tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39009602011-10-07T21:07:36.141-04:00Viewing the world from beautiful New Jersey.MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.comBlogger10741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-31783613957547651592011-05-04T21:36:00.002-04:002011-05-04T21:41:57.789-04:00

So... this:eventually becomes this:

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-39817000404471750572011-04-21T22:13:00.000-04:002011-04-21T22:13:41.787-04:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-65668034610539493172011-04-13T22:09:00.002-04:002011-04-13T22:18:19.529-04:00

I'm curious as to why Hollywood hasn't really explored soul musicians as material for biopics. This is Donny Hathaway's version of Lennon's Jealous Guy. Great arrangement and a killer vocal. Amazing talent...only to eventually commit suicide. What a waste of talent. But, how is it that no one has brought his story forward? More info here.Same thing with James Carr. This is one of the definitive

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-25541719226609384372011-04-10T12:21:00.000-04:002011-04-10T12:21:47.278-04:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-64752604616587478842011-03-30T22:17:00.000-04:002011-03-30T22:17:44.840-04:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-42861732244021402102011-03-30T19:38:00.000-04:002011-03-30T19:39:12.416-04:00

The Big Lebowski 2 with Tara Reid from Tara Reid

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-53202306568431932542011-03-28T22:02:00.000-04:002011-03-28T22:02:32.771-04:00

Four easy chords. I've been practicing with the capo and changing keys. Fun!

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-6752611308724626072011-03-23T21:47:00.000-04:002011-03-23T21:47:27.474-04:00

Bryan Ferry has such a distinctive voice. He's probably done more solo stuff than stuff with Roxy Music, but I always associate him with Roxy Music still. I wonder if this is the original tempo that Carole King thought of when she wrote it, or if it's closer to The Shirelle's definitive one, which runs to a little over 2 minutes.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-44984977923416146332011-03-23T21:05:00.000-04:002011-03-23T21:05:29.633-04:00

Impressive cover.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-80003312432246904012011-03-23T20:29:00.001-04:002011-03-23T20:36:10.502-04:00

This song is "On the DArk Side," from the movie Eddie and the Cruisers, done by the band John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. I haven't seen the movie in ages, but I hear the song every now and again on the radio. Every time I hear it (just tonight on the drive back from the gym), something bothers me; this song is supposed to be written in 1963. Hmmmm. To me, there's no way this song comes

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-91904168386637303462011-03-23T20:09:00.002-04:002011-03-23T20:22:29.726-04:00

The storms just now started rolling in, with lightning and resulting thunder that seems to be right overhead. I returned from the gym earlier and finished dinner, and the restlessness set in. It seems as though I have a hard time staying inside and calling the night a night so early on; the night's early yet.I prepared myself to go out for a while, but I stood by the outside breezeway for a

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-57643879011617692832011-03-19T19:14:00.002-04:002011-03-19T19:17:03.454-04:00

I saw the preview to the new ARthur movie, a remake of the one from the early 80s."We shouldn't get married...we have nothing in common. You love horses. I don't trust them. Their shoes are permanent. Who makes that kind of a commitment to a shoe?"Watch the trailer here.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-43729362574613634702011-03-15T22:16:00.000-04:002011-03-15T22:16:04.819-04:00

So many guitars!

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-69282495366722736942011-03-13T21:58:00.000-04:002011-03-13T21:58:00.552-04:00

The piano goes wonky, and he has to improvise. Talk about "go with the flow."

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-16248564469774881332011-03-09T22:09:00.000-05:002011-03-09T22:09:37.210-05:00

Rewatched Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and I always liked this scene. Should I ever make it back to Chicago, I'll have to make sure to check this museum out. It's nice having two huge cities really close with lots to do should I ever decide to "skip school."

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-43728736514581879762011-03-06T17:34:00.002-05:002011-03-06T17:36:58.873-05:00

I'm watching the tail end of Field of Dreams for the gazillionth time. One of my favorites quotes from it:"It was like coming *this* close to your dreams, and then watching them brush past you like a stranger in the crowd."

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-75868544407517606112011-03-04T20:46:00.000-05:002011-03-04T20:46:47.286-05:00

I love Austin City Limits. They started doing a music festival...now, that would be the one to go to!

