If you’re looking for music articles, like my Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival coverage, it’s no longer here. I have split apart into separate blogs! All of my music-related content is over at my new domain: Sweet Blog of Mine. Please update your links!

My current plans now are to create a new domain for a wrestling blog, and a third domain (if I don’t keep this one) for a massive wrestling information archive project. Stay tuned, folks.

To make up for the inconvenience, click ‘read more’ to see some classic wrestling memories. (well, classic enough.)

Kurt Angle & Shane McMahon

Batista

Hogan and HBK

The Rock

I don't need to tell you WhOOOO this is.

Mick Foley in ROH

Hogan & Orton

Rob Van Dam

Norman Smiley is still the man.

Undertaker

The new blog should be coming soon, and then I will begin work on the wrestling archive project.

Vince approves!

Thanks, Mick Foley!

The Titans will try to keep their playoff hopes alive versus the high powered offense of Phillip Rivers and the Chargers.

If you missed the first two Live Blogs check them out: Celtics-Magic, Cavs-Lakers

Chargers at Titans, 7:30 p.m., NFL on NFL Network

7:56- With a little over 10 minutes gone in the first quarter the Titans have an early 3-0 lead.

8:05- The Chargers take the lead on a LT TD  and it’s 7-3 with a minute left in the first quarter. Impressive drive from Phillip Rivers right there.

8:15- CJ converts a key fourth down, but it’s all for not as Vince Young throws a pick on the next play. The Chargers will take over at their own 24 yard line.

8:18- The Titans need to win this game to have any hope of making the playoffs, but considering this is the same team that started the year 0-6 it’s amazing they’re even still in the hunt.

8:20- The Chargers are driving again on the shoulders of Rivers and their Pro Bowl caliber receiver Vincent Jackson.

8:23- Jacob Ford comes up with a big sack to make it 2nd and 15 for San Diego. However, on the next play Rivers throws a TD to Antonio Gates to give the Chargers a 14-3 lead.

It looked as if Rivers was past the line of scrimmage on the throw making it an illegal forward pass. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher just threw the challenge flag and this one is going to be under review.

8:27- By rule, if the QB’s entire body is not past the line then it’s a legal pass. The Titans lose the review and the Chargers lead 14-3 on the 36 yard TD pass to Gates.

A confusing rule to say the least.

8:34- Young just turned it over again. This time he coughs it up on a scramble up the middle. The Chargers will take over at midfield with an 11 point lead. The Titans defense is going to have to step up.

8:37- Rivers airs it out from midfield and hits Floyd for a 50 yard TD, but the left tackle McNiell is called for holding so, bring it back.

As an ex-tackle myself I can tell you that’s a play when you get really get frustrated with yourself. When I screwed up a big play I’d always feel like the ultimate smuck.

Next play though McNiell can breath easy as a personal foul takes away the long yardage. The Titans are making a lot of mistakes early in this game. Hopefully they can right the ship, otherwise this could get out of hands early.

8:42- San Diego’s O-Line has been a little shaky early on with holding and false start penalties, but Rivers keeps bailing them out with big plays down field. The Chargers are in the red zone again trying to make it 3 trips, 3 TDs.

8:45- Rivers hits Spoales to make it 21-3 and the Chargers are running away with this one.

8:46- If the Charger rap up the No. 2 seed tonight (and it looks like they will) that leaves the Pats at No. 3,  the Bengals at No. 4, the Ravens at No. 5, the Broncos at No. 6 and the Jags, Dolphins, Jets and Steelers with an outside shot of sneaking in. I wrote all that out to prove a point.

People said at the begining of the year that NFL parody was gone. Well, if I’m not mistake three of those six teams didn’t make the playoffs last year. Parody still exists. Trust me.

8:53- The Titans are trying to score before the half to give them a chance at coming back and the Chargers defense is cooperating so far.

If they do lose though can we all make the agreement that they should just run the option offense in the last week. Why not try and see if it could work? They have the fastest QB (other than Vick) and fastest player! Why wouldn’t this work?!? And if it didn’t wouldn’t it be extremely entertaining?

9 p.m.- Speaking of option, they just ran it… for a 3 yard gain… maybe I spoke too soon… and a matter of fact I’d hate to see CJ get a terrible injury when a linebacker sees the option coming and plants him 6-feet under. How bout this?

