A Bokononist Blog

Impending Kismet of a 33rd Birthday

2010-10-05T12:05:00.012-04:00

gQuotes

One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.
-Henry Miller

One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds.
-Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

The gem cannot be polished without friction, not a man perfected without trials.
-Chinese Proverb

gPod

1. Lake Michigan – Rogue Wave
2. Tyrant – The Bravery
3. Many Rivers to Cross – Jimmy Cliff
4. Carmencita – Devendra Banhart
5. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) – Arcade Fire
6. Iron Lion Zion – Bob Marley
7. Juicy – The Notorious B.I.G.
8. Caution – Bob Marley
9. What You Want – The Roots
10. Rebirth of Slick – Digable Planets

In a couple days I will turn 33. Am I filled with anxiety, dread, or the creaks, aches, and stiffness of an old man? Certainly I am not filled with dread or anxiety...creaks, aches, and stiffness...sometimes. I am approaching this birthday with an open mind. 3 is one of my lucky numbers...so this year should be double-lucky for me. So I look ahead with an open, hopeful mind, like a savvy veteran gambler plunking down $100 on #3 at the roulette table (although in reality #5 has hit big for me). Some that know me would say I am wide-eyed optimist, and it may be true those wide-eyes are covered by rose-colored glasses. Those that really know me may understand why. I've never faced insurmountable tragic circumstances, been destituted (thank you Mike Tyson), or completely bust. I have hit a bottom before though, and with the help of friends and family pulled myself up by the boot straps. I proved to myself that I have can master all those things that I have control over in my life. Hitting that bottom has made me appreciate what I have, humbled me, and also taught me life doesn't always turn out like you expect. If you ask me "Was this the life you saw for yourself?" I would say no, but the young man who had a plan is a damn fool for trying to plan in the first place. I am happy in my life, maybe happier because things didn't go with the "plan." I do know that when my birthday comes around this year I will be surrounded by people I love, and people that love me...and that's the best present of all.

After that semi-heavy harangue here are some baby pictures to laugh at. I used to be cute...not sure what happened!?!

Soup's On!

2010-09-28T15:02:00.005-04:00

gQuotes

Smart & Funny Jews Edition: 2 Alberts and a Mel

My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.
-Albert Einstein

The important thing is not to stop questioning.
-Albert Einstein

Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you walk into an open sewer and die.
-Mel Brooks

gPod
1. If I Die Young – The Band Perry
2. We’re All In This Together – OCMS
3. Emotional Rescue – The Rolling Stones
4. Shining Star – Earth, Wind & Fire
5. Rumble – Link Wray
6. May This Be Love – Jimi Hendrix
7. Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns – Mother Love Bone
8. Bad Reputation – Freedy Johnston
9. I Would Die 4 U – Prince
10. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ – Michael Jackson

I’ve recently re-continued my Low-Carb/South Beach diet. I had some great success with it losing about 3olbs, and coming in 3rd place in a “Biggest Loser” competition at my office. While I didn’t gain all of it back, I gained enough back that I needed a fresh start. I’ve dropped about 10 lbs, but have a way to go before I’m really where I need to be. Part of my relapse/weight gain was because I did not make it a complete lifestyle choice, and instead chose “enjoy life” and all of its deliciousness. I will chalk it up to a lesson learned and I have rededicated myself to making better food choices. Along those lines something I have been trying to do is make 90-100% of my own food at home on a weekly basis. For a long time I have felt the need to make stuff from scratch for several reasons; 1) I know what’s going into every dish, 2) its cheaper, and 3) cooking is an enjoyable, creative, and relaxing hobby. The desire to cook from scratch also led me to my infamous challah baking frenzy, which is still not done for those of you who are yet to receive a New Year challah from me. I don’t like to toot my own horn, but I’m a pretty good cook…I really wouldn’t believe it if it weren’t for the occasional praise I get. I thought I would share this recipe which was produced out of trial and error, reading other recipes, and from my brain.

Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Leek Soup w/ Bacon Crispies

This version yields about 2 generous servings, but can easily be adjusted to make more.

½ Head of Cauliflower (Chopped Roughly)
½ Head of Broccoli (Chopped Roughly)
1 Leek (Sliced fairly fine…use the white part only)
2-3 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
2-4 Slices of Thick-Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon(Sliced into small bacon-bit sized pieces)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
½ Cup Cream (I used Low-Fat Heavy Whipping Cream, but use any variation)
1-2 cups Vegetable Stock (Chicken Stock can be used too)
Salt and Pepper to taste (not much salt is needed, the bacon takes care of that.)

1. In a big soup/pasta pot, heat the olive oil. (Temp should be on medium/medium-high)
2. Once hot add the bacon pieces.
3. Let the bacon get nice and crispy and all the delicious fat render out.
4. Remove the bacon crispies and reserve on a paper towel. (I started a big plate for reserved items because you will need to reserve some of the veggies too!)
5. Add the Garlic, Leeks, Cauliflower, and Broccoli to the olive oil/bacon fat.
6. Add some fresh cracked black pepper.
7. Cook the Veggies until you get some good color/caramelization, but not completely soft.
8. Remove about 1/8 – 1/4 of the veggies and reserve for later.
9. Add enough Vegetable Stock so it doesn’t quite cover the veggies.
10. Scrape all the caramelized goodness off the bottom of the pan and let the veggies cook until they are soft.
11. Once the veggies are soft, add the Cream.
12. Cook and stir mixture, remove from heat before the cream comes to a boil.
13. Add the entire mixture to a blender (can be done in batches) and blend in unti creamy smooth. (Salt can be added at this point if needed)
14. Pour the creamy, pale green soup in to bowls and top with the reserved veggies and bacon crispies!
15. ENJOY!!

More gKU

2010-09-24T10:19:00.004-04:00

gQuotes

It is well to give when asked but it is better to give unasked, through understanding.

- Kahlil Gibran

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe.

- Carl Sagan

gTunes

1. Possum Kingdom – Toadies
2. We used to Wait – Arcade Firesa
3. Forca – Nelly Furtado
4. Shutterbug – Big Boi
5. Wicked Game - Chris Isaak
6. Behind The Sun – RHCP
7. Cold War – Janelle Monae
8. Kids – MGMT
9. Run Through The Jungle – CCR
10. Hook – Blues Traveler

gKu
(Like a Haiku, but syllables/line are 3-6-7)

J – M - U
Beat the nutless turkeys
Still riding high from the win.

Delicious
Apples, berries, and fruits
I purchase at the market

Fluffy bread
I bake for my loved ones
Smiles abound for me too

L'Shana Tova for the 5771

2010-09-08T23:19:00.006-04:00

gQuotes

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.

-ee cummings

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.

-Albert Einstein

gTunes

1. Kids -MGMT
2. Haiti -Arcade Fire
3. Shutterbug -Big Boi
4. Not Afraid - Eminem
5. How I Got Over -The Roots
6. Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) -Arcade Fire
7. Electric Feel -MGMT
8. Ready to Start -Arcade Fire
9. Night Night -The Roots
10. Wake Up -Arcade Fire
11. Carmensita -Devendra Banhart
12. Past My Shades -B.O.B.
13. Same Shit, Different Day -Young Gunz
14 The Fire -The Roots
15. The Suburbs -Arcade Fire

L'Shana Tova everyone! That's happy new year for my goyim readers. Trying to start the blog back up again because of a friendly nudge and that familiar feeling of re-dedication and refreshing good intentions in a new year. It may be a little trite to write about fresh-starts or new endeavors for the new year, but for many of us tradition and ritual often evoke practiced behavior. If your intentions are good than more power to you, if you actually follow through and reach your goal even more power to you. I have so much to write about: movies I need o review, new music, JMU Football, Steelers Football, and of course the obligatory life as I know it posts.

L'Shana Tova!! Wishing all my friends and the world at large a peaceful, sweet, and happy new year!

gCritic: Soldier of Love, Indiscreet, and A Serious Man

2010-02-14T17:36:00.010-05:00

gQuotes

We live in a rainbow of chaos.
- Paul Cezanne

He never knew when he was whipped ... so he never was.
- Louis L'Amour

If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor.
- Albert Einstein

gTunes

1. Pata Pata -Miriam Makeba
2. Hallelujah -K.D. Lang (Vancouver Olympics)
3. Trouble -Ray LaMontagne
4. Stay -Sugarland
5. Fall On My Knees -OCMS
6. I Run To You -Lady Antebellum
7. 1901 -Phoenix
8. Show Me What I'm Looking For -Carolina Liar
9. Afraid -Nelly Furtado
10. Beach Chair -Jay-Z

gTunes Extended: Soldier of Love - Sade

I've always liked Sade, but I usually have to be in just the right mellow mood or craving some 80s/90s nostalgia. I like to test new music by putting my headphones in after I get in bed and the lights are out. One of too things happens if the album is a good one: 1) I fall asleep in the first two songs and wake up with the earbuds still plugged into my noggin, or 2) I stay up and listen to the entire album despite how tired I am, because I can't wait to hear where the artist will take me next. Yes my method is unorthodox at best, but it works. I can tell you the later scenario happened with Sade's newest offering, Soldier of Love. Sade explores the emotions I wanted to with a unique perspective, and a sound that isn't unexpected, but new and refreshing. Maturity, sensuality, growth, vulnerability, and raw emotion rule the album. I give it 5gs outta 5.

gFlix: Indiscreet & A Serious Man

Normally I like to get one new/newer release and an older movie. Most times my older movie choice is a Cary Grant movie or something from his era. I really enjoyed this movie, although it is billed a romantic comedy, I found it to be much more...a slice of life, adult love affairs and their complications, some tragedy...go with comedy in just the right spots. The comedy was the comedy you would find in everyday life, and nothing over the top, I appreciated that very much, as if the director trusted me. Of course Ingrid Bergman (possibly the most beautiful actress of all time) provided a fiery, passionate, and drop dead gorgeous presence and performance. Cary Grant was his usual smooth talking but slightly goofy and humble decent man. His character's decency is questioned in this movie, but that only allows for the movie to explore adult relationships. Despite the somewhat predictable ending, if you love love you will like this movie.
I give it 5 gs ond it outta 5.

I loved this movie 5 gs outta 5. I think most people would find it somewhat slow and tedious, but the everyday pace of life is perfectly mimicked. Judaism is a central theme, which I appreciated. I believe this movie explains Judaism very well. You may not find the answers you want, you may not find any answers at all, from this movie or Judaism. To me the most beautiful thing about Judaism, what I believe my faith centers around is that implores you to ask questions. The questions, the journey in your mind to answer those questions is where you find Adonai.
5 gs outta 5

gPoetry

2010-02-03T20:43:00.009-05:00

gQuotes

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.
e e cummings

An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.
Charles Bukowski

The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom.
William Blake

gTunes

Sinner Man - Peter Tosh
Gone - Kanye West f. Cam'Ron
Hook - Blues Traveler
I Don't Know What To Tell You - Redrama
21st Century - RHCP
Roses - Andre 3000
Good To You - Talib Kweli
Like A Prayer - Madonna
Change On Me - Cynthia
LoveStoned/I Think She Knows Interlude - Justin Timberlake

gPoetry

gKu
(Like a Haiku, but syllables/line are 3-6-7...after my two favorite Steelers #36 Jerome Bettis and #7 Ben Roethlisberger)

Clump of snow
Fell from above and burst
Like Tinkerbell breaking wind.

Meathead Haiku
(syllables/line 2-5-0...because that's what he benches...duh)

I shake
The protein for my muscles.

Math Nerds Haiku
(syllables/line 3-1-4 as in Pi...3.14)

Showing your
work
is essential.

gDondeHayAmorHayDolor

2010-01-29T18:02:00.005-05:00

gQuotes

Choose always the way that seems the best, however rough it may be; custom will soon render it easy and agreeable.
Pythagoras

Donde hay amor, hay dolor.
Spanish Proverb

Action is eloquence.
William Shakespeare

gTunes

1. If I Die Young -The Band Perry

2. Big Sciota Old Crow Medicine Show

3. Breaking The Girl -Red Hot Chili Peppers

4. Behind The Wall -Tracy Chapman

5. Lost? -Coldplay

6. Southern Voice -Tim McGraw

7. Time Won’t Let Me Go -The Bravery

8. We Came Up (Crystal Stair) -Tek & Steele featuring Talib Kweli

9. War -Big Boi (Outkast)

10. Wicked Game -Chris Isaak

gTunes Extended

Some time ago in my quest to find good music I could listen to at work I stumbled across a Country station out of Iowa, 97.3 The Hawk. The morning show is down to earth, fun, and they play great tunes (for those that like country). They also have a great Fresh Faces feature where they introduce up and coming bands and artists. One great band that has been featured lately is The Band Perry. I urge you all to check them out, even non-Country fans will appreciate them.

