I am off on vacation! I will be heading off to Tennessee and North Carolina, where I will meet up with my old college roommate for some kayaking, rafting, biking, and hiking to cure our respective cube fevers.
We will be at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC for a few days, and we'll hang with my sis and bro in law for the rest of week in Knoxville.
Fun will be had!
Rivers will be floated down!
Shoulders and knees shall be made sore, and beverages will be imbibed.
We will mock the mountains with our athletic skill, and then be promptly thrown off our bikes by trees that just seemed to have come out of nowhere!
While I'm gone, go to the Mouth of Wilson Web site(the roommie's band), which is finally up and running. These guys rock, and I'm not just saying that. If I could, I'd be at their New Hope show tonight, but I guess I'll just have to save my energy for Emergenza!
Talk to y'all in a week or so, and may the world stay in one piece. Pics to come!
5.27.2005
Ponder this
I've always liked this speech, and even though it's already been around the Internet block a few times, here's something to ponder:
Mary Schmich's "Wear Sunscreen Speech"
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97.
Wear Sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idel Tuesday. Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year- olds I know still don't. Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone. Mayber you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody's else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Dont' be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths. Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will Look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
Mary Schmich's "Wear Sunscreen Speech"
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97.
Wear Sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idel Tuesday. Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year- olds I know still don't. Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone. Mayber you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody's else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Dont' be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths. Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will Look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
5.25.2005
Idol. Grrrrrr.
Why should I assume anything else would happen. Ech. I have absolutely no reason to turn on next season, as it's bound to have a rubbish turnout just like this. Like I said last night, though, at least Bo won't have to sell his soul and sing that tripe that he had to sing last night.
That was my reaction last night. While Bo won't have a big corporate machine at his back to promote his record, at least he got his name out there, and I'm sure he'll get a record contract. If he's lucky, it'll be less restrictive than the one Carrie will have to sign. But given time in the recording studio, I think CArrie will be able to pull off the songs she'll be asked to sing, as where Bo will looked forced. I most likely won't listen to any of those songs, but millions of others will, so what does it matter.
That was my reaction last night. While Bo won't have a big corporate machine at his back to promote his record, at least he got his name out there, and I'm sure he'll get a record contract. If he's lucky, it'll be less restrictive than the one Carrie will have to sign. But given time in the recording studio, I think CArrie will be able to pull off the songs she'll be asked to sing, as where Bo will looked forced. I most likely won't listen to any of those songs, but millions of others will, so what does it matter.
Shlock
I think I got sucked into American Idol because I saw Bo Bice perform on it. It's not a show I normally watch, but he was so anathema to Idol that it drew my interest. A hippie singing southern rock songs? Can't wrong with that, just like you can't go wrong with seven-minute long rock songs.
I think he nailed the competition last week, but Carrie caught up last night. It's too close to call.
However, I almost don't want Bo to win if he has to perform such shlock like he had to last night. Those original songs were terrible, and while Bo tried to make them listenable, they aren't his style. It shows an alomost fundemental misunderstanding of who Bo is. Same can be said for Carrie.
Please, Clive Davis. If Bo does manage to win, don't make him do that stuff.
I think he nailed the competition last week, but Carrie caught up last night. It's too close to call.
However, I almost don't want Bo to win if he has to perform such shlock like he had to last night. Those original songs were terrible, and while Bo tried to make them listenable, they aren't his style. It shows an alomost fundemental misunderstanding of who Bo is. Same can be said for Carrie.
Please, Clive Davis. If Bo does manage to win, don't make him do that stuff.
5.24.2005
I think I broke my alarm clock...
when I smashed it against the wall.
Just kidding.
For some odd reason, my alarm didn't work this morning. Thankfully, I had the cat there to wake me way early by tapping his paw on my head and arm. Some people may rationalize that he's trying to wake me up. No. The annoying little creature feels that it has to remind me that it doesn't have food. He has trained me well. He uses a certain set of things that annoy me to do his biddance in the morning, and then he uses an altogether different set of things that annoy me in the evening.
I just know he'll live a long long time.
Just kidding.
For some odd reason, my alarm didn't work this morning. Thankfully, I had the cat there to wake me way early by tapping his paw on my head and arm. Some people may rationalize that he's trying to wake me up. No. The annoying little creature feels that it has to remind me that it doesn't have food. He has trained me well. He uses a certain set of things that annoy me to do his biddance in the morning, and then he uses an altogether different set of things that annoy me in the evening.