Next season everytime the Titans play a terrible rush defense with old slow linebackers they run the option? That could work right? I know I’m grasping at straws.

Anyway, the Titans stay in the game with a nicely executed drive by Young and score before the half. Young scrambled and threw and basically B.S.ed his way to a TD. Greaaaat job! Score at half, 21-10 Chargers. Titans get the ball in the third. Stay tuned.

Halftime breakdown:

CJ is leading the Titans offense with 66 yards on the ground and 37 recieving yards. He should win the offensive player of the year, right?

Phillip Rivers is the story for the Chargers. He’s racked up 145 yards and 2 TDs through the air. LT has 49 yards and TD on the ground as well.

9:21- Tennessee’s offense sputters to start the third and their D is going to have to step up if they want any chance at making this a game.

9:24- Rivers is just marching down the field at will. The Titans defense is playing like they did in those first six games. It is one of the best teams in the league, but I was hoping they would put up more a fight than this.

LT caps off the drive with a one-yard plung for his second TD of the night. The Chargers now lead 28-10.

9:36- Rivers hits Jackson on the sideline for 20 yard reception, but Jackson is rules out of bounds even though it looks as if he got both feet down.

Charger head coach Norv Turner just threw the challenge flag and this one is under review. It is overturned. Good job by the Chargers coaching staff to recognize it was a catch.

9:43- Even though the Chargers are up 17 Rivers is flinging it right now and Sproales just walked in to the endzone to make it 35-10. That’s pretty much all she wrote on this one.

9:50- Young gets picked for the 2nd time on the night and the Chargers offense will take over. The Chargers will rap up the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and will likely be able to rest their starters in the last week of the season.

10:03- The lone bright spot in this loss for the Titans has to be Chris Johnson. With his 100 yard performance tonight he’s rushed for 100 yards in 10 straight games. It’s the third longest streak in NFL history and CJ still has an outside shot of rushing for 2000 next week. And considering he’s facing a very weak Seahawks run defense anything is possible.

10:14- Right on que CJ busts free for a 30 yard TD and the Titans cut the lead to 42-17. One of the more exciting plays of the game.

After the play Chargers cornerback Antonio-Rogers Cromartie ran over congratulated CJ. Nice to see. It seems as though Chris Johnson isn’t just a great running back, but a well respected and liked player even by his rivals.

10:27- Final from Tennesee, 42-17 Chargers. Happy Holidays… and I’m out.

Last year when the two faced off it became an instant classic. Kobe was the reigning MVP at the time, but now it’s LeBron. Who will take it this year? Only time will tell. One things for sure, this game will certainly have a huge barring on who wins come August.

Cavs at Lakers, 5 p.m., NBA on ABC

5:43- If you missed the first live blog check it out here.

5:50- The Cavs came out slow, but quickly woke up and lead after the first 23-19 with Kobe scoring on a nice drive to end the quarter. LeBrons out to a quick start with 9, but Kobe is nipping on his heels with 8.

5:56- Early on the Lakers offense looks out of sorts. They’re taking a lot of quick shots. Meanwhile LeBron has been on the bench and Cleveland has opened up a 14 point lead.

6:06- Ilgauskas makes it a 44-25 lead and the Lakers are looking like they drank a little too much egg nog last night. Whatever the deal is they better pick it up or Cleveland might run away with this one.

6:11- Delonte West hits a rare three and the Cavs have opened it up to a 20 point lead with 4 minutes to go in the half.

6:13- Imagine if Karl Malone could move and dribble like a guard? That’s what LeBron James is. And he is finally tapping into his full potential with developing a post-up game ala the Mailman. He just abused Artest on the low block. The sad thing? The Lakers aquired Ron to guard LeBron! Plan and simple! If LeBron keeps working on the low block no one will be able to guard him. Let me repeat… NO ONE!

6:18- Getting a little chippy at the Staples Center. Artest gets wacked in the face and goes to the free throw line, but not before storming off like a kid who got coal from Santa.

6:25- Although I’m delighted to be writing these live blogs on this Christmas Day I must say I’m a little torn on who to root for. As a Celtics fan I hate the Lakers. Repeat, hate! I dislike Ron Artest. I dislike Kobe and his pet lama Pau Gasol. I dislike Phil Jackson. As for the Cavs? Well, they’re a Celtics rival and seeing them lose will help our chances in the East. I also think LeBron is kind of annoying. Oh and I hate Anderson Varejao. Sorry, I just needed to get that off my chest.

