Zanipolo saves Fahfromheri Pt.4

DAILY QUOTES

Work is the curse of the drinking classes.
~Oscar Wilde

Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations.
~Jean Paul Richter

Perhaps the feelings that we experience when we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be.
~Anton Chekhov


What the Water Brings
aka
How Zanipolo Saved Fahfromheri

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Zani made sure to drink lots of water before he went to sleep, and sure enough it worked, because he got up just before light, and felt like he was trying to old back an entire canal himself! He gathered his things and checked his lunch to make sure know one ate it during the night. His lunch was still intact but he suffered through the night dreaming he was in a glorious land where the trees were made of pepperoni sticks and the rivers flowed with cream soda. Zani was so excited he was almost skipping up to the steps of the palace. Joe was already there, waiting and eating an apple. He had two unlit torches, and backpacks with him that each looked like they weighed 60 pounds. He said nothing and, but motioned for Zani to follow him. Zani dutifully obeyed, even though he knew his new job would be arduous, he still couldn't let that overcome his excitement. Ballare Palace was nestled at the foot of Riparare Mountain. The mountains craggy rock walls served as protection to the palace form any possible rear assault. (yes rear assault) Zani and Joe set of around the side of the palace up a worn, beaten dirt path. As the path wrapped around the side of the palace a cliff started to fall away and soon there was nothing to the left but the path and the walls of the palace. The two came to the end of the path, a wrought iron gate with four locks was before them. Joe reached into his shirt and produced a necklace with four keys, and one by one un did all the locks. He was careful to show Zani each key and each corresponding lock. The gate opened into a cave in the mountain, Joe lit the torches and handed one to Zani.
The path only narrowed and climbed steeply. As the light from the torches illuminated the walls of the cave Zani saw magnificent cave paintings. Joe looked old and hunched over but was moving at a pace Zani could hardly keep up with. He could only catch glimpses of the paintings, like a movie reel flickering against the walls of the cave. They finally came to another wrought iron gate and by this time only the slightest peek of sun light was showing, creating hues of pinks and purples Zani had never seen before in the sky. Joe was careful to show Zani the same keys would unlock these locks as well. The two stepped out into a magnificent, lush green bowl. The walls of a mountain served as the sloping walls of the bowl, and from the walls waterfalls funneled into a crystal clear lagoon.

Joe set down his backpack and directed Zani to do the same. He took a giant swig from his canteen and passed it to Zani, who couldn't thin of anything else he wanted at that moment.
"Dees isa my place, welcome Zanipolo," said Joe.

"We taka resting and den we gets to worky."

Zani nodded, sat with Joe and closed his eyes.
"Nosa time for sleepy, only resting," Joe said firmly but softly.
"Yes sir," Said Zani.

Only five minutes went by, but Zani had a lifetime of day dreams fill his head in that short span. There was always a girl that appeared, someone he had seen before, but only in passing, and in his dreams her face was never very clear.

"Okie, isa time to worky now, Ima gonna shows yous why our jobs is importante."

Joe pulled several hankerchiefs from his backpack and walked to the edge of the lagoon. He whistled 3 short whistles and one long one. The lagoon started to bubble, and the earth around the two started to shake...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Keep hangin' on that cliff

DAILY QUOTES

The mind of a bigot is like the pupil of the eye. The more light you shine on it, the more it will contract.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.
~Kurt Vonnegut


Due to exhaustion, the Zanipolo stories will take a rest for today.
Read the Zanipolo Story:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Zanipolo Saves Fahfromheri Pt. 3

DAILY QUOTES

I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.
~Alice Walker

Barn's burnt down
--now
I can see the moon.
~Masahide

We continue with our friend Zanipolo
(Read Pt. 1 Here)
(Read Pt. 2 Here)

What the Water Brings
aka
How Zanipolo Saved Fahfromheri


Zani was delighted in the prospect of a new job, he had grown tired of the family hammock business, and sought his independence. He feared if he lived and worked with his family any longer he too would become as lazy as them.

"I will take the job king!" Zani exclaimed.
"Wouldn't you like to hear what the job is first?" King ChaCha Asked.

"I'll do whatever is asked of me sir, to my utmost ability," said Zani.
"I admire that, but please let me explain your job duties, not to mention the full benefits, and other such details over lunch," said ChaCha.
(King ChaCha as mentioned before was quite benevolent, and may have invented the benefit system of today, providing all municipal workers with pensions, health care, and vacation time too!)

ChaCha gestured for Zani to follow him, they climbed up one ladder to the catwalk and began to ascend. They circled the great room several times and stopped at book shelf in the middle of the wall. ChaCha pulled a book down and the shelf along with the wall opened to an enormous balcony that looked out upon the village and Opimo Bay. A table was already set with fresh fruits, shrimp and grits (the official dish of Fahfromheri), and other light fare salads.

"Please take a seat my son," Said ChaCha. "The job is a very important one, it may seem mundane and grueling, but the ramifications of leaving this job undone or done poorly are severe, for the entire village. Your grandfather once held this very position, and it was while performing his duties he saved my life. You are to become the new Aqueductatician, the keeper of the canal. You will be trained by
Giuseppe, he knew your grandfather well, and was learned the job from him."

