little bit. Even if we're not trying to. "Oh, no, honey ... you look fabulous with that jean skirt over those sweatpants." "Naw, your breath is fine ... but, uh, have a Tic Tac or seven just 'cause." "I love mutton!" No one is perfect and we slip up here and there. Sometimes we lie so we don't look as bad in certain situations ... sometimes we lie to not hurt someone else's feelings. Whatever your lie is, though, at least make sure you're at least halfway good at it.

Don't tell me that you came to my store on Saturday at about ten 'til 3pm and I was closed and you thought I was open until 3pm unless you actually went to the store and saw that I was not there. That particular Saturday, I had to stay until about 3:15pm. I had not only heard the message on the answering machine that you had tried to come before 3pm but we were closed, but then while face to face with me you say it again. You were not there ... but I was. I mean, in this particular instance, wouldn't the truth have been better? Something to the affect of, "I was busy watching Judge Judy and didn't make it down in time" or "I'm more forgetful than one of those ... uh ... whatchumacallits" or "I'm lazier than an obese, paralyzed Paris Hilton with no car." The excuse wouldn't have mattered.

Moral of the story: if you're going to lie, at least be on O.J.'s level and get away with it.

Note: HCP and his affiliates do not really condone lying ... unless it's for over $30.

(1/2 Cent): Uh, Oh ... Here Comes The Titanic!

Here's a nice little self-deprecating anecdote that was inspired by last week's countless re-runs of the movie Titanic starring Leonardo DiCrapio:

Back in the day, when Titanic first the the box offices, I was subjected to this movie three (3!) times in the theater ... albeit it was my choice and on three (3!) different dates. I remember thinking half way through the first viewing, "Hey, this won't be so bad to see again" while I knew full well I'd be seeing it once more. During the second viewing I remember thinking, "Whew, I'm glad this will be the last time seeing this ... plus I'm running low on loot." After realizing I would "have" to see it for the 3rd time in about 5 days (and after I was done stabbing my eyes with a stainless steel dinner fork) I remember thinking, "Note to self: don't ever do the same three hour movie three times in a week."

Seriously. What was I thinking? I mean, wasn't I smart enough to know that any girl I asked out would want to see that movie? Didn't I get the hint after #2? My goodness ... after being $40+ dollars poorer and having 9+ hours of my life purloined ... I thought I was done with that movie.

Nope!

TNT graciously brought it back and played it back to back (to back to back). A glorious flashback for Yours Truly, indeed.


Check back tomorrow for Grab Bag Friday. Thanks for reading!

HCP

Spmusic Monday: It's All Going To Pot

(1 Cent): I Hate All That Jazz!

Friday the 24. The EnergySolutions Arena. 7:00pm. Lakers versus Jazz. Feeling optimistic.

It was a good game; the lead changing hands numerous times throughout. Until the end, when it mattered. Jazz got a hold of some backbreaking rebounds (I think we were out-rebounded 642 to 10 the whole game) and got 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opportunities in one possession to score. It was too much. The crowd chanted "Lakers suck" and blah, blah, blah.

Me and J.D. are now 0-4 (it could be 0-5 ... I can't remember) in Salt Lake. Not good times. Before I die, I just want the Lakers to win once in Utah. It seems like the season series is always split 2-2, with the home team always winning. Well ... February 26th is the next showdown in SLC ... hopefully by then, the Lakers will figure out how to rebound.

At least LA beat New Jersey yesterday ... 9-4 record isn't too shabby.

(2 Cent): Snoop-A-Loop!

There were quite a few CD's that came out during the past two weeks or so. One of them that I was on the fence about whether to buy or not was The Game's Doctor's Advocate. I have his first album, which was really well produced by Dr. Dre and Eminem (with a song by Timberland in the mix). This time around, after severing ties with 50 Cent -- the guy who invited him into G Unit -- and Dr. Dre (the man who "found" him) he goes in alone, without his former crew. Basically, he wanted to prove wrong the people that said he was popular just because of Dr. Dre and 50.

I just listened to the 30 second samples of each song on iTunes and was not too impressed. For me, The Game was an "OK" lyricist but had great beats (from the aforementioned people) and had good guest appearances. Well, maybe his first album was good because it was produced by Dre. For his sophomore CD, I wanted something to blow us away, since he talked so much smack about him being great ... he even postponed the album 5 months to work on it more. Then we get this? Not so much his best moment. He did have some decent producers (i.e. Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch, Just Blaze, etcetera) but the songs were just average (or below) to me. The Game, in my opinion, even tries to sound like Dr. Dre (as he raps) in a couple of songs ... gets a track or two to sound like a Dre produced beat ... and mentions Dr. Dre too many times in various tracks. Like G Unit would say: Game Over.

In choosing today's review, we look to none other than Snoop Dogg for his Blue Carpet Treatment. He has some good producers aiding his cause (Dr. Dre, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, Battlecat, etcetera); this album has a unique yet familiar sound. There are a couple of tracks that sound a little more old school like vintage Snoop ... some tracks that are crazy, stretching the limits of Hip Hop sounds ... and a good number of songs. I'm thankful for a CD with 21 tracks (listen up, Beyonce) which have variety.

This is a solid CD with unique beats, good lyrics, great guest appearances, and of course the undeniable flow of Snoop Dogg. With that said, maybe my expectations are always too high on superstar artists because I think this CD is a couple of songs away from being a special album. I still give 'em an 8 out of 10. If you like it Doggystyle, then you'll like Tha Blue Carpet Treatment.

(Note: Just to remind the readers ... I try not to include a radio single in my favorites because I want to review songs that haven't been heard ... and I have only one good Hip Hop radio station, so if I include a radio single that I didn't think was, just go with it.)

**My Fav Five**

1) Track 7, "Get A Light" (Featuring Damian Marley): Surprise, surprise ... a Timbaland produced beat that's crazy good ... a really raw sound combined with Snoop's flow and Marley's unique croon is a nice combination.

2) Track 12, "Round Here": A chill beat produced by Dr. Dre ... a more subdued Snoop ... I like it much.

3) Track 17, "Psst!" (Featuring Jamie Foxx): A new school and old school feel ... Foxx sounds a little bit like Prince ... good jam.

4) Track 6, "Candy (Drippin' Like Water)" (Featuring E-40, MC Eiht, Goldie Loc, Daz & Kurupt): I read somewhere this was a single back in September but I never heard it ... has a cool bass beat ... always good with E-40 ... Daz and Kurupt bringing back some DPG style.

