Wreckin' Ball Comin'!!!

Wow, not being at work for a while has sure made for the time to pass by here awful quick Toastedblog fans. To think that you have had to deal with one entry a week probably has forced you to go elsewhere for fine internet entertainment. Might I suggest you check out this next time. Hilarious!!! I'm giggling just thinking about it.

So why the Wreckin' Ball title?? Well, we here at Toastedblog have decided to thank our good friend Kristin (aka Wreckin' Ball) for allowing the Toast to borrow the new Queens of the Stone Age album by puttin' her name on the board!! A better reward, there probably could have been, but she's not in it for the glory. Just in it to further the advancement of awesome rockingness!! That and it gives me the opportunity to say stuff like "Wreckin' Ball Comin!!" and have pictures of Carl Spackler on Toastedblog.

Where was I?? Oh yeah, Queens of the Stone Age (from now on shall be referred to as QOTSA). Lullibies to Paralyze is fantastic!! At least I think so. And I know how much my friends value my opinion on music, movies, sports, politics, etc. so my presenting the awesomeness value of this album may not matter all that much. But damned if I didn't go to minor league catcher camp, and damned if I wasn't NutRocker, Heisman trophy hopeful; so you will have to at least acknowledge my opinion.


Ya know, if you ever wanna rap, or just get weird with someone, buddies for life..I think.

But this recently released QOTSA album is still pretty damn good. I have listened to it a few times since Shea let me borrow at the Change Of Pace last night. So far, I really like the song "I never came". As a matter of fact I am listening to it right now. A lot of critics of this album will say that this album may be missing a lot of uumph behind it due to the departure of bassist Nick Oliveri. Singer/guitarist Josh Homme does a bang up job picking up the slack and the album ends up being a bit moodier than past albums and is almost haunting all together. It's a lot of dark eerie harmonies and Homme's voice just blends in with 'em. You see a lot of this on the song "Someone's in the Wolf". But that's the thing, this is all really well done. At no point was I disappointed that I was listening to it. It gets the Toastedblog stamp of approval, so all you kiddies, feel free to pick it up. Get me a sandwich while you're out there, please. What?? What kind??!! I dont know....kinda in a reuben mood!! Yeah get me one of those!! And a root beer!! Delicious.

Well, rugby has officially started. We had been practicing inside Manley Field House and just doing a ton of running and only a few drills. The other day we had our first outdoor practice and not gonna mie to you, it was a little sloppy. We have a intersquad scrimmage on Saturday at noon with teams from both S.U. and LeMoyne to warm up for next weekend's tournament in Pennsylvania. I may have found myself some more playing time at the inside center position as apposed to wing. That means a little more hitting!! Is this a good thing?? I guess we'll find out. But in practices I have been running more there and I have to say I'm doing all right at it. Once again, I guess we'll find out.

Well, the job search has begun. The other day I posted a few resumes on monster.com and actually applied for a few jobs. But I am still upset at the way things ended at my job just last week. To be called at 11 pm and told not to come into work anymore. I still haven't gotten my stuff from my office. I was told that they didn't want me in my own office to get my personal belongings out of my desk. And to lose my job for something everyone else was doing, just seems a little shady is all. Billy tried to get me riled up and fiesty to stumble into my office all loaded and make a huge scene while requesting my stuff. To be honest, I wanted to stay out all night drinking and show up at my office at about 10 am with Willie Moe, Phelps, and Billy, all drunk and our stinking of diner food demanding that I be able to clean out my desk. Oh well, on to bigger and better things now I guess. And hopefully that reuben.

It's 1:32 AM and I'm still up drinking; why is that??

Well, it isn't because of St. Patrick's Day that I am still up drinking this evening. Actually around 10:00 pm I was quite tired and had already turned off my brand new computer. Yeah, that's right toasted blogs via a pajama clad Toast. Let's not forget the Creighton sweatshirt. There, that should make you all warm and fuzzy and make this news a little easier. I got fired this evening.....by a call to my cell phone at 11:00 pm. Dang it.

It's the An-Syr-Iri-Dri-Con '05

Woooo....It's almost St. Patrick's Day. You know what that means, us good ol' Irish get to celebrate our wonderful heritage. Uh...that and.....every...uh....everyone goes out and drinks delicious green beer. That's it!! Technically this past Saturday was the St. Patty's Day round here, or as I like to call it, the An-Syr-Iri-Dri-Con '05. (Annual Syracuse Irish Drinking Conference 2005) Not a bad time I tells ya. Not bad at all. That's what our current toastedblog entry is all abut internet faithful. Oh yeah, that and I can never again refer to Phelp's as Chumps.

As many as you know, our god pal, resident chef, and medical consultant Phelps has been given the nickname Chumps from your friendly neighborhood Toast by account of him being, at times, my arch-nemesis. Other than being an Eagles fan and having keener culinary instincts, Phelps has never done anything to warrant such a nickname; as a matter of fact Phelps has stated that he indeed really likes the Toast. To be honest, Phelps is pretty awesome........off the record of course. I just like the forced animosity; kind of like wrestling your brother. Do my friends have brothers? A recent interaction betwixt Phelpsy and myself has, in fact, changed my opinion of who the "actual" Chumps is in this friendship.

Think back if you will, to a time before time actually existed or, if you're having difficulty, we'll just use Saturday afternoon. Yeah, lets just go with Saturday. The annual parade mentioned above was occuring and the Toastmaster General was all riled up to stand outdoors with some good people and have a few too many brews. I headed over shortly after 12pm with my long time gal pal Chukes (or Michelle) to meet up with a few friends to enjoy the afternoon the only way us Irish know how. To quote the infamous T.T., It's my birthday...and I'm getting drunker!! At this point, my tentative battleplan for the afternoon was drive downtown with a backpack full of 'Stones, find everybody's favorite little crapper Charlie Coville and girlfriend Mary with whom we are supposed to meet up with and call Billy Shannon for there were talks of going to eat at Sud's Factory, complete with Rage Kage and wicked fun Jaime at 1:30. After a brief run in with Billy and the ladies while Toast was trying to locate a restroom facility, Part B of An-Syr-Iri-Dri-Con '05 was taken care of. That is, I now don't have to worry about calling Billy. The act of going to Sud's and eating terrific sandwiches which should have been No. 2 on the priority list never actually takes place. We blame that entirely on Priority No. 1. See birthday line above.

Ok, this is when we get to Phelpsy. After the parade ends; roughly 3pm, I am wandering around with a good twelve pack in me and I've missed Sudsy Billy and the company of some lovely ladies. That and food. I walk in to Mulrooney's, grab a beer, and mingle, running into some people I don't see too often anymore like college buddy and current accountant Timmy Hyle, and one surprising run-in with a kid named Mike Donnelly. (little help from the Donnelly campaign!) He was a Freshman when I was a Senior at LeMoyne and a fellow left winger on the hockey team. Toast, who during the off-season had been dubbed "Senior Sensation" by the LeMoyne media took well to the encourageable Freshman and faced off in many a hockey bus ride beer chug challenges during the one year that we played together in school. He was a good kid and recognzed me as soon as I walked by. We chatted, enjoyed a drink or two, and now I am getting off track.

While waiting in line for the bathroom, Billy, Kathie, Jaime, and Phelpsy stroll on by. I ramble on like I have a few drinks in me and ultimately do shots with Phelps. After a few more drinks somehow I end up at the Stoop, a martini bar. Why am I here?? Oh well, after a beer or two there is talk of beaking to the Irish relm of Syracuse, and the Toasted home base, Tipperary Hill. Great, now I can go get something to eat and relax for a moment before heading out and gearing up for the Big East Championship game a little bit later. The refrigerator was already prepared for my arrival seeing as how there was leftover sausage with peppers and onion that I promptly reheated and ate in a drunken stupor....with horseradish mustard I might add. Then...suddenly...it happened. The couch proved to be too powerful for me and within minutes a nap was in order. Dang It!! I missed the S.U. game!! Double Dang It!! There are 11 messages on my cell phone wondering where I am!! Phelps is calling me out! Tremendous Dang It!!!

Now, we're looking at 10pm and I have completely lost the past three hours. Calls from Rage Kage, Kyle, Chumps (no longer Chumps), Mags, amongst others have been unable to awaken me from my sandwich enduced slumber. Even worse news would soon follow upon noticing that when I fell asleep on the couch on Pseudo St. Patty's Day the other half of my sandwich had fallen on the floor, no telling how long its been there. #?%& !!

10:30 pm and I am now standing outside local Irish bar Coleman's to prove to Phelps that I am not the new Chumps and to salvage the rest of my St. Patrick's Day. No matter what I say, I cannot convince myself that the mass of man seated before me and not the Toast should have the surname Chumps. I don't think that after my little sleeping performance I should have the privilege of calling one of my friends an undeserved nickname, I did however rally like a trooper and stayed out until 3am. What makes the evening either greater was the fact that Phelpsy and myself are no longer the mortal enemies that we were. Now I can only call him Chumps when playing Golden Tee or while watching Shockey blow up the Eagles. SHOCK-EY!!!

