Morganobrien.com

Upside Down

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:46:00 +0000

Ouch

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Got in the batting cage at Upton Hill Regional Park in Falls Church tonight after getting my swim on. The pool was crowded like nobody's business, which I guess is good for the open water part of my triathlon training. I can still drill my underwaters (swimming from one end of the pool to the other on one breath) like nobody's business.

After my swim, I headed over to the batting cages. The one I chose had a token in the return slot, so I used it. Like 60 swings later, the machine was still pitching off of that same token.

At first, I felt like Mike Piazza or Joe Mauer with my dedication in the cage, but then my hands started bleeding through my batting gloves and I decided that this wasn't fun anymore.

Dedication or Stupidity?

Hey, there is one school of thought (endorsed by at least one Yankee) that might help heal my hands:

In a recent interview with ESPN's Gary Miller, Chicago Cubs outfielder Moises Alou revealed that during baseball season he urinates on his hands to toughen them up. Alou, one of the few major leaguers who doesn't wear gloves while batting, is backed up by Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, who says, "You don't want to shake my hand during spring training." (ht: slate)

If you see me, be sure to play it safe and give me a fist bump.

A Toast for My Brother

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:49:00 +0000

Officer O'Brien tied the knot in lovely South Bend, IN this weekend, and I had the opportunity to toast the bride and groom.

For Homer and Barney!

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:29:00 +0000

Hell Yeah!

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:54:00 +0000

President Obama just announced the first award of the Medal of Honor under his tenure as commander in chief:

Janet Monti was home nursing a cold when the call came in.

At first, she thought it was a joke.

A person who claimed to be a White House aide asked if she would be around for the next half hour.

Ten minutes later, she was on the phone with the President.

“He said, ‘I hear you’re a little under the weather,’” she recalled of President Barack Obama’s first words to her.

His next words made her swell with a mother’s pride.

The president told her he had just signed a posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor for her son and would be presenting it to the family in the fall. (more)

Jared Monti, hero

I love hearing stories of heroism from the front lines, and seeing this gallantry recognized at our nation's top echelons geeks me up. My only request is that it would be a HUGE boost for morale if there were a living recipient of our nation's highest honor. We haven't had one since Vietnam, and I'm certain there is no shortage of American heroes that have come back from the front lines after acting with the bravery every bit deserving of the award.

Movies I Want to See: The Hurt Locker

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:25:00 +0000

The trailer for The Hurt Locker should be one of AFI's top 100 movies of all time, I don't know if I can watch the full feature-length film, because it might blow my mind.

My Two Favorite Coaches

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Well, obviously Dugo's still my favorite coach of all time, but I thought this was a cool picture from @petecarroll 's twitter feed:

Anyone see Phil Jackson?

Tom Watson, All American

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:36:00 +0000

When I was in training at Ft. George G. Meade, Md. back in the summer of 2002, the post golf course hosted a pretty neat Morale, Wellfare and Recreation event, inviting Tom Watson to come give an hour-long clinic to troops and their families.

I'm not the biggest golf fan, but thought it would be a cool event to check out. So after class that day I headed over for the clinic. During the event, Watson ran through a repetoire of trick shots and clubhouse tales. At around 5 PM--in the middle of the presentation-- a bugle playing retreat began blaring over the loudspeakers and all those in uniform turned towards the direction of the sound.

For a few moments, Watson kept talking until it was apparent that he was missing something. When he caught on, he doffed his cap until the music ended. He put his hat back on and looked down swinging his club with one hand. He then looked up and said, "It's because of you all that I get to play a game for a living. Don't ever think I fail to appreciate that," and then proceeded to finish the clinic.

I'm a sucker for stuff like that, and that's why I'm rooting my ass off for Tom Watson today.

Baseball at the Break

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Earlier this season, I made my annual picks for the 2009 MLB campaign. With a half season under my belt, I'm ready to reflect on those April picks, and spruce them up for the summer and playoff stretch.

Upon further review, I'm proud to report that my picks weren't too horrendous. I had one egregious error--picking two AL West teams to make the playoffs and failing to include a representative from the Central. A couple of my picks came through pinstriped lenses, but I'm pretty excited about the quality of my selections thus far, and excluding the Oakland A's, there are realistic scenarios for most--if not all--of my predictions to come true.