5) Track 8, "Gangbangin' 101" (Featuring The Game): One of the hardest -- if not the hardest -- tracks on the album ... Game makes a nice cameo ... I am a fan of the hook.

(1/2 Cent): Streaking Like Frank "The Tank"

The Busdrivers VI are starting to gain some momentum, winning the two latest games. Unfortunately, there is a downside to the last two weeks: the trade I mentioned last week didn't quite work out so well, but then I somewhat made up for it.

As you might recall, I had traded Mo Williams and Quentin Richardson for Stephon Marbury and Corey Maggette. Like I projected, Q's production has fallen off significantly. I didn't foresee that Mo would be outplaying Maggette (which I will touch upon later). "Starbury" on the other hand has basically gone AWOL. He averaged 10 fantasy points (FP's) for the week for me ... a shocker, because I'd say 25 FP's is an average player. He was supposed to be the X-factor in this trade and still is -- just not in the way I wanted.

Marbury is just not hitting shots, taking shots, making passes ... basically, this is the worst basketball of his career (yes, even worse than his rookie season). Is it because of playing in New York? Is it because coach Thomas isn't playing the right offense? Is it Marbury's new $15.00 shoes? Did Greg Ostertag and Marbury switch bodies like Freaky Friday? Will someone tell me what's going on?!

Needless to say, he's on my bench this week. I hope he comes out of his funk soon ... he'll be the one to either push my team into the upper echelon of excellence or keep me in the top 4 with the rest of the good teams in the league. You guess which one I prefer.

Going back to Maggette ... I used him along with Kevin Martin and Bonzi Wells to trade for my boy Kobe Bryant. Yes, a three for one deal. It was with J.D. -- his team already 0-3 at the time -- which made and will make his team more well rounded (i.e. he can drop some players that shouldn't even be on a fantasy team). So far, I don't really know who benefited more. Maggs and K-Mart both did well, but Kobe averaged 46 FP's for the week. For my team, which had the luxary of having a lot of average or above average players, it was good since I could afford losing multiple good players for a superstar.

If we're just going by a very ilogical stance, I would say the trade worked for me (since I just won) and didn't do so well for J.D. (since he lost). But, his loss wasn't too bad ... so his team is better. Now, if I could just get Marbury to remember how to play basketball ....


Week 3: W - 314.50 to 305.83 ... W-L Record: 2-1

Week 3 Fantasy Stud: Dwayne Wade (MIA, G): 53 FP's

Week 3 Fantasy Dud: Ryan Gomes (BOS, F): 20 FP's (just after the week he scored 30 FP's)

--------

Week 4: W - 299.08 to 194.42 ... W-L Record: 3-1 ... (Tied for 1st Place in Division)

Week 4 Fantasy Stud: Dwayne Wade (MIA, G): 50.5 FP's

Week 4 Fantasy Dud: Stephon Marbury (NY, G): 10.5 FP's


Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend ... we'll see you on Thursday!

HCP

Grab Bag Fridays: More Game Than Chess

(1 Cent): XBox 360 or PlayStation 3?

I'm not the hugest "gamer" ... but I do like the occasion outlet video games provide. It's my little "high" when life gets hectic. I mostly just play the sports games (basketball and baseball) but enjoy some other stuff from time to time. Besides, the game system also doubles as my DVD player.

With that said, as we embark on the soon to be eve of PlayStation 3, I decided to research the differences and capabilities of the two game units: XBox 360 and said PS3.

I've come across conflicting views; some say that the XBox 360 has more memory and is better equipped to handle all the new technology games are playing with now, while others say the PS3 is newer, which means newer technology, and it has a built in player for Blue-Ray discs (which is the newer form of the DVD -- HD quality graphics and sound for movies). I'm not that knowledgeable with all of the specs and numbers and whatnot, so basically I'm going to wait until the PS3 has been out for a couple of months to get better, more detail oriented reviews. I currently have the regular XBox and have been satisfied with that, which at first made me just want to get the 360. But, PS3 has seemingly more ad ons to it (i.e. Blue-Ray compatible) which makes me want to just wait and see.

If any reader has any information or suggestions, feel free to click the Comment link below. I can wait awhile, since I want to wait until the 2nd or 3rd generation of the systems comes out (so they can work out all the bugs) and since it costs $600.00 off the bat, I'll have to budget a little bit for that. Yikes. I remember the days when the original Nintendo console cost about $90.00 ... not that I paid for it back when I was 7 years old, but still.

(2 Cent): We Have Words

Some time has passed since I have been able to post some comments. The time has come ....

Q: ".......now you made me think about bbq......i'm going for ribs now." -- Oberon

HCP: Looks to me like a new reader/commenter. Hmm, I'm pretty sure this comment was from last Friday's Grab Bag ... and the only way (to me) that this makes sense is if this comment was in reference to '2 Cent' where I mentioned stereotypes, laughing racism off, and ethnic food. So, if I had to guess, Oberon is ... not a vegetarian.

Q: "Maybe the tea cup was for begging. Weird. I think Pet Peeve Thursdays are my favorite." -- Casey

HCP: This, I'm sure, was in reference to my boy "Butt Man" I wrote about again in the article written on November 9th, entitled "Full Circle" in the '1/2 Cent' part. Yes, perhaps his little tea cup was for begging ... but since he was swinging it freely, either he was just starting off a long day of begging or he really sucked at it so he was left no choice but to explore parking lots for burned up cigarette butts.

(Note: Casey must have done some binge reading because the next 3 comments are from him too).

Q: "Did you watch the OC with Cat and them? I didn't really like the first episode. Thoughts. Ok, sorry my comments suck. I'll try and make them more interesting in the future. I do like your thoughts on life though. Seriously, I don't think I'll ever feel grown up. Grown-ups are boring anyway." -- Casey

HCP: No, I didn't watch it with Cat and them ... I really did like the first episode. What didn't you like about it? It starts off by showing all the characters grieve in their different ways from Marissa's death ... it had Ryan in some sort of ultimate fighting cage ... same good stuff. Thank you for liking my thoughts on life. I like them too. Yeah, I don't think there will be a point in my life where I "feel grown up" ... but what do I know? (Hint: not much). Plus, to reply to your 'grown-ups are boring' part ... I think it depends on what grown-ups we're talking about. Last I heard, Mike Tyson, Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, my Grandpa Tex, the old lady with a Quasimodo hunch and walk who bi-monthly comes in my store just to tell me she's done with her house payments until May of 2007 ... they're all grown-ups and seem above the line of 'boring.'