Giuseppe seemed to appear out of no where, and appeared as if he glided to the table. He was an old, hunched over, little man, with leather like skin that had been baked in the sun for years. Zani noticed his hands, which were scarred but looked as if they could crush a melon like it was an egg. In a thick peasant, uneducated accent Giuseppe said,

"Yous may call me Joe, go to sleepy early tonight, get your rest. Packs you a lunchay and meet me at the steps to da palace before first light tomorrow."

"Yes sir, Joe," said Zani as Joe smiled widely at Zani and glided off and vanished. Zani was not at all scared or worried by any of this, but excited and eager. Zani and the king ate the rest of their lunch in silence, admiring the majesty of Fahfromheri and Opimo bay. When lunch was finished ChaCha wished Zani well , and Kadeem showed him out a completely different way, but some he ended up at the front door to the palace. Zani did as he was told, he stopped at the fruit stand and the sandwich shop on the way home. He carefully wrapped his lunch and put it into his satchel. Knowing his family would try to eat his food Zani slept with the satchel, inhaling salami fumes every time he snored.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Zanipolo Saves Fahfromheri Pt. 2

DAILY QUOTES

To find yourself jilted is a blow to your pride. Do your best to forget it and if you don't succeed, at least pretend to.
~Moliere

I don't want to live -- I want to love first, and live incidentally.
~Zelda Fitzgerald


We continue with our friend Zanipolo
(Read Pt. 1 Here)

What the Water Brings
aka
How Zanipolo Saved Fahfromheri

"Please follow me Mr. Zanipollo," Kadeem said to Zani as he led him down a long opulent hallway. The hallway was decorated with paintings from floor to ceiling, and each one depicted a moment in the history of Zani's people. Defeat or triumph, good fortune and misery, every important event was on display. The Fahfromherians had no shame, and were a proud people, they did not mind showing their misery or defeat in battle. These chronicles were a part of who they were today, they refused to forget their past, in order to know where they were headed. There was a spot at the end of the hallway, where one picture had been removed, and left a very distinguishable blank spot. Zani wondered what painting had been there. There were many doors off of the hallway, all decorated with hand crafted iron work, or gilded in gold leaf. All but the one door at the end of the hallway, which was plain and unassuming. Kadeem halted quite abruptly in front of the door and knocked forcefully enough to shake the door. Kadeem paused and jutted out his neck to listen, Zani listened too. Zani heard nothing, but Kadeem must have,

"Mr. Zanipolo the king will see you now."
"Thank you sir," Zani replied.

Kadeem opened the plain door to reveal a room that seemed to rise forever, with catwalks and ladders everywhere. Every inch of wall space was used for bookshelves and books, charts and paintings. The Ballare Palace Library.

"Welcome Zani, this is my most favorite room in the entire palace," King ChaCha said as if he were already in the middle of a conversation with Zani. Zani knelt on one knee to show his respect to his ruler.

"Please, please, I won't allow my friends to kneel before me Zani," implored King ChaCha.

Zani felt welcome, and almost instantly felt like an old friend to the king, so is request was not out of place. Zani noticed something different about the king today, he was used to seeing the king dressed in his finest garments complete with cape and scepter. But in his own personal library, his own sanctum King ChaCha wore comfortable clothes, clothes of the everyday working man. Most people would have been shocked to see a king dressed beneath his status, but to Zani it did not think it was out of place.
On an easel King ChaCha had the missing painting form the hallway. It depicted a boy, limp in man's arms being dragged out of a canal.

"Do you know what this is a painting of Zani?"

"Yes sir, that's my grandfather Zupi pulling you from the canal, when you were a little boy."

"Yes, and I am grateful to this day for the selflessness of your grandfather."

"And the Pigro family is grateful for you king, for all the gifts and kindness you have bestowed upon us, even though we may not deserve it," said Zani.

"Ah, but you Zani, you deserve it. But now I have a job for you. I want you to know this is not another act of kindness, or something I am doing to repay a debt that can never be repaid. I want you to have this job because you are the right young man for the position."

TO BE CONTINUED.....
What will the job be? Will Zani be up to the task or even accept the position? Keep reading and find out!

Zanipolo Saves Fahfromheri, Pt.1 of a Serial Short Story

DAILY QUOTES

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.
~Seneca


We love because it's the only true adventure.
~Nikki Giovanni

Nano Nano

1. The Payback ~James Brown

2. Spread ~Andre 3000

3. You're Beautiful ~James Blunt

4. Move Along ~All American Rejects

5. In My Place ~Coldplay





What the Water Brings

aka

How Zanipolo Saved Fahfromheri

Once upon a time in a land called Fahfromheri lived a young man named Zanipolo Ottavio, but every one called him Zani. Zani was the eighth and youngest child of the Pigro family. Fahfromheri was a hustling, bustling, port city nestled around the half moon shaped Opimo Bay. The Pigro family was known through out Fahfromheri for two things; Zani's grandfather Zupi (whom Zani was named for, and had never met) had once saved King ChaCha's life when he was a boy, and they also had a reputation for laziness. But Zani was different, he was like his grandfather, willing to do a thankless job, hard working, kind hearted, and always putting himself before others. Zani and Zupi proved there were exceptions to every rule. When Zani was old enough to take a job King ChaCha summoned him to the palace. The king requested only Zani come before him, while he was thankful and grateful for what Zupi had done he knew also the Pigro family selfishly looked for ways to advance themselves with the least amount of work possible. King ChaCha knew Zani was different he could see his grandfather in Zani's eyes, almost as if he had be re-born in Zani himself. ChaCha was a great and benevolent king, not only did he feel like he had to repay a debt to the Pigro family, he genuinely liked Zani. So Zani set out through town, along the way he could hear the whispers in town,

"Oh, there goes Zani, such a good boy."
"He must be adopted, he's not like the rest of those rotten Pigros."

