When we last visited the world of ForchMan, we explored the Origin of our hero. This installment, we are going to explore the Origin of our villain.
General Harland Sanders Mills, Jr. was born into a military family. His father being a WWII Army Staff Sergeant. His mother as well being a military nurse. Mills was raised with his three older brothers in a strict setting. His father rarely showing any emotion, because he was a tough as nails man.
Harland was very close to his mother, more so than his brothers, and his father mistook that for being soft. His father became increasingly verbal to his son, and in turn, his mother became increasingly defensive. The conflict finally came to a head on his 12th birthday, as Harland watched, as his father murdered his mother before his eyes, as they fought over the way that she coddled him.
Harland's father was sent to a military prison to serve a life sentence for Murder one.
Harland and his three brothers were then sent to foster families to live. Harland was bounced from family to family because he was becoming very difficult to deal with. Having watched his father murder his mother, he became somewhat unhinged. He excelled at his schooling, and was accepted to West Point on a military scholarship.
He then went on to graduate with honors, leaving West Point with a 4.0 GPA and holding a rank of Private First Class.
He quickly went through the ranks of the military, going on to serve in Vietnam, receiving numerous commendations and awards for his bravery and courage under fire. But what the military did not know, was that slowly, he was becoming more and more unhinged during his tour.
Mills, on numerous occasions, would kill innocent people in order to get to the enemy. Feeling no remorse, he would start killing people without any inner monologue telling him that what he was doing was not right.
At the conclusion of the Vietnam war, Mills was promoted to the rank of Captain, serving as one of the most feared and respected commanders in the U.S. Army. He was widely known as one of the toughest men, and was known to demand more from those under him than any man in the entire U.S. military.
Slowly, Mills became more and more mad, and ultimately lost it, after visiting his father in Military prison. His father, having spent years in jail, had become a model prisoner, and respected by his fellow inmates, but when his son came to visit him, Mills just snapped and killed his father, tricking everyone into thinking that his father attacked him, so that it didn't look like Murder.
Mills had officially lost it, but covered it well, as to not appear like he was anything other than a tough-as-nails Army captain. Behind the scenes, he started to amass a large fortune by using mercenaries, and the like to stage crimes to cement his personal fortune and satiate his lust for power.
As the 1990's approached, Mills was a 5-star general, orchestrating the initial attacks during Operation: Desert Storm. But was finally discovered for who he truly was, when he laid waste to a small Iraqi village for no reason. There was no reason for the slaughter of the innocents. But once discovered, he was immediately locked up in military prison.
While he was being transported to the U.S. to answer for his crimes, the plane that carried him was hijacked in mid-air and blown up. The public believed that he was killed in the crash, but the truth was, that he had ben taken off the plane by "planted" mercenaries that he had on the plane.
Mills then went into hiding, running his top-secret organization "Terror Inc.", using the monies that he had made doing several criminal ventures to increase his hand of power in the criminal underworld.
A Staunch patriot. Mills was appalled when the "Winfield Amalgamation and Rejuvenation Initiate" was established. He felt that the idea behind Winfield City was a disgrace to America, and decided to make it a personal mission to stop this at all costs. So Mills took it upon himself to move his base of operations to Winfield City, to destroy it from within, and make as much of a profit as possible.
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Something to pass the time...
Hey Gang...
Just decided to fool around in my Comic Life program (Thank God for the Mac!) and take photos from last night, and make them POP! :) I have to admit, I love having a mac way more than I ever did, having a PC! But, alas. That is a blog for another day!
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Thank You.
Yeah, yeah, I know it's been a couple of days, but I've been a little tied up for the last few days.
I just thought that I would pass along a small thank you to those of you who supported me in the 2009 Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Bowl for Kids Sake" as by the time the "Forch Foreign Legion" finished their set, they had raised over $95,000 in total. I am proud to be a small part of that.
I'd like to make a mention to my teammates in the "Forch Foreign Legion". Jennifer Culley, Mike and Gillian Mclay as well as Lesley Bourque. All of you guys are awesome, and in the same breath awesome teammates! You guys were a pleasure to have on my team, and thank you for joining me in this epic battle!
And as a special treat for those of you who want to see it... I give you....
ME IN MY SUPERHERO COSTUME!!! :)
Dorky? Yes! But it was all for a good cause!!! :)
And thanks for your support!!!
Thanks to the Forch Foreign Legion!
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
I just thought that I would pass along a small thank you to those of you who supported me in the 2009 Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Bowl for Kids Sake" as by the time the "Forch Foreign Legion" finished their set, they had raised over $95,000 in total. I am proud to be a small part of that.
I'd like to make a mention to my teammates in the "Forch Foreign Legion". Jennifer Culley, Mike and Gillian Mclay as well as Lesley Bourque. All of you guys are awesome, and in the same breath awesome teammates! You guys were a pleasure to have on my team, and thank you for joining me in this epic battle!
And as a special treat for those of you who want to see it... I give you....
ME IN MY SUPERHERO COSTUME!!! :)
Dorky? Yes! But it was all for a good cause!!! :)
And thanks for your support!!!
Thanks to the Forch Foreign Legion!
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The ForchMan Story. Part 2. (Comic Version)
In our last installment of Forch'N Telling, I had proceeded to explain the ideas behind the ForchMan Comic Book Character. The first episode was to provide some backstory on the newly formed metropolis of Winfield City of the "Winfield Amalgamation and Rejuvenation Initiate".
Today's installment is going to delve deeper into our Protagonist: Chris Fortier, aka: ForchMan.
When the story begins, it is the summer of 1996. Chris (Or Forch as his friends call him) is a 19 year old video store employee. He lives with his parents, and is about to start college in the fall. Unsure of his future, Chris was feeling uncertain of his career path. Somewhat of a slacker, he also possessed a reasonably high level of intelligence.
Always the one guy who couldn't seem to get a break with the girls, Forch felt like he never fit in, at least with the cool kids. He had a great amount of friends, both male and female, but he could never get over the anxiety that he had around girls, so he never possessed the courage to ask a girl out on a date.
Chris lived with his Parents, Mitchell and Katarina Fortier, and his younger brother, Joe. His father a successful architect, and his mother who worked in the local mall in the former Welland area of Winfield City.
So on the fateful night of July 20th, 1996. Fate struck a blow in the life of young Chris Fortier. On the fifth anniversary of his grandmother's death, as he was taking the garbage out he was one of the 172 people caught in the Discharge of the Winfield City Hydro-Electric Plant fiasco, set off by General Harland Mills, and Terror, Inc. Chris, being the only survivor, and was left in a coma after the strike.
3 days later, Chris awoke in the hospital, after hearing what he thought was his late Grandmother telling him to get up. After being advised of what had happened, and doing a series of preliminary tests, Chris was almost unaffected by the massive electrical discharge, save one problem. His Pancreas was the one thing that was totally shut down due to the high voltage that passed through him, so Chris was left a diabetic.
Chris and his family were relieved at the fact that he came out of it pretty much unscathed. Chris was put on a regiment of meds to control his condition. Going back to his life would be relatively easy, with very little change... Or so he thought.
A few days after getting settled, Chris awoke, late for work. When he went to his car, it wouldn't start. Knowing that he had 10 minutes to get to work, he started running, because no one was around to give him a ride. So he ran. And as soon as he started running, everything became very blurry and in the matter of a few seconds, Chris was at work. Unsure as to how he got there so quickly, he shrugged it off and went to work.
Once working, he started to feel like time was moving slower. Whenever he had to do something, he seemed quicker, and more adaptable. Reading things became clearer, and more concise, and the retaining of the information seemed more solid.
By the end of his shift, the store was then closed, and he proceeded to start walking home. Walking behind the store, a bunch of criminal-types decided to hold him up, to gain access to the safe in the video store. When Chris refused, one of them pulled a gun on him, Chris, feeling that discretion is the better part of valor, took them inside the store, opened the safe, and gave them all of the money inside.
Once they had what they needed, the leader pulled his gun out and fired, intending on killing the only witness to the crime. Chris, possibly out of instinct spun out of the way, using reflexes that were faster than any person alive, and caught the bullet in mid-air.
The Criminals, stunned by what they saw, were only able to see a 19 year old kid with a bullet in the palm of his hand, and shaking like he had just been through the most traumatic experience of his life, and as his hands were shaking, that very bullet started to glow, and look like it was ready to explode.
Chris ran out of the store, almost invisible to the naked eye, and threw the bullet into the air as fast as he could, to watch it explode, and much more explosive than any bullet. Putting two and two together, he came to the realization, that something's happened to him, and realizing that he had the ability to do something about it, he ran back in the store, and within the blink of an eye, the Robbers were subdued, tied up, left outside of the store, the money put back into the safe, a note left for the police, a bunch of candy bars taken, with a note left for the manager. Oh, and the doors were properly locked, and Chris went hope. Eating the candy bars, to put back the sugars that he realized his body expended in using these new gifts.
Trying to conceal that he was the hero behind the events, Chris left, and went home, leaving the criminals to be found by the authorities.
The next morning, Chris awoke, to the sounds of his parents screaming down into the basement, where he had his bedroom, and ran upstairs to see what they were trying to get his attention for.
They pointed at the TV, which on the news, showed security camera footage of Chris, subduing the criminals from the night before, as well as outside footage of his throwing the bullet in the air, with a headline that said: Video Store Superhero??? The news identified that it was Chris that stopped the robbers, and within seconds of his name being revealed, a media circus ensued on the Fortier family lawn.
Within hours, the Mayor of Winfield City, Ilene Dover, called a press conference, with Chris being put on the spot to ask questions. In that instant, Chris became a media darling, relishing the spotlight that his newfound success had afforded him. People liked his charisma, and he as well, loved the idea of being a superhero.
After the press conference, Chris was whisked off to Watchtech Labs, the government-funded scientific research company, Winfield City used to build all its technological advances. Chris was tested thoroughly, to determine the extent of his abilities.
After thorough testing, the extent of his powers were revealed.
He was able to run at speeds of no faster than 1200mph.
His memory retained more information, after reading.
He was able to add kinetic energy to any object, expanding it's explosive field.
Other than his pancreas, his healing abilities were sped up to match his speed.
But the one flaw with his system, was that once his blood sugar was outside optimal levels, his powers would start to diminish, until they reached a safe level. So to compensate for that, a gauntlet was built to go on his left arm, which monitored his physiology, and allowed it to regulate his body, while using his powers, which used a large amount energy, which appeared to keep him outside of optimal levels.
In addition, a Costume was built. Out of an experimental material, called Frehlonite. The Frehlonite Polymer was used, because of its ability to both withstand high velocity, but as well be able to be compressed and stored within the gauntlet.