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-12142565852193934462011-03-04T08:20:00.000-05:002011-03-04T08:20:14.748-05:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-9290053112036896682011-03-02T21:55:00.003-05:002011-03-02T22:09:38.216-05:00

So, I decided to make a new music mix tonight, seeing as how it's been a while and the mood hit. I'm not quite sure whether there's a common theme, but let's go with "spring" just for fun.Windows Are Rolled Down--Amos Lee Tree By The River--Iron & Wine Come Pick Me Up--Ryan Adams Where To Begin--My Morning Jacket Wild Horses--The Rolling Stones America--Simon & Garfunkel Shelter--Ray

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-64439767106105042862011-03-01T21:25:00.000-05:002011-03-01T21:25:29.514-05:00

These guys would be fun to see live.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-23836447507621017092011-03-01T20:56:00.000-05:002011-03-01T20:56:06.034-05:00

The Science of Making Decisions - NewsweekInformation overload and its effect on decision making. When I researched which new digital camera to buy, I had so many different sources for expert and consumer reviews that I had a hard time determining which critique to take more stock in. I had to stop myself and just make a decision so that I didn't fall into trap of inertia.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-84085916019743216062011-02-28T21:23:00.002-05:002011-02-28T22:05:13.170-05:00

It could be argued that I'm a bit bored. Guidelines:1. Put your iTunes or Windows Media Player on shuffle.2. You must write that song name down no matter how outrageous it sounds!IF SOMEONE SAYS, “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?Everybody Knows - Ryan AdamsNice and useless Zen answerWHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?Selfless, Cold, and Composed - Ben Folds FiveInteresting. At any point, at least

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-50357511257859413532011-02-28T20:57:00.002-05:002011-02-28T21:10:50.581-05:00

I recently got back from a trip to New Orleans. I had been there only once before, and I really dug. Didn't quite think I'd make it back any time soon, but I'm happy I was wrong. It started out as a road trip between two musical cities, but since "me" and "planning the logistics" don't necessarily go hand in hand, it quickly became a trip to one city, without car. While visiting Memphis may have

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-72664041964635209132011-02-16T07:14:00.002-05:002011-02-16T07:21:42.579-05:00

For the past three years, I kept my computer in my already smallish kitchen, as that's where i thought i had the best available wireless internet connection. My landlord allows me to piggyback on the wi-fi as part of my rent, but the one drawback to that is that i don't have control over where i can place my router.When I first moved in, I had tried to put my computer in the living room, but I

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-56611809209279537542011-02-09T21:27:00.004-05:002011-02-09T22:15:07.184-05:00

I've had this movie from Netflix, Pirate Radio, sitting on my coffee table for well over a month, but I'm just now getting around to watching it. While I saw it in the theater when it came out, I have a tendency of rewatching movies I like, but I needed to be in the mood. I've been in a really musical mood lately, so it fit tonight (also helped that it's 20 degrees out and I don't necessarily

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-56893890775950541612011-01-30T21:13:00.000-05:002011-01-30T21:13:17.835-05:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-7090085198690158732011-01-30T21:02:00.000-05:002011-01-30T21:02:23.515-05:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-71250523996555467042011-01-27T22:14:00.002-05:002011-01-27T22:46:01.821-05:00

I think I've sung in public three times *, and I use a very loose definition of public (not to mention, singing)--as in, anywhere not safely esconced in my house or car. The first was when I tried out for a chorus because the girl i had a crush on was going out for chorus. The second was when I sang something for a friend in high school. The third involves some background:During the sophomore

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-69597244809802830552011-01-26T21:45:00.002-05:002011-01-26T21:54:44.555-05:00

I had myself a pretty large case of apartment fever earlier this evening. I think the snow and cold has finally done me in, and I'm screaming "Uncle!" I came home after work, but after floating about for a half hour or so, I really needed to get out, so I came up with an excuse.But let me digress. This morning, we got a surprise gift of 4 inches of snow, and we were expecting another 8-inch dose

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-86924724683618524242011-01-26T21:19:00.000-05:002011-01-26T21:19:51.713-05:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-13537893614139516482011-01-25T18:42:00.002-05:002011-01-25T18:54:58.992-05:00

So, this Sunday, me and my copy of the book Infinite Jest headed to the local Princeton Panera to find a corner to read. Naturally, it being a Sunday early afternoon, the place was jam packed, and I spent about 5 minutes wandering around the place with a tray of food in my hands.I managed to find a place, but it was a large booth that would normally accommodate four people. I felt a little