In other toasted news, the playoffs have started in my hockey league. We lost our first game of the postseason 7-5 but we have a chance to even the series tomorrow night. My team, the Underdogs, have our work cut out for us but I think we'll be fine. Maybe I'll bring a flask on the bench, it will be St. Patrick's Day after all. Sorry its been so long since a decent toasted blog. Just you wait till after this weekend. What's up you ask?? Let's just say that B.L.'s may have some walking drunks on Friday and Saturday. What the hell, Sunday too.

What? No! We can't stop here. This is bat country.

Its 12:00 PM on Saturday and I'm on beer number 5!!
I guess there is nothing an Irishman won't do for a beer. Ah, the Human Dog Sled Race at Winterfest. Note the extra pale white legs the Toast features in the 12 degree temperature; perfect weather for rugby shorts. The green hockey helmet, part of regulations. They made us wear some sort of helmet and since I am a back and not a "forward" in rugby, I do not have the need for a scrum cap that my other teammates can be seen wearing. This image caused ridicule from the Toast's younger brother with accusations of mental retardation. In the immortal words of Daniel Banazek, he's so dead to me! We took first place by the way, winning money for charity. What charity, I don't recall. There was a lot of beer to be had that day.

Toastedblog presents: "The Toastie Story: Booze, Drugs, Guns, Lies, Blackmail, and Laughter"

*Disclaimer* This Blog is not based on 715 Lancaster, so there are no Shovelball references. That shall be discussed in future editions of Toastedblog*

**Contents edited via comments made by Daniel Banazek**

Good afternoon toastedblog faithful; how we all doing?? Well, we have a lot to get to today so you better pick up your sticks and get ready. Despite my best efforts of late to ruin my internet rep, I have actually decided on a topic to write about so this entry of toasted information will not be some rehashed and edited former toastedblogs nor will it be the nonsense encountered last week, which I like to refer to as definitely non-Scottish and we all know our rule here; if its not Scottish, ITS CRAP!! (whiny background voice: "But Toast, we thought you were Irish?") Dang it, no time to explain, who asked that question anyway?? Alright, I'm almost entirely Irish with a wee bit of Scot, but I'm all man!!! I was just trying to use a Saturday Night Live quote from back in the day. We better with the explanation now? Ok, on with the show.

Today, we are all going on a journey. We have a bit of time traveling to do so I hope y'all gassed up your DeLorians. Get ready to cue Jitter with the "where we're going, we don't need roads" line cause we're heading Back....to the Future!!! Dang it, that's where Michael J. Fox was trying to go. We're just going back to the year 2000; the reason, the origin of the Toast.

**key sidenote: Billy, I am eagerly awaiting copy of Chigago weekend tape. See Jitter's line**


1.21 Gigowatts!!!

The year was 2000/2001. The NY Football Giants are being led by a confirmed drunken racist and a man pushing his chips to the center of the table.....this team is going to the playoffs. Great movies like Big Momma's House and Chicken Run are tearing up the Box Office, Sisqo and the Baha Men were hittin' the streets with some brand new flava in your ear, and apparently Rob Thomas is the best songwriter known to man. Is this before the time he collaborated with Carlos Santana. I threw up in my mouth a little bit every time I heard that song "Smooth". Here we find the days of the band Everclear going from hard rock to cheese pop (ever listen to "AM Radio" or "Wonderful"....sigh), something was going on in Friends, and Conan's "In the Year 2000" skit reached new hilarity with the year actually being 2000. It was a time between Super Nintendo and Gamecube so Nintendo 64 was all the rage. Back then, Napster was free, Tool was about to release their first new album since 1996 and we were still a year away from a Star Wars Episode II disappointment. The days of Bent, Bye Bye Bye, return of Bon Jovi (Yeah Rage!!!) and Sting, even though he required some new age singer, and U2 was about to launch their most annoying album since Pop, which also happened to be their first release since Popmart tour. Dammit, Bono sure was everywhere following "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (coincidentally led to the downfall of my relationship with U2's music). Ah 2000......Sweet Cutlass, a girlfriend a full foot shorter than me (but I'm 5'11"), Banazek and his Bert pipe, Billy was a new phenomenon to me (I had no idea what a Rage Kage was at this point), Zany Brainy employment, living with little Crapper and Badass, across from Kyle, being 21 finally and a certain household that is responsible for my last four years. The place, 715 Lancaster Ave.

This was my senior year of college, well, 2000-2001. Good ol' LeMoyne. GO DOLPHINS!!! Anyway, the beer tasted sweeter, rent became a fun chore that had not yet been realized until then, I was living on mac and che and hamburger helper, learning how to pay bills, and finally spending the majority of my nights at the house down the street with large men clad in fleece sweatpants to combat their living room temperature. This was 715 Lancaster; complete with a frigid living room capable of keeping 30 packs of 'Stones refreshing, plates with nothing but ketchup (or catsup) and stranded french fries left on them, obvious remnants from Potter, the house's resident hippy, recliners in the reclined position and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in the stereo. The house had to have about 7 bedrooms in it, let alone the hidden, closet sized bathroom underneath the stairway which featured low slanted ceilings perfect for drunken head resting. The people, why this house was loaded with the most outrageous of characters, some of whom you have heard of, the others, just stories and myths. There was Willie Moe, Javen, our hippy friend Potter, Uncle Jitter during vacations and off season (complete with dog bed), Danny (Pre/Post Relationship Banazek), and Laurie, otherwise known as Bertha. All of 715's inhabitants had graduated from college a year or two before I was set to finish up, either from LeMoyne or Syracuse and I had met all of them at one time or another. Some I worked with, some I met through current friends at the time, but I was destined to fit in amongs them and it was here that the legend of Toasty began.

**Note the spelling of Toasty, the Portuguese spelling with the -ie ending would become official Toastie nomenclature in 2002 following trip to visit Uncle Jitter overseas, where I also broke Harold Arceneaux's lamp while hammered. To request action shot of this historic event, please forward address to Toastedblog.blogspot.com**

Over the year, I found myself hanging out an awful lot with those lovable boys from the other end of Lancaster. At this point of time, I am known only as Casey, which despite what you may have heard Toastedblog fans, is my actual name. Nights were spent at 715 watching sports, drinking heavily, discussing classic TV shows like the Fall Guy, playing drinking games, popcorn ball toss, slugging bottles of Jim Beam, NHL 94, singing Return to Pooh Corner, dang it-ing, drinking more, yelling, and all around tomfoolery. The site of the original greatest weekend ever, home of that years NFL playoff viewing, and I am pretty sure the only place Rhen saw when he visited central NY with Tommy was that living room, it was a great place to just hang out and let three or four days just pass you by without even noticing. One evening, right around the time of March Madness, I was called to head over to watch some basketball and drink all of the Utica Club I could get my hands on. However, a bunch of my housemates decided to hang out on my end of Lancaster, at not quite as good ol' 946 Lancaster. Seeing as how at this point of my collegiate career I had a lady friend who would frequently stay overnight, I opted stay around the house, hang out, have couple beers and play everyone's least favorite drinking game but the easiest to get underway, Asshole. However, I did not let my lovable band of gents at 715 know of my plans, and as they got drunker, they got more irrate. Javen, got so mad, he went to question my whereabouts with a bellowing yell that sounded a bit like this: "WHERE"S TOASTY?!?!?!" The other housemates, looking bewildered, also wondered where this Toasty character was. This would remain unanswered until I entered 715 late that evening all hammered looking for some more drinking. But something was different this time when I walked in the front door. Instead, of being greeted with a hey, or what's up Casey; the name Toasty erupted from the general vicinity of the living room. I didn't know where this came from so I just went along with it. Little did I know it would change my life forever!!!

Since that faithful night, the name Toasty has gone through a ton of makeovers. From the perennial favorites like Toastmaster General and Mayor McToast, weird French versions like Le Toast, made up names like Toaster Toasterson, all the way to the present Toastie, which I think is the tops. Realistically, the nickname has given me an identity that Casey could only dream of. Imagine this site as Caseyblog. You kiddin' me?!?! I'd much rather be Toastie, the lovable Irish scamp, than just plain Casey Cregg. Who wants to read about that?? That's right, no one. Well, no one other than my Dad, he gave me this name. If it were up to my Mom, I would have been Squire Brandon Cregg and thus not be here today because I definitely wouldn't have made it out of High School. Thank God for Pops Cregg right?! So, there you have it, the origin of Toastie. Its not great, but it is all that I've got.

I wish it was the 60's, I wish I could be happy, I wish, I wish, I wish something would happen.

I'm daffy and British; but Toast loves it!!

I have five minutes left in my day here and thought that I would share recent Radiohead mix I created. This was actually put together five minutes earlier. Do I know how to kill time or what??