The Lakers are edging back into the game with physical play and a 12-2 run to end the half. Who new they could be physical? Cavs still lead by 9, 51-42, but it could of been a 12 point lead as LeBron barely misses puting in a half court shot as time expires.

Halftime breakdown:

Kobe leads all scorers with 18 points, but is 6-16 from the field. The rest of the Lakers have 24 points combined. Not a strong first half performance from Kobe and Co.

Cleveland has been led by LeBron and Mo Williams, who have 11 points apiece. Varejao has added some strong energy off the bench with 6 points and 4 boards in 15 minutes.

6:52- Lakers have to go inside more and continue the physical play that got them back in the game in the first half. As for Cleveland, if they keep shooting 56 percent than they should win easy, but that’s a big if.

7:03- Kobe gets fouled by Shaq but no call. Derrick Fisher complains to the refs and gets called for the T. The Kobe-Shaq storylines have taken a back seat due to the MVP-Off headlines, but it’s a curious one. Kobe complains more than anybody about no calls, but this instance was a lot more over the top than usual. Considering Shaq was the one who hacked him that bad blood might still be there. It was very chippy in the first half and it’s continued in the second. Stay tuned.

7:07- Mo Williams gets taken out my Kobe and the physical play continues. It’s still a double digit lead for the Cavs, 61-50 midway through the third.

7:12- Both sides have done a good job keeping their emotions in check. LeBron just took down a rebound as Lamar Odom tried to rip it out of his grasp. On the other end Kobe gets called for an offensive foul.

7:20- Extra passing is what has helped the Cavs regain a large lead in this one. They now lead by 18 points 74-56 with a minute left in the third.

7:21- Varejao gets an offensive board and Odom responds by hacking him. He’s called for a T and Cav lead is 20.

7:26- Kobe hits a three to end the quarter, but it’s all mute. The Cavs are running the Lakers off the floor and they will take a 17 point lead, 76-59, into the fourth. As far as the MVP race goes LeBron has been the front runner. He’s got 19 points and 7 assists. Kobe on the other hand has done even more with 25 points, 7 boards and 7 helpers but like in the first half, his shooting numbers aren’t great. Kobe is 9-24 from the field.

7:27- The Zen Master loves to send a message and he just did with that last sideline report. Not to his players, but the refs. Phillip isn’t happy with the calls he’s getting.

7:30- Why is Shaq in the game? If I were the Lakers I’d foul him everytime down the floor. All Shaq has wanted for Christmas for his entire career is to shoot a decent percentage from the charity strip. Santa’s not coming Shaq. Sorry.

7:43- It looks as if this one is all over and the Lakers are going to pack it in. Stay tuned for my next live blog of the Charger-Titans game.

7:53- The Lakers fans show their true colors. They don’t get what they want so they act like spoiled brats by throwing their fowm fingers on the court. Santa would not approve.

8:08- Final from Staples Center Cavs 102 Lakers 87. LeBron led the way for the Cavs with 26 points and 9 assists. Kobe led all scorers with 35 points but was 11 of 32 from the field. Ron Artest and Lamar Odom were ejected before it was all said and done. Say what you want about the refs, the Lakers simply didn’t show up tonight. They would of rather been sipping hot coco by the fire with their families. Instead they were getting burned by LeBron and the Cavs.

What to watch? Well, the NBA and NFL have delivered in the form of two marquee NBA matchups with the Celtics and Magic facing off in a Eastern Conference battle; along with the Cavs faces the Lakers or as I like to call it, the Lebrons facing the Kobes.

And to top it all off we get to watch the Titans and Chris Johnson face the Chargers and Phillip Rivers. Not a bad day of sports TV. Thanks Santa!

Celts vs. Magic, 2:30 tip off, NBA on ABC

2:55 p.m.- Sorry, am off to a slow start. Celts down by three eight minutes into the first. The first quarter has been mared by way too many whistles. I love David Stern for delivering with two great games, but I hope his refs don’t blow it by being the proverbial grinch and ruining everybodys Christmas fun.

