I’ve read Becka’s blog “Your Bartender Hates You” and felt there needed to be a blog from the customer’s point of view. Let’s face it, there are far more patrons than bartenders.

So here is my mini-list on the things that really irk me about bartenders.

1 – Pay Attention

You seriously can knock a lot of “methods” to flagging a bartender down but it’s your job to serve drinks. A good bartender can handle a packed bar. What really get’s me irritated is when you are at a bar with 4+ bartenders and you can’t seem to get a drink for 10 minutes.

I tend to be on the less irritating side and tip well. So I expect to get my beer in less time then it takes to brew it.

2 – Tipping Is Over-rated and Does NOT Provide A Benefit

I am a good tipper. I know better tippers than myself, but generally (and more often in bars) I tend to tip generously. I do this for a few simple reasons. If I plan on being there for the majority of my night I want to make sure my service is adequate. So I lay down a very nice tip the first 2 rounds. This should tell you Mr/Miss Bartender that MAYBE I will keep this up if you just don’t make me wait too long for a beer.

Seems to be a thing of the past though. Frankly, in some joints I have been in it doesn’t matter how well you tip your going to get some crappy service in return.

Note to bartender – Stop expecting tips if you are NOT willing to follow the code.

3 – Your NOT a Celebrity

Just because you work at a popular bar, may or may not get hit on by a dozen drunken fools all night and may be making a good chunk of change DOES NOT make you a celebrity.

So please, don’t your time is much more important than mine. Let’s face it, your job….is to tend bar. That’s what you are getting paid to do. It’s in your J-O-B description. So you are not doing me a huge favor by filling up my beer. I’m doing a favor by tipping you.

So Mr/Miss Bartender..cut short the conversation at the other end of the bar, stop gabbing it up with your girlfriends behind the bar, stop texting/sexting your hookup and fill my beer up under 5 minutes. Not so hard to ask?!?!

4 – Have Some Manners

Thank God Maria said it in her Blog Post HERE, because manners seem to be lost on people these days.

I consider myself a very well mannered individual, my mother raised me as such and bartenders are in the Customer Service industry. Act like you have some class and NO I don’t need to bow before you for hitting a tap and filling my beer.

Truth is, If I had access I probably could manage to do it myself. Just my beers, everyone else can wait lol.

I don’t need a bartender to kiss my ass, strike up a conversation or even have more than 4 phrases in her dialogue with me (“hello”, “what would you like”, “want another” and “thank you”) so don’t act all high and mighty.

5 – Excuse the Mess

I’ve done shots with bartenders. It can be fun. You know what’s not fun? Dealing with the drunk bartender. I wish I could drink on the job…I mean I could, but just imagine what 518Fever.com would be.

Know your limit, have some self control.

6 – The Biggest One of All…Recognize a Regular

One popular joint in Schenectady, whom I love (and shall remain nameless) really inspired me to do this. Because they absolutely suck at this.

If you regularly have been going to a bar, bring your friends, stay for most of the night, tip well and continue the cycle for weeks and months to come, there should be a perk or two.

A. If there are a line of people fighting for your attention at the bar, take care of the regular. Us regulars don’t to be first but dammit make sure we are 2nd or 3rd at least. We have all spent hard earned money and time at your bar, show a bit of gratitude. To this little blogger, it means the world when a bartender makes sure I am satisfied and taken care of.

B. Know my drink. If I drink something EVERY time I am at the bar, consider it my “usual” and ask me for my usual when I come in.

7 – There Is NO Excuse

This is just an add on. Not really anything more than a general statement. If there are more than 2 bartenders behind a bar, I don’t care if the entire New York Knicks and New York Giants are behind your bar….you should be able to handle it efficiently.

It’s sad to see a Bartender Army fail to recognize or serve the waving 2-3 groups of hands when the bar isn’t even packed. Give your job to someone else who will appreciate a tip.

Feel free to vent, agree, add to, or disagree.

Most importantly, have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day weekend.

Until Next Post!!

Cheers!!

I don’t know about any of you, but I certainly can remember going to the theatre, dropping the $10+ on a movie that was heavily hyped and not more than 45 minutes into it…walking out.

The unfortunate thing is that we aren’t entitled a refund. Hollywood pumps our movies like the Octomom pumps out shameless attempts to extend her 15 minutes of fame. We need to list these movies and refuse them like John Gosselin’s head refuses hair or like Lebron James refuses to show class (yea I said it)

So these are a list of movies that I spent hard earned money on that made me wish I had that time of my lifespan back.

