No pun intended

Now listening to: The Hives

Well I have successfully done nothing today. I wasn't feeling that great to start off and kind of let that dictate the rest of the day. I did talk ot my brother which is always cool. He seems to be in a really good situation right now. I babbled on about how cool Madden was and tried to talk him into getting an XBox and playing online so we could chat that way. He seemed to like the idea, but honestly I doubt it happens. Too many obstacles.

I then watched Gigantic (which I already mentioned) and then just completely vegged in front of the TV. Corb and Trip wanted me to come out and hang, but I didn't wanna move. I later regretted that idea as Sunday TV is simply awful without football. I did get to watch the new Aqua Teen episode with the Mooninites and that was excellent. I also watched the champions poker event on Fox Sports. That was decent. Other than that TV was a desolate wasteland that I couldn't escape.

Another note, Captain Ron, with Martin Short and Kurt Russell, needs never be shown again in any format. I'm not a fan and it has to end. I'm ranking it mudbutt, plain and simple.

I am Jack's wasted life.

Speaking of wasting my life, on the internet I've noticed it's difficult to find really good editorial content on video games. Actually this is kinda true for most things, but video games in particular. Take for example Gamespot, the premier gaming site on the web. It's reviews are pretty much spot on (sorry) but it's editorials usually bore me. Occasionally one of the writers will come up with something, but mostly it's bland.

Trust me I know how hard it is to come up with interesting topics for columns on the regular, but come on, video games are a pretty broad field. Especially when you consider the ability to tie them into other things related to games and nerdity in general. I'd like to take this moment to offer my services to any paying game website right now. I'd write a weekly gaming column full of quirk and pizazz. Anyway I'm getting off this topic before I bore anyone else away, because I'm starting to bore myself and that's not a good sign.

I don't get around how you get around

I just watched Gigantic, the documentary about They Might Be Giants. It was really cool. Kev loaned it to me, he always gets the cool stuff that analyzes how artists work. It's cool. But the DVD is great, it's got all these really awesome people commenting on how great the band is. People like Frank Black, Sarah Vowell, Michael Azerrad and so on.

Any TMBG are one of the greatest bands ever. I think I can say that they are one of the bands that made me realize music didn't have to be about big hair and guitar solos. They write songs about off kilter topics with an absurd sense of humor. It's refreshing to see these guys who are basically nerds, succeeding without really compromising their unique vision.

It was also TMBG that made me realize that you can't teach taste. I used to believe that the music I really liked and others didn't get was simply because they hadn't really listened to it and given it a chance. I found out that it's not always that way.

You know, being able to appreciate TMBG is a good indicator of how interesting a person is. If you don't get it, chances are you're not really worth the time. Maybe that's not completely true, but it's definitely a useful barometer.

So anyone reading this who has never listened to them, check them out. Their Dial A Song website is here. I'd rate them as headcavingly orgasmic, undoubtedly. I'm still watching the extra stuff on there now.

Ever do any sweet jumps?

Now listening to:They Might Be Giants (The Spine)

Went to see Napoleon Dynamite today and it was awesome. It really doesn't have much of a plot, but Napoleon is awesome...he's so goofy you can't help but laugh at him. I'd say this movie is Filet Mignon, but it's not for everybody. It reminded me a lot of a Wes Anderson film. It seemed to be set in modern times, but everything had a kind of 1979 feel. That sort of timeless feel that Anderson catches really well, also the opening credits reminded me of Rushmore. Particularly the library card portion.

After that Trip and I hit Red Lobster again, he's addicted to the crab. I myself am partial to it, but I think it's in his bloodstream.

After that we came back to Trip's and watched tv. He was nodding in his chair and so when I was leaving I pulled the old sneak up on the sleeping guy and unzip your pants beside his ear bit. He woke up and it scared the bejeezus out of him. Hehe I nearly busted a gut laughing.

Pissy and I don't care who knows it

Now listening to: Clutch (Jam Room)

I haven't been in the best of moods for most of the day and am still brooding. I watched the last of the Six Feet Under episodes I had (only one more disc to go and season 2 is done.) That didn't improve my mood as it serves to stress both the things that I don't have and the potential for suckitude in my life.

I went to Trip's this evening, but I guess I pissed Trip off and that pissed me off so I left. We have the ability to rub each other the wrong way sometimes.

Once I came home I read some Catch-22 and watched three shows on the history of snipers in the western world. Long live the History Channel. It was pretty interesting, especially the bit about how long it took the Army and Marines to realize the value of continued sniper training.

I am now officially jealous of Nick's Direct TV. He's able to watch all kinds of football games that I'm not and get the NFL Network, which I sorely wish I could receive. Oh well, I will have to make due with XBox Live and Halo 2 when it comes out.

Bad in spite of Vic Tayback

Now listening to: Mission of Burma

A highly unnoteworthy day. Nothing really exciting happened, not that exciting things really are a normal part of my life. Still today was abnormally bland. I got up and for some reason I started thinking about specific instances of how people have let me down over the course of my life. This is not a good way to start the day, I can tell you. You just feel frustrated and annoyed...which how I usually wake up anyway, but this was different.

After I finally stopped brooding and got out of bed I played a little Madden, then got myself together to turn in an application at the library and meet Trip for dinner at China Buffet. Woo.

After that we went back to his pad and watched Bullitt...which was a complete bore-a-thon. I kept waiting for action and it never came. Sure there was a car chase, one that I have heard about for years, but it was a total let down. I'd say Mudbutt.

After that I got bored as Trip insisted we watch Big Brother 5...we had a power struggle as I nabbed the remote and was trying to watch football, but he was bound to win as it was his house. So I ended up just coming home and hitting the Madden again (losing to the goddamned Ravens...I hate them soo much). After that I turned it off knowing that my frustration level was too high to continue.

I ended up watching shite on TV for the rest of the evening...I have got to stop doing that. TV saps my wits. I'm now going to start rereading Catch-22 because I remember it making me laugh and I want to read the sequel, which I've had for a while now.

Oh I finished Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and it was exquisite. It reaches the Filet Mignon and perhaps beyond...only time will tell.

Subconcious suggestion

I jsut noticed the ads at the top of the page link to a Cheech and Chong DVD and a conservative book club. How's that for diverse? Anyway if anyone from this blog actually signs up for the book club I will be shocked an awed. Even Nick (my sole "conservative" reader) won't be duped into signing up for that type of propaganda.

Now that's funny

OK I just emailed my aunt and described David Sedaris as "funny, like losing bowel control funny" and made myself laugh. So I thought I'd share my pseudo-wit with all of you...ok both of you whatever.

Is the space pope reptilian?

Now listening to: Starflyer 59 (Leave Here a Stranger)

Another day spent wallowing in my laziness. I'm really starting to enjoy them more every day. I played some of the new Madden, losing a close game online to a jackhole. Read more about it at Goal Line Stand, or don't.

I then spent the afternoon halfwatching television and reading David Sedaris' new book. It's freakin' hysterical. I watched a lot of football programming really. NFL Live and whatnot. I'm just am really stoked for football season.

After a while I decided to watch some more Six Feet Under as I have two full DVDs of the show being the blood clot that caused my Netflix account to have a stroke. Was that too far to go for a reference...probably. Anyway I ended up watching three episodes that carried me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Normally this is a good thing, but I have to say the whole depression thing is wearing thin. I got tons of depressing stuff in real life...right now I need movies with fart jokes more than real human emotion. Is that shallow?

Oh and I received some feedback from Corb about a short story I'm working on. Both he and Trip have responded with thumbs up...which is pretty cool. The problem with that is I'm so neurotic I wonder if they mean they like it or if they mean that I'm their friend and they have to like it. I trust their judgement and if they had of said it sucked I would have believed them...depending on their tone, but I'm not good at positive responses, I tend to distrust when people say nice things to me. Writing that makes me realize that I am an emotional basketcase. Which isn't really what you'd call breaking news I suppose.

Anyway I'm gonna work through it one more time and then try to get it published. Does Microsoft Word save in the doc format? Anyone know? Leave a comment you selfish bastards. :)

Toothless black man selling shrimp out of the trunk of his car

Went to Danville and procured the new Madden. I've only played a couple of games, but it's pretty damn sweet. Danny and I went down to the wire. I managed to come back and tie it late in the fourth, but he won the coin toss and pushed his way down the field for a field goal to win. I then played Trip and he gave me another close game with the Bucs. I managed to pull out the victory however, despite his rampant goalline offense.

After that Corb showed up and we played Halo...we just can't stop.

I then came home and instead of honing my Madden skills as I should have I just vegged in front of the TV. I just didn't feel like putting forth the effort to compete. Too lazy for video games, how sad is that?

I am also applying for a job at Electronics Boutique in Danville online. It's an assistant manager position and would allow me to truly move into King Geek territory. I'm not sure if I actually want this job (all about how much pay and benefits). Still I suppose there are worse places to work.