3:05 p.m.- After the first the Celtics are down by one, 19-18. Now that I got my shiz together I’ll give you my keys to the game:

Celts: With Paul Pierce out the Green are already at a huge disadvantage. They’ll need big games from Rondo, Ray and Garnett, but what they’ll need more than anything is for Tony Allen to give them quality minutes. If Tony doesn’t show up look for Bill “Sky” Walker or who knows, maybe even J.R. Giddens to get a look.

Magic: We all know the Magics game. Shoot threes. Give it to Dwight and play good defense. They’ve been doing a decent job so far this season with second best record in the Eastern Conference.  Also Jameer Nelson is back from injury, which should help their chances of going 2-0 vs. the C’s.

3:15- Four minutes into the second quarter and it’s a three point game. The refs have swallowed the whistles and there  is finally a flow. A Christmas miracle? Nah, not yet. I don’t wanna jinx it.

3:20- ABC just had a promo for the final season of Lost! I’m so excited I can’t hold a thought it my head.

And we have a Big Baby sighting! And he gets a rebound. He looks good. I was half expecting for him to look like Tractor Taylor.

3:25- I must say I’m digging the Celtics combo of red and green. Very festive! Still a one point game as Rondo gets called for an offensive foul.

3:27- Vince Carter is the games leading scorer so far with 10 and Rondo’s right behind him with 8. Is it just me or has Vince Carter’s season gone under the radar? He’s never been on a elite team in his career. He’s become the Magics go-to crunch-time scorer due to Howards Shaqian free-throw numbers. If he can keep it up his legacy might be changed forever from whiner who kept getting “injuried” when his teams were sucking to a potential margee player for a title contender.

3:33- And the Celtics take the lead on a Rond- steal-coast-to-coast and-one; C’s fans have seen that a few times this season from ‘Jon. 28-25 Celts. Remember when I said the refs swallowed their whistles, well I clearly jinxed it with a 30-25 score with four minutes left in the half. Sure these are two defensive teams, and sure they might be a little rusty/pissed off that they have to play on Christmas, but it’s just easier to crap on the refs. They’re an easy scapegoat.

3:37- The Celtics have been looking great at the end of this half, led by Rondo, and wait for it… Tony Allen! He’s a scrapper and that’s exactly what he’s doing. Tony has had a tough run of it in the past three years. First he blew out his knee. Then he had to deal with death threats from people he had beef with back in Chi Town. Then he had one nagging injury after another. That couple with inconsistent play contributed to jabs and barbs from Celtics fans. Hopefully the Pierce injury will allow him to get his confidence back and he’ll become a contributing player down the stretch.

3:43- The Magic scored a putrid 8 points in the second quarter and the Celtics have opened up a double digit half time lead, 38-27. Orlando shot 10-40 from the field in the quarter… gross. Ron Jeremy.. err.. I mean Stan Van Gundry will have to rile up the troops at half.

4 p.m.- At half the Celtics lead by 11 with Rajon Rondo leading the way with 13 points and 7 boards, but Rondo will have to cut back on his game high 6 turnovers for the Celts to come out on top. The Green are leading in rebounding with a 26-18 advantage and fast break point with an 11-2 edge. Turnovers are even so far with both teams tallying 13 each.

For Orlando, Dwight Howard is going to have to get more involved with only 2 points and 5 turnovers in 20 minutes of play. Carter has been the teams high scorer with 10, but went cold halfway through the second quarter.

4:06- Nice story about Walker Allen during halftime. Walker is Ray Allen’s son who was diagnost with juvinile diabetes during the Celtics 2007 run to the title. A scary moment for any parent, Allen dealt with it better than most. Shooting the lights out on way to his first title.

4:12- One reason for Dwight Howards poor play? Kendrick Perkins is having a fantasic run in the past month and a half. Defensivly he’s been one of the best bigs in the NBA, but offensively he’s started to have a more well rounded game. He’s tallied five double-doubles in the past two weeks. Can you say reserve center for the All-Star game? Get your votes in cause he deserves it. Along with Rondo.

4:20- Finally a flow to this game! Back and fourth scoring! Carter has taken over the game and now has 16 points to lead all scorers, but the C’s still lead by 12.

4:23- Rondo signed a 5-year extension earlier in the season and he’s earning it today. Halfway through the third and he’s already got a double-double. With rebounds nonetheless! Vote! Now! Please!