Pyramid Song
National Anthem
2+2=5
Fake Plastic Trees
Creep
Punchup at a Wedding
Lucky
No Ripcord
Optimistic
High and Dry
There There
Paranoid Android
No Surprises
Street Spirit
Go To Sleep
Stop Whispering
Climbing Up the Walls
I Might Be Wrong
The Gloaming

Awesome!!! Enjoy the weekend; I don't have to be back to work till Tuesday. WOOO!!

Its Toastedblog, an event greater than the World Cup....the World Series....and World War II combined!!

Its Valentine's Day, the greatest event known to man!!! Also, its a holiday made up for the sole purpose of having men spend money on their significant other through the purchase of chocolates, jewelry, and stuffed animals. How is this supposed to work again?? Oh well, we here at Toastedblog don't fear the Valentine's Day Reaper. The only holiday we're concerned with preparations for here at headquarters is St. Patricks Day. I sure hope my "I Got Lucky at McGinty's Pub" T-shirt still fits cause that could throw everything off. Quick sidenote to the don't fear the reaper comment just made. Think back if you will to a summer afternoon at the B II and the backyard barbecues that they used to have on Wednesdays. Remember that one drunk who came complete with shaky demeanor, indecipherable drunk talk, and the brilliant scent no man pouring his life away should never be without, urine!! We called him BOC for his crazy look and the ridicule he took whenever Blue Oyster Cult was ever mentioned. That one night when we tried to get him to come with us to Trappers for more beers but he kept saying that he wasn't allowed to go there, for some reason I can only guess had to be alcohol related. But Jitter would not be denied and we opted to disguise him as Jitter's uncle (Not Uncle Jitter) but he ended up getting out of the car on the way there.

Ok, I am getting off of the subject. Now to really get off the subject, whatever happened to the band Bush. I am currently listening to Chuck's Mix, 1993-94 edition, and it starts off with Everything Zen. Got me thinking, we all know that Gavin Rossdale is hitched with the love of Phelpsy's life, Gwen Stefani, but Bush was everywhere that year, even the year or two following 1994. With hits like Machinehead, Little Things, Comedown, and Glycerine, they just fell of the face of the earth the last few years, although I liked the song "The Chemicals Between Us" from the 1999 album The Science of Things. Its not like I am a huge Bush fan or anything, but its all too familiar with music from back in the day. In 1994, MTV still played some videos. VH1 had never even thought of having a top 20 countdown that featured rap, and reality tv was contained to the Real World, before MTV realized that it could also ruin that by getting the kids in the house all plastered and hooking up with one another. The show used to have some merit, now it is just some girl with big boobs starved for attention, a few gay guys, some other girl that won't break up with her boyfriend and thinks that every problem in her life is no way her fault, a redneck with a heart of gold, and some curly haired dude. Can you tell that I was hung over on Sunday. Dammit Billy's birthday. Damn you!!! To tie all this nonsense together, Gavin Rossdale recently did a song with the Blue Man Group called "Current", or something. You can only get hot information like this here at Toastedblog, remember to re-up your subscriptions for only $12.99.


That's some good clean family fun right there.

Speaking of Billy's birthday, it was a few days ago and on Saturday night, Rage Kage (Billy's lady friend Kathie, yeah I wonder where they get it too, tee hee) got a few of his lovable and handsome friends together for a few beers. It was quite the time, although I took the notion of having a few beers and really went with it, you know. I wasn't crazy or anything, but I certainly felt a little groggy on Sunday morning. Had to be the endless supply of draft beer and poor choice of half a sandwich for dinner. But, did I mention that the particular sandwich in question was a reuben. A leftover reuben, hence the half part, but oh so delicious!!! I don't think I have ever closed out Clarks before or knew that Bill's sister Kate had a love for Mr. Show. By the way, the name of the Patriotic Country Singer in the sending the monkey to blow up the moon was C.S. Lewis Jr. Don't mess with God's America!! Now only if I could remember some more of the song lyrics.

I have been plugging away at this blog for a little while now. Actually, it has only been about three minutes of typing, but it has been continuously maximized/minimized since 9am. Ah......the beauty of updating nonsense information for the benefit of my internet readers. In all seriousness though, taking a birds eye look at this blog is making me throw up a little in my mouth. It's that bad. There is no flow, no awesome quotable lines for the kids to use on the street. All we have is a clever title partially stolen from a movie, a cute picture, also stolen from a movie, a bunch of garbage in between, and a Toast, writing at his desk while listening to Radiohead and avoiding work. Well, if this isn't a good enough reason to get another computer I don't know what is. I was actually looking into doing so seeing as how I have been computerless for sometime now. I saw a commercial for a Gateway Notebook for like $699. Seemed like a good deal, although I know nothing about the Notebook being offered and its capabilities. Perhaps this sounds like a job for the tax return??? Toastedblogs written at home.....is it even possible????

Well, this officially marks the last time I write a Toastedblog entry with nothing to talk about. If Toastedblog continues down this path, folks are going to start to consider it bush league. Hahahahaaahahhahaha (maniacal laugh)......Danny. A well written entry complete with thought and purpose shall follow this up later in the week.

Welcome to Toastedblog, where it's always warm, comfortable.......and handsome!

Sometimes the world looks perfect
Nothin' to rearrange
Sometimes you just
Get a feelin' like you need some kind of change

Standin' tall
On the wings of my dream
Rise and fall
On the wings of my dream

Rain and thunder, the wind and haze
I'm bound for better days

It's my life
It's my dream
Nothin's gonna stop me now.

Now that we have our theme song out of the way we can get on with the show, or the big dance which I often call it. Today I would like to introduce all Toastedblog fans to a glipse of my courtship with my new ladyfriend. Here we go, a little ham and eggs comin' at ya....better get your griddles.

**actual events may not have occurred outside of Toastie's head**

Dear Eva Longoria,

My Name is Toastie, well, that's what a lot of my friends call me. My name is actually Casey. I'm a loveable Irish scamp who knows how to make ladies laugh with fun humor and sheer overall stupidity. Well....uh....not sure how to say this so I just will; I think you're pretty. In Maxim Magazine, I read that you love sports. What a coincidence; I also love sports!!! Did I mention that I was 5'11"?? Just wanted to say hello.

Sincerely,

Casey Cregg (Toastie)

As you can see that that I have begun said courtship through the written letter. I find that the written word is much more meaningful than lets say a phone call or what they call on the streets as a shout out or holla. I choose not to "holla at bitches". Rather, a classy letter or one that sounds as though you are about 11 years old and asking a girl to check the yes box on a note that asks do you like me. Lets see how this one plays out.

Dear Casey,

You sound adorable and you're right, I do LOVE sports!! I appreciate the complement on my looks, you're too sweet. But, I'm just like every other girl; I'm just looking for the right guy. Its hard out there at times to find that person and all I am looking for is a man who is 25 years old and irish who can grow a red beard, a former standout collegiate hockey player who also won the Heisman trophy under a pseudo-name, enjoys the precision passing of Phil Simms in Super Bowl XXI, loves sandwiches that are prepared for him, makes me laugh uncontrollably, has the ability to drink with his friends for three straight days and will let me be his sugar momma; because, lets face it, I make a lot of money. However, I'm afraid that I will never find this dream guy......unless........it's you?? Oh yeah, he has to be 5'11" too; I find that to be the most attractive height out there. Write back, you sound nice.

Love,

Eva

PS-How tall did you say you were??


I don't care if he doesn't watch my show, I loves me those goofy Irish men!!

Ooh....Jackpot!! Now, through a series of letters and timely phone calls my personality and charm begins to take its toll on Ms. Longoria. You all know how I do!! Within minutes of speaking and making a complete fool out of myself, I can turn on the panache and the distinctive elegance of a cavalry officer. I am not quite sure what that means but I like the sound of it. However, all that I know is that my ability to be a doofy moron has paid off. She has no chance and we are currently looking at apartments on the Boston Area granted everything goes well with grad school. Nothing is quite like being 5'11"!!

In other news, the Change O'Pacers are unfortunately not heading to the playoffs following last nights loss to the Syracuse Fireman. I think they brought in some ringers for the game. Had we fully "utilized the ring around the Toastie" game plan first presented be Uncle Jitter, the outcome may have been different, but I'm not suggesting that's why we lost. We couldn't hit a shot in the first half. At one point, about 2/3rds the way through the half, it was 9 to 7. The second half began with the score 29-7. We ended up losing by about 20 to a good team, something like 63 to 45. Good guys, a little rough with some of their fouls that were never called, but a good team nonetheless. The big news was Toastie upping the ante a bit and scoring 11 points, including knocking a three pointer down his first shot of the game, which drew the quote of "Coooolld Bloooded" as I ran back past Billy and Phelpsy on the bench. I was scoring inside and outside, and that never happens, probably never will again. A sad note to end our season though, had we won we would have made the playoffs at 5th place. We finished the season strong by improving quite a bit from our first game out there. Playing together as a team, passing, good team defense, and just plain hustle, thats how we played. We finished up having a beer together as a team at our bar, and sponsor, the good old Change Of Pace, and talking about funny and great moments over the course of the season, and there were plenty of them. I had a lot of fun playing with those guys, even though I don't have any legit basketball experience. However, we may not be fully done as we are currently looking at some options to join spring leagues. The only trouble there besides getting people to show up to a gym on a nice spring day is that I begin the rugby season in March and April, and I also have softball and a summer hockey league. Could be interesting but I'd like to see it happen. I was starting not to be that bad.

