Clamato

I was perusing the drink section at a local eatery and I continue to be amazed at how many drinks they carry. Probably over 200 kinds of beverages. Today I came across one in the v8 section called Clamato. Probably not the best name for a drink since it sounds like an STD but appropriate I guess because it contains clam broth. Many of you tomato based beverage fans are probably thinking to yourselves, "Evan's never seen Clamato before?" Apparently, it's been around for awhile:

Clamato (a portmanteau of "clam" and "tomato") is a trademark of the Mott's company which denotes a drink made primarily of reconstituted tomato juice concentrate. It is flavored with spices and clam broth, and contains monosodium glutamate.[1] It is also referred to colloquially as "clamato juice." Clamato was produced in its current form beginning in 1966 by the Duffy-Mott company in Hamlin, New York, by two employees who wanted to create a Manhattan clam chowder style cocktail by combining tomato juice and clam broth with spices."

Thanks Wikipedia! You have also given me today's Evan Almighty WORD OF THE DAY!!! The usage of today's word first appeared in Lewis Carroll's book Through the Looking-Glass (1871), in which Humpty Dumpty explains to Alice the coinage of the unusual words in Jabberwocky.

Today's word is: Portmanteau! So use it in a sentence and spread the Portmanteau love. Portmanteau is a word or morpheme whose form and meaning are derived from a blending of two or more distinct forms (as smog from smoke and fog). Hmm..I guess Knork would be a Portmanteau.

I'm still waiting to get into a Cash Cab.

Another reason why you shouldn't put a deer in the backseat of your car. Period.

Uh oh, trouble in the NY Times Cafeteria...staffers got sick...the culprit is rumored to be the pasta salad and has been taken into custody. for questioning. Let's listen in:

Detective: So, what kind of crap were you trying to pull here, salad boy.
Pasta Salad: N.n.nnnothing officer. I was just going about my business, I got dressed and then was put out at the bar.
Detective: Don't give me that crap, I want answers. (bangs fist down and some pasta spills out onto the floor). Pick yourself up.
Pasta Detective: Olive to give you some answers but I didn't do anything.
Detective: That's it, I didn't want to have to do this but I've got no other choice. (Officer goes to the closet and pulls out a huge fork. )

Fade to black.


That's all I've got today. Hope you have a great weekend!

**THIS JUST IN..THERE ARE ALSO CLAMATO CHIPS!

Evan Almighty, Now in 3-D

With the 3D craze back in full swing, I thought it was only appropriate to make today's post in 3-D. So put on your glasses because otherwise you'll be missing out. The history of 3-D is pretty interesting, dating back to the 1950s and now there is all this talk about 3-D televisions and television channels. I'm curious to see if this works. I remember many years ago the networks tried doing some 3-D things and NBC even did a whole lineup in 3-D.

So, how about a scene from the Matrix Reloaded in 3-D?



Do you know what time it is? (cue you--NO, WHAT TIME IS IT?) So glad you asked, it's time to play the game that is sweeping the nation by storm. It's time to play, The 100 Games Cupcake Game! Can you guess which game is represented on each cupcake? Winner gets nothing. Good luck.

Well, it looks like Justine's prayers have been answered. I present to you, the kitchen of the future...uture...uture...



As you have noticed, this entire post is not in 3-D. It was a gimmick to get you excited and to read it. Oh well. Hope you have a great day.

Just So You Are Aware

Tomorrow is "I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore Day"!!! How great is that?

In crab news, a crab that looks like a strawberry? Whaaaa?

I know what you're thinking. Here he goes again with his crazy links. Well, you're right and you're wrong. I'd like to take a moment to mention that the creator of the Pez head recently passed away, may he rest in pez. His obituary recently appeared in the NY Times and it got me thinking about that candy dispenser we all know and love which took me to Wikipedia (of course):

Pez was first marketed as a compressed peppermint sweet or candy in Vienna, Austria. It was invented in 1927 in Vienna by a confectioner named Eduard Haas III. Haas invented peppermints using family owned baking powders, and decided to serve the mints in small, hand-size containers. He manufactured a small tin to hold the mints, similar to the modern Altoids tins. The first Pez mint dispensers, known as "regulars," were similar in shape to a cigarette lighter, and dispensed an adult breath mint marketed as an alternative to smoking. They were invented by Oscar Uxa. Haas Food Manufacturing Corporation of Vienna, Austria, was the first to sell Pez products.

