Thursday, May 31, 2012

Convention Weekend is Here!

The fog is burning off; hopefully the rain will stay away. I wonder what this lovely lady will look like come Saturday night?

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Flacco Fastball?

Weekly Poop 5/30/12

Roost #44 Poop
·         Dates to Remember:
·        Thursday thru Sunday – The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts Annual Convention.  Ocean City’s longest running convention/parade celebrates its’ 46th year.  Join the fun at the Castle in the Sand and register early.  Registration forms can be had here.  Regrettably, Ravens Roost #44 will not be entering this year’s parade due to lack of participation.  Agenda:

The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts
Annual Convention Agenda
May 31 – June 3, 2012
·          
RAVENS NATION ~ PURPLE & BLACK ATTACK

Thursday, May 31st
12:00 – 6:00 PM Souvenir Pick-up
(In addition to the times listed to pick up souvenirs, they will also be available Wednesday afternoon between 3 and 6 PM)
6:00 – 10:00 PM Convention Welcome Social ~ Beer and Soda
(Food is available for purchase from the Castle in the Sand Restaurant
or outdoor grille)
6:30 – 10:00 PM Open Mic Night/Karaoke (No Contest, No Prizes ~ Just Fun!)

Friday, June 1st
8:00 AM Miniature Golf Tournament ~ Game World 107 146th Street (*new time & location)
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Souvenir Pick-up
All of the following events take place at the Castle in the Sand Hotel:
1:00 PM Scavenger Hunt ~ (meet at 12:45 PM in the main tent)
No car needed! Hunt will be confined to the Castle in the Sand Hotel property.
2:30 PM BINGO in the Main Tent
3:00 PM Horseshoe Tournament on the beach
*** 3:00 PM Beer and Soda trucks open ***
4:00 PM Corn Holes Competition
4:00 – 7:00 PM Dunk Tank
*** 5:00 – 8:00 Tailgate Party catered by Beefalo Bob’s Catering ***
7:00 – 9:00 PM Roost Karaoke Contest

Saturday, June 2nd
9:00 AM – 12 noon Souvenir Pick-up
10:00 AM Parade ~ 19th Street (Johnny Unitas Way) & Baltimore Avenue
Line up beginning at 8:30 AM (Reviewing Stand at 26th St. & Baltimore Ave.)
*** 1:00 – 5:00 PM Food by Beefalo Bob’s Catering ***
*** 1:00 – 8:00 PM Beer and Soda ***
1:30 PM Horseshoe Tournament on the beach
2:00 PM Volleyball Competition on the beach
4:00 PM Crazy Hat Parade ~ Center Court
5:00 PM Finals of Volleyball and Horseshoes ~ Center Court
7:00 PM Awards Presentation ~ Center Court

Sunday, June 3rd
10:00 AM Presidents’ Meeting in the Main Tent Castle in the Sand Hotel

** Convention Badges are required for beer, soda, and food **

Please have your driver’s license or similar legal ID with you at all times.  Bartenders reserve the right to refuse service to anyone without proper age identification.  Due to local Liquor and City ordinances, all alcoholic beverages consumed in public areas, including the beach, must be purchased from the Castle in the Sand or from our beer truck.

NO GLASS CONTAINERS AT ANY TIME!
Please do not bring personal alcoholic beverages into the common areas of the hotel.
** Please respect our Host and honor these regulations. **

Any changes to the agenda due to inclement weather will be recorded on the COUNCIL HOT LINE as soon as details are available.  410-544-8200

