Dente Press

2011-07-01T09:12:00.001-04:00

2011-06-26T18:57:00.002-04:00

Another brilliant Miami Marketing Strategy

2010-01-06T21:10:00.003-05:00

Wow, I am really going to feel a stronger connection to the Marlins now that they have dropped the "Florida" from their road jerseys and the "F" patch from their sleeve. The slow transition to becoming the Miami Marlins is finally beginning...... Like I am some sort of idiot who needs to be eased into this transition. Give me a break, Loria. Am I supposed to be exited about this? Is this finally going to make Miami a World Class City? Funny, the whole city of Miami is bankrupt and the city leaders were so obsessed with changing the name to Miami. That somehow, it would make the life of the city and people who lived their better. What a freaking joke! The Marlins really pulled one over on the City of Miami. A bankrupt city paying for a baseball stadium.....Suckers!! Well, you've got them now Miami....And now, Your Miami Marlins........Isn't life better??? Aren't you proud to be from Miami??????

Iron City Beer

2009-10-27T21:18:00.002-04:00

Iron City Beer. Paul Rating: A. It goes down great win a Steeler win!!!!!! Next up: Broncos.........Another BIG Game!!!!

Self Portrait 10-23-09--Paul Mordente

2009-10-23T23:10:00.000-04:00

Give me room to lay the law and let me go ..Fiona Apple--Paul Mordente

2009-10-23T23:08:00.000-04:00

The Letting GO is the hardest part--Paul Mordente

2009-10-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

Palm Beach Zoo---Best Bargin in SoFlo?

2009-08-20T21:08:00.002-04:00

A while back, the family went to The Palm Beach Zoo. It has to be the most affordable, kid friendly place I've been to in South Florida. One, its shaded. Your not going to die from the sun. That's good. But there is a chance, depending on the day, you might die from humidity. Be warned. It offers plenty of shade for little ones and adults alike. A big plus. Two, it's cheap. It cost around $13 something dollars for adults, a steal in my opinion. So you can imagine the relative deal for children. Three, they have a great Interactive water park fountain thing, so you can bring the kiddies swim trunks as well. Four, the animals are close. It doesn't get any better than this! Its the perfect day get-a-way for us Broward/Dade folks...Not that we need to get-a-way or anything..... So parents looking for something to do for the weekend now that school is back, this is your answer...... Go!

Thoughts After Disney

2009-07-21T19:51:00.002-04:00

After spending a couple of days in Disney World, some Florida thoughts..

-I've never seen so many overweight people in my life. Europeans are right, we are disgusting.

- Why doesn't Broward or Dade have a gigantic, professional water theme park? Remember Atlantis anyone?

- Our local news blows Orlando's away.

-The Marlins should drop the black out of their uniforms. It's to hot a color in summer to wear.

-If I was a teenager, I'd much rather live in Orlando. The options

in South Florida for teens isn't that great.

-Who is better suited for the future, Orlando or South Florida? Disney is a Global Monster that isn't going anywhere. What do we have beside the beach?

-It was strange to wake up this morning in Orlando and say "Man, it feels cool outside....."

Selling The Sunshine State/ A Celebration of Florida Tourism Advertising/Tim Hollis

2009-06-18T22:01:00.002-04:00

When I saw this book at Barnes and Noble, trumpets and horns echoed throughout the entire store. It hit on all the things I been into lately. Florida History, Propaganda/Tourism posters, design, art, lay-out, color, advertising...you get the picture. Simply a great book to have in your library(If you have one..I do...). If you love poster design and old school photos of Florida, when everything seems so pure and endless, then this will be nirvana to you. Paul Rating: A+. Who's been to Pioneer City? Who's been to Storyland?

A Land Remembered/ Patrick D.Smith

2009-06-18T21:43:00.003-04:00

Yes, another required Florida book one must read. This would be a perfect book to give a middle or high school student over the summer to read. I wish I read it when I was younger. It's a book about the least known or talked about frontiers in America......Florida. From Tallahassee all the way down to Fort Dallas, I mean, Miami. A very easy read. Remember, your dealing with historical fiction here, so there are a lot of details to chew on. Paul Rating: A.

The Swamp/Michael Grunwald

2009-05-30T22:53:00.003-04:00

Most of us have driven through the Everglades a million times. Most of us still don't understand it. This book is really a history lesson for all of us who have lived in South Florida our whole lives and haven't given the Everglades a second thought. The history of "Man" trying to control the Everglades will change your perspective on how you view South Florida and its future. The best part of the book is the description of the early years when the Everglades was in its natural setting, with no dikes and ditches, birds and wildlife all over the place. It makes you yearn for that old time Florida that you now and then get to experience in certain parts of the state. The raw untouched beauty. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in South Florida history and it's future. Paul Rating:A+.

Mango Etiquette

2009-05-15T19:31:00.004-04:00

With Mango Season upon us, one should probably review the "Mango Picking Rules" with your neighbors. See, everyone with a mango tree has a different set of rules. My neighbor across the street has a "Take them, Please!" attitude regarding her mango tree. The lady up the street has her mango tree pruned so high that no-one can get them unless you have a 10 foot ladder. There is a house in Ft.Lauderdale that has a FENCE around their mango tree, in the front of their house! If your new to the area, and want to plant a mango tree, try your best to plant it in the backyard. And even then you'll probably have a Mango Burglar trying to steal them. Good luck, the mad mango season is upon us! Dig in!

SouthFlorida.com/Must see TV

2009-05-14T19:39:00.005-04:00

Your kidding me, right? This is probably the greatest thing that has crossed the morning airwaves for me in quite a while. I need a good laugh at 6 in the morning, and SouthFlorida.Com provides just that. I got accustomed to terrifically "bad" news during my college days in Tallahassee. You could only imagine the knuckleheads they rolled out, and watching the news was always a must see for me. SouthFlorida.Com is just as good and even better because these people know better. Who decided to place the midget in between two beautiful Glamazons? Who picks out the weatherman's clothes? I don't even watch Channel 10 anymore with this type of entertainment going on. I highly recommend this show to anyone who needs a pick-me up before heading off to work. Your day can't be as bad as these people!

