Flashback Friday... two days late

Mix Tape #3 - Sometime in 2001

Side A:
One - U2
How's it Going to Be? - Third Eye Blind
Rain - Joey McIntire
There You'll Be - Faith Hill
Here's to the Night - Eve 6
The Way You Love Me- Faith Hill
Blessed - Christina Aguilera
Crazy - K-Ci & Jo-Jo
I'll Be - Edwin McCain

Side B:
Angel - Aerosmith
Satellite - Dave Matthews Band
I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
Center of Attention - Guster
Redundant - Green Day
All My Life - K-Ci & Jo-jo
I'll Stand By You - The Pretenders
Amazed - Lonestar

California Dreams - S1:EP7 - "Guess Who's Coming to Brunch"

The scene opens with the gang at a party.  Sly asks them what they're doing.  They're waiting for Jenny to come back from the bathroom.

Jenny returns and complains about the rich folk having difficulty choosing the color of their Mercedes.  Sly tells her that it is, in fact, a difficult choice.

Man, when I picked out my car, I was like "woo hoo, it's the make and model I like, and I can sort of afford it!"  I didn't even pay attention to the color, but I do like it, so it all worked out in the end.

While they're all talking, a girl comes up to the table to get a cup.  She and Tony reach for it at the same time.  Their hands brush against each other, they smile, and awww, this is cute.

She's excited to learn that he's the drummer, and compliments the whole band on their performance.  She introduces herself.  Her name is Kimberly.

Tiffani "oohs"  Sly tells Tony to forget it.   Kimberly's dad is a millionaire, and she wouldn't even go out with Sly!  Tony says that Kimberly has good looks and good taste.

Tony gets on stage and tells Matt that he wants to play "Rain."  Matt protests that they never end a gig with "Rain."  Tony whines until Matt gives in.  Tony grabs the mic from Matt and dedicates the performance to Kimberly.

In the middle of the song, the amp blows out in Tony's ear.  Ow.

Kimberly runs up and offers to take Tony outside for some air.  

Later, at Sharkey's, the rest of the gang is trying to think up ways to buy a new amp.  They need $600 by the following Saturday.  Sly suggests having Matt write advertising jingles.  Matt says a quick "no" to that suggestion.

Jenny interjects that maybe Sly has a point (this time it isn't the top of his head!)  Matt gives in and asks what Sly has in mind.  He wants them to write a jingle for "Uncle Slappy's Root Beer"

Across the room, Tony and Kimberly return from their day at Disney World with a giant panda.

They talk about how much fun they had.  I can't stop staring at Kimberly's CRAZY shirt jacket thing.  Kimberly comments on how much Tony liked the haunted mansion.  Tony says that he liked holding her when she got scared.  Kimberly admits that she wasn't scared.  The audience-reaction track "oooohs" in approval.

Tony tells her that he's glad they met.  Kimberly says that they almost didn't meet.  She wanted to go to school in Paris, but her father wouldn't let her.  Tony wonders aloud what kind of parent wouldn't let their child go to Paris.  "When I meet that man, I'm going to say.... thank you very very much!"

Kimberly offers him a milkshake.  "Since you paid for Disneyland, it's on me!"  Oh yeah.  A milkshake for Disneyland.  Seems like an even trade.

Tony refuses, saying that one of the "Tony Wicks rules of Dating" is to "Always pay for your woman, even if it means working your butt to the bone"  (the other one is "Don't call your date by your ex's name")

Kimberly points out that another rule should be "If your date's dad is loaded, let her pay!"  Tony agrees to add that to the list, and accepts the offer.

Kimberly asks what the rule about kissing is.  Tony says the rule is "Do kiss"  They make out in the booth, and I'm left to wonder what happened to the milkshake.  WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE MILKSHAKES?!?

Back at the garage, Sly wants to hear what Matt has for the jingle so far.

"If you're sweltering in the desert

tongue is bloated from thirst

Drink Uncle Slappy's Root Beer

because dying would be worse!"

Sly tells them that the idea is to make them want to drink it, not hurl.  Matt points out that the stuff is terrible. Tiffani says that it would be wrong to lie.  Sly tells them not to lie, "just... take the facts and twist them around a bit."  Tony tells Sly to write the song.  Sly agrees.  

Kimberly comes in.   She invites Tony to join her and her parents for brunch the following Sunday.  The gang "oohs"  Sly makes a bunch of jokes about Tony being nervous.  Tony says he's not.  

Next scene.  Kimberly and Tony arrive at the yacht club for brunch.  Tony says that he's nervous.

Kimberly tells him that all he needs to do is laugh at her father's jokes.  Uh-oh.  This can't end well.

Kimberly introduces Tony to her parents.  Her father says "Kimberly hasn't stopped talking about you for days!"  Tony laughs.  Kimberly tells him that it wasn't a joke.

She tells him to relax.  Tony agrees and says "We're all people.  We all put our pants on one leg at a time!"  Kimberly's father says "Oh, not me!  I jump right in both legs at a time!"  Tony stares.  Kimberly tells him that was a joke.

After brunch, Kimberly's mother excuses herself to go to the rest room.  Kimberly joins her so she can freshen up.  Kimberly's father says that's "Women's code for 'let's go talk about the guys!'"

While the ladies are gone, Kimberly's father tells Tony that Kimberly told him about the amp blowing up.  He says that he wants to help out.  He takes out his checkbook and asks, "Will $1000 cover it?"

After he gets over the shock, he says that it would be great, but asks why he's doing this.  He tells Tony that he wants a favor.  He wants him to stop dating Kimberly, because they're "from different worlds"  Tony asks if it's because he's black.  