Q: "Did you know there's a new TMNT movie coming out in 2007. Awesome! Anyway, is there something that notifies you when you get comments or should I just stick to commenting on the current stuff? By the way, I didn't plan on reading back this far but I can't help my self. Good stuff." -- Casey

HCP: No, I didn't know there's a new TMNT movie coming out in '07 ... I might actually see it. Uhm, yes, every time someone clicks on the Comments link, it sends the comment to my HCP2007@gmail.com address. You can comment on old stuff, current stuff, stuff that I haven't even written about yet. It's all good.

Q: "Who's this anonymous guy and who does he think he's fooling? Anyway, I actually laughed out loud on that bb gun to the back of the knee's part. That's pure hilarity. But then I realized what a loser I am when I read the part about watches. I recently purchased one of those crazy things. My mind just doesn't work that way. It takes me like 20 minutes to read those things. Its not a huge problem, but when someone wants the time and I have to check my watch three times before I get it right, that's just plain embarrassing. Maybe some handy cap people like myself really should have digital watches. Its not laziness, we just plain need them." -- Casey

HCP: Ha ... well, uhm, I wouldn't say you're "handicapped" per se ... but I have been told on a couple occasions from people with digital watches that the reason they don't have the "hard one with lots of stick thingies" is because they're too lazy to figure it out. Maybe if you had a digital watch like Harold Crick had, then maybe you wouldn't feel so bad.

(1/2 Cent): Thanks-For-Giving

Like in many other aspects of the world, I'm shutting down for the Thanksgiving week. With the 'rents coming to town, a possible arrival by plane of an old high school buddy, a Lakers/Jazz game ... I'm not going to be able to write (at least that's my excuse). I will return on Monday, November 27th with a review for Snoop Dogg's new CD, Akon's new CD, an update on the Busdrivers fantasy basketball team, and more.

If you feel so inclined, you can still write and comment to HCP2007@gmail.com or click the Comments link below. I'll still check back and read those through the week. Thanks to those that have written this past week and before.

Have a great Thanksgiving holiday everyone!


HCP

Pet Peeve Thursdays: I Got That Stat!

(1 Cent): Stat Boy!

You know what really chaps my cheeks? When someone gives me a ton of useless, most likely made up information in the form of stats. It could either be just to start a conversation or to try to back up an argument.

I don't mean to say I don't like relevant statistics on things ... but when I hear things like, "We carry 86% of every Disney movie ever made in our store" or "47.3% of cows in the Midwest find that they like green hay instead of brown hay" we have some problems. This especially holds true if said person has the Guy Smiley face after he states the fact ... you know, waiting to see your reaction, as if you're going to say, "Oh, wow! Really? I didn't know that! You're amazing!"

I'm not sure if I'm irritated at the people who came up with (or made up) the statistical numbers or at the people who repeat them and try to pass themselves as being a genius.

Just talk to me like a human being, not a math report. Besides, I’ve heard that 33.68% of people that have conversations like that better.

(2 Cent): A Sweater, Huh?

So, in one of my first columns for Pet Peeve Thursdays, I wrote a rant about things that bothered me at the gym. To add to that, the other day I saw someone working out in a collared shirt, a v-neck sweater, blue jeans and some Doc Martin’s. Uhh … why? I was sweating just looking at him trying to workout.

Did he just decide to stop by on the way home from work or something? It’s not like it’s cold inside … or you wouldn’t warm up by doing your workout. Maybe that’s just how he rolls … that’s how he’s livin’. Next time I workout, I’m going to go in a 7 piece Armani suit, complete with a feathered hat and cane.

(1/2 Cent): My Bad

I guess I should write these a little earlier … but about once every 3 weeks or so I encounter a “scheduled outage” by Blogger.com which makes it impossible for me to save my blog or post my blog. Sorry it’s later than usual. I’m sure you’ll forgive me.

Thanks again to the readers … you’re much appreciated. Also, a special thanks to J.D. for spending countless hours and much energy making sure my car audio is in tip-top shape. You’re the man!

If you have any questions, comments, or article ideas send them to HCP2007@gmail.com or just click the Comments link below. Click back for Grab Bag Friday tomorrow!

HCP

Spmusic Mondays: Bacon In The Pan!

(1 Cent): Staying Afloat

It's been a good week of NBA basketball ... and my Lakers are doing a tad better than treading water. It has been unpredictable, though (almost MLB playoff unpredictable) with the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns well below .500 ... which is fine by me. I'm sure they'll get it together soon, but every game counts. Whether you lose now or lose in early April, a loss is a loss ... and it seems as though the Lakers are intent on proving many of the "prognosticators" and analysts wrong by winning; even without Kobe at 100%.

The two biggest issues thus far have been the absurd rate referees are calling technical fouls (and tossing players from games) and the way the new ball has effected the game.

The games I've watched haven't been that bad (luckily) ... but if you read the scoring sheet, there have been copious amounts of techs given out, which I'm sure slows the game down a bit. The games I watched on TV included a couple of weird techs given out, just for reacting to a call, which I feel to be (for the lack of a better word) stupid. Especially when there seems to be preference to certain players (i.e. Tim Duncan). Tim "I Haven't Fouled Since I Entered The NBA" Duncan has boiled egg eyes after every call and talks and talks and talks ... yet, no whistle. Everywhere I read about this subject, people just want consistency ... that seems like a valid desire.

The issue about the new ball to me seems more cut and dry. I've noticed a lot more slippage while people are driving to the hoop ... and the ball comes off the rim very oddly. There's not much of a bounce to it ... just ask Vince Carter (see highlights of his game tying 3 pointer). It seems like shots that shouldn't go in do and shots that should go down don't. I can't really put my finger on it ... but there is a noticeable difference. I wish I could feel and play with one of those new balls (maybe I'll purchase one) and see how really different it is. I suppose playing with the different types of synthetic balls throughout my life, it wouldn't be too much different -- I just want to see how.

(2 Cent): Shut Up You Stupid Voice!

Again, no artist worth a CD purchase for me last week, but I did see comedic genius Will Ferrell's newest movie Stranger Than Fiction, which I must say, was phenomenally good.

