Interesting blog...

I came across this one the other day. You send in a postcard with a secret on it. Sometimes funny, sometimes dark, and sometimes really messed up. Check it out...

An observation...

I am sitting outside my apartment and being the end of the month, and the end of semester at UT, there are a lot of move outs for the summer. I am watching people load up their U-Hauls, pick-ups, and SUV's with all their belongings. Now who in their right mind would try to move heavy furniture in flip-flops? Is that not asking for a broken ankle or something?

I am going to see how long until a trip or slip results in injury. This is how I fill my day when there is no work.

Update:

The annoying neighbors are leaving too! No more 3am dance party! No more 28,000 watt subwoofer! What a wonderful Tuesday!

A day of...

Whatever I need it to be. Since I am in work exhile due to the overtime restriction, I have the day off. Hopefully the sun will come out soon and I can get some pool time. I can also get this disaster I call my apartment in order. I see a lot of Halo 2 in my day also. Gotta love a day off.

The ills...

I have had a fever since yesterday. Chills, sweats, soreness... Last night I was so nauseated it could have been food poisoning. Now I am not so sure... Hopefully the good ol' fever meds will kick in and I will be back to normal.

Flash! Thunder! Hail!!!

I got home just in time. It is pouring outside. Complete with hail. It is just insane how strong the weather is. A couple minutes before the storm hit the county EMS chopper flew overhead(and overhead means about 30 feet over my apt building...) at a speed I did not think possible without a fixed wing. They must have been going for cover as it was moments before the wind picked up and the hail started.

What a memorial day weekend it is...

A rainy Saturday...

I am sitting on my couch, as it rains outside, and have been watching this movie about author Stephen Glass. In 1998 he wrote a piece that was completely based in fiction for New Republic magazine. It made me think about what a journalism teacher told my class in high school about ethics in reporting.

It makes you wonder of how great the power of blogging is. I write this, people read it, and they know it is my perspective. How many others are out there that people read and it becomes fact to them.

I better remember to fact check from now on...

At noon my schedules has me working on the patio. I doubt that will be happening.

How much did we have to drink last night? According to the look on my face quite a bit!

Fun Wedensday...

Being in the service industry has its perks. You meet everyone. Went to Dallas for couple hours last night. Good times. Tonite, its Lucky Lounge and Wideawake (a pretty good local band).

I love Tuaca. So does Sonya!

Ah, glorious Dallas Nightclub.

Every girl loves a cowboy.. Tara is doing her part to keep the sign clean!

Government employment 101, outta sight outta mind...

I went to the post office by my apartment to send off a gift to a friend in the Seattle area. As I walk up they have a display of priority shipping boxes. Wow I think, $7.70 for anything in this box.. Sold I say and I actually grad the display box and stuff my items in it and proudly walk up to the cashier. "That will be $13.65" she says. With a dumbfounded look on my face, I ask about the $7.70 special. She replies, "It has to have a red special printed on it" and she hands me an exact replica of the same box with the red special printed on it.

So I take this box that only exists behind the counter and repack the box contents. I pull a new # ticket as there is a line now and the clerk that I would go to next has his customer leave. Instead of calling the next #, he goes around the corner and sits down. He looks around the corner every so often to see what is going on as I stand there for the next few minutes waiting my turn with one of the other clerks.

Finally, my number is called and I go back to the original clerk. I hand her the exact same box dimensions, the same labels, all in a box that has the red special printed on it. Being the big spender I am, delivery confirmation of $.45 is added.

Six pack of Lonestar anniversary tall boys: $4.32

Shipping to Seattle via Priority Mail : $7.70

Delivery Confirmation : $ .45

Seeing my tax dollars at work : Priceless

This is where I spend my afternoons with water and WiFi.

Asombroso!

I was at work and one of the managers was giving these out. A pocket english to spanish dictionary. Just what anyone in the restaurant business or living in Texas needs!

Did you know slut in spanish is mujerzuela? I couldn't believe it was in there.

And people wonder why he was re-elected...

If I see one more democrat go for the limelight and act like a complete idiot on television, bad things may happen. Is it a surprise that Bush was re-elected when we have protestors who can't formulate one coherent sentence are the sound bite for the democratic party? I just watched two individuals state their thoughts on social security and it being turned into a private investment fund. "Um, he is um, like, um.."

Get it together people. You want the country back? Get off the couch, read a paper, GET UP BEFORE NOON, and get it done. I can't do it alone. Help me help us.

Making friends at the pool...

I met some interesting neighbors at the pool today. Sarah, was sitting at the pool minding her own business and we started talking about music and WiFi. She needed a hand getting the WiFi router working in her apartment.

So I stopped by and when I had finished getting the network up and running (all while drinking a strong cosmopolitan Sarah made) her roommate Kenna came home and had we get her WiFi card to work. It took forever, and 45 minutes of a Linksys support rep's time, and a dinner break. (Sarah is a pretty good cook, she made a nice lil chicken stir fry..)

