Dan loves the Pizza Pops...

So - quick show of hands... how many out there have seen Dan-e-o's new commercial for Pillsbury Pizza Pops? I swear when I watch TSN or Comedy, it's on every 10 minutes! Anyway, I grabbed a lousy quality recording of it, and if you haven't seen it - you can watch it here by clicking the play button in the little window above. Dan and two other dudes are rapping inside some guys brain... they actually represent the music he's listening to on his headphones. The "stomach" walks in and kicks everyone out of the brain because it's time for the kid to focus on his hunger.

Is it just me or does the brain-backdrop look a lot like the same set they use for Maestro's Drop The Needle video??? Jus sayin!

Since I'm pluggin for Dan, make sure you visit Dan-e-o.com! Take a listen to some of his recent tracks, watch videos and buy his damn CD's!

The song 'It's Over' from the Jackhammer Vol.2 CD has honestly made it to the top of my list of all-time fav songs. You can also add a whole bunch of other Dan-e-o tracks to that list. What can I say? The man makes good tune.

P.S. Dan...... I'm still whoopin you in the WWE game.... SUCKKKKA!

Random good news ......

My friend Gina told me last week that she is expecting her first child in August! I couldn't be happier for her. She was married mid 2005 and is looking now to start her own family. Now I get to share with her all the stuff I learned at this time last year! Should be fun!

Tasha has graduated from rolling and is now scooting around the room. She lies on her back and uses her legs to push - a reverse crawl! She actually covers a lot of ground very quickly. Kinda like the world's cutest inch worm.

Adam Folker scored 47 points in a 30 point beating of CW Jeffries on Sunday.

At Wendy's funeral on Friday I saw an old high school friend, Meghan. Meghan was married last year and is living out in the west end. I love getting a chance to bump into old friends and catch up - even if only for a minute.

At Mary's funeral on Saturday I saw Sarah's Uncle and Aunt The Wombacks, (Joe and Lozanne) parents of Johnathan. You may remember several years ago when his story made headlines. He was beaten nearly to death by a group of high school kids in his second year. John was in a comma for months and was said to be brain dead. I'm happy to tell you that today, he's preparing to graduate from Seneca College! He's now looking at the possibility of enrolling at York university or some other school to continue his education. Joe and Lozanne also recently discovered that despite his disability and despite never having had any musical training, Johnny appears to be a musical prodigy. He has picked up the piano and has apparently taught himself how to play and sounds like a seasoned veteran of the keys.

It warms my heart when I think what this kid went through and how well he's doing for himself now. Way to go John.

Adam Folker - athlete of the week

Adam Folker, a 6'7" point guard who I had the pleasure of coaching the last two seasons was named the Toronto Star's Athlete Of The Week yesterday. Adam is an outstanding young player who has had a ton of experience for his age including AAU, an invite to the Nike All Canada camp and two trips to the provincial championships.

As a side note... Adam is also Tasha's favorite player, and she's decided that she too wants to be a 6'7" point guard!

The following was taken directly from the newspaper...


Jan. 24, 2006

SCHOOL: Markham District

LEAGUE/CITY: York/Markham

GRADE: 11

AGE: 16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Folker, who has led his team in scoring in 17 of 23 games this year, powered the Marauders to three league wins last week. He had a 30-point game in an 81-54 win over Father McGivney, poured in 22 in a 75-65 win over Middlefield and had 25 in a 75-64 victory over St. Augustine. A 6-foot-7 shooting guard, Folker has been on the senior team since grade 9 and last year was chosen to an all-Canada talent camp.

PLANS: A former athlete of the year at Richard W. Scott elementary school, Folker has been on the Markham academic honor roll the past two years. He volunteers as a referee for games with younger players, wants to pursue a business career and is being recruited by Cornell and Central Michigan.

Happy Birthday baby girl

Today Natasha turns five months old. It's amazing to think that five months have passed since I watched her enter this world, and at the same time it's hard to imagine it's ONLY been five months.

Some days I find it very, very difficult to remember what life was like before her. I know one thing, she and my wife are the greatest things to ever happen to me.

Today, Sarah drove me to work, so Tash came inside for 15 minutes to say hello to staff and students that have been dying to see her. Needless to say, they were all shocked (most haven't seen her since Halloween) at how big she's gotten and how smiley and giggly she was.

I was reading the "What to expect in the first year" parents bible last night and literally checked off every point from the 'Fith Month Chapter' on "What baby should be able to do" and "What baby might be able to do".

Happy birthday baby.

The loss of a family friend...

Tonight Diane called to tell me that Wendy Parent, age 61, passed away at approximately 6:00 PM after a lengthy bout with cancer.