I just know he'll live a long long time.
5.23.2005
The warm blanket of senility
It seems I have taken to senility early in my life. On Saturday, I drove up to my parents' place up in the poconos to water their plants and get the mail. Seeing as they are in Europe, it's kinda hard for them to those tasks themselves, and this Saturday, it was my turn.
I did everything I needed to, and made doubly sure everything was locked and turned off, as the case may be, before I set the alarm. That having been done, I drove off to my brother's place to spend the night.
By Sunday afternoon, I began to get a nagging feeling that I forgot to do something at my parents' place. I thought about driving back up to the poconos to double-check. (as it's only 1 hr away from my brother's place, yet two from mine, I should have gone yesterday, but I digress.)
But then, I thought to myself, "Dude, your mind is playing tricks on you. Everything is fine. Should I eat now or later?"
I was able to quell the nagging about not having locked something until this morning, when it was replaced by an entirely different nag, this one about not turning off the water faucet after I watered the plants. My mind is deft when it wants to play a trick on itself.
I was 99% sure I turned the water off, as I was 99% sure the house was silent (no running water) when I left. However, I didn't quite remember the actual physical act of turning the water off.
This nagging kept growing and growing, and by the afternoon, I was totally distracted. In this case, the 1% of doubt, albeit illogical, was stronger than 99% certainty.
I knew I wouldn't be at peace with myself if I didn't check, but that of course meant four hours driving back and forth to the poconos this afternoon. I am rolling my eyes as I type at how exasperating I am.
Needless to say, everything was at it should be, and how I left it Saturday. I am rather annoyed with myself, but so be it. I can at least sleep tonight.
Also, I stopped off at Hot Dog Johnny's for dinner, so there are worse ways I could have spent my evening. Such as:
* Being stuck in a Mexican jail.
* Being dragged to a Neil Diamond-Barry Manilow double headlining concert. (This thought will not be soon to leave me.)
* November 2, 2004, all over again.
* Stuck in the middle of the ocean, waiting for a shark to take me away, after my scuba diving tour boat took off without me.
* Just like the one before, minus the ocean, the boat, and the shark, replaced by Everest, freezing, and being left by a Sherpa.
I did everything I needed to, and made doubly sure everything was locked and turned off, as the case may be, before I set the alarm. That having been done, I drove off to my brother's place to spend the night.
By Sunday afternoon, I began to get a nagging feeling that I forgot to do something at my parents' place. I thought about driving back up to the poconos to double-check. (as it's only 1 hr away from my brother's place, yet two from mine, I should have gone yesterday, but I digress.)
But then, I thought to myself, "Dude, your mind is playing tricks on you. Everything is fine. Should I eat now or later?"
I was able to quell the nagging about not having locked something until this morning, when it was replaced by an entirely different nag, this one about not turning off the water faucet after I watered the plants. My mind is deft when it wants to play a trick on itself.
I was 99% sure I turned the water off, as I was 99% sure the house was silent (no running water) when I left. However, I didn't quite remember the actual physical act of turning the water off.
This nagging kept growing and growing, and by the afternoon, I was totally distracted. In this case, the 1% of doubt, albeit illogical, was stronger than 99% certainty.
I knew I wouldn't be at peace with myself if I didn't check, but that of course meant four hours driving back and forth to the poconos this afternoon. I am rolling my eyes as I type at how exasperating I am.
Needless to say, everything was at it should be, and how I left it Saturday. I am rather annoyed with myself, but so be it. I can at least sleep tonight.
Also, I stopped off at Hot Dog Johnny's for dinner, so there are worse ways I could have spent my evening. Such as:
* Being stuck in a Mexican jail.
* Being dragged to a Neil Diamond-Barry Manilow double headlining concert. (This thought will not be soon to leave me.)
* November 2, 2004, all over again.
* Stuck in the middle of the ocean, waiting for a shark to take me away, after my scuba diving tour boat took off without me.
* Just like the one before, minus the ocean, the boat, and the shark, replaced by Everest, freezing, and being left by a Sherpa.
5.22.2005
Absolutes
There's only one thing, except for general nostalgia, that would lead me to buy the Star Wars IV,V, and VI Box set, and that's seeing Revenge of the Sith, which sets up nicely the final three parts.