97.3 The Hawk

The Band Perry
If I Die Young

gLibations

Due to my commitment to healthy living and a low-carb diet, I’ve had to give up my alcoholic beverage of choice: beer. Mmmmmm…beer. I know the empty calories of all alcoholic beverages are not good for any diet, but as they say moderation is key. Man cannot live on lean meats, green vegetables and cheeses alone. I did my research and found that most spirits contain no carbs at all. My gag reflex used to kick in at the thought of bourbon, but I figured in my older, mellower, wiser years I would give it a second chance. I actually first started drinking and enjoying bourbon a couple years ago the first time I tried a low-carb diet. I started off (at Ciabatta Bread’s recommendation) with a very smooth very decent whiskey, Maker’s Mark. I like Maker’s mark because it’s smooth and you can pick out the distinct caramel burnt oak flavors. My goal is to continue to refine my palette and find more bourbons that I like. At Hugenot’s annual; holiday party I purchased and enjoyed Jefferson’s. it was very good quality but not quite as smooth as Maker’s. Last weekend FlowersChild recommended Basil Hayden, which I enjoyed so much I drank all night (3-4 drinks) and it may have knocked Maker’s from its lofty perch of go-to bourbon choice. I’d love to try more and hope maybe you can leave a comment with a suggestion or too.

gHealth&Fitness

Waist and belly shrinking…biceps and pectorals growing and toning.

I’m so sick of a 2-egg breakfast I decided to replace it with a protein shake with the previously mentioned Whey Protein Isolate. Here is my recipe:

· 1 cup non-fat or low fat plain yogurt

· 1 cup frozen mixed berries

· 1 ½ scoops whey protein isolate

· 1/3 to ½ cup vanilla soy milk

Throw all that stuff in a blender…blend…drink.

gState Of The Union

2010-01-27T21:38:00.006-05:00

gQUOTES

You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.
– Henry Ford

Stay far from timid, only make moves when your hearts in it, and live the phrase sky's the limit.
– The Notorious B.I.G.

gTunes

1. Up The Beach – Jane's Addiction
2. Ted, Just Admit It... – Jane's Addiction
3. Idiots Rule – Jane's Addiction
4. Jane Says – Jane's Addiction
5. No One's Leaving – Jane's Addiction
6. Ain't No Right – Jane's Addiction
7. Pigs In Zen – Jane's Addiction
8. I Would For You – Jane's Addiction
9. Sympathy – Jane's Addiction
10. Mountain Song – Jane's Addiction

gBoobTube

State of The Union Address
I appreciated he message and the tone.

gStateOfTheUnion

Every time I hear our President Barack Obama speak I am inspired. Am I bleeding heart liberal? Yes. But my feelings and thoughts go beyond any political leanings. Am I mesmerized by Obama's charisma, oratory skill, and hype? No. I focus on the words not the delivery, I focus on the meaning, the intent, and the ideas. I truly believe that if Barack Obama means what he says and every American can focus on helping each other, we will build a more close knit and stronger nation...a nation we can be proud of.

gSimplePleasures

Listening to Jane's Addiction while doing dishes, and confirming my opinion that the music Jane's Addicton created still rocks!

gHealth&Fitness

I am gung-ho about losing weight and eating right. I just purchased my first 2lb container of whey protein, and subscribed to Men's Health magazine. Am I turning in to a meathead? (Just kidding no offense ton meatheads, Men's Health subscribers, and whey protein ingesters.

gFoodStuffs

Trader Joe's pesto marinated chicken breasts...yum.

Madhouse

2010-01-25T20:19:00.006-05:00

gQUOTES

In a mad world only the mad are sane.
– Akira Kurosawa

I don't really trust a sane perso
– Lyle Alzado

gTunes

1. Happy Valentine's Day – Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. Where Is My Mind – James Blunt (Cover)
3. That's Where It's At – Sam Cooke
4. Orgullecida – Buena Vista Social Club
5. One – U2
6. God's Gonna Cut You Down – Johnny Cash
7. Ghetto Bastard – Naughty By Nature
8. So High – John Legend
9. On My Way – Talib Kweli
10. The Payback – James Brown

gBoobTube
Watch this stuff because I say its good:

Madhouse
History Channel's documentary/reality show all about open wheel racing, family feuds, and the foundations of NASCAR...present day!

Accidentally on Purpose
Very funny comedy on after HIMYM, it rips off the movie Knocked Up, but a little secret...it's funnier.

Goongagaloonga...So I Got That For Me, Which Is Nice

2010-01-21T12:08:00.004-05:00

gQUOTES

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.
– John Adams

You know it's funny when it rains it pours
They got money for wars, but can't feed the poor.
– Tupac Shakur

gTunes

1. Wax and Wane – Deftones
2. Higher Ground – Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Hide and Seek – Imogen Heap
4. Need You Tonight – INXS
5. Van Diemen’s Land – U2
6. Something More – Sugarland
7. Trouble – Ray LaMontagne
8. The Rooster – Big Boi (Outkast)
9. Gimmie Shelter – The Rolling Stones
10. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show

I am in desperate need for some new-to-me music, especially for working out.
Any suggestions/recommendations????

gFlix

Normally I review movies I have seen recently, whether they are new or old. However today’s gFlix is about a TV show I saw last night on the Biography Channel about one of my favorite movies of all time, so I got that going for me which is nice. Hopefully you guessed right, it was an inside look at the making of Caddyshack! I’ll spare the nitty gritty but it was a great show with terrific insight, such as Rodney Dangerfield’s audition. This was Rodney’s first real movie, and times were much different. Rodney walked into the room, cut four lines of coke, snorted them all, and said, “Let’s Eat!”
Another bit o’ information that I found amazing was, Bill Murray’s character Carl Spangler had absolutely no lines written for him. Everything you see in the movie is pure Murray improvisation. That doesn’t shock me but makes me appreciate his comic genius even more.

gHomeOwnership

Pops signed me up for a service contract with a great HVAC company. So far the service has been great! But I will refrain from plugging them until their job is done. What was supposed to be a routine checkup and initial visit turned into a cracked heat exchanger, a chilly work from home day, $$$$$, and a new furnace. Gotta love home ownership!

Restart

2010-01-18T20:24:00.009-05:00

Guess who's back?
Maybe...

Quotes

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.

- Bill Clinton

Let the world change you and you can change the world.

-Che Guevara

Playlist

1. Push Up On Me -Rihanna
2. Stay -Sugarland
3. On Call -Kings Of Leon
3. Run to You -Lady Antebellum
4. Breathe -U2
5. Mountain Song -Jane's Addiction

I have been thinking about starting the blog back up, and all though this first post, in a very long time, is mediocre at best...it is a start and effort to continue A Bokononist Blog. I promise to write more very soon!

The Mackey Water Method Megapost

2008-07-28T19:53:00.014-04:00

Note: For The Mackey Water Method scroll all the way down,
but risk missing some movie and music reviews.

Quotes

These are my new shoes. They're good shoes. They won't make you rich like me, they won't make you rebound like me, they definitely won't make you handsome like me. They'll only make you have shoes like me. That's it.
~Charles Barkley

Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.
Rate this Quote! Tell a Friend
~Mies van der Rohe

gDiet

Target Weight Loss: 80lbs

Weight Loss to Date: 9lbs

gPod

1. Hero ~Nas
2. It Could Be Sweet ~Portishead
3. Black President ~Nas
4. Desperation ~Miranda Lambert
5. Sly Fox ~Nas
6. Respect This Hustle ~TI

Nas' new album...Untitled...(The Powers That Be stifled Nas' 1st amendment rights by not letting him name it N***** ). For whatever shock value that has it's legit. Maybe it is meant to shock, but Nas uses the n word as a jumping off point to explore the deeper more unsettling covert and overt racism that clouds this country, the corrupt media, and returns to his roots...the QB. When I first heard Nas' first album Illmatic, I was transported to QB, to the rough, hustled streets of Nas' hometown. I had never heard and still rarely hear albums that completely speak to me. This was one. It was obvious what this supreme (possibly best ever) lyricist was hustlin and strugglin to stay alive, to earn, and to make it. It was real, everyword was believeable, and I wanted so much for this honest man to make it. This album while completely different speaks honest to me as much as the first one...this time not about QB but our entire nation.

gPlex

Maybe I should rename this blog to Sammy's Music n' Movie Fixins Bar
I saw all of the following movies in the theater...let's go in chronological order.

Rating Scale:
Capers = 1 Magen David aka Star
add Onions = 2 Magen David aka Stars
add Lox = 3 Magen David aka Stars
add Cream Cheese = 4 Magen David aka Stars
add Pumpernickel Bagel = 5 Magen David aka Stars

(I have just created the most Jewish Movie rating system ever!!! Wait how do I do half stars?)

Wanted

Rating: Pumpernickel Bagel with CC, Lox, Onion and Capers

This flick was great, it had action in ways that have never been done before, humor, and a great story and plot. Did I mention Angelina's ass? Yeah there was that too.

Step Brothers

Rating: Capers, Onions, Lox, and CC

Stupid meet stupid. I laughed the entire time. IN the vein of Dumb and Dumber, but with that special John C. Ferrell-Mckay twist.

The Dark Knight

Rating: A Dozen Pumpernickel Bagels with all the fixins'.

This was the best of all worlds, it is so many genres mixed in to one movie. Not only was the summer blockbuster, but it was the summer blockbuster minus that annoying cotton-candy-like pop bullshit. Replace that predictable summer schlock and replace it with real suspense, drama, self exploration, and true terror, and you get The Dark Knight. There were no explosions for explosions sake, they all had meaning and impact. This is a must see.

The Mackey Water Method

The MWM was derived from a strange ritual one of a former roommate/friend. Mackey was a bit odd, but one of the nicest guys in the world. This 6'8" lanky hippie from the Eastern Shore of VA could not play basketball a lick, but could ride his mountain bike for days. He had a very set routine, which I found myself doing tonight:

Materials: Tap Water, 1 Camel Pak, 1 plastic water container, 1 Brita water pitcher

1. Fill Brita pitcher and plastic jug and put in refrigerator
2. When water is oild ... fill Camel Pak with Brita Water
3. Fill Brita from Plastic jug ensuring the water is already cold as it is filtered
4. Refill plastic jug and place Brita an plastic jug in frig
5. Repeat everyday, sometimes 2-3 times a day

Sweeter Than A Plate of Yams With Extra Syrup

2008-07-23T20:44:00.008-04:00

Quotes

Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.
~Buddha

During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.

~George Orwell

We are all cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.

~Ray Bradbury

gPod/The Hawk

1. Summertime ~Kenny Chesney

2. Swollen Summer ~The Bravery

3. Dry Town ~Miranda Lambert

5. Don't Think I Don't Think About It ~Darius Rucker

6. Johnny and June ~Heidi Newfield

7. Cleaning This Gun ~Rodney Atkins

8. Don't Feel Right ~The Roots

9. SpottieOttieDopalicous ~Outkast

10. Sly Fox ~Nas

gFlix

The Assasination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford

I loved this movie. I've been on a Western kick lately, but this really can't be lumped in to that genre. This is a deep study in the mind of a genius, psychotic, lovable gang leader and killer.

Brad Pitt's performance was incredible, scary, frightening, jocular, and down creepy...but damn good. Casey Affleck was really good too, he makes his character's transformation very believable.

A Fistful of Dollars

I had never seen this classic and brilliant piece of cinema, and I was ashamed of that. I rectified the situation, and as expected absolutely loved this movie!

For a Few Dollars More

I couldn't just watch the first movie in the Man w/ No Name Trilogy, could I? Sergio Leone does it again!

So living like a hermit doe not exactly mesh with my social personality and lifestyle. As much as it my wallet likes there is a compromised ground both can coexist. I have implemented several cost saving and planning measures that keep me organized, paying bills on time, save me some duckets, improve my overall well being, and therefore make me a better happier person (according to my own criteria, of course). You could say I am in a transitional phase of my life, trying to institute several self-improvement practices. First and foremost on the list of concerns are my finances, but a very close second and most recent is my weight. So I have begin down the path of the low-carb diet, specifically The South Beach Diet. I have despised and detested fad diets, in particular low-carb diets. But I made a promise to myself and my family that I would try this for one month. My family has used this diet in the past with significant success, and as I find myself weighing in at the most I’ve ever weighed every time I step on a scale, my time had come. I’ve tried other things in the past with success but always seem to lose interest or fail to stick to it. I prefer a diet with structure and instructions, it takes a lot of guess work out of it. South Beach so far has provided this, but also some flexibility in recipes. There are 3 Phases, Phase 1 is little to no carbs or sugar, in order to shock you system, and eliminate cravings for sugar and carbs. Phase 2 is the long term weight loss phase, which you remain in for howver long it takes to reach your goal weight, and Phase 3 dictates how and what to eat for the rest of your life. So I am in Day 4 of the 2-3 Week Phase 1.

gDiet

Target Weight Loss: 80lbs

Weight Loss to Date: 4lbs

Penamientos

2008-07-08T20:08:00.005-04:00

Quotes

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.
~Robert Frost

If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.
~Arab Proverb

gPod
Brief but w/ Thoughts Edition
1. Lost ~Coldplay
The very first time I heard this song, I heard the acoustic version. The soulful, ponderous, but pure lyrics seemed not only to fit the the crisp clean piano, but the format too. I am now obsessed with the electric version of this song (TD can testify, can I get an amen?) The beat is what draws me in. I love when I'm surprised and this song in electric surprised the shit outta me.
2. Should've Said No ~Taylor Swift
I love the way this girl hits the high notes. Even better when you know it's her real voice and doesn't lip-sync during her awesome performance on the Country Music Awards. http://youtube.com/watch?v=ArGFNYrazCU
3. Home ~Blake Shelton
I'm a sucker for a love song.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall
One of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. Gotta love dollar days at the Arlington Cinema n' Dafthouse

How do you interrupt a girl swimming laps to try an spit some game?