So after all of the testing, and preparation, The City of Winfield unveiled its newest Champion.... ForchMan.
But this tale, is far from over...
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Today's installment is going to delve deeper into our Protagonist: Chris Fortier, aka: ForchMan.
When the story begins, it is the summer of 1996. Chris (Or Forch as his friends call him) is a 19 year old video store employee. He lives with his parents, and is about to start college in the fall. Unsure of his future, Chris was feeling uncertain of his career path. Somewhat of a slacker, he also possessed a reasonably high level of intelligence.
Always the one guy who couldn't seem to get a break with the girls, Forch felt like he never fit in, at least with the cool kids. He had a great amount of friends, both male and female, but he could never get over the anxiety that he had around girls, so he never possessed the courage to ask a girl out on a date.
Chris lived with his Parents, Mitchell and Katarina Fortier, and his younger brother, Joe. His father a successful architect, and his mother who worked in the local mall in the former Welland area of Winfield City.
So on the fateful night of July 20th, 1996. Fate struck a blow in the life of young Chris Fortier. On the fifth anniversary of his grandmother's death, as he was taking the garbage out he was one of the 172 people caught in the Discharge of the Winfield City Hydro-Electric Plant fiasco, set off by General Harland Mills, and Terror, Inc. Chris, being the only survivor, and was left in a coma after the strike.
3 days later, Chris awoke in the hospital, after hearing what he thought was his late Grandmother telling him to get up. After being advised of what had happened, and doing a series of preliminary tests, Chris was almost unaffected by the massive electrical discharge, save one problem. His Pancreas was the one thing that was totally shut down due to the high voltage that passed through him, so Chris was left a diabetic.
Chris and his family were relieved at the fact that he came out of it pretty much unscathed. Chris was put on a regiment of meds to control his condition. Going back to his life would be relatively easy, with very little change... Or so he thought.
A few days after getting settled, Chris awoke, late for work. When he went to his car, it wouldn't start. Knowing that he had 10 minutes to get to work, he started running, because no one was around to give him a ride. So he ran. And as soon as he started running, everything became very blurry and in the matter of a few seconds, Chris was at work. Unsure as to how he got there so quickly, he shrugged it off and went to work.
Once working, he started to feel like time was moving slower. Whenever he had to do something, he seemed quicker, and more adaptable. Reading things became clearer, and more concise, and the retaining of the information seemed more solid.
By the end of his shift, the store was then closed, and he proceeded to start walking home. Walking behind the store, a bunch of criminal-types decided to hold him up, to gain access to the safe in the video store. When Chris refused, one of them pulled a gun on him, Chris, feeling that discretion is the better part of valor, took them inside the store, opened the safe, and gave them all of the money inside.
Once they had what they needed, the leader pulled his gun out and fired, intending on killing the only witness to the crime. Chris, possibly out of instinct spun out of the way, using reflexes that were faster than any person alive, and caught the bullet in mid-air.
The Criminals, stunned by what they saw, were only able to see a 19 year old kid with a bullet in the palm of his hand, and shaking like he had just been through the most traumatic experience of his life, and as his hands were shaking, that very bullet started to glow, and look like it was ready to explode.
Chris ran out of the store, almost invisible to the naked eye, and threw the bullet into the air as fast as he could, to watch it explode, and much more explosive than any bullet. Putting two and two together, he came to the realization, that something's happened to him, and realizing that he had the ability to do something about it, he ran back in the store, and within the blink of an eye, the Robbers were subdued, tied up, left outside of the store, the money put back into the safe, a note left for the police, a bunch of candy bars taken, with a note left for the manager. Oh, and the doors were properly locked, and Chris went hope. Eating the candy bars, to put back the sugars that he realized his body expended in using these new gifts.
Trying to conceal that he was the hero behind the events, Chris left, and went home, leaving the criminals to be found by the authorities.
The next morning, Chris awoke, to the sounds of his parents screaming down into the basement, where he had his bedroom, and ran upstairs to see what they were trying to get his attention for.
They pointed at the TV, which on the news, showed security camera footage of Chris, subduing the criminals from the night before, as well as outside footage of his throwing the bullet in the air, with a headline that said: Video Store Superhero??? The news identified that it was Chris that stopped the robbers, and within seconds of his name being revealed, a media circus ensued on the Fortier family lawn.
Within hours, the Mayor of Winfield City, Ilene Dover, called a press conference, with Chris being put on the spot to ask questions. In that instant, Chris became a media darling, relishing the spotlight that his newfound success had afforded him. People liked his charisma, and he as well, loved the idea of being a superhero.
After the press conference, Chris was whisked off to Watchtech Labs, the government-funded scientific research company, Winfield City used to build all its technological advances. Chris was tested thoroughly, to determine the extent of his abilities.
After thorough testing, the extent of his powers were revealed.
He was able to run at speeds of no faster than 1200mph.
His memory retained more information, after reading.
He was able to add kinetic energy to any object, expanding it's explosive field.
Other than his pancreas, his healing abilities were sped up to match his speed.
But the one flaw with his system, was that once his blood sugar was outside optimal levels, his powers would start to diminish, until they reached a safe level. So to compensate for that, a gauntlet was built to go on his left arm, which monitored his physiology, and allowed it to regulate his body, while using his powers, which used a large amount energy, which appeared to keep him outside of optimal levels.
In addition, a Costume was built. Out of an experimental material, called Frehlonite. The Frehlonite Polymer was used, because of its ability to both withstand high velocity, but as well be able to be compressed and stored within the gauntlet.
So after all of the testing, and preparation, The City of Winfield unveiled its newest Champion.... ForchMan.
But this tale, is far from over...
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Beginning of the Origin of ForchMan!! (Comic Version)
Thanks to Colleen Campbell for the suggestion for today's blog.
First off, to start, bare in mind that this is going to be a multi-parted blog, due to the in-depth story-line, I need multiple postings to get this out of the way.
Colleen has suggested that I tell her, and for lack of a better part, the world. The Origin story of the ForchMan Comic Book Character. I have decided to go ahead and do that, with the idea of adding some revamp to the character, since the original concept/story was done over 15 years ago.
To get an idea of the universe in which "ForchMan" occupied, the first blog is going to be telling the story of the city where ForchMan Defends.
Every great superhero defends a great city, and my original idea is no different. Originally, I was going to use Buffalo, but a city of less than a million people didn't ring "Super" so I came up, with an idea that was both a personal dream of mine, as well as a somewhat original concept.
The City that ForchMan defends... Is called Winfield City.
Winfield City, or the "Winfield Amalgamation and Rejuvenation Initiate" was based on the idea that I had that eventually, it would seem logical that both Canada and the US were going to amalgamate (I know, I am going to hear it about that one) and the two governments, who were experiencing an economic crisis, began the idea of amalgamating the two nations into one, and the Winfield City project was the first step to achieving this goal.
Basically, the idea was a self-sufficient, self governed, cityscape that would be used as an experiment to see if an unprotected border between the two nations would be manageable.
Walter Winfield, the projects developer, thought that the best geographic location would be utilized with the Niagara Region of Ontario, and Western New York State. So the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls (US and Canada), Welland, Fort Erie, St. Catharines and surrounding areas would all be enveloped into one mega-city.
The idea was used to stimulate the economy, by bringing in a number of new companies to do massive construction, first off to allow the travel between all areas accessible. Bridges, Expressways, Major roads were to be built, as well as governments providing incentives for major companies to base their operations within Winfield City, to stimulate growth.
Buffalo/Fort Erie, providing the downtown core, St. Catharines/Welland providing the industrial as well as the Commercial sectors, Niagara Falls Providing the Tourism and the remaining areas focussing on a massive overhaul on agricultural pursuits. The idea, was to have the city itself, sustained without any outside help, until the project was deemed a success, and the idea expanded to other "Border Cities", and finally the two countries would be merged.
Security/Policing was a major issue at first, but both governments put into place security measures that ensured that enough police/services were made available, and the city itself, was equipped with a major CCTV security system that was state of the art, and ensured that an eye was kept on security.
The initial phase was an immediate success, thanks mostly to Winfield's charisma and charm. Industries were brought in, and the area began a growth that was unheard of, as people were flocking to new jobs, and new lives in an area that, at the time had no growth and no hope.
The first phase of construction lasted 2 years, from 1993-1995.
In 1996, the city was about 45% completed, with plans to expand at a rapid rate.
Until "He" Came.
General Harland Mills. (The whole story will be a future blog) One of the most decorated, and most brutal 5-star Generals of the first Iraq war. Mills was dishonorably discharged in 1991, after laying waste to an entire Iraqi village. He had originally been sentenced to life in Military Prison, but had escaped with the assistance of a group of Mercenaries and the like calling themselves "Terror, Inc."
Mills, not wanting to see America amalgamate with Canada, as well, wanting to leave his mark on the world, and amass an incalculable fortune, decided to start his criminal empire in this new Metropolis.
His first strike on the city, was the new Hydro-Electric Power Plant, located in the former "Niagara Falls". the idea was to hold the plant, and it's workers hostage, and demand a hefty sum, the problem was, was that one of his Henchmen, got careless, and accidentally triggered a massive power discharge that was unleashed on the entire city. The Surge reached out, and killed a total of 171 people.
Only one person who was struck by the discharge survived, but was comatose afterward.
His name, Chris Fortier. a 19 year old video store employee, who was taking out the garbage before his shift ended, and was caught in the line of one of the massive discharges, and was found unconscious in the middle of the parking lot, and rushed to the hospital.
And so begins our tale.
The next part will start to elaborate on our hero.
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
First off, to start, bare in mind that this is going to be a multi-parted blog, due to the in-depth story-line, I need multiple postings to get this out of the way.
Colleen has suggested that I tell her, and for lack of a better part, the world. The Origin story of the ForchMan Comic Book Character. I have decided to go ahead and do that, with the idea of adding some revamp to the character, since the original concept/story was done over 15 years ago.
To get an idea of the universe in which "ForchMan" occupied, the first blog is going to be telling the story of the city where ForchMan Defends.
Every great superhero defends a great city, and my original idea is no different. Originally, I was going to use Buffalo, but a city of less than a million people didn't ring "Super" so I came up, with an idea that was both a personal dream of mine, as well as a somewhat original concept.
The City that ForchMan defends... Is called Winfield City.
Winfield City, or the "Winfield Amalgamation and Rejuvenation Initiate" was based on the idea that I had that eventually, it would seem logical that both Canada and the US were going to amalgamate (I know, I am going to hear it about that one) and the two governments, who were experiencing an economic crisis, began the idea of amalgamating the two nations into one, and the Winfield City project was the first step to achieving this goal.