Well, its 12:52 and time to head to lunch, or as I should say, go to the gym for an hour and then eat a sandwich afterwards. Happy Ash Wednesday to all my fellow Irish Catholics; the regulars too. Take care and we'll catch ya on the flip flop.

Kookin' der yummee-yummers!

And so it begins, countdown to the Super Bowl toastedblog faithful. However, more importantly, the end of Phelps reign of culinary supreme amongst my friends. Chumps, you shall finally have your comeuppance!!! Now that I am all riled up my internet readers, its time to get into this anger ridden saga.

Phelps, or as I refer to him, Chumps is a cooking machine, a tasty food connoisseur, and my sworn nemesis. For the years that we have known him Chumps here will whip up some delicious concoction of bacon and cheese while we sit around drinking and watching something as mindless as Nascar Sunday (Cue the Pizza Box), or the Surreal Life and it will satisfy you to the core. Phelpsy here knows exactly what type of cheese will go perfectly with a specific type of meat to form one super sandwich (the McPhelps sounds terrific), is constantly trying to cook new and interesting things for others enjoyment, has highly detailed knowledge of the many different combinations of toppings that belong on a deep dish pizza, and has ruined every attempt that I have made in getting some toasted delicacies out there and enjoyed!!


First we have, der chocolate, und de moose. Yum yum yum with der chocolate. Fix de morkin, yoo betcha!

Ever since my parents split up when I was in Seventh grade I have spent much more time with my father than my mother, and he has taught me a few things. Often, he has talked to me about his lady conquests (weird), know when to say when, be helpful towards my friends because at times you will need their help, to always tip your bartender (in my case, especially Rachel), the fact that Jethro Tull rules, and the standard "give it your best". However, another important little tidbit that Pops Cregg has always thrown my way, the ability to cook and the importance of knowing how to do so. Over the years, Big John has shown me the light. Taught me how to make everything from pasta to how to get a steak good and medium rare. The delicious meals that he learned from Grandma Toast he passed onto me, even the ability to bake world famous cookies. I am very proud of the fact that I have developed a talent and real enjoyment for cooking, however, this knowledge is seldom put to use, other than cooking for myself and a lucky lady....dang!! So, I have since turned to my friends in this situation, and this is when Phelps comes in and steals my thunder. Dammit Chumps!!

The past few Super Bowls that I have spent with my friends have involved a fair deal of eating and drinking, as well they should. We all get together and have a grand ol' time, and the game is seldom important. The Super Bowl is like a holiday, and the day after should be a standard holiday as well cause that's a rough Monday. Anywho, us Chigago boys and gals will gather at a central locale, started at 751 Lancaster and has progressed all the way from Pats, Billy's old place, and finally the last few years at Teall and the current realm of Sir Shannon (that's right Bill, apparently you've been knighted, k-nig-hits!). I think, what a great time to showcase my hidden talent of making delicious feasts, I'll start prepping for chili. Then, are you ready for the....WOO..the hurricane, and Phelps comes swooping in with cheesy bacon biscuits, shrimp quesadillas, delicious raspberry torte thing with brie and no one is eating my tasty casey-dillas, cause we're too full on Phelpsy's spread. "But the chili is almost done, you have to let it simmer so it can truly mix togeth.....what?......Yeah, I can get you another beer Javen". Tremendous dang it!!!

Well not this year. There's going to be a few changes around here. Well that, and Chumps is out of town in Champlain, Illinois playing Doctor. Oohh, I'm Phelps, I'm in med school and on internships. Now's when I make my move. Phelps is still planning on joining us to watch his beloved Chump Eagles play in the Super Bowl, but he's going to be coming from Champlain and hence, there will be no time to produce delicious Phelps treats. Is our Super Bowl gathering lost?? How will we eat?? Order pizza, that'll take forever! Well, don't fret boys, the food that is overlooked via Chumps and his work is about to shine!!! I have taken the last few days and prepared a list of food that I need and shall start getting it done!!! An eclectic menu of delicious and cheese topped foods more exciting than a donkey chokin' on a waffle, definitely more exciting than Phelps baked products. After all of this rambling, I better not screw up. I can always just bring about 7 bags of nuggets and a chicken wing pizza.

**Key sidenote, Phelps really does make some great eats**

Thursday and Friday night I will finish preparing due to an immensely popular Toasted Saturday in which I have a rugby get together around 1pm and the SU v. Notre Dame game at 9pm. Our team is having a bowling tournament, to raise some money, see each other for a little bit, have some beers, have some more beers, and attempt to bowl, and then attempt to drive home. I have already asked a Toastedblog favorite Billy the potential favor of driving the Toast to the game. Hopefully I'll be able to control myself so he's not needed in that way and can focus on getting himself and Rage Kage around, but he said he would answer the call if needed. That's my Billy!!!

Finally, we have a quick update on the Toastedblog quest to regain musical edge. I made a mix cd at Chucks last week that was loaded with hits from the 80's and random light poppy music such as the Talking Heads, Liz Phair, Franz Ferdinand, Velvet Underground, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, David Bowie, and the Clash. That gets a Grade D- in edge, but Grade A in overall listen to ability. Following that mix, another was produced on Friday night with the help of Chuck's friend Goldie, Chuck himself, and alcohol. We got some rockin in there with the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Helmet, Chevelle, old school GNR, Rage, Audioslave, the Hives, Filter, and naturally some Pearl Jam, amongst others. We also have received a rather noble gift of a stack of Chuck's Mixes, Vol. 1 through....all of them I think. There literally is a stack of 50 mix cds that Chuck no longer has use for. I have brought a large portion to work and are currently sitting next to me. As we you are reading this, no wait, as I typed this listening to Shallow be thy Game by the Chili Peppers. Good times, good times. Also, Billy has made me a few "classy rap" mixes that I have listened to a little (I only got them last night). I only have a brief history with them but Bill, I think you hit the nail on the head. More information as it arrives.

I'm outie 5,000!!

Toastedblog. Mmm....Drink it in; It always goes down smooth.

BBBBBrrrrrrr.....Better put your booties on Toastedblog fans cause its c-c-c-cold outside. Which is why a lot of my time has been spent indoors of late in jammy jams and covered in warm blankies. You could say that would be pretty.....toastie. Aaaahhhhh!!!!! Good times, good times. Now, what would these days be like without the recent addition of Anchorman to my home lifestyle. I have basically watched this movie at least once a day since I have owned it, which it was purchased on Friday. There is a problem here, it is taking precious screening time away from another highly quoteable movie, a favorite amongst "the boys", Dodgeball. See, these are the problems that your high school teachers warned you about kiddies. Thank god college has prepared with techniques to tackle these real world issues. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I forgot what I was talking about at least half a paragraph ago.


Uh-oh...Whammy!

So what is today's theme. Is it Action? How about Drama?? I know, does our Toastedblog entry delve into the uninhibited sexual liaisons of Erotica. No, unfortunately we aren't going to discuss the finer points of "LogJammin".

Maude: "You can imagine where it goes from here."
Dude: "He fixes the cable??"

What we are going to hit up is a rather touchy topic with the Toastmaster General; the fact that he's lost his musical edge. Back in the day, you know, High School and College, I used to have an edge. I would listen to hard rock and that was pretty much it. True I had a love for classic rock that my Pa Toast ingrained in me during my youth while driving all across NY for hockey. I can still remember those 6am drives to Elmira listening to Jethro Tull at the age of 9 and this is coming from a man closely related to rock god Huey Lewis (go ahead, click on the bio). But, now I'm getting off topic. A few years ago there would have been no way that I would have Guster on my profile as one of my favorite bands, not that there is anything wrong with them, I obviously enjoy their stuff now. Basically, I would not enjoy wuss rock so much. There was a day that I had edge. I spent my time listening to bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, Chili Peppers, and Old Stone Temple Pilots (Not really Tiny Music although I would grow to appreciate later), to name a few. One summer, I think it was 1998, I saw Our Lady Peace six times, all in Central NY of course. Sure, back then they still had somewhat of an edge, before Gravity came out; which naturally I loved. If the Casey from then could only see the Toast now. Huh???? I have a cd player at my desk at work, and its loaded with the non-edgy. Nothing but Ryan Adams, Wilco, Keane, Live, Travis, and Ben Folds. Don't get me wrong, its all great music, otherwise I wouldn't be listening to it. But I need to start getting back my edge, at least musically. Thems were good times. And I still listen to some music that has some gumption to it, just not like a few years ago. A lot of this may have to do with the lack of good rock coming out these days, or decent rock radio stations in the area. I am convinced that Syracuse has the worst radio market in the entire country. Whatever the cause, something must be done.