World War II slowed marketing and production. In 1945, manufacturers devised and promoted the Pez Box Regular. In 1952 Eduard Haas introduced his product to the United States, and Curtis Allina headed Pez's U.S. business. In 1955, the Pez company placed heads on the dispensers and marketed them for children. Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse were among the first character dispensers. Since 1950, over 1500 different Pez dispensers, including the original character dispensers have been created.

I'm glad to hear that Sam Mendes is taking on the next James Bond film. It should be very interesting to see what he does with it.

Bowling is going to save the economy and the world. Strike! X

Who doesn't love a titanium hip/airport detector story?

Tuesdays With Evan

It's Tuesday, another step in the direction of the weekend. There were a number of things I was going to discuss today but I really don't remember them. I thought about them before the heat went out last night and once that happened, well, I climbed into bed. This will have been the third night over the past week my apartment has been cold. Fun, right? The real estate agent suggested I get a space heater to which I wanted to reply, "you want to sell this place, you better convince the landlord to get this fixed, pal". Enough of this, let's get to some fun stuff.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker responded to a woman's tweet about her father's needing help to shovel his driveway. Yes, the mayor showed up and helped shovel. Aw, how nice. Two days later, the father received a bill from the mayor's office*

So who wants to participate in this year's No Pants Subway Ride? If you do, here are the details. Nothing says fun like wearing no pants in the cold and sitting on a dirty subway seat.



I'm sick and tired of the Harry Potter movies but the new Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows trailer has surfaced.





*just kidding

It's Never Easy

It's never easy going back to something you had a break from. Whether it's riding your bike, driving manual, or work. Sure you can jump right back into things easily but the buildup, the anticipation, just knowing that you have to go back is the difficult part. I'm not complaining by any means. I had the most wonderful winter break and while we always wish it was longer, there are a few long weekends coming up that we can look forward to. So, to all of you who are back at work or school this morning, just know that we are all in this together. We are all sitting at our desks getting back into the swing of things. :-)

I'm glad I wasn't stuck at EWR last night, it looked like a nightmare. Thousands of people stranded because some idiot went through the wrong side of a checkpoint exit. Hope the people waiting don't see the guy otherwise I have a feeling there might be harsh words exchanged. And fists thrown, can't forget about the fists.

Have you seen the American Express commercial with the smiley faces made out of everyday objects? Well if not, here it is:



Over the break I went out to lunch after seeing the Kandinsky exhibit at the Guggenheim and came across the papertowel dispenser. I snapped the photo at the top of this blog. A perfect face.

It's been cold, really cold and what better weather than this to take a dip in the ocean with the Polar Bear Club? uhhh, no thanks.

I'm sure you have heard about the full body scanners that they are going to start installing in airports (Newark Liberty Airport will be first) that will show everything and I mean everything. Expect more "Is that a banana in your pocket or are you happy to see me" jokes at the security checkpoint.

I'd like you to watch this infomercial. It cracks me up. With Loud N'Clear you can spy in on your neighbors and listen to everything they are saying. With Loud N' Clear, you can be sexist and think that "he" must have a good job and not "she".

The Frog Princess, The Princess and the Frog, The Princess Frog...oh whatver

I know, I know. You are wondering why I haven't been posting lately. Well I decided I needed some time off from blogging and have been enjoying my vacation immensely. I have had an opportunity to go to the movies and relax, like today for example, I went to see the Kandinsky exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum and then, since Sherlock Holmes was sold out, saw The Princess and the Frog in the city. See, having time off is fun. I am grateful to have had this time off, much needed time to refuel and ring in the New Year. I would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy 2010. The new decade is upon us and let's make the best of it. That's all for now. I hope you made some resolutions which you will stick to. I know I've got mine. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

It's not slime, it's mucus.

At The Movies

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend with your friends and family. I am really enjoying my break and have been relaxing and discovered this new movie theater in Hoboken. It's new, there are lounges and the staff is over-the-top friendly. While it's somewhat of a walk for me to get there, it's well worth the stroll through town. This weekend I saw Avatar and It's Complicated. There are still many films I want to see and will hopefully get to them during the week.

I have also been using my time to work on some other projects I had to put on the back burner.

Speaking of which, it was just another saturday afternoon at the local high school soccer field:



How did you get back there??? I don't want to tell you.



For those of you who didn't receive coal for Christmas, I hope you received some fun gifts. This time of the year isn't just about the gifts though...it's about spending time with friends and family...right?

Proof

The X-Rated Gift Basket

Every year, an x-rated gift basket is sent to our office from an alumnus and it cracks me up. The basket arrived yesterday and although I was out of the office, I got a laugh from the email that was sent out telling us that a gift basket had arrived but it was x-rated.