Back in the Garrison kitchen, the Dreams and Mr. Garrison sit around talking about what Tony should do.  Mr. Garrison tells Tony that unfortunately, some people just aren't open-minded.  Tony asks if he would have a problem if he were dating Jenny.  Mr. Garrison says no, but if it were Sly...

Sly: Why? Because I'm Italian?

Mr. Garrison: No, because you're YOU!

They all tell Tony that he should talk to Kimberly about it.

Later, at Sharkey's.  Tony tells Kimberly about what her dad said.  Kimberly refuses to believe that her dad is prejudiced.

Back at the garage, the gang is making another attempt at writing a jingle.  Sly sings about fungus, and the gang vetoes that idea.

Tony comes in and tells the gang that Kimberly broke up with him.  They all tell him they're sorry, except for Sly.  Sly suggests that he date Kimberly next.  "Fathers always hate me!  Maybe he'll buy me a car!"

Mr. Garrison enters the garage with a delivery.  It's the amp from Kimberly's dad.  

In the next scene, Tony brings the amp to the yacht club where Kimberly is eating with her parents.  He puts it up on the chair, and tells Kimberly that her father tried to buy him off.  Kimberly and her mother are horrified.  In a crowning moment of awesome, Tony tells off Kimberly's dad, then leaves while a bunch of extras give Kimberly's dad dirty looks.  It would have been so much better if they had applauded Tony.

Back at the garage, the gang is still working on the root beer jingle.  Sly reads the lyrics and tells the gang that Uncle Slappy won't like the lyrics because he's a very serious businessman.  Oh yeah, with a name like Uncle Slappy, he sounds like a serious business man.

Matt, Jenny and Tiffany perform the jingle:

For Guys and Girls who want a drink

If you're short, tall, thin or fat

Drink Uncle Slappy's root beer

Because it tastes like THAT!

Uncle Slappy wants to know what "That" is.  Matt, Tiffany and Jenny explains that anyone can say their soda tastes great, but "that" sounds unique, so people will buy it to find out what "that" is.  Uncle Slappy totally buys their lie.  He ha  nds Sly the check and they're all about to leave to buy an amp.  

Tony comes in and tells the gang that he talked to Kimberly's dad, but it didn't really make him feel better.  Kimberly comes in behind him and tells him she followed him.   She apologizes for not believing him.  Tony tells her that she has to talk to her dad, and she agrees.  They hug and Tony says "now I feel better"

Later, at Sharkey's, Kimberly tells Tony that it didn't go well when she talked to her dad.  Tony says that they can work it out.  Kimberly says that unfortunately, they can't.  Her dad is sending her to Paris.  

Kimberly leaves, and Sly, Matt, Jenny and Tiffani come up to Tony and ask him if he's okay.  He vows to never accept prejudice and always try to teach people that "different" doesn't mean "bad."

Sly asks Tony if he's okay.  Tony says he'll be fine.  Sly: Good!  Please get on stage and make some money!

Matt asks Tony if he wants to start with "Rain."  Tony says he'd rather play "One World"

Flashback Fridays

Here's another mixtape.  I think this one was recorded around  1998 or 1999.

Side A:

It's All Been Done - Barenaked Ladies
Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
Big Big World - Emilia
Can't Get Enough of You, Baby - Smash Mouth
One Week - Barenaked Ladies
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green Day
This Kiss - Faith Hill
Back 2 Good - Matchbox 20
Jumper - Third Eye Blind

Side B:

I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
The Old Apartment - Barenaked Ladies
Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
Walking on the Sun  - Smash Mouth
These Are Days - 10000 Maniacs
Hands - Jewel
From This Moment On - Shania Twain
Stay the Same - Joey McIntyre

California Dreams - S1:EP6 - "Friends First"

I was supposed to post this yesterday, but I got sidetracked with going to a job fair, interviewing for a job, accepting an offer from said job, filling out paperwork, etc.  So, loyal readers (I know you're out there somewhere) here's Thursday's entry a day late.  I'll try to post an entry tomorrow as well, but it might take me a bit to get back on my Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday posting schedule.

Without further ado, onto episode 6.

Opening scene: Sharkey's.

Tony comes over to the table and serves cheeseburgers to the gang.  They all tell him that none of them actually ordered cheeseburgers.

Tony tells them to eat them anyway so Sharkey doesn't find out that he messed up yet another order.  Sly agrees, but only if he doesn't have to pay.  Tony doesn't go for it and takes the cheeseburgers back.  On the way back to the kitchen, Sharkey catches Tony with the tray of cheeseburgers and demands an explanation. Tony mumbles something about the kitchen staff making a mistake.  Sharkey reminds Tony to write orders down.

Back at the table, Sly plays a tape of the Dreams for Sharkey.  Sly wants the band to have a regular gig at Sharkey's.  Sharkey says that it will take away from the money he earns from the jukebox.  I remember a similar situation on Saved By the Bell.  Max was upset about the girls all listening to the song by fictional musician Beau Revere, because it took away from the jukebox.

Jenny and Matt talk about an old friend named Teddy coming to visit.  Apparently, he was a tad on the pudgy side, as they call him "Shamu."  Tiffani tells them not to make fun of someone's size.  Across the room, a guy enters.  It's Teddy (not Shamu-like at all)  Matt greets him, and comments that he didn't recognize him.  He greets everyone, and tells them that he goes by "Ted" now.  Tiffany and Jenny are smitten.