"Just like his grandfather, and a handsome boy too."

So he climbed the 73 stairs to the great big doors to Ballare Palace, and rang the itty bitty brass bell. Zani wondered how anyone would hear such a little bell in such a great big palace. The little bell he soon found out was only little in size, because when he rang it a thunderous, echoing shook the palace, and Kadeem the king's servant opened the door immediately. Kadeem was a tall, dark, mysterious man, who always wore a turban and a big simitar. Kadeem smiled widely (a rarity for the perpetually stern Kadeem) when he saw Zani had arrived, and in a low but powerful tone said,

"Come with me Zanipolo Ottavio Pigro, King ChaCha has something very important to discuss with you."

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Sir Grot-A-Lot Part 4.2 aka More Debauchery in NYC aka The Stink Bomb Episodes

DAILY QUOTES

Luke: Let him go. Bam, Bam.
Dragline: Knock it off, Luke. You can't talk about Him that way.
Luke: Are you still believin' in that big bearded Boss up there? You think he's watchin' us?
Dragline: Get in here. Ain't ya scared? Ain't ya scared of dyin'?
Luke: Dyin'? Boy, he can have this little life any time he wants to. Do ya hear that? Are ya hearin' it? Come on. You're welcome to it, ol' timer. Let me know you're up there. Come on. Love me, hate me, kill me, anything. Just let me know it............
..............I'm just standin' in the rain talkin' to myself.
(From Cool Hand Luke)


If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.
~Toni Morrison

I've spoken to the man himself, and not only did Sir Grot-A-Lot approve of the stories, he offered some more. Some of which I can't in good conscience tell here. Over 5 or 6 beer no problem, just not here. But as promised I will continue with the fan favorite SG Stories. Last time we left off with SG 4.1, so today I will continue with SG 4.2 "More Debauchery in NYC or The Stink Bomb Episodes." If you remember it was Memorial Day weekned a couple years ago also Fleet Week in NYC, so the town was especially hopin'. I will continue with us (Sly, SG and myself) leaving...ok ,ok...gettin kicked out of the bar because at this time SG's was passed out at the bar. So it was pretty much up to me to drag his 6ft plus 220 plus body thru a crowded bar and up a couple blocks, and then up to his 5th floor walk up. I'm such a good friend. Well not 3 seconds down the block SG wakes up! He begins to wrestle Sly, which is completly the way things usually go. So in the street, on the sidewalk, for about 1 1/2 blocks they spend more time rolling to the apartment then actually walking to it. SG fumbles with the lock but gets us in, SLY races up the first few steps and trips or is tripped crushing the tiny glass vile in is pocket. The tiny glass vile that is a left over stink bomb. OOOOPS!!! Amazingly the smell disipates by the time we get to the top of the stairs. Some shenanigans proceed but SG passes out on the couch, I in the spare bed, and SLY some how in SG's bed. Since this is a railroad apt. Sly would have to walk thru my room the living room and the kitchen to get to the bathroom. Which he would inevitably have to do after puking in the door way between SG's room and the room I'm in. Yum nothing like the smell of regurgitated Jack Daniels. I ask him if he is okay, which of course he says yes. I know he puked but he's still trying to keep it a secret. Off he scampers thru all 3 rooms to return with one solitary paper towel. That ain't gonna cut it my friend. He proceeds to do this 20 more times, each time returning with only 1 paper towel. All off which we come to find out got stuffed into the toilet. We found out the hard way forcing SG to buy a plunger on the way home from brunch. SLY managed to escape a little later that day and headed home for Rhode Island. But more adventures were awaiting SG and I this weekend.

To be continued........

I Need My Fix

DAILY QUOTES

Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.
~Ernest Hemingway

Sometimes it is harder to deprive oneself of a pain than of a pleasure.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald


No Nano Nano today, since this post is about music. For those that regularly read my blog, and also know me, you know how ecclectic my musical taste is. Ecclectic as it is, the music as one thing in common, it s good. I used to limit myself to one or two genres, usually Hip-Hop/Rap and Classic Rock. Pop was never my thing. Lately I've been craving it, and slightly ashamed to say I'm okay with that. I mean... Paris Hilton's new song, I should NOT like it but I kinda do. My radio finds itself more and more on HOT 99.5. I feel dirty admiting this. Maybe it's like my need for No-Brainer movies, I need No-Brainer music. All American Rejects???? Huh? Sold out Nelly Furtado??? Fo Real? Shakira gets a pass in my book. So does Kelly Clarkson, cuz neither of their hips lie. Good music plus hotness equals free pass. I guess like any form of art, ya like what ya like. I will, and do catch some heat from my friends for my occasional hunger for Pop music, I'm sure they won't let me live it down, but I'm sure I won't live down falling out of a boat sober either.