Don't Look Back In Anger/Oasis/Paul Mordente

2009-05-12T22:00:00.002-04:00

This is the first collage I've done in quite a while. It felt good to get back to doing things you really like to do. With a new baby aboard and back surgery, life has been very busy, with no time to do my art. I have just been surviving.........Its good to get your head above the water...........I finally can see land.

Hoegaarden

2009-04-13T12:43:00.003-04:00

Summer is upon us, cutting the yard and drinking a beer afterword. This will definitely do. Paul rating:A.

Gulden Draak

2009-04-13T12:40:00.002-04:00

Alright......Would I of drank another? Probably not...Paul Rating:C.

Black Sheep Ale

2009-04-08T22:51:00.001-04:00

Yes! This is what I am talking about. A real beer! This one knocked my socks off. Excellent. Highly recommended. Paul Rating:A+

Stoudts Red

2009-04-08T22:49:00.000-04:00

Paul Rating:C.

Three Philosophers

2009-04-01T20:22:00.002-04:00

9.5 alcohol %. It's too bad, because I didn't even want to finish this one. I man'd up and finished it, because sometimes you need a beer or two to get an appreciation of a beer. Not this one. One is enough. I'll call this a sipping beer, because it doesn't taste like beer. Paul Rating:D. I'm on a beer losing streak of 2.

Delirium Nocturnum

2009-04-01T20:14:00.003-04:00

Yes, life is becoming more normal as you can see. My back is still very stiff at times which isn't a whole lot of fun, but anything beats how it used to feel. Surgery was necessary for me, I had no choice. And if I had my choice again, I wouldn't of bought this beer. 8.5 alcohol % level does give it a kick, but it's not worth it. Paul rating:D.

Lennon In America 1971- 1980 / Geoffrey Giuliano

2009-03-16T10:47:00.003-04:00

If your a Lennon fan (I am),then you'll probably not want to read this. If you hate Yoko and blame her for the destruction of the greatest band on earth(I do), then this book will confirm all your hatred for her. It's an entertaining book, it gives you all the behind-the-scene drama after the break up of the Beatles. It gives some early Beatle drama as well. I won't spoil any of the good stuff in here, plus, it will take too long to tell. Paul Rating: B-.

I'm "Back"

2009-03-03T20:00:00.002-05:00

Well, at least its over!!! I had to have surgery on my back last week. I ruptured a disk in my lower back (L4 -L5) that the doctor called" the largest ruptured disk he has ever seen". A steroid shot wouldn't cut it this time. I've been out of commission basically since Feb 17. I probably wont go back to work until the middle of April to recover. I'll post more about it as times goes, since sitting down is not very good for my back. Looking forward to Fridays Marlin vote, if it ever happens. I need some entertainment at this point. Peace

NYC

2009-02-09T19:59:00.008-05:00

New York City. WOW! You realize how small town and backward South Florida is when you visit there. Sure we've got the weather, but New York City has the balls. Had a great time. My problem is I can't stop looking up. I love architecture and being there is like pure metallic heaven. We hung out with our friend Dave and a couple of his friends at Bar-Coastal (1st & 78th). Great bar and wings. I would say they are 'bout even with Wings n Curls in Hollywood, FL (My favorite wings (Hot)). That says a lot. Tried three different beers as you can see. My favorite was the Lucky 13(Middle) Paul Rating :A. Love the logo as well. Future tattoo possibility. Next is Reuben and the Jets. Paul Rating:B. Finally was the Maximus, a bit too hoppy. Paul Rating:C. The Ken Burns documentary on NYC is calling my name.

You'd think they'd be a little nicer.

2009-02-03T20:03:00.005-05:00

Is it just me, or does Sawgrass Mills Mall have the worst customer service you can imagine? You'd think being one of the largest tourist attractions in Florida that they could be a little more "Disney" in their approach to customer service. Whether its going to the movies or just going to buy or eat something, their lack of professionalism always comes up. South Florida is well known for its poor customer service relations and I see no near term solution in sight. Although having to spend your workday dealing with Capri-wearing European tourists might drive anyone who works there over the edge. I can understand the anger. Why do Europeans wear such tight shirts with big guts? Why don't they understand personal space??? Its puzzling..... Next time your at Sawgrass, watch out for them Europeans, and definitely watch out for the Service.

R.I.P Beer Fridge( I loved you)

2009-02-02T21:06:00.002-05:00

Yes, my World Famous Beer Fridge has fallen by the way-side. I adopted this old hunk of a beauty from my neighbors who were putting it out for bulk pick-up. "It runs cold" they said.......Indeed, perfect for a beer fridge! But lately shes gone Arctic on me, freezing and destroying all my beer and making it impossible to keep anything in it. I probably could have fixed it, but it was leaking as well and mold was starting to accumulate on the outside of it. So, I had to let her go. But don't worry, I put her out for bulk pick up this month and someone already took it from my pile. The Beer Fridge LIVES ON !!!! I have two little mini-fridges I am going to use now for beer. It should save some space for me in my garage. R.I.P Beer Fridge, I loved you!

Kona Pipeline Porter

2009-02-02T20:59:00.002-05:00

This beer is either a "Morning Beer " or "After diner" beer. Tastes like coffee and is very good. You don't even feel like your drinking a beer. More like a strong iced coffee. Drink it while reading the Sunday paper, it will make Local and World events seem more interesting. Paul Rating: A.

Harpoon IPA

2009-02-02T20:55:00.001-05:00

Well made beer. Yes! Great Logo and design as well. Very good. Paul rating:A.

Cool, but isn't education a little more important? Not Really.

