T-shirt #59: Focusin

I wore this shirt today because I wanted something with US colors in it…the USA jersey will go on later.

Soooooooo many Focsuin stories to choose from, but which ones can I share? Luckily (or sadly?) I have more Focusin t-shirts to wear, so there will be more stories later. Focusin was formed in 2002 and their name is a reference to a Simpsons episode where Bart takes “Focusyn” to help with ADD:
PIETUBE Poop- Bart Goes on a Focusyn Rampage - The funniest bloopers are right here

My friend Glen was one of their guitarists, so naturally I went to see their first show. I was not disappointed, and “Been Too Long” quickly became my favorite song of theirs. One of their earliest shows was on a Sunday night at a bar called The Midway Café in Jamaica Plain (http://www.midwaycafe.com/). Wearing a homemade Focusin shirt, I was dubbed “#1 Fan” that night. The only show I missed that first year was when I had my first kidney stone (lame excuse, I know).

I wasn’t alone with my high praise of Focusin Rock. In 2003, they competed and won in a national Rolling Rock battle of the bands. They opened for 311, Trapt, Def Leppard, Sum 41, Puddle of Mudd, and Blink 182 at Heinz Field in Pittsburg. I’m not sure on the details of what happened on the limo ride from and back to Boston, but everyone at the show had an unbelievable time. One funny story about this show was when my friend Matt and I were leaving Massachusetts to drive down to Pittsburg. We had been on the highway for about 10 seconds, and got pulled over for speeding...great way to start a road trip...luckily, we only got a warning.

One of my favorite Focusin stories was the time they arranged to play a show at Smith College. It was me along with a few Focusin fanatics and hundreds of Smith College women. The funniest part of the show was when Focusin did their cover of Huey Lewis and The News’ “I Want a New Drug”…not known to the band until after their set list was made, Smith College planned the show as an anti-drug event. Regardless, they still rocked the place.

For more info, here’s some Focusin links:

http://www.myspace.com/focusin

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Focusin/42934875672

GO TEAM USA!!!!!!!!

T-shirt #58: Cobra Kai: Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy

If you don’t know the meaning of this shirt, it means you’ve never seen the Karate Kid…or at least you didn’t watch it as many times as I did. Here’s the info for the movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/) and the clip the shirt refers to is below.

Although not as big as Star Wars, Karate Kid was a huge movie for my generation. My brothers and I often had our own karate “matches” and mimicked the film as best as we could. “Wax on, wax off” continues to pop up in TV shows and other movies. Speaking of other movies, I hope none of you plan to see the Karate Kid remake coming out later this year. Seriously, even if you have kids and they beg you, just show them the original…or show them the original after you see the crap new version. I wore this shirt today because I am hanging out with my friend Carl, who REALLY likes this movie...I won't be surprised if after seeing me wearing it he suggest we watch it...

For all you Gen Xers who loved this movie like I did, here’s some trivia:

• The referee in the final match is Pat E. Johnson, a karate expert and former student of Chuck Norris. He instructed many movie stars in karate. He is credited as the "fight instructor/choreographer" for the film.


• Mr. Miyagi is named for Chogun Miyagi, who became the forerunner of karate-jutsu in Okinawa, Japan. 'Sensei Miyagi' as he was called, created his own style of karate-jutsu, which he dubbed 'Goju Ryu', which means 'hard and soft style'.


• Martin Kove, who played the John Kreese character, was rumored to have replaced Chuck Norris, who allegedly turned down the role of Kreese because he didn't want karate trainers to be shown in an unsympathetic light. Norris has since said he was never offered the role but that if he had been, he would've declined for similar reasons.


• The Karate Kid was the name of a character in DC Comic's "Legion Of Superheroes" who was a member of the Legion. DC Comics, which owned the name, gave special permission for the title to be used. There's a thank you to DC Comics for allowing the use of the name at the end of the credits.


• Elisabeth Shue interrupted her studies at Harvard to be in this movie.


• Pat Morita was initially turned-down for the role of Mr. Miyagi because there was a "no comedian" policy when looking for an actor. He was later given the role because he was best for it after reading.


• The last spin kick that Daniel is hit with before he is saved by Mr. Miyagi actually hit Ralph Macchio and hurt him.


• William Zabka (Johnny) had no martial arts experience prior to being cast in the film. However, he was an accomplished wrestler.