Matt leaves the table.  Jenny and Tiffani immediately start arguing about who's going to ask him out.  They finally agree that neither of them will.  Several years ago, a friend and I made that same promise about a guy. They're married now.

In Matt's room, he and Ted are going through old pictures and reminiscing.  Jenny comes in and starts flirting with Ted.   She tells him how great the restaurants in the area are.  They talk about Italian food, and she recommends a place with a "killer caesar salad"  Ted says he'll check it out.  Jenny, thinking she's found a loophole in the promise with Tiffany, asks him if he's asking her out.  They agree to go out the following Saturday.

Tiffani walks in and asks if Matt has seen Jenny.  She walks right past him to talk to Ted.  She talks to him about movies, then "accidentally" drops the newspaper, which just so happens  to have the current movie times listed.  She's even highlighted the movie that Ted wants to see.  They agree to go together.

Tiffani leaves.  Ted looks smug.  Matt: you just asked out 2 best friends, you idiot.

Back in the garage, Tiffany tells Tony to write down the orders at Sharkey's.  Tony thinks writing down orders is "uncool"  No Tony, you know what's uncool?  Getting Rocky Mountain Oysters when you want Fried Pickles.  That's uncool!  Write down your customers' orders!

Tony's two other "Rules of Cool" are: Don't wear hats with clapping hands, and don't listen to NKOTB.

Tiffani tells him that if he doesn't want to write down the orders, he should improve his memory by eating fish.  He won't do that either.

Sly joins the gang to announce that he's secured a gig at Sharkey's.  Everyone is happy.  They ask how much they're getting paid.  Sly admits that they're not getting paid, but they're getting burgers!

Tiffani and Jenny hug and talk about how excited they are.  Matt's like "aww, I'm so glad you're still friends even though you're going out with the same guy!"  Tiffany and Jenny look at each other, and Matt realizes that Ted hasn't talked to the girls about the fact that he's going on a date with both of them.

Tiffani and Jenny start fighting about trust.  Tony tells them to chill out.  Jenny tells him to butt out.  Both girls say that they're keeping the date.

Next scene.  At the move theatre, Jenny points to the front row, and hands something to the usher.  The usher goes to Tiffani and tells her that she has a phone call.  Tiffani gets up.  Jenny goes to join Ted.  He admits that he's there with Tiffani, and Jenny tells him a bunch of fake stories about Tiffany's dad being really overprotective.  She tells him that Tiffani's dad invented his own form of martial arts - Kung Pao Ow!

Tiffani comes back and says that no one was on the phone.  Ted says that he should get her home.  Tiffany protests that the movie hasn't started yet, but Ted insists.  They leave, and Jenny sits in the theatre looking pleased with herself.

The next day, Jenny and Ted are out to eat.  Jenny tells Ted that she used to have a crush on him.  He asks her about the names she used to call him.  She tells him they were just affectionate nicknames.  Ted: "Blubber Butt?  Blimpo the Wonder Boy?"

Tiffani comes in with Sly, and tells Jenny that her black-belt father says "Hi-Ya"  Sly comes over to greet them and realizes that he hasn't been formally introduced.  Tiffani asks, "Sly, HAVE YOU MET TED?"  and I laugh a bit.

Sly heckles Ted a bit, then insists on pulling both tables together.  Ted looks uncomfortable.

Next Scene: Band practice.  Tiffani comes in, and greets everyone but Jenny.  They're about to start practicing "If it Wasn't For You" but Tiffani and Jenny both have a problem with it. -- each other's parts.

They both quit.

Back in the kitchen, Tony, Matt and Sly are moping about the loss of two band members.  Jenny stomps down the stairs and slams cupboard doors.  They she shrieks, "Where's the peanut butter?!?!"

The boys look perplexed.  Tony and Sly leave.  Matt tries to talk to Jenny.  Tiffani comes through the kitchen with her bass, explaining that she's bringing it home since she's not in the band anymore.  Matt begs them to work it out, and they start to cave.  Then Ted walks in.

....aaaaand the claws come out again.

Matt begs Ted to choose one of them to stop the fighting.  Oh, THAT sounds like a good plan.  Ted believes that the girls are like potato chips and doesn't want just one.

He can't decide and tells them he'll make his choice by the next day.  

At Sharkey's.  Matt replaces the California Dreams poster on the bulletin board with a different California Dreams poster. On stage, Tiffani and Jenny continue fighting.

The girls realize that the poster that Matt put up was a picture from the first time the band played together.  They think that Matt is trying to get them to talk again.  They start reminiscing.  Matt's plan worked.

They apologize and hug.  Everyone is happy.

Tony is taking an order, but not writing it down.  Sharkey asks him what he's doing, and he says that he memorized the order.  Sharkey's all "I'm impressed, but you're not even on the schedule tonight."

On stage, they perform "If It Wasn't For You."  Ted walks in.  Tiffani and Jenny look at each other.  

Sharkey and Sly talk about the band.  Sharkey likes them and wants them to perform again the following week.  Sly asks to talk about payment.  Sharkey likes the current plan of Burgers and Fries as payment.  Sly is disappointed.  Sharkey says, "Well, it's not Sinatra, but I'll throw in some onion rings too!"

Ted goes over to Jenny and Tiffani.  He made his choice, and pulls 2 tickets to a Sting concert out of his pocket.  He's taking the "winner" with him.  Tiffani and Jenny decide that they don't want to know, and take the tickets for themselves.  

Ted doesn't know what happened.  Matt tells him that he was nicer when he was fat and offers to buy him a milkshake.