Basically, the idea was a self-sufficient, self governed, cityscape that would be used as an experiment to see if an unprotected border between the two nations would be manageable.
Walter Winfield, the projects developer, thought that the best geographic location would be utilized with the Niagara Region of Ontario, and Western New York State. So the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls (US and Canada), Welland, Fort Erie, St. Catharines and surrounding areas would all be enveloped into one mega-city.
The idea was used to stimulate the economy, by bringing in a number of new companies to do massive construction, first off to allow the travel between all areas accessible. Bridges, Expressways, Major roads were to be built, as well as governments providing incentives for major companies to base their operations within Winfield City, to stimulate growth.
Buffalo/Fort Erie, providing the downtown core, St. Catharines/Welland providing the industrial as well as the Commercial sectors, Niagara Falls Providing the Tourism and the remaining areas focussing on a massive overhaul on agricultural pursuits. The idea, was to have the city itself, sustained without any outside help, until the project was deemed a success, and the idea expanded to other "Border Cities", and finally the two countries would be merged.
Security/Policing was a major issue at first, but both governments put into place security measures that ensured that enough police/services were made available, and the city itself, was equipped with a major CCTV security system that was state of the art, and ensured that an eye was kept on security.
The initial phase was an immediate success, thanks mostly to Winfield's charisma and charm. Industries were brought in, and the area began a growth that was unheard of, as people were flocking to new jobs, and new lives in an area that, at the time had no growth and no hope.
The first phase of construction lasted 2 years, from 1993-1995.
In 1996, the city was about 45% completed, with plans to expand at a rapid rate.
Until "He" Came.
General Harland Mills. (The whole story will be a future blog) One of the most decorated, and most brutal 5-star Generals of the first Iraq war. Mills was dishonorably discharged in 1991, after laying waste to an entire Iraqi village. He had originally been sentenced to life in Military Prison, but had escaped with the assistance of a group of Mercenaries and the like calling themselves "Terror, Inc."
Mills, not wanting to see America amalgamate with Canada, as well, wanting to leave his mark on the world, and amass an incalculable fortune, decided to start his criminal empire in this new Metropolis.
His first strike on the city, was the new Hydro-Electric Power Plant, located in the former "Niagara Falls". the idea was to hold the plant, and it's workers hostage, and demand a hefty sum, the problem was, was that one of his Henchmen, got careless, and accidentally triggered a massive power discharge that was unleashed on the entire city. The Surge reached out, and killed a total of 171 people.
Only one person who was struck by the discharge survived, but was comatose afterward.
His name, Chris Fortier. a 19 year old video store employee, who was taking out the garbage before his shift ended, and was caught in the line of one of the massive discharges, and was found unconscious in the middle of the parking lot, and rushed to the hospital.
And so begins our tale.
The next part will start to elaborate on our hero.
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A short and Sweet Taste Treat for someone to eat!
Just a quick memo for the few people who read this.
There's some anonymous Jackass who has left comments on my blog on 2 occasions (The first being deleted) The most recent one being on my Anti-Valentine's Blog, which I have left up.
Clearly there are people who are reading this blog, and I appreciate comments where ever they may be. But this individual seems to feel the need to deliberately attack me, and I think I have a good idea who that might be. I am not 100% certain, but it doesn't take an idiot to figure out that their lack of proper grammar may help me figure out who they are.
If you feel the need to leave negative comments on here, so be it. It doesn't take a Silicon-filled bimbo to tell that I am pouring my heart out here, and I am not always trying to, but I do. I am an open person, that is who I am. But if you're going to complain about my complaining, then at least 1. Do it with proper grammar, and 2. Read someone else's blog!
I'm not some idiot driving a Buick Regal, here. I'm rather intelligent.
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
There's some anonymous Jackass who has left comments on my blog on 2 occasions (The first being deleted) The most recent one being on my Anti-Valentine's Blog, which I have left up.
Clearly there are people who are reading this blog, and I appreciate comments where ever they may be. But this individual seems to feel the need to deliberately attack me, and I think I have a good idea who that might be. I am not 100% certain, but it doesn't take an idiot to figure out that their lack of proper grammar may help me figure out who they are.
If you feel the need to leave negative comments on here, so be it. It doesn't take a Silicon-filled bimbo to tell that I am pouring my heart out here, and I am not always trying to, but I do. I am an open person, that is who I am. But if you're going to complain about my complaining, then at least 1. Do it with proper grammar, and 2. Read someone else's blog!
I'm not some idiot driving a Buick Regal, here. I'm rather intelligent.
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
20 Things I would do over....
Well, a promise is a promise, so as I had on Facebook said that I would allow the first person to comment on my most recent video pick the category of my most recent blog, I am a man of my word, so here goes..
Thanks to Shannon Cullen-Owens for today's subject.
"20 Things that I would do over again, if I could."
First off, there is absolutely no order to these items, they are being put in as I think of them. I was going to brainstorm them before writing, but to be honest, I work best this way...
1. High School. If I had my way (knowing now what I do) I would completely do High School over again. Looking back, I would totally get over my insecurities, and just forge ahead. My social existence in High School was miserable. I had some great friends, don't get me wrong, but I was so nervous around girls, that I never got my guts out there to ask someone out. And 15 years later, I am finding out there were people who actually liked me enough to go out with me, and I would've never guessed.
2. I would have tried harder in School. I am reaping what I sow right now, having a terrible job. Had I used my intellect to its full capacity, I would probably doing much better now.
3. I would have started to drink Sugar-free Soda/Pop earlier. In the early 2000-2003 time frame, I used to drink an exorbitant amount of Pepsi and Coke, and as a result, I went and killed my Pancreas. Had I drank sugar-free pop earlier, I would have been able to stop my diabetes before it happened.
4. I would have been a better husband. The Former Mrs. Fortier left me because I never changed (In addition to the other stuff) and I regret that, because now I don't get to see Chloe every day. Had I been a better person, then I could be the father I am, every day, instead of part-time.
5. I would have stayed in Barrie. Before I was 14 years old, I had relocated with my family twice, and I think that a lot of that didn't help my Social Anxieties when I was in my teens. Because I had to pretty much start over and make new friends twice, I had a hard time coming out of my shell to meet girls, because I had a hard enough time making friends, let alone girlfriends.
6. I would have tried harder in sports. Especially Volleyball and Basketball. Both of which I was pretty good at, had I actually tried to be an athlete, I might have been much healthier now...
7. I would have had Grandpa's Condition appropriately diagnosed. My Grandfather died when I was 25, and I know now what he had, because I took the time to figure it out, but his jackass of a doctor, didn't diagnose his condition properly, and as a result, he was taken from me well before he should have been. If he were with us today, I'd be benefitting from his advice today, which I could really use.
8. I would have never let The Former Mrs. Fortier buy that Damned Kia! That car was one of the worst things we could have ever bought, but I pretty much laid down and let her buy it, and that was one, of the many things that lead to the downfall of our relationship.
9. I would have not gone away to college, and stayed local. I think part of the reason I didn't really try hard in College, or finish, is because I had no real supervision. Had I stayed home, it might have been a different story, and I would have been able to focus better.
10. I would have taken what I wanted to take in College. I was pressured to take something to do with Computers in College. Because I was so good with computers. I, myself wanted to get into Radio/TV, but I was told that I couldn't make a career out of it, and as a result, I ended up taking Broadcasting about 10 years later. Had I been able to take that when I should have, I may be in a different place now.
11. I would have asked for help when I should have. I lost my house, because I was too proud to ask for help. After the fact, I found out that I could have gotten someone to buy the house, and have me maintain it. And I would still be living where I should be living...
12. I would have never drank as much as I did when living with Adrian. One Word. Concussions.
13. I would have moved to the states when I had the chance. As the most Pro-American Canadian out there, I have had a number of chances to move to the states for work, and I never took them. Most of which were in the last year. But had I taken the first opportunity that I had (10 years ago) things may have turned out differently.
14. I wouldn't have gotten married. The dissolving of my marriage was probably one of if not the most traumatic experiences of my life. Had I known how badly it was going to end, I might've never done it. But I would still probably do it over again, only because of Chloe. But if we never had kids, I would've stayed away from the Former Mrs. Fortier, for many reasons.
15. I would have taken better care of the First ForchMobile. I loved that car, and I miss it every day. If I still had it. I would be a happy camper!
16. I would completely do over the summer of 1995. Most notably, who I dated in the first part of that Summer. Someone I waited to ask out throughout High School, ruined my summer completely, If I hadn't asked her out, the summer would have been much more enjoyable.
17. February 25th, 1994. My first Car accident. I would have been a little more careful that night, and I am still feeling the repercussions of that night, as my right knee is still messed up.
18. September 1st, 1991. The day that my Former Grandfather introduced his new "Wife" to the Fortier clan. I was 14, but I should have spoken up. It would have never done any good, but I, to this day still wish that I could tell that son of a bitch to go to hell. Bert is one of the people who are responsible for me being the pessimist that I am. I wish I had told him off when I had the chance.
19. August 25th, 2002. I would have went to the Orioles-Jays game instead of that stupid family reunion. I was forced to go to that reunion, when my presence was not required. It wasn't even my family, But I was forced to go to anyway, and that was the last chance to have a final "Good Memory" with my Grandfather, Rusty. That would have been nice. The people responsible for that will never, EVER be forgiven for that...
20. August 26th, 2002. If I had known that it would have been the last thing I ever said to Rusty, I would have said something a little more relevant than: "Call me if you need anything..."
There's 20. Thank you, Shannon.
I know that these are things that I can not change, but they are things that I would change if I had the chance.
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Thanks to Shannon Cullen-Owens for today's subject.
"20 Things that I would do over again, if I could."
First off, there is absolutely no order to these items, they are being put in as I think of them. I was going to brainstorm them before writing, but to be honest, I work best this way...
1. High School. If I had my way (knowing now what I do) I would completely do High School over again. Looking back, I would totally get over my insecurities, and just forge ahead. My social existence in High School was miserable. I had some great friends, don't get me wrong, but I was so nervous around girls, that I never got my guts out there to ask someone out. And 15 years later, I am finding out there were people who actually liked me enough to go out with me, and I would've never guessed.
2. I would have tried harder in School. I am reaping what I sow right now, having a terrible job. Had I used my intellect to its full capacity, I would probably doing much better now.