1.) Dreamcatcher (2003)

I remember going to the theatre with a few friends to see this. All four of us thought this movie was so horrible that we all walked out after 40 minutes. To get ALL four of us to walk out with NO hesitation is pure skill. Stephen King lost “it” years ago but his true talent nowadays is making a group of 4 angry they spent the $10 on your cruddy film.

My friend Anthony (the Worm) was at my house last week. This movie happened to be on in the background. It sucked so bad he didn’t even remember going to it in the first place. Must have been such a horrible experience that he blocked it out all together.

2.) The Happening (2008)

This was horrendous. It was so bad I don’t even think Mark Wahlberg cared enough about the movie to even try. It shows.

The day M.Night Shyamalan stops making crap movies is the day New York government starts giving taxpayers back the money they’ve been pissing away for years. you can add this to his list of less than stellar creations that include Lady in the Water & The Village….give it up already.

3.) Black Christmas (2008)

Boy oh boy was this bad. The original was good though. This movie makes you ask, how old is Michelle Trachtenberg ?? She’s been playing a 22 year old for 10 years now.

My advice, see the original from 1974 and you won’t horribly regret spending the money.

4.) Dead Silence (2007)

There are certain movies that come with a lot of clout. I mean, the director of this horrendous creation was the same person who did the original Saw movie.

Good premise, horrible execution…please spare yourself of this epic failure

5.) Wedding Crashers (2005)

I plan on hearing lots of debates on this. But this movie SUCKED. After the first 10 minutes there was nothing at all laughable about this horrible conception.

Although I don’t think it’s the movie’s fault. I heard so much hype before seeing this about how hysterical it is that it may have placed expectations on this movie that were impossible to reach.

6.) Showgirls (1995)

Really what list of horrible movies would be complete without Showgirls.

In 1995 I may have disagreed. I mean let’s face it, Jessie Spano (Saved By the Bell) dancing around naked half the movie with other girls who happen to be naked isn’t all that bad for a then 13 year old teenage boy. Let’s be serious, I wasn’t exactly breaking down the plot.

But I caught this movie again over a month ago and well I got sucked into it’s awfulness. Like a car accident you can’t look away from no matter how bad it is….well, if the car had topless girls dancing in platforms all around it…Showgirls delivers a depression Kurt Cobain couldn’t reach in his darkest days.

7.) The Devil’s Rejects (2005)

I’m not quite sure why anyone fell in love with this film. To me, it tries way too hard. I will give Rob Zombie credit for screwin up his own movies instead of epically screwing up a classic series such as Halloween. At least it’s his own abomination.

I don’t hate all Zombie movies. In fact I downright respect the dude for his love of horror films and keeping them old school for the most part. I loved House of 1000 Corpses. I only thought the 2nd half of Halloween was a disgrace. Dude has his heart in the right place but let’s not go the same route of M.Night, keep it simple and go with what works.

Feel free to debate me on this list. It’s not in any particular order and to be honest I only thought of the first 7 that came to mind.

I don’t think anything can top the #1 on this list though…what do you think??

Now that I have your attention…Sorry for the dramatic title but it actually isn’t that far from the truth.

Most of you, if not all of you, reading this have one of the following:

A. Unlimited Texting Plan
B. The highest Text Messaging Plan your provider offers
C. All Of the Above

Now look at your phone’s inbox and I guarantee that 1 of the last 5 things in your inbox is a text message.

Remember when you were growing up and the big fuss was over video gaming and television? I still remember hearing my mother tell me that spending too much time in front of the television would make my eyes square. Yes, for a time I did believe that to be true. But as time as progressed and technology advances it seems the concerns aren’t centered around video games and television as much. Now the focus is on cell phones and computers.

When I was growing up the internet was fairly new. Prodigy (ever hear of it) was the online fad. Google and Yahoo weren’t even thoughts at the time.

It seems everything has changed overnight. And fast.

A few years ago it became apparent that you could do anything on a computer. Shop, run a business, make friends and even start a relationship. The computer was a grand luxury that opened up a new world to everyone.

But did that open a pandora’s box?

Today, a cell phone is just as resourceful as a computer and can do just as much. But does this do us more harm than good?