Pop Pop goes da weasel.

Changes

DAILY QUOTES

Be life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for.
~David Starr Jordan

It is at the edge of a petal that love waits.
~William Carlos Williams


I've found little things in my life to keep me happy. And that's great, but those only last for the moment. There are some bigger life issues that need attendting to though. Don't get me wrong I'm not exactly in a "woe is me" frame of mind here. Kepping those little things as part of my life is what keeps me grounded and gets me through so I can't and refuse to eliminate those. The possibilty of making some what drastic changes in my life right now frightens, but at the same time excites me, because I'm hoping they will lead to the inevitable overall hapiness I'm seeking, or rather a higher more constant level. #1 Job, I need to get off my slack ass and look for a new job, I also came to the realization I may need a secon part time job, but I'm not even sure when I would have time for said second job. #2 Personal/Social life, basically I need to get out there more and meet new people. Don't get me wrong I love my friends and wouldn't trade them for anyone else in the world. But I also know that if I want to make a deeper more personal connection with someone, i.e. a significant other, its not gonna happen until I put myself out there more. I bit the bullet and signed up for JDate which is one avenue, but I definetly have some misgivings about this move. #3 A Healthier Lifestyle, I'm actually not that bad in this category, although I've been slacking a bit in the gyming I still make time to do stuff for myself, but feel there is more I could do here.

Not my usual blog and rarely do I talk about work or personal stuff, but its just whats on mymind and couldn't think of another blog topic.

No worries!

No Brainers

DAILY QUOTES

This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who.
~Swamp King

Where love rules, there is no will to power; where power predominates, there love is lacking. The one is the shadow of the other.
~Carl Jung

Say when mi look up ina mi life its plain to see.
That its never gonna be the same.
Take another step on towards my destiny.
But the memories still remain.
Deep ina mi brain inna mi soul I hold the key.
Said its never gonna be the same.
Throughout life and beyond all eternity.
Yo, we keep burnin up the flame.
~Sean Paul


Nano Nano

1. No Woman No Cry ~Bob Marley

2. Charlie ~RHCP

3. Through The Wire (Remix) ~Kanye West

4. Never Gonna Be The Same ~Sean Paul

5. They Say Vision ~RES





Sometimes you just wanna watcha stupid, mindless movie. You have a few options here: comedy, action or horror. I usually choose the first two over the third. Some movies are supposed to be entertainment for entertainments sake. When your mind is worn out or dull from a hard days work or just running amok in general these are the only solution, its no time to try to figure out what the hell is goin' on in a movie like Seven or The Sixth Sense. Don't get me wrong I love those movies too, but I know when its time for a no-brainer. Recently I watched Sahara which brought to celluloid the adventures of Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt. Brilliant No Brianer. Flight of the Phoenix falls in to the action NoBrainer, though it wasn't as good. Last night after 1/2 price burgers at Whitlow's w/ JD and CNG, CNG and I threw The Ringer into the DVD player. I absolutely love Farrelly Brothers movies and thought this was one. Apparently the produced it but did not direct, which I think htey probably should have. It was pretty funny, although I felt bad laughing at mentally and physically handicapped people. But I also realized how funny they were, and by this I mean they had great timing and great delivery of their line, they did a fantastic job! Still felt a little bad though. Which brings me to a confession: I watched and enjoyed Duece Bigelow: European Giggolo. Didn't tink I would, and kinda went into it nto wnting to like it, but sometimes a good man-whore joke is all you need.

Finally Caught One!!

DAILY QUOTES

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.
~Albert Einstein

The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.
~Buddha



Nano-Nano

1. Heavy Things ~Phish

2. Beautiful Struggle ~Talib Kweli

3. Roses ~Andre 3000

4. What Up Gangsta ~Fitty

5. Wagon Wheel ~OCMS




CONGRATS KASEY!!!!

On Your 4th Win of the Season and moving in to 3rd in the overall standings!!!!

FISHING REPORT UPDATE
(With Actual Updates!!!)
The F-n-G Summer continues and I caught my first fish of the season, here's the tally:

JD: 1 Catfish 2 Perch
Me: 2 Croaker
Ray: 2 Croaker 2 Perch


That's right I finally caught one!!! JD, Ray and I got up extra early and launched the boat around 6am. We made our way down to Cobb Island trolling for a little on the way with no luck. We found a nice spot where other fisherman had lines in too around the Wicomico River. It proved to be a nice spot and we pulled in a few Croaker. Pictures to be uploaded when JD emails them to me. TD mentione he might come too, but we doubted it since we left DC around 5am. JD recieved a text the night before form TD that said: "NO BOOT."
We assumed that meant either he didn't throw up or NO BOAT, we were right on both accounts.
Had a nice evening last night with the Fam. I did all the cooking except Mom's Potato salad, yum. We had Burgers, Dogs, Shrimp, Corn, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, and Chocolate Pudding Pie. That's a lot of food, but typical for my family to overdo occasions like Father's Day.