Oh I also started reading the new David Sedaris book, which is quite funny and where I stole the title of this post from.

Pappa's got a brand new bag

Well the debate didn't last that long as I went ahead and started up my football blog, Goal line Stand. You'll note the shiny new link over on the right. Here's another for those of you one the slow side.

Youi may also note that while fiddling with the new football blog I figured out how to enable comments here so feel free to start a little conversation if you like. I may respond and a discussion could start...who knows? Whole new levels of interactivity reached and the world becomes a better place. Or don't comment and just be a complete bastard who's afraid of change....Luddite.

Sorry I got aggressive there. Anyway I'm also considering changing templates for this blog and going with a new look. I still need to figure out html, so a gift idea for everyone would be an instructional book on html. (Note: I consider books for dummies and complete idiot's guides to be symptoms of what's wrong with America, so kindly ignore those.)

To football blog or not to football blog

Well I have to say that the opening game of the preseason was no disappointment. The Skins won on a field goal on the last play of the game. I'm considering starting a football blog to document my thoughts about the games I watch and football in general. I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.

Until I do decide to start a new blog about the NFL, here are a few notes on things I noticed from the game.

• The Washington defense really seemed to be clicking pretty well for most of the game. Shawn Taylor in particular looked sharp (as evidenced by his two INTs, one of them returned for a TD).
• Denver's offense may have been part of the cause for the Skins' defensive success as they dropped a ton of passes and didn't really provide a solid ground attack.
• Matt Hasselbeck seemed to be the best quarterback on the field and he's the Redskins' third stringer.
  
• Skins' coach Joe Gibb got exactly what he wanted from the game: an idea of where is team is at. The offense clearly has a lot of work to do, especially on the O-line, but the defense provided plenty of pressure. At this point in the season, Gibb knows that's how things are going to be and now has specific areas to work on.
• The loss of Jon Janzen will be a big hurdle for the Skins, especially considering the pressure that the Broncos were able to put on the QB.
  

Anyway that's about it. I think I may go ahead with my football blog...but I need some time to get with it. My biggest issue will be sticking with it, particularly if the Steelers don't do well this season. That always has a way of sapping my enthusiasm.

All hail the football gods

I have spent the day watching the Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions back-to-back. It's been a while since I watched them and while they definitely have some issues, I feel that they were unfairly panned overall.

Anyway after finishing those I was facing a boring evening of substandard Monday television. Fortunately for me the NFL preseason opens tonight!!! WOOOOO! God I love some damn football. I know it's just a preseason game, but it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I get to watch the Joe Gibbs first game back with the Redskins. Anyway I'm gonna go and relish the give and take of football. All this and Madden comes out tomorrow. My cup runneth over.

Bush and bin Laden sitting in a tree

I just happened across this Aaron Swartz's blog and read this little nugget that I think is true.

Oh and the Killers album is pretty damn kickass. Thanks Kev for hooking me up with a copy.

Meat sweats

Now listening to: The Killers

A pretty slack day, went to see the Bourne Supremacy. It was pretty good, not quite as good as the Identity I'd say. Probably just crept into foot massage territory. After that Trip and I returned to his pad for some coop Halo. It's sad, but I've never finished the single player game. It always ends up giving me a headache and today's coop session was no exception. I had to give up after a coupla levels.

So we ended up getting some ice cream and watching several Simpsons episodes. Not bad. I then came home and watched some Adult Swim and some Old School Sportscenter. I think ESPN is realizing that their new guys just don't have the charisma of the guys from the past. I mean Dan Patrick is the man, without a doubt.

Nick invited me to play poker tonight, but I just didn't feel like making the drive. Sorry Nick, I'm a slackass.

Last night I managed to work some more on a short story I'm gonna submit to Punk Planet. I also started writing another short story that is more nonfiction than anything else. I'm trying to not waste all my time off with bullshit. If I could get a nice foot hold on writing something not for a sports page I'd be doing myself a service. I'm actually enjoying writing once I get started it's just a matter of getting started. Also I'd like to do something that is more separate from my real life, but no really good ideas are coming to me. I considered a poker novel...but judging by my recent results online I clearly don't know enough about it.

Thoroughly Thought Through

Now listening to: Ministry

Spent the day in Greensboro with Corb and Trip. We really didn't do a lot, just wander around some random stores and not really buy anything. I did buy a couple of books that looked good. We had dinner at Macaroni Grill and my Penne Rustica was exquisite. The prosciutto was excellent with it.

As we approached Trip's house, his car decided to fuck with us. We were stopped at a red light and smoke started to pour from all sides of us. It was a veritable smog rolling out from under Trip's Tracker. Fortunately we were about a quarter mile from Trip's and so we made it home fine. Hopefully nothing is too fucked up with his car, but in retrospect the idea of us three sitting in his car with a Cheech and Chong-like fog surrounding us is friggin hysterical.

After a couple rounds of Halo, we left for the homestead. I ended up watching the Bourne Identity, which was pretty kickass. It was a more cerebral spy tale...a lot better than I expected (foot massage bordering on Filet Mignon). I may try to catch the sequal with Trip tomorrow. I also may get some Ludlum novels from the library next week.

Last night I stayed up until 7 a.m. reading Stephan Fry's Revenge, which was really awesome. It's a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. I'd say it ranks in the Filet Mignon category. I picked up his first book tonight.

Follow you home after every show

Just got in from Kevin and Courtney's place. We had a good time. Reed was there and we had a kickass meal of General Tso's chicken oh and we had meatballs as a sort of appetizer thing and they were good. MMM. Spent most of the evening just sitting around talking and that was a pleasant change from the constant running and gunning I do with Corb and Trip a la Halo (not that I mind that really, just nice to do something different occasionally).

Their daughter is still firmly in the adorable phaze (she may never leave who knows), but even with my loathing of children I had to admit she's cute. She was also fairly well behaved, a couple of outbreaks of crying and fussiness, but hell I'm prone to those myself.

I also made out like a bandit, scoring a copy of the Killers album and bumming a bunch of DVDs.

I'm feeling tired and have no reason to considering my day consisted of getting up after 1p.m. Falling asleep on the couch watching the PowerPuff girls and relaxing at Kev's. I guess we did take an after dinner walk, but man I can't be THAT lazy. That's just crazy.

Like poker, except without the money

Now listening to: The Magnetic Fields (i)

So after killing some time surfing the net, I got bored and decided to play a couple of poker tournaments for play money. This takes all the pressure off (for obvious reasons) and I can just kinda see what works. Of course there are some morons who play stupid, but it's still a useful tool. I ended up playing like four tournaments. Two Omaha and two no-limit hold 'em. I won two, one omaha and one hold 'em.

It's just such a step up when you play for real cash. I mean it's not even comparable. I can outplay most of the play money guys without really thinking about it. For real money, my tourney results as pathetic. I think one thing is I play a lot tighter and fold more when I should hold on and try to suck out on someone.

Anyway I have decided that I do like Omaha, even tho I know a lot less about the implied odds of each hand. That's a game where you'd better have a good draw or you're not gonna win. I don't think top pair won a single hand while I played. I'm now officially rambling about god knows what. I'm going to bed.

We don't always want what's right

Now listening to: an odd selection of interesting songs I've procured recently, titled Nanners

Watched Bubba Ho-Tep tonight with Trip and that was cool. It was undoubtedly one of the oddest stories I've ever seen, but in a good way. It was ostensibly about an elderly Elvis living out his days in an old folks home when he and a man (a black man) who thinks he's JFK get together to help kill a mummy (Bubba Ho-Tep) that is killing the residents of their rest home. It's basically about how as a society we throw away the elderly and just wait for them to die. But instead of just being the standard drama, it put the topic in a bizarre low budget horror movie format starring the King himself, Bruce Campbell. The movie itself I'd rate as a foot massage, but the concept is headcavingly orgasmic to me.

Tried the new restaurant in town that took over the space that was Shoney's. The food reminded me of Shoney's, which isn't really that great. While Trip and I were dining, a group of mentally disabled adults came in to eat. I was appalled by how so many people feel like they have to stare at them. It really annoyed me. I'm not really that good at handling the situation myself, but oggling them isn't the way to go. They're just trying to eat...give em a break.

I think I am gonna give up COH. I really just can't get into lately. I tried to play tonight, but got bored quick. It's getting too repetitive. It's kinda discouraged me from World of Warcraft a little ...I dunno. MMORPGs may just be too much for me. I was totally into for a couple of months, then I just got over it. Really that's how I am with most video games (the exception being Halo multiplayer).

Planet of Sound

I have decided to make a mix of songs that have a break where the listener is simply hit by a wall of sound. If you're listening intently enough it can knock you off your chair. I decided to do this after listening to Clutch's (In the wake of) The Swollen Goat. It has this moment where the guitar kicks in and simply flays you...it's grinding you down...in a good way.