I haven't been successful as a hermit.

Don't crush on interns.

Go to the pool more.

The One Where I Become a Hermit

2008-07-02T22:02:00.005-04:00

Quotes

I'm living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.
~e e cummings

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.
~Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)

Love is not blind - it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less.
~Rabbi Julius Gordon

gPod Nano

1. Lost ~Coldplay
2. Sould've Said No ~Taylor Swift
3. Mud On The Tires ~Brad Paisley
4. Gunpowder & Lead ~Miranda Lambert
5. International Harvester ~Craig Morgan
6. Just Got Started Lovin' You ~James Otto
7. Alcohol ~Brad Paisley
8. These Are My People ~Rodney Atkins
9. Watching Airplanes ~Gary Allan
10. Songs About Me ~Trace Adkins

I am on the verge of becoming a hermit...giving up all fun in the name of financial stability. I have an imperfect storm of money woes and dreams swirling around me. I am starting a serious endeavor of purchasing a home. This is my first purchase of this type and in some sort of great way it will actually make my month to month financial health better and easier. I realize this isn't the only answer and have decided to stop by several retail chains after work tomorrow to get applications. So my penny pinching starts and wihtin in weeks or months this will be me:

I have already implemented some cost savings efforts in my life by bringing my lunch to work more and trying to take the bus/metro. The fact is I must be vigilant and zealous in these pursuits, lock it down, take on a second job, and begin the job search in earnest. Fare thee well my friends I fear I may drop off the social world and become this:

Why I'm pinching this penny.

Hermit....crab.

Duck You Sucker

2008-06-10T18:02:00.009-04:00

Quotes

Love rules without rules.
~Italian Proverb

Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand.
~American Indian Proverb

He who can't endure the bad will not live to see the good.
~Yiddish Proverb

gPod Naners

1. The Gathering ~Living Legends
2. Lost ~Coldplay
3. Anti Matter ~N.E.R.D.
4. Strawberry Swing ~ColdPlay
5. The Time ~The Grouch
6. Long As I Can See The Light ~CCR
7. She Wants Me ~Living Legends
8. Violet Hill ~Coldplay
9. Simple Man ~Lynrd Skynrd
10. Find Out Who Your Friends Are ~Tracy Lawerence

gPlex

I absolutely loved this Sergio Leone directed mini epic. I was first introduced to this film by pure chance, and maybe that is a part of why I love it. TD and I were flipping through the channels the morning before leaving for Darlington, and stumbled across this gem. Of course we were hooked by the name, James Coburn as star, and the Western genre, which I have been trying to get into more as of late. BY the time we got back from Darlington the movie was no longer available On-Demand. Netflix Baby. The film's strange tone is set by the very opening scene of close ups of rich muckity mucks mouths eating sloppy nasty food and denigrating a Mexican stage coach hitch-hiker. From then on the movie takes several twists and turns and graduates from typical Western in to a fight larger than life and a story as common heartbeats in man. This film has a some what rich history and I urge all Sergio Leone fans to read up. Gee Scale: 9 outta 10.

Don Cheadle gives a great performance as ex-con, revolutionary, Washington, DC DJ Petey Green. I grew up and live in the DC Metro are, and had never heard of Petey Green. Granted Petey was on air well before I was even a thought. It was a great biopic and a glimpse into Washington DC history I never had any contact with. Gee Scale: 7 outta 10.

As some am a huge Cary Grant fan, this was my motivation for renting this movie. I had also heard how great it was from several sources. I normally dislike Jimmy Stewart but was pleasantly surprised by his performance. One third screw-ball comedy, one third romantic comedy, one third discussion of the separation in classes. I loved this movie. Oh and Katherine Hepburn was great too! Gee Scale: 9 outta 10.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while and I'm leaving you with only a movie review, but I hope to get back in the swing of things soon.

RIP Heddy...That's Hedley Lamar

2008-05-29T19:53:00.004-04:00

Quotes

The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else.
~Umberto Eco

So long as I'm the president, my measure of success is victory - and success.
~George W. Bush

gPOd

1. My Good Gal ~OCMS
2. Falling Down ~Duran Duran
3. Baby Please ~Jurassic 5
4. Forca ~Nelly Furtado
5. The General Specific ~Band of Horses
6. Natty Dread ~Bob Nesta Marley
7. Long As I Can See The Light ~CCR
8. Simple Man ~Lynrd SkynrdBlogger: A Bokononist Blog - Create Post
9. Out Of Line ~The Bravery
10. A Worried Man ~The Kingston Trio

My goal for this summer, is a lofty one...and possibly a repeat from years past...play golf at least once a week. I can't think of a more rewarding, way to both torture my self and procrastinate at the same time.

No pontificating, but a solemn safe home and rest in peace to Harvey Korman. I salute thee straight man extrodanaire. Yu may knw him as Hedley Lamar in Blazing Saddles, the Carol Burnett Show, and a host of other roles. Few men can play the straight man as well as Harvey Korman did, and a true comedy fan knows it's the straight man that makes the joke work.

Here are a couple clips from Blazing Saddles for your enjoyment.

Darlington Stripe

2008-05-15T19:18:00.011-04:00

GQuotes

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
~Albert Camus

In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning, day after day.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald

gPod Darlington Shuffle

1. Fortunate Son ~CCR
2. Knock Me Down ~RHCP
3. Carribean Queen ~Billy Ocean
4. Ring of Fire ~Johnny Cash
5. Heavy Things ~Phish
6. Show Them To Me ~Rodney Carrington
7. Gone ~Montgomery Gentry
8. Lollipop ~Lil Wayne
9. Buzzin' ~Shwayze
10. Birthday Girl~The Roots

I reckon I should have written this blog some weeks ago...like right after the trip to Darlington, SC for the Dodge Challenger 500. Well ole JD, TD and I decided to rent an RV an head down to the races. The track at Darlington is the 2nd oldest in all the land, and a historic track if just for the great races that take place every time the green flag is waved. NASCAR is a state of mind, and with an RV rented, plenty of hotdogs, hamburgers, Ukrops baked goods, beer, cigars, and anticipation, we were all in a Darlington state of mind. A blazing 96 degrees but beautiful blues skies and breezes ruled the weekend. We may not have been in a party zone or much of a party mood, but just hanging and enjoying time off wiht friends was enough. We missed the truck race, but managed to make it to both the Nationwide series and Nextel Cup races. With a brand new surface this track was bound to be crazy. There were a coupl of good wrecks but mostly the track was fast! The Nationwide race was great offering one of the most horrific crashes I've seen live by Matt (Kensoo) Kenseth. It was more loud than anything else. Thankfully Kenseth walked away unscathed. I almost did not however...After the Cup race as we walked the 2 miles back around the track to our RV (DONT EVER RENT FROM CRUISE AMERICA!!!EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER CALL ME DR. PERRY COX EVER EVER EVER EVER) I was almost hit by Juan Pablo Montoya's Golf cart! I screamed "Don't hit me Juan Pablo, don't hit me!!!!!" He looked less than thrilled. But we all got our Darlington stripe...of which there are many definitions...these two:
DARLINGTON STRIPE URBAN DICTIONAR Y

But my theory is the Darlington stripe is just the badge of honor you wear, and the happiness in your heart after hanging with your buds in beautiful Darlington, SC on race weekend....ummmmm...nooooooooooo, come on, really?
Actually I believe the Darlington Stripe is the white magnesium mark left on your back from the 50+ year old galvanized, top halves of folding chairs anchored in concrete. Or it could be the guy puking on himself 3 people down from me.....

Enjoy the pics and video!

Our RV....Don't rent from Cruise America...ever

Flip Flops

Fume el rubusto de JR's Discount Tobacco
(Actually JR's is the biggest and best cigar store I've ever seen!)

Right over there...is Miss South Carolina

Darlington Panorama, I learned how to take this shot sitting in my seat before the race started. This was my first attempt! Click for full effect.

Anthem and Flyover

Wrap-around. Great shot by JD, and in only one take!!

Tony wraps it in one take too!

Green Scimitars

2008-04-28T21:53:00.005-04:00

SumpinSumpin

2008-04-14T20:31:00.004-04:00

Wiberty

2008-03-25T18:08:00.006-04:00

Quotes

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.

~John Adams

That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them.

Artcile II of the Virginia Decleration of Rights
~George Mason, Principle Author

gPod

1. Time Won't Let Me Go ~The Bravery
2. Blue-Eyed Girl ~OCMS
3. Play Your Cards Right ~Common
4. The Legend of John Henry's Hammer ~Johnny Cash
5. Hi-Definiton ~Lupe Fiasco/Pooh Bear/Snoop Dogg
6. Lollipop ~Lil Wayne
7. Little Sadie ~OCMS

So it's been a little while...as usual, but I won;t bore you with the seemingly repetitive ups and downs of my life.

GO NATS!
GO UNITED!!

And here is a bit of my current photo/art project.
I like, is very nice.

Fall On My Knees

2008-03-09T20:11:00.004-04:00

Quotes Proverbs Edition

If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.
Arab Proverb

He that can't endure the bad, will not live to see the good.
~Jewish Proverb

Hold a true friend with both hands.
~Nigerian Proverb

gPod

1. Dream ~Alice Smith
2. Fall On My Knees ~OCMS
3. It Don't Make Any Difference To Me ~Kevin Michael
4. Gansta Boogie ~Love Stink
5. Don't Make Me Wait ~The World Fair
6. Superstar ~Lupe Fiasco w/ Matthew Santos
7. When Did Your Heart Go Missing? ~Rooney

The 2 lines in Alicia Keys' Where Do We Go From Here are:

We're at the crossroads, my dear
Where do we go from here?

Nothing could ring more true for me at 11111 days old. Yes it's true today is my 11111. Should I go back to school? If I do for what? Creative Writing/Children's Literature? Social Work? Library Science? I want a new career path, but I'm not sure what new field is best for me.
Oy Vey.
Do I put my quest for partnership and love on hold to work on myself? Can I do everything at once? Did I really sign up for speed dating?

The JMU Basketball Dukes may not have won a game in the CAA tournament, but the 3 and half hour, torrential rain soaked car ride was worth going to the game with 2 of my best friends, seeing little Lucas, running into a handful of friends at the game, and kickin some ass on the Wii!
I'm happy to have my brother in town, even if we butt heads.
I saw my cousin for the first time in god-knows-how-many years, and enjoyed the transverse across the city, alot got packed into that 20 minute ride!

Discovered some new (to me) bluegrass:
Linky Below
Carolina Chocolate Drops

Carolina Chocolate Drops covering Hit Em' Up Style

More!

Falling Down

2008-02-24T18:50:00.003-05:00

Quotes

Learn to value yourself, which means: to fight for your happiness.
~Ayn Rand

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.
~Marcel Proust

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and the sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.
~Kahlil Gibran

gPod

1. Falling Down ~Duran Duran
2. I'm On Fire ~Bruce Springsteen
3. Out Of My Mind ~James Blunt
4. Gone ~Kanye West f. COnsequence & Cam'Ron
5. Nothing Compares To You ~Sinead O'Connor
6. The Only Living Boy In New York ~Simon & Garfunkel
7. No Ones Gonna Love You ~Band Of Horses
8. Take Em' Away ~OCMS
9. Nadie ~Prima J (Spanish cover of No One by Alicia Keys)
10. Hide And Seek ~Imogen Heap

I've been couped up in the house since Wednesday afternoon with some mix of bronchial infection and the flu. With my time I have worked from home, watched so many movies I can't remember exactly which ones I've watched, cleaned house, laid on the couch, took the plunge in to Facebook, and thought that Aubrey T. from the Netflix commercial is cutie (she just looks ready to snuggle up to a movie).

I have been filled with regret and second guessing for over a week now. People tell me I shouldn't be, but I wouldn't be human if I wasn't. At the same time if I didn't do what I now regret I wouldn't be me. That's the eternal battle I suppose, sacrifice better judgment to be true to yourself...or live with different regrets. I suppose I've prepared myself for this eventuality among others, either way regret seemed to be involved.