Sir Grot-A-Lot Pt. 4.1

DAILY QUOTES

Without tenderness, a man is uninteresting.
~Marlene Dietrich

Duty then is the sublimest word in the English language. You should do your duty in all things. You can never do more, you should never wish to do less.
~General Robert E. Lee


Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.
~Washington Irving


Nano Nano
1. Spaceship ~Kanye West
2. Hard to Concentrate ~RHCP
3. Touch it or Not ~Cam'ron

4. Try Me ~James Brown
5. Many Rivers to Cross ~Jimmy Cliff

6. Breakaway ~Kelly Clarkson
7. Gone ~Kanye West




The Sir Grot-A-Lot stories seem to be fan favorites, plus it's Friday, which means brain power is at an all time low, and something lighthearted is in order.

SIR GROT-A-LOT PT.4: FREEDOM!!!!

Memorial Day weekend (which is also Fleet Week in NYC) 2 or 3 years ago NYC. SG had a place on the Upper East Side so I figured I'd pay him a visit. I took the Chinatown Bus up there cuz it was dirt cheap, unfortunately nothing exciting happened on the rides to and from as would be expected from there Chinatown bus. I actually had a date in NYC with someone I met on JDate so there was extra motivation to go, as an aside I was riding somewhat of a dating high having gone out to a Wizards game the night before on another Jdate. But I digress. On the corner next to SG's apartment was a great dive bar, whose Happy Hour special was called "Free Beer." In years prior it actually was free beer for an hour but due to some legal issues beers were actually 25 cent. Needless to say we took advantage. I knew I'd be in for a crazy night because let's face it I'm going out with SG, but also Sly was coming down from Rhode Island for the weekend too. Both share titles as the blackout kings.
SG had been down south a few weeks before and made the obligatory stop at South of the Border. Purchasing several boxes of stink bombs, and by several I mean 25 or so. Keep in mind we were about 26 years old. So the plan was simple enough drop a couple of those bad boys in the Free Beer HH and then laugh till it hurt watching everyone's reaction. We did, and they didn't, there was some nose holding and general malaise, but everyone stood strong and toughed it out for 25 cent beer. We were amazed, and no matter how many of those things we dropped the reaction didn't change. (About 6 total were dropped). The time had come to proceed to the next bar, it was only about 9pm but it was time. Our trek took us only a block away when we spotted an almost empty bar, the only occupants were 7 hotties at the bar, which seemed like invitation enough for us. We put the childish games on hold because it was mackin' time. Many many drinks, several hours, and some digits later the bar was packed but SG and I had maintained a prime spot at the bar. The music was good they were playing a good mix of 80's, classic rock and some hip-hop and modern pop, and I could see SG was really getting into it, only problem was he couldn't see. Literally. His eyes were closed and would remain closed for about an hour. But being the trooper he is and professional drinker he wouldn't be kicked out until his head was on the bar. Despite his eyes being closed he managed to play air guitar and mouth the words to all the songs dead-on. When I realized his uncanny ability for lyrical recall, something odd struck me. What song is this??? George Michael??? Freedom?? Really?? SG??? OH MY GOD!!! SG didn't skip a beat playing a flawless air guitar and mouthing the exact lyrics to this wonderful but very gay George Michael hit!!!

FREEDOM!!!!

This weekend and story continues on with much hilarity Sir Grot-A-Lot Pt. 4.2 coming soon!

International Scout

DAILY QUOTES

Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors.
Try to be better than yourself.
~William Faulkner

They say I walk around like got an "S" on my chest
Naw, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest.
~50 Cent



This Shit Is BaNANOs

1. Head to Toe ~Sean Paul
2. Best of You ~Foo Fighters
3. Leave You Alone ~Cam'Ron
4. Snow (Hey Oh) ~RHCP
5. Push and Pull ~Nikka Costa
6. In My Place ~Coldplay
7. Hips Don't Lie ~Shakira




I've always wanted one of these:

An International Scout. I even like the color, but baby or navy blue would be nice too. There is no need for any "redneck" comments here by the way. Back in the day one of my friends had one and we always had a blast traversing over the grounds of the sleep-away camp I went to/ was a counselor at. Notice the lack of roll-bar, they just don't build like they used to, today's convertible SUVs are kinda safe or should I say non-existent.

Redemption shall be mine, as this time I promise no mercy on the tennis court, ya hear me Ray?

Been contemplating getting back on JDate. I've taken a much needed 8 month hiatus. I have very mixed feelings about this, on one hand it's just another avenue to meet new people, and I did meet some new people last time I was on. But on the other hand is this really how I'm gonna meet some one for what might be a long-term meaningful relationship. Just not how I envisioned it. Then again how I envision/have envisioned things may not be realistic or 20/20 either. I could talk about my past experiences on JDate, which probably aren't necessarily par for the course, but that's a blog for another time.