2009-01-28T19:39:00.008-05:00

I'm not going to get hysterical about the new Marlin Stadium. We're talking about Miami-Dade County here, so trying to think logically about what they should do will get you nowhere. Just accept and move on, shrug your shoulders and move to Broward. What else can you say???? Sure they should put it towards education, sure they should put it in transportation, sure they should put it towards a billion other things, but that isn't their priority. The "image" of what Miami projects towards the world is their main concern(" World Class City" etc.). It's really messed up. I'm glad Ft. Lauderdale didn't pursue the Marlins. Who wants to get into business with Loria and Sampson? Well you guessed it, Miami-Dade County. Don't get me wrong, I love the Marlins and want them to stay. Indeed, I'd like thank all the poor people of Miami-Dade County for paying for it for me!

Ps. I'm not going to park in anyones yard! 6000 parking spaces for 37,000 people? You've got to be kidding me.

Publix Premium Chocolate Trinity

2009-01-27T21:05:00.002-05:00

I'm normally a vanilla with colored sprinkles guy. But lately I've been gorging myself on Publix Premium Chocolate Trinity. Wow! This is pure cocoa heaven. I mean, can it get anymore chocolate-TY? Its dark chocolate thick with fudge and chucks of chocolate. I recommend it in a nice crisp waffle cone. Great after dinner treat. Paul Rating: A+

The Emptyness When a Clown leaves the Room

2009-01-27T20:47:00.002-05:00

Did this really happen? Was this man really our President? It's been a week since The O-Man took office and I'm still having problems adjusting. Its a shock to the system. We've been force fed so much Republican garbage for the last eight years that the body doesn't know what to do with the new food its getting. To now have a President that can speak well and have tremendous brain power is almost surreal. It's going to take some time to get used to. I have a feeling the Bush Hangover will be one we will never forget. I'm still throwing up.

Sun Sentinel v. The Herald

2009-01-14T21:41:00.002-05:00

Which paper is better? Or should I say, which paper is worse. It might depend on which side of the county line you fall on. I happen to fall on the 954 side. I cancelled my subscription to the Herald about a year ago. I just got tired of reading the endless "Miami" propaganda that the Herald gets caught up in. I needed a change. So I went with my friends and family's' wisdom and subscribed with the Sentinel. Boy are they wrong. I can honestly say that The Herald is a better newspaper than The Sentinel. They have better writers for one, and the layout of the paper is much more readable. I find they cover Broward just as good or better than The Sentinel. Reading The Sentinel is like eating an unseasoned piece of tofu. So I am going to switch back to The Herald. I'm sure in these times they'll appreciate my or any ones business.

X Saves the World By Jeff Gordinier

2009-01-13T20:13:00.004-05:00

I love reading books about Generation X . My people. My crew of knuckleheads who I grew up with and shaped my life. X Saves the World is sort of like a therapy book for us Generation Xers. Silly mantras like "Our time is still to come!" or "We've accomplished so much already" permeates this entire book. Its fun and all, but somewhat depressing. Why do Xers continue to try to compete with or capture a time long ago that will never exist again? Its a losing battle from the get go. The Beatles are never going to be topped!!!! Lets just admit it and move on. Our closest thing to the Beatles was Nirvana. I'm happy with that. I'll take IT. Nirvana stands miles above any of the music today. Music today is garbage. I mean, there is good stuff out there but you have to hunt for IT. Back then, IT came to you........ An easy entertaining read, nothing more. Paul Rating:C.

Anchor Porter

2009-01-13T20:07:00.002-05:00

With the cold front coming, you'd better get yourself a hearty beer. A nice porter will be fitting for the bitter cold that awaits us in South Florida. Anchor Porter is good, but I would like a stronger finish. Paul Rating: B.

Harp Lager

2009-01-08T18:54:00.001-05:00

Harp beer is a pretty common beer. It produces a good foam head and has a clean taste. Nothing really special about it except its drinkability. And that's what some people want. Paul Rating:C.

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

2009-01-08T18:51:00.004-05:00

Didn't dig this beer that much either. It would be good on a hot summer day, unfortunately, today wasn't one of them. Paul Rating: C.

Unibroue-Don De Dieu

2009-01-08T18:48:00.001-05:00

Another "wine-e" beer. I don't like these. I usually can tell if a like a beer by the first sniff. Paul Rating: C-

Chimay Ale

2009-01-08T18:45:00.002-05:00

This is one the Trappist Priests got right. I was very nervous about this beer, but it did not disappoint. Great flavors. Paul Rating:A.

UniBroue- Trois Pistoles

2009-01-06T19:45:00.000-05:00

Very Good. Paul Rating: A

Tombstone Pizza

2009-01-05T19:36:00.003-05:00

In an earlier post, I declared that Angelo's Corner on Hollywood Beach has the best pizza in Broward(Of all I tasted). In the frozen pizza department, I'm digging Tombstone lately. See, I like the taste of cafeteria pizza, its comfort food (Like they always say in Top Chef) to me. It calms my soul. Another added bonus is that lately, Publix has had them on sale for 2.99. When you break it down my wife and I are spending a $1.50 each to have dinner. You can beat that. We usually go through frozen pizza cycles, from Digiornos to California Kitchen Pizza to Red Baron,then we'll switch it up on you punks and go granola with Kashi. We probably have one frozen pizza per week. You don't want to over do it.

Genius and Heroin/ Michael Largo

2009-01-04T20:07:00.002-05:00

Is everyone famous F't up? Its a fair question. This book is like a dictionary of famous people, their addictions and how it eventually leads to their death. Truly fascinating and at times disturbing. Why does society hold so high a place for these unstable people? A great bathroom book, but pray you don't die on the toilet like some of the famous people in the book. But your not famous, right? Paul Rating:A.