I quite enjoyed it, and I thought it was much better than the first two. I won't go into too much detail, although I think George Lucas gets in a nice little political dig at the expense of el presidente.
I quite enjoyed it, and I thought it was much better than the first two. I won't go into too much detail, although I think George Lucas gets in a nice little political dig at the expense of el presidente.
Daddy got a new pair of shoes
This will be the only post I'll ever do about shoes. There's a scene in the Big Chill where William Hurt's character tries on the shoes he got as a gift from the sports store owner:
"I love these shoes. I don't think I'm ever taking them off."
I just got a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor's, just like I had in middle school. Bloody Hell, they're the most comfortable shoe ever.
Oh, and Misogoonie, sorry for messing up your Idol surprise (even though it was several days after the show.) Here's an alert: on Wednesday, pretty much soon after Idol is over, I will most likely have something to say. Just so you are forewarned.
"I love these shoes. I don't think I'm ever taking them off."
I just got a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor's, just like I had in middle school. Bloody Hell, they're the most comfortable shoe ever.
Oh, and Misogoonie, sorry for messing up your Idol surprise (even though it was several days after the show.) Here's an alert: on Wednesday, pretty much soon after Idol is over, I will most likely have something to say. Just so you are forewarned.
5.20.2005
Fear and Loathing
If you liked Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, word has it that Johnny Depp will reprise his role as Hunter S. Thompson in The Rum Diary, due in 2006 at some point.
I can't find the article now, but I saw yesterday that people discovered a new species of monkey. No word on whether they are funny or not, but here's assuming. For other monkey species that have yet to be discovered, stay undiscovered. It does you absolutely no good for us to find you. Just ask the squirrel monkey. I'm sure they were happy in the jungle before we found them. Now they have to perform tricks and daring feats of monkey gymnastics for our amusement.
I can't find the article now, but I saw yesterday that people discovered a new species of monkey. No word on whether they are funny or not, but here's assuming. For other monkey species that have yet to be discovered, stay undiscovered. It does you absolutely no good for us to find you. Just ask the squirrel monkey. I'm sure they were happy in the jungle before we found them. Now they have to perform tricks and daring feats of monkey gymnastics for our amusement.
5.18.2005
Crash
I saw the movie Crash last night. Another stunning performance by Don Cheadle, but frankly, the whole cast was amazing. I'm surprised that one doesn't see more of Ryan Phillippe on the big screen. Or Matt Dillon, for that matter.
It was a tough movie, and one that really makes you think. For me, it makes me either want to hide from the world or try to save it. I haven't decided which.
It kind of reminded me Magnolia, but thankfully it was shorter, which is good because I really needed to go to the bathroom...
It was a tough movie, and one that really makes you think. For me, it makes me either want to hide from the world or try to save it. I haven't decided which.
It kind of reminded me Magnolia, but thankfully it was shorter, which is good because I really needed to go to the bathroom...
We kinda guessed that
So, Vonzell left. For some odd reason, I was thinking that Bo would get the boot. Imagine the scenario: "Man, everybody's gonna vote for Bo, so I'll give my vote to someone else. He'll still be safe." Thankfully, that didn't play out, and it'll be Bo and Carrie for next week's finale. I think Bo will win ... I just don't think Carrie has the chops or the stage presence to really go head to head with Bo. But, the only thing that matters is the votes, so anything is possible.
Rock on Bo!
On Lost, was that a pirate ship I saw toward the end?!? Yeah, that makes sense. I'm really going to be glued to the TV next Wednesday.
Rock on Bo!
On Lost, was that a pirate ship I saw toward the end?!? Yeah, that makes sense. I'm really going to be glued to the TV next Wednesday.
Sing
Since I've been officially sucked into the vortex that is American Idol for a few weeks now, I just had to watch last night. All the contestants needed to come out swinging, and i'm sure they were nervous, because they were also singing in front of Clive Davis, the dude who just happened to have discovered Janis Joplin, among many others.
There is a good story here on Foxes on Idol.
Carrie and Vonzell both sang very well so the competition for a second spot will be between them. Bo is basically assured a spot because he wiped the floor clean. He was just in another realm. He did what he needed to do, and then did it better.
If he doesn't win, he'll have a career now regardless. When Clive Davis likes you and sings your praises, you're set.
There is a good story here on Foxes on Idol.