PS I refuse to insert any line from any musical about AIDS and urban life here.

Straight Through the Valley of Rookie Potential

2008-02-10T17:41:00.002-05:00

You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not.
~Jodi Picoult

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
~Mahatma Gandhi

Life is the flower for which love is the honey.
~Victor Hugo

The Eskimos had fifty-two names for snow because it was important to them: there ought to be as many for love.
~Margaret Atwood

If you continually give, you will continually have.

gPod

1. Afraid ~Nelly Furtado
2. Tree Hugger ~Antsy Pants
3. Unconditional ~The Bravery
4. A Whiter Shade of Pale ~Procol Harum
5. Here I Am (Come And Take Me) ~ Al Green
6. I'm Still Waiting ~Bob Marley
7. Five-O ~James
8. The People ~Common
9. Desire ~Pharoahe Monch
10. Mary Jane Shoes ~Fergie

One good clue to who I am and the way I operate in this world can be found in the way I play strategy games or even fantasy football. I guess I give this information away at the risk of losing a few games of Risk or Gin Rummy...but sometimes risking it all is worth the payoff. Strategy games often require thinking ahead and finesse...which does not often blend well with my charge full-steam-ahead...hope one of my redcoats makes it through the middle of the valley that has highly skilled Mohawk Indian warriors flanking either side of the "funnel" ala the beautiful but violent scene from Michael Mann's Last of the Mohicans style. I am also known for drafting rookie wide receivers (sometimes up to 5 rounds earlier than they should be picked) in my fantasy football league. Some might say what's wrong with that? Let me count the ways first then I'll explain what my thinking is...
Rookie wide receivers are often a bad pick in fantasy football because: they hardly ever start, when they do their production is usually limited, and after the top 5 receivers it's pretty much a crap shoot.
So why do I do it?
Because it would be like hitting the lottery, that rookie wide receiver is nothing but pure potential. Its almost like throwing water balloons from the 3 stories up...you might miss your target a couple of times, but when you do nail that noggin square on the ensuing hilarity is a real high. And that' s what I'm looking for that high of splashing my fantasy league with the liquid potential of my rook WR.
And that's my life I charge ahead full steam on...I know no finesse and I bet on potential... I want one of crazy risks to pan out and drench my life in the realization of pure potential...pure payoff, and happiness.

Daven Crush

2008-02-03T19:33:00.001-05:00

Quotes

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.
~Ernest Hemingway

Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.
~Bob Dylan

Love Sonnet XVII

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving

but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.

~Pablo Neruda

gPod

1. Pink & Blue ~Andre 3000
2. No Letting Go ~Wayne Wonder
3. Past The Point of Rescue ~Hal Ketchum
4. Change ~Deftones
5. Estoy Aqui ~Shakira
6. The People ~Common
7. Fall On My Knees ~OCMS
8. No Ordinary Love ~Sade
9. Wagon Wheel ~OCMS
10. No One ~Alicia Keys

How can I do dishes when Karate Kid is on amc? Grainy, chock full o' cliches, great acting (I'm serious), and classic 80's plot line...tell me how can I go do laundry or dishes when a classic of my era is on? If you know me at all, you know how this movie speaks to me and my religion of love.

I flagellate with rejection, obtain Nirvana in first kisses, and daven crush.

Roasted Chicken With Egyptian Spices

2008-01-22T19:13:00.000-05:00

Quotes

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.
~Pablo Picasso

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.
~Dr. Seuss

An idea is salvation by imagination.
~Frank Lloyd Wright

gPod Naano

1. No One ~Alicia Keys
2. Loose Lips ~Kimya Dawson
3. Right On Time ~RHCP
4. Desire ~U2
5. Do It Again ~Jay Z with Memphis Bleek
6. Where Do We Go From Here ~Alicia Keys
7. So Nice So Smart ~Kimya Dawson
8. Respect This Hustle ~T.I.
9. Love In War ~Andre 3000
10. The Nutcracker No.12 Character Dances: Coffee (Arabian Dance)

I set a goal for myself in the aught eight...cook at least one new recipe a week. Week One started off with a bang...Roasted Chicken with Egyptian Spices. Yum. Of course I didn't stick exactly to the recipe substituting oranges for lemons (it's what I had on hand), adding raisins and nutmeg, and dictated by the thawing process and lack of reading the instructions I did not marinate the chicken for at least 8 hours. Nevertheless my improvisations remained true the essence of the instructional directitude, and produced a super tasty roasted chickawn. See below:

Life is busy. I had a terrific DC Restaurant Week, hitting up Acadiana (Soooooo delicious and great company to boot!) , Sam & Harry's (Can I go to the backroom?), and my first Ruth's Chris experience (Relaxing, stimulating conversation, butter drenched fun times). 't
Life is slightly drama filled. Either created in my head or gulag related, it isn pleasant and isn't my style.
Life is sumpin' else.

Football Dissappointment?

2008-01-06T20:03:00.001-05:00

Daily Quotes

Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.
~Ernest Hemingway

The truth is more important than the facts.
~Frank Lloyd Wright (1869 - 1959)

Leeloo: Leeloo Dallas mul-ti-pass.
Korben Dallas: Yeah.
Leeloo: Mul-ti-pass.
Korben Dallas: Yeah, multipass, she knows it's a multipass. Leeloo Dallas. This is my wife.
Leeloo: Mul-ti-pass.
Korben Dallas: We're newlyweds. Just met. You know how it is. We bumped into each other, sparks happen...
Leeloo: Mul-ti-pass.
Korben Dallas: Yes, she knows it's a multipass. Anyway, we're in love.
~From The Fifth Element

gPod Nano

1. Anyone Else But You ~The Moldy Peaches
2. Sometimes (Lester Piggott) ~James
3. My Moon My Man ~Feist
4. So Nice So Smart ~Kimya Dawson
5. Sea Lion Woman ~Feist
6. One Of The Three ~James
7. Tire Swing ~Kimya Dawson
8. P.S. ~James

What a let down?
First and foremost let me say all honors, pride, and adulations to my two favorite teams in their battles over the past football season. Both the Steelers of Pittsburgh and the Dukes of JMU poured every bit of heart and strength they had on the field this year, and for this I am grateful. Both my teams pulled up short in the first round of their respective playoffs by a total of of 3 points and 47 seconds combined!!!! I have gone from the most triumphant feeling to my heart residing in my toe twice this post season. I could say I am disappointed and I wouldn't be lying because the truth is both these teams could have legitimately gone this distance. If I were a fan you may find common in my locale I would blame injuries or referees...but I what would that matter? What would silly excuses do? I wouldn't be fooling myself. Now come the dark times between football seasons where I keep occupied with NCAA B-ball, Baseball, and NASCAR....I'm thrilled really I am.

In other news go see...one of my favorite movies in a really long time...ok maybe not that long but for sure I last made this claim (possibly Blood Diamond)....

Now in Courier...and Movie Reviews

2007-12-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

Daily Quotes

Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy. ~Rabbi Abraham Heschel

If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.
~John F. Kennedy

Can a nation be free if it oppresses other nations? It cannot.
~Vladimir Lenin

gPod Nanana-nano

I. Tyrant – The Bravery

II. Say It Right (Live) – Nelly Furtado

III. Survival – Bob Marley

IV. What Goes Around Comes Around – Justin Timberlake

V. Hypocrites – Bob Marley

VI. Bone Broke – The White Stripes

VII. Settle For Nothing – Rage Against The Machine

VIII. Angelina – The Bravery

IX. Get Busy – Sean Paul

X. Is This Love (Horns Mix) – Bob Marley

XI. No Sweat – T.I.

gFlix
Charlie Wilson's War

This was my Christmas movie. It's traditional for Jews to go to the movies on Christmas...this was my family's pick. I highly recommend this flick, and although it wasn't quite out side of Tom Hank's comfortable typical roles...it was outside enough to make a funny yet poignant movie. Phillip Seymour Hoffman absolutely stole the show, and I hope he gets at least a nomination for a supporting role.

Hero

I love the imagery and color of this movie. A very good plot with a couple twists...but I cannot say enough about the colors, symbolism, and cinematography of this movie. Another great from a director who truly understands his media. I love Yimou Zhang's vision...Hero is an early attempt if you enjoy this movie you will enjoy House of Flying Daggers and Curse of the Golden Flower, and vice versa.

The Kingdom

I was surprised to learn Peter Berg directed this movie because I mainly know him as an actor. This is a great movie in all aspects...directing, acting, and story. Berg's style is reminiscent of Michael Mann, but somehow brighter, slightly less gritty, but just as real.

At Least I Get to Come Home From The Gulag Nights & Weekends

2007-12-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

Daily Quotes
War Presidents Edition

No nation is fit to sit in judgment upon any other nation.
~Woodrow Wilson

When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion.
~Abraham Lincoln

We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge designed to attack our civilization.
~Franklin D. Roosevelt

We're kicking ass.
~George W. Bush

gPod
1. Hungry Heart ~Bruce Springsteen
2. My Moon My Man ~Feist
3. Help Is Coming ~ T.I.
4. Talk ~Coldplay
5. Emit Remmus ~RHCP
6. Clandestino ~Manu Chao
7. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) ~Darlene Love

If you're paying attention to the gPod, you might notice there is something "different" about song #7...It's a Christmas song. As a Jew, retail establishment frequenter, and sane person I have a natural aversion to Christmas ditties. However if you know the song then you also know the big motownesque, poppy, rocky, and soulful quality it has. That being said to all my goyim peeps...in the words of the Beatles...Merry Happy Crimble...hope it's really gear.

What a wonderful night on Saturday...a small dinner party with old college friends...I made a great Man & Chee, JD supplied roasted meats and his cozy abode, 'Nother Level Contento brought delicious butternut squash, Flowerschild furnished some fancy type beers, and the Rythers purveyed a Ukrop's dessert medley of the ever scrumptious rainbow cookies and chocolate, apple and pumpkin pies.

The Gang

One of the toughest street gangs in the Shenandoah Valley...they call themselves....
The Season Ticket Holders
(They would have leather jackets, but their gang name was too long to embroider.)
It looks like Ryther is sticking his fingers really deep into my ear...but I assure you he's not.

Mmmmmmm...Latkes

2007-12-09T20:44:00.001-05:00

Daily Quotes

Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.
~Aldous Huxley

Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you walk into an open sewer and die.
~Mel Brooks

Ping Pong... is not the macarena. It takes patience. She is like a fine, well-aged prostitute... it takes years to learn her tricks...She is cruel, laughs at you when you are naked, but you keep coming back for more, and more! Why? Because she is the only prostitute I can afford.
~Master Wong

gPod

1. Sensual Seduction (aka Sexual Eruption) ~Snoop Dogg
2. Paper Planes ~M.I.A.
3. Success ~Jay-Z
4. No Hook ~Jay-Z
5. Wait For You (Live) ~Nelly Furtado
6. The Turn ~M.I.A.
7. All Good Things Come To An End (Live) ~Nelly Furtado

g-Flix

Pilgrims Never Had Buckles

2007-11-20T18:13:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

The gods too are fond of a joke.
~Aristotle

The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.
~Moliere

Everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.
Leo Tolstoy

This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath,
May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.
~William Shakespeare

gPod

1. Small Town ~John Cougar Mellencamp
2. I Could Have Lied ~RHCP
3. That's How Strong My Love Is ~Otis Redding
4. Sea Lion Woman ~Feist
5. If I Can't ~50 Cent
6. Don't Stop Believing ~Journey
7. Holy Moly ~Talib Kweli
8. For You ~Tracy Chapman
9. Run Through The Jungle ~CCR
10. Love Stoned/I Think She Knows ~Justin Timberlake
11. Wait For You ~Nelly Furtado
12. Out Of My Mind ~James Blunt

Gooooooooooooo Duuuuuuuukes!!!Congratulations to JMU Football for making it to the FCS Playoffs!
The Dukes drew a tough but winnable match up against the Appalachian State Mountaineers, yes the same App St. that beat I-A Michigan the first game of the year. Never fearful and always faithful are the Duke Dawgs of JMU.
Let's Gooooo Duuuuuuuukes!!!

So what am I thankful for? Probably the personal strides I've made from a 1-2 years ago. I've stayed very much the same the person, but maybe minus a few traits, plus a few positive attributes, and chock full of self understanding. I am thankful for the health and success (in all forms) of my family and friends. I am thankful for the new friendships I have cultivated in the last year. Thankful I have taken one big step towards better health. Grateful for my friends and family, their advice, their support, their honesty, and their ability to keep me humble, happy, and positive.

Can't it be like the movies? Ever?