St. Peter's English Ale

2009-01-03T21:29:00.002-05:00

Wow! What a different type of beer, Delicious! I'm still thinking about this beer, which is a very good sign. Beautiful color and taste, somewhat "orange-e" but very, very subtle. Great cleansing finish. Highly recommended again, that makes two in a row. Visit Total Wine to get these beers. Paul rating: A.

Samuel Smith Famous Taddy Porter

2009-01-03T21:25:00.002-05:00

Yes! Now this is a real beer. I am liking porters more and more. This has great flavor and is very drinkable. So far I love all of the Samuel Smith beers. Just look at this label on this beer, you know it's gonna be good. Highly recommended. Paul Rating: A.

Unibroue- La Fin Du Monde

2009-01-03T21:20:00.003-05:00

Here's another one of those beers that doesn't taste like a beer. I want to use the term "wine-e", but it could even be some other form of alcohol. I am getting a taste for it though, but its not a beer you would want to drink regularly....and what type of beer is that. Paul Rating:C.

Ficus and Garden Update

2009-01-01T20:09:00.009-05:00

My ficus has been infected with the whitefly for some time now. I'm not sure if because the weather has cooled somewhat (Don't laugh!) but they seemed to have slowed down on the destruction of my beloved ficus hedge. I refuse to spend thousands of dollars to buy treatment for it, although I know to put up a fence would be probably be triple that. Can't somebody smart find a solution to this?

Before I ruptured a disk in my back, I decided to take out the garden in the back of my yard( A wise move in hindsight). It became too much work, especially the weeding aspect of it. I could never catch up. I am going to container garden now and have bought a couple of books on the subject. I'll probably start a container garden after football season is over.

Samuel Adams Holiday Porter

2009-01-01T19:56:00.002-05:00

Samuel Adams puts out good stuff. You can trust these people with beer. The Holiday Porter is solid..... Good flavors, nice finish... What more can you ask for on a New Years Day morning. Paul Rating: A.

We VooDoo You

2008-12-29T21:33:00.003-05:00

Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya-Ya/ Dr.John

They call me, Dr. John, The Night Tripper /Got my sizzling Gris-Gris in my hand / Day trippin' up, Back down by you / I'm the last of the best / They call me the Gris-Gris man / Got many clients / Come from miles around / Running down my prescription / I got my medicine, to cure all your ills / I got remedies of every description.......

Almost Cut My Hair--Paul Mordente

2008-12-29T21:22:00.003-05:00

This has been my favorite song of late..... ALMOST CUT MY HAIR / David Crosby.

Almost cut my hair /It happened just the other day /It's gettin' kind of long / I could've said it was in my way / But I didn't and I wonder why / I feel like letting my freak flag fly / And I feel like I owe it, to someone.

Must be because I had the flu for Christmas / And I'm not feeling up to par / It increases my paranoia / Like looking in my mirror and seeing a police car / Well I'm not giving in an inch to fear / cause I've promised myself this year / I feel like I owe it, to someone.
When I finally get myself together / I'm gonna get down in that sunny southern weather / And I'm goin' to find a space inside to laugh /Separate the wheat from the chaff / I feel ...Like I owe it, to someone.

St.Bernardus Pater 6

2008-12-27T08:27:00.003-05:00

Three Cheers for the St. Bernardus Variety Pack! This is the way to go. My beer fridge has become a wasteland for average to very bad beer. Buying a variety pack solves this. It will cost you more money, but you wont have a lot of bad beer sitting around. St.Bernardus Pater 6 is very good. A little more mild than 8. Excellent. Paul Rating: A.

St. Bernardus Prior 8

2008-12-27T08:22:00.004-05:00

Good, yes. I can see why the Beer Snobs like these. Very good flavors, apricot somewhat...... Not as strong as 12, which makes this beer very good. Paul Rating:B.

Things take time to grow, unfortunately!--Paul Mordente

2008-12-23T09:06:00.001-05:00

Then, why does it feel so curvy?--Paul Mordente

2008-12-23T09:04:00.000-05:00

Shopping is so fun!--Paul Mordente

2008-12-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

The Family--Paul Mordente

2008-12-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Unibroue Maudite

2008-11-28T07:50:00.002-05:00

This is a very good beer. The color is a beautiful copper-brown and the taste is distinctive and tasty. Not too strong, very subtle. This is what you hope for when you go to Total Wine and try to find some good beers. I've been on a losing streak so far with tasting new brews and this one has pulled me out of the funk. Paul Rating: A.

Stone IPA

2008-11-28T07:46:00.003-05:00

This beer is bizarre. It starts off very clean and cool but the finish is like an explosion of citrus. The back of your tongue sizzles with the taste of grapefruit or something........ Very strange. You get used to it by the end of the beer, but by that time, your glad the ride is over. Paul Rating:D.

St.Bernardus ABT 12

2008-11-28T07:40:00.004-05:00

Here is another highly regarded beer that I do not care for. St. Bernardus ABT 12 was very disappointing. I must not have the "Sophisticated Beer Buds" yet to enjoy it. Thank god I bought the St.Bernardus Variety pack, because I don't think I could drink another. Paul Rating: D.

Budweiser American Fail

2008-11-24T19:03:00.004-05:00

I know what your saying, but I had to try it. Something inside me wanted this to be good...Boy was I wrong. The unveiling of this beer is quite troubling. Did anyone bother to taste it???? Some beer expert at Bud decided this is "good"? Is a Bailout of Budweiser coming next? Paul rating: D. A monkey with no taste buds could do better.

Almost "Back" to normal!