The Sea Was Angry That Day My Friends

DAILY QUOTES


For in the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.
~Baba Dioum

An idea is salvation by imagination.
~Frank Lloyd Wright

FISH COUNT

Me: 0, Nada, Nil, Nuttin'
JD: 1 Catfish, 1 Croaker


More boat mishaps, well sorta. Just before JD and I were about to cast off, he runs back to the car for his cell. Both of us have fallen in the last couple times effectively dousing our phones. I tell him I have mine, so no worries. But, his is the only one with the tow number (foreshadwoing???) in it just in case, so a quick jaunt down the pier and back and we're ready. The air was cool and breezy, JD wanted to get some work done; cleaning and painting, but I was along for the ride and the fishin' (the F-n-G summer rolls on). We weren't 300 yds from the slip when an unsettling glug glug comes from the engine.

Me: Are you doing that?

(figuring he was just messing around)

JD: Uh, no.

Me: Did we just stall out?

JD: Yeah.

Luckily both of us are some what mechanically inclined and discovered the fuel line was knocked loose. Perhaps when I fell in the other day, but who knows? A quick fix and no tow needed we were off and cruising once again. We didn't go far and JD was the only one who caught any fish, a 5 inch Croaker. I have yet to catch a fish this season, and I'm starting to get a little upset by it. Thankfully the sunset on the water, and the beautiful surroundings remind me that it's not always about catching the fish.
When I'm fishing, a zen like calm washes over me. All my worries and every day mundane annoyances don't matter. I'm in the moment with my surroundings, good tunes, beautiful weather, and my thoughts. This is my biggest motivation for fishing, the therapy, camaraderie, and a connection to my roots. My grandfather used to love to go fishing and some of my fondest memories of him involve him baiting a hook with salami (that's how us Jews fish) and sharing stories. And although my fishing activities can be misconstrued as "Red-Neck," I prefer to look at them as Old School, and just part the Man's Man side of me.

Remember the Time I Fell In?

DAILY QUOTES


You can pretend to be serious; you can't pretend to be witty.
~Sacha Guitry

There are more pleasant things to do than beat up people.
~Muhammad Ali


To fall in love is to create a religion that has a fallible god.
~Jorge Luis Borges


Nano

1. Ride Wit Me ~TI
2. 21st Century ~RHCP
3. Where Is My Mind ~James Blunt
4. U Got It Bad ~Usher
5. Who Cares? ~Gnarls Barkley





I guess this is the obligatory Monday morning post where I re-hash my weekend, but at least some hilarity took place. FRIDAY: The long stressful week had taken it's toll by Thursday, but like the trooper I am I fought through some Friday blues, and a insurmountable task at work. I had to review/finish a 100 page document by COB Friday so my boss could look at it over the weekend, but as I just learned a 1/2 hour ago Boss only made it through...well none of it! Good thing Boss was on my case and made it sooo very important for me to get it done. After deciding my eyes were to crossed to look at the damn thing anymore I left late and met up with JD, TD and they're chicks at the boat. But not before at least an hours worth of traffic, at least 2o minutes of which had me sitting on 295 in front of Blue Plains Sewage Treatment facility. Yummy. As soon as I hit Indian Head Hi-way traffic opened up and I was on my way. As I was pulling in to the marina I had a premonition of falling in the water...hmmm. JD couldn't have timed it more perfectly as I reached the end of the pier he picked me up w/ out even docking, a situation that we will learn a little later can be sort of dicey. As I stepped on the boat and a "touch and go landing" was preformed a beer hit my hand. TD offered me a couzy, but I told him there would be no need, as this beer would only last a minute or two any way. We arrived a Gilligan's Pier (a sweet redneck on the water dive bar/ restaurant), and Captain JD barked out directions for all of us. I was on the back left of the boat for docking. A man TRYING to be HELPFUL (aka TTBH) yelled for a rope which LB threw to him. With a great and mighty tug he pulled the boat twoards the dock, he pulled so hard the motor was about to smash into the pier! I jumped up and pushed off from the pier before the motor collided with the post. However as I was doing so TD was pulling form the front to avoid the same mishap. Fully extended with feet on the back edge of the boat and hands on the pier I calmy informed LB I was going to fall in. Which I did! So I had fallen in and wasn't even drunk yet, nor did we even sit down for dinner yet! Soaked to the bone I struggled to climb back on the boat, sliced my finger open, ruined my cell phone, wallet and verything else that wa sin my pockets. LB and AZ were sweet hearts and ran to buy me a Gilligans pier t-shirt. Which was Blaze orange and sleeveless. My keen fashion sense wouldn't allow the sleevelessness, so the girls sweetharts as they are ran back and got another blaze orange t-shirt, this time w/ sleves. Dinner was great, the place was fun but not very crowded. On JD's last visit it was apprently packed. There was some trashy/seafood smell in the air, but that might have just been the local girls at the bar. Many jokes were made at my expense, but many of them also came out of my mouth. SATURDAY Woke up early to get a new phone, Thank God I signed up for the insurance! And would later learn JD fell in too! Although not all the way, enough to wet down the celly. Met up with Ray who beat me in tennis, even though I was clearly the better player. Loser bought dinner which I did, and we got gi-mongous salads from Willie and Reeds in Bee-Duh (Bethesda). Watched Date Movie, which was just ok for me dawg, just aight. SUNDAY Got up super early for a catering gig with JD, lounged, watched NASCAR, then went over to JF's for a great meal he cooked for both JD and I. All in all, a wet, funny, busy, money making, tiring weekend. Word.