Everyone's favorite Pisano, Charlie Coville, and myself joke about the fact that I don't listen to the same type of music all of the time as I used to and its time to do something about it. I have asked good friend, classicoverblog contributor, and just in general, loveable asshole, Bill Shannon to help me in this quest. But this is where it takes an odd turn. I am having him get me into rap music. Yeah, you read that correctly. Bill is a fan of what I like to call, decent rap, or rap I could listen to and enjoy. It is more musically complete than just listening to commercialized garbage like 50 cent, Eminem, and the recent award winners of we sold out to sell albums, the Black Eyed Peas. I want something that has substance. See the Roots, for an example. On Monday at the Change of Pace whilst enjoying a pitcher, delicious wingies, and an SU basketball comeback at the RAC, Bill and I got discussing music and I asked for his assistance. I will have Chuck help me with getting the rockin' back.

**Disclaimer: Conversation may have been doctored due to immense rambling at bar, this is just the jest of the chat**

Toast: "Bill, I hate music today, I need to find something new, that is actually worth listening to. Don't get me wrong, I have bands that I enjoy that have come out recently, but other than that and the musical staples that I live by, there is nothing else. "

Bill: "I know what you mean Toast. Its hard to find new music out there that's worth a damn. Even if you are super intelligent, can lift a Volkswagen clear over your head, are irresistible to woman, and smell of rich mahogany."

**femininas walk in and start giving us the big eye**

Toast: "Yes Bill, you are correct, I am all of those things, but that doesn't mean that I don't long for something different and astounding to listen to while I think of ways to help the less fortunate and work on my formula to prevent global warming."

Bill: "I got it!! I'll get you into rap!!"

Toast: " That's it, you get to working on some mix cd's, I'm going to see if I can get a hey from these femininas!!"

So, after all of that Billy is going to start introducing me to some classy rap and I will have something new to listen to. I still have my love with Rock though, I am not going to drop that. Like I mentioned, I will have Chuck get on his bike and help me get some new flavor there. Billy said he would as well. The whole idea is, not that I am bored with the music, I am just looking for a little variety where there previously was none. Well, that's it. My dilemma. However, something is being done about it. If any suggestions, feel free to drop a line. I'm out like kraut!!

By the way, I still love Pearl Jam. And Tool!!! See, I still have some edge!!!

Always give it your best; that's my motto! Well, that and everybody Wang Chung tonight

What a week Toastedblog faithful!! Let me tell you, when you go the last few years having a car at your every disposal you can get quite accustomed to it. It has been since Tuesday morning since I last drove a gas powered vehicle and I am pretty sure that if I ever get my Jeep back I will not have a single clue on how to use it. Since I brought it in to get my alignment adjusted I have gone from having the assumption that I will be without an automobile for a few hours to what is now three days. I went from spending around $100 for a simple alignment to a grand total of $1265 for a slightly used front wheel axle housing (For new parts, it was $3,000). Paying to get my car fixed, that doesn't bother me. These things happen. Its the being told by our mechanic here that it will be ready Thursday morning, getting a call around noon saying that it will definitely will be ready by four, once again receiving a call that it should be ready by Friday morning, and finally, we'll be done by the time you are out of work today, aka 5:00 pm. Whatever, its not worth getting frustrated over. It's just hard not to given my history of automobiles, most recently the toasted convertible mishap.

So it is currently 4:22 and I am not even close to getting this Toastedblog entry done. I started earlier in my day here at the office and surprisingly enough I found myself busy at work. Who knew?? I sure didn't and to make up for my lack of time management I am trying to ramble here about nothing to give this entry some adaquate length, but you and I both know that this is not going to happen. I can't even get into discussing this weekends plans for there is no time. What can I tell you about you wonderful toastedblog fans. Well, I had a delicious roast beef sandwich for lunch. Damn it!! That's the best I can come up with on short notice, a sandwich?? No clever joke?! No witty remark?! No mind boggling historical fact?! No riddle wrapped in an enigma?! No Shakespearean Sonnet?! That's it, I've got nothing. Have a good weekend, we'll chat later.

Daily Calvinisms

Dang it!! I'd hate to be that guy!!

I recently signed up on some comics a day website and we have our first entry. Not half bad Bill Watterson. I wish Calvin and Hobbes would come back. It'd be nice.....and hilarious!! More to come.

It's 4th and 15 and you're looking at a full court press!

Sigh....Eli???
Peyton does not know that playoff time is definitely BYOB, "Bring Your Own Boo-Yeah"!! But will Eli??

I just dang it-ed; tremendously!!!

Eight days and no Toastedblog!!??!? Y'all must be going nuts and judging from the amount of comments I get on these posts, you have........haven't??? Wait a minute??! Do you have any idea the amount of blood, sweat, tears, aneurysms, and nutter butters go into to each and every one of my fine Toastedblog musings?? And I can't get a fricken word out of you people?!! Oh well, I know I like 'em and so does the majority of my vast internet audience.

I just got a phone call from the place I took to get my alignment on my Jeep looked at after I kinda slipped on the ice and bumped into the curb and snowbank at about 20 mph. Well, apparently I broke my passenger side axle housing and from what I hear that is not good news so for the next few days I have a short Italian chauffeuring me around to and fro work in a Chevy Cavalier till Thursday afternoon. Fortunately for me it is going to cost about $1500. and anytime you get to spend that kind of money it has to equal good times. I will proceed to get hammered as soon as I get home. Good thing I have some Jack Daniels at home, I can do all this and be asleep by 9:00 pm if need be. This idea can't miss. GREAT, GRAND, WONDERFUL!!!

I was about to start a whole blog about my views on last weeks playoffs games and how all that I did all weekend was eat large quantities of meat and cheese and polish off quite a bit of beer but currently I do not feel like being creative or hilarious. Perhaps later in the week. I'll let you know how the Cavalier rides.

You know those Germans; if you don't join the party, they come get you!

Guten Tag der Toastedbloggen freundin. Ich habe gut Deutsch gelernt weil Ich Deutsch klasse im....dammit, I can't keep it up. Its been a while since I took German. Translation of above statement, Good day Toastedblog friends. I was about to say that I took it in high school and college but its fairly obvious that I can't recall all of that information right now. Had I not been at work the outcome may have been different. This place always seems to bring out the worst in me, mentally anyways. So, what's the deal with the German intro and title? Well, tribute to Badass, alter ego Matt Gang, and that's when the German comes in!! Its not really a tribute for him, but really a recap of a few days that happened to feature a going away gathering on Friday night for BA as he heads back to Ireland today. What the hell am I rambling about?? Stupid Mondays!!

In any event, we start by discussing the only real thing that had been going on with the Toast the last few days. On Friday I went with everyone's favorite little crapper Charlie Coville to meet up with a plethora of good people at Coleman's. The reason, well for Badass and Moe of course!! Looking back on the evening nothing too crazy really happened. Just having some drinks, sharing stories, going on and on for hours about absolutely nothing, drinking a lot of whiskey, yelling uncontrollably, not being able to drive home, passing out on your friend Kyle's couch. Really, your standard Friday night. OK, I don't usually hurt myself that bad but, it's a celebration bitches!! I like to refer to it as a night that got a little out of my control, fortunately I decided to be responsible enough to not drive, that and it was 5:30 am and I still was drinking. That might have had something to do with my decision making. Still, it was great to really hang out and get blitzed with Badass. I didn't really want to see him go back but what are you going to do. He assured me that he would return in 10 months so I got that going for me, which is nice. For you Toastedblog fans that haven't met him, you should really look into it. Good times, good times. We discussed briefly about myself taking a trip out to Ireland for a visit to the land of Toastie heritage and to hang out with BA. More on this as information arrives.