• The scenes in this film where Mr. Miyagi is using chopsticks to catch flies in midair is an obscure reference to the film Bushido (1956) where a very similar scene is used.


• Kyle Eastwood auditioned for the role of Daniel LaRusso.


• The long, continuous shot from the moment Daniel exits the locker room at the tournament until the panoramic view of the entire gymnasium took over 35 takes to get right, according to Ralph Macchio.


• Daniel's original last name in the script was "Webber" according to the DVD commentary.


• The studio wanted to drop the "drunk Miyagi" scene, feeling it slowed the pace down. Director Avildsen argued for it and has felt it was the scene that got Morita nominated for an Oscar.


• Surprisingly, during filming in late 1983, Ralph Macchio was age 22. Some of the cast did not believe him when he was asked about his age.


• The song Miyagi drunkenly sings during the "celebration" of his anniversary is actually fragments of an authentic Japanese folk song that Pat Morita often heard as a child.


• The yellow classic automobile that Daniel polishes in the famous "wax-on/wax-off" training scene, then later offered by Mr. Miyagi as Daniel's birthday gift, was actually given to Ralph Macchio by the producer, and he still owns it.


• According to Joe Esposito, "You're the Best" was originally written for Rocky III (1982) which explains the lyric "History repeats itself". The song had been rejected in favor of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger".


• During the scene where Mr. Miyagi is drunk and celebrating an "anniversary," he reveals that he served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, an Asian American unit composed of mostly Japanese Americans (many of whom had been in internment camps) who fought in Europe during the Second World War and soon became the most highly decorated unit in the history of the American military.


• The football jersey that Daniel is wearing while talking to Mr. Miyagi on the bed is a #89 San Diego Chargers jersey, which in 1984 would have been wide receiver Wes Chandler.


• The "Crane Technique" is fictional and was made up for this film.

T-shirt #57: TRAILER PARK BOYS: Parental Advisory

The Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian show my parents introduced me to back in 2003…thanks Mom and Dad! Pictured with me, they are (left to right) Julian, Bubbles, and Ricky. The reason my parents heard about them was when my father had the privilege of being picked to be on Bubbles team during a celebrity golf tournament (Bubbles came dressed and acted in character). After the golf my parents checked out the show (which averages an f- bomb once every ten seconds), and told me they had found a show they thought I would love…they were right. I am looking forward to watching the TPB’s newest movie, Countdown to Liquor Day, for the first time tonight.

One of my favorite parts of the show are “Rickyisms”, or words and sayings that the not-so-bright Ricky comes up with…here are some highlights for you to enjoy:

T-shirt #56: National Sarcasm Society: Like we need your support.

This is one of my favorites, given to me by my awesome aunt (NOT pronounced like an insect), a.k.a. Auntie. She was so excited to give it to me, she wanted me to open it before the day of our yearly Christmas gift exchange…I didn’t argue.

So yeah, I guess I have a reputation for joking around. In particular, this shirt reminds me of two times in my life when this reputation has made it difficult for me to convince people of something…namely my medical condition at that particular time.

One afternoon during 5^th grade, there were a bunch of us hanging out in Mr. Fournier’s (who we affectionately referred to as “Chuck” behind his back, until one morning a student [I will just say P.J. and some of you will know] called him that to his face…but that’s another story) class waiting for the busses to be called (I believe I took bus 13 at the time). All of a sudden, a just started feeling “weird”. I felt dizzy, a bit nauseous, and was wondering what the hell was happening. I told one of my classmates I was feeling kinda funny, and he just laughed at me. When I continued with a “no, I don’t know what’s going on”, his laughter only increased along with my other cohorts. I vaguely remember trying to be serious and yelping “I am NOT kidding” right before I fell and everything went black. I woke up to the faces of Mr. Fournier (who my aunt actually had as a teacher, I think), the principal, and my classmates trying to peek in the door from outside the classroom. The nurse and my mother eventually showed up to, and soon I was feeling better and on my way home. I’m not sure what the official diagnosis was (fainting spell?), but I was back to school the next day…dammit.