·         Friday, – The 15th Annual Ravens Roost #44 Scholarship Golf Tournament, Ocean Pines Country Club, 9am shotgun start.  Price is $90 per golfer this year (cheap!) and includes continental breakfast and lunch, beer and soda and golfer participation gifts.  Contact Marc Grimes @ 302.222.0159 or Don McMullen @ 443.388.2941 for more details.  Go to our website for details and forms.
·         Saturday, June 30 – Tony is trying to put a bus trip together to the Orioles game @ Camden Yards.  It’s a 4:05 pm start and is the Earl Weaver statue dedication day.  Cost to be determined but it’s probably going to be around $45 per person.  Tony needs at least 40 people to attend to make it all work.  For details call Tony @ (302) 436-6266.
·         Sunday, July 15 – Ravens Roost Annual Summer Picnic @ White Horse Pavilion in Ocean Pines from 1-6pm.  Roost #44 members’ cost will be $10, guests $15 and includes a chance to win the 50/50 raffle.  One guest per person and must be spouse or significant other.  Menu: Premium burgers, hot dogs, sausage, jerk chicken, assorted salads and snacks, corn on the cob, watermelon, desserts and assorted beverages.  Horseshoes.  Music by Mr. OC.  Sign up at the May or June meeting or call Tom Maly at 302-541-0780 to get on the list.
·         Saturday, December 15 – Ravens Roost #44 Christmas Party.  Details soon.
·         Roost Apparel: Maggie Miller is taking orders for the next batch of Roost #44 jerseys and has a limited number for sale on a first come/first served basis.  Also the NEW Turtle/Ox Roost 44 shirts are being ordered.  New colors, new styles!  We need 75 orders for Red Sun to do a run of these colorful shirts.  Come to the meetings and see the new gear.  Roost #44 is stylin'!
·         ROAD TRIP 2012-KANSAS CITY, MO – Our road trip this year will be Kansas City, MO-The Cue (as is barbeque) Capital of the World.  The game is on 10/7.  The cost will be approx. $350/person-dbl. occupancy (2 to a room).  The trip includes a 3-night stay (10.5-10.7) at the Embassy Suites hotel in KC, game-day ticket (lower level endzone), transportation to the game and a road trip tee shirt & koozies.  Note: You are responsible for your own transportation.  Call or contact Mike for further details at 410.250.3020 or at montegomike@verizon.net.

Ravens Poop
·         Good news notes and nuggets from Sarah Ellison’s Blog here.  It’s getting to the point where I can hardly stand ESPN, but I do go Jamison Hensley’s Blog here to stay up to date with all of the AFC North news. 
·         Looking for an Orioles Blog?  Go to Britt’s Bird Watch for the latest Orioles news!

Local Poop
·         Saturday – Dick Gelfman's Ride Across MD, Francis Scott Key Motel & Throughout OC.  Motorcycle ride (but cars & trucks welcome) to benefit fight against breast cancer.  Ride begins in Columbia & ends in OC.  Participants raise money for breast cancer & enjoy touring Maryland.  Registration.  For more information, contact Nicole Gunther at 410-992-9999.  www.rideacrossmaryland.org.
·         Saturday – OC 5 Mile Boardwalk Run, Ocean City Boardwalk Arch.  Start at the Boardwalk Arch and run 5 miles on Ocean City's famous Boardwalk.  This event is part of the Ocean City Fitness Challenge, if you dare.  For registration and more information, contact Chris Klebe at 443-497-4324 or Charlie McClure at 443-370-9202.  Sign up at www.octrirunning.com.
·         Saturday – Viewtrail Metric Century Bike Ride, Stephen Decatur Park.  Enjoy a bike ride through scenic Worcester County back roads.  Three distances to choose from: 20, 40 or 62 mile courses.  Show-and-go start from 7am - 9am at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin.  Once you arrive at the starting area, you are ready to go and you may leave on your course.  Cycling helmets are mandatory.  Each course has refreshment rest areas.  Additional refreshments will be available at the park after each race.  This event is part of the Ocean City Fitness Challenge, if you dare.  For more information, contact Chris Klebe at 443-497-4324 or Charlie McClure at 443-370-9202, info@octrirunning.com.  Sign up at www.octrirunning.com.
·         Saturday – 8th Annual Cash & Bike Bash, Girdletree Volunteer Fire Department.  Win A 2012 Harley - Davidson FLSTN Softtail Deluxue valued at $18,800 at our 8th Annual Cash & Bike Bash.  Plus Win $250 Cash Every 10 Minutes; 30 Chances to Win, Only 1,000 tickets sold.  You do not have to be present to win and all proceeds benefit the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.  Purchase Tickets in Advance for $40.00, your ticket price includes all the food, soda and beer you can eat and drink.  Ticket required to enter; please call 410-632-2128 or visit www.girdletree.org for more information.
·         Sunday – Assateague Assault Sprint Triathlon, Assateague Island State Park.  Run, swim and bike in this triathlon sprint.  Start at Assateague Island State Park at 7:15 and swim in the ocean 1/2 mile, followed by a 14 mile road bike ride and then a 3.2 mile run to the finish line.  Race is limited to 500 athletes and blends great terrain, plenty of scenery and terrific competition.  This event is part of the Ocean City Fitness Challenge, if you dare.  For more information, contact Chris Klebe at 443-497-4324 or Charlie McClure at 443-370-9202.  Sign up at www.octrirunning.com.
·         Sunday – Beach Lights Spectacular, On the Beach at North Division St.  Beach Lights Spectacular is a new, exciting show featuring lasers, lights and special effects displayed on a giant 5-story beach ball choreographed to action-packed music.  Beach Lights Spectacular will be lighting up Ocean City three times a night every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day!  Show times are 9:30pm, 10:00pm and 10:30pm.
·         Tuesday – Beach Fireworks, On the Beach at North Division St.  Beach Fireworks Display is an amazing fireworks show choreographed to music.  This event will take place every Tuesday night starting May 29, 2012 at 10:30 on the beach at North Division Street in downtown Ocean City.  The shows will run through the entire summer.  There will be no show on July 3, 2012 since there will be a 4th of July Fireworks Celebration the next night.
The final fireworks show will be Sunday (not Tuesday), September 2nd and will be part of the 10:30pm Beach Lights Spectacular Show.  This will be the grand finale of the summer.