Carrie and Vonzell both sang very well so the competition for a second spot will be between them. Bo is basically assured a spot because he wiped the floor clean. He was just in another realm. He did what he needed to do, and then did it better.
If he doesn't win, he'll have a career now regardless. When Clive Davis likes you and sings your praises, you're set.
5.15.2005
How I spent my sunday vacation
This was the first sunday where I didn't have to trek to the bookstore at 1pm to be a cog in our consumerist economy. First, I took off my watch, as that's the symbolic thing that ties me down to any sense of responsibity on the weekend.
I went to a car show today at the Carnegie Center, and even though the potential for inclement weather may have scared away some folks, there were still some classics.
Then, I went to Small World and grabbed a quick bite to eat.
I like not having to be anywhere or do anything. Yesterday, I was driving down the road in the morning, thinking that I had the whole weekend to myself. That made me happier than I've been since before the dot com stuff blew up, and it left a grin on my face for quite a while.
I went to a car show today at the Carnegie Center, and even though the potential for inclement weather may have scared away some folks, there were still some classics.
Then, I went to Small World and grabbed a quick bite to eat.
I like not having to be anywhere or do anything. Yesterday, I was driving down the road in the morning, thinking that I had the whole weekend to myself. That made me happier than I've been since before the dot com stuff blew up, and it left a grin on my face for quite a while.
Emergenza
Went to go see the roommie's band Mouth of Wilson on Friday night at this bar. They played in the Emergenza festival, which is a battle of the bands type competition, and they won their second round competition against six others bands. Rock on! We are all very stoked for them.Next up is the TLA, in which they play against other Phili bands and some bands from DC. This will be a tough competition, but I think they're up to it.
Their official Web site is still under construction, so in the meantime, check them out at their My Space site.
42
I went to see Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, despite the middling reviews, being told by a friend that it outright bit, and being told by another friend not to listen to the first friend because she thinks everything bites. Funny, but the second friend never actually offered me her opinion or even told me if she saw it, but that's just details right?
Anyway, I liked it. It may have departed somewhat from the book, but so what. The book's the book, and the movie is the movie. Completely different animals.
Anyway, I liked it. It may have departed somewhat from the book, but so what. The book's the book, and the movie is the movie. Completely different animals.
5.11.2005
How Cool!
This is so bloody cool! Read this story at iPod Lounge for a primer on downloading concerts.
Jambands: Download Free Concerts for Your iPod!
I'm in the process of downloading a Jack Johnson show from last year. We'll see if it works.
Resources:
etree
Live Music Archive
UPDATE: It works! Woohoo! Even more reasons to love my iPod.
Jambands: Download Free Concerts for Your iPod!
I'm in the process of downloading a Jack Johnson show from last year. We'll see if it works.
Resources:
etree
Live Music Archive
UPDATE: It works! Woohoo! Even more reasons to love my iPod.
Dark Helmet
If you have a few minutes to kill-you know you do- here's something interesting from Atom Films.
Darth Vader's Psychic Hotline.
It'll make you laugh. It'll make you cry. It's better than Cats!
On a completely unrelated note. About five years ago, when OnTap went the way of the democratic party, a few of my former colleagues and I wanted to continue the work we were doing. We were going to call the site Drunk Monkey.com.
I can not believe that after five years, no one has claimed that domain name?! What's up with that? it's got "monkey" in it! And they're drunk. Come on, people.
Darth Vader's Psychic Hotline.
It'll make you laugh. It'll make you cry. It's better than Cats!
On a completely unrelated note. About five years ago, when OnTap went the way of the democratic party, a few of my former colleagues and I wanted to continue the work we were doing. We were going to call the site Drunk Monkey.com.
I can not believe that after five years, no one has claimed that domain name?! What's up with that? it's got "monkey" in it! And they're drunk. Come on, people.
one gone
So, Anthony Federov got the boot. That was a surprise. Last night, I thought he did better than Carrie, so I didn't think he was all that vulnerable. I could have sworn it would be either Vonzell or Carrie. They'll duke it out next week. All Bo needs to do is pick the right songs. Those with a little movement to them, like "Vehicle" or last night's "money," seem to be best for him.
5.10.2005
The Stones
Stones Announce New Album, World Tour
Michael Announces He Doesn't Care.
Somehow, I have a feeling I'll get less press.