Nothing starts your day off like stumbling off your friends couch with your breath reeking of Bushmill (I ain't drinkin' your Protty whiskey!!!), enduring the arctic conditions of the outdoors, and receiving a telephone call as you clean the snow off of your car which has been parked at the bar overnight. I think it is a given that if your day begins like that it isn't going to be "spectacular". Key sidenote, exclamation above in parenthesis only works when you use an Irish accent. I drive home and take a good long nap to prepare for a Saturday night loaded with football. That phone call I got while cleaning of my Jeep, none other than Army Matt and he is having a get together at his place for the playoffs so I drove over at about 5:30 looking for a comfy chair and delicious pulled pork for I am still not quite over my Friday. However, after my first beer things are looking up for the Toast and we're feeling all sorts of fine (Lookin' fine too....dang!). He and his girlfriend Shannon have some good people showing up to watch some football including a few boys from the rugby team so the games are littered with good conversation as jokes are told and rugby weekends and practices are re-lived through story after embarrassing and hilarious story. The following may not be funny to y'all but Army Matt, myself, and fellow rugby teammate and Buffalo native "McCracken" were rolling as it was brought up. We travel back in time a few months to October 31st, the day of our division championship game against Rochester. They had this scrumhalf (guy kicking the ball with grey scrumcap on) who with his huge nose was delegated the nickname "Rooster". By the way, look in the background on right side of that picture, who's wearing short shorts, high socks, and standing next to Army Matt? Well, we would heckle the hell out of "Rooster" every time he touched the ball, partially for reasons that he was a punk, the others had to do with him kicking the ball anytime anyone got close to tackling him and us drinking. Army Matt would try to district his kick offs and penalty kicks with an on target Steve Perry impression singing "Oh Sherry". You should here him hit the highs. Various comments were made about his sister, rooster crows, and lets not forget the trademark yelling of Noonan before every kick (Noonan, Mmmiss it, Noonan). Kinda had to be there but nevertheless, good times. Well, we wrap up Saturday with a stop at the Blarney on the way home and not resisting a 2 am viewing of "Boyz in the Hood" as I turned on the TV when I got home. Ah, the finer acting days of Cuba Gooding Jr., before he got crazy annoying and his agent hooked him up with scripts to "Snow Dogs" and "Boat Trip".

So, that's about it. Sunday was all football and jammies. And last week, well last week was just crazy. Rugby practices have started up again, basketball games Change O' Pacers style, a hockey game on Thursday night that featured our team only showing up with 7 guys, including the goalie, so the Toast was on the ice for the entire game, aside for a two minute penalty and about 2 minutes of rest time with our lone sub. My legs still are sore. We lost 8-3 to a bunch of chumps who out manned us 3 to 1. Had we been with our full roster, they would have been no problem. At one point the puck had deflected off a body in the neutral zone and I flew on it, only to have one of the referees skate directly in my path. So I did the only thing I could do in the situation, I lowered my shoulder and sent him flying. He bounced on the ice and took out one of the opposing teams defensemen to boot. This action instigated a lengthy argument between me and said referee for the remainder of my shift out there. As play continued he threatened me with tossing me out of the game for actions like that. I responded by saying that he should be out reffing girls youth hockey and he was lucky he still wasn't down on the ice. He told me to watch my mouth and next time anything happened I was gone. As I skated away I yelled next time I'm going in with my elbows high. The whole exchange reminded me of the way I played in High School and College. I wasn't a goon or anything, but I could hit and play mean; which is surprising when you look at my demeanor off the ice. I am very likeable. But when I play sports, I turn it up a notch. In fact, I lead my high school league in penalty minutes two years in a row. How's that for the Toast my fans know as "I'm getting upset." Makes you wonder huh.

Ok, I have gone on enough about random things and it is 11:11 am here at work. I really need to get some work done. Speaking of work, have I mentioned that I am beginning to get frustrated and unhappy at my current place of employment. Grad School news in the future?? I certainly hope so for I can't keep this up here. Its killing me!!! All right, Toast out for now!! Take care.

I call it Friday Night Sissy Fights!

Happy New Year Toastedblog faithful!! So, you may be asking; Toast, how was your New Year's?? Well, the title serves as a lead in to last Friday's events. OK, let me explain. The Toast has not turned the gay (not that there is anything wrong with it) so don't get started thinking about that. He still likes the ladies!! And I didn't get in a fight with a gay man, or a woman for that matter. The title is full of symbolism for my evening, a metaphor if you will. It is supposed to describe my impending battle to control myself with an endless supply of liquor at arm's reach. I'm just kidding. But seriously, that really happened. All right, time for the show. Enjoy the show....enjoy the show.

So, New Year's Eve involved performing a tremendous feat of strength, but would the Toast be up for it. I went to Coleman's where they had a special for New Year's customers; purchase a bracelet for $45, get all you can drink beer, mixed drinks, all the good stuff; plus some apps. Since I decided to take them up on this offer, it was my goal to get my money's worth of booze while remaining semi coherent and generally likeable to be around. How could I control myself with all of this temptation at my finger tips? Why, I know, lets order white russians, Jack and cokes, and Long Island iced teas all night. Better yet, every time you order one for yourself, you better get a beer to go along with it. It only seems right and in a sense, you are cutting down on wait time for your next round, because you already have it. Believe it or not this plan did not go as originally intended. Did I get my money's worth of booze?? You better believe it. As a matter of fact, everyone I ran into at least got one free drink from me, if not more. Did I remain semi coherent?? I prefer not to answer that one right now. Was I generally likeable to be around? Hell yes!! Everyone loves the drunk Toast. Especially when it is the drunk Toast who dances with random people for no reason whatsoever, yells real loud, shows even more Reverse Dang It goofiness than can be imagined, and is visibly struggling to put sentences together. It had been a long time since I had been out and primarily drank liquor. I was absolutely hammered so my valiant effort to not to get uber-bombed failed miserably. I shouldn't say that because the ultimate outcome was pretty good, and I did get to spend the following day lying around in jammy jams watching movies and eating spaghetti-O's. Always the ones with hotdogs, always!! That is unless they are knights and castles shaped, then meatballs are acceptable. I certainly hope Franco-American relations never break down for the chance of having Spaghetti-O's discontinued strikes fear in the very heart of me. What am I talking about?? Dang It!!

The weekend was not crazy at all, not too much happened. Aside from New Years, a Saturday filled with movies, video games, college football and a hungover Toast. On Sunday I slept in mucho time-o and found myself being woken up to the wonderful sounds of Careless Whisper, or in other words, my cell phone was ringing. Good friend, fellow poor free throw shooter, rugby buddy, and Steeler fan Army Matt gave me a call to stop on by for some beers and football watching. At this point I had just woke up, it is currently 12:42 pm. I never sleep that late. Anywho, I head over to Matt's with a 12 pack of Blue where he throws out a delightful Phelps-esque spread of food for his guests. We're talkin' pulled pork that he smoked himself, spinach and artichoke dip, and homemade chicken wings (buffalo and some garlic italian dressing Concoction). All of which proved to be pretty tasty. What proved to be no dice was the Toast supported Bills losing to a Second string led Steeler squad. After a few hours of eating and drinking I decide to head home for I am en route to meet up with some work people at the Blarney Stone for some time out due to a no work Monday for the Toast. This proves to be rather interesting for only one person showed up besides myself, that being Rachael, one of the ladies who is around my age in my office. (my office is predominately female, half around my age, other half got Toast beat) I have yet to find out if this was just some womanly work to get us "hooked up" or if the others just couldn't make it as they say. Not that I know why they would do that, I just have had this suspicion that something was up. Besides, there is nothing there so why am I rambling on about this. Anyway, I sit and have a few drinks, B-Rad (is he still dating Wreckin' Ball) shows up about a half hour after I do and joins me while we watch the mighty Eli Manning take on the Ageless Vinny Testaverde. Eli looked good. He looked Toast good, and we all know that's some good ass shit!! True, the Giants lost 8 out of their last 9 but Eli is at least making strides in showing some improvement and learning the NFL game. Because of this I am getting more and more amped for next season because I think he is going to be a heck of a quarterback. B-Rad would say otherwise, but what does he know about Eli. He's wrong I tell you. However we can put that on hold for now for this is playoff time. You know what that means. More on this to come in the following paragraph.

Playoffs??!! That's right baby, and do you know what I propose??? Get your asses to the humble abode of the Toast!! Or, we may just have to go to Billy's. Basically, we all need to find a place to camp out for the majority of the day, while drinking and eating. I feel that some of the Toast's tremendously tasty chili (call it Triple T if you want) may have to make an appearance. Is Phelps back; cheesy bacon biscuits? Casey-dillas?? Willie Moe has informed me that he currently owns a quesadilla maker. We only have a half a week to get moving on this. They may not live up to the original greatest weekend ever, but we can do some damage I think. Four words, return of the kegorator!! Think about it.

What else up Toastedblog audience??? I'm not too sure. Been kinda laid back of late. As some of you may know Christmas has made it difficult for the Toast to spend money so maybe that has something to do with little activity. Tonight I get to go to Manley Field House for another one of those lovable off season rugby workouts. A lot of crazy running, no thank you. Meeting team Bo-Hall for a few beers, a roast beef sandwich, and some awesome trivia, Yes Please!! Don't worry my fellow teammates, this is the only week in which rugby falls on a Wednesday for next week and there after my Toasted Mondays will be spent running. So I apologize for any inconvenience Team Bo Hall.

Guess what, I have a hockey game tomorrow too. Been looking forward to this for over a week for there were no games last week. BLAST!! We lost our last game 5-3 and from what I've seen we aren't too bad, but there is the occasional kid who won't pass the puck, constantly shoot even though his shot is awful, and stays out for 5 minute shifts while the rest of us are out there 45 seconds; but what are you going to do. Hopefully the Underdogs can do something tomorrow night because I am getting a little bit upset!!! I know Billy will like that.