3. I would have started to drink Sugar-free Soda/Pop earlier. In the early 2000-2003 time frame, I used to drink an exorbitant amount of Pepsi and Coke, and as a result, I went and killed my Pancreas. Had I drank sugar-free pop earlier, I would have been able to stop my diabetes before it happened.
4. I would have been a better husband. The Former Mrs. Fortier left me because I never changed (In addition to the other stuff) and I regret that, because now I don't get to see Chloe every day. Had I been a better person, then I could be the father I am, every day, instead of part-time.
5. I would have stayed in Barrie. Before I was 14 years old, I had relocated with my family twice, and I think that a lot of that didn't help my Social Anxieties when I was in my teens. Because I had to pretty much start over and make new friends twice, I had a hard time coming out of my shell to meet girls, because I had a hard enough time making friends, let alone girlfriends.
6. I would have tried harder in sports. Especially Volleyball and Basketball. Both of which I was pretty good at, had I actually tried to be an athlete, I might have been much healthier now...
7. I would have had Grandpa's Condition appropriately diagnosed. My Grandfather died when I was 25, and I know now what he had, because I took the time to figure it out, but his jackass of a doctor, didn't diagnose his condition properly, and as a result, he was taken from me well before he should have been. If he were with us today, I'd be benefitting from his advice today, which I could really use.
8. I would have never let The Former Mrs. Fortier buy that Damned Kia! That car was one of the worst things we could have ever bought, but I pretty much laid down and let her buy it, and that was one, of the many things that lead to the downfall of our relationship.
9. I would have not gone away to college, and stayed local. I think part of the reason I didn't really try hard in College, or finish, is because I had no real supervision. Had I stayed home, it might have been a different story, and I would have been able to focus better.
10. I would have taken what I wanted to take in College. I was pressured to take something to do with Computers in College. Because I was so good with computers. I, myself wanted to get into Radio/TV, but I was told that I couldn't make a career out of it, and as a result, I ended up taking Broadcasting about 10 years later. Had I been able to take that when I should have, I may be in a different place now.
11. I would have asked for help when I should have. I lost my house, because I was too proud to ask for help. After the fact, I found out that I could have gotten someone to buy the house, and have me maintain it. And I would still be living where I should be living...
12. I would have never drank as much as I did when living with Adrian. One Word. Concussions.
13. I would have moved to the states when I had the chance. As the most Pro-American Canadian out there, I have had a number of chances to move to the states for work, and I never took them. Most of which were in the last year. But had I taken the first opportunity that I had (10 years ago) things may have turned out differently.
14. I wouldn't have gotten married. The dissolving of my marriage was probably one of if not the most traumatic experiences of my life. Had I known how badly it was going to end, I might've never done it. But I would still probably do it over again, only because of Chloe. But if we never had kids, I would've stayed away from the Former Mrs. Fortier, for many reasons.
15. I would have taken better care of the First ForchMobile. I loved that car, and I miss it every day. If I still had it. I would be a happy camper!
16. I would completely do over the summer of 1995. Most notably, who I dated in the first part of that Summer. Someone I waited to ask out throughout High School, ruined my summer completely, If I hadn't asked her out, the summer would have been much more enjoyable.
17. February 25th, 1994. My first Car accident. I would have been a little more careful that night, and I am still feeling the repercussions of that night, as my right knee is still messed up.
18. September 1st, 1991. The day that my Former Grandfather introduced his new "Wife" to the Fortier clan. I was 14, but I should have spoken up. It would have never done any good, but I, to this day still wish that I could tell that son of a bitch to go to hell. Bert is one of the people who are responsible for me being the pessimist that I am. I wish I had told him off when I had the chance.
19. August 25th, 2002. I would have went to the Orioles-Jays game instead of that stupid family reunion. I was forced to go to that reunion, when my presence was not required. It wasn't even my family, But I was forced to go to anyway, and that was the last chance to have a final "Good Memory" with my Grandfather, Rusty. That would have been nice. The people responsible for that will never, EVER be forgiven for that...
20. August 26th, 2002. If I had known that it would have been the last thing I ever said to Rusty, I would have said something a little more relevant than: "Call me if you need anything..."
There's 20. Thank you, Shannon.
I know that these are things that I can not change, but they are things that I would change if I had the chance.
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
My one, true Valentine...
The video below is very important to me, especially today, a day of "Love"
This young girl is my biggest source of love.
She is my daughter.
My Valentine.
I love her so much, that it pains me when she is not around. I wish that I could spend every day with her, because every day I see something new in her eyes, and it fills me with happiness.
She is my best friend :)
My everything...
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
This young girl is my biggest source of love.
She is my daughter.
My Valentine.
I love her so much, that it pains me when she is not around. I wish that I could spend every day with her, because every day I see something new in her eyes, and it fills me with happiness.
She is my best friend :)
My everything...
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Love Stinks! YEAH! YEAH!
I have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day
I think that the idea of dedicating a “Hallmark” holiday to some “Saint” who apparently dedicated himself to the ideals of love, so some rigmarole like that is absolutely ludicrous.
So what is it that has gotten me so riled up that I felt the need to dedicate my “Daily Dose of Forchieness” to my loathing of the idea of Valentine’s Day? Well it’s my bitterness about the Day of February 14th, first off, as well as the idea of giving someone a box of chocolates to tell them that you love them, when in reality, when you’re with someone, that should be said EVERY DAY!!!
My main reason for hating the 14th stems from the year 1995. At the tender (well, not quite tender, mullet-ridden seems more appropriate) age of 18, I lost one of the most important people in my life on that very day. My Uncle, Allan Chindemi.
Allan, who was one of the smartest, and most loving people I have ever known, and I am sure will EVER know, passed away after a lengthy battle with AIDS. Chindemi-Nation all knew about it, and we spent a great deal of time preparing for the inevitable outcome, but no amount of preparing will ever have you ready to watch someone who is a personal hero, wither away to nothing. It’s not fun, and I never wish that upon even people whom I loathe with a full Nuclear Capability.
The second reason, well it goes without saying. I don’t believe in love anymore.
You can thank the former Mrs. Fortier for that one, as she took away from me one of the ideals that I believed in most. But at the same time, I am also smart enough to know that if we were still together, since V-Day falls on a Saturday, she would have left me at home alone with Chloe so that she could go to Karaoke and spend time with people who were always more important to her than I ever was.
Yeah, you could say that V-Day makes me somewhat bitter, but I honestly believe Arnold J. Rimmer had said it best when he said: “Love is something invented by Bank Managers to make us all overdrawn.” I honestly believe that. Because love is something that we normally can’t explain, but apparently we feel in our hearts when it is there. But if love is so important, then why doesn’t anyone actually work to make love work. I will tell you why. BECAUSE LOVE DOES NOT EXIST!
Love Stinks, Yeah Yeah. The J. Geils Band never spoke truer words.
Love is merely an idea. An idea that people use to convince themselves that they NEED to be with the person that they have convinced themselves that they are in love with. People have this pre-conceived notion that they’re going to bump into someone, and sparks will fly, and their lives will be complete. The truth is, the sparks may only be the static-electricity that they generated, and then it set off when they touched. People come up with these lame anecdotes which make fate, and love, and destiny seem so believable. The truth is, is that nothing like that exists.
Love is an idea. Nothing more. It’s something that isn’t tangible, like God, or Destiny or anything like that. Something that apparently exists, but we have no ability to prove. And at this point in time, I honestly believe that the chances of me moving next door to Santa might be a little more realistic, than falling in love with someone.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
I think that the idea of dedicating a “Hallmark” holiday to some “Saint” who apparently dedicated himself to the ideals of love, so some rigmarole like that is absolutely ludicrous.
So what is it that has gotten me so riled up that I felt the need to dedicate my “Daily Dose of Forchieness” to my loathing of the idea of Valentine’s Day? Well it’s my bitterness about the Day of February 14th, first off, as well as the idea of giving someone a box of chocolates to tell them that you love them, when in reality, when you’re with someone, that should be said EVERY DAY!!!
My main reason for hating the 14th stems from the year 1995. At the tender (well, not quite tender, mullet-ridden seems more appropriate) age of 18, I lost one of the most important people in my life on that very day. My Uncle, Allan Chindemi.
Allan, who was one of the smartest, and most loving people I have ever known, and I am sure will EVER know, passed away after a lengthy battle with AIDS. Chindemi-Nation all knew about it, and we spent a great deal of time preparing for the inevitable outcome, but no amount of preparing will ever have you ready to watch someone who is a personal hero, wither away to nothing. It’s not fun, and I never wish that upon even people whom I loathe with a full Nuclear Capability.
The second reason, well it goes without saying. I don’t believe in love anymore.
You can thank the former Mrs. Fortier for that one, as she took away from me one of the ideals that I believed in most. But at the same time, I am also smart enough to know that if we were still together, since V-Day falls on a Saturday, she would have left me at home alone with Chloe so that she could go to Karaoke and spend time with people who were always more important to her than I ever was.
Yeah, you could say that V-Day makes me somewhat bitter, but I honestly believe Arnold J. Rimmer had said it best when he said: “Love is something invented by Bank Managers to make us all overdrawn.” I honestly believe that. Because love is something that we normally can’t explain, but apparently we feel in our hearts when it is there. But if love is so important, then why doesn’t anyone actually work to make love work. I will tell you why. BECAUSE LOVE DOES NOT EXIST!
Love Stinks, Yeah Yeah. The J. Geils Band never spoke truer words.
Love is merely an idea. An idea that people use to convince themselves that they NEED to be with the person that they have convinced themselves that they are in love with. People have this pre-conceived notion that they’re going to bump into someone, and sparks will fly, and their lives will be complete. The truth is, the sparks may only be the static-electricity that they generated, and then it set off when they touched. People come up with these lame anecdotes which make fate, and love, and destiny seem so believable. The truth is, is that nothing like that exists.
Love is an idea. Nothing more. It’s something that isn’t tangible, like God, or Destiny or anything like that. Something that apparently exists, but we have no ability to prove. And at this point in time, I honestly believe that the chances of me moving next door to Santa might be a little more realistic, than falling in love with someone.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Many much Moosen!!!
I think that it’s about time that we do something about the plural of the word: “Box”
For years now, we have been “Conditioned” to use the word “Boxes” as the plural of the word “Box” and I think that it’s about time for a change! And thanks to the Stand-up comedian: Brian Regan, I feel that he has touched base on the proper use of the word.
The new way it is to be said: “BOXEN”!!!
I think that if we get enough people behind it, I think that we can replace “Boxes” with “Boxen” without any difficulty. Well…. At least limited difficulty. Well…. Maybe a lot of difficulty.