2008-11-23T11:15:00.009-05:00

Its been an interesting month and half since I last blogged. My grandfather passed, my back has 1 ruptured disk and one is about to go, my Main Man Obama won the election, football season, work, taking care of the baby....I've really had no time to Blog!!!! My back is the main culprit here. It's not fun sitting in a chair with extreme pain running from your back to the bottom of your left leg. Its like someone charlie-horsed me in the thigh and kicked me in the shin as hard as they could. Its not enjoyable. Plus going to numerous doctors, filling out paper work, getting Epidural Steroid injections, taking pain medicine, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory meds has consumed my life. I have one more Epidural shot to go, and if that doesn't work, I might need surgery. Lets hope not. I even got kicked off The South Florida Daily Blog due to my lack of blog activity. I'm still buzzing from the election. On pre-election days, we put the baby down by 7, it was just enough time to make ourselves dinner and get ready for Keith Olbermann on MSNBC. Just about after that, I was ready to crash. Again, no time to Blog!!! The pain in my back has gotten a lot better though...... Lets see how long it lasts! Ironically, during my blog hiatus, people would say to me,,"Hey, whats up with your blog?".....I would say "I never knew you read it!"

Life sure is funny.

Franzinkaner Hefe-Weisse and Sierra-Nevada Anniversary Ale

2008-10-08T21:59:00.003-04:00

The Franzinkaner Hefe Weisse is really good. Indeed. Been thinking about it. That's when you know its a good beer....Paul Rating:A. The Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale was very disappointing. I give it a C.

Dylan For President

2008-09-18T19:23:00.009-04:00

Great Freakin' Book. Paul Rating: A+. Its funny, someone the other day was talking about the 60's and how when they were growing up , the 60's looked like absolute hell to them. I said" Like, man, where do I sign up?! Smokin hot hippie chicks all over the place, people involved in politics, a feeling that things may actually change......A feeling that IT might really happen." It was truly a special moment in American history. I can't get enough of it. I am also immersed in The Civil War as well. I guess I'm interested in being at battle with oneself.......Well ,if your a wanna-be revolutionary like myself, go and read this book, because its all tied into rock-n-roll and it's just fascinating. I don't blame Bobby-D for not wanting to be President. He probably would of turned into Castro.

Madden 09

2008-08-19T08:16:00.005-04:00

This is by far the best football video game I have ever played. It's not perfect.... That title only goes to my wife, but this game has stunning graphics and great game play. Stadiums are incredible. Weather affects the field and your uniforms. I'm hooked. Online play is difficult, as you can imagine. I am currently 0-4, with only one touchdown to my name, and that came on defense! You better practice if your going to play online, these people are serious. Paul Rating: A.

NO SOLICITING !!!!!! That means YOU!!!

2008-08-06T20:17:00.004-04:00

Is it just me or is everyone getting harassed lately? I've got people coming to my front door trying to sell me steaks, baby books, alarms, sprays to remove rust, Jehovah Witnesses, questionable pollsters, poor college/high school students selling magazines......It just doesn't end. I put a "NO SOLICITING" sign right in the middle of my door and they still knock. Its ridiculous. The city of Plantation needs to do something like this. Then to top it off, when I go to Publix or Blockbuster, I've got groups of people standing around in front of the store with religious literature....(" Sorry, No Hab-La-Es-Pan-Yol"). I really think it should be against the law to go around door to door selling shit. I really do. Nowadays, I don't want ANYBODY at my door I don't know.

Franziskaner and Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

2008-08-03T16:38:00.015-04:00

Yes, another visit to Total Wine. Its a bit more fun on Saturday night because the store is filled with all sorts of characters. Raging alcoholics, tourists, and your average knucklehead drinker seem to be in there. Mark, from the rag-tag hardcore fishing crew , "Insufficient Funds" recommended the Franziskaner(Below). Paul Rating on this beer is a B. The dark beer is Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stout. Very interesting flavors going on here. Very good. Paul Rating: A.

When will I grow up and stop playing Video Games?

2008-07-24T11:26:00.025-04:00

Its a very good question. But the question should be "Why should I stop?????" Throughout my entire life, video games have been present in my house. I have had all of the following systems: Pong, Breakout, Odyssey, Intellivision, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega, Sega Genesis, Sega Genesis 2, Playstation, Playstation 2, X-Box, X-Box 360. (No, we never did get an Atari.) And I hope to get the WII next. Its just that video games are getting so much better, richer, more deep and complex. I know for many women out there, this is the kind of talk you want your 35 year old husband to be saying about YOU, not a stupid video game. Will women ever "get into" video games? RockBand, Guitar Hero and WII seem to have sparked an interest. So the world we live in.... and with the recent birth of my boy, I can look forward to another 20+ years of excuse-free video game playing..... HAHA!!!!!!............SUCKERS!

Prison Break Seasons 1-2 (DVD) = Female Soft Porn

2008-07-22T06:54:00.013-04:00

Prison Break Seasons 1 & 2 are really good. There are many " O My God!" moments, but you just have to accept the fact that this a TV show, not reality. My Mother bought us season 1 and told us we should watch it since we really liked Friday Night Lights (which she bought for us as well). It seems my Mom and wife want to "cougar it up" with a certain young male character on the show. OK... fine. But then my Mom brings over Prison Break 1 and tells my wife that she is going to love the guys in this even more. Whats going on here??? Is my Mom a female smut peddler?? Is this how women trade and disseminate soft porn? This is very interesting stuff...... I'm starting to get the picture now. Season 3 comes out on DVD in August some time and I'm sure, well I know, my Mom and wife will be going up to Blockbuster to rent it.

Best Pizza in Broward = Angelo's Corner

2008-07-16T13:54:00.011-04:00

Is it because it's right on the beach? Is it because it's right near the racquetball courts, new parking garage and water fountain park? Is it because the sauce, cheese, crispy dough and perfect crust complete the ultimate trilogy of pizzadom? Yes, Yes and YES! Angelo's Corner IS the best pizza in Broward, hands down. I've been eating there my entire life and nothing gets me more stoked than going down to Garfield Street and having a coupla slices and an ice cold beer. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is much improved, and it's one of the reasons that makes me enjoy living in South Florida. Runner up easily goes to Umberto's in Pembroke Pines on University Dr.

Is it really the News?