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-14748256655669524802011-01-24T20:20:00.000-05:002011-01-24T20:20:35.128-05:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-41299094744524791352011-01-22T20:56:00.002-05:002011-01-22T21:28:56.797-05:00

So, I was feeling rather restless today for reasons unknown, and when that happens, I usually escape in some music. I set out to do some used record shop trolling this afternoon. I unfortunately do not have that many options to do that here, as such stores are fewer and farther between than they were when I was younger; in Tampa or Gainesville years ago, I'd have at least 5 within a relatively

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-90096282874472791052011-01-22T12:54:00.002-05:002011-01-22T12:56:51.776-05:00

Interesting reading material:http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/I spent this morning looking at line ups for the different music festivals happening this summer. Coachella, Bonnaroo, Summerfest, and even the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I'd go to all if I could!

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-67818198010372865862011-01-19T21:53:00.004-05:002011-01-21T07:04:42.475-05:00

Today, while I was getting a cup of coffee in the break room at work, I came across a notice stuck upon the bulletin board letting everyone know of a cat up for adoption. Her name was Raggedy Anne, and she was a 5-year-old tabby. A perfect looking kitty, given the pictures. However, there was a major caveat; Raggedy Anne was adopted once before, but had to be returned because she wouldn't get

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-51068690637733794432011-01-19T18:14:00.000-05:002011-01-19T18:14:56.746-05:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-29248694316686843112011-01-19T18:10:00.000-05:002011-01-19T18:10:43.689-05:00

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-89822343669713158872011-01-15T21:15:00.002-05:002011-01-15T21:31:52.479-05:00

So, my niece from Maine is a senior in high school and has started visiting colleges she has been accepted to. This weekend, she's been in my neck of the woods to explore Pace University in NYC and Rutgers in New Brunswick.On Friday, I took her up to NYC. While she's been in the city before, this was her first time to see anything beyond Times Square. We arrived at Penn Station and headed down to

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-19762780977023152892011-01-13T19:21:00.002-05:002011-01-13T19:34:57.158-05:00

I've got a rather serious travel bug, so this year I aim to hop in planes, trains, and automobiles whenever I get the chance to explore new places.I wanted to jot down now at the beginning of the year places I intend to visit this year.1) Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA. I've been to New Orleans before, but that was only for a quick weekend in 09 to get a taste, and I've wanted to go back. I've

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-48649678465630325312011-01-09T21:09:00.001-05:002011-01-09T21:09:26.602-05:00

IMG_5090.JPGOriginally uploaded by mgmysticI took a walk to my favorite summer hang out spot. The Delaware was iced over in spots...soon enough it'll melt, and I'll be back.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-77728110866217891262011-01-08T17:50:00.003-05:002011-01-08T17:57:55.062-05:00

Haven't really used this spot all that much in a while, as the motivation just wasn't there. Maybe as the new year starts, I can refocus some energy here, just as an exercise.I re-watched the movie Elizabethtown today for the first time since it came out in the theaters in 2005. At that point, I couldn't say I was that impressed, but apparently, the movie seems to have improved over time. Maybe

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-41576917256394314262010-07-05T17:25:00.003-04:002010-07-05T17:31:21.375-04:00

I bought a new guitar today, although I won't get it for another few days. Soon, a brand new, shiny cherry-red Epiphone Casino will reside in my living room, right next to the Strat. Hopefully this new purchase will get me to play more!A sunburst version of mine

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-25803343028010298812010-06-30T22:28:00.002-04:002010-06-30T22:37:30.793-04:00

I had a whole bunch of important meetings today where I had to act against my natural tendencies in some respects, so I was kind of stressed about them.After they were finished, I had a couple of thoughts. Why worry?Worrying about some day in the future, and the converse of looking forward to a day with great excitement, doesn't really make sense.Things usually aren't as bad as they seem, so

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-80855891607985861452010-04-18T23:07:00.004-04:002010-04-18T23:12:00.167-04:00

I wanted to get this thought down before I forgot it. Not quite sure what it means, but I won't be able to flesh it out if I can't even recall what to flesh out, right? :)We gain contentment in the now when we forget the path that brought us to where we are and don't worry about where that path will lead.(Heady stuff. I allow myself brief moments of pretentiousness.)