Fireflies are here! They're cute cuz their butts light up!

DAILY QUOTES
(ALL ORIGINAL)

Sometimes life gets in the way of life.
~Samuel Jed Kleinrock

Everything is negotiable, except love.
~Samuel Jed Kleinrock



Remember these guys?


While driving back from Cafe Asia/Black Rooster LB spotted some fireflies. I hadn't seen any yet so I got excited, as did JD and LB. This usually marks the first days of summer for me. Anything whose butt lights up is okay with me. Also reminds me of those yesteryears, of capturing the little bugs and putting them in mason jars, smearing them on the ground or your face. I always keep a look out for them when the weather gets warm, maybe for the comfort of just knowing they're around, maybe for the strolls down memory lane, who knows. Got some decisions to make about my weekend plans, Blogger HH at Eyebar, trek to the river and check out Gilligans Pier. One thing is for sure I will dominate RayRay in tennis on Saturday. Haven't played in almost a year but I'm sure it will only take me a set or so before I get the ol' swing working again. Have a great weekend everybody!

Lazy Man's Blog Pt. 2

DAILY QUOTES

A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.
~Charlotte Bronte

I would rather have eyes that cannot see; ears that cannot hear; lips that cannot speak, than a heart that cannot love.
~Robert Tizon


Top Ten Movies with the Potential to Make You Cry

1. ET

2. Legends of the Fall

3. Empire of the Sun

4. Crash

5. What's Eating Gilbert Grape

6. Old Yeller

7. Life is Beautiful

8. Million Dollar Baby

9. An Affair to Remember

10. Hotel Rawanda

Not really in a sad mood so this post is a bit out of place. But I was also lazy.

Any to add to the list????

Just Like Music

DAILY QUOTES

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.
~Joseph Chilton Pearce

What worries you masters you.
~Haddon W. Robinson

Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.
~Sir Arthur Pinero



NANO

1. Where Is My Mind ~James Blunt

(Awesome Cover of The Pixies Tune)
2. Like Glue ~Sean Paul
3. Super Bad ~James Brown
4. Ghetto Musick ~Big Boi
5. If I Can't ~50 Cent




I crave music like a termite craves wood. I get on certain kicks too, and it doesn't take much to spark one. For instance: I watched the Fitty Cent movie the other night, then spent the next day rummaging thru all my cds to trying to find his first album, so that I could add it to the Nano. Also stumbled upon/realized the live James Blunt I downloaded some time ago included a cover of Where is My Mind by the Pixies. One of my absolute favorite Pixies tune, so naturally I rummaged around for Surfer Rosa (The Pixies album w/ that song). It keeps me going I suppose, although ironically my office has been silent since the new guy moved in. I know he isn't disturbed by it, but at a time when I need music the most to make the day go by faster, I'm not listening to any. I think right about now it's time to go charge the Nano and bring some aural flava to the office.
I also love the lineage or roots of a lot of music, and that's probably why I'm into Hip-Hop so much. I love trying to figure out what's been sampled and finding the original version. Or what other rapper/song is being paid homage/dissed and listening to that. I'd love t see someone come up with a family tree type of thing linking either other referenced/sampled songs to each other. I mean...I would do it but that takes a lot of effort and a some what OCD attitude, neither of which I have the patience for.
I'm always open to recommendations and new music, I will at least give it a listen. My tastes are so wide and varied in music, so I always keep an open mind.

ANY MUSIC SUGGESTIONS? LEAVE A COMMENT!!!

Sir Grot A Lot Pt.3 A Backdoor Man

DAILY QUOTES

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
~Chinese Proverb

The Eskimo has fifty-two names for snow because it is important to them; there ought to be as many for love.
~Margaret Atwood


JUST A REMINDER

Ooooo that's pretty.
Notice the 5 Lombardi Trophies.




Nano Nano
1. My Doorbell ~The White Stripes
2. Your Body ~Pretty Ricky
3. Good To You ~Talib Kweli
4. Born To Run ~The Boss
5. Guns Are Drawn ~The Roots





Went to Ella's w/ CNG and JD for some good food, sangria, and beer. On the way home I got acquainted with some Citizen Cope which I defiently dug/dig. CNG tries to get me to listen to some new music all the time like: THE STREETS. I won't lie but I'm somewhat of a hater when it comes to him, his flow is doo-doo and his beats are a little elementary. So naturally I was skeptical of the Citizen. But me likey. On the way home exhaustion wiped over my body, but I had enough energy to look over the FREE BOOKS that were on the side walk around the corner from my house. JD walked away with a new (to him) collection of travel books.