Those over the age of 23 may remember when beepers were in style. I remember having one in middle school and I also recall the fuss the school made over having one in a classroom.

It seems to me that today a beeper would be a welcome change. Now teachers and school staff have to worry about cell phones. The battle is that much harder because parents at times demand their children have access to their cell phones in case of a family emergency. What ever happened to calling the school?

But what bothers me most about kids having a cell phone is how young the kids that own them are. I’ve seen 10 year olds with cell phones. Why?!?!?

How many friends with cell phones can a 10 year old have? How safe are cell phones? How much can you really police what a kid does on a cell phone?

I for one would never give my child a cell phone unless they had a permit to drive. If I want to keep a close tab on my child, here’s a frickin’ beeper.

What’s more concerning to me is some things I have picked up on in recent years. When I was growing up and even a few years into being a teenager I remember seeing kids outside all the time. Riding bikes, playing basketball, running around, etc.

I used to go to the school playground by my house and see the swingset full.

I don’t see that as much anymore. I don’t see kids outside doing the things I used to do as kid.

We used to have huge hide and go seek games around my neighborhood every evening in the summer. I also remember my friends and I organizing an annual basketball Summer League and keeping stats. We did it for close to 5 years. Some of my greatest memories in my life are from my summers in a neighborhood with my friends (some of which I still have today).

I remember riding bikes all day to and from friends houses. Pool hopping. Stuff like that.

I don’t know what happened.

Seems to me kids are too busy keeping up with the latest technology fad then enjoying childhood.

Another thing that has dramatically changed has been the way we make friends and start relationships.

It seems that social networking and texting has taken over for traditional ways of meeting people. Although I agree with this sentiment I have heard that it’s safer to meet someone online than at a bar. Can you honestly tell me that was the thought 5 years ago?!?

Truth is it may be safer. Certainly seems to be far more acceptable these days too. Less people are creeped out by it and the trend is certainly gaining popularity.

Nowadays, social networking is a must rather than a luxury. You need it to stay in contact with friends, expand your business, network and to keep up on news and media.

But how much is too much? And at what cost are we obtaining this “luxury”.

Our kids clearly loose out on pieces of their childhood. They also risk becoming socially inept.

Can people communicate without a cell phone or computer anymore? Are traditional ways of networking a thing of the past?

I always joke around that someday we will see two kids sitting across the table from one another with a cell phone in their hands…..texting one another. Because they don’t know how to communicate….how could they?

Until next post!

We have all read numerous books that try to explain the meanings of our dreams. Some say seeing a baby means you are going to come into money, others say a bird means someone is plotting something evil against you and some tie your dreams into some odd formula that incorporates your astrological signs.

Do I think there are meanings to dreams? Yes. But I definitely DO NOT think that each of our individual dreams can be summed up in dictionary fashion by a book with a fancy title. It’s a shameless money grab. Some people may be experiencing night terrors or a specific re-occurring dream that they desperately need to explore. These books really offer no true explanation but give false hope that one has been discovered.

MY turn. This small little post is going to give you the explanation to all your dreams. I promise. You can send payment of $5 or ONE BEER to me, at a neighborhood bar. I do not accept personal checks or money orders. I.O.U’s may be accepted id the promised reward is something really awesome. I also accept bribes

Bird – Ahh the bird…seeing a bird in your dreams means one of two things. Grey Goose is in your near future. Will you find wealth or love when you see the bird? Probably not, but drinking Grey Goose in large quantities will make you feel like a million bucks AND may also improve the looks of everyone around you causing you to fall in love…Love & Wealth!

Or quite simply…you Twitter too damn much

Baby - Supposedly this means money. Not here. Seeing a baby in your dreams means something different for each gender.

Men: You should have used protection. That crazy woman you met at the local bar who puked in your bed may now be a major part of your life. Don’t just but condoms…use them. In this instance the dream baby mocks you.

Women: You’ve been too one too many baby showers or have been watching Oxygen or W.E far too much. Alleviate this persistent dream by watching some Family Guy or Ghost Hunters.

Teeth Falling Out – This one is easy…Keep your damn mouth shut!!!

Money – This is God’ practical joke. We have all had these dreams at one time of another. You come in to a lot of money somehow (it’s always different) and you mentally plan out what to do with the money. You’re excited obviously.