I suppose it would be cool to see the Stones play. I mean, who am I kidding, it's uckingfay Rolling Stones! I heard the Beatles liked them, so they MUST be good. ;)
Michael Announces He Doesn't Care.
Somehow, I have a feeling I'll get less press.
I suppose it would be cool to see the Stones play. I mean, who am I kidding, it's uckingfay Rolling Stones! I heard the Beatles liked them, so they MUST be good. ;)
A rhetorical question...
Bloody hell! Why do you respond to some e-mails and not others?! I can't figure the pattern out. We exchange a few e-mails in quick succession, and then poof! you disappear for a week or more. Will I figure you out?
Crap. It's probably because I write pretentious-sounding things like "in quick succession," isn't it?
I think I must be tired. This post is so going to get deleted tomorrow morning. :)
Crap. It's probably because I write pretentious-sounding things like "in quick succession," isn't it?
I think I must be tired. This post is so going to get deleted tomorrow morning. :)
Tuesday is the new Sunday
D'uh! I meant to post about this on Sunday before work...
Let me start here. I went to my brother's place for his birthday. I left Saturday afternoon after I had washed and waxed my car. When I got home, I didn;t want to go anywhere or do anything. I wasn't depressed (I know what that's like, and this wasn't it) or anything, I was just more than inclined to sit at home and not go anywhere.
Well, I pulled a George Costanza, where I did exactly the opposite of what my intuition suggested I do. I ended up going to a kick ass hockey game that the Trenton Titans won in overtime. Then, Mike (sick day's former roommate) and I hightailed it over to Finnegan's to watch Mouth of Wilson. Great set, but the place wasn't as crowded as some other shows, probably because of the relatively short notice.
Cool night...but that really wasn't the point of this post.
I saw an old friend at the game. We were walking around aimlessly, and I wasn't really paying attention to the people around me until all of a sudden someone yelled out "Mike!" Right in front of me was Lisa with her brand-spanking new baby Emma. I'd never seen Emma, and I haven't seen Lisa since she left for DC. Had a brief "how ya doing" conversation before we went on our way.
Strange little confluence of events that causes people to bump into one another, no?
It was nice to see her.
Let me start here. I went to my brother's place for his birthday. I left Saturday afternoon after I had washed and waxed my car. When I got home, I didn;t want to go anywhere or do anything. I wasn't depressed (I know what that's like, and this wasn't it) or anything, I was just more than inclined to sit at home and not go anywhere.
Well, I pulled a George Costanza, where I did exactly the opposite of what my intuition suggested I do. I ended up going to a kick ass hockey game that the Trenton Titans won in overtime. Then, Mike (sick day's former roommate) and I hightailed it over to Finnegan's to watch Mouth of Wilson. Great set, but the place wasn't as crowded as some other shows, probably because of the relatively short notice.
Cool night...but that really wasn't the point of this post.
I saw an old friend at the game. We were walking around aimlessly, and I wasn't really paying attention to the people around me until all of a sudden someone yelled out "Mike!" Right in front of me was Lisa with her brand-spanking new baby Emma. I'd never seen Emma, and I haven't seen Lisa since she left for DC. Had a brief "how ya doing" conversation before we went on our way.
Strange little confluence of events that causes people to bump into one another, no?
It was nice to see her.
Cyrus, pt. 2
That title probably only makes sense to one other person, but so be it.
I went into NYC yesterday to visit my first roommate in Jersey, circa 5 years ago, who happened to be passing through town for business. He markets Austrian wine, and he was in town for a wine tasting of several of the vintners that he represents.
I was just planning to meet him after this event and then go grab some drinks and food. However, the event wasn't finished, so I was invited to the tasting of seven austrian wines, which was cool.
I've never been to a wine tasting before, and I had absolutely no idea what to do to not make a fool of myself except be quiet, swirl the wine in the glass, smell (what for, don't know) and pretend to ponder it importantly, and drink. That part I got down. I was more worried about tipping over a glass, which with the way everything was set up, would have caused a jarring and embarrassing domino effect.
You'll be happy to know I did not break anything.
After the tasting, this CEO big shot who happens to be a big fan of Austrian wine and had worked in Graz invites my friend Andreas, another vintner representative, and the event coordinator to dinner. By virtue of being friends with Andreas and being at the right place at the right time, I was invited along as well.