Wendy became close to my family many years ago when introduced as Tracy's mom. Tracy was one of Diane's bridesmaids and closest friends. Her mom and dad, Ron and Wendy, got to know my folks and forged a friendship. Last summer they all took a trip, along with the Willocks to Portugal - something Wendy apparently had always wanted to do.

I won't pretend to know her well. She was at my wedding, but we never really did get to know each other. Even still I am saddened by her passing as I do her children and I'm all to aware of what she meant to my family.

Wendy Parent is survived by he husband Ron, 3 children (Greg, Tracy and Leanne), grandson Ryan and second grandchild, expected to be born any day now.

Rest peacefully Wendy...

Good luck Soph & James!

And they're off! Those crazy kids Sophia and James are off on yet another global adventure. Yesterday their plane took off for Taipei where they will be stopped over briefly before begining a new chapter of their lives in Taiwan teaching English.

You may remember Soph as one of Sarah's maids of honor from our wedding - or from her many witty comments she's left on this little blog. Sophie and Sarah have a great friendship that was forged in high school and lasted some 13 or 14 years. When I first met her, I knew that all the stories Sarah had told me were true, and that this was a very special person.

James (who just recently completed his Masters) is great guy who is a lot like Sophie, but in many ways is the Ying to her Yang. Like chocolate and peanut butter - it just works baby! (unless you're alergic to peanuts - in which case, have an epi-pen standing by).

They have both been very generous with their time over the last few months when it came to Natasha. Doing things for her, spending time with her... I know it's much appreciated. That big smile on Tasha's face when she sees her Aunt Sophie is priceless. Unfortunately it'll be at LEAST a year (maybe longer) before they are re-united - well face to face at least

Thanks to the magic of Skype, MSN and webcams - the world seems just a little bit smaller, and it's going to be easier to stay in touch.

I hope you guys have a great time, and an amazing experience.... Soph: start another blog! And try updating it!! I'm dying to know if every nik-nak you pick up there says "Made in ..... ummm here" on the bottom.

Roll baby roll!!

Six days before she turns 5 months old, she did it! Sarah JUST sent me a text message while I was at work with this picture attached telling me that Tasha rolled over all by herself this morning. Get this - she didn't do it just once ... no no no - that could be chalked up as a fluke. No ladies and gents, she rolled an impressive three times from back to belly.

When I got the message I started beaming and glowing with pride. I can only imagine how proud I'll be when she is named Prime Minister of Canada or wins her first Olympic Gold Medal or breaks the single season scoring record in the WNBA!

Oh Natasha... I love you so much, and I'm so proud of you. What's the next major milestone? Crawling? Running? Don't grow up too fast babygirl.....

Oh Dilbert.

Random basketball news

The Raptors have officially proven to me that they are headed in the right direction. Their destruction of the red-hot New York Knicks yesterday afternoon as well as their overall record in January and December shows that the BRUTAL month of November had more to do with a team filled with young players and lacking any kind of true identity.

If they can keep their core group of young players together, that list is headed up by Chris Bosh, and manage their cap they will be contending for a legit playoff spot next season and possibly even more. I hope they can re-sign Mike James, but I'm not overly optimistic.

Despite his huge showcasing effort yesterday, I still think the Raps should try to swing a trade for Jalen Rose (not because he can't play, but because they need the cap room) and throw Eric Williams in there too. Eric Williams has stated publicly yet again (i've heard this before) that he wants to be moved. This is a guy who's only appeared in seven games this season and has proven to be inconsistent in minutes played and horribly injury prone. He believes he's still good enough to start for a CONTENDING team. He feels being on a young rebuilding team isn't right for him because "less worthy" guys are getting time ahead of him. Note to E-Will..... Charlie V, Matt Bonner and Joey Graham are BETTER THAN YOU!

Away from the NBA, my buddy Ron Burrows and co-coach Richard Gallagher and their squad at Mother Teresa had a terrific run this weekend winning the very prestigious Nike Silver Fox Tournament in Hamilton. The Fox is the biggest highschool basketball tourney of the year aside from the provincial championships themselves.

Mother Teresa (a provincial silver medalist last season) has been riddled with injuries for the first half of this season. Despite only having 4 losses against almost 20 wins, they had been dropped from the GTA top 10 by virtually every media outlet in favour of trendier pics. Winning the Fox by beating St. Thomas Moore (after Moore upset 4 time provincial gold medalists Eastern Commerce) proves they are still in the medal hunt. Congrats guys.

Finally.... my old team the Markham High senior boys continue their rebuilding year, but are having a tremendous amount of success. They are currently 8-1 in their league and won a tournament last week as well. Tonight they host Father McGivney.