This latest project is very different than the 'regular' Ferrell movie of, say, Ricky Bobby. Even so, I had plenty of laughs because of the dialogue, the situations, and c'mon, it's still Will. Furthermore, the movie had some great themes (i.e. purpose of life moments, integrity of men, the use of time, etcetera) that allows the viewer to experience different levels of enjoyment.

I would have to say Will does a great job of acting -- not just being funny, which he is wonderful at -- but true, emotional based acting. This, along with the aid of Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, create the foundation for a truly celebrated motion picture. I'm biased; I like Will Ferrell to no end ... I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

(1/2 Cent): The Commencement Of Domination

As you may have guessed, our fantasy basketball team Busdrivers VI -- named back when J.H. and I were barely in high school ... because we take you to school ... and it's the 6th installment of our joint venture -- took my other friend J.D.'s team out last week, pretty soundly. Our team put up a much better fight, thanks in large part to not having a bunch of stiffs playing (see: last Monday's column). Actually, we scored the second most points in the league this past week, trailing by only a point. This was even without Amare Stoudamire, who averaged over 28 fantasy points for the week. Needless to say, he's starting this week.

I was also able to pull off a trade with another team in the league. It was a two for two deal, first proposed from him. He wanted to have PG Mo Williams and SF Quentin Richardson for his PG Stephon Marbury and PG Speedy Claxton (yes, he goes by an adjective for a first name). Well, I liked the fact that he was willing to give up Starbury ... but I wasn't going to bite on Claxton when, 1) he was injured, B) even when healthy he's not a useful fantasy player, and third I'm greedy. So, I counter offered my same two players but switched Speedy for SF Corey Maggette. And, of course, he went for it.

Now, when doing trades, I try to do a couple of things. First and foremost, I try to "sell high and buy low." In this example, Q has been playing out of his mind for the past 6 games and has been basically even with Marbury; when Marbury starts playing like his usual self (i.e. 18 points and 8 assists a game), advantage will be mine. Maggette had been playing better than Mo, is projected higher, and is just all-around better. I don't know what else to say there. Plus one for the Busdrivers.

Next, I try to get the best player involved in the trade. In this case, if I was to unbiasedly rank all four players, I would put them in this order: Marbury, Maggette, Richardson, and Williams. That's being real -- check last year's stats, the year before that, and even projected '06-'07 stats, and it would be the same. Since I feel I get the two best of the four, it's almost a no-brainer. Score another for the Busdrivers.

Lastly, which is a bonus, I love trading players I found in the Free Agent (FA) list for players that went high in the draft. In this case, the first day we were allowed to pick up FA's, Richardson and Williams were 2 of the 6 players I coveted (I received 4 of them). The reason I wanted them was because I knew they were both going to start (which is another way I draft people -- only choose starters ... unless the 6th man gets starters minutes, a la Maggette). Stephon Marbury, in the draft that went by CBS rankings (unless the team owner ranked his own list like my friend J.D. did for 150 players) was picked in the 3rd round ... which means he's a really good player. Corey Maggette went in the 6th round, which means he's a decent to good player (there's 13 rounds total). In essence, I traded two guys that nobody had high enough in their rankings to draft (out of 156 players drafted) and traded them for a guy who went in the Top 36 and Top 72. I say that's the trifecta for the Busdrivers.

In this week's game, we're playing the guy who scored 1 fantasy point (FP) more than we did ... of course, that was without Stoudemire's 28 FP's (the guy we started in his place had like 11 FP's). I'm feeling a lot better about this team ... if we stay healthy (note: the guy I just traded for last week, Richard Jefferson, had a level two ankle sprain ... I'm not a doctor, but 'ouch') I think we have a good chance again this year to win it all. Ahh ... I love it when I'm in the honeymoon phase of the season. Remember how optimistic I am now -- this tune can change come March of '07. As for now, I'm liking the odds ... I would totally double down right now if I was in Vegas. Totally.

Week 2: W - 308.25 to 255.5 ... W-L Record: 1-1

Week 2 Fantasy Stud: Dwayne Wade (MIA, G) -- 48 fantasy point average (FPA)

Week 2 Fantasy Dud: Francisco Elson (SA, C) -- 11 FPA (Note: He was dropped off the team)

Week 2 Notable Free Agent Pick Up: Ryan Gomes (BOS, F) --30 FPA last week


Click back for this week's Pet Peeve Thursday. Thanks for reading ... have a great week!

HCP

Grab Bag Fridays: Shake Ya Moneymaker!

(1 Cent): Racism Fading?

In my Rhetoric of Freedom class, we are studying a couple of Martin Luther King's works (namely the "I Have A Dream" speech and his "Letter From Birmingham"). To me, it's kind of crazy to fathom how African-Americans were treated; all of the actions taken against them and the mentality of Whites towards them. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that far back in the past, either. All of this occurred less than 45 years ago, which to me is astounding. It makes more sense -- or I understand more -- of why older people (60 years old and up) are sometimes are still a little racist ... because (unfortunately) that was the mindset back in the day.

Studying this made me think of how things are now, with people who are about 30 years old and down (to children). I can only speak for myself, but I remember growing up "blind" to color or race ... people were just people. If you were nice to me I liked you; if you were attractive, you were attractive ... but it was not according to race. I wonder if the more time that passes, it allows for strong racism to be farther behind in the rearview, which will make racism be less of an issue. I'm pretty sure blatant racism will not be a problem again (and by blatant, I mean having segregation), but I mean subconsciously for everyone. I'm not saying that prejudices would totally vanish, but would be less of a factor of stereotypes or something.

For instance, since I grew up in an environment (either due to the time period, the laws, or my upbringing) where race didn't determine who someone was as much as it did in the 40's, 50's, 60's ... will it be less of an issue for my future kids' lives? I mean, again speaking for myself, growing up I didn't feel or see much "real" racism occurring ... a stereotypical joke here and there ... so will it be less of an issue in the future?

Being a Latin flavored cat, I'd have to say I've encountered less racism than I thought I would (looking back). Of course, being 5'11", having a lighter complexion, speaking with no foreign accent, and knowing little to no Spanish almost makes me "White" ... but that's beside the point. (Note: the last sentence reminded me of when a Caucasian friend of mine called me Whiter than she was ... cracked me up to no end). So, perhaps since I'm looking at the world through my (beautiful, brown) Latin eyes, I'm distorted ... meaning, if I was White, would I think differently? If I was Black? Asian? What about half and half? Are we all looking at things through a racial, terministic screen?