But before the pics...

Morgan's Diamond Notes

The highlight of my season thus far has to be Mariano Rivera's bases-loaded walk gifted to him by the so-called K-Rod during the Subway Series finale.

Walk this way

I also loved Nick Swisher's scoreless inning (featuring one K) of relief pitching against Tampa Bay.

Each year, Bill James names a top clutch hitter. In my wholly unscientific opinion, I imagine that Melky Cabrera is a front runner for the 2009 honors.

Mr. Clutch
AL
Yanks
Texas
Oakland
Tampa (wc)

Mid-season update: Boy, that A's pick really sucks, huh? Boston has the best record, but the Yanks and Rays are going to make things interesting. And to show how much attention I pay to baseball, Texas is in the AL West (but in the hunt!) I meant to pick Detroit in the Central :)

NL
Mets
Cubs
Dodgers
Marlins(wc)

Mid-season update: You can't hold me responsible for the Mets injuries, ok? The Dodgers are in great shape. The Cubs and Marlins may make me look like a genius if the Cards and Giants falter.

Yanks over Detroit
Tampa over Texas
Yanks over Tampa

Dodgers over Mets
Cubs over Fla
Cubs over Dodgers

Yanks over Cubs

Mid-season update: I should probably replace the Dodgers with the Cubbies. Otherwise, my blind love of all things pinstripes has me hoping for some October/November baseball in the Bronx.

AL ROY
David Price
Runner up: Matt Weiters

Mid-season update: I think Weiters will come into his own over the second half, but Rick Porcello looks like a stud.

NL ROY
Emilio Bonifacio

Mid-season update: I got sucked in by Bonifacio's fast start got me excited, but I think I like St. Louis' Colby Rasmus, who can flat out ball.

AL Cy Young
Mariano Rivera
Runner up: Nick Swisher

Mid-season update: Maybe Halladay will end up in the NL. If the Yanks make the playoffs, and Mo keeps the ball in the yard during the second half, Mr. Reliable might nab his first Cy Young. Swisher's still got great numbers though.

NL Cy Young
Josh Johnson

Mid-season update: Lincecum got the ASG start, Johnson has established himself as a top-tier starter in the NL. If the Fish make a second half push and knock off the Mets/Phils or both, Johnson will be well positioned to nab the Cy.

AL Manager of the Year
Joe Girardi

Mid-season update: Almost there, Girardi. Although even with the best record in baseball, it will be tough for the Yankees skipper to take home the prize.

NL Manager of the Year
Joe Torre

Mid-season update: I like this pick.

AL MVP
Evan Longoria

Mid-season update: He's been hurt a bunch, but was an All-Star starter, and the heir apparent as the next big thing in the AL. I'll stick with it.

The Greatest?

NL MVP
David Wright

Mid-season update: If Pujols doesn't win this, I'll be a monkey's uncle.

A Very POTUS 1st Pitch

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:54:00 +0000

RE: POTUS sports pics, I've now posted the Commander in Chief with the Heels and Tim Tebow. I just wish he was wearing a Yankee jacket, but understand why he had to go this way.

He needs to work on the velocity a little though...

Me and the Myers-Briggs

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:23:00 +0000

Earlier this week, I took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as part of my class and received the results today. Before I get into my personal details, you might want to read up on the MBTI...you've gotta be kidding me if you think I'm going to turn this post into a research paper and do the work for you (link here).

My results show me to be ISTP.

I- Introversion: People who prefer introversion tend to focus their attention on the inner world of ideas and impressions. (I would have bet that I was mostly introverted, but for the IST, I was pretty close to center mass.)

S- Sensing: People who prefer Sensing tend to take in information through the five senses and focus on the here and now. (I was rated a 'slight' sensor)

T- Thinking: People who prefer Thinking tend to make decisions based primarily on logic and on objective analysis of cause and effect. (I was rated a 'slight' almost moderate thinker)

P- Perceiving: People who prefer Perceiving tend to like a flexible and spontaneous approach to life and prefer to keep their options open. (I was a bit surprised to see that I'm in the "very clear" zone as a perceiver, meaning that I'm spontaneous and like to keep my options open and thrive when I'm under the gun [if you wait 'til the last minute, it only takes a minute!].)