Now I know what you’re going to say… “Forch! You’re nuts! How do you expect anyone to accept this!” Well, when you’re like me, and you’re surrounded by nothing but crazy ideas, I have no choice but to go ahead with this! That, and I was trying tocome up with something original to blog about, so this is it!
I never said that everything I say is gold! :P
But if you ever get the chance to, check out Brian Regan, and his Stand-up. He’s hilarious!
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
For years now, we have been “Conditioned” to use the word “Boxes” as the plural of the word “Box” and I think that it’s about time for a change! And thanks to the Stand-up comedian: Brian Regan, I feel that he has touched base on the proper use of the word.
The new way it is to be said: “BOXEN”!!!
I think that if we get enough people behind it, I think that we can replace “Boxes” with “Boxen” without any difficulty. Well…. At least limited difficulty. Well…. Maybe a lot of difficulty.
Now I know what you’re going to say… “Forch! You’re nuts! How do you expect anyone to accept this!” Well, when you’re like me, and you’re surrounded by nothing but crazy ideas, I have no choice but to go ahead with this! That, and I was trying tocome up with something original to blog about, so this is it!
I never said that everything I say is gold! :P
But if you ever get the chance to, check out Brian Regan, and his Stand-up. He’s hilarious!
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
I've left my heart in San Francisco...
I miss the TV show Journeyman...
"Journeyman's Opening Credits"
I was watching the show "Grey's Anatomy" for the very first time ever with a friend of mine, and I saw that one of the stars: Kevin McKidd on that show, and I felt nostalgic for the short-lived NBC drama.
The show featured McKidd, as Dan Vasser. A Reporter for the San Francisco Register, who for some strange reason, starts to "jump" into the past for varied amounts of time, and gets placed into events into other peoples lives, and makes small alterations to their timeline, in order to fix some sort of error/event in their lives.
The plot itself seems to be somewhat reminiscent of "Quantum Leap", but with a number of differences, one, that the show only takes place in San Francisco, and two, that Dan does not "Leap" into the lives of other people, but appears as himself.
I really enjoyed the show itself, from the very first episode. For some reason, I really enjoy the time-travel concept. You look at all of the many favorite shoes/movies of mine, it always has some element of Time Travel. I wonder why that is. Just look at a short list of my favorite shows/movies which feature Time Travel: "Back to the Future", "Doctor Who", "Quantum Leap" and "Heroes".
"A Short Feature on Journeyman"
It's a real shame that the show never really lasted. It was, one of many shows that was a victim of last season's "Writer's Strike", and as a result, the show only lasted for the initial run of 13 episodes. Fortunately enough, the show was able to at least tie up all of the loose ends/questions that were asked throughout the show's run, so at least the show was able to effectively "end", but I was still upset that the strike basically put the show into cancellation.
I certainly hope that at some point, the show makes its way to DVD. I feel that if the show could've got more exposure, and perhaps more marketing/advertising, the show could have made a great continuing series. Especially since it followed my favorite Monday night show: "Heroes".
"Someone's homemade Youtube Tribute to Journeyman"
So I guess the point that I am trying to make is, that I miss Journeyman!
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
"Journeyman's Opening Credits"
I was watching the show "Grey's Anatomy" for the very first time ever with a friend of mine, and I saw that one of the stars: Kevin McKidd on that show, and I felt nostalgic for the short-lived NBC drama.
The show featured McKidd, as Dan Vasser. A Reporter for the San Francisco Register, who for some strange reason, starts to "jump" into the past for varied amounts of time, and gets placed into events into other peoples lives, and makes small alterations to their timeline, in order to fix some sort of error/event in their lives.
The plot itself seems to be somewhat reminiscent of "Quantum Leap", but with a number of differences, one, that the show only takes place in San Francisco, and two, that Dan does not "Leap" into the lives of other people, but appears as himself.
I really enjoyed the show itself, from the very first episode. For some reason, I really enjoy the time-travel concept. You look at all of the many favorite shoes/movies of mine, it always has some element of Time Travel. I wonder why that is. Just look at a short list of my favorite shows/movies which feature Time Travel: "Back to the Future", "Doctor Who", "Quantum Leap" and "Heroes".
"A Short Feature on Journeyman"
It's a real shame that the show never really lasted. It was, one of many shows that was a victim of last season's "Writer's Strike", and as a result, the show only lasted for the initial run of 13 episodes. Fortunately enough, the show was able to at least tie up all of the loose ends/questions that were asked throughout the show's run, so at least the show was able to effectively "end", but I was still upset that the strike basically put the show into cancellation.
I certainly hope that at some point, the show makes its way to DVD. I feel that if the show could've got more exposure, and perhaps more marketing/advertising, the show could have made a great continuing series. Especially since it followed my favorite Monday night show: "Heroes".
"Someone's homemade Youtube Tribute to Journeyman"
So I guess the point that I am trying to make is, that I miss Journeyman!
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Win A Date With ForchMan!!!!
Depression is a bitch-mistress to which escape from is completely difficult.
I should know. I have been coping with depression for quite a number of years, more so in the last year (And for obvious reasons) I have had to attempt to elevate my depression to a level that I won't sink below. I have had a very difficult time staying afloat (Both financially and personally) in the last year, and I think that I am about sick and tired of it.
It's funny. Those of you who know me, know me as the ultimate pessimist. And I am. I always look at the worst in things. I've always lived with the motto: "Expect the worst, because that way, when it happens, you're not disappointed." I live my life that way in virtually every aspect of my life except 2.
The first is my relationship with Chloe. She keeps me afloat emotionally. She is the one thing in this world that I ever did right. Everything else that lead to her being here may have been wrong, but Chloe is the one thing that I had done right, and I am very proud of that.
The second is when I meet someone. When I meet someone that I really like, I always try very hard to maintain a positive frame of mind. I am nice, I may crack jokes that are not always appropriate, but I always try very hard to be a good, and positive person.
Until the first "Chink in the Armor" appears.
And then after that, yeah. Forch becomes the same Forch that he usually is. Weak-willed and pessimistic. Someone who's going to expect to get screwed over (And usually does) because he knows what lurks in people's hearts. Why I am speaking in the third person, I will never know, but the fact remains that my life, when it comes to most things is a miserable failure, to which very few people have reached that level. Dating, is right at the top of the list.
That is why I started writing my book: "You're a nice guy, But.... (Finding Success In My Failures with Women)". It was a way for me to not only get some self-analysis, but as well to maybe help get the word out, and perhaps help a few people along the way. Lord knows that I have enough material to fill a book, and at the rate I am going, it appears that the amount of material is only ever-increasing.
So I have decided to have one final, last ditch effort at realizing my dream, which is to just find someone and be in love with them (I don't think that is asking for too much, but apparently it is).
I am bringing back the "Win a Date with ForchMan" contest.
Is this a sad, and pathetic gesture? You're damn right it is.
This is my way of basically giving myself one last chance, before I completely give up. And yes, I know that I have said that before, but this time I REALLY MEAN IT! How do I mean it, you say? Let's just say that, I have something planned to signify my end of searching for love, which will be unveiled once this is complete.
The Details?? Simple.
Part 1. The first part of the contest, is going to involve you commenting to this very blog, stating why you'd actually want to go out with me on a Date/relationship.
Simple Enough? No. Because there is a catch. First. There has to be at least 100 words in the comment (I will count) and in addition to that, there has to be no references to "How nice of a guy I am" or anything to do with my looks. I am sick of everything having to be about my looks, so if you want to go out with me, you have to find some non-superficial reason to.
The Top 5 (Which I will be lucky to get 3 responses to this drivel) Will be awarded points. The best one getting 50 points, while the others getting points ranging from 40 for second, to 10 for fifth.
Part 2. Is going to involve the utilization of the website: FACEINHOLE. Basically, I want you to FACEINHOLE a picture of you and I together, it doesn't matter which picture, but the points will be awarded on creativity, and originality.
You then have to mail them to me at forchman@hotmail.com
Same Point Structure applies, only the most original, does get a 10 point bonus, and that doesn't mean that the first place one will get the most original...
Part 3. The third part of the contest will be, for some, the most difficult. It involves you taking a picture of yourself, making grilled cheese. Once again, point structure is the same, and this time, the best smile gets a 10 point bonus...
You then have to mail them to me at forchman@hotmail.com
Part 4. The final part of the contest will consist of a quiz, consisting of 26 questions about me. Point structure stays the same, and there will be opportunities for bonus points, and offers for answers to be offered up as a bonus.
You can get the quiz from me at forchman@hotmail.com
So good luck.... I await to see the results!!!
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
I should know. I have been coping with depression for quite a number of years, more so in the last year (And for obvious reasons) I have had to attempt to elevate my depression to a level that I won't sink below. I have had a very difficult time staying afloat (Both financially and personally) in the last year, and I think that I am about sick and tired of it.
It's funny. Those of you who know me, know me as the ultimate pessimist. And I am. I always look at the worst in things. I've always lived with the motto: "Expect the worst, because that way, when it happens, you're not disappointed." I live my life that way in virtually every aspect of my life except 2.
The first is my relationship with Chloe. She keeps me afloat emotionally. She is the one thing in this world that I ever did right. Everything else that lead to her being here may have been wrong, but Chloe is the one thing that I had done right, and I am very proud of that.
The second is when I meet someone. When I meet someone that I really like, I always try very hard to maintain a positive frame of mind. I am nice, I may crack jokes that are not always appropriate, but I always try very hard to be a good, and positive person.
Until the first "Chink in the Armor" appears.
And then after that, yeah. Forch becomes the same Forch that he usually is. Weak-willed and pessimistic. Someone who's going to expect to get screwed over (And usually does) because he knows what lurks in people's hearts. Why I am speaking in the third person, I will never know, but the fact remains that my life, when it comes to most things is a miserable failure, to which very few people have reached that level. Dating, is right at the top of the list.
That is why I started writing my book: "You're a nice guy, But.... (Finding Success In My Failures with Women)". It was a way for me to not only get some self-analysis, but as well to maybe help get the word out, and perhaps help a few people along the way. Lord knows that I have enough material to fill a book, and at the rate I am going, it appears that the amount of material is only ever-increasing.
So I have decided to have one final, last ditch effort at realizing my dream, which is to just find someone and be in love with them (I don't think that is asking for too much, but apparently it is).
I am bringing back the "Win a Date with ForchMan" contest.
Is this a sad, and pathetic gesture? You're damn right it is.
This is my way of basically giving myself one last chance, before I completely give up. And yes, I know that I have said that before, but this time I REALLY MEAN IT! How do I mean it, you say? Let's just say that, I have something planned to signify my end of searching for love, which will be unveiled once this is complete.