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-9600568682080724502010-04-11T09:34:00.002-04:002010-04-11T09:43:28.129-04:00

I went to a town called Jim Thorpe yesterday, which is tucked into the hills of PA, about an hour from the parents' place in the Poconos. Can't believe it took me this long to hop in my car to check the place out. Cool little town! I'll be sure to make it back this summer, especially for a bike ride and to see the colors in the fall. A couple of observations on my road trip yesterday:* Even

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-36917891470351463642010-03-28T02:02:00.002-04:002010-03-28T02:06:32.933-04:00

I changed the pick guard on my Fender Stratocaster tonight, and I must say I think it looks kinda cool.It's always kind of dangerous for me to start projects close to midnight on a Saturday. Something's always bound to go wrong. Tonight, my little project turned out ok, but I did break a few strings.Here's a picture before:Here's a photo after:

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-25043620496285780582010-03-25T21:51:00.006-04:002010-03-25T22:13:31.992-04:00

For no apparent reason, I was going through clips of the Wonder Years on YouTube, which invariably lead me watch clips from the movie Stand By Me.I'm not quite sure how or why, but I identify with them. (Is this purely a function of growing up in the 80s?) It's not so much in that I relate to them, but I feel that the ethos that went into creating them seemed to make sense to me; I identify with

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-19406638960878717342010-03-21T21:45:00.002-04:002010-03-21T21:55:56.395-04:00

I've been listening to the new album from Josh Rouse, called El Turista.It has been steadily growing on me...I'm on my fourth full listen. Quite interesting! It has a Spanish feel...you'd half expect this to be Paul Simon.Some music can just transport me to a place in my head. When I hear this, I'm picturing myself hanging out on the patio of a home overlooking the sea. It's the late afternoon of

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-43771454943571499172010-03-08T21:21:00.003-05:002010-03-08T21:34:29.152-05:00

Another post about traveling.My mom got me a DVD box set of On the Road with Charles Kuralt. If you are not familiar, here's some background. The short story is that he was a journalist who traveled around the country in a motor home looking for interesting stories. A lot of the things he found were stories you'd never hear of otherwise; vignettes of everyday American life.It's an interesting

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-5612685730939016402010-03-04T22:18:00.000-05:002010-03-04T22:19:33.091-05:00

I'm working on a mix of the music I consider the most feel good/upbeat (limited to the stuff I have on hand, alas). I'm dropping the gauntlet, music people...share yours.1 Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones)2 These Are Days (10,000 Maniacs)3 I Want To Hold Your Hand (The Beatles)... See More4 Pride And Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble)5 (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher (Jackie

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-21166344504844554232010-03-01T07:40:00.001-05:002010-03-01T07:40:08.933-05:00

Social Networks Play a Major Part in How We Get News [STATS]Posted using ShareThis

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-50739972127398782072010-03-01T07:31:00.002-05:002010-03-01T07:34:06.649-05:00

Curious. The economics of book publishing.Math of Publishing Meets the E-BookBy MOTOKO RICHPublished: March 1, 2010E-books are cheaper to produce than print volumes, but consumers may not realize that expenses like overhead and royalties are still in effect, publishers say.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-17311927619908215312010-02-10T17:19:00.003-05:002010-02-10T17:31:35.767-05:00

I'm not necessarily known as being particularly "cultured." A lot of what is considered "art" goes over my head.However, recently, I've tried to make it a point to broaden my horizon, culturally speaking, at least a tad. Couldn't hurt, right? So, a few weeks ago, I had to stop off at my parents' place in the Poconos to grab their mail and make sure their homestead was still standing. While there,

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-24047266804547025322010-02-08T21:18:00.002-05:002010-02-08T21:27:00.322-05:00

I'm not quite sure why, but around May or June of last year, I stopped cutting my hair. I was already getting long at that point, but I was at least disciplined in going to the haircutters every six weeks or so to keep it clean.As hair is wont to do, it kept growing, and at this point, it has become quite long and borderline unruly. It looks as though I'm reliving the mid 90s.That is wholly

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-2225806780632742002010-01-31T21:13:00.002-05:002010-01-31T21:31:54.953-05:00

This evening as I was driving home from my brother's I saw at least three minivans that had TVs playing in the back for the kids. It keeps the kids entertained, but it seems kind of strange to me. When we took long trips when I was young, since I rarely slept or read while on the road, I would stare out the windows to see what was going on around us. It was also the perfect opportunity to let my

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-7295444407540333392010-01-24T20:43:00.003-05:002010-01-24T20:49:31.199-05:00