A couple of critiques--I think people can change over time--and we're not necessarily talking about decades or even years. In fact, Studies have found that between 39% and 76% of those tested fall into different types upon retesting some weeks or years later.

For instance, I think I've mellowed and withdrawn some in my old age. When I took the instrument in college (as an RA and as a cadet), I vaguely remember being an "E" which was probably correct. According to the latest readout, I'm only a slight "I" now, and I definitely think of myself as an introvert today.

I imagine that this instrument is extremely susceptible to external factors. For instance, we took this instrument right before lunch. If I was really hungry, or in a rush to go to the men's room, I could see myself putting forth less than my complete and unadulterated attention to filling in the bubbles. At the same time, if I had just gotten into a disagreement with a colleague about work-related stuff, my results certainly would have been different than if I took the instrument totally relaxed.

According to something called the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, my ISTP-ness corresponds to a "crafter" personality type:

Crafters are tactical operators, concrete in speech and utilitarian in action. In social situations, they are directive and reserved. Crafters are masters at using tools of every type—artistic, technological, martial. Although they are introverts, they are authoritarian in their interactions with others and can be forceful at influencing people. They focus on accomplishing tasks efficiently and skillfully. To master the tool of their interest, ISTPs require a certain degree of seclusion in which to practice. The result is often a virtuosity that other types find difficult to match.

That sounds nice, doesn't it. The article goes on to say that other notable crafters include:

Woody Allen
Lance Armstrong
Michael Douglas
Katharine Hepburn
Michael Jordan
Bruce Lee
Alan Shepard
Chuck Yaeger
Tiger Woods

Here's where I'm a tad skeptical. The MBTI strikes me as a little "touchy-feely" in that it's designed to make you feel good about yourself as a way to help you feel good about others. The names above represent some pretty heavy hitters, and while I can say "MJ and I are both Tar Heels," or "Chuck Yaeger was in the Air Force, too!" or eve, "I ride a bike just like Lance," the fact of the matter is I probably have very little in common with any of those names above.

At the same time, I don't imagine that the names Ted Bundy or Charles Manson or Bernie Madoff--all of whom, presumably, have MBTI-categorizable 'types'-- show up as examples on anyone's lists.

That said, I thought that the exercise was worthwhile. One of the bests takeaways from this class has been attuning our cultural sensitivity and helping us put ourselves in other folks (be they citizens of the countries in which we'll serve or our fellow colleagues or even my spouse's) shoes. I think there's some value in learning a little about how you think to show how others approach challenges and draw their own conclusions. Recognizing that our way isn't the only way is much easier said than done.

John Mayer Honors The King

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:49:00 +0000

I don't know what it says about me, but I dig the song Human Nature and seeing John Mayer perform it at the King of Pop's farewell only emboldens my desire to learn to play guitar.

Long Live the King

SI's Prep Top 50 (er...51)

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Sports Illustrated has always been a great showcase of high school athletics, and in the Lebron era, this spotlight has only grown more bright. Accordingly, SI has recently stepped up it's coverage of prep athletes.

While this promotion of high school athletics is a mixed bag, I always look forward to SI's annual list of top prep sports programs. This year's list was no different. While my beloved alma mater, Chaminade, has yet to crack the annual list, there are a number of other schools with which I share tangential relationships.

A picture of the track would have been so much better

For instance, in Albuquerque, Mrs. Morganobrien.com and I would do our sprint training at La Cueva High School in the Northeast. I also covered the gridiron exploits of former La Cueva and University of Texas star Aaron Lewis for an award-winning piece in the Kirtland Air Force Base Nucleus (not kidding). I got a kick out of seeing that Falls Church's George Mason High is Virginia's representative, because that's where I do my sprint training now.

I had my camera the other day to get a picture, but I forgot the memory card

And while the 'Nade isn't on the list, our arch rivals, St. Anthony's, represent New York. A friend of mine argues that this is due to St. Ant's co-ed nature, they're able to compete in twice the amount of sports. Interestingly, I can't remember ever wrestling at St. Ants, all my matches against Friar opponents either came in the House of Noise or neutral sites during Leagues.