I’ve personally even thought to myself; “This better not be a dream, if it is WAKE UP”…After a few more dream segments I wake up….still broke. Damn you!!!

Wet Dream – You have the mentality of a 16 year old adolescent male…..Join the club! Some of us have membership cards.

Dreams with Freddy Krueger or Jason – Your name is Anthony DiMoro and you watch far too many horror movies. You also enjoy these nightmares far too much. My suggestion to myself is to get help and THEN get a 2nd opinion.

Falling, Dying or Physical Violence – Go drink more…you need to loosen up. Staying stationary on a bar stool will stop the feeling of free falling. Consuming more than 3 beers will make you feel pretty lively and after beer 6 you’ll be telling everyone how much you love them. Eliminates all three problems right? Damn, I’m good.

Deceased Loved Ones – This I truly believe is their way of dropping in for a visit. I never get too religious on this blog but I do believe that this is a way loved ones who have past check in on us and say hello. I’ve had these dreams before. I still can remember the two dogs I grew up with (Misty & Coccoa) coming to me in a dream a few years back (long after they had died). Both happy and cheerful. I only wish I had these dreams more often.

The truth is dreams are left to be interpreted by the person having them. Maybe some of us find some sort of peace of mind with someone telling us what they mean. We all believe in different things.

To this day dreams are still something of a mystery.

Until next post…sweet dreams!

Two posts in one day?!?! I must be crazy. Nope, I just came across some things that I felt I needed to blog about. It’s odd if I have these urges more than once a week. This week I’ve come across a lot. Maybe because I am not inundated with any events or any mass project for 518Fever.com. Just the regular stuff. My brain has room to breathe.

I was messing around on Youtube (my next post) and came across something that brought back a ton of memories for me personally. If you go back in my blog archives to my very first post back in late 2008 you will see me mention a place that existed in the early 2000s, Ground Zero.

Ground Zero was located on Pearl St. in downtown Albany where Pagliacci’s Restaurant (I recommend never going there) is. Back then the bar would be open and the entire building (all 3 floors) would be open for one of the biggest clubs this area had seen.

Mostly house, trance and techno music bumped throughout the nights. NYC Dj’s came through and for a short period during the techno boom, 518 had a club that really worked.

It worked because it had a nice venue, a rooftop bar and had no problem ever packing the place.

But the reasons it worked were the reasons it failed. Too many people freely partying in the place led to trouble. Eventually the place bled money and after a nearly 3 year run, came to a close.

My time there was when I graduated high school in 2000. I remember having a horrible time with a date at a separate school’s prom. I walked out. That’s the first time I said to myself “i’m going out” and for the first time, I went to a club. As soon as I walked in I saw my friend sitting on a speaker and the rest of my friends on the dance floor.

The rest is history. I have too many memories and vague flashbacks of certain nights there. Although these nights may have taken considerable time off of my life span and I may not remember them 100%, they remind me of a time in this area that will never be recreated. Not that I’m saying it’s bad. I’m just lucky to have survived it.

For all of you Ground Zero alum who struggle to remember those days the way I do…I leave you a list of songs to bring you back….they certainly bring me back.

Miss Jane – It’s a Fine Day

Darude – Sandstorm

DeeJay Alice – Better Off Alone
(this goes out to my good friend & 518Fever.com staffer Rob…remember this?!?!?)

DJ Irene – Hard House Diva

Trance Energy – Safri Duo

Cocaine – Dj Tom x

One Night in Bangkok – Vinylshakerz

And don’t hate on this Rave stuff….my generation just knew how to party!!!

Until next post!

Cheers

I was sad to hear that one of Albany’s oldest establishments, Lark Tavern, was heavily damaged due to an early morning fire. It took over two hours and several fire trucks to control the blaze and put out the fire.

I’ve been to Tess’ Lark Tavern a few times and I always enjoyed how unique it was. I’m really happy to hear nobody was hurt and the fire didn’t spread.

Apparently the fire broke out when the bar was closed and the staff was cleaning up. Everyone escaped unharmed. There was considerable damage to the building on both the first and second floors but it is believed that the building is not a total loss.

Lark Tavern is a landmark in downtown Albany and has been for years. I for one hope that we aren’t without this beloved landmark for long.

Let’s hope we all are able to raise a pint in Lark Tavern sooner rather than later!