I'm trying to think of songs that do that. I know that Sonic Youth's Empty Cage has a moment like that. At the Drive-in has a couple, just not sure which ones they are. Those guys play with such urgency it's amazing.

Ohhh the Aphex Twin's Come to Daddy....that moment where the scream turns to white noise is absolute bliss, it's more powerful than most conventional weaponry.

I guess you could say Funkadelic's Maggot Brain fits in too. It has that slow ethereal beginning with George Clinton talking in his sweet, sweet stoner talk and then Eddie Hazel kicks in with the most soulful guitar solo ever recorded. Listening to that makes you feel like someone has poured the emotions of the whole world into a bottle and you get to drink every feeling anyone has ever had. Man that sounds like stoner talk there...but it doesn't make it less true.

I need to go and ponder more.

Greed is a weapon of Mass Destruction

Now listening to: Faithless (Mass Destruction single)

I jsut saw the video for this Faithless song on MTV (I know a video on MTV, who knew?) and it kicks ass. It's an excellent song and I recommend everyone sniff it out. I listened to some of their other songs' samples on iTunes, but they seemed like standard techno stuff. But Mass Destruction is really good. It's got that liberal mindset that I like and it's got a really cool beat.

I didn't hear about the job today so I'm a little concerned with that. Hopefully it's just bureaucratic delays and not an indication that I am not gonna get it. That would suck.

I watched School of Rock this afternoon and it was ok. Too many cute kid moments. I dig Jack Black, but I really don't care for kids in movies. I kinda regret buying it. On one viewing I would have said foot massage...now I'm saying Meh. I don't need to see it again. After that I went to Trip's and we watched three episodes of Six Feet Under, season 2. That show is good, but it just depressed both Trip and I tonight. We were ailing through most of it tonight. Still the lovely Rachel Griffiths keeps me watching...she is gorgeous.

Here's a cool interview with Robert Smigel. Oh how I love Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. There is also a little review of the newly released You Bet Your Life DVD collection that intrigues me. I'd love to watch Groucho Marx do his thing. Have to check Netflix.

Q: What's the difference between god and a sock monkey?

Now: ready for bed

I just finished reading Sock and it was pretty kickass. A true atheist novel, through and through. Not surprising considering the source. The killer was really cool. I won't say too much as I think Trip will want to read it and I don't want to ruin it for him. This book definitely deserves the Filet Mignon.

A: There is a sock monkey.

Entertainment coming out the yin yang

Now listening to: Soothing classical webradio

Went to Danville today with Danny and he talked me into getting Xbox Live...which is ok I guess. I came home and hooked it up to play some ESPN 2K5. The first game I was doing alright against Philadelphia for a while, trailing by a touchdown, but working my way downfield and scoring. Then his defensive line just crushed me and my offense evaporated. So I took a real beating, but the guy wasn't a douche about it at least.

Then I played Danny and whipped his ass. It was kinda brutal...he must have been distracted because I don't think I've ever beat him at any football game like that. I then took some time off to watch the new WSOP shows. After that I came back for a third game against some guy with the Cowboys and got schooled again. This guy did everything right and my line folded like a cardboard box. I think I'm at a real disadvantage against good defenses.

SO I gave up and decided to give poker a try. I played in a SnG and went out fifth. With A-10 and hte second biggest stack, I lost a ton with aces and kings to A-J...his kicker was one tick higher and it was awful. I had no chance to make a comeback as the blinds were just too high and I went away quick. I played pretty well and if it hadn't of been for that crap I would have been in the money.

I tried the cash games, but got caught at a tough table and couldn't catch any cards. I ended up calling it quits down .75. Now I think I may do some reading or something calm without any competition. Just doesn't seem like I'm gonna do much tonight in the winning department.

If I'm gonna keep playing poker online I need to start reading more guides and consider getting Poker Tracker. I hear that this really helps show you some things you are doing wrong. Even after the last couple of days I feel like I'm playing better. I just have tightened up a lot and am playing my position a lot better. Now I just need to get better tables and get some hands to stick.

I'm also considering that I'm paying for too much entertainment right now. Between paying for COH, Netflix, XBox Live and buying movies books and other games, I am hemorraging money I shouldn't be. I hate to say it but the COH may be the first to go. I was thinking maybe Netflixat first, but COH is becoming boring and repetitive. Monthly fees are such a bitch.

Damsel of Death

I just finished watching Monster and I have to say it was pretty damn good. Charlize Theron really was amazing as Aileen Wuornos. I see why see got the Oscar. Acturally the whole movie was excellent. Christina Ricci was really good too (nothing new there in my mind).

Even the score was excellent. It was BT and as much as I've liked his work I never expected something like that from him. Much more mellow and involved than some of his more upbeat dance stuff.

I watched the featurettes on the making of the movie and the interview with BT and director Patty Jenkins. The making of was interesting, it showed the depth of how they researched Aileen. The bit about the score was less entertaining as it seemed like BT and Ms. Jenkins simply couldn't stop talkng about how great the other was. It was a mutual handjob. Also they'd go into this technical speak, with lots of "you had to be there to understand" things and I felt like I was at a drama party again.

Anyway see this movie if you haven't. It was worth staying up until almost 6 a.m. to finish.

One thin dime won't even shine your shoes

Now listening to: Sparta

After a wasted afternoon, I went over to Trip's for a bit and hung with him. I then made the soggy trek to Walmart for provisions and to also seek some new form of entertainment. (I have to shop at the evil empire...there are no other options in these parts.) After shopping around for a while, I found the store to be more trouble than it was worth. I was considering the Hellboy DVD, but it was in the case. Anyone who's ever had to deal with the Walmart electronics people know it is simply not worth it to track them down to open a case. I'll just wait and get it somewhere else. After that I was going to get a six-pack of Mountain Dew. They didn't have them out anywhere I could find them.

The night crew was starting to stack palettes of stuff everywhere and make the place completely unnavigable. So I gave up and went to Blockbuster. There I bought a used copy of Bubba Ho-Tep and School of Rock. I was considering getting a copy of Kill Bill Vol. 1, but since I'm gonna be buying the boxed set when it comes out I decided to wait. I then went to Kroger for some food (they had Mountain Dew, thankfully) and came home.

So what do I do after buying new movies? Watch them...oh hell no. I played poker online for a couple of hours. Things looked bleak early on. I started with $42 and quickly lost my ass. I was down to$17 before my comeback kicked in. I battled all the way back to $43.66. That's right, I made $1.66 after two hours of play, not a great earned value. Still it was nice to get back in the black after losing so much. Initially I figured I was just gonna lose my whole bankroll (dig the poker lingo) and that would be the end of that for a while. Instead I'm almost back to breaking even on the original $50 investment.

My final hand of the night rocked. I limped in under the gun with Q-10 of clubs. The flop comes A-K-10 rainbow. I call the .50 bet hoping for a jack to send me to Broadway. (The ace-10 straight is called Broadway.) It comes on the turn and I slow play it. It checks all the way around and the river is a blank. I bet the river...a guy raises me, I reraise and he caps it. I won about $13 on that hand and moved back into the winner's circle. So I called it a night and am now rambling on about my good fortune.

Anyway I think I'm gonna watch Monster now. Mom checked it out from the library and I've heard it's pretty good.

Don't know when to quit

Now listening to: ambient webradio and then some classical webradio

What a completely uneventful day. I wasn't feeling social so I stayed in all day and did not a fucking thing. I watched Zorro on TBS...need I say more? For some reason I couldn't pry my ass off the couch until after 1 a.m.

I then moved to my computer chair and started reading some stuff on the internet and decided to play some poker. I started with a $6 sit and go tournament, which I caught few cards. The ones I did catch turned crappy when people who shouldn't have still been in the hand caught a miracle on fifth street. This same person did it to me twice once with a miracle runner-runner flush and again with a runner-runner straight. I kid you not...it was brutal and I went out in seventh place.

I decided to hit the cash tables and win my $6 back. And I did so. In fact I was so intent on winning my $6 back that instead of cashing out up $25 I played until I was back down to $6 up. Which sucked. I have a tendency to do that. I win a lot at the beginning and then loosen up. It's other people's money right...and so I give it right back. I've got to either just quit while I'm ahead or learn how to keep playing the tight game. I also think that the longer I play the fewer fish there are at PartyPoker. It's only the dedicated who come stay out unto 3 a.m. At least I broke even I suppose.

I have to find something entertaining to do tomorrow or I will simply die from boredom. I tried COH today, but it just didn't draw me in. I tried ESPN football, but it's also not doing it for me. I need something new and there isn't a lot of good stuff to chose from...not for a while at least.

To the Extreme!!