I have friends/coworkers that attended St. Ignatius and Regis in Ohio and Colorado, respectively. Which brings me to my next point--the Jesuits have heavy representation on this list--helming 5 schools (Regis Jesuit, Gonzaga, Jesuit, Rockhurst and St. Ignatius).

Overall, there is some heavy Catholic representation (I count 18 schools) on the list, with most coming from the diocesan ranks. In addition to the Jesuits, here are the other orders represented:

Don Bosco Prep- Salesian
Bishop Hendricken- Christian Brothers
St. Anthony's- Franciscan

I'm a huge proponent of Catholic education (especially single-sex), and think it's great (for the most part) that our sister institutions are so well represented on this list of national giants. That said, Catholic schools have a specific mission and athletics are only a part--a small part--of developing upstanding young men and women.

A friend of mine thinks that St. Thomas Aquinas (alma mater of the likes of Chris Evert and Michael Irvin) represents everything that can go wrong when Catholic education moves its focus from Jesus. In related news, and not that I'm competetive about these things, but so far as I can tell, John Curtis is the only "religious" (yeah right) affiliated school on the list in addition to the Catholics.

One final note, Punahou, President Obama's alma mater, is pretty badass and represents Hawaii.


State	School	Location
Alabama	Leeds	Leeds
Alaska	Dimond	Anchorage
Arizona	Hamilton	Chandler
Arkansas	Fayetteville	Fayetteville
California	Archbishop Mitty	San Jose
Colorado	Regis Jesuit	Aurora
Connecticut	St. Joseph	Trumbull
Delaware	St. Marks	Wilmington
Florida	St. Thomas Aquinas	Fort Lauderdale
Georgia	Collins Hill	Suwanee
Hawaii	Punahou	Honolulu
Idaho	Highland	Pocatello
Illinois	Central	Hinsdale
Indiana	Ben Davis	Indianapolis
Iowa	Ames	Ames
Kansas	St. Marys	St. Marys
Kentucky	St. Xavier	Louisville
Louisiana	John Curtis	River Ridge
Maine	Camden Hills Regional	Camden Hills
Maryland	DeMatha	Hyattsville
Massachusetts	South	Newton
Michigan	Muskegon	Muskegon
Minnesota	Eden Prairie	Eden Prairie
Mississippi	Sumrall	Sumrall
Missouri	Rockhurst	Kansas City
Montana	West	Billings
Nebraska	Millard West	Omaha
Nevada	Bishop Gorman	Las Vegas
New Hampshire	Salem	Salem
New Jersey	Don Bosco Prep	Ramsey
New Mexico	La Cueva	Albuquerque
New York	St. Anthony	Huntington
North Carolina	North Davidson	Lexington
North Dakota	Bismarck	Bismarck
Ohio	St. Ignatius	Cleveland
Oklahoma	Union	Tulsa
Oregon	Jesuit	Portland
Pennsylvania	Neumann-Goretti	Philadelphia
Rhode Island	Bishop Hendricken	Warwick
South Carolina	Bishop England	Charleston
South Dakota	Lincoln	Sioux Falls
Tennessee	Hillsboro	Franklin
Texas	The Woodlands	The Woodlands
Utah	Lone Peak	Highland
Vermont	Hartford	White River Junction
Virginia	George Mason	Falls Church
Washington	Skyline	Sammamish
Washington, D.C.	Gonzaga	Washington
West Virginia	Charleston Catholic	Charleston
Wisconsin	Arrowhead	Hartland
Wyoming	Southeast	Yoder

SI's Methodology: Whether it's school size or the depth of the regional talent pool, not all state champions are created equally.

After sifting through state tournament results for the 2008-09 school year, contacting athletic directors from top programs, examining all-around success rates as well as weighing the importance of producing star athletes and teams that excelled on the national level, SI.com has assembled a list of the top high school athletic program in each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia.