The Details?? Simple.
Part 1. The first part of the contest, is going to involve you commenting to this very blog, stating why you'd actually want to go out with me on a Date/relationship.
Simple Enough? No. Because there is a catch. First. There has to be at least 100 words in the comment (I will count) and in addition to that, there has to be no references to "How nice of a guy I am" or anything to do with my looks. I am sick of everything having to be about my looks, so if you want to go out with me, you have to find some non-superficial reason to.
The Top 5 (Which I will be lucky to get 3 responses to this drivel) Will be awarded points. The best one getting 50 points, while the others getting points ranging from 40 for second, to 10 for fifth.
Part 2. Is going to involve the utilization of the website: FACEINHOLE. Basically, I want you to FACEINHOLE a picture of you and I together, it doesn't matter which picture, but the points will be awarded on creativity, and originality.
You then have to mail them to me at forchman@hotmail.com
Same Point Structure applies, only the most original, does get a 10 point bonus, and that doesn't mean that the first place one will get the most original...
Part 3. The third part of the contest will be, for some, the most difficult. It involves you taking a picture of yourself, making grilled cheese. Once again, point structure is the same, and this time, the best smile gets a 10 point bonus...
You then have to mail them to me at forchman@hotmail.com
Part 4. The final part of the contest will consist of a quiz, consisting of 26 questions about me. Point structure stays the same, and there will be opportunities for bonus points, and offers for answers to be offered up as a bonus.
You can get the quiz from me at forchman@hotmail.com
So good luck.... I await to see the results!!!
But that's just my opinion... What do I know???
F.M.
Friday, February 6, 2009
ORIOLES!!!! YO HO!!!! ORIOLES!!!! YO HO!!!
I am not a religious man, to say the least, but my faith has been reaffirmed, because God, is a Baltimore Orioles fan.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t God supposed to love everyone equally? Well apparently not, because Stephen Colbert told me so!
On the February 4th edition of "The Colbert Report", Mr. Colbert did a segment entitled “Yahweh or No Way”, where he proceeded that state that God wasn’t following The Steelers or the Cardinals, in the Superbowl, because he’s a Fan of the Orioles. (Which I am familiar with comedy, but humor me, for Crap’s sake!) Now anyone knows that the Orioles are a Baseball team, and this was of course a bit, but I love the fact that Colbert used the Orioles out of any team that he could have. That brings two of my most-loved items together, if even for a moment.
Especially since Stephen Colbert confirmed, himself, that God is an Orioles fan!
I imagine that as a fan, he doesn’t want to interfere with the games, because apparently his endorsement hasn’t helped the team’s Win-Loss Record in the last 10 years.
In reaching out to the people who read this blog, as a way to get to know me, personally, I usually come out with Blogs that are relevant to myself, or at least a subject to which I am knowledgeable.
The Orioles, to me are. I have been a fan of the Baltimore Orioles since the age of 6. (1983, if you’re keeping track, the year that they last won the World Series) I have been a fan through thick and thin, and have never wavered in the dream that one day, I will get a chance to see my boys in Orange and Black make it past a .500 season!
Truth be told, the last 10 years have been rather difficult to swallow. Mostly because the O’s are owned by someone who’s not willing to make this once-proud franchise a winner. In addition, a series of bad luck streaks, and player signings that didn’t really pan out, make being an Orioles Fan, something really difficult.
Does that make me waver in my love? No way!
Now, I am following blind optimism here, and hoping that at least this year, which is another classic “Rebuilding year” yields positive results. The team has signed a handful of good-quality players, and is working on bringing up some key players for the future, most notably: Matt Wieters.
Wieters is going to hopefully be (Along with Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts) one of the Cornerstones of the team. Wieters brings with him hope at a position that is historically a difficult position to fill and as well, scout. The position: Catcher. Not a lot of Catchers get taken in the first round of the MLB draft, and Wieters went second in 2007. The last that I really remember was B.J. Surhoff, and I don’t remember how long he actually played at the Backstop, but he ended his career as more of a utilityman/outfielder.
Wieters is going to probably make the team at some point this year, and he has someone filling his spot for the time being that I think will solidify the Orioles’ lineup. Gregg Zaun. The only Blue Jay that I have ever been a fan of, Zaun has Orioles pedigree, he was originally drafted by the team, and don’t forget, his Uncle was one of the most famous Orioles, and probably their greatest Catcher: Rick Dempsey.
I am relieved that the O’s also did the right thing by signing Markakis to a 6-year deal. He only just finished his third season, and has some great days ahead of him. He’s an absolute marvel to watch play, and I look forward to him assuming leadership within the team.
Brian Roberts, my favorite current Oriole, I am hoping remains with the team. He seems to always be on the cusp of trade talks, which make me edgy. I still believe that he is the heart and soul of the team, and I hope that he spends his entire career with the O’s
I could talk about the Orioles for hours, but I only have so much time to write. I am anxious to see how this year plays out, I am going to start off the season, like I do every season. Optimistic…. Only time will tell how 2009 is going to affect the team.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t God supposed to love everyone equally? Well apparently not, because Stephen Colbert told me so!
On the February 4th edition of "The Colbert Report", Mr. Colbert did a segment entitled “Yahweh or No Way”, where he proceeded that state that God wasn’t following The Steelers or the Cardinals, in the Superbowl, because he’s a Fan of the Orioles. (Which I am familiar with comedy, but humor me, for Crap’s sake!) Now anyone knows that the Orioles are a Baseball team, and this was of course a bit, but I love the fact that Colbert used the Orioles out of any team that he could have. That brings two of my most-loved items together, if even for a moment.
Especially since Stephen Colbert confirmed, himself, that God is an Orioles fan!
I imagine that as a fan, he doesn’t want to interfere with the games, because apparently his endorsement hasn’t helped the team’s Win-Loss Record in the last 10 years.
In reaching out to the people who read this blog, as a way to get to know me, personally, I usually come out with Blogs that are relevant to myself, or at least a subject to which I am knowledgeable.
The Orioles, to me are. I have been a fan of the Baltimore Orioles since the age of 6. (1983, if you’re keeping track, the year that they last won the World Series) I have been a fan through thick and thin, and have never wavered in the dream that one day, I will get a chance to see my boys in Orange and Black make it past a .500 season!
Truth be told, the last 10 years have been rather difficult to swallow. Mostly because the O’s are owned by someone who’s not willing to make this once-proud franchise a winner. In addition, a series of bad luck streaks, and player signings that didn’t really pan out, make being an Orioles Fan, something really difficult.
Does that make me waver in my love? No way!
Now, I am following blind optimism here, and hoping that at least this year, which is another classic “Rebuilding year” yields positive results. The team has signed a handful of good-quality players, and is working on bringing up some key players for the future, most notably: Matt Wieters.
Wieters is going to hopefully be (Along with Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts) one of the Cornerstones of the team. Wieters brings with him hope at a position that is historically a difficult position to fill and as well, scout. The position: Catcher. Not a lot of Catchers get taken in the first round of the MLB draft, and Wieters went second in 2007. The last that I really remember was B.J. Surhoff, and I don’t remember how long he actually played at the Backstop, but he ended his career as more of a utilityman/outfielder.
Wieters is going to probably make the team at some point this year, and he has someone filling his spot for the time being that I think will solidify the Orioles’ lineup. Gregg Zaun. The only Blue Jay that I have ever been a fan of, Zaun has Orioles pedigree, he was originally drafted by the team, and don’t forget, his Uncle was one of the most famous Orioles, and probably their greatest Catcher: Rick Dempsey.
I am relieved that the O’s also did the right thing by signing Markakis to a 6-year deal. He only just finished his third season, and has some great days ahead of him. He’s an absolute marvel to watch play, and I look forward to him assuming leadership within the team.
Brian Roberts, my favorite current Oriole, I am hoping remains with the team. He seems to always be on the cusp of trade talks, which make me edgy. I still believe that he is the heart and soul of the team, and I hope that he spends his entire career with the O’s
I could talk about the Orioles for hours, but I only have so much time to write. I am anxious to see how this year plays out, I am going to start off the season, like I do every season. Optimistic…. Only time will tell how 2009 is going to affect the team.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It's Gotta Be F.M.!
I am a firm believer in the healing power of Kraft Dinner…
Now before you go off on me, telling me that I sound like some bone-headed putz for claiming that Kraft Dinner (Or Kraft Cheese & Macaroni, as my friends in the U.S. call it) has the power to heal, say like Jesus, or medicine, or anything else like that, let me explain my statement with the following.
First off, K.D. isn’t going to heal anyone medically, if anything, it’ll probably do more to hinder than to heal, but the fact remains that to this day, Kraft Dinner is one of my favorite, and most trusted comfort foods of all time. Like most Canadian kids of my Generation, we grew up with a nice Kraft Dinner lunch on a Saturday while watching WWF Superstars of Wrestling on WUTV-Buffalo at 12, and then WWF Wrestling on CHCH-Hamilton at 1. The carbs in that Macaroni was enough to get my energy up to feel the power of Hulkamania (Even though he never wrestled on the program) for that 2 hour-slamfest!
That, of course was not the only time that I enjoyed a box of macaroni and cheese. In the Fortier household, growing up, Joel and myself (Joel being my younger brother, not to be confused with my cousin, Joel, who was literally born 4 days before my brother Joel, and yes. I am aware that it is weird that I have a cousin and a brother Joel born 4 days apart, and yes, I know my family doesn’t have much originality for names!) would eat more than our fair share of Kraft Dinner. Now while Joel used to put Italian Salad dressing on it, we still always had a smile on our faces whenever we had a bowl of that cheesy goodness!
Kraft Dinner, for me, has always had the ability to cheer me up, and put a smile on my face. Even to this day. At the ripe old age of 32, I always smile when I think of having a box of KD, and sharing it with my little precious Angel, Miss Chloe. Nowadays, it’s White Cheddar, instead of Original, but I love a good Saturday afternoon with a box of KD in my green bowl, sharing with just Chloe and I. It’s one of the highlights of my time with her. It’s a tradition that I hope never ends, because I love those little moments where her and I can share, and it’s only just her and I, and no one else. She gets KD other places, too. I know that. But when she’s at her mother’s, or at my parent’s place, I know that she gets her own bowl, and eats it herself, but when she’s with Daddy. It’s one bowl. One Spoon. And Two best friends, enjoying a tasty lunch together, and I would not trade that in for the world.