I've been reading a book by Jeff Jarvis called "What Would Google Do?". Great read, and it's inspired me to think about where I work and how one could implement what he says there.On another note, it has lead me to thinking about getting my own domain address, just for kicks, but I've no idea what to go after. Don't know if I want to use a variant of "mystic" or come up with something new.Hmm.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-52094900144442631822010-01-19T22:11:00.004-05:002010-01-23T12:04:37.330-05:00

I'm going to start an experiment.Every time I'm driving somewhere for up to a 15-minute stretch or more, I'm going to see which musician plays the most often.So, the parameters:* Any drive I take, I will track if I hear any song from the following list of musicians within a 15 minute period. If the drive has no real end point, I'll only track one 15-minute period. If the trip has a definite point

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-44806375800420473692010-01-19T21:41:00.002-05:002010-01-19T22:09:37.373-05:00

So, it looks as though the democrats will have lost the senate seat long held by Kennedy. Fantastic. Be it cynical and hypocritical or whatever, but it seems republicans have been able to capture the zeitgeist; people being generally pissed off at big institutions getting bail outs while the ordinary folk. They have a point. However, thinking that republicans are out for the ordinary folk is just

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-576823167806247482010-01-17T21:09:00.002-05:002010-01-17T21:43:16.600-05:00

I usually eat lunch with my cubemates/co-workers, during which our conversations can run the gamut from string theory and Back to the Future to bears, with Big Lebowski quotes strewn in for good measure.Sometimes, when the conversation comes to a lull, I throw out a convo topic like "what's your ideal weekend," or something goofy like that. (How it has become me that moves these conversations

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-56526627860470707832010-01-17T08:40:00.003-05:002010-01-17T08:53:34.665-05:00

So, I was almost spontaneous last night. I walked into Target late in the evening, with no real intention of buying anything. However, as I headed to the electronics area, I came upon the Blu-Ray DVD players.I got a new flat screen TV last Black Friday, with 1080p HD. However, the DVD player I have is rather outdated, so I'm not making as good a use out of my TV as I should. Conveniently enough,

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-50586835681602466332010-01-13T21:05:00.002-05:002010-01-13T21:07:28.683-05:00

Another great tune. The horns are channeling the 60s soul sound. Gotta love it.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-3645289166893993152010-01-13T20:05:00.002-05:002010-01-13T20:18:08.586-05:00

I think one of my resolutions is refocus on some of the hobbies I've sort of let slide over the last few years. My guitar may or may not be gently weeping because of how little I've played it in 2009, so I'll have to make a concerted effort to start playing again. Also, when I was a kid, before the year in college when I found I was fated not to be an architect, I used to love drawing home

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-83855267559824197022010-01-09T12:45:00.003-05:002010-01-09T12:51:59.001-05:00

* Last month, I had this silly idea not to eat french fries for a month. Sillier to let my colleagues know of said plan. Now I can't cheat. I could go for some fries right about now. Stupid addiction.* Watched "Almost Famous" for the first time since I saw it in the theater. Much better movie than I thought it was back then. When I first saw it, I thought the scene in the bus where they started

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-83724692422520599822010-01-02T23:42:00.002-05:002010-01-03T00:03:53.049-05:00

One of my resolutions for the new year is to update my resume. It would be easier if I actually knew what I did!The last year has been quite...odd...at work, and our department has taken on many more tasks than would normally be within our purview. For me in particular, I have to figure out a way to fit in "financial analysis" into the tasks of a common copy editor. That, and perhaps a whole

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-90777803230100656962010-01-01T08:52:00.001-05:002010-01-01T08:52:52.812-05:00

HANDBOOK 2010HEALTH: 1. Drink plenty of water. 2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. 3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.. 4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy 5. Make time to pray. 6. Play more games 7. Read more books than you did in

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-75561564058668385912009-11-22T21:53:00.003-05:002009-11-22T23:07:46.897-05:00

Yesterday, I came across an article on CNN about the writer William Least-Heat Moon, most notable for a travel book called Blue Highways. He traveled across the country in a modified van, traveling solely on small two-lane roads that were denoted by blue on old maps. Doing so allowed him to see parts of the country he could have never reached or seen traveling over the interstates; the small

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-92228845716861445182009-11-17T22:19:00.003-05:002009-11-17T22:23:35.910-05:00

Stuffed Tomatoes:TomatoesStuff to stuff them with: cous cous, mushrooms, lots of cheese.Make it look like this:Enjoy!