Now listening to: Sonic Youth and AC/DC

A ncie relaxed day where Trip, Corb and myself took a leisurely trip to Danville to see Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. I knew this was going to be one of those really stupid comedies, but I have to admit, most of the time, I really like those. This was no exception, I'd rate this one foot massage. It made me wanna smoke weed and watch it again...but with the whole teaching thing I suppose that ain't gonna happen.

After that we went to Red Lobster for dinner and had a pretty kickass meal. Our streak of unattractive waitresses was broken, as we finally had a cutie waiting on us. That sounds terribly mysogynistic, but what can I say I like attractive women. Sue me.

We came back home and hit up some Halo action. Corb's skills continue to improve and he is becoming more of a threat. I, like every other video game nerd out there, am wanting Halo 2 right now. As far as I care it could be the exact same game as the original with new multiplayer maps and online play and I wouldn't complain. I don't care about the single player...I'm not gonna play that anyway.

Ended up playing in poker tournaments for fake money last night instead of COH. It was ok...took third in one and first in another. I got to brush up my skills.

new slang

Now listening to: The Shins (Oh, Inverted World)

I have a headache. This is probably from doing a couple of shots a few hours ago and straining my eyes to play Halo and ESPN 2K5. I have popped some aspirin and am still waiting for the instant relief.

Not really an eventful day. I didn't do a whole lot outside of play video games. Actually I didn't do anything besides play video games. That isn't really a bad thing, as I had planned to really try and relax this weekend. I know, I know I've been off for over a month now, but I have only recently been able to really let the stress go. Now things are looking up and I can enjoy my time off instead of brooding constantly.

I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do for the rest of tonight tho. I have a couple of hours to kill before I can really think of going to sleep...maybe I'll hit Paragon City. Hmm.

Shake-zula, the mike rula

SHOTGUN....YEEEEAAAHHH!!!!

Now listening to:Wilco (A Ghost is Born)

Since I'm up at 4:30 a.m. and can't stop posting silly crap I figured i may as well link to this place. It's all about the rules of calling shotgun. Oddly enough, it's got every rule we implemented back in high school. It also has a cool voiding clause I like, that if you pull the handle up when the door is being unlocked and it stays locked you lost shotgun privileges. I really need to get a life...I think it's bedtime for me.

Fits to be tied

You will perish of fits. Repeat this to yourself:
"Things can work out even if I don't get
my way. Things can work out even...."


What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?
brought to you by Quizilla

Cybernerd

Now listening to:Sparta

The internet is a wonderful thing. I have just spent the last couple of hours completely absorbed in the digital world and it feels really good. I have everything I need. I can look up almost any fact I need to find within seconds and can do it in complete comfort. Tonight I've been touring Salon and some blogs. I've also been reading more of the Road Penns at Pennandteller.com They are really good.

I think the thing I like most about blogs are that it's so untainted. It's just a little window into the mind of the blogger and what he/she want to tell you and what's happening in his/her life.

Anyway I just love that I can climb into my little internet nook, slap on the headphones to listen to the crap ton of music I've got uploaded to my hard drive (the first thing I do when I get a new cd is load it into iTunes) and read all night on almost anything. Is it wasting time? I don't know...depends on what you consider a waste...I've always thought that accruing information, no matter how trivial, was a good thing.

Hail to the Chief

Now listening to: Sonic Youth (Sonic Nurse)

I'm in a pretty good mood for a change. I had my interview for the teaching job and feel like I nailed it. I was a little nervous and rambled a little bit, but that may have helped. I'm pretty good at interviews I think...well depending on the situation. I was once in an interview where I had decided I hated the woman interviewing me and no longer wanted the job. Basically I just crapped out there. But for the most part, interviews are my friends. The key is staying cool and being honest. I'm not too bad at thinking on my feet and having a good answer. I find out if I got the job sometime next week.

After that I filled out another application (fulfilling my unemployment responsibilities for the week), bought some lunch and came home for a meal then a nap...well an on and off nap, where I watched the Aqua Teen Hunger Force second season DVD during moments of lucidity.

After rousing myself I went to Trip's and we watched Celebrity Poker and then John Kerry's speech at the DNC. I have to say the speech was pretty damn good. It really brought things together. He covered all the things he needed to, the war on terror, domestic policy, the environment and finally having a bipartisan government working together to solve problems. I also appreciate his stand on stem cell research. Kerry just seemed to earnestly have the best interests of America in mind. I guess it's not hard to seem that way in comparison to the administration we have now. I'm hoping for a big boost in the polls and really can't imagine what a Bush victory in Nov. would be like.

Vote Kerry!

police states suck

Made the trek to Greensboro for a bit of poker. Started things off with a nice fat meal of breakfast food at IHOP. I had been suffering from a breakfast food craving for a while and now it is satiated. Finally. I then proceeded to Nick's domicile for some poker hijinks. Unfortunately the game had been called off, unbeknownst to me.

Nick called the troops in and scrounged up a game for me (thank you Nick), so my trip was not in vain. Actually I wouldn't have minded if the game were cancelled, it wasn't a big deal and I was having a good time chatting with Nick and Abby. Abby and I were trying (unsuccessfully) to change Nick's mind about the upcoming election. He's a Bush person and I'm not sure why. Of course, really I'm not sure why anyone is a Bush supporter...oh well, live and let live I suppose.

But the game did come together and we played for a while. It was pretty fun, I started off with some nice hands and went up quick. Then the cards dried up and I made some pretty weak calls to chisel away at my winnings. I ended up winning $4...which pays for about half the gas it took to drive there and back...actually probably less. Still I had a good time and all is well. I shouldn't complain, I did win. Losing my ass and paying for gas would bone. Plus I finally got my Modest Mouse cd back after leaving it there for months.

I did manage to get four of a kind jacks at on one hand, which was pretty cool. Pocket jacks and then got another jack on both the turn and the river. Pretty sweet. Didn't get a call on the river tho, minimizing the size of the pot I dragged.

Bad Monkey wammerjammer

Preparing to: play ESPN NFL 2K5 for about four hours.

I broke down and bought the ESPN game because it was only $20. Why not? I've only played one game, but it was pretty sweet. Makes me want to get Xbox Live and try my hand at it online. I might do that next week. It's not like I have an actual life really.

Oh I did shower and shave and feel much better for having done so...I really don't understand how people don't shower for days at the time. Two days and I feel like rancid meat. It's not good.

I never got through the dreaded busy phone of death today, so I will try again tomorrow and may drive to the school to set something up. I refuse to let this slip through my fingers, like the stupid history job did.

I think I'm gonna hit the poker table tomorrow at Nick's if all goes well. I haven't been in a game in a while and am hoping to rack a few pots. Plus I can get the cds my dumbass left down there.

I started reading Penn Jillette's book Sock (Penn of Penn and Teller fame) and I have to say it's really very good. I mean you'd have to be deaf to not know that Penn can spew a line of bullshit like few other people in the world, but talk doesn't always translate into writing. This is good writing. I'll keep you posted on my further impressions.

vile, just vile

I stink. I haven't bathed in two days and haven't shaved in five. I am entering full derelict mode. I feel bad (mostly because I haven't showered I think) and I can't get a call through to set up an interview for that teaching job. It's annoying. Their phone has been busy all fucking day and it's driving me absolutely apeshit.

On the plus side I am officially a ward of the state and receiving "Gubment" checks. I got my first on yesterday. A day which I did almost nothing of note. I watched Love, Actually which was pretty good (+1 chainmail) and re-read Shampoo Planet, which is an underrated masterpiece (Filet Mignon). I also watched several hours worth of tv that had no redeeming qualities whatsoever.

Last night a thunderstorm forced me to go lowtech so I spent much of the evening listening to cds and reading. I also stared into the walls of my room for quite a bit thinking. As I was sampling from my massive cd collection I started thinking about how certain songs really resonate with me. A short list of songs that shake me to my core almost every time I hear them:

• The Dismemberment Plan- You are Invited
• Fugazi - Merchandise
• The Minutemen - History Lesson Part II
• The Eels - Going to Your Funeral
• The Cure - Just Like Heaven
  

That's just a few I thought of off the top of my head. I'd like to hear back from the few people who read this site about their personal soulshaking songs. We could both make a cd of those songs and trade them. It'd be cool, think about it.

Hell yeah I'm a dirty white boy

Now listening to: Black Flag (Damaged)

I'm really not in the best of moods and haven't been all day. I let Corb talk me into hanging out and I ended up spending a lot of the time sleeping on Trip's couch. Woo party time for one and all.

I did roust myself in time to watch the new episode of Six Feet Under, but really it was a bad idea. The show is so damn depressing and I really didn't need that now. I'm probably just gonna try and spend the rest of the night playing COH and reading. I'm probably gonna go back and re-read some Douglas Coupland stuff.