/end

California Dreams: S1:EP5 - "Dream Man"

The episode opens with Matt sitting at the counter in Sharkey's playing his guitar and writing.  He says "this is great!" over and over again, then "this is terrible"

Tony comes over, and Matt tells him that he's having trouble writing a song.  Sly joins the other two guys and   rambles about fire-breathing concerts and burning eyebrows... or something.

Jenny walks in with a friend of hers, and Tony and Sly stare.

The guys go over, and Tony tries to pick up the friend by saying, "Afternoon, Jasmine.  You are as fine as wine, and if I had a glass I would toast to your beauty."  Jasmine says, "You better take your smooth talking, wine drinking, desperate for a date behind and get out of my face." 

Sly tells Tony to "Watch a professional" and turns to Jenny, who tells him not to bother, as she only dates humans.  The guys give up, and Tiffani joins Jenny and Jasmine.  Tiffani says that her father is going away for the night and asks if she can stay at Jenny's.  Jenny says that it's fine and invites Jasmine to join them.  Jenny suggests inviting someone named Penny.  Tiffani is excited about the idea of having a slumber party.  Sly overhears, and he's also excited about the slumber party.

Next scene!  The girls are sitting in Jenny's room eating brownies.  This makes me reminisce about all the sleepovers my friends and I had in elementary and middle school.  We used to order pizza and watch movies and stay up late.  I had one friend who moved away in 4th grade, but she used to invite me to her parties with her new friends.  We played Dream Phone and Girl Talk and never slept.  Good Times!

Penny looks through Jenny's closet, and pulls out a dress.  She says, "Our tastes are SO similar!  Like, if I saw this dress in a store, I'd totally buy it!"  Jenny points out that the dress is  Penny's.  Jenny borrowed it from her.

Tiffani finds the diary that she gave to Jenny several years earlier.  Tiffani reads aloud, and finds an entry where Jenny talks about how happy Tiffani always is.  Tiffani's like "I used to be kinda perky, huh?"  and the other girls nod knowingly.

Down the hall, Matt is playing the piano in his room.  Tony comes into join him, hoping to get a little closer to Jasmine.  Sly joins them as well, dressed in all black, for some reason.

Matt asks if he was spying on the girls.  Sly says that he was until they pulled the shades down.  Tony tells Sly that he shouldn't spy through the windows, he should use a peephole!  Then he looks around Matt's room for one.  Matt's like "I don't spy on my sister, weirdo"

Sly pulls a stethoscope out of his duffel bag and suggests that they try to listen to the girls.  Matt kicks them out so he can concentrate, and Sly formulates another plan.  They're still driving Matt crazy, so he goes downstairs to practice.

Dennis comes into the room, and initially refuses to help the guys spy.  Sly offers him a quarter.  Dennis is like "HELLS NO!  Gimme $5" Sly agrees.

Next scene.  Back in Jenny's room, the girls are playing truth or dare.  Dennis comes in and tells Jenny that when he was in her room earlier, he lost Phil... his pet tarantula.  The girls all run out.  Sly comes in and hides under the bed.

Down in the kitchen, Matt finally has some peace and quiet.  Then the girls run down, still screaming.  Matt tells them that he's still trying to write the song, and Tiffani offers to help.

He tells her that the song is about a guy who moves to the beach from the midwest, and doesn't know how to surf or swim.  Tiffani says that if he can play volleyball, he'll fit in.  Matt looks at her like she's crazy, but is willing to give it a try.  He asks Tiffani to write some lyrics.

Tony joins the girls in the kitchen, and pretends to be surprised to see them.  Jasmine just looks annoyed.  Tony reads Jasmine a poem he wrote.

You're the one who I desire

My heart is burning, It's on Fire

That I feel this way is not surprising

When You're around, my temperature is rising

Back in Jenny's room, she says that she's surprised the Sly isn't there since he's always following her around. Unbeknownst to her, he's under the bed with a notebook!

Tiffani tells Jasmine that Tony really likes her.  Jasmine admits that she thinks he's cute, but also thinks that he tries too hard.  

The girls start talking about their dream guys.  Tiffani says that her dream man loves children, wears sweaters, and likes fish tanks and trolleys.  She pauses for a moment and realizes who she's just described.  

Jenny starts to describe her dream man, so Sly grabs a piece of paper and a pen from the basket under Jenny's bed.  He starts taking notes.  Her dream man is "handsome and honest, loves french food, fine art and foreign films."  The first time she sees him he'll be wearing an Italian suit and a silk tie.  He'll say something incredibly romantic. From under the bed, Sly decides he's up for the challenge.

The next day in the garage, Tiffani brings Matt the lyrics she wrote.  Matt starts to play guitar, while Tiffani sings:

Tommy came from the hills of Iowa-y

to live on the beach in sunny LA

He knew how to farm and how to breed cattle

But when it came to swimmin', he couldn't doggy paddle!

Tommy can't swim

Tommy can't surf

Tommy can't throw a frisbee

Tommy can't tan

Tommy can't clam

Tommy's allergic to sand fleas

At this point, Matt can't go any further, and just sits in awe.  Tiffani asks him why he stopped.  She has another whole verse about spiking the volleyball, goshdarnit!