Now, I've been around hotels and fancy restaurants my whole life, so I'm usually not fazed by them. I'm a rather simple person and they don't do anything for me. However, this place that Mr. CEO chose was completely out of my league, which makes me happy he was paying. I swear I didn't know what half the stuff on menu was, and I'd probably rather not know. I'm sure he dropped close to $400 for dinner for 5 people, and that's probably nothing for him. Craft, at Union Square, is excellent, by the way.
Turns out he was president of Maserati at one point. Holy crap.
I ended up taking a late ass train home, so now I'm kinda running on fumes.
I went into NYC yesterday to visit my first roommate in Jersey, circa 5 years ago, who happened to be passing through town for business. He markets Austrian wine, and he was in town for a wine tasting of several of the vintners that he represents.
I was just planning to meet him after this event and then go grab some drinks and food. However, the event wasn't finished, so I was invited to the tasting of seven austrian wines, which was cool.
I've never been to a wine tasting before, and I had absolutely no idea what to do to not make a fool of myself except be quiet, swirl the wine in the glass, smell (what for, don't know) and pretend to ponder it importantly, and drink. That part I got down. I was more worried about tipping over a glass, which with the way everything was set up, would have caused a jarring and embarrassing domino effect.
You'll be happy to know I did not break anything.
After the tasting, this CEO big shot who happens to be a big fan of Austrian wine and had worked in Graz invites my friend Andreas, another vintner representative, and the event coordinator to dinner. By virtue of being friends with Andreas and being at the right place at the right time, I was invited along as well.
Now, I've been around hotels and fancy restaurants my whole life, so I'm usually not fazed by them. I'm a rather simple person and they don't do anything for me. However, this place that Mr. CEO chose was completely out of my league, which makes me happy he was paying. I swear I didn't know what half the stuff on menu was, and I'd probably rather not know. I'm sure he dropped close to $400 for dinner for 5 people, and that's probably nothing for him. Craft, at Union Square, is excellent, by the way.
Turns out he was president of Maserati at one point. Holy crap.
I ended up taking a late ass train home, so now I'm kinda running on fumes.
5.08.2005
A mere retail mortal
Close to four years ago, after I had been chewed up by another dot com, I decided that rather than sit on my ass and do nothing, I would do an inbetween gig while I found 9-5 work. I put in applications at both the big bookstores in the area, and I took the job from the folks that called back first.I set up a schedule so that I could have off two days during the week as well as every morning, to make it convenient for whatever interviews I could set up. It ate up all my weekends, but for the most part, I enjoyed it. I was able to work around my shyness and got to speak to a whole bunch of folks as well as work with a great group of people.
I never ever figured it would take an energy-draining, depressing, and humbling 20 months to find real work again. Every month, I'd have at least 3 interviews, but they never went anywhere. Ever the optimist, I always thought that the next month, something will come along from the interviews I had, so I didn't take supervisor and manager route.
I wasn't the only one in the same situation, so we were able to commiserate. For those folks, I am thankful. They helped keep me sane.
I did finally manage to find 9-5 work again, but I still decided to stay at the bookstore for part time work. Extra cash and discounts are nice.
However, it became quickly draining. I saw my friends leave. I was quickly losing my patience for people, and sometimes I resented that I needed to be there.
Today, close to four years later, was my last day. I guess it'll really hit me next sunday when I won't have to be anywhere at 1pm, except a place of my choosing.
I'm happy to have my weekends back.
Overall, I'm happy I worked there, even though I haven't enjoyed it for a while. I got to work with a great bunch of folks, and I learned a few things about myself that might be helpful down the road.
On to the next thing, now.
5.05.2005
So, that happened
I like pizza. The rest of this post won't have much to do with that fact, but I thought it might be a nice start.
A few days ago, I went down to the local pizza place to pick up an order for me, the roommie, and some friends. I gave the dude my debit card so that he could ring up the charge, and I signed the slip once he gave me back my card.
Fast forward to this afternoon. I'm in Target, and as I pay for my stuff, my debit card was declined. Strange, because I have more than enough money in there. I paid with cash.
I went down to Wegman's so that I could get my brother a nice bottle of porto for his birthday. As I went to pay, my debit card was declined. I even tried the credit feature. No dice.
Curious as to what was up, I give my bank a call. Turns out there's a hold on my card because some fucktard punkass made off with the card number and tried to buy stuff.
The most egregious was an almost $500 charge to Weestern Union. The prick was trying to make off with my cash. There was also a $30 charge to a shoe store, plus a nextel charge and $135 charge to something called Westmarket.