I just hope he doesn’t make me look like a smuck and complete the anti-triple-double considering he also has 7 turnovers.

4:30- And Santa shows up! And he has a Tiger dig! Wow, Santa is not pulling his punches at all.

4:33- How long is  it gonna take for the Celtics to realize Brian Scalabrine is a terrible 3-point shooter? HE SUCKS! I’m sorry. I’m not a fan of the red head who sounds like something you’d order in the North End.

4:40- Lewis was fouled on a three and makes it a 7 point game, but Ray takes it right back with a beautiful three off a screen.

4:41- At the end of three quarters the Celts have a 8 point lead. The combo of Rasheed Wallace and Perkins have given Howard fits all day. Howard has doubled his first half production, but that’s not saying much. He’s got only 4 points in the game.

4:48- Allen and ex-teammate Rashard Lewis have been matching baskets to start this fourth quarter. In the conference finals last summer the student became the master as Lewis and the Magic up ended the Green in Game 7. However, the student might have been cheating on his tests. Lewis was suspended for 10 games at the begining of the season for violating the leagues drug policy. Intersting…

4:51- Great play from Rondo. Rebound-tip-pass to Sheed for the dunk. He’s creeping up on the nature triple-double now with 7 assists to go with his double-double.

Barnes free-bees make it 7 point game with 7 and change to go.

4:57- Amazing back and fourth action. The Magic can’t get it to go with five tries. Rondo strips the ball fron Nelson and goes behind the back to Tony Allen for the jam. Rondo has been the star in this game with 17 points, 13 boards and 8 assists. Celtics by 10.

5:02- The Celtics’ hussle and defense has made Orlando look bad in this game. With 2 minutes to play and only a 6 point game anything is possible. If Boston keeps up the energy and focus though they should be able to add on to their league best 12-1 record on the road.

5:10- Bad defense by the Celtics letting Jameer Nelson get a layup to make it a 4 point game, but great dish by Tony Allen to KG to get him to the charity strip.

KG drops both FT’s in to make it 6 point lead again with 1:08 left to go.

5:13- Lewis hits a three with 1:02 to go and just like that it’s a three point game, 78-75. KG hits the deck as well and comes off the court gingerly. Not the best two defensive possestion for the Celtics in the last two trips. Hopefully KG can regroup and the C’s and pull this one out.

5:15- Huge shot from Ray Allen to make it a 5 point game and on the other end Lewis finally misses a three with Ray grabbing the board. Ray will be headed to the free throw line with a chance to put the game out of reach.

Ray hits both and the lead is  to 7, 82-75. A hard fought defensive battle from two of the best in the league and it looks as though the Celtics will come out alive.

5:20- Final score from Orlando 86-77 Celtics. With all things considered, this is a huge win for the Celtics considering they were missing Pierce. Player of the Game has gotta be Rondo with 17 points, 12 boards and 8 assists. Goat of the Game goes to Dwight Howard. He may of had 20 boards and played great defense, but you have to get more than 5 point from you’re best scorer. Give credit to Perkins for great defense. Also give props to Tony Allen for filling in for Paul Pierce admirably.

I’m gonna go eat some dinner and will be right back with a live blog of the MVP-off, Kobe vs. LeBron.

Savard has been Boston’s leading score for each of the past 3 seasons, and since coming to Boston in 2006 has scored 70 goals and 206 assists over the past 4 years.  Savard’s contract will hit the salary cap at about 4.2 million dollars each year, which is very cap friendly for Boston.  The deal allows the Bruins to keep cap space, while being able to keep their most productive offensive player, yet it also gives Savard the money that he deserves.  Players will similar offensive numbers to his hit their team’s salary cap at around 5.5 million dollars a season.

Savard responded to his new contract last Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs scoring a hat trick in a 7-2 romping, which saw former Bruins wing man Phil Kessel make his return to Causeway Street for the first time since he was traded back in September for a first and a second round draft pick.  The first round pick that Boston received for Kessel looks more and more valuable with each Toronto loss.  Toronto has the second lowest point’s total. The team with the lowest point total at the end of the season has the best percentage of getting the number 1 overall pick in the draft each year.