Basically, all I'm saying is what was on my mind ... how weird it would have been to lived in an environment that such blatant racism was condoned ... how I think it is better today ... and how I hope it gets better in the future.

(2 Cent): Laugh It Off

While writing '1 Cent' and thinking about race it made me feel, to a certain extent, that recently (70's, 80's, 90's, more so now) we as a people have coped with racism and stereotypes through comedy ... through humor. I'm all for it.

I feel it's a tension breaker at times ... making fun of yourself racially. For instance, let's take the stereotype of ethnic foods. Yes ... because I'm Latin, I simply love beans and rice. The ironic thing, I suppose, would be me not liking beans ... which is the truth. Not a fan. I joke around about this ... I don't get offended. Oh, this reminds me of a story ....

About two weeks ago, J.D. (who is White) and I were driving around the parking lot trying to find a spot in front of Best Buy. While hunting, he saw a Mercedes Benz SUV parked in the driving lane, on the opposite side of where cars are supposed to park, making it so traffic coming the opposite direction was blocked. His first words upon seeing this were, "Look at that dirty Mexican who parked there ..." and then trailed off as he most likely realized what he said in front of me. My response was unadulterated laughter ... in part of because what he said and some because of his slight reservation in finishing the sentence ... and because I thought it funny that a "dirty Mexican" could afford to drive a Benz with 22" rims.

But, you see, J.D. is far from racist (he is friends with me, after all). He's a people person ... he doesn't see race as a determining factor of character. But I think this is where most of us are now in society ... making race more of a stereotyped joke than really feeling hatred toward another race. The only thing I was mad at from J.D.'s comment is that I didn't say it first.

(1/2 Cent): Party Over Here!

I know it's not a sports topic day, but I can't help but say how excited I am to watch the Lakers tonight. J.D. and I have a double date with the TV and a pizza. Good times.

Also, this Monday I will let you know who won between my team (with J.H.) and J.D.'s in our fantasy basketball league. Let's just say it looks like I'm going to have some bragging rights until we play each other in January 2007. If you can't play with the big dogs, then don't get off the porch! (Yes, I read that off a t-shirt about 10 years ago ... sue me).

Have a great weekend everyone! To quote MLK: "There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love." Translation: if the Lakers don't win tonight, my body will go comatose.

HCP

Pet Peeve Thursdays: Full Circle

(1 Cent): Bad Drivers Part II

A couple of months ago, I had a 10 pointed list of pet peeves while driving. Apparently, I've left one off that I was kindly reminded of by a motorcyclist a couple of days ago. You know what really chaps my cheeks? Motorcyclists, period. The majority of them -- I have encountered -- weave in and out of traffic with no regard to cars ... expecting cars to move out of their way; they drive in-between two lanes (on the painted, divider lines) even if they're speeding in-between cars; they love driving in your blind spots; and they like to tailgate, which is bad, because you're on a motorcycle ... which brings me to today's main beef.

A couple of days ago, I'm at a traffic signal while it's red, waiting to turn right. I'm at a complete stop. I'm waiting. I'm not inching forward, I'm not starting to go ... I'm at a complete stop. Then, all of a sudden, I feel a slight bump from behind. At first, I thought a raccoon or some other smallish animal ran into the back of me. "Poor, dumb animal," I thought. I looked in my rearview and what did I see? It wasn't popcorn popping on an apricot tree ... it was a stupid motorcyclist! The fool ran into me!

Of course, I predicted it didn't do much damage since it was most likely his tire bumping into my lower bumper (where the trailer hitch ball is) but still. You bumped me and now you must face justice (note: in that analogy, I'm justice). So, after the cars clear and I'm able to turn right on the red light, I see dude just blast off into the left lane (no, you're not allowed make a right turn into the left lane) and just speed off ... he didn't want to make eye contact. Then he darts in front of me (another no-no) and proceeds to get into another right turn lane. I watch him as he's trying to stop ... and he almost backs into some blue mini-van who's also at a compete stop. So, now I'm thinking dude doesn't know how to stop (as I watched him try to "Fred Flintstone" it to a halt).

Said incident reminded me of many instances of when motorcyclists proved incapable of obeying any type of traffic laws or having common sense. I mean, just because you're small enough to squeeze between cars, doesn't mean you can (by law). Just because you're bike can hit 75 miles per hour in 5 seconds doesn't mean you should -- especially when you're doing so in front of other cars that could squash you. Slow down, obey traffic laws, and don't bump into me while I'm at a complete stop ... it could be bad for your health.

(2 Cent): Repeating Commercials

Have you ever noticed that, during certain programs, commercials repeat themselves? I'm not talking about after every commercial break, but one right after the other? Why does this happen? Did the advertiser pay extra to have their crappy ad played twice? It always seems to occur when the commercial has a suicidally annoying jingle, a goofy speaker, or is just playing cheesy. It's fantastic.

Now talking about commercials that are always the first to be played during the break ... the most annoying one in recent memory for me is that truck ad (I won't say the name ... because I don't remember it ... I guess the ads don't work that well, eh?) where they have John Mellencamp singing one of his songs (that they slightly tweak for the ad?). It's horrendously appalling. Just hearing the first 0.3 seconds of the song makes me want to go dent a truck with Mellencamp's head. Not only is it bad ... it was played about 6 times as the first commercial (out of a commercial break for an NBA basketball game). This isn't even mentioning the weird montage of "American history" that mixes MLK, Nixon, Rosa Parks, the World Trade Center, and Hurricane Katrina (don't ask me what it means ... I still don't know).

All in all, after hearing/seeing this commercial, I wanted to dry heave until I passed out ... being subjected to it 6 times in about 45 minutes ... I wanted to cut my wrists and do push ups in elbow deep salt water. Okay ... that might be slightly exaggerated, but you get the drift.

(1/2 Cent): Used Butts Part II

On October 12th, in Cent 2, I wrote about a dude that meticulously picked out used cigarette butts for later puffage. Well, the other day I saw same dude doing the same thing ... but this time, he couldn't wait for later. He lit one up and was on his way.

The weird thing about it this time (as if this practice isn't weird enough) was that he was carrying a bagel beige tea cup with blue flowers at the top of the rim as a border (I have good eyesight). There didn't seem to be any substance within the cup, as it flung from side to side as he walked and swung his arms. Why did he have this tea cup? Where was he going with this tea cup? What was he going to put in this tea cup? Where did he get this tea cup? Maybe he was on his way to borrow sugar ... and the only thing he had to barter with was used cigarette butts. Imaginably it reminded him of when he was younger and his family trip to Disneyland, where his favorite ride was the tea cups. Perhaps he crafted this fine objet d'art at "Color Me Mine" on his latest date.