Another time I had trouble convincing someone of my situation happened when I was a junior in college (a story already mentioned for a precious t-shirt). Living off campus on Comm Ave., I took the BC shuttle bus to and from school just about every day. One such day in early November, I got off the bus on my way back to the apartment I shared with my friends Chris and Kevin. The stop was at a traffic light, and when I noticed the bus sitting there, I (very stupidly) assumed the light must be red. Instead of checking (smartly), I just walked out in front of the bus and into the street. I remember seeing the bumper of a large vehicle about 5-10 feet away from me. I remember being hit and waking up on the ground. What I don’t remember (what I found out from a friend of a friend Colin who witnessed it from the other side) was flying through the air 20-40 feet after I got hit…and it was a Ford Bronco (not driven by OJ, though)

There was a crowd around me, and I remember hearing the sounds of a few fire trucks and ambulances. After being put on one of the ambulances, the EMT was asking me questions to see how “with it” I was. He asked me my name, the date, and who the president was. Even though I was perfectly “with it”, I decided to play a joke and told him I thought the president was “JFK, right?”. I quickly laughed to the shock look on his face and told him I was kidding.

At the hospital, for some reason, you could not make a long distance call from the ER. So instead of calling my parents, I called my roommate Kevin and asked him to call my parents and tell them what happened. I said something like “Hey Kev, it’s Dave…look, I got hit by a truck and I’m in the hospital”, and he just laughed and asked me what I wanted. I kept trying to convince him and finally asked him if he saw all the firetrucks and ambulances outside of our apartment. “Oh, that was YOU?”. So, he finally believed me and he called my family.

I went to class the next day, and while getting off the bus said hello to Colin. Not knowing what he had seen, I was puzzled by the look of shock on his face in response to my simple “hey man”. I laughed and asked him why he was looking at me that way and he was speechless. He finally managed to say something like “I, what, I mean…I SAW what happened to you yesterday!” I told him I only had broken my clavicle and I was on some pretty sweet pain meds. His response was simply “Dude…I thought you were dead!” Nope.

Oh, and in the picture I am holding the article from the BC paper about my accident. I am quoted in the article as saying “If anyone should be charged with anything, I should be charged with being stupid”. It was also the only time I made it in the BC paper (not counting the few anonymous times I made it in the police blotter).

T-shirt #55: F.O.I.L., Keepin' Algebra Fresh

This one I got online a while ago (http://www.shamplade.com/store_ver02/foil.html) and would wear a lot when I was teaching math.

The funny thing is, I was sick the week in 8^th grade algebra that the F.O.I.L. method was taught. I was not able to catch up before the semester was over, and I got my first D ever on a report card. After sacrificing precious after school time (watching hair metal videos and intramural floor hockey games), Mr. Passler was able to help me get back on track. I got an A+ the last quarter. I wonder what he would think of me actually teaching this stuff AND wearing this shirt as I did.

Years later, as a special ed math teacher, I wore this shirt into work one day. Although I thought as usual it would amuse the students, I forgot that for some of them it was an MCAS testing day…woops! I’m not sure if there are official rules for what test administrators can wear, but I don’t think the fate of the students passing or failing was determined by my F.O.I.L. shirt.

If you are “Feeling Like a Nerd” (which is the hilarious interpretation my younger sister had of Bon Jovi’s “In and Out of Love”…sorry Meg!), here are some algebra puzzle sights:

http://www.mathplayground.com/algebra_puzzle.html

http://mathforum.org/algebra/alg.puzzles.html

http://www.mathsisfun.com/puzzles/algebra-puzzles-index.html

T-shirt #54: TENACIOUS D, Cleveland Steamers

Earlier today, I had an interview to be a Big Brother. The interview went well, and it appears soon I will be matched with a “Little”…woo hoo! And no, this shirt was not visible when I was being interviewed.

If you are aware of the band Tenacious D, you most likely understand the humor of this shirt. If you don’t, you most likely do not want to understand it. If your curiosity is overwhelming, you can always use urbandictionary.com, but I am warning you, it’s gross.

For today’s blog, I played the only Tenacious D song I know how to play. If you are not a fan of hearing the f-bomb in songs, I do not recommend listening. If you like funny songs with a lot of f-bombs, please click here and enjoy:

T-shirt #53: MOTLEY CRUE, THEATRE OF PAIN

I thought this shirt would be appropriate today because I had what is known as a “Bad Crohn’s Day”…no energy or appetite, in and out of the bathroom all day, cramping, bleeding, medicine only dulling the pain…not fun.