Love is a Battlefield

2007-11-06T19:06:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Love is the wild card of existence.
-Rita Mae Brown

The more familiar two people become, the more the language they speak together departs from that of the ordinary, dictionary-defined discourse. Familiarity creates a new language, an in-house language of intimacy that carries reference to the story the two lovers are weaving together and that cannot be readily understood by others.
-Alain de Botton

One of the sublimest things in the world is plain truth.
-Edward George Bulwer-Lytton

gPod

1. High ~James Blunt
2. Wild World ~Cat Stevens
3. Mudshovel ~Staind
4. Simple Man ~Lynrd Skynrd
5. Above and Below ~The Bravery

Crush waning, and it's for the best I suppose. I'm never one to give up on anything remotely close to the chance of love, so that's why I say waning, but not quashed.
Why do I have such a love for the notion or possibility of love?
It makes me question if I have ended or dismissed some potentially great realtionships because the charm of the chase or the possibility turned reality turned me off.
I really don't think that's the case and would hope it is not, I have proof otherwise.
But I can finally say everything I have learned in and out of love has paid off, and I am actually learning from my mistakes.

Time After Time

2007-10-28T19:03:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

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

Lloyd: Hey Brother - Lend me a copy of your hey soul classics?
The J Man: No my brother, you must go buy your own!
~from Say Anything

Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends.
~Jacques Delille

The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
'cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed
when it comes to lovin' me she's worst
but when it comes to being loved she's first
that's how I know
The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
~Cat Stevens from ~The First Cut is the Deepest

I just wanna pick you up n take u to a the bachelor nest
And, uh...uh...Is it good, is it good
And have a lil smack fest
~Juicy Jay

gPod

1. The First Cut is the Deepest ~Cat Stevens
2. Mouth ~Merril Bainbridge
3. Don't Give Up ~Peter Gabriel
4. Chop Me Up ~Justin Timberlake ft. Three 6 Mafia
5. Wait For You ~Nelly Furtado

I can't even begin to describe how let down I am about JMU's Homecoming loss to Richmond, not to mention the playoff implications the loss has. So give me a few days to digest and upload pictures and I will. One thing is for certain...no matter the outcome of a game, spending time with your friends in a "cabin" in the mountains is always a good time.

2007 Fall UNO Champion!!!

Timing

Isn't life really about timing?
For instance:
When you may meet a person in your respective lives may determine the type of relationship you have with them. If you got off the line quick enough too get around that O-Lineman to get a sack could make or break a championship. Braking for a stoplight a second too late or a second too early could save or end your life.
It's all about where you are at any given time. This is kinda like fate, or the butterfly effect, but if you look at every situation with a clock (any kind; internal, Fossil, World, etc.) I think there are subtle differences from the philosophies of fate and Butterfly Effect.

Proximity is a bitch.

Californivacation Pt. 2

2007-10-16T20:28:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES
(ala Washington Nationals President Races...notice how Teddy is last.)

It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.
~George Washington

Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
~Abraham Lincoln

We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it.
~Thomas Jefferson

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
~Theodore Roosevelt

gPod

1. Crank That ~Soulja Boy
2. Peace Train ~Cat Stevens
3. Doobie In My Pocket ~Keller Williams
4. That Was A Crazy Game of Poker ~O.A.R.
5. God's Gonna Cut You Down ~Johnny Cash
6. Fall On My Knees ~Old Crow Medicine Show
7. The Power of Equality ~RHCP
8. I Get Money ~50 Cent
9. Wait For You ~Nelly Furtado
10. The Warmth ~Incubus

I apologize for the time in between posts.
Kalifornivacation Pt. 2

My Time in LA was great, Uncle I turned 60, Efro showed em around, Cousin Dena and I caught up, I held a Pomeranian for an hour or so. I had some culinary highlights at Doughboys, The Griddle, Pink Berry (and Yogo-Tango), and of course The Coffee Bean and The Tea Leaf!!!
Pink Berry for the uneducated is a frozen yogurt place that apparently is the latest, coolest, and trendiest in froyo. PB offers 2 favors, Green Tea, and Plain. Plain isn't vanilla its just plain yogurt without the sweetness added. PB also offered about 12 toppings. I felt cool and hip, on the cutting edge, eating this culinary fad. To myself I thought this would never start in the east coast...

Uncle I, Dena, Cara Joy, and Sara enjoying Pink Berry!

I hate to cut out details, but Tony and Andie's wedding deserves its own blog...So I'll jump to October 7th! My 30th Birthday...although I almost missed my flight it was worht to turn 30 in such a beautiful place: Point Reyes National Seashore

The Lighthouse @ Point Reyes

Seriously?! Is there a better place to turn 30?

Kansas-Californivacation Recap Pt. 1

2007-10-08T20:18:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.
~Moliere

Imagination is more important than knowledge...
~Albert Einstein

Everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.
~Leo Tolstoy

Wow what an amazing ten days! It all started with an all expense paid trip to Kansas City for a NASCAR race. Thank you Benjie for taking me along. I got a good drunken start to my vacation, witnessed mid-west, Kansas wind powered weather, and saw half a NASCAR race. I learned mid-west girls are cute and friendly but maybe a bit shy. Here are some pics!!!

Kasey Kahne!!! No. 9!!!
We had Pit Passes, which is always cool!

Tars aka Tires

I thought I saw YOU (and you know who you are) at the race!

Obligatory FlyOver Video A-10 Warthogs
NEXT STOP LA LA LAND aka LOS ANGELES

After a lovely flight on Virgin America Airlines (IAD to SFO to LAX) complete with mood lighting, and the in seat interactive RED system (still working out the kinks on this one) I arrived in L.A. I was met by one of my best friends in the whole world, a man I've known my entire life...EFRO, ETB, DEEPHood! The one and only Ethan T. Berlin, Gbehh!! (See below)

We immediately went to the Getty Museum, a place I studied for its architecture while in school at JMU. The gardens were beautiful and the structure even more breath taking, please enjoy more pictures!!

Ethan and Me!!

As you can see this post is already chock full, I promise a Part 2 and maybe even a Part 3.
Some highlights include: PinkBerry, Family, Tony and Andie's Wedding, and Point Reyes National Seashore!!!

Gonna Be A Candy Fiesta

2007-09-20T19:17:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.
~Henny Youngman

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.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
~Mahatma Gandhi

gPod

1. Holy Moly ~Talib Kweli
2. Out Of My Mind ~James Blunt
3. All I Want Is You ~U2
4. I'll Still Kill ~50 Cent
5. El Scorcho ~Weezer
6. Wisemen (Live from Ibiza) ~James Blunt
7. Good Life ~Kanye West
(The beat and track are hot)
8. Big Girls Don't Cry ~Fergie
(I'm not gay, but slightly ashamed for posting this)
9. I Get Money ~50 Cent
10. Sun Is Shining ~Bob Marley

gFlix

Not sure what to say:

Being sick is the worst, I'm missing Phillys vs Nats and Little Richard, but it's the price I pay for Mandingo's Bachelor Party Weekend.

Thing's you should read about or watch i.e. LINKS:
(Draw your own conclusions)
Southland Tales I Just Drunk... Is that a halo around the agnostic's head? Jena 6 CNN Article Jena 6 Opinion Article Jena 6 Cornell West, Mos Def, and Bill Maher Jena 6 Reverend Jesse Jackson Stillers D

gPix and gVids

2007-09-12T22:55:00.000-04:00

gPix

The Tailgate Crew for JMU's Home Opener!!
The Contentos and The Rythers!!
Gooooo Dukes!!!

The Boys with the Duuuuke Daaaawwwg!

Back On the Potomac Again!
Captain Pimpalicious at the Helm

Sunset Over the Potomac

Another Sunset Over the Potomac

gVids

Hellooooo Teddy!!!!!
Teddy Bobble!!!

Nice Throw Rodney!!!
Gooo Dukes!!!
If you listen closely....
Some Guy: I hate Virginia Tech
Girl in Front of Us: For the next year you really can't say that.
Some Guy: Yeah I can, Michael Vick made up for it.

QUESTIONABLE?????

Captain Pimpalicious at the Helm!
Back On The Potomac Again

Fear The Dawg!!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=toQjVVJYaoM
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TBSh3f2OghI
http://youtube.com/watch?v=td78-DNiWJQ

Six Men On The Line

2007-09-04T20:05:00.001-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
~Theodore Roosevelt

As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death.
~Leonardo da Vinci

He that gives should never remember, he that receives should never forget.
~The Talmud

gPod

1. Miscommunication ~Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson
2. High Tide Or Low Tide ~Bob Marley
3. International Players Anthem ~UGK ft. Outkast
4. Time ~Timbaland ft. She Wants Revenge
5. International Players Anthem ~UGK ft. Three 6 Mafia
6. Goodbye Earl ~Dixie Chicks
7. Da Art Of Storytellin’ Part 2 ~Outkast
8. Fearless ~The Bravery
9. Know Your Enemy ~Rage Against The Machine
10. Before You Accuse Me ~CCR

gFlix

Beerfest

Pan’s Labyrinth

Shooter

Reno 911: Miami

Keep yo head up Dukes. We learned a lot from our season opener in Chapel Hill. Our QB is young, and his speed advantage isn't quite the advantage against a 1A opponent. Our Shotgun Option offense needs some tweaking. The Ref's wife has six men on the line. Fan support is at an all time high. Our defense can tackle. The Ref's wife has six men on the line. We matched the Tar-Heels in the second half and possibly second quarter. And oh yeah, the Ref's wife has six men on the line.

I Now Dub Thee White Chocolate

2007-08-26T21:21:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

There is no remedy for love but to love more.
~Henry David Thoreau

Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.
~Kahlil Gibran

Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values.
~Ayn Rand

gPod

1. Bone Broke ~The White Stripes
2. Who The Cap Fit ~Bob Marley
3. I'm On Fire ~Bruce Springsteen
4. Feet To Work ~Redrama
5. Holy Moly ~Talib Kweli
6. i burn ~Toadies
7. Don't Lay Your Funky Trip On Me ~Senor Soul

An encouraging headline....

Astronomers find a hole in the universe

Bogue Banks Baby!

2007-08-14T20:51:00.000-04:00

gQuotes

I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky; and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
~John Masefield

One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach; one can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.
~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
~John Wooden

gPod NanaNAnaNaNANanaNanooooooo

1. Holy Moly ~Talib Kweli
2. Misunderstood ~Common
3. I'm Still Waiting ~Bob Nesta Marley
4. Caution ~Bob Nesta Marley
5. Time Won't Let Me Go ~The Bravery
6. Push ~Pharoahe Monch
7. West Savannah ~Outkast
8. Icky Thump ~The White Stripes
9. Freedom ~Rage Against The Machine
10. We All Want The Same Thing ~Kevin Michael

Back from Emerald Isle, NC in the beautiful Bogue Banks. I caught 1 fish, a whopping 6 incher! I didn't do nearly as much fishing as I planned, mainly because there were small craft warnings the first couple days so that meant no headboat/charter. Oh well. Besides being in the middle of the most violent and longest lasting thunderstorm (4 hrs) The weather was nice. My last day on the beach was the epitome of a Emerald Isle beach day, crystal clear not so hot that the ocean breeze cools you off, and crystal clear calm blue-green waters. I'm relaxed, tan, and even the dark circles under my eyes kinda disappeared. I found an almost completely intact whelk shell, which looks and is the same size as a conch! Had some great food, and enjoyed relaxing times with the family. I even got Ma and Pop to do a SoCO and Lime shot!!!!!!

Well back to work, and there's about to be a shake up in that arena.

Madden 08 is here!!! Which mean NFL Regular season is sooooo close, and fantasy football drafts even closer!!!!

Word.

Beach me.

2007-08-05T20:03:00.000-04:00

gQuotes

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
~Aldous Huxley

In summer, the song sings itself.
~William Carlos Williams

gTV

The Two Corey's
The 80's are back and I'm lovin it! Why didn't anyone think of this show earlier????

Scott Baio is 45 and Single
The 80's!!! Again!!!!! Stay tuned to this one!!

Off to the beach on Thursday and not a minute too soon. Hopefully I'll get a more meaningful post up from beautiful Emerald Isle, NC!!!

Er zol vaksen vi a tsibeleh, mit dem kop in drerd!

2007-08-02T20:19:00.000-04:00

GQuotes
Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values. ~Ayn Rand

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
~Confucius

I like men now.
~Ralph Wiggum

What is it about accents?
Hate being sick in the summer.
T -6 days and counting for a mini vacay! Apparently I need it because this illness is stress induced or so my boss told me. Partially true, I just haven't been getting to bed at a decent hour, is all. All DCers should check out Screen on the Green, every Monday night between 7th and 4th on The Mall. Last Monday Wait Until Dark played and it was great, both the movie and atmosphere. I would love to get to Casablanca on the 13th, but something tells me after a 6.5 hour ride home from the beach will leave me drained.