Another interesting storyline coming from Boston is actually occurring between the pipes.  Debate is beginning to start about who should be the B’s number one goalie.  According to Bruins coach Claude Julien, Tim Thomas (7-7-3, 2.48 GAA) is still the number one man, though lately Thomas hasn’t seen much ice time.  Thomas who missed 6 games with an undisclosed injury watched ‘back-up’ rookie Tukka Rask (8-2-2, 1.97 GAA) go 4-1-1 with a 4 game winning streak.  Boston is currently in the midst of a 7-1-1 stretch which dates back to November 19th, and Tukka is one of the main reasons why.  Coming into the season Rask had started just 4 career NHL games, spending much of his time with Providence in the AHL last year.

Although Thomas is the reining Vezina Trophy winner (given to the league’s best goaltender) it seems that Julien has been going with the hot hand lately.  Thomas has started in just 3 games since November 14th, including being pulled last Friday in Boston’s 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadians.  No matter what your feeling is on who should start it seems like Julien has done the right thing in letting current performance dictate the starter.

As things between the pipes heat up for Boston the team as a whole has found itself back atop the Eastern Conference’s Northeast Division with 35 points heading into Wednesday’s battle against division foes Toronto.  It will be interesting to see where the B’s stand over the next few weeks leading up to the big 2010 Winter Classic on New Years Day at Fenway Park against the Philadelphia Flyers, and who will be anchoring them between the pipes.

(Matty P can be heard Friday afternoon’s from 2-4 on Three Men and a Mic on WSKB 89.5)

The number one mixed martial arts promotion, Ultimate Fighting Championship, will benefit greatly from this signing as it breaks into new territories as more and more states sign legislation to sanction fighting events.

UFC President Dana White, born in Connecticut, considers Boston his ‘home’ and is excited to have the opportunity to debut Ultimate Fighting Championship in the state.

White wants to hold an event at Fenway Park, but TD Bank Garden is the likely option. This is a big step for the sport as it allows it to expand into markets that may have only previously been reached by pay-per-view. 

UFC is on the rise as the next big thing, replacing WWE’s ‘attidude era’ for in-your-face sports, reality, and entertainment.

The bill has been passed, but no official dates have been planned, but with a political step this big for the sport, it will be no surprise if UFC announces their debut as soon as 2010.

UFC is still on the heels of the success of their 100th event where one of their top stars, Brock Lesnar, gave a controversial post-match interview that insulted their biggest sponsor, Bud Light.

That success has been on rocky waters as of late, as Lesnar has been hospitalized with a severe stomach illness that may possibly jeopardize the future of his career.

The end of Lesnar’s career could be a major blow to UFC and the sport of MMA in general as a box office draw, but expanding to new markets is an essential step towards the continuous uphill climb to success.

In the past five days we have driven over 2000 miles, gone through five states and defecated in some of the best gas station bathrooms The South has to offer.

We did get to stretch our legs on a few separate locals. First when we went camping in the Arizona desert, about an hour away from The Grand Canyon. I busted out my wife-beater and bought a 32 ounce bud light so I would look the part. When in Rome I suppose.

After setting up the tents we roasted some hot dogs and chilled out watching the sun set. Considering we wanted to see the Grand Canyon bright and early we went to bed around 9 p.m. Sleep wasn’t the easiest, considering the temp dropped from 100 plus to around 50 degrees in a couple hours, but with a solid sleeping bag we were fine.

We got up around 5 a.m. and headed to the Canyon. We got there around 10 a.m. and we able to have a quick hike before the big crowds showed up. The Canyon is an all inspiring sight that can only be rivaled by the coastal views we saw on the Left Coast.

But the Canyon wasn’t the only giant hole in the Earth we were able to see on this particular day. Arizona also has the largest, and most well preserved meteor crater the world has to offer. We check that out for about a half hour and were back on the road, on our way to Albuquerque.

When we arrived in Albuquerque we immediately looked for a Mexican restaurant. We drove around looking for a place that was open for about an hour, because apparently the city of Albuquerque closes at 9 p.m. Luckily we found El Bandido a cheap Mexican place down the street from a cheap hotel. They gave us four types of salsa and I ordered a Dos Equis and fajitas. One of the best meals I’ve had all trip.

The next day we had a full day of driving ahead of us. We were going to attempt driving from New Mexico through the pan handle of Texas, up through Oklahoma and into Kansas. Over a 1000 miles of driving in one day. Fourteen hours in a car!