Everything's just Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Marie.

Mashed potatoes and gravy. That's how this past Christmas went, just mashed potatoes and gravy; that is, other than the classic Christmas over-spend. Oh well, tis the season to be merry. "Well that's my name!" "No shit." Sorry, got all Chevy Chase there for a moment. This blog is starting off great, not only have I mentioned potatoes like crazy, I am also writing as if I have never communicated with a mass internet audience before; and we all know that's not true. Hell, these past few months I've come to see some of the finest Toastedblogs known to man. We all remember the one where I blasted Chumps! How about this classic, even ripping off the title from a line in Star Wars, and without his advice, would the Pacers be 2-1 in our last three games. More on this in a moment.

So, where was I?? Oh yeah!! Christmas. Well, everything certainly went well. As previously mentioned, I spent a bit of money and I find myself forced to live on $80 till next Friday. Yep, its going to be tight, especially with New Years coming up. Looks like I'm going to have to do a bit of pregaming before I go out that night. Or, just line my pockets with cans of Blatz. Anywho, so Christmas. It was nice to see Cory, his girlfriend Josalyn, my sister Katie, and her beloved chocolate lab Camy as they all came from Michigan for the holiday. I took full advantage of my having Friday off and completed my Christmas shopping, only stopping to have dinner with my father at the Spaghetti Warehouse while awaiting Cregg family arrival on Christmas Day due to having to work on Christmas Eve like a bunch of suckers. For those of you keeping score at home I had the chicken marsala, with merlot. That's wine!! I'm 5'11"!! Hee hee hee.

Moving on, Saturday was spent at home as Extended Cregg Family Christmas was held on Sunday. I did pretty well gift wise with my father, brother, and sister knowing what Toasts like. I got a few gift cards for the most fanciest of clothing retailers, Ren and Stimpy box set DVD, the extended version of Return of the King (which I cannot wait to watch), a sweater, a few dress shirts for the 9-5 businessman Toast and a hooded sweatshirt from the bar that my brother tends out in Michigan. Saturday was also the time to eat the first of what would be two consecutive turkey dinners which promptly knocked me out. Eating normal meals, no thank you; more wine and heavy gravy, Yes Please!! Afterwards I meet Mags for a few beers at the Blarney and the patented gift exchange. Hey, how bout that, I got America the Book, Singing for Dummies (the Toast cannot sing so well, you all know this), and an Atari Joystick that I plug into the T.V. to play a numbered selection of games, ranging from Pong to Asteroids all the way to Breakout and Centipede . Yay!!!! Quick side note, it took me over an hour to find my phillips head screwdriver just so I could play it. Tremendous dang it right there. Somehow, Toastedblog audience is not surprised by this. Damn you Phillips head!!! Sunday finds the Toast driving to Uncle Martin's house in Skaneateles for dinner and family time. Uncle Marty is very well to do, President of Chase Design and of the Skaneateles Polo Club, and dinner was held at his newly constructed superhome so it made for interesting conversation betwixt family members. I just sat with my Grandfather, Uncle Bob, Uncle Joe, and cousin Kerry and watched the Giants blow a fourth quarter lead to the Bengals. I conveniently stationed myself near the cheese and cracker tray and the shrimp cocktail. Good times, good times. Plus I had beer!!!

Now, for what really got my motor running over the weekend. Sunday night brought out the boys for an evening at the Change of Pace, complete with door prizes (I got an Old Style Coat with the name "Margie" inscribed on the chest that is a few sizes too small so it makes for the highest in high comedy), classic over-door prize with wings from Duffs, three point stances, bartenders getting angry at the Toast for trying to take Jitter out (just like I would have if Chumps were there and we did Oklahoma drills), fine holiday spirit, Jagermeister, surprise visit from MacGuyver Chuck and Leslie, bonus surprise visit from Chester and Jaime, super bonus surprise visit from Team Bo Hall Jaime, and everyone's favorite, Drunken Toastie. Needless to say it was a Festivus Miracle that got Uncle Jitter, Javen, and TT in town for the evening, but it was great to spend the holidays with some really great people, hang out and have a few beers, even if it was for just a little while. I hope you all liked your door prizes. Danny, we'll get you and Phelps soon. Especially Chumps!!

We interrupt this Toastedblog entry to bring you some late breaking footage. Syracuse University Head Football Coach Paul Pasqualoni has just been let go. Finally after over a decade of slowly, then rapidly driving the football program into the ground, something has been done. However, it will be difficult to replicate the success they had with such stars as Troy Nunes, R.J. Anderson, and Madei Williams (please note sarcasm, the statement depends on it). Oh....Toastie gettin' very upset.

Finally, here's some news that you've been waiting all day for. The Change O' Pacers are on a roll of late playing awfully well. We defeated a bunch of no talent hacks from the bar Chadwicks; a Steelers and Yankees bar here in Syracuse. Throw in the Bulls and you can't get any more bandwagon than that. Chadwicks is a team full of pricks and wigger punks who think they're shit don't stink and try to be flashy. Instead, they are just a few chubby assholes, one nice tall dude, and some shaved head piece of shit with a chinstrap beard that has tried messin' with the Toast on two separate occasions, only to get his comeuppance. What you trying to do esse', don't you know I'm loco!?!? Last time we played, Toolbox here stopped right in front of me at the foul line as I was running full speed just to block me from pursuing his teammate thus allowing him to dunk on an undefended net as time expired. This was while they were winning by 25 or so. Last night Toolbox tried something cheap again and the Toast, remembering who he was, wasn't going to let it slide. While trying to gain position on me for a rebound he tried to hook one of his arms under mine while getting low and trying to drive me away from the basket as he pushed up into me, almost like jumping out of a squat thrust right into my torso. Well, I know my limits when it comes to taking cheap shots, any of you who have really seen me play hockey or rugby know this for sure. My limit is, you have one that you can get away with, after that, it's your ass. So, as Toolbox was trying something he was sure was cheap and would work, I hooked my right arm around his at the elbow, threw my hip around low while I swung my right arm across my body, propelling him over my hip and dropping hard on this back and side. Dang it indeed! To get to the game, Willie Moe was shooting lights out, dropping about 27 points. Dino, our point guard who works with my father scored 23 points as they were both shooting rather well from beyond the three point line. My father added some key rebounds and Jaime Young, a kid with whom I went to College with and I recently ran into again, scored about 5 pts and also helped with some big boards as our inside presence. Billy came out with a Josh Pace type of game scoring 8 pts and having some nice passes and good work inside near the basket. Now we come to the player who has captured all of your hearts with his electrifying play and poor free throw shooting, that's right, the Toast chipped in on the offensive side as well missing his three shots that were taken. I did find myself at the free throw line for a few shots, going 1-4 down the stretch and icing the game for the Pacers with 14 seconds left not to mention a bunch of nice steals and rebounds. Final score, 63-58. Jitter, you win a chicken wing pizza for the Toast hitting one free throw. See Willie Moe Pena to collect your prize. Good times, good times.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

I just wanted to take a minute out of my extremely busy work schedule (I just got done writing an email to Little Crapper Charlie Coville) and send out a nice Merry Christmas to all of my beloved toastedblog fans. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy time spent with your families, eat a lot of food, watch some quality T.V., push around any chumps that you may encounter, build a raft that is sea worthy, launch kittens with a water balloon sling shot, and most importantly spoil your friend Toastie with tons of door prizes and shower him with spectacular gifts. Don't worry, I won't mind.

To all you boys zooming into town for a classic over-wing night at the Change of Pace, be safe driving here because not one of you will leave alive. So, in closing Merry Christmas: Big Baby Jitters, Jables and TT, Willie Moe and lady friend Jaime, Billy Shannon and Rage Cage, Danny Banazek, Charlie Coville and Yankee Fan Mary (don't forget to say hi to the Prep and Hot Ta-Molly), Chukes and Timmy, Mags (didn't think I was going to leave you out), Chump Phelps, Bo Hall Jaime and 15, Beach Justice, MacGuyver Chuck, Badass and Brownie Moe, my family (I guess), Funford, Army Matt and Shannon, Kenners, Calhoun, TW, Casey-dilla making Ma Jitters and Bill Jitters, Princess Daley, wife Amy, and Little Nick Daley, the Change of Pace, Blarney Stone Rachel, Wreckin Ball and B-Rad, the Treadwells and J. ( I hope you're doing well), Tucker and Reyn, Kyle, rugby boys, Miss Tami Zimmerman, K- Dog Davis, and everyone else that I know!! Even some that I don't. Have a wonderful and safe holiday and the Toast will see you soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Oh my god....Its Everywhere....It's even in my Raccoon Wounds!!