So this is really awkward, I don't know how to make this transition so I'm just going to do it. I have always been a huge fan of the muppets and Sesame Street. I just found out Sesame Street's Olivia has passed away. I think my first exposure to death came from watching Sesame Street when Mr. Hooper died.




And now, I leave you with this trailer for the remake of a classic film. What a shame.


Happy Holidays to you and a happy and healthy New Year!

The Perfect Birthday Meal

29 and Feeling Fine

I love birthdays, what better way to celebrate growing older than with good friends, a candle, and delicious food. I had an amazing birthday this year and it is always followed by more holidays and time off from work, who could ask for anything more? On top of it all, there was a snow storm which blanketed the bustling city in a layer of white powder.

I was going to take a few days off from blogging but wanted to post a few things for your viewing enjoyment:

Like, Extreme Kids Playhouses.

This site reminded me of a site I had posted on here awhile back, one that is too good not to post again! Here it is. Take a look at how the kids are dressed and positioned. Hilarious.

He asked them to turn the lights down because they were too hot. Then he asked for some Air Conditioning and a glass of water. She laughed. He fainted.


Dude Passes Out During Interview - Watch more Funny Videos

In case you weren't chilly enough today, let's talk a look to see what the Polar Bear Club is up to.

Try Not To Bragg

I am always intrigued when I come across a new type of beverage. Sometimes it's the label, sometimes the name, or sometimes it's a combination of the two. Last night, I stopped off to get some Mandarin oranges after the gym and found a drink made of Apple Cider vinegar and honey.

Apple Cider Vinegar has been highly regarded throughout history. In 400 B.C. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing natural detox cleansing, healing, and energizing qualities. Hippocrates prescribed Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with honey for its health properties. Now you can enjoy Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar & Honey in a convenient refreshing drink.

Who knew? I figured I would try it and try it I did. I was done after one sip. I don't care how healthy this is for you, drinking vinegar is not something I ever want to do again.

Now of course, as I'm sure you can imagine, I am intrigued by this Bragg family. You can read all about them here.

They even have monthly affirmations on their site:

""The world is my playground, because of my love for all things harmonious."

And then there is this:



Have a great weekend! The next time I see you, I'll be 29.

Almost There

Two days left before I have a mini birthday break and then one day back in the office and then some more days off. Best part is, I got my presentation out of the way last night so now the fun begins.

Have you seen the new Iron Man 2 Trailer? Looks great. Robert Downey Jr. is just great and I'm curious to see how this new Sherlock Holmes flick is.

I agree with this survey 110%...Office temperatures affect our productivity.

I leave you with this...so good:

It's Wednesday, but I'm writing this on Tuesday night..ooooo...ahhhh

That's right, tomorrow I will be in full presentation mode, awaiting my chance to stand in front of a group of classmates and talk about something I don't really care about, Gambling.

So why not take a look at some off videos that sort of have something to do with Casinos and gambling...sort of:


Live Reporter Slaps Dumb Drunkard - Watch more Funny Videos

Casino from Paul Zwicker on Vimeo.

It's Almost Here

My final presentation is almost here and I will be oh so happy when it is over. In the meantime, let's read about an Octopus and the coconut. Sounds like a good children's story. Better get on that.

While working on my Presentation last night I put on the last few minutes of this Acapella/Glee/Idol show, The Sing Off. The Acapella was really good and I'm a fan of Ben Folds who is a judge on the show. It's nice to see Acapella in the limelight.

Okay, we knew this was coming. A Japanese store is selling customized robots. Want a robot version of your girlfriend, how about your deceased Aunt Betty? Check it out.

And now I leave you with another episode of Improv Everywhere...

Middle School Monday

The circus, ahhhh the circus. Friday night, after a 20 something year hiatus, I returned to the Big Apple Circus. It was a magical evening, as I could immediately recognize the smells and sights that I used to love as a kid. The music, Grandma, things that have remained the same and things that were different all collided and it was an overwhelming sensation. As a kid I remember my grandma taking us to see the Big Apple Circus every year. I distinctly remember many things about this experience and one of the things that I remembered were the metal bleachers they used to have, which have now morphed into comfortable chairs. Turns out my dad lost his favorite hat to those bleachers which is most likely why I remember them. When I spoke with him on the phone over the weekend I told him I had found his hat. In addition to a twirling horse, trapeze, the wheel of death, not-so-swift audience members, a new ringmaster, the worst act came about halfway into the show. It looked like a proposal, it smelled like a proposal, IT WAS A PROPOSAL. Nothing more romantic than proposing to the woman you love in the same spot where the twirling horse shat a few minutes earlier. Okay, not really but you get the point. I had a chance to hear what some of the kids in the audience were saying when this proposal was taking place.