She's right.! Baby socks suck.

The following is a complete and utter rip off. This text was completely lifted from Char's blog, I heart baby toes. I enjoyed it soooo much, I had to republish, and throw a link her way. Read her brilliant letter, and check out some great Kaylin pics in the process!

An open letter to the baby sock people

Dear people who make baby socks,

Are you kidding me? Do you people actually sleep at night knowing that the little pink socks you manufacture each day never really serve their purpose? How can you look in the mirror when you know full well that the tiny toe covers you produce never really stay on said toes?

On behalf of all mothers everywhere, let me say that I am quite disappointed in all of you. Baby socks do not stay on!

You should be paying me to be searching the floor every half hour for those little tubes of stretchy cotton! I should send you an invoice for all the time I spend putting those socks back on my baby's adorable feet. And what about all the time I waste smooching those little exposed piggly-wigglies when your stinky socks fall off? You owe me big time!

I hope that this letter makes you stop and think about yourselves and the injustice you create in this world on a daily basis. You should be ashamed.

Yours truly,

Charlene

PS - And why do newborn socks have treads on them? Where exactly is my baby going in those treads that I don't know about?

Who you gonna call? HOAX BUSTERS!

Have you ever received a forwarded email that spoke of impending doom if you were to use some over-the-counter commercially available product? How about the "forward this email to 100 people and Bill Gates will pay you $100 for each person" ... or "this little girl is missing and needs your help. Please forward this to everyone you know so we can try to find her".

These are nothing more than old school chain letters with a cyber twist.

The following is the email I received yesterday. Compare it to the relevant hoax page

Subject: Medical Alert
Subject: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)

I would like to thank those of you who expressed condolences on the recent passing of my mother. She suffered a hemorrhagic stroke while she was driving home from my house on 9/30 and passed away on 10/3. My mother's stroke and passing was an enormous shock to my family because she did not have any symptoms or risk factors for a stroke. Just the week before she had gone to her doctor for a check up and received a clean bill of health.

She did, however, develop a cold while she was visiting me and had taken Alka Seltzer Cold Plus for 3 days. Since her passing, we have learned that Alka Seltzer is one of the many cold medicines that contains Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) which can cause hemorrhagic stokes or cerebral bleeding even with the first use.

I am forwarding a list of other medications that currently use PPA. These medicines are supposedly being recalled but my mother just purchased this medication less than two weeks ago. Pharmaceutical companies have known about this danger for years, we unfortunately, did not. I urge you to review the list of medicines with PPA and avoid these medications.Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,Nancy Moran-Rice

DRUG RECALL INFORMATION:

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled. You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know. STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient.It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine. The following medications contain propanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant

Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements

Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control

Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or or ange)

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent

Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine

BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder

BC Sinus Cold Powder

Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief

Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules

Contac 12 Hour Caplets

Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus

Dexatrim Caffeine Free

Dexatrim Extended Duration

Dexatrim Gelcaps

Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free

Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets

Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels

Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir

Dimetapp Elixir

Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels

Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets

Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets

Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops

Permathene Mega-16

Robitussin CF

Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal

Congestion

Triaminic DM Cough Rel! ief

Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head

Triaminic Syrup ! ! Cold & amp;am p; Allergy

Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough .

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:

Orange 3D Cold & Aller! gy Cherry (Pink)

3D Cold & Cough Berry

3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF! DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families.


To confirm these findings please take time to check the following: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/

Crap like this is designed to scare people and make the author think they've really accomplished something. Next time you receive something scary like this, go to hoaxbusters, do a search on a relative key term, then consider the source.

Tasha's bag of tricks...

Friends and family members have recently said "everytime I see Natasha she's doing some new trick"... and it's so true.

Right before Christmas she started 'singing' along whenever Sarah or I sang Jingle Bells or some other happy carol. It was unbelievable. Then she started doing this thing that apparently Sarah also did as a baby. Whenever someone would hold her, she'd throw her head backwards to try and see whatever is behind her. A few people were startled and a little confused. Get a grip their granny, Tasha's takin you for a ride.

Recently she adapted that move into what can only be described as her own little pony ride. She'll sit on someone's lap or knee and throw all her weight back and forth and rock herself while you support / steady her. The best part is, she starts laughing uncontrollably.

Of course she also blows raspberries constantly and is our own little bubble machine. Those cute little razzing sounds never get old.

She seems to be close to rolling all the way over to her tummy. She gets to a side, then rolls right back. That is apparently a 5 month thing, so we won't pressure her too much!