But, Motley Crue is still Motley Crue and I will write about them. They were the first band I ever saw in concert (thanks, Jon!). When my mother was younger and wanted to see The Beatles play, my grandmother wouldn’t let her because she thought “Their hair was too long”. My mother being the awesome mother that she is took the opposite approach and let us see whatever band we wanted to see. Enter The Crue.

It was the summer of 1987, and Motley Crue was touring to support their Girls, Girls, Girls album (being the political activists they were, they sung about the important issues). Another hair band juggernaut, Whitesnake, was opening, so they were really the first band I saw live. Although I enjoyed singing along to the three Whitesnake songs I knew, they really didn’t come close to putting on the show Motley Crue did.

The Crue came out with plenty of pyro, backup singers that were dressed like strippers, and enough sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll for the whole sellout Centrum crowd (it’s still The Centrum by the way, none of that DCU crap).

The highlight for me (which is unusual for ANY concert) was Tommy Lee’s drum solo. His kit was in this huge cage that came out into the middle of the stage and started spinning around and around while he played. It was my first concert, and I have yet to see anything like it since.

The Crue has gone, and come back, and gone again, and come back (their 2008 Saints of Los Angeles CD is pretty freakin’ good), and I’m not sure what they are up to now. They have been in the news, on sex tapes, been declared dead, and written a book (if you were a fan of hair bands, I highly recommend reading Dirt…which I have a copy autographed by Vince Neil thanks to my sister Carolyn…thanks, Ca!)…but they will always be Motley Crue…I will never forget that first show.

Oh, and the song Home Sweet Home was on the Theatre of Pain album…one song even non-80s metal fans can enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggvkz-bVhW0

T-shirt #52: CAPTAIN AMERICA FOR PRESIDENT

Although I bought this as a joke during the “W” years (and I think the guy who colors Captain America could have done a better job as president), I’m wearing this shirt in anticipation of the USA-Canada hockey game tonight. I love Canada and have enjoyed the company of most Canadians I have met, but I really want the US to beat Canada tonight and get the gold in Canada. Whatever happens, I’m just hoping for a good game and to make the Hope Lodge guests laugh at me if I happen to yell at the TV during the game. And if I do happen to yell, I will quote the old PSA and say, “Mom and Dad, I learned it by watching you!”…USA, USA, USA!!!! Also above is what I will be wearing over my t-shirt during the game…unless Team USA starts losing, of course, I will take it off (what I do does affect the outcome of the game!).

T-shirt #51: SPIDER PIG

This is one of my many Simpsons shirts, inspired by the movie that came out in 2007…see Spider Pig clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=714-Ioa4XQw.

The day The Simpsons Movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462538) came out, I was on my way to Prince Edward Island with my mother and sister. After the 12 hour drive, we unpacked and I immediately left for the movie theater…there was no way I was going to miss seeing it on opening night. The couple I talked to waiting in line couldn’t believe I wanted to see the movie right after my journey from Massachusetts.

I blame something in my dorky DNA that makes me want to see certain movies (Star Wars, Kevin Smith’s, Lord of the Rings) on opening night, and The Simpsons Movie was no exception. They have been part of my life since I was in high school, and I’m sure I will continue to watch them long after the show is over. Many more Simpsons shirts to come…

T-shirt #50: I BEAT CANCER!

This is another beauty from www.t-shirthell.com and was a gift from my friend Wiper, who obviously shares the same sense of humor as me. Although I understand if people don’t find it to be funny (my family is actually divided on this one), I argue that it is the perfect shirt for me because 1. I did beat cancer and 2. I love kids. Yes, yes, yes...one can argue that there are certain things you CAN’T joke about. I do think harming kids in any way is something we need a real live Punisher for. But, I also believe you can joke about whatever you want. If people think it’s funny, great. If people don’t think it’s funny, that’s okay too. What I do know for sure is this: I will continue saying and wearing what I think is funny. Humor got me through cancer, it gets me through Crohn’s many days, and it will continue to be a strong ally for the rest of my life. Thanks, Wiper!

T-shirt #49: T-SHIRT

This is another homemade t-shirt. In true dork-like fashion, I made it specifically for something I was going to. Last April, I went to see a Demetri Martin stand-up show in Boston. Demetri usually wears a shirt that says “PERSON” on it when he performs, so this was my own version of that.

