I'm Pretty Famous Now

Just got back from the Oilers game here in Boston (we couldn't even score a goal but I'll talk about that later) and saw this photo of Chuck and I not only on the Oilers website, but on NHL.com as well! If only we could get some goals for looking good! :P

David Letterman Loves Me

So today at work, Mr. David Letterman himself called me up and said how he heard I was going to be in town again next week, and wanted to know if I wanted a couple of tickets to his show on Wednesday. Since the two of us go way back (I've been fortunate enough to see his show every other time I've visited the city) I told him I'd love to catch up.

Well needless to say he was excited at the prospect of another great Dave-Ryan hangout (which normally includes a slice at Ray's and a trip down to Chinatown to haggle on some knockoff sunglasses). He told me about all the new stuff he had collected to test out in our annual "Will-It-Float" mega game at the reservoir in Central Park, and I snuck in a mention about the new monologue jokes I was bringing him. I was pretty pumped too, until I realized that creepy Paul Shaffer might try to tag along again...

(Editor's note: the majority of this Blog was made up to add excitement to my story; I AM going to the Late Show again though!)

Get out of my way, Schmohawk!

As anyone who really knows me knows, I'm a huge Seinfeld fan. Of course that means that I also love Curb Your Enthusiasm, and so when I finally got the chance to catch up on the new season last night, I was in heaven. Three new episodes, with the promise that the entire Seinfeld cast was coming back to reunite? WOW. But even I got a bit confused in how things all played out.

Why was I so confused? Well maybe it was because I was watching the real life Larry David playing the character of Larry David pitching a story idea for a fake Seinfeld reunion TV show (which of course is based on the real Seinfeld show that the real Larry David once pitched) to the character of Jason Alexander, played by the real Jason Alexander who of course played the Seinfeld-version of George Costanza who was based on the real Larry David in the first place.

Mind. Blown.

And that's not even getting into the story details regarding the character of George fighting to get his fictional ex-wife back as a cover for the character of Larry David getting HIS fake ex-wife back on the show...which is a storyline that is based on the real Larry David's divorce.

Still, it was an amazing episode if you can put all of that aside and just enjoy it for what it is: a great parody on the reasons why "these reunion shows never work out." I can't wait to see happens next! That Meg Ryan better not ruin everything... >:(

The Claw...it moves!

I'm a big fan of Pixar in general, but I'm pretty sure they peaked back in 1995 when they made Toy Story. That's not to say that everything that has followed hasn't been remarkable in it's own right, (Wall-E was nothing short of amazing) however I am of the personal opinion that the antics of Woody and Buzz are the best thing the studio has ever produced. That being said, when I heard that Toy Story would be returning to theatres this weekend, this time as a double feature with it's sequel....AND in 3D...I was very excited! It's hard to believe that it's been 14 years since I saw this on the big screen the first time; what wasn't hard to believe was that I could still recite the entire thing from memory! If you are lucky like me, and have been able to hold onto some small part of your childhood over the years, I highly suggest you head out to your local theatre to catch this double feature before it disappears again next week. Even if it's just for the novelty of seeing a double feature again; something my mom and I used to do on a regular basis every summer break away from school! Go ahead, I'll be waiting here when you get back...

Codename's Consumer Criticisms

I feel it is my duty as a full-time consumer to every now and then post my thoughts on new products I find on the market, in an effort to help others weed out the plethora of junk that is available to them. Really, I got this idea at Sobey's today when I saw this:

This is Jones Soda Company's new "Jones Jumble Mixed Flavor Soda". First off I should note that I may be slightly biased towards this company as they were the first to ever publish one of my photographs on their label. (probably 7 years ago now)

The label is extremely eye-catching, and with the added "Limited Edition Bottle 3/3" on the side, this bottle entices the inner-collector in me. So far so good...

Huh...

...that isn't all that bad, shockingly! First whiffs put off a mild grape-soda scent, but with a hint of blueberry thrown in for good measure. I'm not quite sure how to describe the taste beyond saying it "tastes like childhood" - instantly, it conjures up latent memories of a younger Ryan playing bartender with my friend and mixing every pop we had together in one glass. Except this is actually good! You can definitely taste the inclusion of Cream Soda and FuFu Berry flavours, but for the most part it all just blends together to create an all new taste experience. Now I'm not much of a soda drinker anymore, but if I were this one would definitely find a permanent spot in my fridge!

PS - If I'm going to do more of these Criticisms I'm going to need a rating system (like two thumbs up, or 5 stars, etc.) Any ideas?

The Dentist Conspiracy!!

Today I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, and I just knew I would be disappointed at the end. You see, back in the days of my youth I bought anything and everything that was Root Beer flavoured and my trips to the dentist were no exception. When the inevitable question was asked, "what flavour of fluoride would you like" the only obvious answer was "Root Beer Float". This was my go to flavour for years and years, until one day the hygienist told me they didn't carry it anymore.

"What do you mean, you don't carry it anymore? Why wouldn't you carry The Best flavour?!?"

"I don't know son, how would you like bubblegum? Kids love bubblegum!"

"Psh, bubblegum... if I wanted that flavour I'd have some gum or something..."

"...what was that?"

"Hhhhhhh....nothing...."

Years and years went by, and my love affair for all things Root Beer slowly dwindled away...seemingly brought about by my disappointment in the dental chair that day.

So anyways, flash forward to today and that inevitable question arrises again. I told her, "I know there is no way I'm going to get the flavour I want, but I'll ask for it again anyways. Root Beer, please."

"Root Beer fluoride?? I've been a dental hygienist for 30 years and I've never heard of that."

Had I stumbled upon some strange, unintelligible dental conspiracy? Has the Canadian Dental Association buried this "flavour from the Gods" so deep that the mere mention of it now is met with a blank stare from even the most experienced of Dental professionals? If anyone out there has any information, please let me know!!

PS - I could totally smell Starbucks while she was cleaning my teeth, haha!

Summer of Concerts, Continued

Well this one was certainly easier on my budget! Last Friday Cecilia and I saw Bryan Adams play a special show at Telus Field in Edmonton. He was brought here to ceremonially open the next Oilers season, and as a season ticket holder I got our floor tickets for free! Since I've already seen Nickelback, The Tragically Hip and Shania Twain, now all that's left on my "Best Canadian Bands" list, is Celine Dion! :P

They're Back!

Okay okay, so it's not the best specialty flavour at Starbucks, but it is the first of many that come out in the Fall/Winter and that is awesome because they are all rockin'! I stopped off at the nearest SB's today at break and was delighted to see the new posters advertising the Pumpkin Spice Latte, so I ordered my first pumpkin of the season - the girl even announced to the rest of the store that I was the first to order it, haha!

PS - The best specialty flavour is obviously the uber-rare Shortbread Latte which I have only ever found twice. (Second place goes to the Peppermint Twist Latte, naturally.)

My Favorite Song This Minute...

...is Fireflies by the band Owl City; if only the local radio station would play it more often! Anyways, I think you should check it out.

Where can I buy tickets?

Cause I want to see this guy perform live!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FA5DkFUSxk