New (to me) Albums I have but have not listened to yet:
1. Finding Forever ~Common
2. Era Vulgaris ~Queens of the Stone Age

gPod
NAnNanaNAnANaNANANAnan-oH

1. Stronger ~Kanye West
2. Laugh/Love/Fuck ~The Coup
3. Caution ~Bob Marley
4. Jailhouse ~Sublime
5. Quality Control ~Jurassic 5

My favorite Yiddish saying:
Er zol vaksen vi a tsibeleh, mit dem kop in drerd!
- He should grow like an onion, with his head in the ground!

Da Homey Express

2007-07-26T20:52:00.000-04:00

gQUOTES

Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance.
~Kurt Vonnegut, Hocus Pocus

My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.
~Albert Einstein

The first lesson a revolutionary must learn is that he is a doomed man.
~Huey Newton

gPod Nanananananano

1. Feeling Good ~Nina Simone
2. Stronger ~Kanye West
3. Good To You ~Talib Kweli
4. Fall On My Knees ~Old Crow Medicine Show
5. For You ~Tracy Chapman
6. Staring At The Sun ~TV On The Radio
7. Chalkdust Torture ~Phish

Side Note: Reader you may notice that I CAPITALIZE words like To, And, At, On, and The. As a technical writer (my chosen pigeonhole, over scrutinized, tortuous, I don't wanna do it anymore profession...fer serious I don't wanna) I am discouraged from doing such things. It's just the way it is...but I ask why are those not capitalized? They're words aren't they? They're no less important than any other word in my opinion, they all carry the same weight, and it is no light load. Words like fuck, booby, shit, and the like are not dirty words. There are nooooo dirty words, just words. If you're scared of them...don't use them. Do I know proper grammar usage, I do. Do I use it 100% of the time, hell no. When I took grammar and writing classes in college along with my diploma I got a secondary degree that confirms the fact that I know proper usage of the English language. This certificate also states that due to my mastery of the language I also have a license to use the language however the fuck I want whenever I want, as long as I communicate my meaning clearly. Word?

Tunturi.

Good luck to Einig, who just took the VA Bar exam!

Good to hear from Bishop again! He's still got the same old philosophy and Scotch filled head he always had!

I need this, but I'll be the JMU vs UNC game on Labor Day Weekend!!! maybe Teddy will win on his own bobblehead day. Cooooooooome Onnnnnnnnnnnn Teddy!

Headed up to Sonar in Baltimore on Friday night to check out my favorite MC of all time Talib Kweli. I need this in my life right now.

Teddy Never Wins....Boooooooo Part 2

2007-07-18T23:13:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.
~ Atticus Finch (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird)

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.
~James Madison

We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.
~Marcel Proust

Greenery

2007-07-10T20:56:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives.
~Bhagavad Gita

It is not known precisely where angels dwell -- whether in the air, the void, or the planets. It has not been God's pleasure that we should be informed of their abode
~Voltaire

Frayheyt

2007-06-28T20:47:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES
The good or ill of a man lies within his own will.
~Epictetus

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them. ~Galileo Galilei

You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.
~Malcolm X

gPod

1. Desire ~Pharoahe Monch
2. Stronger ~Kanye West
3. Sugar Tunes Numa Numa ~Balan
4. Hostile Gospel ~Talib Kweli
5. Honest Mistake ~The Bravery
6. Free ~Pharoahe Monch
7. I Come From A Land Down Under ~Men At Work

gFlix

Curse of the Golden Flower

Good plot, Good but sparse kung-fu, kung-fu when it matters most, incredible imagery, sets, and costumes. Even if you don't like subtitles you'll love this movie from a purely cinematic point of view.

Got the Tunturi Stationary Bike set up in the living room. Work out and diet are all coming together finally. Give me a wedding or a short plane flight and apparently I mack. Whoda thunk it. Headed to Richmond for a 3oth B-day Bowling Bonanza. Happy Birthday Old Man Ryther. Which leads me to thoughts of my eminent 30th. Should I go to LA/Cali to see friends relatives, celebrate my Uncle I's 60th, and go to Dirk's wedding. Or say fuck it all and head to Amsterdam or Puerto Rico...hmmmmmmm. It's a toughie!!!

Abanackee

2007-06-24T22:43:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.
~Robert Louis Stevenson

Choose your pleasures for yourself, and do not let them be imposed upon you.
~Lord Chesterfield

To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.
~Lao Tzu

Welcome to Biddeford Pool, Maine have some lobstah roll. Had a blast at James and Catherine's wedding! Met some great people and reconnected with some old friends. While it might not have been the most relaxing long weekend/mini-vacay of my life, it sure was one of the most fun. Here's a short photo essay!

Next Stop...Biddeford Pool!!

That's a Church?

L to R Mike/Sly, Mark/Buttman, and James
Captions L to R: "Jjjjyeeeah," "Nice... to see you again," and "The time is now."

Tracy, Lew/Loomis/Stymie P Lyttle/, and baby Elizabeth.
Like father like daughter...I think Elizabeth wants a sip.

Mikey and the Groom aka James, Jim, Sir-Grot-Alot,
Mazel Tov James!

Determination, Guts, and Know How...

Stymie, Grotenstein, and Mariano Buttman

Mikey, James and Me!!!

Why So Angry Buttercup

2007-06-18T21:30:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Everytime you come around
There's a bouquet for me
A corsage of promises
And I am pinned
Like a butterfly on a card
I'm naked and I'm scarred
And you're so perfect to me

Violent ties with hands like a steeple
Tell me lies with a tongue like a needle
I let the words shot down my throat
A face like an iron fist
That I can never resist
I learn the ...
~The Bravery from Tyrant

Love seeketh not itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care,
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair.
~William Blake

gPod

1. Tyrant ~The Bravery
2. The Proud ~Talib Kweli
3. Hostile Gospel ~Talib Kweli
4. Honest Mistake ~The Bravery
5. Heavy Things ~Phish

gFlix

I have a picnic injury

2007-06-03T20:14:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES
Architects Edition

I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.
~Frank Lloyd Wright

There is hope in honest error - none in the icy perfections of the stylist.
~Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Because of this, originality consists in returning to the origin.
~Antonio Gaudi

gPod

1. Tyrant ~The Bravery
2. Dashboard ~Modest Mouse
3. Fearless ~The Bravery
4. March Into The Sea ~Modest Mouse
5. Time Won't Let Me Go ~The Bravery
6. Makes Me Wonder ~Maroon 5
7. Song Of The South ~Alabama
8. Growing Pains ~Ludacris
9. If I Never See Your Face Again~ Maroon 5
10. Your Man ~Josh Turner

gFlix

Weddings, Company Picnics, Tapas with friends, Movies, Wine Tastings...I live a pretty good life, I'll admit that. One thing would make it better...someone to share it all with. I feel like I'm ready for it all. I know I have a tendency to be in love with he concept of love, but I do pine for true love, the type you have to work for. I crush easy and have a few that I know are impossible, but still it's fun to crush a little, right? Random thoughts I know but that's what's bouncin around the noggin.

And yes I have a picnic injury.

Teddy Never Wins....Boooooooo

2007-05-10T20:00:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Anything? Well, uh I guess I, deep down, am feeling a little confused. I mean, suddenly, you get married, and you're supposed to be this entirely different guy. I don't feel different. I mean, take yesterday for example. We were out at the Olive Garden for dinner, which was lovely. And uh, I happen to look over at a certain point during the meal and see a waitress taking an order, and I found myself wondering what color her underpants might be. Her panties. Uh, odds are they are probably basic white, cotton, underpants. But I sort of think well maybe they're silk panties, maybe it's a thong. Maybe it's something really cool that I don't even know about. You know, and uh, and I started feeling... what? what I thought we were in the trust tree in the nest, were we not?
~Frank The Tank

Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
~Albert Einstein

Does this hat protect from the sun, the moon, the stars...quasars?
~B. Noel

gPod

1. Pussy Got Ya Hooked ~Three 6 Mafia
2. Listen Up ~Talib Kweli
3. Street Music ~Redrama
4. Live In The Sky ~TI
5. Feet To Work ~Redrama
6. We Taking Over ~DJ Kahled
7. Dirty Diana ~Michael Jackson

President Races Video Below at the Nats game. Look how awesome my seats were! One section down form the dugout 8 rows from the field!

Go Teddy Go!!!!! Poor Teddy he never wins.

Dumb Dumb Gimmie Some Gum Gum

2007-04-26T22:01:00.000-04:00

2007-04-23T21:53:00.000-04:00

Photo Blog

2007-04-22T22:02:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Say not, 'I have found the truth,' but rather, 'I have found a truth.'
~Kahlil Gibran

Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.
~Malcolm X

My father used to say, 'Let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary.'
~Cary Grant

There's No More Knudsen's?

2007-04-18T20:58:00.000-04:00

Been working on some art lately here are a couple samples.

CLICK THE PICTURE FOR A BETTER VIEW!

Long Overdue

2007-04-16T20:54:00.000-04:00

RIP

“If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph: The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music." —Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a County

This post is long overdue, especially for blog whose title and essence is inspired by the man, and my favorite work oh his: Cat's Cradle. I was first introduced to Vonnegut by my West Coast Portland, Oregon cousin, Tova. She handed me what seemed to be a pamphlet of a book. For what the book lacks in length it is endless in depth, intelligence and sarcasm. I have bought countless copies of Cat's Cradle each time reading the book again, finding more than I did the last time, only to give it away to someone I feel needs it, never to see that particular copy again. I have devoured many of his work but still come back to Bokonon and his musical ridonkulousness. Vonnegut has always been an inspiration in my writing and how I view the world. I don't think I could say much more without losing some sort of poignancy. I think Kurt knows how he has touched people with his work, I am just one of many.

Laser, Rocket Arm

2007-04-11T19:21:00.000-04:00

Daily Quotes

I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.
~Frida Kahlo

The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.
~James Baldwin

Love is a desire for that lost half of ourselves.
~Milan Kundera

gPod

1. Sweedeedee ~Cat Power
2. MindFuck (A New Equation) ~The Coup
3. 21st Century ~RHCP
4. Breakout ~Jimmy Cliff
5. I Love Boosters ~The Coup

gFlix (Currently Viewing)

When Leo chooses to do good movies and show off his acting chops he's hard to beat. When I first saw him in What's Eating Gilbert Grape I actually thought he was mentally handicapped. I didn't know then he was the kid from Growing Pains. I cite Romeo and Juliet, first off Baz Luhrman's vision of The Bard's tale is bad-ass, but I give Leo props for a great delivery of verbatim Shakespeare. Of course The Departed was phenomenal, but Leo with a wicked good South African accent is worth many kudos. Djimon Honsu's performance is way up there too, another one of my favorite actors.

MAZEL TOV RYTHERS!!!!!!

Welcome to the world Lucas Phillip Ryther
Born 806 PM April 10, 2007
20 and 1/2 Inches
7 Pounds 4 Ounces
Laser, Rocket Arm

1 Second Time Machine

2007-04-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

Daily Quotes

The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.
~Blaise Pascal

You put the bone in Zamboni.
~Chazz Michael Micahaels

gPod

1. Listen!!! ~Talib Kweli
2. My Favorite Mutiny ~The Coup
3. Til We Get There ~M-1
4. Say It Right ~Nelly Furtado
5. You Send Me ~Sam Cooke

gFlix

gWok

Mauirn Quina Le Puy

2007-04-04T19:46:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles.
~Charlie Chaplin

Convinced myself, I seek not to convince.
~Edgar Allan Poe

When the heart speaks, the mind finds it indecent to object.
~Milan Kundera

gPod

1. Sexy Mexican Maid ~RHCP
2. White Shadows ~Coldplay
3. Mama Africa ~Akon
4. Hole In The Earth ~Deftones
5. On Top ~The Killers
6. Chicago-Rillaz ~Blue Collar
7. It Was A Good Day ~Ice Cube

gFlix

Opening Day was a blast! Some exciting stuff happened at the game (def not the Nats performance) TD got engaged, Theodore Roosevelt zip lined in from RFK's roof, and it was just plain awesome to be at Opening Day instead of work.

I've been trying to take my camera with me where ever I go, trying to spur/re-new a hobby. In other news there has been no sign of Baby Lucas yet, TD and AZ got engaged, Mazel Tov! JD turned 30 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JD! The big 3-0. Yikes!

What does it say about me that I have to try harder not to have a crush then I tend to develop them? Hmmmmm...

Here is a taste of the new hobby plus a kick-ass movie I made of the F-18 flyover @ RFK for Nats Opening Day!

Ohhhhh Say Can You See?

Pops and JD

My New Wok and some tasty shrimp and baby bok choy!