Matt lies that he was moved by her song.  Poor Tiffani is so happy, that she suggests they play it at practice later.  Matt quickly says no, and takes the lyrics from her, suggesting that they "let it breathe"

Jenny and Tony come into the garage.  Tony complains that Jasmine turned him down again.  Sly comes in to the garage in a suit, carrying a bouquet of flowers.  He introduces himself as the "sensitive, honest Sylvester"  Everyone laughs, and he gives Jenny the flowers.  Jenny asks the others if it's a joke, but none of them know what's going on.  He tells Jenny that it's not a joke and excuses himself to drive his mother's church group to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Later, at Sharkey's, Jenny confesses to Tiffani that she "might like" Sly.  Sly comes over to sit with Jenny and Tiffani leaves.  Sly asks Jenny if she'd like to go to a French Bistro, then "catch a foreign film"  When I was in high school, "dates" consisted of hanging out in the center of town and eating at Papa Gino's.

Sly brings Jenny home after the date, and she happily dances around the kitchen.  Matt spits out his water when Jenny tells him that Sly might be the man of her dreams.  Dennis comes into the kitchen and asks Jenny where Sly is, because Sly hasn't paid him the $5 yet.  Jenny asks what the $5 is for, and Dennis spills the beans after Jenny offers him $10.  

The next day at Sharkey's, Matt is talking to Tony about Tiffani's lyrics.  Tony isn't listening.  He's still bummed about Jasmine turning him down.    Matt tells him that it's okay if one girl isn't into him.  Tony goes over to Jasmine to apologize for always bugging her.  She gives him a kiss, because it was the first time he didn't use a line on her.  Tony makes sure to let Matt know that he was wrong, then goes off with Jasmine.  

Later, at band practice, Sly arrives in another suit.  Jenny goes over to him and suggests a romantic dinner for later.  She has a plan.

Tiffani suggests that they start off the practice with the new song.  Matt is forced to tell Tiffani what he really thought of the lyrics.  Tiffani says that she's more hurt that he didn't trust their friendship enough the tell her the truth.  Matt looks at her and very seriously says "I know, you're right.  I'm sorry"  Tiffani smiles and says "Okay, I forgive you!"  That exchange reminded me so much of how my old co-worker and I were when we made up after an argument.  Maybe I was unintentionally channeling Tiffani that whole time?

Next scene!  Jenny is preparing dinner for her and Sly.  She "accidentally" pours their drinks on him

Jenny goes to get the soup, and pours that on Sly too.  When he finds out that dinner is shish-kabobs, he suggests skipping dinner and talking instead.  Jenny brings her journal into the kitchen, and leaves.  Sly snoops and finds out that she knew he was faking everything all along.  She chases him around the kitchen, and tells him that him using her private thoughts to manipulate her really hurt.  Sly apologizes and tells her that he's been hurt too.  Jenny doesn't believe him, until he tells the story of a crush he had when he was younger. He wrote her a love letter, and it made everyone laugh, even the teacher.  Jenny apologizes and offers to talk if he ever needs to.  He thanks her and asks for a kiss.  Jenny declines.

Not 90s related, but...

I was just watching reruns of Gilmore Girls on the SOAP network.  (Channel 143 for Verizon Customers).  The episode on at the moment is one of the ones from when Rory was taking time off from Yale.  Paris tells Rory that the news about her stealing the boat is all over school because a girl named Rebecca Thurston posted it on her blog.  She told Rory to google "Rory Gilmore Sex Boat" to find the blog entry.

I only mention this here because when I was younger, it was a big deal if shows mentioned going online at all.  Prodigy and AOL were popular when I was in elementary school, and that's around the time when TV shows that I watched started making references to that.

When shows mention websites or phone numbers (How I Met Your Mother does this often) they sometimes actually lead somewhere.  It's actually an interesting marketing technique for shows to try, because there's a good chance that viewers will try to find out if it's a real website.

As the aforementioned Gilmore Girls episode is on right now, I just wanted to test this theory and find out if mentioning "Rory Gilmore Sex Boat" leads anyone here tonight.

California Dreams: S1:EP4 - "Double Date"

The boys are hanging out at Sharkey's.  (Do these kids ever go to school?  Has school started yet?)  Tony asks Matt where Randy Jo is.  (oh, so she's back?  What happened to Angela?  Why do I ask questions about the continuity of a show that started 20 years ago?)  Matt explains that Randy Jo has things to do for her sister Debbie's wedding.

Sly:  Weddings?  Feh.  Another perfectly good woman off the market!

Matt says that Debbie is nice, but that she's so worried about the wedding, that Randy Jo is freaking out too.  Right on cue, Randy Jo runs into Sharkey's complaining about the latest disaster.  The disaster?  They delivered the matchbooks for the wedding.  Tony:  How dare they?!?!

Randy Jo gets all huffy and whines "IT'S NOT FUNNY!"  Turns out, the grooms name was misspelled.  Instead of "Paul" it read "Paula"  Sly misses the point, and thinks it actually is Paula, and laments that now two women are off the market.

Tiffany and Jenny come in with their new rollerblades, chatting about how much fun rollerblading will be.  Sly calls shenanigans, saying that Jenny never has fun.  She rolls over his hand with one of the skates, and says that that was fun.

Sharkey calls Tony over to the counter to tell him that he's going on a trip, and wants to leave Tony in charge.  If all goes well, Tony will get a promotion and a raise.

Back at the garage, the gang is talking about Tony's exciting opportunity.  Randy Jo runs in, rambling and freaking out and not really forming complete thoughts.  She buries her head in Matt's shoulder.

Matt asks if it has to do with the wedding and RJ is like "I just told you.  You don't listen when I talk!"  She runs out, and Matt is left to wonder what just happened.  He goes after her, and the girls take off to go skating.  Sly yells "Aloha!"  to the girls.  Then he continues to repeat "Aloha, Aloha, Aloha"  while doing the hula.

and another wacky vest!