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-23728557350141139162009-11-16T18:20:00.003-05:002009-11-16T18:27:44.069-05:00

I was lucky enough last week to be able to go to a UF football home game in Gainesville. Great seats, right along the 30 yard line. I haven't been to one in who knows how many years.But, walking around campus during the afternoon before the game, I came to this conclusion: the tailgaters have it right, especially with the technology available these days.We walked past several trucks/tailgate

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-54303172144979287032009-11-05T19:04:00.002-05:002009-11-05T19:12:34.950-05:00

I've been quiet here for a while, again. I'm on the road tomorrow, or more accurately, the air, as I head down to Florida for the first time in a while. Flying into Orlando, where I'll meet up with a friend I haven't seen in 20 or so years. Wow.Then, on to Gainesville! It'll be great to see the place again and actually be able to spend some time there. Looking forward to it. Even better is that

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-29573816828212605732009-08-25T22:32:00.002-04:002009-08-25T22:36:15.842-04:00

So, I took one of these Myers-Briggs tests online, and it came up as INTJ, and there are two explanations for that here and here.I'm not completely sure how accurate they are in the big picture, but I certainly fit in some traits. At any rate, it's pretty safe to assume I'm an introvert, and whatever test I take will end up saying that.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-43573007915172558442009-08-24T22:07:00.002-04:002009-08-24T22:15:36.519-04:00

Looks like I'll be making a trip down to Florida in November, and I may even be able to catch a Gator game at UF, which will be perfect! Every now and again I get the urge to revisit old haunts, and I'll be doing some of that, too, but the possibility of the game is really the main reason I want to go. HAven't been to one in at least 15 years, and I think this year is tailor made for a another

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-55983546303631230772009-08-17T19:49:00.002-04:002009-08-17T19:57:23.778-04:00

someone who shouldn't be playing in the insides of computers.So, I was finally able to extract the stripped screws from the case of my lap top, which allowed me to get into the guts of the computer and replace the dead hard drive with the new one. However, simply firing the puppy up after putting it all together would be all to easy.I have to now reinstall the operating system so that I can have

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-26465972419243678912009-07-19T21:11:00.003-04:002009-07-22T21:05:14.435-04:00

So, after a year of having a carcass of a laptop in my living room, I've decided to order a new hard drive for my Powerbook. That was the easy part. Now I have to hope my oppossable thumbs will be up to the challenge of fixing the thing! If everything goes right, I'll have my laptop back, and I'll be able to have a computer while on vacation in a few weeks. Yay!Wait. Vacations are meant to be

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-17914929355950594642009-07-09T22:33:00.003-04:002009-07-09T22:44:54.574-04:00

I am generally a poor implementer of plans that I make, so my theory is that if I write them down, I'll be more inclined to actually follow through. Maybe I'll actually follow through just to avoid how crappy I feel when I look at this post in a year and realize I didn't do any of it.Anyway, my plan:1) Sign up for a GMAT sooner rather than later so that I can take it in September/October.2)

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-6158397898785998782009-06-24T22:17:00.002-04:002009-06-24T22:29:56.917-04:00

We seem to have been inundated with rain the last month or so. Today, I look out the window as I exercise at the gym, and it is clear outside. I get ready to leave, and as I get to the door, I see that a torrential downpour has begun.Where'd that come from?Enough already.Can't help to think of Florida, where during the summer, it rained with an eery consistency at around 4 pm, almost everyday.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-39306716430176865892009-06-23T22:20:00.003-04:002009-06-23T22:28:14.822-04:00

So, last weekend, I went to a cocktail party where we each brought our favorite drinks to share...served in convenient extra-small cups so that we could actually enjoy them, as opposed to falling over.I brought White Russians, which has been my standard for years, but I think I should have taken another--a recipe I got from my friend from work. I call it "Cranberry-flavored excuse to drink

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-36529465782667753852009-06-20T09:56:00.002-04:002009-06-20T10:01:38.597-04:00

To keep up with what's going on in Iran, go to Twitter and look for #iranelection.Interesting article by Peggy Noonan from the Wall Street Journal, re: the Iran election and subsequent protests.Whose Side Are We On? You Have to Ask? America so often gets Iran wrong. We didn't know when the shah was going to fall, didn't foresee the massive wave that would topple him, didn't know the 1979

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-83144594097856153602009-05-13T21:13:00.003-04:002009-05-13T21:37:14.816-04:00