The Chloe-Daddy KD connection began reasonably early in Chloe’s already young life. When I was married to the former Mrs. Fortier, I would eat my KD in front of the TV while watching Chloe watch her TV or play with her toys. She was barely walking then, and she would crawl or hold herself up, walking to me, and looking at me with her cute eyes, and you could tell that she wanted what Daddy had in the bowl. Nathalie (My Ex) would call to me from the kitchen to not give her any, but of course, like a man, I was not to listen, and I would sneak a few bites to Chloe, who knew that this was something that Daddy and her shared. And that was one of the many ways that her and I bonded. Since then, Macaroni and Cheese has been a staple (She does eat good stuff too!) of the Chloe-Daddy meal-plan.
Saturdays may have changed, but at least some things don’t ever change.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
Now before you go off on me, telling me that I sound like some bone-headed putz for claiming that Kraft Dinner (Or Kraft Cheese & Macaroni, as my friends in the U.S. call it) has the power to heal, say like Jesus, or medicine, or anything else like that, let me explain my statement with the following.
First off, K.D. isn’t going to heal anyone medically, if anything, it’ll probably do more to hinder than to heal, but the fact remains that to this day, Kraft Dinner is one of my favorite, and most trusted comfort foods of all time. Like most Canadian kids of my Generation, we grew up with a nice Kraft Dinner lunch on a Saturday while watching WWF Superstars of Wrestling on WUTV-Buffalo at 12, and then WWF Wrestling on CHCH-Hamilton at 1. The carbs in that Macaroni was enough to get my energy up to feel the power of Hulkamania (Even though he never wrestled on the program) for that 2 hour-slamfest!
That, of course was not the only time that I enjoyed a box of macaroni and cheese. In the Fortier household, growing up, Joel and myself (Joel being my younger brother, not to be confused with my cousin, Joel, who was literally born 4 days before my brother Joel, and yes. I am aware that it is weird that I have a cousin and a brother Joel born 4 days apart, and yes, I know my family doesn’t have much originality for names!) would eat more than our fair share of Kraft Dinner. Now while Joel used to put Italian Salad dressing on it, we still always had a smile on our faces whenever we had a bowl of that cheesy goodness!
Kraft Dinner, for me, has always had the ability to cheer me up, and put a smile on my face. Even to this day. At the ripe old age of 32, I always smile when I think of having a box of KD, and sharing it with my little precious Angel, Miss Chloe. Nowadays, it’s White Cheddar, instead of Original, but I love a good Saturday afternoon with a box of KD in my green bowl, sharing with just Chloe and I. It’s one of the highlights of my time with her. It’s a tradition that I hope never ends, because I love those little moments where her and I can share, and it’s only just her and I, and no one else. She gets KD other places, too. I know that. But when she’s at her mother’s, or at my parent’s place, I know that she gets her own bowl, and eats it herself, but when she’s with Daddy. It’s one bowl. One Spoon. And Two best friends, enjoying a tasty lunch together, and I would not trade that in for the world.
The Chloe-Daddy KD connection began reasonably early in Chloe’s already young life. When I was married to the former Mrs. Fortier, I would eat my KD in front of the TV while watching Chloe watch her TV or play with her toys. She was barely walking then, and she would crawl or hold herself up, walking to me, and looking at me with her cute eyes, and you could tell that she wanted what Daddy had in the bowl. Nathalie (My Ex) would call to me from the kitchen to not give her any, but of course, like a man, I was not to listen, and I would sneak a few bites to Chloe, who knew that this was something that Daddy and her shared. And that was one of the many ways that her and I bonded. Since then, Macaroni and Cheese has been a staple (She does eat good stuff too!) of the Chloe-Daddy meal-plan.
Saturdays may have changed, but at least some things don’t ever change.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
ForchMan makes his RANT-burger, a beautiful thing!!!
Canadian fast food sucks compared to the U.S.!!!
Now before you get all defensive about this, take into consideration, that the Americans pretty much invented fast food, so why wouldn’t they be the best at it? If it wasn’t for the United States, McDonalds, Wendy’s Burger King, et al, would be just a pipe dream, in the mind of some idiot in Tuscaloosa!
Now it is apparent by looking at me, that I have had more than mine as well as your share of fast food. My physique speaks for itself (A Washboard Stomach with a Load full of Towels) that I know good fast food, and man, do I EVER!
My first point on why American fast food is better than Canadian is the most obvious….
IT IS MUCH CHEAPER!
Take for example McDonalds. I am a border-child. Which means that I have always spend a lot of time in both the U.S. and Canada, and I can tell you that there is a massive difference in the price between McDonalds in Canada, and in the U.S. Case in point: Chicken McNuggets. My single-most favorite item on the McDonald’s menu. In the Great white north, a 20-pack, which is enough for ol’ Forch here (Barely) costs about $8 with taxes. In the land of the Free, you can get 40 McNuggets as well as 2 Large fries for $9.99!!! Now that is what I call McSavings! I also defy anyone to tell me that the McNuggets in Canada are better, because they’re made with Canadian Chicken! People who use the country of origin for poultry as the basis for their product superiority are totally bone-headed! Usually, rhetoric like that is reserved for those who also say that KFC, uses Genetically-modified chicken for their Original Recipe. Utter Nonsense!!
My second point: CHOICE!
In the U.S. You not only have your National Fare (like McDonald’s, Wendy’s Burger King, KFC and Subway) but certain areas have their own chains, and some of them are even better than the big chains! Take for example: The In-N-Out Burger.
The In-N-Out Burger is a chain of burger restaurants that originate in California, and I believe there are some in Nevada as well. I discovered this bastion of greatness during the “Sketch of Life" trip of 2008. The SOL crew and I visited the In-N-Out Burger while at Fisherman’s Wharf, and I still to this day dare any one of them to find a better fast food joint! And trust me, we visited quite a few, including Carl’s Jr, and Jack in the Box. Both, which were in my words: “Deisherrific” (Trademark ForchMan, 2008)
My third point: SELECTION!
Comparing the items on your typical fast food restaurant in Canada, to the U.S. is like comparing “Prime Rib to Weird-Brother of Prime Rib” (If you get this reference, you will be my friend forever, and if you’re the first to comment on where it comes from, you will get special mention in an upcoming Forch’N Telling!) Look at KFC. I worked at KFC for like 4 years in H.S. and so many times, I had some drunken Wellander come into the store, asking for something that was on the U.S. menu, and complaining about why it wasn’t on ours! Whenever I go to KFC in the states, I am in love. Not to say that I don’t already love KFC to begin with, but the price is still far better than in Canada, but they have items that Canada hasn’t even considered! And when Canada finally gets them, the novelty has worn off, just as much as say, the Spice Girls Reunion!
Now there are a bunch more points that I could make, but quite frankly, I don’t have the time to get into them, because a ½ hour to write isn’t very much, but needless to say, I think that I have gotten my point across.
Now there are going to be those of you out there who are going to say: “Well what about Harvey’s???” While I do agree, they make your hamburger a beautiful thing, let’s face facts, you can actually go to M&M meat shops, and buy the same burgers, and make them yourself (Get the Tasty Burgers, that is exactly what they use!). I have never been able to recreate the taste of a Flame-broiled Whopper, or revel in a homemade bucket of Original Recipe. Now, I have been able to make homemade McNuggets, but to be honest, the work involved, really isn’t worth it.
Just don’t talk to be about Subway, because I’ve got a whole blog in my head to talk about that rip-off specialist!
Mmmmm, Man I want a cheeseburger!
But that’s just my opinion…. What do I know???
F.M.
Now before you get all defensive about this, take into consideration, that the Americans pretty much invented fast food, so why wouldn’t they be the best at it? If it wasn’t for the United States, McDonalds, Wendy’s Burger King, et al, would be just a pipe dream, in the mind of some idiot in Tuscaloosa!
Now it is apparent by looking at me, that I have had more than mine as well as your share of fast food. My physique speaks for itself (A Washboard Stomach with a Load full of Towels) that I know good fast food, and man, do I EVER!
My first point on why American fast food is better than Canadian is the most obvious….
IT IS MUCH CHEAPER!
Take for example McDonalds. I am a border-child. Which means that I have always spend a lot of time in both the U.S. and Canada, and I can tell you that there is a massive difference in the price between McDonalds in Canada, and in the U.S. Case in point: Chicken McNuggets. My single-most favorite item on the McDonald’s menu. In the Great white north, a 20-pack, which is enough for ol’ Forch here (Barely) costs about $8 with taxes. In the land of the Free, you can get 40 McNuggets as well as 2 Large fries for $9.99!!! Now that is what I call McSavings! I also defy anyone to tell me that the McNuggets in Canada are better, because they’re made with Canadian Chicken! People who use the country of origin for poultry as the basis for their product superiority are totally bone-headed! Usually, rhetoric like that is reserved for those who also say that KFC, uses Genetically-modified chicken for their Original Recipe. Utter Nonsense!!
My second point: CHOICE!
In the U.S. You not only have your National Fare (like McDonald’s, Wendy’s Burger King, KFC and Subway) but certain areas have their own chains, and some of them are even better than the big chains! Take for example: The In-N-Out Burger.
The In-N-Out Burger is a chain of burger restaurants that originate in California, and I believe there are some in Nevada as well. I discovered this bastion of greatness during the “Sketch of Life" trip of 2008. The SOL crew and I visited the In-N-Out Burger while at Fisherman’s Wharf, and I still to this day dare any one of them to find a better fast food joint! And trust me, we visited quite a few, including Carl’s Jr, and Jack in the Box. Both, which were in my words: “Deisherrific” (Trademark ForchMan, 2008)
My third point: SELECTION!
Comparing the items on your typical fast food restaurant in Canada, to the U.S. is like comparing “Prime Rib to Weird-Brother of Prime Rib” (If you get this reference, you will be my friend forever, and if you’re the first to comment on where it comes from, you will get special mention in an upcoming Forch’N Telling!) Look at KFC. I worked at KFC for like 4 years in H.S. and so many times, I had some drunken Wellander come into the store, asking for something that was on the U.S. menu, and complaining about why it wasn’t on ours! Whenever I go to KFC in the states, I am in love. Not to say that I don’t already love KFC to begin with, but the price is still far better than in Canada, but they have items that Canada hasn’t even considered! And when Canada finally gets them, the novelty has worn off, just as much as say, the Spice Girls Reunion!
Now there are a bunch more points that I could make, but quite frankly, I don’t have the time to get into them, because a ½ hour to write isn’t very much, but needless to say, I think that I have gotten my point across.