Funny Poop
·         A blonde and a brunette are both in an elevator.  On the third floor a man gets on who's perfect: Italian suit, handsome, great build with a nice butt, but unfortunately they both notice he has a bad case of dandruff.  The man gets off on the 5th floor.  Once the doors close, the brunette turns to the blonde and says, "Someone should give him Head & Shoulders."  To which the blonde replies, "How do you give Shoulders?”
·         While shopping in a food store, two nuns happened to pass by the beer, wine, and liquor section.  One asked the other if she would like a beer.  The second nun answered that, indeed, it would be very nice to have one, but that she would feel uncomfortable purchasing it.  The first nun replied that she would handle it without a problem.  She picked up a six-pack and took it to the cashier.  The cashier was surprised, so the nun said, “This is for washing our hair.”  Without blinking an eye, the cashier reached under the counter and put a package of pretzel sticks in the bag with the beer.  “The curlers are on me.”
·         Q: What do you call a redneck with 12 girl friends?
A: A shepherd.
·         A drunk walks into a crowded bar and takes the last barstool next to an older woman.  After awhile, the woman starts to smell this horrible odor coming from the direction of the drunk.  She turns to him and says, "Excuse me Mister, but did you just shit yourself?"  The drunk replied, "Yes ma'am, I have indeed shit myself."  The woman says, "Well, why don't you go somewhere and clean yourself up?"
The drunk says, "'Cause I'm not finished yet..."
·         Jim, a traveling salesman goes to a hotel late in the night and asks the clerk for a single room.  As the clerk is completing the formalities, Jim looks around and finds a stunning blonde seated in the lobby.  He tells the clerk to excuse him for a moment and heads to the lobby.  He is back in a minute with the blonde on his arm.
"Fancy running into my wife here," he tells the clerk.  "Guess I'll need a double room after all."
Next morning, when Jim comes to settle his bill, he finds the amount to be $4200.  "What the hell is this?" he yells at the clerk.  "I have been here for just a night!"
"You are right, Sir," says the clerk, "but your wife has been here for 4 weeks."

Etcetera
·         Got poop?  Let me know!  I’m going to try to get this out every Wednesday so if you get it to me by Tuesday I’ll try to include it.  Your input is appreciated.
·         Be sure to visit our website @ www.ravensroost44.com or our blog @ http://ravensroost44.blogspot.com/ for the latest news, notes and nuggets.
·         Life is short.  Focus on the good.



Frank

Baltimore Ravens, let’s go
And put that ball across the line
So fly with talons spread wide
Go in and strike with Ravens pride
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Ravens dark wings take flight
Dive in and show them your might
For Baltimore and Maryland
You will fly on to victory

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Today in Baseball History...

A ball bounces off of Jose Canseco's head for a home run.  No really...





Deserted Island

A man and his wife had been stranded on a deserted island for many years. The morning following a bad storm, a new guy washes up on the shore.
The new guy and the wife are VERY attracted to each other right away, but they realize that certain protocols will have to be observed. The husband, oblivious to the new chemistry floating around, is very glad to see the second man there.
“This is wonderful! Now we’ll be able to have three people doing 8-hour shifts in the watchtower instead of two people doing 12-hour shifts.”
The new man is only too happy to help, and in fact volunteers to do the first shift. He climbs up the tall tower and stands watch, scanning the ocean horizon for any ships. Soon the husband and wife start placing stones in a circle in order to make a fire to cook supper. The new man yells down: “Hey, no screwing!”
They look at each other and yell back: “We’re not screwing!”
A few minutes later, they start to put driftwood into the stone circle. Again the new man yells down: “Heeey, no screwing!”
Again they yell back, “We’re not screwing!”
Later they are putting palm leaves on the roof of the shack to patch leaks. Once again the new man yells down from high above:
“Hey, I said no screwing!!”
They yell back, “And we said we’re not screwing!!”
Finally the shift is over and the new man climbs down from the tower and the husband starts to climb up. By the time he gets half-way up, his wife and the new man are already screwing their brains out. Once at the top, the husband turns around and looks down and says to himself:
“Son-of-a-gun. From up here it DOES look like they’re screwing.


Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend 2012...

...is here!

Don't forget to remember:

The Vets...





The Tourists...


And don't get too fried when you're on the Beach...



Have a great and safe Holiday weekend!

New Warning Labels


Liquor manufacturers have accepted the government's suggestion that the following warning labels be placed immediately on all varieties of alcohol containers:

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your bra and panties.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a retard.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may be a major factor in getting your ass kicked.

WARNING: the crumsumpten of alcohol may mack you tink you kan tpye reel gode.

Happy Towel Day!


The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has this to say on the subject of towels:

A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing any interstellar hitchhiker can carry.  For one thing it has great practical value, you can wrap it around you for warmth from the cold moons of Jaglan Beta, sunbathe on it on the marble beaches of Santraginus Five, huddle beneath it for protection from the Arcturan Mega-gnats as you sleep beneath the stars of Kakrafoon, use it to sail a mini-raft down the slow heavy river Moth, wet it for use in hand to hand combat, wrap it ‘round your head to avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (which is such a mind bogglingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can’t see it, it can’t see you), and, even dry yourself off with it, if it still seems clean enough.

Much has been written on the subject of towels, most of which stresses the many practical functions they can serve for the modern hitchhiker.  Two seminal books are: Woydel Zing’s compendious tome “Bath Sheets in Space” which is far too large to carry, but sits magnificently on fashionable coffee tables, and Frap Gadz’s handbook, “Heavily Modified Face Flannels,” an altogether terser work for masochists.

However, only The Hitch Hiker’s Guide explains that the towel has a far more important psychological value; in that anyone who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against mind-boggling odds, win through, and still know where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with.  Hence a phrase which has passed into hitchhiking slang as in, “Hey you! Sass that hoopy Ford Prefect?  There’s a frood who really knows where his towel is!” (sass means know, be aware of, meet, have sex with; hoopy means really together guy; and frood means really amazingly together guy).




Happy Birthday to Douglas Adams, wherever you are.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

OCMD 2012

Ocean City freshens up for summer crowds

May 23, 2012|By Donna M. Owens, Special to The Baltimore Sun

Whether it's a wedding on the beach, a White Marlin fishing tournament, muscle car shows or ocean baptisms during the annual Jesus at the Beach festival, Ocean City isn't afraid to mix things up a bit. The resort offers an ample dose of tradition, yet just enough novelty to keep things fresh.

Ocean City has officially declared the summer of 2012 the "Summer of Thanks." As a way for the town to show appreciation to all who have supported the resort throughout the years, look for a bevy of fun, discounts at hot spots, and town-wide promotions for vacationers. (ococean.com/thanks)

"We truly appreciate our visitors as they have made Ocean City the great destination that it is today," said Mayor Rick Meehan. "We hope that families will take full advantage of the Summer of Thanks and discover the many wonderful attractions that Ocean City has to offer."

One new thing visitors will certainly notice will be right under their feet. The first phase of the boardwalk renovation, between the inlet and Somerset Street and 15th and 27th streets, wrapped up last month. The new boards are the first phase of a $6 million project that's scheduled to be completed next year.

As you plan how you'll spend your time in Ocean City, here's a list of what's new, along with what's tried and true, on the shore.