I'm currently reading a book called Quirkology by Richard Wiseman (his blog and twitter, a psychologist from the UK. It's about the odder side of human behavior, and I recommend it.I think he might be one of those authors where, once I read the first book, I have to read every other. Doesn't happen all that frequently with writers (the last was a novelist named Jonathan Tropper)... usually more

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-57852327701191855212009-05-07T07:01:00.002-04:002009-05-07T07:05:57.587-04:00

Clayton 'i-house' is giant leap from trailer parkClayton homes is one of many such companies that have begun what is basically a huge paradigm shift in pre-fab housing. However, with its broad reach as a huge company, it'll have more impact. I'd love one of these; it speaks to my love of function and simplicity.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-77571407310607376382009-05-04T21:38:00.005-04:002009-05-05T10:17:44.496-04:00

I'm currently reading a book called The Brain That Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge, which discusses neuroplasticity. It's basically the theory that the brain can reorganize and rewire itself as need be; it's a muscle that can be strengthened and trained.The book is quite informing and well worth the read; I highly recommend it. I find the research he brings up and the advances that that research

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-8329364068398122142009-04-27T21:32:00.002-04:002009-04-27T21:43:59.301-04:00

As I grew up in Florida, it was pretty normal to have gators in almost every fresh body of water; actually, it would be more unusual for there not to be gators.This being the case, it wouldn't faze me to see gators here and there, sunning on the banks. The familiarity bred a nonchalance that is not necessarily shared with northerners.This brings me to a conversation I had at work today with a

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-83721270031960409852009-04-24T07:16:00.002-04:002009-04-24T07:24:40.789-04:00

The Cars That Drove Detroit's Customers AwayThis sentiment is such a common refrain. Even though some cars coming out now are pretty good, the state the US auto industry is in now seems to me to be a result of karma for years of crap cars. They took their customers for granted.We had a 1984 Jeep Wagoneer. After about 2 to 3 years, the AC didn't work, you had to force the windows to roll up and

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-76800636113771549282009-04-13T18:05:00.002-04:002009-04-13T18:15:33.349-04:00

Over the last few weeks, I've noticed a faint whiff of positivity relative to the economy coming from the media, which suggests to me that the psychological grip this economic climate has had on the national psyche might be easing.A couple of predictions, just to jot them down:* Consumer spending will show a nice increase in April, followed by a relatively rapid improvement over the summer and

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-56702532049436666122009-04-08T21:55:00.003-04:002009-04-08T22:10:59.503-04:00

There's a fountain on campus that is a great place to hang out and eat lunch. I drive by it pretty much every day on my way home from work. As the spring started coming around, I began to wonder when they'd fill the fountain with water again...That brings me to this morning. I saw a picture on the school's newspaper of a bunch of people frolicking in said fountain, and people were splashing one

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-36151652738828062452009-04-06T21:24:00.003-04:002009-04-06T21:29:07.377-04:00

* I just learned that there is a psychic next to a yoga place here in Princeton.Classic.I wonder if the psychics are kind enough to let you know if they know you are going to hurt yourself?"Don't go in there, man. It'll only end in tears."* Also, I tried a place called Twist over the weekend. It's self-serve frozen yogurt, with about eight different flavors and an assortment of toppings. This

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-20997181593875317912009-04-01T22:10:00.002-04:002009-04-01T22:25:27.865-04:00

I'm not quite sure how this topic of conversation came up today...I have a habit of arbitrariness anyway.I visited Colonial Williamsburg several years ago. There, to give "authenticity," they pay people to dress and act in character. So, you have men and women dressed in unseasonably warm "period" clothing, and they speak in this odd pseudo-British accent that I suppose was all the rage back in

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-78210150972731413982009-03-31T19:53:00.002-04:002009-03-31T19:56:34.352-04:00

If you have a bumper sticker on your car that says "God is my co-pilot," and you also believe that God is all powerful and all knowing, then why aren't you letting Him (or Her, or It) drive?