We all do it….we get old. No stopping it and aside from some extreme Hollywood-type surgeries, there is no delaying it either. It’s funny how much time flies by. When I was younger it seemed as though time dragged. Maybe it was largely due to school. Being in school for 12+ years can make anything seem long and drawn out.

For some reason or another being 28 has made me extremely reflective. Not sure why. It’s not like I am freaking out or anything, I actually really enjoy this time of my life. I just have noticed more things. Subtle changes that make me say to myself..”Self…you’re getting older” or “You just can’t do things the same way you did when you were younger”.

To some, that freaks people out. To others they just don’t care. To me, I just get a chuckle out of noticing these things and being conscience of the differences. Aging isn’t necessarily fun but intriguing. Hell if you can’t control it you might as well find something interesting about it right?

Clubs Will Make You Stand Out In An Embarrassing Way

It’s true…I’d stand out in a club. I’d feel weird and extremely awkward being at Plastic in Albany. Seriously. Not that a place like that would appeal to me whatsoever but if I did have an urge to go I would hope someone would slap some sense into me. I would also hope that same person would show me my Driver’s License to remind me of my age.

Let’s face it there’s nothing hot about someone almost a decade older than the entire crowd getting down and dirty with said crowd. Women may get away with it, not me….never.

The fact of the matter is almost 85% of that crowd were in 3rd or 4th grade when I was celebrating my 21st birthday.

Believe me, I’ve heard enough “creepy bar guy” stories from Maria and Becka to know I never want to be the topic of that conversation…..or the example.

Water Is My Best Friend

It’s true. I swear by it.

I usually drink water more than any other beverage besides beer and have for a few years but water now has duel purposes. Not only does it quench my thirst it’s essential for my drinking.

The fact is nobody ever likes a hangover. But it was so much easier to bounce back from when I was in my early 20’s. Nowadays I swear by the rule of chugging a bottle of water and keeping one by my bedside every time I drink in excess. No it doesn’t 100% prevent the hangover. But it gets my old ass moving the next day. Water = Life Saver.

I Notice The Kid Inside Me

I’m not mad about this at all. Screw it. I accept it and I will continue to do this until the day I die. My generation, it’s embedded in our DNA.

Gaming. As I’ve gotten older it’s become more of a competitive outlet than anything. My best friend and I have an NBA team on NBA2k10 and YES we take it seriously. Since half of my friends are too old, fat, unmotivated or just unreliable to form any type of sports team this outlet is essential. And yes….we talk trash. Don’t judge.

Party Animal…for 3-4 Hours

I actually notice this about my age more than anything else. The Partying aspect.

Not only did my taste in where I choose to “party” change, but the way I go about it. 2000-2006 I could keep up with anyone. Back then, 4:00 AM was a time to find the next place to party. 6:00 AM was a realization that “maybe it’s time to get some sleep”. I’d pass out, sleep until 1pm and be ready to go again. I’d be fully functional. I could go out and play ball, hit the gym and not even blink an eye.

Today….far different story. I can only party till about 1am before the yawns come on (and in some cases well before 1am). No matter how drunk I get I have this stupid mental alarm clock (damn you!) that doesn’t let me sleep past 10am without waking up. In the rare case I am hungover, it wipes out my entire day. TIP: To feel A LOT better when you are hungover go to Best Fitness and sit in the sauna for 5-10 minutes. Glorious!

As I said before I don’t do the clubs anymore I actually prefer the neighborhood bar as opposed to anything else. In all actuality I am more apt to go to a bar with good service. I tip well and if a bartender is good I stay faithful and bring my friends. Back in the day I wouldn’t mind fighting elbow to elbow for a watered down, over priced rum & coke at Skyline or the Big House (remember that?). Now I’m more finicky. Old Age I guess.

Fitness Is For Zen, Not For Vanity

My mentality back in the day for working out was “I wanna look good”. Although that never really changes it doesn’t remain the number one reason why you go to the gym.

I tend to “need” the gym more for de-stressing and a feeling of zen. I love running, P90X and the steam room. I remain deep in thought or I become completely void of thought. Either one works for me.

I work out a lot better too. I understand my body, how it reacts and what works for it.

Mmmmmm That Looks Good…But I Have To Pass

Everyone knows this universal truth. Metabolism slows with age.