Stop nagging me - here's your update! Sheesh

So between my father telling me that the blog has been slacking and my mother-in-law impersonating my daughter in the comments section begging for new stuff, I guess I'll stop playing Grand Theft Auto for a while (which by the way is more addictive than crack) and update the ol' blog.

Oh, before you read anything else - i know 90% of you are here for the pics... so new pics have just been added to the photoblog.


New Years was cool... kinda laid back. We went over to Darkside's to hang with him, Char, Kaylin, another couple and their two year old. Everyone was pretty much chilled out, and I really have firmly convinced myself that New Years is one of the best scams on our calendar (followed closely by Valentine's and Simcoe Day).

Yesterday we were at my in-laws for David's birthday. It's always great hanging out with them, but the drive home was a damn nightmare. I've never seen fog so thick. I literally couldn't see more than 2 feet in front of my car at any point. Some spots were even worse. For some reason the drive made Sarah and I really nauseus. I wonder if there's something about fog that would do that? I don't know.

Oh, and for the jerks drivin behind me on highway 7 with their highbeams on --- ohhhh i don't like you at all.

Well I've got an essay that needs my attention so catch ya later blog-heads.

The greatest fake out ever...

Ok.... time for a little bit of a back story.

For the last few months Sarah has been talking about how EASY shopping for me is this christmas, and how she has sooo many options. She had also been hinting for a long time about picking up an XBox 360. She asked things like, "so if you got one, which games would you like" and "you really think you want one of those?"

I had also caught her reading about it on xbox.com and a ton of review sites. Over the last few weeks all XBox mentions have stopped around the house. I let it go.

A couple weeks ago at Lina's place I was chatting with Lucas about Xmas. I asked him if a 360 was on his list and he said no because he was very happy with his old school Xbox. I told him I secretly hoped I was getting one. Later on, he sold me out and blurted to Sarah that i thought I was getting a 360.

That's when she hatched her little plan.

I asked her a couple times for hints into my gift - so I'd know what ballpark the gift I got her should be in - price wise. She wouldn't say. I told her she was getting a new perfume called "Lovely", to which she replied "Oh". I laughed and had her admit - well thats close to the price of ONE of the things I got you - but there's also a big gift for you that a bunch of us chipped in on. That comment definately had me thinking XBox.

When Christmas Eve came, I opened up a ton of AWESOME presents. From Sarah i got the WWE DVD board game which Dan-e-o and I run all the time. It was a cool gift, but I was a little confused. I asked her afterwards, "what happened to this group gift you were talking about". She quickly replied, "you're getting it tomorrow at our house". I didn't understand why all other gifts has been opened but one was left out. She made some remark about the gift not being ready, then seemed frustrated and just blurted "it's an expensive new suit. We all chipped in and got you a black suit with thin pinstripes from George Richards".

Now, don't get me wrong - a suit sounded great, but it seemed a little out of left field. She continued on - "I know you wanted an XBox, and we tried to get you one, but they were all sold out. We looked everywhere. The things were selling on Ebay for 1500 and we weren't about to spend that much. Your mom thought this would be a much better gift and she loves seeing you dressed up in suits".

Man... oh well. To be honest, I knew in my heart the XBox 360's were selling like mad and I didn't think they'd be able to pull it off - so a suit seemed very very generous.

Sunday morning we opened more gifts for Tasha and Sarah gave me all the stocking-stuffers she picked up. Dark chocolate, a Q20 game (WHICH I LOVE) and of all things NBA LIVE 2006 for the XBox 360! HUH??

She said that she bought the game months ago, knowing it would sell out, and expecting to get one of the later shipments of an XBox unit. She said she was on a waiting list at EB and something MIGHT materialize in February or March. She said I could hold onto the game or just return it Monday.

I appreciated this tremendously. This to me, was proof she had REALLY tried. I was blown away. I thanked her repeatedly.

Both our parents, Baba and Joe came by that afternoon. The plan was for David to prepare dinner and for us all to enjoy together.

Sarah told me to thank both moms for chipping in on the suit - to which 'Ma Lex' and my mom acted all surpised. "You told him Sarah? You ruined the surprise!"

Just before dinner, my dear wife said that my mother brought the suit and it was time to unwrap it. I was preparing to check out my new threads when suddenly, what was brought to me was a wrapped box! Well figure out the rest...

I was FLOORED. BLOWN AWAY.

They went on to tell me that they had lined up on three seperate mornings outside a store for three seperate shipments. The first two had them come up empty handed, but my mom got an inside tip on a small shipment coming in a few weeks ago and she lined up and snagged one. They said they even had family in the states searching the department stores.

Wow.