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-46874919845384293782009-03-30T21:47:00.003-04:002009-03-30T22:05:01.694-04:00

This came up at lunch today, as we talked about the dumber things we did when we were kids.To illustrate here, I was trying to find the clip from The Greatest American Hero where a little kid tells the hero precisely how to fly. "Take three running steps, and jump," or something along those lines...The reason this fits into our little lunch conversation is that this actually seemed to my little 6

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-32534270740733884612009-03-28T22:39:00.003-04:002009-03-28T22:59:42.663-04:00

Usually, when I'm confronted with an open Saturday, I choose to fill it with as much as I can, and I attempt to cover as much physical distance as possible. I want to see as much as I can see, so I hop in my car and go, putting on an easy 100 miles and accomplishing pretty much nothing.Today, I decided to do the opposite. I stayed in town and walked where I needed to go, with the express purpose

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-19823217879241396362009-03-21T18:47:00.003-04:002009-03-21T18:54:51.377-04:00

Haven't written that frequently here, have I? I think my attention span currently limits my musings to 140 characters or less, through either Twitter or Facebook updates.Work has been tumultuous and fairly unsettling lately, but I suppose that's the case everywhere. I moved to another cube and seemed to have adopted a fridge, which had an old mayo jar in it, which I promptly removed. Good news: I

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-63864106964209314312008-12-22T07:27:00.004-05:002008-12-22T11:04:31.717-05:00

Where'd the bailout money go? Shhhh, it's a secretIt would be kinda nice to know where that money disappeared to, but most of the banks the AP were obtuse or generally broad and vague with their responses. I guess that's what we get for not imposing any standards for the obnoxiously large sums of money they received from the government; to expect ethics from corporations is a fallacy to begin

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-80216314618585383882008-12-20T10:08:00.003-05:002008-12-20T10:32:52.372-05:00

Will the auto bailout work?Most of the talk about the bailout so far have been about what the union and the car companies' management need to concede, but I haven't heard any talk about what new cars they'll release to meet consumer demand, how they plan to adjust to changing consumer interests today and in the future, and how they'll adjust their processes to account for 21st century

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-63719988352498601372008-12-17T07:06:00.001-05:002008-12-17T07:08:34.755-05:00

Man, have I become slack with this thing...Check out photos from my trip to Chapel Hill and Tennessee here.

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-24945713060117660872008-11-22T19:19:00.001-05:002008-11-22T19:20:19.207-05:00

So, tomorrow I start my trip. Eight hours to Chapel Hill. Then, on Monday, six hours to Knoxville.I can't wait to get on the road!

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-15407871543022194492008-11-14T19:12:00.000-05:002008-11-14T19:13:19.700-05:00

Smile.Countdown to Victory

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-92080537752369962852008-10-30T20:50:00.001-04:002008-10-30T20:51:53.782-04:00

An interesting experiment: say something nice:Greene: If you can’t (or can) say anything nice. . .

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-20765866872898834162008-10-29T21:48:00.005-04:002008-10-29T21:59:08.609-04:00

So, barring some unforeseen change in plans, I will head down to Knoxville for Thanksgiving! I get to see the Smokeys again...it has been entirely too long. I'll be taking the whole holiday week off, so I'll have the chance to explore and take my time. I think I'll take the long way down (or, more accurately, the completely out-of-the-way way) and visit Chapel Hill for the first time in about 20

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-73270055531965121042008-10-22T21:09:00.002-04:002008-10-22T21:17:38.360-04:00

I haven't really hidden my political leanings here, but is this really a story?GOP donors critical of Palin's pricey threadsI find it to be a rather sexist double standard...having this even be a story is actually pissing me off. Do you think men's suits are cheap, and do you actually believe that the male candidates even pay for them out of their pockets? Bull shit. Also, she would be absolutely

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-77982930502637137012008-10-20T07:36:00.002-04:002008-10-20T07:41:30.172-04:00

I have a dream dictionary, which tells me what the symbols in my dreams may mean (rarely accurately, of course).I had a dream were a blue horse was swimming toward me in a river or ocean, and when it got to me, bit down on my arm to grab hold of me. Not to necessarily hurt me, I think, but rather to direct me somewhere.Anyway, I could not find a listing for this in the dream dictionary. How

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900960.post-27201817044604540502008-10-12T22:10:00.002-04:002008-10-12T22:25:24.054-04:00

I finished the book--235 pages. I took a bit longer than I would have liked, frankly, but at least it's complete.Now, things can get somehow back to normal.A couple of notes:1) A joke:I want to be a procrastinator at a protest."What do we want?!PEACE!When do we want it?!Maybe tomorrow?2) I named my first cat, Galileo, after an Indigo Girls song of the same name. Not for any particularly

MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157183235183928114noreply@blogger.com0