I used to be able to put away a lot of food. It was more sport than anything else. Pizza, wings, burgers, everything. I could put all of it away and burn most of it off. I was a bit on the hefty side for a few years but without my youthful metabolism I might have been a whale.

Now I can’t eat those foods in excess or on a regular basis. They effect me. Pizza will slow me down, wings will make me tired. Now more than ever I understand the term “food coma”.

——-

There is much more I probably can touch on but I’m old and this made me tired. I’ll nap and look to elaborate on this more in the future…or maybe due to my age I’ll forget to do so or forget this post completely.

Share your thoughts people! And when you are laughing at me for all these things remember…you’re old too

In 1984 Wes Craven released the first in a series of horror movies that would undoubtedly stand alone. A new concept that made it unique from other slasher flicks and a unmistakable personality that would make the iconic killer legendary.

A Nightmare on Elm Street would spawn numerous sequels and launch the careers of Johnny Depp, Patricia Arquette, Lawrence Fishburne and Robert Englund. The popularity of Freddy Krueger would make him a cultural icon and a staple of the 1980’s trends.

As the sequels came rolling out the film series seemed to have lost it’s edge. Freddy Krueger seemed to shift from evil psychopath to comedian and pitchman.

Regardless the series developed a loyal fanbase that still exists today. It’s popularity and dedicated fans rival Friday the 13th. Both series would stand atop the slasher flicks (Halloween is in there too).

In 2009 (as I previously posted) Platinum Dunes & producer Michael Bay would embark on yet another remake in the horror genre, Friday the 13th. This remake was different because of the aforementioned dedicated following. The film did well in the box office and was met with overall decent reviews from the dedicated Jason fans. This would pave the way for the next reboot, A Nightmare On Elm Street.

At first I was a bit hesitant to stand up and applaud Platinum Dunes remake – READ MY BLOG POST FROM LAST YEAR

On Friday I saw the movie.

Firstly I was impressed with the new Freddy. Jackie Earle Haley made it his own and introduced everyone to a darker more sinister Freddy. No more stand up comedy routine, no pitches. He only said a few lines that made you laugh. Pure genius in my opinion.

Here, this gives you an idea of how much darker he is:

I liked the storyline and the overall ideas introduced by the filmmakers. I’ve read other reviews where some have questioned the decision to make Freddy a child molester (how Wes Craven originally wrote him to be) as opposed to being a child killer (his M.O the entire series) with the explanation that it made Freddy less “likeable”. Seriously give me a break. Not only is that assessment stupid it really had minimal effect on the film for me personally.

For the length of the movie they left the question of “what did Freddy do to these kids” open to interpretation. Yes they dropped hints but I feel they did so in both directions.

The movie dragged a bit towards the end and the ending battle seemed to be a little weak.

My only problems with the movie was the placement and extent of the background story. I think it should have opened the movie (after the first kill scene) and I think it should have incorporated the making of the glove.

Overall the performance of Haley as Krueger steals the show. He adds new characteristics to Krueger (the scissors movement with the glove) that make him darker and more “scary”.

I also like how his face isn’t 100% visible throughout the movie (until the very very end). I love that and it adds to the effect.

They also added some key elements from the first film. I thought Kris’ death scene (Tina’s in the original) was a must. It’s brutal and really adds a paranormal aspect to the film. I love how they added the bathtub scene as well. It all worked without looking forced.

Kudos for not showing a death scene with the dog either. Nothing disturbs me in a horror flick other than a dog death scene. I don’t know why but it really bothers me (I can’t watch I Am Legend ever again) and I try to avoid those movies. I like how the dog was just dead, no sounds, nothing. It worked and I appreciate it.

To summarize the movie is pretty good and delivers some great stuff for an hour and a half. Do I think some things should have been different? Of course, but no movie is perfect.

In the past year I have seen two overall success reboots by Platinum Dunes. Both of which were my all time favorite movie series. For me, they delivered. Hell, I NEVER go to the theatre and these 2 flicks got me out!!

I’d suggest going to see it, it’s worth 10 bucks. I’d be interested to hear a point of view from someone who hasn’t seen the original. Is this Freddy scary? Does this movie stand out?

Let me know!

And to answer the question I posed in my original blog post…This Nightmare wasn’t a bad dream at all…it was a great reminder of what a nightmare truly is!

The blog title itself says it all. I’m not even going to beat around the bush here. The best marketing team hands down is whoever is employed at Old Spice. Whomever you consider to be in 2nd place is FAR behind Old Spice.