He's not really a pet peeve ... but smoking is a pet peeve of mine ... and this story came to mind ... so, there you have it.


Tomorrow marks another Grab Bag Friday ... be sure to write anything and everything to HCP2007@gmail.com or click on the Comments link below. If I offered you a nickel for doing so, would it compel you to ask a question? Hmm?

HCP

Spmusic Mondays: Bubble Bursted

(1 Cent): Not Too Shabby ...

As some prognosticators have said (ha ... I can use that stupid word too, foo) the Los Angeles Lakers are supposed to miss the playoffs in the deep West. Well, how's a 3-0 first week of action feel, hmm?

Yes, they did lose yesterday to the Sonics in Seattle, but a 3-1 start isn't bad ... especially since they beat the heavily favored Suns on opening night and won in Oakland against the Warriors. Kobe just missed two games and will be (hopefully) back to normal in 3 weeks or so -- he missed all of training camp and preseason with his surgically repaired knee. He looked a tad rusty in the first game I saw him in (Friday night against the Sonics in LA), but still gave us 23 points and 6 assists (or around that).

It's too early to make valid assessments, but from the first games I saw on TV, the Lakers have a pretty decent team and I feel can get to the playoffs and even advance past the first round. Lamar Odom has started off like the player everyone has expected him to be for so long ... a walking trip-dub (my cool way of saying 'triple-double'). Luke Walton has emerged as a solid player; being able to score more efficiently and is more aggressive ... he's always been able to pass. Andrew Bynum has suddenly transformed into a legit center. Vlad Rad and Evans off the bench -- our two key offseason acquisitions -- have been nothing short of a spark of offense. Second year player Ronnie Turiaf is our emotional player (think of a poor man's Dennis Rodman ... but sane). Even our rookie, Jordan Farmar, has showed he belongs not only on this team, but in the league. Bill Simmons predicted that Farmar will take starting PG Smush Parker's spot in a couple of months ... to me, that depends on the Zen Master's philosophy of playing rooks, but dude can ball. I'm already a big fan.

If the Lakers can build on this early success and keep getting better, developing chemistry together, I like their chances. Especially when Kobe can be Kobe. Plus, we don't even have our 1st and 2nd string centers back from injury yet (Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm).

Overall, I think the Lakers have a shot at taking their division, even though it will be a four team race (with the Clips, Suns, and Kings). The NBA ... it's faaaaaaaantastic!

(2 Cent): Where's The Music?

Another week passed by without anybody worthy of being purchased with my cash. I think Akon's album should be dropping within the next couple of weeks ... but I haven't heard of anyone that I like coming out with a CD anytime soon.

So, instead of just waiting for another CD, maybe I can add to Mondays with movies too. So, think of the "Spmusic" as this: "Sp" is sports, "m" is for movies, and "usic" is ... well, you know where I'm going with this.

With that said, I did see a movie over the weekend. A female friend of mine asked me to go see Marie Antoinette, featuring Kirsten Dunst and a bunch of other actors I've never seen before (except for the king of France ... he's the same dude that played Patches O'Houlihan in the movie Dodgeball).

Now, I have to say that I didn't even know this movie was out there ... so I went in to it with really low expectations (especially since I didn't even know Kirsten was in it). The storyline wasn't too shabby, although parts of the movie were really slow (although I know why it was necessary). Miss Dunst as Marie did a good job, methinks. What stood out to me was the choice of music and dialogue.

The music that played at times (which I'm sure is part of the soundtrack) was more modern -- as in the 80's song "I Want Candy" by Bow Wow Wow and some other rock songs that I don't know the title of. Also, the characters talked in the manner of how we would converse today, which I found to be somewhat refreshing (because I always wondered if they always talked proper back in the more refined era and this portrayal made those times seem more tangible).

With that said, there was nothing spectacular about it ... nor was there anything horrendous about it. It was okay. To me, that's the perfect definition of a 5 out of 10. Basically, I wouldn't recommend seeing it, but if you were going to have to watch it, the movie would at least keep your interest.

(1/2 Cent): CBS Stands For 'Crappy Bull Sh...'

I had been looking forward to last Monday's NBA fantasy draft ever since my baseball fantasy team lost. It had been about 5 weeks of preparation: reading scouting reports, analyzing players' performances in training camp and preseason, digesting columnists opinions about players, reading everything ESPN.com, NBA.com, and CBS Sportsline had to offer, evaluated last year's stats for players, revised last year's draft sheet, kept up with the latest transactions (trades, free agency, NBA draft/rookies) ... and for what? To make our (mine and J.H.'s) draft the best ever.

What was the result? CBS Sportsline -- the website we had done our fantasy teams with for a couple of years now -- crapped out on us for the second time in three years. This time, everything loaded WAY too slow, or didn't even load at all. The draft clock kept running when it wanted to (we only get 1 minutes and 30 seconds per pick) while we weren't even allowed to pick our player! It set everyone to auto draft and no matter what we did, it picked for us. This was not only me, but everyone else in the room ... basically, the whole league got screwed royally. Thanks, CBS!

Everyone complained during and even afterward. We all wrote a memo to CBS, asking them to rectify this situation (which would be next to impossible because our draft was the night before the NBA season started). We still haven't heard back yet. I hate CBS.

So, our team was picked for us ... and what a piece of work it is! Luckily, through free agency, I was able to get a couple of sleeper picks that we wanted, but in a nut shell, this whole situation blows. As I think I mentioned in an earlier post, my friend J.D. signed up for a team in our league. Luckily for him, he arranged his draft picks in the order he wanted ... which I told him to do just in case something happened. He arranged up to #150. I did it up to pick #10. I didn't foresee this at all ... we've always been able to pick our own guys. This blows.

**Side note: The first time we were screwed over by CBS was 3 years ago (2?) when our draft day was postponed 3 times ... the draft room kept on freezing and no one could do anything, the clock wouldn't start, etc. CBS said their server was overloaded and gave us a free league to make up for it, although the team was already picked for us. At least we had two chances, or two leagues, that we could win at. This year, we haven't even heard back yet. I hate CBS.