Now there are going to be those of you out there who are going to say: “Well what about Harvey’s???” While I do agree, they make your hamburger a beautiful thing, let’s face facts, you can actually go to M&M meat shops, and buy the same burgers, and make them yourself (Get the Tasty Burgers, that is exactly what they use!). I have never been able to recreate the taste of a Flame-broiled Whopper, or revel in a homemade bucket of Original Recipe. Now, I have been able to make homemade McNuggets, but to be honest, the work involved, really isn’t worth it.
Just don’t talk to be about Subway, because I’ve got a whole blog in my head to talk about that rip-off specialist!
Mmmmm, Man I want a cheeseburger!
But that’s just my opinion…. What do I know???
F.M.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
A Friend in Need, is a Friend with Kraft Dinner!
I wish that I had more friends like Mike Mclay.
I have always been blessed with an assortment of awesome friends. I have been able to maintain a number of friendships for 20+ years. It has always been a great source of pride for me, but lately I have been extremely thankful for the friendship of Mike Mclay.
Mike and I first met in training when we first got hired for Accenture in the Summer of 2007. My first impression of the guy was that he looked like Tyson Tomko in a suit. (Tyson Tomko being a former WWE/TNA wrestler) Mike and I hit it off quite easily, and probably because we both share a similar sense of humor, in addition to several similar likes a dislikes.
(Artist’s Rendering of Michael Mclay.)
Early in our tenure with Accenture, Mike broke his leg, and was severely injured due to slipping on some ice, and had to miss work for a year, and it was funny, because the place just didn’t seem the same without him. It’s funny some of the things you don’t realize you miss when they are gone, but Mike’s loud, and sometimes argumentative approach to customer service, listening to him on his calls, were quite entertaining, and somewhat weirder, relaxing.
When he came back, I was immediately happy to see him, because Mike is the kind of guy that makes everyone around him better. Even though I know that he doesn’t believe it, he does. He helps make me a better person, and I can say this with all sincerity, that I wish that he was my older brother. I once told him that, and he didn’t believe me, but it is totally true.
He is my most supportive friend at Accenture, and without him, work isn’t the same to come in to. And while I have a lot of friends at Accenture, who are very supportive of me. (Jen, Lynnda, Amanda, Lisa, Lesley, Mike, you know who you are), Mike Mclay by far is my closest and dearest friend at work.
I only wish that he takes the time to read this, because I never chat with him online, but I hope that someone will bring that to his attention, so that he can know how much his friendship means to me. He has made some of the hardest moments of the last year of my life a lot more tolerable, and his guidance and opinion is one that I respect more than most.
I don’t know where life will take me in this world, as I have not yet perfected Flux Capacitor technology, but I do know this, that I certainly hope that I have a friend like Mike Mclay around me always, because he makes me a better person, just having him as a friend.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
I have always been blessed with an assortment of awesome friends. I have been able to maintain a number of friendships for 20+ years. It has always been a great source of pride for me, but lately I have been extremely thankful for the friendship of Mike Mclay.
Mike and I first met in training when we first got hired for Accenture in the Summer of 2007. My first impression of the guy was that he looked like Tyson Tomko in a suit. (Tyson Tomko being a former WWE/TNA wrestler) Mike and I hit it off quite easily, and probably because we both share a similar sense of humor, in addition to several similar likes a dislikes.
(Artist’s Rendering of Michael Mclay.)
Early in our tenure with Accenture, Mike broke his leg, and was severely injured due to slipping on some ice, and had to miss work for a year, and it was funny, because the place just didn’t seem the same without him. It’s funny some of the things you don’t realize you miss when they are gone, but Mike’s loud, and sometimes argumentative approach to customer service, listening to him on his calls, were quite entertaining, and somewhat weirder, relaxing.
When he came back, I was immediately happy to see him, because Mike is the kind of guy that makes everyone around him better. Even though I know that he doesn’t believe it, he does. He helps make me a better person, and I can say this with all sincerity, that I wish that he was my older brother. I once told him that, and he didn’t believe me, but it is totally true.
He is my most supportive friend at Accenture, and without him, work isn’t the same to come in to. And while I have a lot of friends at Accenture, who are very supportive of me. (Jen, Lynnda, Amanda, Lisa, Lesley, Mike, you know who you are), Mike Mclay by far is my closest and dearest friend at work.
I only wish that he takes the time to read this, because I never chat with him online, but I hope that someone will bring that to his attention, so that he can know how much his friendship means to me. He has made some of the hardest moments of the last year of my life a lot more tolerable, and his guidance and opinion is one that I respect more than most.
I don’t know where life will take me in this world, as I have not yet perfected Flux Capacitor technology, but I do know this, that I certainly hope that I have a friend like Mike Mclay around me always, because he makes me a better person, just having him as a friend.
But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???
F.M.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Are you ready for some Foosball?
Greetings, Legionnaires!!!
Well it looks like another Superbowl has come and gone, and like the Superbowls before them, I have no interest in partaking in the Annual Football culmination for gridiron supremacy. It’s amazing how little I care about the sport of Pro-Football, but then again, it lacks the pageantry of Pro-Wrestling, so of course, I lack a certain level of interest.
While that last statement is not completely true, I do not care for the sport of professional football. I have never really cared for it, and I think that the main reason is, is that there are too many rules. That, and I never really grew up around the sport of Football. My Dad never took an interested in the game, and with the exception of the 4-Peat Superbowl losses of the Buffalo Bills, I never really took much of an interest.
Now, I hear a lot of people say that they watch the Superbowl in order to watch the millions of dollars pumped into the advertising for products that in most cases, no one has any interest for. Now I am a fan of commercials, as you can plainly see by my Youtube videos, but the fact remains that commercials are still not enough for me to watch the Superbowl.
I just don’t find football very interesting.
Even in High School. I was always told that I should have played for the Football team, and even at one point, was guaranteed a spot on the team (Due to lack of interest/players) but I refused because I always hated staying after school for any reason. (The reason? I always felt that I was being punished if I had to stay there any longer than I had to)
I imagine that I would have been much more popular in High School had I played on the football team, but let’s face facts, I lack what pros call “Athletic Ability” and as a result, I am sure that I wouldn’t have done very well. I am also sure that I would have been thrown off the team for excessive force or something like that during a game, because let’s face facts, I don’t think that a suplex is actually legal in High School Football. I am pretty sure it isn’t even legal in Pro Football.
I just find Football to be very boring, and too Rule-intensive.
But then again, there’s going to be one of my friends saying: “Football? Boring? Aren’t you the guy who watches like every Orioles game? Baseball is so bloody boring, how can you watch that?” Well I answer that by saying that it’s not just the game that does that to me, it’s the idea of Baseball.
My Grandfather (The late, Great, Rusty Chindemi) and I used to watch Baseball all the time, and it was something that I grew up admiring, so it’s been in my blood for years. I have a deep-seeded emotional link to the game, and that is why I love it so. Listen to me talk baseball, and almost every single time, I will mention Rusty somehow.
Watching baseball for me, brings me back to an emotion that can only be captured, sitting at a game with Grandpa and just talking about anything, it didn’t have to be just baseball. It’s a feeling that I try harder and harder to recapture in the 6 years since he passed.
I am sure that I would have felt the same way about Football, If it were what we watched, but it wasn’t. It was baseball, and the game itself always reminds me of the man I refer to as my second father.
Not a day goes by when I don’t think of him, and the lessons that he taught me, and he’s is just as responsible as anyone for helping shape me to the person that you see today. And a lot of the lessons that he used to teach me, were using baseball references. So whenever you hear me talk about Rusty, or Grandpa, know that I am speaking about a great man, who I would give anything just to speak to again, because he certainly was someone worth remembering.
So getting back to my original point… I really don’t care for Football.
But that’s just my opinion, what do I know?
F.M.
Well it looks like another Superbowl has come and gone, and like the Superbowls before them, I have no interest in partaking in the Annual Football culmination for gridiron supremacy. It’s amazing how little I care about the sport of Pro-Football, but then again, it lacks the pageantry of Pro-Wrestling, so of course, I lack a certain level of interest.
While that last statement is not completely true, I do not care for the sport of professional football. I have never really cared for it, and I think that the main reason is, is that there are too many rules. That, and I never really grew up around the sport of Football. My Dad never took an interested in the game, and with the exception of the 4-Peat Superbowl losses of the Buffalo Bills, I never really took much of an interest.
Now, I hear a lot of people say that they watch the Superbowl in order to watch the millions of dollars pumped into the advertising for products that in most cases, no one has any interest for. Now I am a fan of commercials, as you can plainly see by my Youtube videos, but the fact remains that commercials are still not enough for me to watch the Superbowl.
I just don’t find football very interesting.
Even in High School. I was always told that I should have played for the Football team, and even at one point, was guaranteed a spot on the team (Due to lack of interest/players) but I refused because I always hated staying after school for any reason. (The reason? I always felt that I was being punished if I had to stay there any longer than I had to)
I imagine that I would have been much more popular in High School had I played on the football team, but let’s face facts, I lack what pros call “Athletic Ability” and as a result, I am sure that I wouldn’t have done very well. I am also sure that I would have been thrown off the team for excessive force or something like that during a game, because let’s face facts, I don’t think that a suplex is actually legal in High School Football. I am pretty sure it isn’t even legal in Pro Football.
I just find Football to be very boring, and too Rule-intensive.
But then again, there’s going to be one of my friends saying: “Football? Boring? Aren’t you the guy who watches like every Orioles game? Baseball is so bloody boring, how can you watch that?” Well I answer that by saying that it’s not just the game that does that to me, it’s the idea of Baseball.
My Grandfather (The late, Great, Rusty Chindemi) and I used to watch Baseball all the time, and it was something that I grew up admiring, so it’s been in my blood for years. I have a deep-seeded emotional link to the game, and that is why I love it so. Listen to me talk baseball, and almost every single time, I will mention Rusty somehow.
Watching baseball for me, brings me back to an emotion that can only be captured, sitting at a game with Grandpa and just talking about anything, it didn’t have to be just baseball. It’s a feeling that I try harder and harder to recapture in the 6 years since he passed.
I am sure that I would have felt the same way about Football, If it were what we watched, but it wasn’t. It was baseball, and the game itself always reminds me of the man I refer to as my second father.
Not a day goes by when I don’t think of him, and the lessons that he taught me, and he’s is just as responsible as anyone for helping shape me to the person that you see today. And a lot of the lessons that he used to teach me, were using baseball references. So whenever you hear me talk about Rusty, or Grandpa, know that I am speaking about a great man, who I would give anything just to speak to again, because he certainly was someone worth remembering.
So getting back to my original point… I really don’t care for Football.
But that’s just my opinion, what do I know?
F.M.
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