What's new

Dining
The 45th Street Taphouse Bar & Grille recently opened in the 45th Street Village, which is expanding. The bar will offer some three dozen brews on tap and the grill menu includes Natty Boh cheese, Guinness beef potpie, and assorted dishes that feature beer as an ingredient. The restaurant is situated on the bay with indoor and outdoor seating. And coming soon to a building next to Taphouse will be a seafood restaurant called OC Steamers. It's scheduled to open by Memorial Day.
Kim's Cafe & Marketplace (1503 Philadelphia Ave., 410-289-2841) has opened on the boardwalk. "My wife grew up here, and I'm from Detroit, we met in the military" says Hollis Smith, who owns the restaurant along with his wife, Kim, the eatery's namesake. "Her family has a farm. We'll use local produce and ingredients. We squeeze our own lemonade and O.J., and the meat will be hormone and antibiotic free." The cafe and marketplace offers smoothies, wraps, $2 tacos on Tuesdays, Caribbean grilled chicken, and more.
Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille is adding a new kitchen to its rooftop Skye Bar (galaxy66barandgrille.com).
Adolpho's has moved from its longtime downtown location near the Inlet to the Beach Plaza Hotel on the Boardwalk at 12th-13th streets.
Grotto's Pizza is opening on 125th Street in North Ocean City, formerly the Old Mill crab house. (grottopizza.com/ocean-city-md)
Embers Restaurant on 24th Street owners, the Taustin family, are busier than ever these days. For starters, they're adding an outdoor deck bar to the popular buffet style restaurant, and also opening a second restaurant – the Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar. It will feature outdoor dining overlooking the Bay. (http://embers.com/home.php).
Hooter's is opening a third location in West Ocean City. (hootersofoc.com). Also in West O.C., Sunset Grille recently expanded its kitchen and has added additional outdoor dining options. (ocsunsetgrille.com)
Dead Freddie's, which launched a few years ago, has expanded its outdoor playground for kids and dining area for parents. Look for a Dead Freddie's "express" – a carryout fronting the main restaurant – to open this summer. (deadfreddiesoceancity.com)
Chipotle and a Chick-Fil-A, respectively, are opening new restaurants on Route 50 just over the Bay Bridge.

Activities
Gran Ville Train Station at Trimper's. Just in time for summer, Trimper's Rides and Amusements has updated its bumper cars and shooting gallery, and unveiled a new ride with a Wild West theme. Dubbed the Gran Ville Train Station, the ride features a mountain waterfall, and a chance to mine for hidden treasures. And of course, you can't miss the historic, beautifully restored carousel, or classic rides such as The Matterhorn," and "The Whip."
Jolly Roger Amusement Park, added a zip line last year, and new for 2012 is the Aqua Loop.
Hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites on 44th Street and the Bay is opening with 113 rooms, all with private balconies. The hotel is located adjacent to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center and will be 100 percent nonsmoking.
Coastal Palms Inn & Suites at 120th Street. The owners of the Carousel Resort Hotel have purchased two hotels, including the Serene Hotel, which has been renamed Coastal Palms. The owners also purchased the Atlantic Oceanfront Inn at 45th Street.

What's tried and true

Dining
Beach eats. The yummy beach fare in O.C. has been known to invoke serious cravings, not to mention lines that seemingly stretch to Delaware. Fishers caramel popcorn, Thrasher's fries with vinegar, Dolles taffy and Candy Kitchen fudge, are all time-honored food traditions, and many of these merchants have deep roots in town.
Coins Pub & Restaurant in the 28th Street Plaza continues to serve its popular jumbo lump crab cakes — and has half-price dinners on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. (2820 Coastal Highway, 410-289-3100). And Pirate's Den, which also has a cool breakfast menu (think Captain Crunch French toast) boasts a happy hour every day of the week. (3201 North Baltimore Ave., 410-289-5376).
Jules Restaurant. For fine dining, executive chef Julius Sanders gets high marks for his creative approach at Jules Restaurant. (12924 Sunset Ave., ocjules.com). Try the bacon wrapped scallops with Asian BBQ glaze, coconut and cashew salsa, and adobe tequila crème fraiche. The crabcake sliders on a potato roll have a hint of curry, and are topped with house-made ginger mayo.
Shark on the Harbor. This restaurant frequently wins raves for its local, seasonal and organic culinary offerings. Try the grilled oyster sashimi (with Choptank oysters from Cambridge, Maryland) and the pan-seared rockfish. (12924 Sunset Ave., 410-213-0924, ocshark.com)

Activities
Northside Park (Bayside at 125th St.) is the town's largest recreation complex with 50-plus acres of sports fields, a lagoon, a fishing pier, playground, picnic pavilion. It's also home to the Sunday evening family concert series Sundaes in the Park.
Fitness fun. Test your stamina in a fitness Boot Camp or try yoga on the beach followed by kayaking, both available on 48th Street. (http://48thstreetwatersports.com/rentals)
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Check out the museum's new surfing exhibit and its free morning programs. (ocmuseum.org).