F-18 FlyOver

Lone Wolf on the Prowl

2007-04-01T20:07:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

All men profess honesty as long as they can. To believe all men honest would be folly. To believe none so is something worse.
~John Quincy Adams

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.
~Benjamin Franklin

Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.
~Cecil B. DeMille

gPod

1. I Walk The Line ~Johnny Cash
2. Son's Gonna Rise ~Citizen Cope
3. Through The Wire ~Kanye West
4. Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
5. Ain't No Future in Yo Frontin' ~MC Breed

gFlix

1 Great meal at Tallula, I funny in nothing else round of Golf and one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. So funny I frantically looked for a bootleg version of Blades of Glory to download of the internet. OPening Day is tomorrow and for the first time I'm semi-playin hookey to go to the game with Pops and JD. I have a meeting @ 10, and that's it. Meeting, Game, Passover Seder thats tomorrow's game plan. Hoorah.

i love sleeves

2007-03-29T20:38:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

With a stop light, green means 'go' and yellow means 'slow down'. With a banana, however, it is quite the opposite. Yellow means 'go', green means 'whoa, slow down', and red means 'where the heck did you get that banana?'
~Mitch Hedberg

Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for truth.
~Benjamin Disraeli

gPod

1. Change On Me ~Cynthia
2. A Whiter Shade of Pale ~Procol Harum
3. Guelah Papyrus ~Phish
4. Do You Want More?!!!??! ~The Roots
5. You Dropped A Bomb On Me ~Gap Band
6. Desire ~U2
7. Summer Love ~JT

gFlix

i love sleeves.

Alot of good stuff goin on, Cable guy finally came. Baby Lucas is about to enter the world any minute now. Gtown is poised to make a run for the whole shaboodle. Birthdays right around the corner. Opening Day upon us.

Waiting

2007-03-27T19:39:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

On Boko-Maru
We will touch our feet, yes,
Yes, for all we're worth,
And we will love each other, yes,
Yes, like we love our Mother Earth.
~Bokonon

If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith.
~Albert Einstein

I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man's.
~William Blake

GPod

1. Fortunate Son ~CCR
2. D'yer Mak'er ~Led Zeppelin
3. Sweet Home Alabama ~Lynrd Skynrd
4. Robot ~SA Smashy
5. The Only Living Boy in New York ~Simon & Garfunkel
6. License to Chill ~Billy Ocean
7. Sister Christian ~Night Ranger

I am here patiently waiting for the cable guy. I was here between 4-8pm, it is now 817 and you're not here dearest cable man. It wasn't the toughest decision to hook cable television back up but with that decision came the knowledge of the dreaded cable dude waiting game. Seriously cable buddy you're cutting into my time for lungular activity of a cheebacious nature. Not cool, not cool. I will wait for the cable guy like I wait for love, patiently optimistic. I will not put the cable gentleman on a pedestal, for that is where the snapppy nappy ill nana lies.

2007-03-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Man is born to live, not to prepare for life.
~Boris Pasternak

A little Madness in the Spring Is wholesome even for the King.
~Emily Dickinson

Stones taught me to fly
Love taught me to cry
So come on courage!
Teach me to be shy
~Damien Rice from Cannonball

GPod

1. Clout ~SA Smash
2. 9 Crimes ~Damien Rice
3. Heartlad ~U2
4. Robot ~SA Smash
5. GunzN' Onez ~Heltah Skeltah

If you want to see an amazing finish, to a basketball game go here: http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10085110

So the background on it is this, Barton meets up with Winona in the DII Championship. Winona is undefeated this season and defending champs. To see a true Cinderella finish follow the link and watch the video!

Gtown gave me a scare tonite, and though I'm out of it for Pool purposes my heart may be satisfied if the Hoyas can win 2 more!

2007-03-22T18:53:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.
~Malcolm X

Everybody believes in something and everybody, by virtue of the fact that they believe in something, use that something to support their own existence.
~Frank Zappa

I made a lot of mistakes out of the ring, but I never made any in it.
~Jack Johnson

GPod

1. Caring Is Creepy ~The Shins
2. Glycerine ~Bush
3. All Falls Down ~Kanye West
4. Nothing Compares 2 U ~Sinead O'Connor
5. Transformer ~Gnarls Barkley
6. Back That Ass Up ~Juvenile
7. Summer of 69 ~John Don't Call Me Cougar Mellencamp

GFlix

Respiratorian Recreations of a Kushifying Kustom

2007-03-21T19:47:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.
~Robert Frost

You begin saving the world by saving one man at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics.
~Charles Bukowski

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
~Abigail Adams

GPod

1. Candela ~Buena Vista Social Club
2. Spread ~Andre 3000
3. All Night Long ~Lionel Richie
5. The Rain ~K-OS
6. Bullet The Blue Sky ~U2
7. Lookin' Out My Backdoor ~CCR

GFlix

Respiratorian Recreations of a Kushifying Kustom:

Lungular Activities of a Chibaceous Nature

2007-03-19T22:39:00.001-04:00

GQuotes

Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.
~From Old Man and the Sea

Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.
~Bokonon

GPod
1. Gin and Juice ~Snoop Dogg
2. No Surrender ~Bruce Springsteen
3. Head To Toe ~Sean Paul
4. Fall On My Knees ~OCMS
5. Van Diemen's Land ~U2
6. The Goose ~Parliament
7. Soul Rebel ~Bob Marley

GFlix

I think it would be mighty tasty to make a sandwich if they made a loaf of bread with the bready part of an Entenman's Cheese Danish. Been thinking about doing a total body cleanse, get my chakras in alignment kinda thing. I would like to doing 3 things a everyday 1 for my mind, 1 for my body and 1 for my soul. Sounds cheesy and noble, but it might actually go along way. Progress will be posted on the MBS Project. Got another blast from the old Real World House when DL called. He sounded about 3-4 bourbons into a quiet evening at home. I almost forgot I had lived there, but seem to get these reminders every few months or so...ponderous man, fucking ponderous. Been running into a slight problem lately, when or if I should tell dates about particular lungular activities of a chibaceous nature.

2007-03-18T19:05:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

“Erotica is using a feather, pornography is using the whole chicken.”
~Isabel Allende

If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.
~Rene Descartes

GPod

1. Bombtrack ~Rage Against The Machine
2. Caution ~Bob Marley
3. On Top ~The Killers
4. Soul Rebel ~Bob Marley
5. Wishing Well ~T.T. Darby
6. My 1st Song ~ Jay Z

CHECK THIS SITE OUT:

http://www.baltimorecoltsmania.com/

GFlix

I'm On Da Rock

2007-03-15T21:18:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so.
~Mark Twain

This might not mean anything to you, but I think I'm in a tragedy.
~Harold Crick

GPod
1. 9 Crimes ~Damien Rice
2. Can't Hold Us Back ~Public Enemy
3. Punkie ~Sean Paul
4. Delicate ~Damien Rice
5. The Proud ~Talib Kweli
6. Slow Cheetah ~RHCP
7. It Ain't Hard To Tell ~Nas
8. Cannonball ~Damien Rice
9. Iron Lion Zion ~Bob Marley
10. Summer Skin ~Death Cab For Cutie

GFlix

GPix

GDream
I have what I think is a minor gift to be able to easily remember my dreams, here's the show from the other night:
An old college Irish college buddy of mine has died and like any good Irish wake liquor and shenanigans abound. Buttman was able to carry the casket all by himself, and I distinctly remember some combo of liquor being poured down my gullet, quite possibly DOUBLE BOURBON! I know it's not hat exciting but at the time it struck me has comical.

2007-03-12T21:25:00.000-04:00

DAILY QUOTES

You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.
~Buddha

I believe in looking reality straight in the eye and denying it.
~Garrison Keillor

Gpod

1. Cannonball ~Damien Rice
2. Beach Chair ~Jay Z
3. The Gift ~Seether
4. Don't Keep Me Waiting ~Young Gunz f. 112
5. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine ~The Killers
6. You Can't Hide You Can't Run ~Dilated Peoples
7. Simple Man ~Lynrd Skynrd
8. Tired of Sex ~Weezer

Gflix & Gtube

House and Dog Sittin'

2007-03-07T20:51:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

As he thinks in his heart, so he is.
~Jewish Proverb

From the moment we enter this live we are in the flow of it. We measure it and We mock it, but we cannot defy it. We cannot even speed it up or slow it down. Or can we? Have we not each experienced the sensation that a beautiful moment seemed to pass to quickly, and wished that we could make it linger? Or felt time slow on a dull day, and wished that we could speed things up a bit?
~Eisenheim

Charlie: They said you was hung.
Bart: And they was right.
~Blazing Saddles

Gee-flix:

I've been tasked with Dog/House sitting duty! And I love it. JD's dogs Gala and Lakota are the best! I was gonna write about some recent drama rearing its head again, but it wouldn't be fair to anyone. I'm only a man. With real emotions and I only have control over my own actions. This world ain't perfect, and I don't pretend that it is. I can say I live honestly.

Fall At Your Feet

2007-03-05T21:32:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature.
~Tom Robbins

Well, I'm the best there is. Plain and simple, when I wake up in the morning I piss excellence.
~Ricky Bobby

Cal Naughton, Jr.: Ricky, if you turn on the stereo, how do you control the volume on the television?
Ricky Bobby: If you have the stereo on, why would you turn up the volume on the TV?
Cal Naughton, Jr.: Cause I like to party.

Cal Naughton, Jr.: There is something I want to get off my chest. It's about that summer, when you went away to community college. I got an offer to do Playgirl Magazine, and I did it. I did a full spread for Playgirl Magazine. I mean spread man, I pulled my butt apart and stuff. I was totally nude. it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
~Cal Naughton Jr.

Gpod
Musical Blanky Edition

1. You're Beautiful ~James Blunt
2. Where Is My Mind? ~James Blunt
3. Fall At Your Feet ~James Blunt
4. Out Of My Mind ~James Blunt
5. Wisemen ~James Blunt
6. High ~James Blunt
7. Goodbye My Lover ~James Blunt

Gflix:

Farewel Another Great Steeler LB Gets Released

2007-03-01T19:13:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Keep your secret in your own gourdy.
~Jamaican Poverb

This my neighbor, Nursultan Tuleiakbay. He is pain in my assholes. I get a window from a glass, he must get a window from a glass. I get a step, he must get a step. I get a clock-radio, he cannot afford. Great success!
~Borat Sagdiyev

The love we give away is the only love we keep.
~Elbert Hubbard

Gpod

1. Red Hot ~Jurassic 5
2. Guns Are Drawn ~The Roots
3. No Hat Igual ~Nelly Furtado
4. Right On Time ~RHCP
5. Summer Love ~JT
6. Beautiful Mess ~Diamond Rio
7. Shabach ~The Procusions

Movie Recommendations:

Farewell Joey, I can't believe you won't be a Steeler. By far one of my favorite Steelers of all time, the anchor of our LB Corps. He's worth whatever money he's saving. I am depressed.

Mentally Blobafied

2007-02-28T18:51:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Sak vid pa kanp.
An empty sack can't stand up.
~ Haitian Proverb

If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.
~Tallulah Bankhead

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

nano

1. The Rain ~K-OS
2. Pistol Grip Pump ~Rage Against The Machine
3. Shadowboxin' ~GZA
4. Ring of Fire ~Johnny Cash
5. Where Is My Mind ~James Blunt
6. When the Going Gets Tough ~Billy Ocean
7. Gone ~Kanye West
8. Same Shit, Different Day ~Young Gunz
9. Scar Tissue ~RHCP
10. Purple Rain ~Prince

Movie Recommendations:

I don't have anything to say which is why I haven't posted in a while. I don't want to bitch about work either cuz, whatever u do what ya gotta do. Looking forward to my cousin coming to town in a week or so. I'd like to thank Eva Mendes and all the other Hotties of Benjie's Hottie Corner thanks to you, especially Eva my hits are near 2oo a day. At the point of exhaustion. G'nite.

Lucky Louie

2007-02-15T23:13:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Our bodies are our gardens to which our wills are gardeners.
~William Shakespeare

So, is there any tread left on the tires? Or at this point would it be like throwing a hot dog down a hallway?
~Stewie Griffin

When I leave, close together like butt cheeks.
~Grits n' Gravy

gPod
1. Further On Up The Road ~Johnny Cash
2. Take Me Home Tonight ~Eddie Money
3. Mama Africa ~Akon
4. Gimmie The Light ~Sean Paul
5. Fight Like A Brave ~RHCP
6. What More Can I Say ~Jay Z
7. Possum Kingdom ~Toadies
8. Folsom Prison Blues ~Johnny Cash
9. Wax & Wane ~The Deftones
10. Fuck The Law ~Dead Prez
11. Kindness For Weakness
~Dilated Peoples W/ Talib Kweli
12. No Other One ~Weezer
13. On Top ~The Killers
14. Leave You Alone ~Cam'Ron
15. The Train ~Outkast

Hoping to see alot of these this weekend, as long as it's my hand and not the dealers!! Headed to AC Saturday, PAPA NEEDS A NEW PAIR OF SHOES!!! Theres a mouse in the house, well no not the house but in an unnamed B-Duh eatery known for salads with options. Downloaded To Catch A Thief from iTunes, 2 Thumbs Up, but any Cary Grant fan knows that. Also downloaded Babel but apparently subtitles were not that important to the 5 language fluent uploader, thanks but I don't know Pharsi or Japanese Sign Language mister.