So, the ensuing aftermath and our free agency (and an early trade with J.D.) led us to this team:

C - Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns (auto drafted)**+
C - Francisco Elson, San Antonio Spurs (free agency)#
F - Zach Randolph, Portland Trailblazers (auto drafted)
F - Richard Jefferson, New Jersey Nets (via trade with J.D. for Zydrunas Illgauskas)
F - Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls (auto drafted)
F - Quentin Richardson, New York Knicks (free agency)
F - Chris Wilcox, Seattle Supersonics (free agency)
G - Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat (auto draft? ... we think we picked, but not sure)
G - Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets (auto draft)
G - Kevin Martin, Sacramento Kings (free agency)
G - Mo Williams, Milwaukee Bucks (free agency)
G - Bonzi Wells, Houston Rockets (auto draft)**+
G - Anthony Parker, Toronto Raptors (free agency)**

** = Bench
+ = Trying to come back from injury, not getting playing time yet
# = dropped for C - Mark Blount, Minnesota Timberwolves

As you can see, free agency makes up six of our players ... not cool. On paper, we look okay. Who were the guys I dropped because they were auto drafted? They were: Morris Peterson (TOR), Hedo Turkoglu (ORL), Sam Cassell (LAC) ... in my defense, the CBS report said he was injured in his knee and back and was coming off the bench ... so I dropped him ... and of course, he's healthy and is starting ... I hate CBS ..., Jerry Stackhouse (DAL), Joe Smith (DEN), and Kurt Thomas (PHO).

Of course, we lost the first game (which lasts a week, starting Monday and ending Sunday) because ... well, we started the fools I just mentioned. Methinks we'll do much better this week. And we better ... we're playing J.D. (who lost as well). We're in the same division, which makes things more interesting.

Overall, I'm more than disappointed about how things played out, but as I've said before to J.H., there's still money to be had and pride to be earned ... I'll play with WNBA players ... let's do this! We'll still bring home the championship! Let's ball!

Week 1: L - 242.00 to 278.50 ... W-L Record: 0-1

**Side note: In case anyone cares, a quick run down of the scoring. All points, rebounds, steals, blocks count for 1 points; assists count for 2 points. All turnovers count as -1 point. Each player has a daily total and then averaged out by how many games they played during the week, or game.

For example, if Dwayne Wade scores 30 points, has 5 rebounds and 5 assists in one real NBA game, then his fantasy point total for the game is 45. If Wade scores 20 points, has 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers, his fantasy point total for that game is 30. Then, for the game (the week), you'd average out both games which would be 37.5 fantasy points. You add up the score of your starters (which is 10 players, having at least 1 center start and no more than 2 ... having at least 4 guards and fowards, and no more than 5) and you get your team total. That's how come I have 242.00 points after game one. Basically, my players averaged out to 24.2 fantasy points each. My opinion is that an average fantasy player can give you 25 fantasy points for a week. By my stat, my whole team averaged below an average fantasy player.

In my experience, in fantasy basketball, you'll need to score an average of about 330 fantasy points as a team to win consistently. This team has a ways to go. Hopefully my free agent pick ups and the one week of getting the rust out of their games allows for more scoring this week. Plus, it's against J.D. ... we don't play each other again until January 22nd ... so I need a win to hold over his head until then.

And in case you haven't figured it out ... CBS sucks. Stay far away from anything they (try to) do. Next year we're doing the ESPN fantasy games ... I don't know why we haven't figured this out sooner.


Make sure you write in all your thoughts to HCP2007@gmail.com or click on the Comments link below. See ya on Pet Peeve Thursday!

HCP

Grab Bag Fridays: It's Goin' Down, Partna!

(1 Cent): Hey, That's My Shtuff!

Thanks to Crash N. Burnett, we have a good topic to kick off today's Grab Bag. The following link tells about a certain art website that is enforcing a no copy policy of sorts:

http://news.deviantart.com/article/23418/

Basically, the gist of the article is that every member of the said website is to take off all copies, renditions, and reproductions of any photorgrapher's pictures (namely "Team Husar Wildlife") and explains that it's a violation of copyright laws. Crash just wanted me to weigh in on the discussion and I will do so.

Now, I only read the first ten responses to the article (because I didn't want to read all 480 of them) but I see that most of the members of the art website seem to either be okay with this and didn't even know it was a violation. I don't really have a strong opinion in either direction, but to me it would seem to be okay to use a photographer's picture as long as you reference them for the credit for creating it. I suppose it would be similar to citing works of literature (since I'm more familiar with that). In writing for a university, for example, as long as you list where you found your information (author, book, etcetera) then you can use the idea and put your "rendition" upon it. Of course, this analogy doesn't work perfectly, because a writer usually just uses one idea from many ideas; one page from a whole book. By using a photograph, the artists rendering it usually use the entire photo.

Lots of times I see various artists depictions of superheros and other things that are (perhaps) copyrighted, but they don't have to give credit to DC Comics or Marvel, do they? No, really, I don't know ... do they?

I suppose I could make a strong argument either for or against this policy, but since I feel neutral, I can't really take a stance on what is "right" or "wrong." So those are my thoughts on that.

(2 Cent): Looking Within

I am 25 years old. This year is reaching its dissolution and it makes me question how evolved I am -- or how much I have developed -- since my early and middle teenage years. Honestly, inside I don't feel different. It's still the same voice in my head, although it now speaks with more wisdom from various life experiences (yes, I use the term "wisdom" very loosely, because I'm far from what the norm of wise is).

I suppose ten years ago, I figured I'd be -- or feel, rather -- more adult, you know? But, I feel the same. I was never out of control while being a teen; tried to follow the rules, tried my best at school and sports, didn't want to look for trouble, etcetera. At the same time, I felt that I would be more ... mature? More complete? I'm not sure I can find the right word to express my sentiment.

I suppose it's similar to the feeling you have the day of or after a birthday in your youth. You think you should feel different, or older. When I went from 12 years old to 13, some would ask, "How does it feel?" I replied that it felt the same as yesterday. From age 17 to 18 -- the so-called "adult" age -- it felt identical. So much for feeling like an adult. Same with 21 ... same with 25.

Of course I have more responsibility, more experiences, I'm more mindful of the world and how people work, I am (slightly) educated from college ... but I still feel like a kid (not to be confused with acting like a kid) ... I still feel like the "old", original me.