I'm still floored - even now - after having played about 9 hours of NBA LIVE 2006.

The only downside is learning that my wife is a TREMENDOUSLY gifted liar and I can never trust her again. Ever.

But at least I have an XBox.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Baby's first Christmas!

Christmas Eve has long been the most important day of the year for my family. We all gather at my parents house, eat enough to feed the portuguese army, and then open presents at midnight.

If I was going to try and list everything Tasha got for Christmas, this entry would take me the rest of my holiday vacation. Tons of clothes, toys, sentimental ornaments and more. It's amazing how many people just want to spoil my baby girl. She truly is very fortunate to be surrounded by so much love, and a ton of loot!


Even I got spoiled with a ton of gifts. A new track suit, DVD board game, dress clothes, cash, etc etc. Sarah got the Nike Shox she wanted from me, and a renewal of her gym membership (from my folks).

There to celebrate Natasha's first noel were both sets of granparents, my sister, both brothers-in-law, Lina, Berto, Lucas, Serene, Tia, Tio, Sophie, James and of course, Champ.

The night was of course topped off with the very traditional 'clams and beer'.

It was honestly just an awesome night.

New Tasha pics now online!

There are a whole bunch of new Tasha pics now online. Just visit her online gallery at bigbrew.shutterfly.com. Click the December folder and scroll through the various pages. I added a whole bunch of never before seen Tasha goodness, including some shots from one of her recent Christmas photoshoots, some family snaps and more!

She is just way too cute for words. Someone get this kid a modelling contract quick!

Markham!! What???

Tonight was awesome.

Sarah, Joe, Tasha and I went to Milliken to see the Markham boys take them on in a battle for first place in the division. The Markham boys are not the same basketball team they've been the last 8 years... they are rebuilding with youth. So many of the top guys graduated last year and are now playing college ball.

Adam was on our team as a grade 9 and 10. He was basically a role player on a very deep team, but we always knew he had potential. All season he's been leading this team and scoring a ton. Tonight, he did it when it mattered most.

Markham lost the first game against Milliken a couple weeks ago but it was very close. They knew if they played hard they would be ok in the rematch. Adam came out hard and just dominated. A 6'7" point guard can do that.

Milliken went up 4-0 but then saw Markham's press and couldn't do a thing about it. Adam ended up scoring 20, had a ton of steals and assists and led the team to a very impressive 7 point win.

Part of the fun was seeing Adam's brother Mike (home from Acadia), Hobbsy, Cole (home from Niagara), Burrows, AK (home from Ohio) and CK (home from Boston) and a bunch of other familiar faces.

It was like old home week.

What a great game....

A little bit louder now...

Tasha has a new trick........... it's called, comedy. She's into laughing as loud as possible and babbling non stop - especially amongst a crowd, all for attention. She really is daddy's little girl.

On the weekend, Sarah and I talked about how much Tasha has changed in the last 72 houra. Her personality is really starting to shine. Yesterday, while Sarah was feeding her, I coughed - Tasha stopped eating looked at me and gave up a little baby cough. Sarah looked at her and said "Are you copying daddy?" to which she started laughing hysterically.

SHe got time to hang out with Lou, Lucy, Army, Matilde and the grandparents on the weekend and as per usual she was a crowd pleaser.

Oh - amd I'm blogging this so I have witnesses and so he doesn't try going back on his word. My uncle Lou predicted that Ottawa and Toronto would once again meet in the playoffs, and Toronto would once again stop them from advancing to the next round. I'm sayin, ain't no way in hell anybody is stopping the Sentators Express in 06.

Samoa Joe makes wrestling cool again

Dan-e-o and I just got through watching the TNA Turning Point ppv. Yes, I love wrestling - but TNA reminds me why. Everything they put forth tonight was rock solid with plenty of "HOLY CRAP!!" moments.

At the top of the "HOLY CRAP!!" list is Samoa Joe. Man this guy is sick. Everything he does just looks and sounds sooo real. I swear you can't fake what he does. This is an outstanding character with limitless potential. Joe's been one of my favs since he started in ROH and I'm thrilled he won the X-title tonight. I'm a regular reader of his blog and visit his site regularly.

Despite his gimmick, he's one of the 'good' guys in the business. Much respect Joe. Keep working hard.

Christmas shopping is fun

Well I picked up the big part of Sarah's christmas present today. I hope she likes it. Nothinig worse than one of those ...."oh... great. no really. it's just what i wanted........."

Do you wanna know what I got her? Promise not to tell?


Ya right. Nice try Sarah. I don't trust ANY OF YOU to keep a secret! And no peeking in my underwear drawer! (d'oh)