Tomorrow I call about that teaching job and see what will work out there. He's to hoping I don't have to be a derelict for that much longer.

Don't touch my magic bone!

Now watching: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Saw the movie Super Size Me today. It was pretty good, but another one of those films that makes me annoyed with how the world works. Too much fat, too much money spent advertising food that is grotesquely bad for you. It's enough to make you think that a world run by multinational corporations doesn't have the best interest of people at heart.

Trip and I finally finished watching the first season of Dead Like Me and it was excellent. An interesting world of grim reapers and their interactions with the dead. I'd give the season a Foot massage rating.

I finished Hey, Nostradamus by Douglas Coupland the other day and enjoyed it. It wasn't one my favorite work of his, but it still was very good. My all time favorite is Microserfs, which speaks to my inner nerd. I'd rank it as one of my top five books of all time.

OH, this is forever

Now listening to: Sparta

Well when it rains shit, it pours. Now that I don't have a steady income, my jeep has decided to really turn into a hunk of crap. Of course the top is still sieve-like and now the engine has decided to follow the top's example. It's spreading oil around like the Bush Administration. (zing) So I have another thing to worry about, just what I wanted.

I have to drop off an application at Blockbuster (for a job I really don't want) tomorrow and I'm not sure if I should be taking my jeep anywhere. It could be bad. Uggh.

Still no word on my unemployment stuff. Guess I just have to wait until they are good and ready to tell me something. Stress-related heart attack, here I come. Of course I don't have medical insurance so that would be another big fuck you in my life.

This Sparta album keeps getting better every time I listen to it.

Oh I found this cool song while surfing the net last night and it's pretty cool. It's probably not up everyone's alley, but you have to appreciate the cool video. To think it's done with just a digital camera and single comp program is pretty impressive.

Bark twice if you're in Milwaukee

Now listening to: Ugly Casanova

I just saw Modest Mouse on Conan O'Brian and I really need to get their new cd back. I left it at Nick's pad a while back and haven't been back there to get it. I'll have to take him on one of his invites to play poker sometime soon.

Went to see Anchorman tonight and I have to say it was excellent. Friggin hilarious, much better than I expected with some really absurd moments that I loved. A fine piece of comedy. I'm thinking Filet Mignon, although repeated watching may lower that score. Still I have to love the fact that I didn't see all the funny bits in the preview.

No word on my unemployment status today and I'm not optimistic. They are going to fuck me, that's just the way the world works. If they dis me I'm totally screwed and will have to resort to theft and double dealing for Mountain Dew money. It's not gonna be pretty.

Don't get all avoidy

Now watching: Conan and The Daily Show

A very slack, but interesting day. I watched about six episodes of Buffy, before I decided to move on. I then watched some Friends reruns and the World Series of Poker new episodes, which was cool. I also played a bit of COH and got my little tanker up to 14th level, so super jump is now mine. It's pretty sweet.

Other exciting news, I got a call from Henry County Public Schools and will be calling about an interview on Monday. The only problem is it will be for alternative education kids, i.e. the ones that have been thrown out of the other schools for some reason. It won't be the best job ever, but it would have a lot of pluses outside of the possibility of hellish students.

One plus about possibly getting the job is that the principal I'm being interviewed by was my first grade teacher and really likes me. She also was vice principal at my high school. She's cool. So I have a foot in the door. Plus I could do the alternative ed thing for a while and then try to move into administration quick. Or get my license and move away. That too is a viable option. So hopefully that will work out well.

Butter rum ass

I'm thinking today may be a Buffy day. That is to say I may simply sit on my fat ass and watch the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer until I collapse. Nothing like watching a marathon session of a Joss Whedon show.

I'm starting to really be concerned about my finances. I find out tomorrow if I am approved for unemployment and I'm nervous. If they don't approve me then I am gonna be screwed. Why does everything have to be so damn nerve racking?

I finished Bitten by Kelley Armstrong and it was ok. I'd say foot massage. It had interesting characters and a pretty cool storyline. Plus werewolves, which are pretty cool.

I forgot to mention that one of my favorite record stores has closed down. It was Safe as Milk Records in Roanoke and while I never went there a lot, I really liked it. It had a lot of cool, hard to find indie music and a nice atmosphere. Plus it wasn't a corporate piece of shit like so many of the other stores where Ishop.

End Morraine

Now listening to:Air

Spent most of the day reading on the couch. I started this werewolf book called Bitten. It's pretty good and I really didn't feel like doing much else. I turned on some mellow music, laid back and read. I may do some more of that tonight.

After lazing the day away I went to Trip's with Corb and we played Halo and Tetris Worlds. You couldn't find two more different games if you tried. Still I managed to school them in both. Anyone wanting Halo lessons need only ask. I won't charge a lot (I'm looking at you Trip).

I actually did do some writing last night, after whining about it. But I'm not really happy with it. It needs severe editing and I may just toss it, as the premise hasn't panned out the way I'd like. I'm gonna try to do some brainstorming on short story ideas this week as well. I've got a couple of decent novel ideas, but I need to sit down and be able to finish something to show me I can finish something.

You fucking poser

After linking to Punk Planet's site I started looking around and reading some stuff. This column is really cool. I recommend it to all. One of the main reason I ever bought Punk Planet was because the columns kept me coming back. Most of the time I'm not really familiar with the bands they interview and the features are informative, but sometimes it's just too far to reach. The columns always seem to make more sense to me. You should check them out sometime, maybe just read them in the bookstore if you're a cheap bastard.

Anyway the column is about being a poser and it's a good read. Enjoy.

Friendly quadriped

Now listening to: Wilco

A slack day by any standard. Didn't do much, watched the first coupla episodes of the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then Trip came over and picked me up. We got pizza and carried it back to his place and watched some Dead Like Me episodes. Instead of watching the final episode on the disc, Trip insisted we play NFL Street. He managed to beat me with the new pass play he figured out. I still insist it was a fluke, but whatever.

We watched Six Feet Under and then Entourage and then The Ali G Show. All were really good. I hate it when I find more tv to watch. It's not a good thing, especially when it's on HBO and I don't have that channel. Sucky.

I'm not really sure what I wanna do right now. I was thinking City of Heroes, but I fiddled with it through most of the time I was at Trip's so now it's not as appealing. I'm afriad it's starting to lose some of it's luster, but that may just be me expecting the worst.

Today Mom found a freelance writing job I'm probably going to apply for. It pays between $15-20/hour and that would be nice. Even if I find a better job, I could still do that depending on the amount of work involved. I like the idea of freelance stuff, as I think keeping as much freedom as possible is important to me. I really hate feeling tied down and like someone is oppressing me. My last few weeks at the Bulletin really felt that way, with the new dress code and everything else.

I've always hated to be told what to do. As most of my friends can attest, the quickest way to get me to not do something is to insist I do it. My contrary nature just takes hold and I balk. In fact, it's so well known a few of my friends have resorted to trying reverse psychology in the past. Usually I see right through it and am annoyed by it, but I'm sure it's worked at some point.

I still need to write something while I have time off, but I haven't been good at focusing on it. I think the A.D.D. has taken hold somewhat, not that I haven't kept busy with little crap for the most part. Still I should be taking advantage of this opportunity. I may try to write a short story to submit to Punk Planet magazine. It'd be cool to be published there.

Yes I went link nutty, what are you gonna do about it? The rating system has all new links, all music related if anyone cares.

Bandages

Now listening to: Wilco (a ghost is born) and Sparta

Went to Roanoke with Trip today and had a decent time. Did a little shopping and I managed to control my tendency to overbuy things a little bit. I still spent too much money, particularly considering I'm unemployed, but I didn't succumb to the temptation to buy NCAA 2005 or get that Pixies DVD. I did buy the new Wilco, which is ok, but it's not what I'm in the mood to listen to right now. I may switch it out. I also got a the Hot Hot Heat's album, basically because Trip and I had been singing a song from it all day.

One of the reasons I was able to resist NCAA 2005 was that we played a bit of it at the Gamestop and I wasn't that impressed. The presentation wasn't what I hoped. I may have to let it go. It wouldn't be bad to not spend $50 at this point either.

One really nice thing about today's trip was that I saw more attractive women out than I have in quite a while. So many beautiful women... The hormones are on high at the moment.

After coming back, Trip and I rented Eurotrip, which was much better than I thought. I'm saying foot massage. Lots of hot women in various stages of undress, some exceedingly stupid moments and some moments of hilarity. After that we enjoyed C.H.U.D. A film we rented solely because it has become something of a joke, often referred to by people rating things and the like. The movie itself was Shaq-fu at best, but because of the inherent cultural reference I'll say Meh.