Perhaps this is how everyone feels. Maybe I'm the only one. There really isn't a class you can take that teaches you how to age; that informs you that you will feel 'this' way at a certain age, but you will feel 'that' way a couple of years later. Ergo, I will continue to strive to be the best 25 year old teenager I can ... since I spent my teenage years being the best adult I could.

(1/2 Cent): They Tryin' To Catch Me Ridin' Dirty!

I can't wait until Monday, so I can piss and moan like an spoiled, aristocratic first born about my NBA fantasy team. My description will fall just short of using f-bombs. For serious.

Have a fun and safe weekend ... remember that this Tuesday is Election Day (at least according to my At-A-Glance calendar). Bone up on your officials (but not in a Mark Foley way) and get out and vote! For who? I don't know! Why? Because it's the morally correct thing to do! Will I vote? Probably not! Go America!

Please write in all comments, questions, article ideas, social security numbers, bank account information, and a top 10 list of your fears to HCP2007@gmail.com or click on the Comments link below. "Parting is all we know of heaven, and all we need of hell." -- Emily Dickinson

P.S. I was childishly giddy for the OC last night ... great first episode for this season. What can be a better time? NBA ... OC ... what a world!


HCP

Pet Peeve Thursdays: Can I Not Help You?

(1 Cent): We Need More Words!

You know what really chaps my cheeks? Writers in the (NBA) basketball world (columnists in newspapers, on-line article writers, etcetera) that use the same word over and over and over and think that they sound smart. This practice reeks of uncreativity (yes, I perhaps coined that word but it should be a word).

One of my main examples starts from last year. This not only surfaced within the NBA basketball circles, but Major League Baseball as well (and I’m sure in the NFL, but I don’t read about that sport). The power-word that was abhorrently exploited last year was: braintrust (or two words, brain trust). Basically, Merriam-Webster online defines this as “a group of official or unofficial advisers concerned especially with planning and strategy.” The origination of the term can be found on Wikipedia’s website as some sort of group of advisors (academic) that FDR had to help him with the first New Deal.

I don’t have a problem with the word. In fact, I think (or thought) it was pretty cool. But at some point in time, every writer who was describing an NBA team’s organization of the owner, general manager, and coach (with maybe some coaches or other higher ups mixed in, especially for baseball clubs) used the word braintrust to encompass everyone. It was “braintrust this” and “braintrust that.” For example, someone would write, “The Lakers braintrust know that they need to build around Kobe.” From that, I’m supposed to know the writer meant Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, and Lakers head coach Phil Jackson. Another example would be if the writer was explaining the thought process of the organization. Just use “braintrust” and we have the whole organization covered. Braintrust. Braintrust. Braintrust. Everyone had a braintrust. After a while, the word braintrust started to look stupid (as I hope it has started for you now).

So, what chapped my cheeks this year? We’re only one day into the new NBA season and already I saw five instances where the word “prognosticators” was used throughout articles, blogs, and other writings about predictions for teams or players in the NBA. Why? Why do this again with another word?

Besides, I’m not sure if they mean critics, other columnists, the general NBA fan, or their pet hamster. They could mean to intend everyone I just said, if not more. I think they just want to sound hip. It’s as if they read it somewhere and thought, “If I use this word, then I’ll sound educated.” Which is a possibility. But if everyone does thinks that way, it plays out the meaning – it’s not fresh anymore. Then it sounds like you just want to copy every other writer or are too lazy to come up with a synonym. Prognosticator. Prognosticator. Prognosticator. Finally, for the year, I’m en vogue.

(2 Cent): Lazy People Part Deux

I ran a Pet Peeve Thursday a while back on lazy people. The following rant is part of said group.

The other day, my friend J.D. and I went to the mall and into a video game store to purchase some special kind of connectors/cables that I “needed.” Upon entering, we were greeted by someone who looked like Andy Milonakis with a Cactus Jack hairdo. He asked, “Can I help you?” We said yes, we’re looking for these cables (HD connectors) and wondered if they had them. He replied that he didn’t know and couldn’t help us look for them because he didn’t know where they were, even if they did have them.

Okay, from what I gather from this response, he is thinking 1) I’m too lazy to look it up on the computer, 2) I’m too lazy to even bother pointing you in the correct direction of the store to even begin the scavenger hunt, and 3) I hate my life. To Cactus Milonakis’ credit, he did muster enough energy to ask the other associate if they had the said connectors. His only response was, “I haven’t seen those in ages!” while he followed company policy and didn't do jack.

I thought to myself, “Fine. I’ll look myself” and did. My first move was to my immediate right where I saw some cables and other accessories. As I’m sifting through the various items, he comes up to us and says, “Well, this is the regular Xbox stuff” to which I replied, “Good, because that’s what we need.” All I get is an, “Oh.” Then after that wall didn't have the connectors, we went over to the Xbox 360 wall, where we uncovered the cables that we needed (which were compatible for both Xbox systems and PS2).

“Dag, I haven’t seen these in ages!” I exclaim to J.D. Of course, we have our little sarcastic dialogue -- you know, the one you use when you find someone to be dumb -- which in this situation used the phrase, “I haven’t seen those in ages” in various ways over and over again. I quipped that they had some original GameBoy games (on sale for $19.99 no less) but I hadn’t seen these cables in ages! J.D. chimed in that he didn’t know where the cables were … but don’t worry, he won’t look for them. After some playful banter, Cactus Milonakis shamefully says, “Well, the important thing is that you have them.” Wrong, C-Milo! The important thing was that you asked us if you could help us while you did NOTHING to do so. I think you were too lazy to finish your sentence. You should have said, “Can I help you by staying out of your way?” That would have been more appropriate. The other important thing is that we bought the connectors for $25 less than the listed on-line price of $40.

No help from Cactus Milonakis: $6.35 an hour. Connectors for HD satisfaction: $15. A story about a lazy person for my blog: priceless.

(1/2 Cent): Yo-Yo Master!

One random pet peevish thought … don’t ask me what the process is to apply for a loan and then after every document I mention say, “Yeah, I know … yeah, I know.” Why ask me if you know it, Miss Know-It-All? I got annoyed after the third time, so I inquired, “Well, if you know the whole process, why did you ask? You asked me what the process is, so I’m telling you ….” As Carlos Mencia would say, she’s a, “Dee dee dee!”

It’s not too late … write in those questions and comments and whatever else tickles your fancy to HCP2007@gmail.com or click the Comments link below! Check back tomorrow for the last entry of the week!

HCP