Here is possibly one of my favorite Sir Grot-a-lot stories:

NBA Playoffs, Wizards vs Bulls 2004 Game 3. The Baby Bulls were up 2-0. I picked up the tickets to his company's private suite a few days earlier. He was coming in form NYC so I met him at Union Station and we proceeded to MCI Center an hour early. The food and beverages were already set up so we chowed down before anyone else got there and shot the shit. It was a great game! The Wiz won and my boy Juan Dixon (your mouth) dropped something like 34 points! At this point he was dating his now fiancee for a little while and things were going pretty well except one thing. Let's just say SG has an affinity for a certain thing in the sack. He doesn't need it he just likes it. He's what you would call a backdoor man. He likes to enter through the exit. Ok fine. Not my cup o' tea but whatever floats your boat right? So...as the pumped up elated masses were getting on the metro, I asked him if he had gotten to do said act w/ new girlfriend yet. (She had been resisting, and I say good for her). The metro sation was wall to wall people and as loud as the arena was, but...above all the chatter in the middle of all those people SG yells, "NO!!!! SHE STILL WON'T LET ME STICK IT IN HER BUTT!!!!"

Gotta love Sir Grot!!!!

The Obligatory

DAILY QUOTES

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.
~Lao Tzu

I don't care if I fall as long as someone else picks up my gun and keeps on shooting.
~Che Guevara





This shit is Ba-NaNo

1. Beautiful Mess ~Diamond Rio

2. Apache ~Sugar Hill Gang

3. Dock of the Bay ~Otis Redding

4. Heavy Things ~Phish

5. Angels & Girlfriends ~Five for Fighting




So I guess I should recap the weekend. FRIDAY: Drove out to the boat with JD to help him fix/replace the steering in his boat . It took us longer to get across the bridge in to DC than it did to replace a steering mechanism and the linkage cable!!!! Well it had to be done even if it was raining, otherwise there would b no fishing anytime soon, and that just puts the whole F-N-G summer plans down the tube. SATURDAY: Went and saw Sketches of Frank Gehry at E ST w/ CNG. Great documentary about one of my favorite architects, and a true genius. (Also a Member of the Tribe) Night time is the right time. For a beautiful evening at Benjie and Yvonne's engagement party. The food was great, the bar was very acommodating, and I love to see two great families coming together like this. SUNDAY: Woke up as early as possible to do a little fishing, and I caught, rays, no not sting rays, but sun rays. Thats it. No fish. Nada. Just some sun. That is until the tunder storm popped up out of no where and we made the mad dash abck to the marina. It was a bit choppy, a bit wet, but kinda fun once we made it back safe and sound. There's the obligatory update...tomorrow...let's try somethin new!

930 Club Outing, Lots to See

DAILY QUOTES

That best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.
~William Wordsworth

The summer night is like a perfection of thought.
~Wallace Stevens

The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart. ~Josiah G. Holland



NANANANA...NANO!

1. Who Cares? ~Gnarls Barkley
2. All Along The Watch Tower ~Jimi Hendrix
3. Charlie ~RHCP
4. The Tracks Of My Tears ~The Miracles
5. Bring The Pain ~Method Man





Went to see Prefuse 73 last night at 930. My bro dragged me out to the show, I'm not really into that kind of music which my bro calls "post hip-hop," but I'm glad he did. The opening act Edan w/Dagha were awesome, really creative and super talented. They were a more a hip-hop I am used to, but also included some acoustic guitar and some kazoo. Apparently Edan is from Bethesda/Rockville originally and since he kept giving props to all the "middle aged jewish women" I can only assume he's a member of the tribe. I think I saw 1 MAJW in the crowd, maybe it was his moms. The boy could do it all though, spit, scratch strum and kazoo.
I'm definitely a people watcher and concerts area some of the best places to engage in this activity. I saw white, black, latina, asian and blasian. Hippies, Preppies, Dreds and Shaved Heads. Young, Old(er), Couples and Singles. Tatooed and Pierced, Smokers and Drinkers. People from Texas and a couple chicks that looked like my EXes. It was definitely a different mix than I've ever seen there before. The show was good my bro explained to me that it seemed experimental. Apparently Prefuse 73 is real big in San Fran and quite the name in the electronic/post hip-hop world. There were no breaks in his set, but also no lyrics either. Also you never know what this guy is gonna do, and rarely does he play stuff form his albums. Not sure I'm gonna get into this genre of music cuz you know us NASCAR lovers, we only like Budweiser, Southern Rock, fast cars and fast women. Yeeeehah.

Me Likey

DAILY QUOTES

Always behave like a duck - keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath.
~Jacob Braude

I do believe it is possible to create, even without ever writing a word or painting a picture, by simply molding one's inner life. And that too is a deed.
~Etty Hillesum

Damn niggas wanna stick me for my papers.
~Biggie Smalls (Is the Illest)


A LIST OF THINGS I LIKE

(With no particular order, rhyme or reason)

1. Lager
(Usually somehting un-pretentious aka Cheap Domestic)
2. Recognition of an obscure reference
3. NASCAR
4. Hip-Hop
5. Shots of So-Co and Lime

6. Thunder Storms

7. Fishing

8. A Healthy Backyard

(On a female)
9. Eggplant Parmagiana
10. The Duck Roll @ Bangkok 54
11. Easy Blog Topics
12. Helping out close friends
13. Moments when looks say it all
(I guess thats only sometimes, like when I'm in agreement with the look)
14. Cooking for someone special
15. Soreness after a good workout
16. Mom's Potato Salad
17. Architecture
18. The "butterfly feeling" in your stomach about another person
19. Regular Coke lots o' ice

20. Hitting a game winning shot
21. Lists that could go on forever