"Mom, who is this clown?"

"He's short, why would she want to marry him"

"She'd be much better off with the ringmaster...oh, I get it RING-master...*giggle* *burp*"

"Dad, if he's a contortionist, when is he going to start stuffing himself into that tiny box?"

All in all, I had a really good time at the circus and I'm looking forward to going back again and re-implementing the tradition.

With my birthday and the holidays coming up I thought it might be fun to open up my Middle School yearbook and share with you a few of the comments from my then classmates. Sounds like a blast, doesn't it? Let's see, how about something from 1994:

(unfortunately this comment is nameless)

"Dear Evan,
Hope your summer is as fun as this year was, which wasn't too fun. But anyway have a good summer, see you next year"

"Hey Evan What's up your a really bright kid. I notice that you get all good grades. I know your in only one of my classes. I'm not in all smart classes like you are. Your probably going to get an A in Mrs. Leavens class. PS. Lets go Devils. Your friend Rob"

and now we fast forward to 1995:

"Hey Evan,
You've got the coolest hair in the world. I wish I was you! Well, I don't really know you that well, so next year we have to become close! Have a kick asssummer! See ya in high school! Michelle

Well, we've come to the end of today's post. I'd like to point out that there was no use of any videos or links. So for those of you who are always complaining about this, you can't complain today.

:-)

It's Freezing Friday

Despite my defrosting ears, I am great. It's Friday and tonight, tonight I am going to experience something I have not experienced since I was a wee lad. Tonight, I will be back at Grandma's house, under the big tent, at the Big Apple Circus. As a kid, my grandmother used to take us to see the Big Apple Circus every year and I loved it. So you can imagine how excited I am to go again, 20 or so years later.

When your kid won't stop crying, why not try the 'ole climb in the crib trick?



Want to piss off people in class? Why not try doing what this kid does and see what happens.


Student Brings Typewriter To Class - Watch more Funny Videos

I have said that I have no real interest in seeing Avatar, the new flick by King of the World, James Cameron, but the reports coming out about the film are great. People are saying it far exceeds any expectations and that it may be considered for an Oscar. Will all this hype make me go see it? Perhaps.

Facebook implemented its privacy changes, so if you haven't done so, make sure you aren't sharing yourself with the world.

Have a great weekend!

Ponzhu Scheme

If you know me, I'm always drumming up ideas so you probably weren't surprised that I bought a bunch of Zhu Zhu Pets when I found them. For those who don't know about what is being hailed as this year's "Tickle Me Elmo". Here's a commercial for these things. If you ask me, it's silly, but I sort of want to recreate a scene from one of my favorite holiday films, Jingle All The Way. Go ahead, laugh. I want a Turboman doll. Who told you you could eat my cookies?

Anywayy...



So this guy notices food missing from the fridge, sets up a camera, and here's what he sees. I don't buy it.



Check this out, horse and buggy DUI...

And now, with all this Zhu Zhu frenzy, I will leave you with a hamster riding the subway.

If only it were a little colder...

We would be having a lot of snow here in NYC!! But no, it's just pouring rain, wind in your face and soaking wet pants. An umbrella does no good in this weather. You need a body umbrella. Speaking of umbrellas, I decided to see what sort of umbrella/windy/rainy footage I could find and here are some favorites:






Now these are my favorite stories. A woman dines with a cardboard cutout. Priceless.

Short post today, sorry, many marshmallows for TOASTING.

First Snow

When it snows, I always feel a kind of joy that is hard to explain. The excitement is in the beauty of snow but also in the unknown, meaning we're never quite sure how much it's going to snow. Sure the weathermen and women tell us one thing, but they are not always right and there's always hope that there will be so much snow that we will not be able to leave our dwellings. This video from the first snow fall in Philadelphia, captures the beauty, stillness and any other emotions I feel when it snows. Watch it once, watch it twice, it's like a perfectly crafted snowflake.

The First Snow, Canon 7D from Reid Carrescia on Vimeo.

Think your apartment is tiny? Well, check out this 210 sq. ft. apartment.

A happy belated birthday to Mr. Walt Disney, and what better way to celebrate than with some fun facts!

I love a good lip-sync video...and so I enjoyed this one:


Country Toddler Lip-Syncs Perfectly - Watch more Funny Videos

Winter is here and if you're in NYC and like me, you want to take advantage of all there is in this wonderful city. Thanks to Time Out NY, we have a list of 101 things to do in NYC this winter. Ready....set....GO!

Have a great day!