A funny thing happened before my friend and I Cailin even got to the show. We were approaching the rotary in Westboro and I noticed a police cruiser parked near it. Just as we got to the rotary, a cop got out of his car and told me to stop. Immediately there were about 4 cruisers blaring their sirens and driving around the rotary. Cailin and I had no friggin’ clue what was going on. I just kept saying, “I yielded, right?”. Then, after a few minutes of wondering “What the f?” and hearing cheers, we figured it out. Our arrival at the rotary happened exactly at the same time a soldier was returning to Westboro.

Anyway, we made it to the show and Demitri was funny as usual. If you want to check out his stuff, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBcxwrNTpGg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IbhWG2LLAA

http://www.demetrimartin.com/

He also has a show on Comedy Central every Thursday at 10:00:

http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/important_things/index.jhtml

Funny stuff...Enjoy!

T-shirt #48: BERSERKER

Today, I’m trying a video blog. One of my favorite writers and directors, Kevin Smith (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003620/) did a video posting today, so I thought I would wear a shirt from one of his movies and respond to it…his video is here: http://www.facebook.com/YesThatKevinSmith?ref=ts

Mine is below…hope you enjoy, and thanks again for all the laughs Kevin!

T-shirt #47: Where the hell is Damariscotta?

View Larger Map

This t-shirt was a gift from one of my proud sponsors, my aunt…thanks Aunt Carol!

If you have no idea where it is (like me when I got it), it is in Maine (see map).

If you want to know more about it, here’s a website: http://www.damariscottaregion.com/, apparently, they do have the internet in Maine.

I would write more, but there is US Olympic hockey on…go TEAM USA!

T-shirt #46: Mitch Hedberg: ESCALATOR TEMPORARILY STAIRS, Sorry For The Convenience

This is a shirt from one of my favorite stand-up comics, Mitch Hedberg. My neighbor Cailin introduced me to Mitch 5 years ago, and I was an instant fan. I remember looking to see if he had any local shows coming up, and being disappointed when I only saw one in New York City. I think it was less than a week later when I heard the really bad news…Mitch had passed away on March 29^th, 2005 at the age of 37.

If you want to laugh, Mitch telling the joke on the shirt can be watched here (it’s in the first minute and a half): http://www.buzznet.com/www/search/videos/central/3733123/comedy-central-presents-mitch-hedberg/

His website is here: http://www.mitchhedberg.net/ and his imdb.com info is here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0373136.

Below are some of his more memorable quotes. Thanks for all the laughs, Mitch…

Alcoholism is the only disease you can get yelled at for having. 'Damn it, Otto, you're an alcoholic.' 'Damn it, Otto, you have lupus.' One of those two doesn't sound right.

Wearing a turtle-neck is like being strangled by a really weak guy...all damn day! In fact, if you wear a backpack and a turtle-neck, it's like a weak midget trying to bring you down!

My hotel doesn't have a 13th floor because of superstition, but people on the 14th floor, you know what floor you're really on.

My friend asked me if I wanted a frozen banana, and I said 'No, but I want a regular banana later....so, yeah.'

I like escalators because they can't break down. They can only temporarily become stairs.

I saw a human pyramid once. It was very unnecessary. It did not need to exist.

Whenever somebody hands me a flier, it's like they're saying, "Here, *you* throw this away."

If I worked at a grocery store and I saw a duck come in and take a loaf of bread with his beak, I'd let him go.

T-shirt #45: HOPELESS ROMANTIC SEEKS FILTHY WHORE

This shirt is from one of my favorite sites, T-shirt Hell (http://www.tshirthell.com/hell.shtml), which specializes in t-shirts with words, phrases, and graphics that some might find offensive (not me). I have had it for about three years, and always wear it on Valentine’s Day. And no, I’m not really seeking a filthy whore…she doesn’t have to be filthy.

Girlfriend or no girlfriend, I have always had mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. I love the candy, but hate the feeling of obligation. I love my mother’s annual heart-shaped meat loaf dinner, but don’t like reminders that I haven’t found “The One” yet. I never saw the need for a holiday to show how much you care about someone, and will always believe words, actions, and things that are made outweigh anything bought when it comes to Love. Below is a poem from my soon-to-be-published 4^th volume that I think describes it best.

Regardless of how I feel about February 14^th, I am happy today. I feel blessed for the people I have in my life (both old and new), and I hope everyone has a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

Is the fuel you need

To run your soul

The one with the highest number?