How's that for a wake-up call?! Thank God that my money is still there and that none of the charges went through. My bank has good fraud protection in place, apparently.
Bastards. I'm pissed. I have a feeling it may be someone from the pizza place. That means they'll never again see my business, which is a drag because they make really good pizza.
A few days ago, I went down to the local pizza place to pick up an order for me, the roommie, and some friends. I gave the dude my debit card so that he could ring up the charge, and I signed the slip once he gave me back my card.
Fast forward to this afternoon. I'm in Target, and as I pay for my stuff, my debit card was declined. Strange, because I have more than enough money in there. I paid with cash.
I went down to Wegman's so that I could get my brother a nice bottle of porto for his birthday. As I went to pay, my debit card was declined. I even tried the credit feature. No dice.
Curious as to what was up, I give my bank a call. Turns out there's a hold on my card because some fucktard punkass made off with the card number and tried to buy stuff.
The most egregious was an almost $500 charge to Weestern Union. The prick was trying to make off with my cash. There was also a $30 charge to a shoe store, plus a nextel charge and $135 charge to something called Westmarket.
How's that for a wake-up call?! Thank God that my money is still there and that none of the charges went through. My bank has good fraud protection in place, apparently.
Bastards. I'm pissed. I have a feeling it may be someone from the pizza place. That means they'll never again see my business, which is a drag because they make really good pizza.
Gator Baby
I got news last night that my sister in Knoxville is expecting a child, her first, due January 9th!! Woohoo!! While I'm an uncle quite a few times over already, this will be the first official Gator Baby, as my sister graduated from the University of Florida, as well. You just know I'm going to go all out on Gator baby clothes. I won't be able to help myself.
If everything works out as it should, she will be born the same day as my oldest niece, Aina, which is extra cool.
So, congrats sis! I am very excited!
If everything works out as it should, she will be born the same day as my oldest niece, Aina, which is extra cool.
So, congrats sis! I am very excited!
5.04.2005
They make it look easy
Watched Wet Hot American Summer last night, by the same folks who brought you The State all those years back. Classic! It is one of the more nonsensical and surreal movies I've seen in a long time.
Finished the evening off by watching part of The Beatles Anthology -- the episode during the Magical Mystery Tour, through the White album, and up to "Let It Be." To accomplish what those guys accomplished before they were even 30 in inconceivable to me. I just can't imagine these folks who changed the course of popular music as regular people, going to the grocery store to buy paper towels, cat food, and whatnot. They are kind of mythical to me.
And they made it all look so easy.
Finished the evening off by watching part of The Beatles Anthology -- the episode during the Magical Mystery Tour, through the White album, and up to "Let It Be." To accomplish what those guys accomplished before they were even 30 in inconceivable to me. I just can't imagine these folks who changed the course of popular music as regular people, going to the grocery store to buy paper towels, cat food, and whatnot. They are kind of mythical to me.
And they made it all look so easy.
5.02.2005
United Theocracy of America
Kansas, you should be embarrassed.
Evolution on trial as Kansas debates Adam vs Darwin
Evolution on trial as Kansas debates Adam vs Darwin
Flying chickens
Chicken Chucker
I'm trying to wrap my mind around this toy and figure out how it came about, but it ain't happening. It's beyond me.
I'm trying to wrap my mind around this toy and figure out how it came about, but it ain't happening. It's beyond me.
One more
Man, yesterday was a long day at the bookstore. We were busier than normal; one can't really predict these things, as our teacher appreciation weekend was dead and the last two weekends busy. So, it was nonstop for most of the day.
I'me happy I only have one more Sunday. I used to be a very patient person, but I think all my patience ran out fifteen minutes into my shift. I don't know, but some times, it seems people move so slowly, which is strange considering how fast everything moves in New Jersey.
Per Sick Day's example, I have started my own space at My Space.com. I haven't done much to it just yet.
I think that was the most links I've ever put in one sentence.
I'me happy I only have one more Sunday. I used to be a very patient person, but I think all my patience ran out fifteen minutes into my shift. I don't know, but some times, it seems people move so slowly, which is strange considering how fast everything moves in New Jersey.
Per Sick Day's example, I have started my own space at My Space.com. I haven't done much to it just yet.
I think that was the most links I've ever put in one sentence.
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