Link: CNNsi

Yanks Commemorate Lou Gehrig

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:22:00 +0000

While the Yanks still haven't quite figured out ticket pricing, they're still a first-class organization in a variety of ways. Here's footage of a unique interpretation of my favorite speech of all time, shown prior to Saturday's game on this commemoration of Lou Gehrig Day--not far from the location of the actual Lou Gehrig Day-- at the (new) Big Ballpark in the Bronx.

Note: A big thanks but no thanks to mlb.com and their embargo on embedding their proprietary video. Nice job Bud et. al.

A Little Insight Into the July 4ths of My Future

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:44:00 +0000

Here's a little insight into what I can expect on July 4th for the foreseeable future. Like you care:

Un-American Independence Day
What are Fourth of July celebrations like abroad?
By Meredith Simons
Posted Friday, July 3, 2009, at 8:21 AM ET

Hillary Clinton announced in June that, for the first time since 1979, Iranian diplomats could be invited to July Fourth celebrations at American embassies and consulates. It was all for naught: None of those invitations were accepted, and then the State Department rescinded them in the wake of post-election violence in Tehran. Why all the fuss? What are embassy- and consulate-run July Fourth parties like, anyway?
Like stateside celebrations, more or less. All over the world, American diplomatic posts hold Independence Day events that are designed to mimic traditional celebrations. Revelers eat backyard barbeque staples, listen to patriotic music, and, at the better-financed parties, watch fireworks. A typical menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, and build-your-own-sundae bars. Lots of red, white, and blue balloons are in evidence, and the ranking American delivers remarks about the value of democracy.
Overseas parties are heavy on pomp and circumstance. Marine security guards present the colors, and someone sings "The Star-Spangled Banner." Embassies near military bases may enlist the services of military bands for even more elaborate performances. In some cities, the July Fourth party is the hot ticket of the summer, and invitees (including local leaders, journalists, and other ambassadors) turn out in elaborate religious regalia or full military dress. A few American expats may be included in the festivities, but the ceremonies are more about promoting the United States to foreigners than celebrating it with citizens. (more)

Cause the Flag Was Still There, Goddammit

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:41:00 +0000

Freedom's Not Free

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:37:00 +0000

Marines march in grueling Afghan sun for July 4

By JASON STRAZIUSO, Associated Press Writer
1 hr 19 mins ago

NAWA, Afghanistan – Taliban militants were nowhere in sight as the columns of U.S. Marines walked a third straight day across southern Afghanistan. But the desert heat proved an enemy in its own right, with several troops falling victim Saturday to temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Marines carry 50-100 pounds (23-45 kilograms) on their backs. But because they are marching through farmland on foot, they can't carry nearly as much water as their thirst demands.
Few even realized the date was July 4, but once word of the holiday spread through the company, several said they knew relatives would be holding lakeside celebrations — a world away from the strenuous task Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment was taking on.
"Happy 4th of July, dawg. Happy America," said Lance Corp. Vince Morales, 21, of Baytown, Texas said to one of his Marine buddies while resting under a tree during a break.
Some Marines ate watermelon from a farmer's field as the evening sun set, but there were few other signs of a holiday celebration here. (continued)

Wow, who saw that coming

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Kudos to Jezebel for cutting this footage together. I freaking love Kate's Philly accent "Hawn, put da toys dow-own".

And to the pervert that keeps hitting my site looking for Kate Gosselin's measurements and bust size, just stop already.

Via warming glow

I bet I'd really like this person

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:57:00 +0000

Spotted in my parking lot; I imagine this auto's owner is not in the least bit pretentious:

I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Housekeeping

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:25:00 +0000

I know this video is a few days old, but make sure you watch the whole thing. I can't think of a better example of fatherhood and Yankee fandom than this fine piece of amateur film:

Morganobrien.com UPDATE: It's been a few days since I last posted (so sue me, I moved, calm down). To all the pervs looking up "Kate Gosselin's Bust Measurements" on Google, just stop. You're freaking sick.

Via Deadspin

Manny in Albuquerque

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Yet another reason to miss the Land of Enchantment--I so would be at Isotopes Stadium tonight to catch ManRam begin his rehab. Interestingly enough, he was struck out the first time by Manny Parra, who I saw pitch against the Marlins a few weeks back.

Looks like Sr. Parra and I both found changes in latitude since we last met.