2008-07-15T08:02:00.013-04:00

I'll be the first to admit it, I am a total news junkie. For my local news, I am an ABC Channel 10 person, despite the fact its not in HD. For National news it's NBC and MSNBC. A benefit of watching so much news is you become well acquainted with all the "News Hotties". Locally, my current "Number One with a Bullet" is Jacey Birch from Channel 10. The most underrated in my opinion, who should be getting a lot more attention is Pam Giganti from NBC 6. Shannon Hori from CBS 4 gets some props as well. As for the national scene, its probably a tie between Norah O'Donnell and Natalie Morales, both of the NBC Universe. Kirian Chetry of CNN gets you with the bubbly cute factor. CNBCs Maria Bartiromo and Erin Burnett will tell you if your 403b plan is making you any money. As for the Hated Fox Network, all hope is not lost. Megyn Kelly and Julie Banderas make you forget about all the hypocrites that work there.

Bodingtons Pub Ale, From Sir Esteban

2008-07-09T14:50:00.005-04:00

I received my first gift for my beer fridge the other day. Fellow patriot , revolutionary, and gentleman, Sir Esteban, brought over some Boddingtons Pub Ale.( Thanks, bud!) Its very good. It's thick and goes down very smooth. Paul Rating on this beer is an "A".

You want a beer with that mista....?

2008-07-04T13:10:00.006-04:00

Unlike most folk who tend to pair up their beer with food, I tend to pair mine up with literature. Whenever I drink a Dixie beer, I am thrown into the world of New Orleans and A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, one of my favorite books of all time(#2). ( The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe is #1). Dixie beer is a crawfish drinking beer, informal and tasty. I also recommend everyone reading A Confederacy of Dunces before the dunces make a movie out of it. Brad Pitt has long been rumored to want to make this movie, and Will Ferrell will be playing the part of Ignatius. Sounds absolutely horrible. My advice is to leave it be, nothing can ever be as great as this book is.

Duvel

2008-07-01T11:09:00.004-04:00

A lot of beer experts rate this beer very high. I don't know what to think. Is it a beer snob thing? Lets hope not. Beer should always be for the people. I bought the glass plus 4 Duvels at Total Wine for $16. The Paul rating on this beer for right now is a B. It's a taste that is very different than other beers.

Total Wine in Ft.Lauderdale

2008-06-29T09:06:00.012-04:00

My friend Mark recommended this place to me and it didn't disappoint. Total Wine in Ft. Lauderdale off 17th street is the real deal. It's overwhelming. Give yourself plenty of time to cruise around the store and check out everything they have. The wine selection is enormous. Shawncy and I picked up our favorite table wine, Paul Masson. The beer selection is out of this world. They have beer that you can't find at your local knuckle-head alcohol store. You can create your own six-pack with beers from around the world. Prices are the cheapest around. It's the Home Depot of Alcohol.

The Ficus Hedge, My Love/Hate Relationship

2008-06-26T10:36:00.009-04:00

Anyone familiar with the South Florida landscape knows about the ficus hedge. It can be your greatest friend or your worst enemy, depending on the circumstances. It's way better than a wooden fence, if properly maintained. Its a living wall, and that's the problem, it never stops growing. During the winter months, you can get away not trimming it for maybe a couple of months (Isn't that ALL of winter?). But during the summer rainy season, expect to have to trim it every couple of weeks. If your neighbors are the type of people that let their landscape go wild......well, your in deep trouble. The taller they get, the deeper and farther the roots will go. I currently have over 216 feet of ficus in my backyard and it's about 8 feet tall. I love the privacy, but knowing I have to get on a ladder every two weeks and trim it is daunting. I'm knocked out for the rest of the day. So, if your thinking of planting a ficus hedge, think about it hard, it will always provide great privacy, but your going to have to bust your butt for it.

Sailor Jerry

2008-06-25T12:54:00.010-04:00

Although I have a beer fridge, my drink of choice is Rum. Rum and diet and only a lime when I'm feeling nautical. I used to be strictly a Captain Morgan person, but after a few months of sampling different Rums a couple of years ago, I found my Holy Grail of Rums. Sailor Jerry . It's 92 proof, almost twice as strong as Captain and better tasting. A hint of cherry too! Absolutely delicious. You might have some problems finding it though and prices vary from store to store. One store I went into had it for $45 dollars. At my liquor store, Plantation Wine and Liquors, you can pick it up for $23. Once you taste this Rum, as they say, there is no going back. If you are a Rum person and would like to do some reading on the history of Rum, I recommend you pick up the book "and a bottle of Rum.....A history of the New World in Ten Cocktails" by Wayne Curtis. In short, it's about Rum and how it helped shape American History, from grog to the mojito.Its a very good read. Cheers!

Best BBQ in Broward = Scruby's

2008-06-24T09:27:00.007-04:00

Asking someone what is their favorite BBQ restaurant is like asking someone who they find attractive. Everyone has a different answer for different reasons. My favorite BBQ in Broward is hands down Scruby's. That's the first place I want to go for BBQ. They have three locations in Broward, but the one I go to is off 84 and Pine Island. The BBQ sauces I think is what does it for me. There are five different sauces from hot to sweet, and by the end of the meal, their all just mixed together. The beans are spectacular, the best I ever had, the quartered chicken is awesome, and that's all I order now. Everything is good....the pork platter, the pork sandwich, even the sweet tea. Whats your favorite BBQ in Broward? I'm always up for recommendations, I'm always up for eating.

Euro 2008

2008-06-19T15:40:00.016-04:00

Although I enjoy watching soccer, I can understand why most of America doesn't. Its the non-stop diving, flopping, crying and falling to the ground like they just got shot in the leg with a bullet that tends to turn off a lot of people to the sport. All the above theatrics tend to make some of these professional soccer players look like "Nancys" , and as Americans, we should say " NO !" to Nancification. That's the great thing about American Football. The next play maybe your last. There's no time to ACT like your hurt.(Only in the closing minutes, when you need to save time, to kick the winning field goal). So I'll enjoy this Euro 08, the drama and all, but appreciate American Football even more, where the big boys come out and play for real.