We basically were chain smoking and drinking energy drinks for 14 straight hours. On the way we saw signs for a 72 ounce steak, of which if you finished you got for free.

I passed. I didn’t feel like sitting in a gas station stall for an entire day.

By the time we arrive at Will’s nephew Dustin’s home it was 3:30 in the morning. While in Kansas we met several of Will’s family members. Including his brother-in-law CJ who had attempted the infamous 72 ounce steak. He finished the steak, but when it came to the side salad and baked potato he was readying to hurl. Just so you know, a 72 ounce steak goes for 52 dollar. I guess that’s fair market value for eating an entire cow. It was pleasure being able to chill out, drink and eat with some down to earth people after such a long couple days of driving.

We now are an hour out of Graceland, not in Kansas anymore, and I’m saving room for some Memphis BBQ. Hopefully the next time you read a post my belly will be full of slow roasted beef brisket and baby back ribs. I can’t wait!

After countless failed attempts at renting a car in San Francisco the future of our road trip was in jeopardy. On Thursday, what seemed like a last ditch effort to secure a ride home went up in smoke when Hertz screwed us over for a fourth time. There have been a lot of ironic titles on the trip so far, but Hertz is more fitting than any because they’re a pain to deal with.

Anyway, lucky for us blood is always thicker than water, and Sophie’s cousin Jason Carey came to our rescue; allowing us to the rent the car under his name.

We got on the road Thursday afternoon, and were able to get to the City of Angeles by dust. The ride was an epic one. Lots of winding roads along the coast of California. A beautiful site that everyone should have the joy of seeing in their life time.

We arrived in LA quite late so we shacked up at a Holiday Inn for the night. In the morning we heading into the city where we got to see something I’ve been waiting a long time to gaze upon.

That site was Venice Beach, but more specifically, a mural on the wall of the Jewish Community Center right off the boardwalk. In the mural a poem by Dora Bayrack, my great grandmother, is shown in English and Hebrew. In the 1994 earthquake the mural was destroyed, but two years later restored to its original status.

After walking the boardwalk, eating some pizza, chilling on the beach and talking a dip in the Pacific we embarked on our way to Hollywood.

We walked on Hollywood Blvd. and checked out the Hollywood Stars on the side walk. Some notable names were Michael Jackson, which had flowers and ribbons around it, Alfred Hitchock and Will and I’s favorte, Lassie.

Considering we were on a tight schedule we packed up, went to the nearest Walmart to buy some camping equipment and headed to…. Las Vegas!

When we arrived in the desert at 11 p.m. Pacific time it was a “cool” 91 degrees. We drove down the Strip checking out all the great casinos, however there was one problem. It was too late to go to a camping site, so for the second time into two days we had to get a hotel. For a road trip with such a tight budget this was seen as a problem.

But we were in Vegas. Despite it being the fakes city in the world, from the boobs to the mock Effiel Tower, I decided to take it upon myself to make my money back .

I first started out play roulette, and after hitting a double zero I finally started thinking our luck was about to change. The one thing with Vegas is you need to set a limit on yourself. So I took out two C notes and told myself that was it.

The roulette money quickly vanished and after a while I found myself at a poker table grinding out blinds ala Rounders. I felt like Kinish for a while, taking down all these tourists who came to just have fun. Before I new it I was up a hundred dollars, but again, that quickly vanished with a few bad beats.

At 4 a.m. I had almost hit rock bottom. With 60 dollars in my wallet I thought to myself: Should I call it a night. However, when it comes to gambling it has to be a go big or go home mentality, no matter how cheesy it sounds.

So I went to a black jack table and told myself I will either leave here with an empty wallet or leave breaking even. I didn’t want to be greedy and the gambling gods like that.

I was playing 20 dollar hands, then 40 dollar hands and eventually 100 dollar hands. I hit blackjack on my first 100 dollar hand and it paid out 150, so with a cool 320 dollars to stuff in my wallet I called it a night.

So here I am again writing the blog into the wee hours of the morning. Vegas never sleeps, so why should I?

I’ll be in the desert for a couple more days and will try to update the running diary as much as possible

Unfortunately, this was our motto for the first day of travel, but before we get to the nitty and gritty let’s talk about the good.