Tony wants to know what he's doing, and Sly says that they should host a luau at Sharkey's.  Once Tony remembers that Sharkey won't be there, he likes the idea.  Then he and Sly start doing the hula together.

Next scene.  Tony and Sly are sitting at the counter planning the luau.  Tiffani and Jenny skate into the restaurant ready to pass out flyers for them.  Sly wants them to be wearing as little clothing as possible.  Jenny and Tiffani say no way.  Sly backs down and let's them wear regular clothes to pass out the flyers.  

Matt comes in to Sharkey's wearing a jacket.  (What month is this?)  He has good news. The band for Debbie's wedding canceled, so they're going to hire the Dreams!  Tony got them a gig too.  They're going to play at the luau!  Ruh-roh!  The gigs are both on the same night!

Cut to: Garrison's kitchen.  Matt and Tony are arguing about who should cancel their gig.  After a bit more arguing, Matt goes off to talk to Randy Jo.  While they're talking, Debbie and her fiance come in arguing about something.  Matt suggests that they hire a band called "Root Canal" for their wedding.  Randy Jo tries to talk Matt out of canceling.  Matt agrees to play at the wedding after all.  

Back at Sharkey's the gang is trying to decide what to do about the luau.  They consider moving it to the next day, but don't want to advertise again.  Sly says they can pay for the new flyers with Sharkey's money.  Tony hands him some, and Sharkey comes in at that moment, accuses him of being a thief, and catches him with a huge net.

Sly tries to explain what the money is for, and Tony's like "oh, we're just having a luau"  and Sharkey is like "oh, sweet." He asks how much money has gone into it, and Tony says it's around $500.  Sharkey goes "WHAT?  No Volcano?!?"  Sly thinks it's a good idea.  Sharkey says that it the luau fails, Tony's fired and has to pay back what's owed.

Back in the garage, Matt is tuning his guitar.  Sly drags Tony into the garage, and begs him and Matt to make a decision about who's going to give up their gig.  Tiffany and Jenny skate into the garage.  Tiffany announces that she won their race.  Sly tells the girls about the problem, and Tiffany suggests that they just do both gigs. The guys love the idea.

They're plan is to play a set, take a break, move up the beach, then repeat.  Tony is worried that it will take too long.  Tiffany suggests skating, and taking a shortcut via the bike path.  Tony's like "and how do you expect me to carry my drums while skating?"  Sly suggests renting a second set of equipment.  Tony still won't agree to the plan.  He admits that he can't rollerskate, and everyone laughs at him.

Next scene!  Sharkey and Tony are getting ready for the luau.  Tony tells him he'll be missed, as the crowd would have loved to see him do the hula.

The girls skate in, and tell Tony that it's time to get to the wedding.  Tony gives Sly some last minute instructions about collecting cover charges, and they're off.  (the girls on skates, Tony in a wagon)

At the Country Club, Debbie and Paul are wondering where the band is.  Matt says that there's no need to worry, everything is fine...

Then Sharkey walks in.

Turns out, Sharkey is Paul's father's fishing buddy.  Matt's like "Well, get him out of here!"  Randy Jo rushes over to Sharkey and urges him to check out the dessert table... outside.

Tony and the girls enter.  Matt introduces them as the "California Roller Dreamers" and they begin their set.  This time there aren't any montages along with the music.  When they finish the set, they announce their break, and head back to Sharkey's.  

At the luau, they're out of their formal wear, and into "luau wear"  They're singing "Heart Don't Lie"

Transition back to the wedding.  They're singing "Heart Don't Lie" again, and are back in their formal wear.

Matt thanks the crowd and says "It's been a great luau!  I mean, wedding!"  Then Sharkey walks in.  (Has he been at the dessert table all this time?)  The band is heading out the door, when Sharkey spots Tony.  They get out before he can say anything.  

Next scene!  They beat Sharkey back to the restaurant (and even had time to change beforehand!)  They perform another set.  Sharkey arrives and wants to speak with Tony.  He goes "You're here!  So you couldn't have been there!"  Tony pretends to have no idea what Sharkey is talking about and gives him the money that they made from the luau.  Tony asks when they can start talking about his raise and promotion.  Sharkey says "After what you did, I should demote you to toilet-cleaner... but I like your skirt!"

Sly counts the money, and after paying Sharkey back and paying for all the stuff they had to rent, they made a grand total of.... $4. Tiffany points out that that's $1 each for herself, Jenny, Tony and Matt!  

Poor Sly.

Flashback Fridays

As I try to get this blog off the ground, I'm going to try some different ideas.  I was thinking of going through my mixtapes, and listing the tracks of a different tape every Friday.  I couldn't find many, but I'll work with what I have for now, then think of some new ideas.  So, here we go!

Mix of Stuff - compiled sometime around 1999, if memory serves me correctly.

Side A:

Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms

At the Stars - Better than Ezra

Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer

Lightning Crashes - Live

Angel of Mine - Monica

You're Still the One - Shania Twain

Light in Your Eyes - Blessid Union of Souls

I'll Stand by You - The Pretenders

Dreaming of You - Selena

Why Don't You Get a Job? - The Offspring

Maria - Blondie

Slide - Goo Goo Dolls

All Star - Smash Mouth

Side B:

Hey Leonardo - Blessid Union of Souls

The Kids Aren't All Right - The Offspring

Friday, I'm in Love - The Cure

What's My Age Again? - Blink 182

I Want it That Way - Backstreet Boys

Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green Day

Blue Monday - Orgy

Reduntant - Green Day

Scattered - Green Day

All for You - Sister Hazel

She's So High - Tal Bachman

Quite the collection, eh?