Suicide's an alternative

Now listening to: Sparta (Porcelain)

So I've been offline for more than 24 hours now. I had to call tech support and have a cable guy come by to fix things. My neighbors had their stuff hooked up yesterday and naturally that meant that mine got fucked up. Figures. But now all is well and I am back in blogging action. The guy came late to the appointment and my mom harangued him into giving me a $20 credit, which is cool. My mom, effectively bitching for over 40 years.

This has been a busy week for me, particularly considering I'm unemployed. I helped Danny move and that was physically challenging. Lots of lifting and working in the heat. But, ya know, it was odd, I actually kinda enjoyed it. That is, some of it sucked, but it wasn't as bad as a thought it would be and all in all I had a good time doing it. There at the end, the five-year-old started to wear me a little thin with his hijinks, but other than that no problem.

Other than that I've been working on application and had Trip help me out with my resume. He made it look good, so that is a bonus (Filet Mignon). I shuttled around this afternoon and dropped off the applications. So I've been busy. I'm hoping I might get the job at P.H.C.C. because it sounds pretty cool. We'll see.

I just downloaded the new Sparta album and so far it's excellent. Need to hear more before I can offer an official ranking on it.

Blogger has incorporated more functionality into their site and it's pretty sweet. Maybe I'll be able to liven things up around here with a little color. Or perhaps a different font or three. This has now become an uberlong post so I will go. Hail Satan!

I had a strizoke in my Brizain

I am tired...plain and simple. I helped Danny move today and I am drained. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but of course I do get to go back again tomorrow for more. The only real trouble we had was with the entertainment center, which was the first thing we moved. I was standing in the back of the UHaul, moving it around when the heat closed in on me and I saw black spots. I took a step back, drank some water and stepped into the AC for a minute. After that it was all good.

Danny's son, Austin, was trying to be helpful, but didn't understand why we just wanted him out of the way. It's funny I remember doing that same thing as a kid. You really want to help, but you can't. It's a bummer. The funny thing is later on in life getting them to help will be like pulling teeth. The oddities of being young and energetic.

Now I think I am going to go to sleep. I have to meet Danny at 8 a.m., which goes against everything I believe in. Oh well, at least I'm getting a good workout.

Interrogated

Yesterday was simply trying. I had to talk ot the unemployment office about my termination from my job. They will rule whether I am eligible to receive benefits. The call was nerveracking. The woman kept asking me questions like "Did you work as hard as you could to keep your job?" Who does that? I did enough to get by and maybe a bit more. I mean would you bust your ass everyday for a job that underpaid you and made you work nights, weekends and holidays? Also one that refused to give you a shot at promotion, even after you've spent time doing the job. It's just poor. I felt physically ill after the call. It was a nightmare.

It made me feel like I was doing something wrong asking for the benefits that I've paid for over the years. Like I'm trying to hoodwink the system. At this point I fully expect them to deny me the benefits and then I'll be completely shit outta luck. That's the way my life seems to work these days.

After that I didn't feel like doing anything. I ended up watching Armageddon on Fx and spending the whole day doing nothing. Later on Mom and I watched Along Came Polly, which was better than I expected, not that that's saying a lot. I'd say +1 chainmail overall.

Today I have to help Danny and his family move. I can't say I'm looking forward to the physical labor, but you can't say no to your oldest friend in the world.

Man I need to shave and shower...I smell like a dead animal.

Whaddayagot?

After much poolside discussion this afternoon, it was concluded, concretely, that Marlon Brando was the greatest actor who ever lived. There was a little dissent. Some who dared mention the likes of Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino and Robert Deniro over the great Brando. I say nay! The Wild One, On the Waterfront, A Streetcar named Desire, Last Tango In Paris... what can compare with that? I don't even have to bring up his best role ever, that of Don Corleone in The Godfather. I mean everyone in that movie is exceptional and Brando still sticks out as the best thing.

It's sad that Brando recently died. He was an exceptional talent.

The same song

Now listening to:The Cure

Watched The Last Samurai today and it was much better than I expected. I'm a sucker for samurai movies anyway, but this was pretty good. Showed the struggle that Japan had modernizing with a nice fictional story. I'd say it's a foot massage. That killed most of the afternoon.

After that Trip, Corb and myself grabbed a bite and watched the first couple of episodes of the second season of Six Feet Under, which is a pretty great show. Rachel Griffiths is really, really hot. Just scorching. We then went into our normal Halo action after that. It's become an addiction for us.

Nothing much else to say. Just kind of floating along now. I'm feeling fairly unfulfilled, as would be expected. I'm not sure what I want to do and how much that matters anyway. It's going to be more about what I have to do.

Cherry Blossum Girl

Now listening to: Air

Well it was Halo night in a big way. Kev came down and we kicked it five player style and that was pretty cool. Trip and I started drinking early and about halfway though the evening I had a headache. Didn't stop me from fragging the crap out of those Noobs, but it was less than optimal. I think it's just the eye strain of watching that little screen. It's funny on a small screen I end up with a headache and with a full screen I get motion sickness. Damned if you do...

But we had a good time. Corb was rocking at one point and won his first ever match. Then won another a little bit later. He's coming into his own.

The only problem with that type of game and gaming with the guys at all is that it unlocks the worst side of my competitive nature. I talk shit when I win and get pissed when I lose. I'm more annoyed with myself when I'm not on top and hate it. I feel like I have to win to be satisfied and that can be too much pressure. I mean I have fun, but I focus on it too much if I lose. I dunno, I don't like having to prove my masculinity every time I pick up a controller, but I feel like that's what I'm doing. Funny that I don't approach a lot of other things that way. Might be better if I did, depending on the things.

Yes Cup

Now listening to:P.J. Harvey

Well I finished Fluke and it was exquisite. I hope I can write something half as good someday. I say Filet Mignon, let the judgement stand. It is mighty!! I highly recommend most of the things Christopher Moore has written.

Went to Danville today and gorged myself on seafood, then saw King Arthur.. oh man was that crappy. It had a few decent battle sequences and Keira Knightley is always hot... I mean good, but yesh this was a steamer. The guy playing Arthur was awful and the writing was apparently done by someone with no sense of pride of self worth. Tragically bad lines. "All those battles and victories brought me to this moment!" Ugh. I'm gonna be generous and give this a Shaq Fu rating because of one or two cool moments, but it could have easily found itself in Mudbutt territory. It is the second worst movie I've seen this year. The first being the epically bad Van Helsing. I can feel the bile rising just thinking about that thing.

For those of you unsure who to vote for this Nov. check out this site.

Fighting back the despair

Another day in the reclining position. I spent most of it reading Christopher Moore's Fluke, or I Know why the Caged Whale Sings. It's very good. Good humor, nice and upbeat. I suppose I have also done some other little things, organized my cds, listened to some good music. I fired up my old Mac and am currently listening Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which is very soothing. I'd say it's a Filet Mignon album. Just plain well done.

I'm also burning some cds to send to Gabe in jolly old England. It's hard because we don't always agree on what's good, but I'm making the effort anyway. He'll be better off experiencing new things even if he doesn't like them.

Soon I will be going to Corb's for a stay at ye olde pool in a bit. It seems like a good evening for it.

Got a call from the employment office today and I have to sit by the phone on the 12th at 11:30 to talk with an agent to see if my claim is going to be approved. My luck it won't be and I'll be up Shit Creek sans paddle.

Albums that I have listened to and been surprised at how good they really are in the last few days:
1) Wilco (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot)
2) Tortoise (Standards)
3) Bauhaus (Gotham)
4) Interpol (Turn off the Bright Lights)
5) The Cure (The Cure)

Governed by big money

Now listening to:Interpol

Saw Farenheit 911 on Tuesday, with Trip and Corb. I wasn't feeling well and the movie really did nothing to improve my mood. I walked out of the theatre completely pissed off and wanting blood. I can't believe that those are the people we allow to govern us. Ignorance, dirty dealing and manipulation, that's what the American political system is based on these days. I was outraged. When a senator tells me (via the movie) that they don't read most of the stuff they pass in congress, that tells me that we really need to change something.

Because I have such a visceral reaction to the film I have to give it high marks. It made me feel something, deep in my person. It wasn't a positive feeling, but it was something and it seemed honest. I admit Michael Moore can be really heavy handed and is intent on getting his version of things through, but when he's presenting facts and honest footage of the war and our government then you have to take note.

I honestly have no idea how people can vote for the Republicans. I'm not sure what their issues are or why people continue to support them. What good do they do? I know the Democrats are really the people I want elected, but between the two there seems to be little choice. Do people really hate gays that much? Cause that seems to be the biggest argument. Oh and cutting taxes for the extreme rich, that's an important issue for the common man... *sigh*

Anyway, on to less politically volatile topics. I just came home last night and finished All Tomorrow's Parties, which was excellent. I'm saying Foot Massage rating.

