It's not a Ferrari but it'll get the job done. It's sleek and zippy. It has pep and zazz. It's the 2009 Mazda 3 Hatchback; the new Doda whip. Honestly, that burgundy '03 Blazer with the big ugly tire hanging on the back had it coming. And it guzzled gasoline like a college kid (or Derek Downing) pounds beers. Enjoy these pictures...
Vin Villani, who runs the show at Smithtown Mazda obviously is a man of honor. He did a wonderful job and deserves a round of applause.
I also landed my first cover photo for the Times of Smithtown. It wasn't November 5th 1955; the day Marty went back to the future. The sixth of April, 2009, The New Jerusalem Church on Woodlawn Avenue was struck by lightning.
The crucifix and steeple were blown to bits emitting a voltage of 1.21 gigawatts throughout the house of God. Luckily, I just got back from the Newsday offices and had enough time to grab my camera. I sent the pics to Joe Darrow, the editor and chief of The Times of Smithtown. Enjoy the picture and the article here at this link: http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/pdf/ts_040909w.pdf
April 14, 2009 was also the anniversary of the death of Kurt Cobain. A man who changed music forever and blazed a path for bands like Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots... Nirvana spawned a genre of music before our eyes the same way The Beatles did on Ed Sullivan 100 years ago. Unfortunately, Cobain was a junkie that didn't know how to deal with pain or empathy. For the past couple weeks, I have been dipping back into old albums like Dookie, Insomniac, Purple, Offspring's Smash, Unplugged in New York, Nevermind, In Utero etc. and realizing how ridiculously good they are. Weezer was also a favorite but I can't find those discs... RIP Kurt. It's better to burn out than fade away I guess. I mean I was never grunge but I can appreciate the contribution to music history. Actually, I'm still wearing some of the stuff I used to rock in the early nineties.
Can we talk about the New York Rangers for two and half seconds? Vegas gives the Blueshirts 30-1 odds of winning the Stanley Cup. Needless to say, they are a long shot to even reach the finals. What do the Rangers need to advance to AT LEAST the conference finals?
1. Hot goaltending. Henrik Lundqvist has to put on a show. Period.
2. Gomez/Callahan/Avery line has to produce. Gomez has 3 cups. If he wants 4, he will have to lead the way.
3. Special teams. The best penalty killers on the planet play for the New York Rangers. But their power play is a black hole of offense. They need to capitalize...pun intended.
I'm lucky enough to be going to games 3 and 4 with my brother and Vin Taurassi. Surely, I'll have more to say about their first round match up against the Washington Capitals.
Just a couple side notes:
1. I'm currently playing God of War II with Jon Lesch. Incredible game.
2. Brand new padded high traffic charcoal colored carpet for the lounge.
3. I'm now slated for June 2, 4 at Jones Beach for the Phish reunion tour. Not pumped about the venue but very excited about the shows.