Kona Longboard Island Lager

2008-06-18T10:45:00.003-04:00

This is definitely a summer beer. Clean, crisp and refreshing (the label agrees with me), it goes down nice and cold. Paul rating: B.

My First All-American Fathers Day Gift

2008-06-16T10:53:00.006-04:00

I have been a Dad now for six days. The most surprisingly "Dad" moment I have had was receiving my first Fathers Day present, a corn on the cob grilling basket with 8 corn skewers. I now know what Fathers Day is all about and I still laugh to myself about getting this gift. I really am a DAD now!!!! I have made it!!!! I cant wait to try this bad boy out because I love corn on the BBQ.

Summer is here-- Royal Poinciana

2008-06-14T10:10:00.005-04:00

I'm one of those people who love (most of the time) summer in South Florida.The tourists are gone, school is out, traffic is not as bad.... I know it's hot....but I lived here my entire life and I can handle it. I love the sky in summer. The chaos of it. The colors. The boomer clouds. The cooling afternoon showers. One of the signs I know summer is here is when the Royal Poincianas are in bloom. Especially in the older neighborhoods where they are really tall and spread out. It's the most beautiful color orange imaginable. They are really messy though, and bare in winter. The saying is to give a royal poinciana to a neighbor so you can enjoy it from afar, but my theory is I should plant it, so You can enjoy it from afar. Now that's gardening!!!!!

Officially a Dad

2008-06-13T18:15:00.004-04:00

Well, its official. I'm a Dad. Mason was born on June 10, at 11:06 PM. 8.5 pounds and 20 inches.( For those into that thing...I still don't get it). Shawncy and I survived the first two nights of a screaming baby and no sleep...I developed a migraine headache (from no sleep, eating like crap, and sleeping on a rock hard couch) and at one point I was throwing up in the bathroom while Shawncy was taking care of the baby. Good times. But we survvvvvived mmman, and the whole birthing process has been beautiful. Happy Fathers Day.

Sunflower Update

2008-06-08T16:14:00.009-04:00

The sunflowers are really starting to bloom. The Skyscraper sunflowers have gotten really, really tall. The photo to the left is me looking up at one ( I'm 5'8..... and on a good day, 5'9). Keeping these bad boys well watered is the best way to make them grow really tall. The birds have been having a grand ole time with them, especially the cardinals.

The Beer Fridge

2008-06-08T16:08:00.004-04:00

The Beer Fridge is looking pretty good. The sad part about it is the beer I want most is not in there. Fire Rock Pale Ale is the best beer I have tasted in a while. It is very unique, and it's no longer in my beer fridge.

Sleeman IPA #46

2008-06-08T15:59:00.006-04:00

After coming home from Albertsons(Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, Albertsons. Shawncy and I detoured from our cozy Publix sanctuary and experimented to see if we would save money elsewhere (which we did!!)), I was very excited to try this beer. Its OK, nothing mind blowing. It really doesn't even taste like a pale ale. Paul rating on this beer is a C , and that is only because it has a cool bottle shape.

Presidential Display of Affection (PDA)

2008-06-06T21:38:00.011-04:00

Well, thank god its not the Al Gore make out. That kiss alone should have told us Al Gore was never going to be elected President of the United States. This is what I like to see in Presidential Display of Affection (PDA). I mean, this is the type of stuff we have had to endure for the last eight years.(Do you want eight more?) Trust me when I say this, The "O" Man, will never let us down.

Decanters = Class

2008-06-06T21:00:00.011-04:00

Could Einstein have imagined something as brilliant as that? Having a decanter means your serious. Your not playing around. Just the mere fact that I have a decanter makes me somewhat more elevated than you. Its just a fact of the universe, as Einstein would have most undoubtedly concurred . Shawncy picked up this decanter from the Faith Farm Thrift Store ("It's hit or miss"----Shawncy) in Ft. Lauderdale for $15. Obviously, it was owned by some very rich Baron who lost his "Old Money" in the stock market. It was a family heirloom for about 200 years.... But that is another story...For another time...... Now this beauty sits on MY counter, holding MY rum...It's too good to be true, if you could believe that.

My grass is dying, and I don't care anymore!!!!

2008-06-04T16:43:00.004-04:00

Yes, I am coming out and saying it. "I don't care anymore about my stupid grass!!!" It's ridiculous. Why should we waste time, money and water on it. I feel enslaved to the yard. Cutting the yard, fertilizing the yard, watering the yard....It never ends. Its so conspiratorial..... You have to buy a lawn mower, fertilizer, sprinklers, pipes, you have to buy gas and pollute the air, pay the water bill, you have to spend your free time cutting it, weedwacking, edging, you have to make it look good when company comes over, and to top it all off, it will always grow back. Think about it. Its creepy. How bout that for a conspiracy theory, huh? Its perfect, and it comes with just about every house.

The "O" Man

2008-06-04T16:07:00.005-04:00

Finally. The "O" Man did it. I hope he lets the dust settle before he picks a VP. I am not a big fan of putting Clinton as VP. I think Webb from Virgina might be a better choice. But lets wait and see...... The Republicans need Clinton to feed their hate machine and there IS always something going on with her and Bill. She is too easy a target. I feel it was pretty classless last night of her not to concede to Obama. Her and her supporters are such.... I don't know, what......crybabies. I am looking forward to the Obama V. McCain election. Politics is like football to me.

Bring in the Closer?