Today I did fuck all. I played a bit of COH, not a lot really, then I watched a bunch of TV. I was feeling particularly antisocial and just laid about on the couch. I watched the first 2004 World Series of Poker broadcasts, which were pretty cool. They are covering the other tournaments now, in addition to the main event. It was the first time I ever saw stud played on tv. I also talked to my aunt Yvonne and we commiserated over the sad political state of things.

That's about it. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do now. I may read, I may write. I may play COH, hopefully tomorrow will be a more social day.

Like the world hurts god

Now listening to: Tortoise (Standards)

I have spent most of the night reading All Tomorrow's Parties and it's been a good read so far. Captivating characters and no weak points. It's an ensemble, with different chapters for each person or group and so far I haven't found myself wanting to get to the next piece about a certain group and bored by another. So many books sandwich the good stuff between the dull stuff. Here there is no dull stuff.

This Tortoise album is hard to describe. It's really good with moments of utter beauty. But often those perfect compositions that would grow boring have a little noise mixed in to show the imperfection inherent in all things. It's very Zen. But of course I love noise in music...I like listenign to that line where sound goes from beauty to horror.

Beauty to Horror...a razor thin edge that all life revolves on. One minute things are wonderful and the next it hardly seems worth going on. Some action that makes it seem as tho the whole world is nothing more than a torture chamber and we're strapped in for more and more humiliation and pain. Then a small thing will bring you back from the brink...the color of the trees against the skyline, the smell of popcorn, a lyric in a song that makes you feel less alone. I suppose it's those moments that keep me here and trying to accomplish something.

Yoinks and Away!!!

Now listening to: The Gray album

Talked to my brother today, which was cool. He seems really happy and that makes me glad. It's funny I was thinking of him on Saturday while we were watching Shakes the Clown, which was good. Then he calls on Sunday. It was cool. I miss that little bastard.

I have decided that the area between Filet Mignon and +1 chainmail is to be called foot massage. A foot massage is always nice, feels good but you want more. It's a nice prelude, but you still want that happy ending so it's not perfect.

Shakes the Clown has been described as the Citizen Kane of alcoholic clown movies and I think that description stands up. I'd say it's a good inauguration of my new rating and so I dub thee, Foot Massage.

I also watched Mystic River this weekend. It was excellent (also a foot massage rating) I still think Bill Murray deserved the Oscar over Sean Penn, but I can now see the argument is reasonable. Tim Robbins was really excellent. It was a really interesting story as well, not the usual type thing.

After nearly six hours of COH last night I arose a little late today and goofed off for a while. Trip and myself went to Corb's for a little swim and some Halo. It was a good time. Think I may try to listen to some of my old music and read William Gibson's All Tomorrow's Parties.

In the afterlife, you could be headed for the serious strife

Slack day, slack day. Just how I like it. Signed up for myspace.com after an invite from my brother, the goofy bastard. Not really sure what the point will be, but why not. What else do I have to do?

Not sure how I'm gonna spend the day. Trip wants me to come to his family's picnic and watch the July 4th fireworks at the Speedway (which come on July 2nd in these parts). Still not sure if I've feeling social enough to go. Plus there is country music that will be playing, which is like my kryptonite.

I may try to watch Mystic River, which mom got for me from the library. I would get on COH, but after last night's death fest I may take a break. It's altogether frustrating how difficult it becomes to level after reaching 20, especially when my controller is at the mercy of the group. Too many things can go wrong.

By Odin's Beard

Now listening to: Wire

Man am I tired. All this nothing I've been doing has me worn out. I did go to the employment office today, found out I could sign up online and came home and did so. So I now have to interact even less and I feel much better for it. Other than that I didn't do a lot. I watched Anything Else, which was decent but not spectacular. Christina Ricci looked really hot and played a nice psychotic girlfriend to Jason Biggs. It also had Woody Allen, essentially playing himself minus the fame. I give it +1 chainmail.

I played some more NFL Street, which I picked up yesterday. It's pretty good, but the single player mode is not that easy. Takes some practice to figure out how to defeat the computer and then sometimes a fumble or int. will screw you over.

Watched the Celebrity Poker Showdown finale, where Maura Tierney (my pick) defeated Laura Graham (Trip's pick). That was cool. Some good poker there.

Spins a web, any size

Just got in from Danville, where the new Spiderman movie was viewed and enjoyed. It's a good movie and I like it. I'd say it too inhabits a land between the burg of +1 chainmail and the barrio of Filet Mignon. However, saying that I would like to point out a couple of things that annoyed me. First, there were some scenes where I really didn't like the editing. I don't need a full screen view of Mary Jane's head, then Peter Parker's noggin in big head mode and finally back to MJ's huge head. Too many super closeups. That's my first problem.

The second is that as far as superheroes go, Spidey isn't my fav. I know, it was I who chose to plunk down the $7 for a movie called Spiderman 2, but what am I gonna do. The problem I always had with Spiderman was that he was conflicted and confused and never seemed to embrace being a superhero the way some others do. To put it to a point, he doesn't kick ass enough. He hems and haws and worries about hte consequences instead of busting shit up. This movie plays that up, and rightly so it is the character, but it's not what I want.

Still I did like it. I found Doc Oct to be a much more satisfying villan and there were some really sublime moments. I'm kinda leary of the third movie, which will undoubtedly be about the Hobgoblin. It's funny, in the comics I always liked the Green Goblin/Hobgoblin because of their ruthless nature and pumpkin bombing. In the movies it just doesn't read as well.

Frankly the whole film made me yearn for a good movie about a villan. The villans are the more interesting characters, why not focus on them instead of the goody goody. So I propose a full on Dr. Doom movie. He's one of the great villans and his story needs to be more than an afterthought to Spidey or the Fantastic Four.

Insert crappy life joke here

Still not feeling great. I slept in and haven't done a damn thing all day outside of browse the internet. I think Trip and I are going to Danville for some Spidey 2 love and dinner. I may get NFL Street in spite of myself. I keep playing it at Trip's and have gotten addicted. I'll probably end up trading it in when NCAA 2005 comes out.

Tomorrow I HAVE to go by the employment office. I need to get a regular source of cash. I just hate beauracracy and lines.

I've been reading some Norse myths for the last coupla days. It's slow going, as I have a full video game and dvd schedule, but they are very interesting. For one thing I like names that start with the letters Hr or Hv. They just sound cool. Also I really dig Odin. You have to respect a guy who hung himself from a tree for 9 days just to get a sip from the spring for wisdom.

You think a kid like that is gonna know what the queers are doing to the soil?

Now listening to: The Dead Milkmen (Beelzebubba)

Another relatively uneventful day. Played a little COH, watched the rest of the first season of Sex in the City, which was still very good. Then hooked up with Trip and played video games at his place. Came home, started watching the Aqua Teens and then I felt really bad. My stomach hasn't been right the last few days, I think it's stress. Ifucking hate not knowing what I'm gonna be doing for cash.

Anyway I then watched the Dead Like Me pilot which was very good. I got the first disc from Netflix, but it only had the pilot and some extra stuff. I want more, NOW! So now I have to wait until I mail in something and get disc 2.

Finally I watched the end of Rocky 2, which is truly a great film. I must have seen it like 1,000 times, but it still brings a tear to my eye when Rocky yells, "Adrian...I did it!!" Man is that great cinema or what?

I do so love the Dead Milkmen. They really aren't afraid to do anything, even suck. Some of their songs are just continuous loops of music with a spoken word poem said over them, usually with a completely absurd tilt. Those are my favorites. I can't get enough of the nonsensical. They are part of the original inspiration for my incoherent rambling, so all of you reading this and enjoying it owe a shout out to the Dead Milkmen.

Field Day for the Sundays

Now watching:Wimbledon

I'm finally back online after an evening of being banished. I had to call tech support and figure out the special dance to get things to work again. I ended up going to bed before 1 a.m. which was odd.

Yesterday I dropped off my application with the school board. Later switching by Cable 18 I saw that 40 teachers had resigned. Hopefully that makes my chances better. After that I goofed around for a while then hooked up with Trip. We played a little NFL Street and then ran a little Fallout:Brotherhood of Steel, which was pretty cool. I'm still not that big on coop games tho.

The first COH content release went live today, which is pretty cool. I'm considering just getting on and playing that for the rest of the day. I should be going to the employment office, but I don't feel like moving.

Robo puppy mistreatment alert!

Now watching: The Surreal Life and some Futurama

It's been an interesting coupla days. Yesterday Trip and I did the G-Boro thing, but didn't get to see Farenheit 911 because every showing was sold out. I'm guessing it broke all kinds of box office records for a documentary. WHat we ended up doing is minor shopping and had lunch at the Mid City Oyster Bar, which was ok, nothing special. I picked up the PS2 game Culdcept, which I've heard is pretty sweet. Not sure exactly when I'll have time for it, but it was really cheap.