The commercials are funny, original and catchy. They inspire everyone to Youtube search Old Spice and watch their commercials over and over again (I am guilty of this). One commercial in particular (my favorite) is “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” commercial. Has to be one of the funniest commercials I have ever seen. That video (as of this blog post) has close to 9 million views. 9 MILLION! If you are ANY company, reaching 9 Million people would be a huge success. But what’s even more impressive is that this number was achieved through viral marketing and all 100% natural.

What I mean by “natural” is that people freely sought the commercials out. They weren’t shoved down our throats. They weren’t over played (take a note Cars.com!). They worked to perfection.

And just when you think that Old Spice can’t outdo the last commercial, they come out with something equally as hilarious.

Kudos to the group of pure geniuses over at the Old Spice marketing team. Obviously not a bunch of up-tight suits who want to throw statistics at you. These people seem like they’d be cool to have a beer or two with. Some hardcore party animals. I imagine the marketing meeting attire is a Hugh Hefner robe, a corn cob pipe and obnoxious shades.

What’s more impressive is while other companies spend millions on marketing teams that spend tense hours at the drawing board, I imagine Old spice comes up with this stuff while playing XBOX 360.

So I have drummed up a nice little list of my favorite Old Spice commercials (in no particular order). I may have to edit this list at a later time because I know Old spice is going to come out with some more kick ass stuff. Hell, they have Terry Crews doing the commercials now and that guy is hysterical (especially in White Chicks).

Only time will tell what Old Spice has in store for us. Until then we bow to the brilliance that is simply the formula for “The Best Commercial” series ever.

No need to thank me now. Just sit back, turn up your speakers and enjoy the laughs. I know I will!

1.) The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

2.) Armpit Mountain

3.) Punch

4.) Flex

5.) Blocker

Have to admit I was a tad nervous heading into Saturday’s United 4 Thacher event at Proctor’s Theatre. Was the turnout going to be what I anticipated? Was everyone who was participating going to show up? Would Friends of Thacher get a great amount of signatures and donations?

It takes a lot for a company to put on an event. Even more so to put it on such a large scale. Time & Money. But funding this event was worth it. We accomplished the things we set out to do.

This past Saturday over 300 of you came out between 5pm and 10pm and supported United 4 Thacher. tons of kids running around enjoying the festivities. A lot of people sitting in the GE Theatre enjoying the music. Signatures Wine Bar was packed. Poets and Artists. Dancers and Bellydancers. Custom Bikes.

I was so proud that 518Fever.com was able to do this. I’m often asked why I started 518fever.com and to be honest that answer has constantly evolved just like the business itself. I guess the best answer is I want us to be the Online Home of the 518. Sure people have newspapers and radio stations but I want to offer something a little more unique that embodies all of that and more.

A year ago when 518Fever.com was barely a year old it may have been impossible for us to know how to put something like this together. But as time went on the company evolved, we gained experience and we made some great business connections that make things such as United 4 Thacher possible.

Fortunately I have Maria Oeser and Robert Robles on my team as well. Special thanks to them!

I want to take the time to personally thank the following people who without their help, United 4 Thacher would not have been possible.

Richard Lovrich and the staff at Proctor’s Theatre, Mitch Messmore and Schenectady Art Night, Thom Francis and AlbanyPoets.com, Lunic, What She Said, Joe Nacco Band, Cathy Blanch, Merritt Dance Center, James Dowen, Taylor Fleming, Danielle Gaudin, Lady Bug the Clown, The Puppet People, Anthony Rossi (518Fever.com MC), Our special reinforcements Maria Catalfamo and her friend Paul, John Kilroy and Friends of Thacher, Our promotional table participants, Peggy Houlihan Bielecki, as well as Lee and everyone at Broadway Choppers!

I especially want to thank our sponsors Fly 92.3 & Gauchos Grill & Catering.

We are going to try and do this annually but for different causes. “United 4″ will be 518Fever.com’s way of uniting the community for one common local cause. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

In the meantime here are some videos from the news coverage United 4 Thacher received.

You can also read about the event:
http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/502808/united-for-thacher-benefit-held/

http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Save-Thacher-Park/AUgO5IDSTUC972R60Be6fw.cspx

http://www.timesunion.com/ASPStories/Story.asp?StoryID=923762