California Dreams S1:EP3 - "Beat of His Own Dream"

The gang is hanging out at Sharkey's.  Tony tells Matt that he loves the new song and goes on to sing and dance around the restaurant.

A delivery man comes into Sharkey's to deliver flowers to Tiffani.  He keeps sneezing all over them.   I don't think it's normal to get deliveries while you're out to eat, but then again, these kids are always there, so it's basically their second home.

The delivery guy keeps sneezing, and Matt asks him if he's okay.  He explains that whenever he delivers flowers, he can't stop sneezing.  Jenny's like "Maybe you're allergic to flowers, idiot"  She didn't say the "idiot" part.  I embellished a bit.  Anyway, the sneezing flower delivery guy ponders this for a moment, then runs off.  (Presumably to reconsider his current career path)

The note with the flowers reveals that Tiffani has a secret admirer.  Tony, Jenny and Matt: "oooh"  Tiffani wonders aloud who it could have been.  Sly runs over and announces "Guys, I did it!"  Tiffani was like "aw hell, no!"  Sly: Why would I send you flowers?  You're not dead!"

Sly reveals that the "I did it!" refers to him convincing Sharkey to let them play at the restaurant.  He's even going to pay them $150.   Everyone is excited.  Tony runs off to tell his dad the good news.

Next scene:  Locker room.  Tony's father is writing on a blackboard.  Tony comes in.  He compliments his dad on the football team's recent win.  Wait, wasn't it still summer vacation in the last episode?  Did we skip over the school year starting?  Oh well.  90s sitcoms aren't exactly known for their continuity.  One of the football players comes in to talk to Tony's dad about football stuff.  Aw, poor Tony.  I think we can all guess where this is going.  Mr. Wicks sends the football player to do 20 laps.  If their track is the same size at the track of the high school I went to, that's a good 5 miles right there.  Running 5 miles seems a bit rough, but hey, I never played football in high school, so what do I know?

Tony tells his dad about the upcoming gig, and mentions that he has a solo.  Mr. Wicks tells him it's great, but he's not convincing me.  Tony invites him to come, and his dad basically tells him that football is more important than his son.  "Your rock and roll fantasy is not important"  Tony tries to explain that it's not a fantasy.  Dad: "Do something more practical, like playing football"

In the next scene, Matt and Tiffani are in the garage and Dennis is playing the drums.  Tiffani, always diplomatic, tells him that with some more practice he could be really good.  Dennis thanks her, and asks her if she'd be in his band.  She sweetly tells him that she's already pretty busy with the California Dreams.  Matt's like "what about your totally rad older brother"  Dennis tells him that he's not blonde and beautiful.  Aw.

Another delivery arrives for Tiffani.  This time it's a box of chocolates.  Wait, why is she getting deliveries at Matt's house?  It's the same delivery guy from before.  He explains that he quit the flower delivery job and got this one instead.  He tells her that she'll love the chocolate.  "You can't eat just one!"  She offers Matt and Jenny each a piece, and they open the box.  Turns out, the delivery guy couldn't eat just one either.  The box is empty.  There's another note from the secret admirer, but still no clues about who it is.

Tony walks in and tries to act excited.  Tiffani can see right through him and asks him what's wrong.  He explains that his father wants him to play football.  Tony is bummed because he loves music but wants his parents to be proud.  Matt and Jenny tell him that at their age, no parents are proud of their kids.  Right on cue, Mr. Garrison comes into the garage and tells them how happy he is about their upcoming gig.  Side note.  I really need to start calling Matt and Jenny's parents by their first names, because whenever I type Mr. Garrison, I think of this: 

worstprofessorever.com

He tells Tony and Tiffani that he's sure their families are proud of them too.  Everyone shifts uncomfortably.  Tony says that his dad will be proud as soon as he joins the football team.  He quits the band and leaves.  Jenny glares at her dad, and he's like "Did I do that?"

Next day:  Jenny, Matt, Sly and Tiffani are sitting around a table at Sharkey's (where else?) lamenting the loss of Tony.  Sly's like "I can't believe he quit.  He loves playing the drums!"  Tiffany is impressed that Sly is thinking of his friend's feelings.  Sly says that it's not Tony's feelings he's worried about.  He's blaming Tony for "ruining" the gig.

Tony comes in from football practice and did not have a good time.  Here's what I find weird.  I know his dad is the coach, but can he really just join the team after the season has already started?

They suggest that Tony come back to the band, but he says that his dad won't have it.  Sly says that being in the band is better because of "gorgeous groupies" and football is just "rolling around in the mud with Butch, Bruno and Bubba.  Tony said that it doesn't matter if he hates football.  It made his dad happy and that's what's important to him.   Mr. Wicks comes in to Sharkey's and Tony leaves the gang to go join his dad for "a couple of protein shakes"  If that's not a metaphor for "cruising for chicks" then I don't know what is.

Oh, so they really ARE having protein shakes.  Mr. Wicks compliments his son on a great practice, and tells him that he really impressed Butch, Bruno and Bubba.  

Back at the Garrison's, Mr. Garrison and Dennis are sitting at the kitchen table.  Mr. Garrison is looking over his credit card bill.  Matt, Jenny, Tiffani and Sly come into the kitchen.  He asks Matt and Jenny (and then Sly too) if any of them have used his credit card.  They all say that they haven't.  Dennis leaves the kitchen.  Apparently there were some credit card charges for flowers and candy.  Matt and Jenny eye each other knowingly.  Mr. Garrison suggests that Sly take a lie detector test.  Sly, by the way, is wearing another wacky vest.