I “awoke” at six am to my mother calmly telling me to wake up. She did everything other than pack my clothes for me. She drove me to the airport, and packed me a lunch for the plane. I’m 22-years-old and not ashamed to say I’m still a mama’s boy. I arrived at Logan around seven a.m. for a flight which was leaving at 9:30.

What to do with the time?I got to my gate, and sat down to relax. Once I sat down I noticed a awkward looking gentleman across from with a Louisville Slugger. I thought to myself: “How are they letting this man on the plane with a baseball bat?” But I soon realize this was no ordinary bat.

It was in fact a cane; a bat cane. It had the name Bill Lamoureux engraved on the shaft and as I read it I blurtered out: “Wow, nice cane!”

Bill, a heavy set 60 plus year-old man immediately replied, “Thank you. It was a present from my son.”

This is what I love about air travel. The single serving friend as Fight Club put it. I talked with this fellow and his wife who were from Rhode Island for the remaining hours. They were on their way to San Francisco to see their son elope.

The random encounters and conversations a person falls into during travel are like anything else in the world. Really!

I can’t remember ever having as deep a conversation with a complete stranger in my life. We first talked about, what else, sports. But quickly evolved into a convo about his struggle with diabetes and how he almost lost his leg. By the time we were boarding his wife was getting me a coffee and donut. It was a shame that we didn’t sit close on the flight, because talking sports with him was a delight.

He told me stories of Jim Rice, Jim Brown and Rocko Badellli, a native of his Rhode Island town.

I slept through most of the flight and that was where the “Murphy’s Lay” theme came into effect.

Our plan was to drive across country in a rent-a-car, but just so you know, if you want to rent a car you need credit. Good credit!

I along with my friend Sophie did not have this. Our fault and stupidity.

Lucky for us my friend Will had it, but not enough money to pay for the rent a car. After several hours of brain staking problem solving we got money into Will’s account and tomorrow we will pick up the car.

In the mean time though we were looking for a good time in the city by the bay. We took the BART (The San Fran T) to center city Francisco. We got of the BART and immediately were looking for some grub, and who would come to our rescue but a kindly dressed homeless man.

“What are you guys looking for?” the homeless man asked.

We replied food, and he responded with the drug layout of the city.

“Well, if you want pills and herion go down that street,” the homeless man said jokingly.

What kinda food you want? Chinese, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Thia, Japanese, steakhouse our what?,” he asked.

We replied sushi.

Pronouncing himself the most highly fashioned homeless man in the city (he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and jeans) he said go down this street and take a left.

We thanked him with a tip and were on our way. Lucky for us he wasn’t screwing with us, and we found a nice sushi bar not a block away named Hana Zen.

We ate and got a couple beers, and were reenergized from the frustrating morning we had to encounter.

I must say that San Fran is the Bizzaro Boston. After we ate we walked aimlessly looking for a bar. After a while, being frustrated we just stopped in front of the San Francisco Chronicle. As I day dreamed of covering the Golden State Warriors for the Chronicle a nice man walked over and asked: “Are you lost.”

We just told him we were looking for a bar, and he immediately pointed us in the direction of The Chieftian. If we were in Boston it might have been a little different.

We went to the bar, had some drinks and ended up in Oakland at a friends house which he is squatting in. Quite the surreal first day.

I write this entry as random fellows smoke, drink and sleep around me. A first day chalked full of random encounters.

Tomorrow I leave for San Francisco with two of my closest friends. We’re flying out of Logan Airport in Boston, and landing in the city by the bay. There will be no flight back as we plan on driving our way home via rent-a-car.

Our trip will take us through sites and cites such as: San Fran, Los Angeles, Orange County, Albuquerque, The Grand Canyon, a giant meteor crater, Las Vegas (still up in the air), Kansas City, Memphis, Atlanta (I can already taste the chicken and waffles), Philly and hopefully Pittsburgh.

This has always been on my bucket list, a cross-country trip where inhibitions and worries are thrown to the wind. Conversely, I crossed off “get impaled by fence” from my anti-bucket list several weeks ago… don’t worry you’ll hear the whole story later.

What you can look forward to in the weeks to come are stories of debauchery and stupidity, (along with some wholesome sightseeing) but hopefully not as stupid as the fence incident.

It should be fun so come to the site for daily posts.