Today's Toastedblog title comes straight to us from Army Matt, one of the guys on my rugby team. (the guy in yellow jersey putting the headlock on, over the top a tackled Toast) You see, Matt went down with me to Giants Stadium on Saturday to watch the Giants take on the Steelers. A rather large American from just outside Harrisburg, PA, Army Matt grew up a Steelers fan, so there was definitely a lot to discuss on our way down to the Meadowlands in New Jersey; including Family Guy quotes. (See Toastedblog Title) You Change O' Pacers know Matt as one of our "Big Men" inside. Anywho, we went down early on Saturday morning to see what Eli had to offer. Army Matt was decked to the nines in Steeler garb. The Toast, you knew what he had up his sleeve, SHOCK-EY!!! I got to see him catch a touchdown live. That's livin' right there my friends. L-I-V-I-N! For a good portion of the afternoon it looked like the Giants had a good shot of winning. Giants, beating the 11-1 Steelers. What?? I started to get a drunken chant going to rattle the young Steelers quarterback: "HEY STEELERS, HOW'S YOUR BURGER??!! (Chant deliberately taken from line in Dumb and Dumber) Apparently their burger was damn tasty because he threw for 316 yards and Antwon Randle El apparently cannot be covered, at all. But what was more important, the future of the Giants franchise looked like a NFL equivalent quarterback, he didn't look shell shocked out there. Manning was making reads, making good throws, running when he needed, and managing the game quite well. For a while, he had a 137 quarterback rating as he was 12 of 16 for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns. He ended up throwing for 187, 2 touchdowns, and a pick that wasn't his fault as Toomer's feet got caught up with the cornerback and he fell, giving the defense an unchallenged interception (an inner for you Pats Pub fans). Hopefully this was the game where the NFL started to make sense to him. I must say, at first, the Giants decision to not sign Kerry Collins to a new deal and instead draft Eli Manning did not make for a lovable Toast. I anything, I resented the fact that the Giants got rid of a quarterback with so much to offer in the unintentional comedy scale. I mean, Kerry was a alcoholic racist at one time in his career, an alcoholic racist that fumbles the ball a lot. How do you throw that away? But Eli has grown on my more and more as the season has gone on and I found myself really pulling for him the last few weeks. Now, I consider myself a real supporter of young Eli. Is there room in the closet for another jersey, besides Shockey and the piece de' resistance, a disfigured Charlie Batch jersey. I think that there might be. Now Eli just needs a chant for Giants fans to get into, just like Shockey has. SHOCK-EY!!!! Shockey indeed. Even though the Giants lost, the game was awful enjoyable. I had the ultimate goal of trying to head out to Schenectady to see Tommy O'Connor and Reyn who were visiting Javen for his birthday from Boston and let me tell you it would have been great to get out there. But I was wiped after the early morning drive down to NYC, then enjoying the game the only way I know how, with plenty a beers. Top that afternoon off with leaving the stadium at 6pm and not getting home till 10pm, it just wasn't going to work. I instead spent the evening watching Lord of the Rings, the Return of the King, eating a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, and enjoying more than my fair share of sodas. Throw in a viewing of Dodgeball afterwards and I was up until 4am watching movies. I haven't had a Saturday night like that since High School. Alchohol has been a major influence on my weekends since then.

The Toast followed Saturday up with what had to be one of the more fun nights I have had in recent memory. On Sunday I headed over to the Change of Pace to meet up with Billy, Chumps, and Rage Kage for some friendly banter and chicken wings while full on enjoying the Indianapolis v. Baltimore game. However, this trip to one of the greatest places on earth came complete with a rendezvous with Big Marky Badass and his brother Streamlined Badass. (You can call him Drew if you like, Streamlined Badass is a more rugged and handsome version of BA) We spent the rest of the evening reliving stories from random adventures, talking about what we do now, Europe craziness, and beautiful drunk talk. He is going to be in Syracuse for a few weeks so there will be some updates on what the haps are. For example, we have been informed that Moe and Mags may be planning a night out with us where the four of us go to dinner, the ladies can discuss womanly things while Badass and I will go through a good amount of drinks and talk finance, or something else that sophisticated men discuss, like routes to the office. We definitely won't bring up Gary Busey film festivals, goofy humor with LeMoyne Physical Plant Employers, poop stories, or nights on Lancaster Ave. By the way, he remembers the night that Javen, Willie Moe and myself performed a drunken rendition of "House on Pooh Corner" and drove away party guests, just in case anyone was wondering. Good times, good times.

What else has been going on, I forgot that it has almost been a week since I helped you out toastedblog fans. Well, for starters, Team Bo Hall has been on a tear lately with another first place finish for Clarkes Trivia, and we did this one without the Prime Supporter of all sports, no matter which ones they may be, wicked awesome teammate Jaime. Despite our best efforts to not do well, we lucked into victory. Oh, and go back one day to last Tuesday, the Change O' Pacers are in the win column. The Toast erupted for 18 points. They call me layup cause the kid's automatic, if automatic means you miss a good portion of makeable shots. Jitter would have been proud of the Pacers on that day my toastedblog pals. You should heve seen me running the court buddy, hair flowing complete with headband and high socks, smiling big and talking smack. With your help, they can only hope to contain me.

Now, to confuse my audience a little more, we go to Thursday night where the Toast plays in his first hockey game of the season. My team, we're not great and I found out the we are called the Underdogs. Well, we didn't play like it on Thursday holding the lead for the majority of the game, only to lose 7-5 to what I hear was supposed to be the best team in the league. I wasn't that impressed with them. Well, Toast didn't do too poorly scoring a goal and setting up another, but I found that for most the of the game I was trying to regain my skating legs as well as my stickhandling skills seeing as this was my first game since last March. I have another game tomorrow and I follow that up with one next Tuesday as well. I figure by then I will have a good idea of what I am doing out there again and will be able to wow my teammates by showing them how Toast's play. Good news is that I didn't not get a penalty for really putting a shoulder into some guy and taking him out. Maybe they are being more lenient on allowing checking. That makes me happy, cause the Toast doesn't believe in poke checking. What also puts a little hop in my step is that my brother will be in town that week and he is bringing his goalie equipment with him so he can skate with my team next Tuesday. All are invited to see two Cregg's tackle the 19 and over Men's hockey league in Cicero. Refreshments shall be provided as this rink comes complete with a bar, who gives us free pitchers following our games. YES!!! Game 2 is tomorrow night.

Time to get out your Checkbook and Pay Grandma for the Rubdown!!

How you feelin' Toastedblog fans??!! We're all fired up here and nothing's gonna stop us now!! Why are things so kick ass and awesome, especially seeing as how I am currently at work?? Three words combined into one, a menage a trois of hot bloggin' (Usually you gotta pay extra for that kind of action), or ClassicOverblog. Billy, you have certainly outdone yourself. That is all I will give Toasted fans on that subject, not sure if I can talk more about it yet. Damn, its wiped me out already and I've known about it for only a few hours.

But I'm still fired up, and for more reasons than some simple Shannon creation. The countdown has begun and its T minus......uh......ten days.....no......well, I'm not really sure of the T minus thing but our Uncle Jitter plans to be joining all of his favorite almost kin for a couple of days of classic over-grease, classic over-strohs, and classic under-dang its as he returns to the States come Christmas time. Not sure entirely when we shall be getting together and for how long but a short rendezvous in Buffalo is currently in the works (bars are open till 4 am) and how could we miss what should be our annual COP Christmas Party. Chicken wings, door prizes, You Feelin' Me varsity jackets, cheap beers, ineveitable bloating, possible vomiting, Scooter sightings, and some truly great and burly friends, now that's a real Festivus Miracle. I am so excited that I can barely contain myself. Currently, I am in the works to get the Monday following Christmas off to fully enjoy the holiday season and the only way I know how to really celebrate this includes a spirited bout with everyone's favorite game, Pizza Box. So, lets face it, I'm going to need a day off to regain my strength.

In other news, that same week we have Jitter coming to America (Let's hear it for my band, Sexual Chocolate; ain't they so fine?), the Toast could also see some classic over-Cregg's. Word on the proverbial street is that big sister Katie (with bonus Camy footage) is heading to NY for a week plus stay and younger, but much larger brother Cory may also be on his way as well. Another Festivus Miracle!!! You know what that means; Drunken Cregg Snow Wrestling. This time I will pay attention to Jitter for the potential tag. What we need know is Javen to don a jacket with a rhinestone keyboard on the shoulders so he can play "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart; Will, you can be Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake. Billy, I see you as the Tatanka.

The Change O' Pacers have a huge matchup against a team of firefighters tonight. I have asked a friend of mine from college to join in on the fun and hopefully with his 6'5" frame we'll be able to have an inside presence and I can stop getting dunked on. True I'm only 5'11" and I'm awful fierce but the Toast can't stop dudes with 7 inches of height on him. I follow up tonight's basketball game with a hockey game at 10 pm. I am going to be wiped out, and I was sick all weekend. Don't worry Toastedblog fans, I'll let you know how they turned out.