Manny in my old stomping grounds

Isotopes Park is a sweet venue. I worked a high school All American baseball game there a few years back (and had some hacks in the amateur home run derby). I also had the pleasure of hosting the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds there when they visited the Duke City a few years back for the Kirtland Air Show.

I'll be back, one day...maybe as the Diplomat in Residence at UNM.

As if Bernie Williams Needs Further Vindication...

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:19:00 +0000

At my first duty station, I had the opportunity to work with an incredibly difficult colleague. I was shocked that in a professional workplace, adults didn't necessarily act their age. To help me deal with this person, I'll never forget the lesson my folks taught me: "Morgan, if you think they're an asshole, odds are everyone else does too."

I was reminded of this in the sad/unconscionable case of former Yankee Mel Hall.

(Mel)Hall taped "Mr. Zero" to the top of Williams's locker to signify that he meant nothing to the team. One day Hall nearly brought Williams to tears by saying, "Zero, shut up," every time Williams tried to speak. The more Williams tried, the louder Hall interrupted with repetitive chants of "Zero."

- Birth of a Dynasty, Joel Sherman

Let's look at the stats.
Bernie Williams: five all star games, four gold gloves, one batting title, and four championships
Mel Hall: zero.

And now,
Mel Hall: 45 year sentence for an incredibly egregious sexual assault conviction against a minor.
Bernie: Still a fan favorite.

Disgrace to the Pinstripes

It's funny how in life, the bad guys are so often exposed as truly bad and the good guys are almost always vindicated in being good guys. The Yanks cleaned house in the early 90's and developed into a franchise that epitomized character, class and a championship pedigree. Mel Hall became an example of the old guard that needed to go in order for the franchise to return to glory.

While I feel terrible for the victim in the case (12 at the time, TWELVE!), here's hoping the prison system lives up to its remarkable tendency to ensure that scumbags like Mel Hall get their comeuppance.

Funny Search Items

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:15:00 +0000

Every day, I get a report from a terrific tool called Google Analytics that informs me of trends regarding my Web site--where traffic comes from and how folks come upon Morganobrien.com.

A few times a week, I'm blown away by the search terms that lead folks to this humble space on the Interweb. I'm compelled to share them with you, dear readers:

Today's Top Search Item:

kate gosselin bust measurements

Unfortunately, I don't have this information on the site. If any of my well-informed readers would like to share this information with me, I'll gladly post it here. What can I say, I'm here to serve.

In the meantime, I anxiously await the season premier of Jon Minus Nine, which portends to be my new favorite show.

Kate generates pageviews

Kevin Smith at Carnegie Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:57:00 +0000

Lost Tourist: Excuse me, how do you get to Carnegie Hall?

Grizzled New Yorker: Practice.

I'm a huge fan of Kevin Smith and the funny thing is that his movies are probably my least favorite aspect of his artistic contributions*. I love his weekly Smodcast podcasts with his longtime filmmaking partner, Scott Mosier. He's a fantastic guest on Opie and Anthony and he's a fun actor to watch on screen. Most important, he strikes me as a guy that would be a pisser to hang out with.

I admire good storytellers and Smith is a master. His engrossing stories seamlessly weave thought-provoking points with his great sense of humor. So when Smith announced that he was performing his one-man show Silent Bob Speaks at Carnegie Hall, I immediately bought tickets. And in my case, I took the LIRR to the C train (Columbus Circle) to get to Carnegie Hall.

In what must have been a thrill of a lifetime for Smith, he held court on stage in front of a ~~mostly packed house~~ SOLD OUT CROWD for about three hours, regaling the crown with stories about Jennifer Garner, adventures in the bathroom and claiming that he was the Wayne Gretzky of cunnilingus.

Here are the first 6 minutes, courtesy of Gregg "Opie" Hughes' Twitter account:

Congrats and thank you, Kevin Smith. You knocked it out of the park, and put on a hell of a show.

*That's not to say that I don't go to the theaters when his movies come out and I own all of his movies on DVD, in fact I think I've bought Clerks 3 times.

www.KOB.com - Best sentenced for wrong-way DWI crash

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:12:00 +0000

www.KOB.com - BestÃÂ sentenced for wrong-way DWI crash

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