After returning home, Trip and I decided to do a few shots and chill out. That turned into a lot more shots and we got really, really drunk. It was fun, we talked, drank, played music, drank and finally passed out. Ended up rising around 9 a.m. and drove home feeling like ass. A bottle of water, several aspirin and five more hours of sleep and I felt human again.

All I've done today was lay around and watch tv. I watched the movie Waking Life and it was pretty good, some thought provoking ideas presented in an unusual way. I'd say +1 chainmail. VH1 has been showing reruns of the Surreal Life and I got trapped into that because Trichelle is hot and got naked at some point. How am I supposed to not watch stupid hot chicks get nude?

I'm probably gonna watch some Adult Swim and play some City of Heroes to cap my day of slack off.Feel the power of my nerdiness.

Like Ben Franklin fucked a walrus

Now listening to: Bobcat Goldthwait's new album

Slack times for E. I've been doing a few little errands the last couple of days and not much else. I paid off my bills for the month today. I'm a little nervous about my longterm finances, especially with my weakness for impulse buying.


Tomorrow Trip and I are going to see Farenheit 911, which should be interesting. I will need to practice some restraint in G-Boro. Must not spend money, must not spend money. That's my mantra. Good thing there are not a lot of cool new games out now.

I've been playing a ridiculous amount of video games of late. We've been kicking it Halo style at Trip's pad. Add a little bit of NFL Street and a mass of City of Heroes. I've even been considering hooking up some Prince of Persia action.

This Bobcat album is fuckin funny. I'm less than halfway through and it's awesome.

I've been thinking about your axe wound

I've spent the last hour or so perusing rathergood.com which is awesome. They are the guys who od the Quizno's subs commercials, with the little fuzzy weird guys. Some great, great stuff there. Check out the FAQ to find out the definition of "Scrottocks"

I also highly recommend the naughty hedgehogs' ditty. Check it out if you like absurd humor.

Dude, my dad totally owns a dealership

Now listening to: a mix of the Electric Six, Mission of Burma, the Beastie Boys, Clutch, Static X and various other things.

I have to say, to be only one day after being fired, I feel pretty damned good. It's like a huge fuckin weight is off my shoulders. It's helped that all my friends have been really supportive and reinforcing the fact that the job sucked anyway. I talked to Trip, Kev, Corb and Mike tonight, got an email from Nick last night and everyone agreed the job sucked anyway and I was better off without it.

Plus Corb may have helped me hook up a teaching job this fall. Nothing definite, but if that works out it could be cool. I went and picked up an application and am probably gonna try to fill that out tomorrow and turn it in. I also may apply for unemployment. Free money sounds like a nice deal.

After running several errands, Trip and I did dinner then I came home and watched tv. I ended up watching the first six episodes of Sex in the City, which I did like. It's beautiful, well-off women talking about sex, what's not to like? Plus the sheer number of women in see-through tops is scandalous (note wordplay with the term sheer, nyuck nyuck).

I also need to begin a regular regimen of writing. I'm not sure when to get to that, but I need to get in an hour or so a day, at least. It would be really nice to be able to do that for a living and never have to actually show up to a crap job again. Gonna take some discipline tho.

A new low

I was fired from work today. Oddly I didn't see it coming adn I probably should have. I don't really know what to feel at the moment. Part of me wants to just sit down and cry and another part is so fuckin mad I want to kill. Also I'm oddly glad, as that means I never have to work there again. No maore godawful sporting events I hate and being nice ot people I loathe. Well not the people I'm accustomed to loathing. I have to find a whole new place to work adn loathe people. Not sure where that's gonna be. Wish I could find a way to live without some bullshit job... I'm pretty much oer beign told what to do.

I don't knwo what I'm gonna do. Well except that I'm goign to get really really drunk tonight.

Listen up crotchstain

Now listening to: Beastie Boys (To the Five Boroughs)

Did a lot of goofing off today. Watched the Master of the Flying Guillotine, which was pretty cool, the tournament segment was fun and the Guillotine was cool. I wish I had a weapon like that where i could just cut someones head off at will. Of course, the population around these parts would be decimated. I'd give the Guillotine a +1 chainmail.

I then watched No Looking Back, the Edwards Burns movie. I have to say it was his weakest work so far. Unlike She's the One or The Brothers McMullen I really couldn't relate to the characters, At best it's Meh., with definite Shaq-fu leanings.

After that I watched Mystery Men and played COH for several hours. I went on another Task force, actually it was the same one again. It was ok, I got Brody Ramone, my gravity controller, up to 21st level. It's so slow going now tho, it's tough.

Meet my new boss tomorrow, I'm expecting him to be a complete bastard. The last two guys have been decent, so this guys will be an incompetent asshole. It's just the way things work.

It's like watching a couple of retards hump a doorknob

Now listening to: The new Mission of Burma album (OnoffOn)

A pretty good day. (Funny how they seem so much better without work.) Trip and I hit Danville and got Corb some Mario GBA games. We ate at Red Lobster and had a nice meal, although my dumbass ordered far too much. Afterward we went to see Dodgeball, which was fuckin hysterical. I'm saying Filet Mignon. The title of this post is a line from the movie and I plotzed when I heard it. Uncontrollable laughter that I had no hope of stopping.

I also got a couple of new cds, the Mission of Burma album, which is rocking so far and the latest Static-X album, which I haven't had a chance to absorb yet.

I'm also off tomorrow and I plan on slacking off in a major way. I'm probably gonna watch Master of the Flying Guillotine and play COH for most fo the day. Ahh the simple pleasures.

I can't believe you asked me that

Now enjoying: a peanut butter cookie

Well I am on the threshold of a couple of days off and that's always pleasant. Work wasn't that bad tonight, but that's because I minimized my time there. I came in late, took a nigh-three hour dinner break and generally did as little as possible. It was nice. Why can't every night be like that.

During my dinner break, I had to run home to fetch a roster I had left in a pair of shorts I can't wear in the office anymore. I have to say the drive home was really nice. The weather was perfect, cool and just reaching dusk. I had a nice drive and it brightened my mood considerably.

During some down time at work, I read an interview with P.J. Harvey where the interviewer started the article off by noting that she's a tough interview and admitting he asked her a stupid question and she called him on it. I started thinking about the interviews I read and how often they don't really ask the questions I want answered. Then I started to remember the difficulty I often have asking the right questions. It's not easy. Sometimes you know what to ask and sometimes you stand there with a dumb look and hope for the best.

I think interviewing is similiar with athletes and musicians as you're asking them to verbalize something that isn't really a verbal phenomenon. Athletics are mainly physical and when you ask them to describe something, they aren't prepared for it because they just do it. It's not about words. Music is the same. So much music transcends words and explaining it can only bring it down from the height it started at. So next time you read an interview and think "That's a stupid question." remember this sort of thing ain't easy.

We is dumb... dumb as hell

Had a good time yesterday. Played COH for most of the afternoon while watching The Royal Tenenbaums (headcavingly orgasmic). The Corb picked me up and we headed to Trip's where we played some Tiger Woods and then discovered capture the flag on Halo. Previously we were purely deathmatch players, but last night the wonder of capture the flag appeared to all. It was good fun. Even as only a deathmatch game Halo was headcavingly orgasmic.

Got home around midnight and hooked up the City of Heroes one more time, taking on a task force mission. This was the first one of these I've done and it kicked ass. It's a series of missions your team does with a running storyline of sorts. Last night we defeated the Clockwork king, which kicked ass. I finally reached 20th level and all is well. I may try to get in another run at it tonight...depending on how draining work is.

Put a quarter in your ass, because you played yourself

Now listening to: Clutch

Well it's been a wonderfully sweaty day. My pants wearing ass got a nice 90-degree day to go and work. I'm still so fuckin pissed about that policy that I can barely see straight.

I got the new Beastie Boy album this afternoon and after one listen, it's definitely good. The beats are well developed and the quirky lyrics are still sharp. It is very political, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Trip believes political awareness means you can't rock the party, but I'll throw out Public Enemy to prove him wrong. Nobody rocks a party like fuckin PE.

Currently I'm downloading some of the stuff from the Shrek 2 soundtrack, which I had forgotten I wanted. That Eels song is gonna be good... of course it is an Eels song, so naturally it's good.

Who the fuck do you think you are?

now listening to: P.J. Harvey

Well my job has went into extra sucking mode. We got a nice little memo today informing us of a new dress code that doesn't allow shorts. I can change into if I'm covering something hot, but not wear them in the newsroom. It's stupid and arbitary i.e. the typical thing the happens there. I think I'm going to try to get a teaching job somewhere. I can't stand being shat on there anymore. I'm looking for a new place to be shat on.

My frustration has reached new levels. It's always fun when coaches ask me why I'm not the sports editor. Well basically it's because the people I work for are idiots. ARRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! My urge to kill is peaking.