Mr. Garrison leaves the kitchen, and everyone realizes that Dennis is Tiffani's Secret Admirer.  Jenny suggests that she let him down gently so he doesn't get turned off on relationships forever.  Tiffani relates this to a Sports Illustrated article about the Cleveland Indians being the "losingest team in baseball."  When Jenny asks what that has to do with Dennis, Tiffani says, "He's never going to get to first base!"  HA!  Jenny's reaction is priceless:

"What's it like in there?"

I forgot that they made Tiffani seem kind of ditzy in the first season.

Tony shows up and asks how the search for a new drummer is going.  They all beg him to come back.  Tony says that he can't because he's finally getting along with his dad.  Matt tells him that he should be honest with his dad about what he really wants.

In the next scene, Tony's dad leads him into the locker room after an injury.  Every time he moves, he shrieks.  He says that his arm hurts.  His dad looks at it for like, three seconds and goes "eh, it's just a sprain!"  (I sprained my wrist playing soccer once.  I wasn't the goalie.)  His dad pulls a sling out of nowhere, and sticks it on Tony's arm.  He tells him he'll have to miss the next game.  Tony's like "Well, darn!"  His dad leaves.  Tony takes off the sling and throws his helmet across the room.

In the next scene, the search for a new drummer continues.  So far THIS is all they've come up with:

this will not end well.

They talk about why he's not a good fit for the band, and Tiffani suggests that they save their comments, since the dude is sitting right there.  Sly says it doesn't matter because he's pretty spaced out from playing drums with his head.  "Right, Sheldon?"  The kid asks why Sly called him Sheldon.  Sly tells him that it's his name.  Drummer dude is like "I'm such a burnout I don't even know who I am."

Jenny comes into the garage and reminds Tiffani to tell Dennis that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting with her.  Sly suggests that Matt write a "break up ditty" because "things always sound nicer with music!"  Jenny thinks Sly wasn't hugged enough as a baby.

Tony joins everyone in the garage, wearing the sling again, and complains some more about football.  Sly introduces him to Sheldon.  Upon hearing that Tony was the drummer, he thinks he's off the hook, and gets up to leave.  Sly explains that Tony used to be the drummer.  They still need a new drummer.  Sheldon pretty much says "oh, okay!"  to everything anyone says.  Tony refuses to let them replace him with Sheldon, calling him a "ratty-haired, heavy metal oatmeal brain"  (I love Tony's long-winded ways of explaining things)

Matt's like "You snooze, you lose, Tony" and they start practicing.  Matt tells Sheldon to start with the drum intro, and he basically just starts pounding on the cymbals and ends with a crazy drum solo.  Tony jumps up and starts flipping out.  Then he slowly walks over to Sheldon and takes his drum sticks back.  He sits at the drums and begins to play.  Sheldon is impressed.

Matt realizes that there's nothing wrong with Tony's arm.  Jenny tells him to stop lying.   Back at Tony's house, he's in his room drumming on... something.  There's a knock at his door.  Tony's dad comes in and greets his "no pain, no gain, give it all you got guy"  (Oh, so THAT'S where Tony gets it)  Tony tells his dad that he wants to talk.  Mr. Wicks is worried that Tony wants to have the birds and the bees chat.  Tony's like "no, I know all I need to know about that"  He tells his dad that he wants to quit the football team and admits that the injury was fake.  Then Mr. Wicks tells Tony that he's benching him.  Tony's like "you can't bench me, I quit!"  He tries to explain again that he doesn't like football.  He wants to be a musician!  His father tells him that his band is "a bunch of kids wasting time in a garage."  Then he says it's stupid.  I kid you not.  He actually says that.  Tony says that it's his choice to make.  His dad tells him to go do it in his room.  Tony leaves, then realizes he was already in his room.  

In the next scene, the gang is at Sharkey's getting ready for the gig.  They all welcome Tony back.  One of the cymbals on Tony's drum set is dented, thanks to Sheldon.  Mr. Garrison and Dennis walk in cheering.  Jenny tells him to go away because he's embarrassing them.  Hey, after what Tony went through, at least her dad cares!

Jenny asks Tiffani if she's ready to talk to Dennis.  She is, thanks to an article in Psychology Today about crushes and positive reinforcement.  Tiffani goes to talk to him, and he doesn't understand a word of what she's trying to tell him.  He finally gets it, and asks her for a kiss.  She obliges, and kisses him on the cheek.  It's actually pretty cute.  

The second favor he asks for is for $50 to pay his dad back for the credit card charges.  Mr. Garrison looks up and is like "WTF?"  Tiffani just laughs and goes to join the band.  Sly introduces them, and they play.  Everybody cheers, and then Mr. Wicks walks in!  He greets Mr. Garrison, and we cut back to the band.  This song, "Rain"  is set to a music video.   I wonder how long they kept up having videos along with the performances.  I'll have to investigate this as I go along.  Anyway, this video involves Tony and a ventriloquist dummy.  What?

The band finishes the song, and everyone cheers.  Even Mr. Wicks is cheering!  Mr. Garrison tells Mr. Wicks (whose name is apparently Darren) that he has a very talented son.  Darren is like "huh, I guess I do" Mr. Garrison is like "you're damn right, dumbass"  Tony goes over to talk to his dad, who actually apologizes to his son.  I noticed the random extra in the background wearing a Red Sox hat, so that's why I'm including this last screencap.

Tony and Darren hug, and Darren says that he's proud of his son.  Aw.