For more luck:

Stick it in the Fridge

2007-02-11T21:42:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Remember what the Bible says: He who is without sin, cast the first rock. And I shall smoketh it.
~Tyrone Biggums on Religion

Things like escalated to the point where, you know, my man got too familiar and I ended up having to whip his ass man, you know, cause you know, he would step across the line. Habitually. He's a habitual line stepper.
~Charlie Murphy on Rick James

Hot hand in a dice game, baby. Talkin' 'bout clickity-clickity-clack!
~Tron on His Own Wealth

gPod

1. Who Got It ~Talib Kweli
2. James River Blues~ Old Crow Medicine Show
3. Fine Again ~Seether
4. Wishing Well ~Terrence Trent Darby
5. Devil's Pie ~Rhymefest
6. Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine ~The Killers
7. El Scorcho ~Weezer
8. Lucifer ~Jay Z
9. Wouldn't Get Far ~The Game W/Kanye West
10. Losing My Way ~Justin Timberlake

Prince, I'm Your Fool, but is Someone Getting The Best of You?

2007-02-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

Daily Quotes

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
~Thomas Jefferson

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.
~James Madison

SammiPod

1. SpottieOttieDopaliscious ~Outkast
2. Ha ~Juvenile
3. Hardcore Rap Act ~Das Efx
4. Pink & Blue ~Andre 3000
5. Quality Control ~Jurassic 5
6. Everything's Gonna Be Alright
~Naughty By Nature
7. Unhappy ~Big Boi
8. The Onslaught ~Black Moon
9. Runaway Love ~Ludacris & Mary J
10. Ain't No Fun ~Snoop Dogg

This may have been the first time I ever enjoyed the Super Bowl halftime show, if I had actually seen Janet's boob that might have topped it. Prince put on a hell of a show, actually sang his songs which is rare with today's artists, shredded on all th guitars he played, and possibly sang a better version of "Best of You" than the Foo Fighters. All week I said I wanted to see the Colts win so Peyton could get his due, but all day Sunday I pulled a flip-flop...it didn't work out. Oh well, the fumbles were fun, and a Super Bowl in adverse conditions was even better! If any body out there knows where I could get an MP3 version of Prince's halftime show please let me know!
Overall good weekend, I do recommend Tallula, had great HH food and great HH specials, I mean Bacon Wrapped Figs with Marscapone Cheese and a great glass of vino, what could be better. I love this place and its sister restaurants, the atmosphere was made digitally cozy with the looped fire video on the jumbo plasma screen.

Smokin' Aces....wait for the video, it was okay, but couldn't decide if it was funny or serious and languished in between. I think if a decision was made one way or the other it would ahve been a great movie. It was hard to deal with the ending when I had been laughing so much before. So I'd say it was good, but maybe a rental.

Da Shout Outs Part 1

2007-01-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Daily Quotes

Dive into the sea of thought, and find there pearls beyond price.
~Moses Ibn Ezra

There is no terror in a bang, only in the anticipation of it.
~Alfred Hitchcock

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

SammiPod
Deep Cuts

1. Bring The Pain ~Method Man
2. Sister Havana ~Urge Overkill
3. A Whiter Shade of Pale
~Percy Sledge
4. My Umbrella ~Tripping Daisy
5. A Dios Le Pido ~Juanes
6. You're My Soul and Inspiration
~The Righteous Brothers
7. Tired of Sex ~Weezer
8. She Don't Use Jelly
~The Flaming Lips
9. Huddle Formation ~The Go! Team
10. Shadowboxin' ~The GZA

Shout Outs Part 1:

A Shout Out Goes To:

My Deepwood Homies, Klefitkos and Other Grilled Meats, Matty, On The Road, Gilligan's Pier, The K-9 Kruiser, The Fortress, Shabagators, Phat Moves Sports Mix CDs (all volumes), The Karamel Kat, Whitey and The Champion, Shakespearian Insults, The Natural Chimneys, The Cal Ripken, SoCo and Lime, John L. Williams, Cat’s Cradle, Watered Down RC Cola at Shea Stadium, The Duke Dawg, The Basketball Play Computer Blue, All My Eagle 6-C Peeps Including Honorary Members, Ma & Pop, Slavins, Kaybeezrahim, KEO Beer, Kline’s Dairy Bar, The Philly Roll, RHCP, His Girl Friday, Talib Kweli, All My B-Duh Peeps, Camps Kaufmann and Benjamin, Bunky, Milty and Al, Badonkadonks (Honky Tonk and Otherwise), IT, Strange Faces, Our America, Phillies, Donkey Sanctuaries, Breakfast of Champions, Dave Chapelle, Aphrodite’s Rocks, All My EDO Peeps, The Shamu Voice, Kris from Kalepia, Acoustic Medleys of Rap Songs, Winston, Mookie Blaylock and Wilson, The Terrible Towel, Tekiah and All Shofar Blasts, St. Patty’s Day in Savannah GA, Q-Tips, Q-Tip and Tribe Called Quest, Ice Luges, Double Bourbon, Gala and Lakota, Riley and Rocco, Matzah Brie, Baba Ga Noosh, Slap Shot, Meze, Farfal, The Fifth Element, Red Sea Pedestrians, 5 Pillar People, The Trinity, Siddartha, The Upanishads, Jah Rastafari, Biko, Jesse Owens, King, The Mahatma, Malcom, James Baldwin, John Brown, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gehry, Cohen, Black Jack Johnson, LC Baker the Touchdown Maker, Christopher Walken, Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Kaya, The Blueberry, The Grape Ape, Kush, Peyote, Kava, Mescal, Aldous Huxley, Charles Bukowski, Hunter S. Thompson, Kee Mao, Wow Man Good, True Romance, Public Enemy, Notorious, Justin Rascatti, Eugene Holloman, Rodney Landers, Akeem Jordan, The Assumption in Milan, Scout, and Sunsets.

TSEIAKHMAERT

2007-01-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

Daily Quotes

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is.
~Chuck Reid

When the heart speaks, the mind finds it indecent to object.
~Milan Kundera

SamiPod

1. Pink & Blue ~Andre 3000
2. Ramble Tamble ~CCR
3. Wisemen ~James Blunt
4. Plastic Nation ~Public Enemy
5. Heavy Things ~Phish
6. Head To Toe ~Sean Paul
7. Poppin' My Collar ~Three 6 Mafia
8. I Can't Wait ~Akon
9. Love In War ~Andre 3000
10. No Holding Back ~Wayne Wonder

I had a post but it was erased multiple times, I'll redo it tomorrow, Shout Outs Tomorrow.

I'm Rich Biatch!

2007-01-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
~Jack London

Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
~Thomas Jefferson

I shall always be a priest of love.
~D.H. Lawrence

SAMiPod

1. All the Lonely People ~Talib Kweli
2. Stone Cold Bush ~RHCP
3. Crystal Stair ~Tek & Steele
4. It Ain't Hard to Tell ~Nas
5. Fall At Your Feet ~James Blunt
6. All Night Long ~Lionel Richie
7. Whitey ~Adam Sandler
8. Simple Man ~Lynrd Skynrd
9. You Dropped A Bomb On Me ~The Gap Band
10. Summer Love ~JT

I'M RICH BIATCH!!!!!!!!!
Lottery Purchases:

1. 1965 Shelby Cobra

2. Island Home

3. Yacht

4. NFL Franchise

Notorious

2007-01-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Beware of the young doctor and the old barber.
~Benjamin Franklin

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."
~Quincy Jones

SAMMiPOD

1. Lost Yo Mind ~Beyonce
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE4LC19MiI0
Only place I could find this track.
2. The Rain ~Akon
3. Don't Say Nuthin ~The Roots
4. Hungry Like The Wolf ~Duran Duran
5. Dare ~Gorillaz
6. Check Yourself ~Ice Cube
7. Love Speakeasy ~Talib Kweli
8. Fool In The Rain ~Led Zeppelin
9. My 1st Song ~Jay Z
10. Dancing In The Dark ~The Boss

Don't mix Tylenol PM and the show Future Weapons on Discovery Channel...trust me. I won't even try to explain my dream. If you're looking for a movie recommendation I suggest Notorious, a classic Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. You may find some similarities between it and Mission Impossible 2, because John Woo basically ripped th whole thing off from Hitchcock, right down to a scene at the horse track. I need a girl like Ingrid, is that too much to ask? Maybe if I could be like Cary Grant's characters that would happen.

Hey You Stink

2007-01-09T22:12:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling.
~Margaret Lee Runbeck

Money and women. They're two of the strongest things in the world. The things you do for a woman you wouldn't do for anything else. Same with money.
~Satchel Paige

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
~Thich Nhat Hanh

Nano

1. I Wanna Fuck you ~Akon
2. When Doves Cry ~Prince
3. Rosa Parks Remix ~Snoop, Tupac, and Outkast
4. The Champion ~Adam Sandler
5. If 6 Was 9 ~Jimi Hendrix
6. Firepower ~Dilated Peoples
7. You Were Meant For Me ~Jewel
8. Loverboy ~BillyOcean
9. Through the Wire ~Kanye West
10. Ramble On ~Led Zeppelin

Headline on Yahoo:

New York, New Jersey trade blame over mystery odor
Can you imagine this conversation????
NY: Hey yous smell!
NJ: Bafangool, it's yous stankin' ass!
NY: Hey blow it out yo ass, smells like you did!
NJ: Fuck You!
NY: Fuck Me? Fuck you!
NJ: Fuck Yous!!
NY: No Fuck You!
Etc. Etc. Etc.

WBT/TOAT Exists!!!!!

2007-01-07T22:07:00.001-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

When you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same.
~Nelson Mandela

Need more potassium!!
~Wu

The bottom line is that (a) people are never perfect, but love can be, (b) that is the one and only way that the mediocre and vile can be transformed, and (c) doing that makes it that. We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.
~Tom Robbins

NANO NANO

1. The Proud ~Talib Kweli
2. What You Know ~TI
3. Wagon Wheel ~Old Crow Medicine Show
4. One Love ~Nas
5. Twisted ~Kieth Sweat
6. Out of my Mind ~James Blunt
7. Chop Me Up ~Justin Timberlake
8. They Say Vision ~Res
9. Good to You ~Talib Kweli
10. All Good Things ~Nelly Furtado

I was almost like when Ving Rames opens the breifcase in Pulp Fiction. It was the beautifulest thing in the world...it was just like that. Who even knew something like that existed, I had an idea that it did but was waiting for the confirmation my entire life. And now at age 29 on beautiful 70 degree day in the middle of January it all became clear. WBT or TOAT was real and lived up to the hype.

Firsts,
The first time for a good thing is almost always the best. Of course there are some exceptions and sometimes its the third or fourth, but think about your firsts, think about the new, the firsts with the new. The best. Even if you have every idea or a clear notion of what it will be like...it's still the best and exceeds all expectation.

Triple Take and Squatters On The Deck

2007-01-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

DAILY QUOTES

It is never too late to give up our prejudices.
~Thoreau

We are all born for love. It is the principle of existence, and its only end
~Benjamin Disraeli

Nano

1. Afraid ~Nelly Furtado
2. Losing My Way ~Justin Timberlake
3. U Remind Me ~Usher
4. No Hay Igual ~Nelly Furtado
5. Run Through The Jungle ~CCR
6. Ramble Tamble ~CCR
7. Summer Love ~Justin Timberlake
8. Pussy ~Brazilian Girls
9. Life's A Bitch ~Nas
10. Long As I Can See The Light ~CCR

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY BRO ACTING LIKE A KID IN THE CANDY STORE AT THE WARHOL MUSEUM IN PITTSBURGH

It's been a while I shouldn't have left you, with out a dope blog to step to.
You'd think I'd have a lot to say, but I really don't which is why I haven't made any entries lately. I could do the cheesy year in review, and this would be one hell of a year to review. But I won't. I will say I've learned more about myself this year than any other I can remember. If you couldn't tell by the playlist above, I'm really into Loose by Nelly Furtado, and as I've said before Futuresex/Lovesound by Justin Timberlake. Trust me I'm shocked too, but I gave them a chance and I'm glad I did.

Was at Whole Foods the last week and someone caught my eye, she shot me a weird look, because of a) my triple take and weird expression or b)....hmmmm. Either way I practically ran to the salad bar, which in my opinion was the right move.

The weirdness seemed to continue into my dreams, last night I had one of the strangest dreams. Ryther had dark hair, but still wanted to play basketball. The young punk I graciously shared my vodka with at the movie theater was one of three squatters that made my parent's deck their temporary home.
You tell me, cuz I have noooooo clue.

Well, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my friends! Hoping every year is better than the next, especially this one! No Bovis in 2007!