Can you name a price

For the fuel of life

Derived from the art

You create?

I know little of

Your pre-me life,

And can only attempt

To fill you with my perspective,

I believe the true nature of life

Comes out the closer you are

To death.

Imagine every day as your last

And tell me what feels best.

Is it something bought

Or a moment shared?

Is it who pays for what

Or smiles of care?

Is it the objects or feelings,

The presents or their meanings?

Do I really want fortune and fame

If that is what gives me consideration?

Show me a diamond

Stronger than my convictions,

Find me something more

Heroic than my dreams,

Tell me how anything

With a receipt makes you

More likely to believe…

T-shirt #44: IG88 and Boba Fett

Wearing a dorky shirt and watching Empire with Carl…still smiling, life is good! :)

T-shirt #43: TEACHERS do it with class

This is for all my teacher friends who (most, I believe) are very happy to be starting February vacation today. Through all my years as a special education teacher in residential settings, there are many stories I enjoy sharing with anyone that will listen…here are a few of my favorites, hope you enjoy:

This one was already shared with t-shirt #7 (http://davestshirts.blogspot.com/2010/01/t-shirt-7-dont-close-blast-doorsto-your.html), but I think it’s worth repeating:

I was an aide at an adolescent psychiatric unit on the grounds of Westborough State Hospital. The students there had serious emotional and behavioral issues, and carried diagnosis like Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia. Luckily, as you will read, a lot of them still had a great sense of humor. Every week on Friday, we watched an “educational movie” with the students that had earned it by having a good week in school. After begging and finally convincing the lead teacher I could make Star Wars educational, we watched it on the last Friday of the school year. Many of the students had not seen any of the movies, so I was looking forward to see how they would respond. I was happy to see most of them enjoying it, and amused by how amazed they were when I pointed out all the mistakes (like the Stormtrooper hitting his head on the door…it’s there, about 1 hour 22 minutes into the movie, Stormtrooper on the right). They were really getting into it at the end, and we watched as Luke made his final run down the Death Star trench. Then, Luke heard Obi Wan’s spirit say “Use The Force, Luke.” Without hesitation, one of my students said, “Woah! Luke hears voices just like I do!” The whole room erupted into laughter, myself and the student who made the joke laughing the hardest.

A few years later when I was student teaching, I was going over the science topics that were going to be covered during the year. I explained we would be studying a little botany and then chemistry. I told the students I had ordered a book called “Chemistry with Toys” that explained how things like Silly Putty and Play-Doh worked. I then went on to say we would be also studying health and sex ed. Without missing a beat, one of my students asked “Yo, Mr. McGrath, did you get the Sex Ed with Toys” book?” I couldn’t help but laugh, and managed to tell him he was very funny, but not appropriate for class.

One year when I was working in Hopkinton, the weather for the following day had been forecast to be something ridiculous like -40 with the wind chill factor. That afternoon, they made an announcement over the loud speaker that due to how cold it was going to be, we would not be having school the next day. The kids smiled but all the teachers started screaming, high-fiving each other, and celebrating in the hallway like we had just won the Superbowl. It was a sure testament to who really enjoys an extra day off in February.

So thank you to all the teachers out there. You do make a difference, and you do it with class... :)

T-shirt #42: HOLY CROSS HOCKEY

(Me in HC hockey shirt, me and my dad at Bruins Slapshot Night)

This shirt was a birthday present from the Holy Cross students that come to visit Hope Lodge. Shocking to some to see me in anything other than a Boston College shirt, but this is one of my favorites.

What some of you might not know is that I grew up rooting for Holy Cross and against BC. My father went to HC (class of ’68), and took us to the annual BC vs. HC football game (which was during the downswing of the Holy Cross program, so the “Flutie Years” at BC, so the score was usually 60-3 BC).

What I don’t know is how upset my father was (if at all) with my choice to go to BC. Being the great dad that he is, he never showed it. Like he had my whole life, he only supported me. He did wear purple (HC color) every time he helped me move into my dorm at BC, but I thought that was funny.

Something that I just found a few years out a few years ago really illustrates how great my father is. My grandmother told my older brother that my father wanted to go to BC. They couldn’t afford the housing, so he went to HC instead. Not only did he go to HC, he hitchhiked his way there every day.