2008-06-03T18:43:00.004-04:00

What a heart-breaking week it has been for Marlins fans. We could of won the Met series.... We could of won the Phillies series.....Now the Braves. Last nights lost killed me. I have never been a fan a bringing in the closer in the 9th inning if your current pitcher is going fine. I just don't get it. Is it a money thing? The stupid pitch count? Why take someone out of a game if they are doing fine. Hey, I understand if you have a righty in there and all lefties are up, but, just to bring in someone BECAUSE they are your closer shuts down a lot of your options. I'm going to stay positive though, remember, the Marlins are supposed to finish in last place. A 1 1/2 games out a first place at this point in time is A OK.

Fire Rock Pale Ale

2008-05-31T20:31:00.007-04:00

Well, The beer gods are definitely looking out for me. My friend Tim who lives up in good ol' Tallahassee ( really Lamont), recommended I buy this beer at Publix. The problem is, I never saw this beer at my Plantation Publix. So while I was at Publix today picking up a few items, I went to the beer section, and whhhhhhaaaaaaa!, it was there. Weird stuff , man. He is right, this beer is very, very good. Paul Rating: A. I am liking the pale ales now more than ever.

When the Great Fall

2008-05-29T19:56:00.003-04:00

Indiana Jones 4 is horrible. If anyone tells you that this movie is even "OK" there is something really wrong with them. It's a total piece of crap. I didn't want to see this movie, but somehow, I got cornered into going. "A fun night out"....Yea right. The part that gets me so mad is we spent $30+ dollars on this travesty, and I even had one get in free pass. Spielberg and Lucas have lost touch. Its the same old movie we've seen a hundred times. It worked in the 80s and 90s, but not anymore. How many more car chases through the jungle can we endure? Seeing these two great American directors and producers reduced to Indiana Jones 4 is embarrassing. Other people deserve our money, not these two dinosaurs.

Newcastle

2008-05-29T19:48:00.008-04:00

Newcastle is smooth and mellow, just like it says on the bottle. It reminds me of soda pop. I don't know if it is the shape of the bottle or what, but its very Willy Wonka like to me. Its a good, solid beer, very drinkable. Paul Rating :B.

The Plantation Trolley (RIP)

2008-05-26T08:18:00.000-04:00

The Plantation trolley circulated in an empty Midtown with nothing to do and plenty of parking. A better use for the trolley would be a direct shuttle to downtown Ft. Lauderdale or even Sawgrass Mills. Then people would use it! Parking is an issue in downtown Ft. Lauderdale and at least there are different restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping at these other destinations.The much awaited, but lets see if it happens, 321 North, is nowhere close to even being actualized. With the downturn in the housing market, everybody's dream of bringing people to Midtown is not coming anytime soon. So why not use our resources and use the trolley for existing areas. The shuttle to these destinations would make Plantation a better place to live by providing public transportation to places people want to go. Saving on gas and parking would be a another benefit.The Plantation Trolley has a lot of potential, lets hope the City uses it right.

Carlsberg Beer

2008-05-25T15:24:00.004-04:00

This is what I want after cutting the yard in 90 degree weather, an ice cold beer. Carlsburg is pretty good. The Paul rating on it is a solid "B". When I bought it, I thought it was going to be a light beer, in taste, not calories. Its is more solid than I thought, and I was pleasantly surprised. That said, the feeling after you have cut the yard is one of the best in the world. Sit down, have a beer, and savor the moment.

Yes, We're Certified !!

2008-05-24T17:28:00.005-04:00

Today our yard became a Certified Wildlife Habitat. All you have to do is go online and fill out a questionnaire. It is a very simple process. The City of Plantation is encouraging its upstanding citizens to certify their yard. If your vain enough, and I guess I am, you can buy a metal sign to stick in front of your house. You also get a tee-shirt as well. If your interested, here is the link:
http://www.nwf.org/backyard/

Icon Las Olas

2008-05-16T21:42:00.007-04:00

Here's another building that I have been fascinated with. Icon Las Olas. Yes, right next to the poor Ol' Stranahan house. 42 stories. Makes it one of the tallest buildings in Ft. Lauderdale, along side the empty , but , somewhat growing on me, Las Olas Riverhouse. Parking is the main issue here, along with finding people with just tons of cash to live downtown. It makes no sense to me to make all these sky scrappers so "high-end". Make it affordable so normal people, professionals, young people, eclectic /artistic/ Richard Florida type of stuff, who like to go out and create a scene live there. Maybe people with children......Fill up these places first with really affordable prices, demand will drive prices up, people will sell, then you'll get the people you really desire to live there. I mean, haven't these people played Sim City????? Click Icon Las Olas to check it out.

Atlantic Center

2008-05-16T21:09:00.011-04:00

Here is a building I have been digging lately. Its the Atlantic Center (blue, right) that they are going to build on 2nd street, one block north of Las Olas. Its going to be office space (business and finance) with retail and a health club. Oh and by the way it will be very "green" and hurricane "proof"(?). We'll see. I will be able to see this building as I drive to work in the morning going east on Broward bvld from Plantation. The taller the better in my opinion. We really need one signature building in Fort Lauderdale to frame the skyline. Click Atlantic Center title to check it out more.

Go Retro

2008-05-13T20:22:00.007-04:00

I say keep this paint scheme. I love it. It is way better than the current one that they designed. You would of thought they would of gave JR a cooler scheme at the beginning of the season....Who knows.

Just one road

2008-05-13T20:04:00.003-04:00

At times, you only have one road to go down, no matter what you think.

I'm Not There......Really.

2008-05-09T18:52:00.004-04:00

Shawncy and I hated this movie. Being Bobby D fans, I don't know, we found it painful to watch. I get the whole "spirit" of him stuff, the different characters, but found it unwatchable. If you want something truly trippy and surreal, just listen to Blonde on Blonde. There is nothing left to be said.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

2008-05-09T18:39:00.004-04:00

I love this beer. Its very pure to me. The second glass is always the best. I went through a stage with this beer about a year ago were it was all I wanted to drink. It stays in the back of your mind, so I bought it this time around. I am trying to do "new" beers, but I decided to revisit. Maybe I should do some more revisiting.