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???
Friday, February 6, 2009
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.
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