Through all of my drinking shenanigans, did my father ever tell me this? No. Did he ever say “You should feel lucky you’re going to BC, I never could.” No. Did he ever say anything like “You better get your act together or no more BC?” No. He never once even raised he voice to me about my drinking. The only thing he wanted to do was support. He just asked me what he could do to help. Friggin’ amazing.

It is amazing to me what both of my parents have taught me. By his example, my father has taught me to be kind, non-judgemental, and helpful. He has taught me to laugh a lot, especially when times are tough. He has made it easy for me to say “I Love You” to him more than just on Father’s Day. He taught me (even thought I didn’t appreciate it as a kid) how important taking pictures is and the value of capturing certain moments. He taught me the importance of family.

He also taught me how sweet it can be when your team wins. So Dad, thanks for being the best dad a guy could ask for. I love you! This is for you:

T-shirt #41: WELL LA-DEE FRICKIN' DAH!

I got this shirt at the NBC store in NYC while visiting my sister Megan back in December of ’08. Chris Farley was and still is one of my favorite comedians. If this shirt didn’t make you laugh, you haven’t seen his Matt Foley motivational speaker skits, here is a tribute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcR7hr4LLQg

Here’s another one that includes the SNL Chippendales skit and Bennett Brauer, the Weekend Update correspondent who made quotes in the air:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYblX1oSDIU

My senior year in college, Tommy Boy was featured on the BC movie channel daily for a stretch of what seemed months…easily my favorite Farley movie, here’s a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bECV_yF_I0w

The world got a lot less funny when he left…I feel lucky to keep his spirit going through endless laughs and quotes. Thanks, Chris.

T-shirt #40: The Black Crowes

I would like to thank my best friend Glen for today’s blog because without the free MacBook (yes, the man gave me his MacBook!) and free guitar lessons, none of this would be possible…thanks, dude!

I thought instead of writing about The Black Crowes, I would just share one of their songs that I really like (and can fake my way through playing)…

So, here I am playing “Miracle to Me” from their 2001 album Lions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ava1WoXYDeo

Here are the lyrics:

So come on off of your rooftop


Come on down to the street


I've got
something to tell you


Your secrets I will keep


Tell me why have
you been crying


Why won't you look me in the eye?


I'm just trying to
help you


I just need to know why


Please won't you let me
try



Chorus:


Be my secret, be my joy


Be a miracle to me


Be
my lover, be my friend


Be a miracle to me



I want to sleep in your moonglow


In my mind your smile I keep


Head over heels I go


Like a dream from a peaceful sleep


This time I know I'm in
 deep



Chorus

And if any of you that can play want to learn it, go here:

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/b/black_crowes/miracle_to_me_tab.htm

T-shirt #39: BOSTON COLLEGE

Tonight, for the 21st time, BC will face-off against BU for The Beanpot Championship. Although The Eagles have had two very strong games leading into tonight, those pesky Terriers always seem to bring their A game to this tournament. In my four years at Chestnut Hill, BC won The Beanpot once, my sophomore year. It was an overtime game against top-ranked “Hahvahd”, a game The Eagles had no business winning and only won because of a stellar performance by goalie Greg Taylor. But, we gladly took it.

The win was the second part of a “Holy Trinity” of sports victories my sophomore year. The first was when we beat #1 Notre Dame in football on the last play of the game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz2SHUmiFp4&feature=related)

The third was when BC beat #1 seed UNC in the NCAA basketball tournament…see SI cover (http://www.sicovers.com/Product.aspx?pid=1035)

Even though The Eagles gave me a lot to cheer about, sophomore year was my worst year academically at BC (see also: drinking problem at its peak). Here is a sophomore year non-sports related story:

Although I was really good at math in high school, for some reason I could not grasp the statistics course I had to take as part of my psychology requirement. I studied a lot for the first test, and got a D+. Then one morning after debating whether or not to go to class, I decided to go and was reading the Boston Globe sports section as I waited for the professor to show up. As I was browsing, I looked around and noticed most of my classmates were reading their notes or the text book. I quickly grabbed the course syllabus and saw we had a test coming up…that day. I had about 5 minutes before class started and quickly scrambled through my notes and the book (which luckily I had actually brought to class). I don’t know if it was divine intervention, but I got a B+ on the test. My fate as a statistician was definitely out of my hands…

Hoping the Eagles can keep this game in their hands and win Beanpot #15….GO BC!!!!