To meeting new neighbors! (glasses clink)

Cheap food and drink...

Enjoyed one hell of a cheap lunch at El Arroyo again. And of couse, they have WiFi.. Mmmmm, ice cold lonestar..

Dave Chappelle's Show season 2 on video...

And it hilarious... Rick James, Charlie Murphy, and of course Wayne Brady are all on this set. Some really funny stuff.. Definately a good purchase..

Team America, they did it again...

I just saw Team America and couldn't stop laughing. It goes so far over the line that you can't help but laugh. Then again, I was a huge Southpark fan so it was inevitable that I would like it.

I'm so ron-ree.. So ron-ree..

Star Wars III...

WelI I saw Star Wars Episode III just a couple moments ago. My thoughts on it are mixed. Great effects, but I feel like I had a Tom Clancy pulled on me. Anyone who has read the last few Clancy installments knows that he has tried to push ideologies on his readers, and that is what I definately picked up on in this Lucas movie. I couldn't help but notice the underlying tones of abortion, war, and the fears of a failing or falling democracy. In subtle ways is this an attempt to make us or the younger generation change or views on certain aspects of our lives? Movies have been that outlet to challenge us, to let us imagine, and to make us think.

But as in the Clancy novels and this movie, was it in context to the story? In some ways yes, but I feel like an attempt was made to sll me an ideology. Not that I disagree or agree with what I believe the points that were trying to be made. I just wasn't prepared to have it sneak on me to what was supposed to be a nice sci-fi adventure for me.

I am a bit aggrevated by this and now I have to watch the movie again to get my own opinion on the movie and not what was tried on me.

Anyone else pick up on this?

This unbelievable heat...

It is only May and we are hitting the high 90's already. I spent the afternoon cooling off yesterday at the pool. Nothing beats sitting in a floating chair with music in the background.

Now I am going to finally see Star Wars Episode III. I am going to a WiFi theater so I can put some thoughts down on this final installment of Lucas' story.

Drink, shot, drank, and a shot...

Friday night. Started at Dallas Nightclub and it was lame. Left there to meet Noah over at Sherlock's. I thought I was at a mechanic's convention with all the tools we saw in there. Liz and Sara told us to meet them downtown, so we left. Downtown means Bar Austin, and that means going to Bar Austin.

I don't need anymore Tuaca for awhile.

Thursday shmursday...

After watching the OC I just kinda hung around the house. Took the dog for a long walk, talked to some friends... I stopped by Dallas for a beer to say hi to some people. Was in a weird mood for some reason, a funk I guess. Well, the weekend is finally here. yay.

The season finale of the OC...

Very excited. Caleb's funeral. Kirsten's alcoholism.. All the drama one could ask for.

Ouch!!!

My friend Marie was bartending over at El Arroyo and was carrying a glass rack to the dish room and CRASH! I look down, wanting to laugh, at her laying prone covered in glass. She got a couple cuts and will definately hurt tomorrow.

Enjoying cheap margaritas on a sunny Thursday afternoon...

Well, the OC is on in a couple hours, but until then it is margarita time!! I am sitting at the El Arroyo on Far West, using the WiFi and enjoying some 99 cent margaritas. Mi gusta el cheapo margaritas!

Good times on a Wedensday...

Deann and I desided to get drinks so she met me over at the apartment and we hit the bars. Of course she found a reason for us to stop by her place of work which happens to be a bar to have the first round. Then it was off to Dallas Nightclub. Mmmm Tuaca and Lonestar. Deann actually got me on the dance floor. I really need to learn how to two step. Big time.

Deann and I on the dance floor at Dallas Nightclub.

Deann is pleading with me to dance. I can't dance, but I had to take this picture as she was being so ridiculously funny.

Laptops and libation...

Yesterday Camille whom I work with called and needed some assistance for a slideshow presentation she is doing. I met her and her entourage over at El Arroyo, a mexican restaurant that has WiFi. After a couple beers and her laptop battery dying we leave to go get a plug and head over to Plucker's, which also has WiFi.

As I walk in I see two of my favorites, Amanda and Deann. Turned out to be a decent time. Those two are just to darn cute...

I created a new blog...

So I do not bore the masses with my talk of Halo 2, Xbox 360, and the possibility of me getting a (gasp) PS3 I created the I am a console gamer blog. I definately will be posting my desires for gaming technology there rather than on here most of the time.

I witnessed a shopping spree...

I was getting some lunch at the deli at my local HEB grocer and as I go to look for a magazine there is a bunch of employees standing with balloons and a streamer across an aisle and yell 'GO!' This guy tears off, but didn't bring his cart with him (much to the amazzement of the employees who yelled to him to take it), to grab as much stuff up to $250 in 100 seconds. He got like 8 things.. He had the place checked out. A big cooler, ome huge bottles of shampoo, a case of energy bars, some expensive toothbrush sets, and a few other items. If it was me I would have torn through the beer and wine aisle, and grabbed a few frozen pizzas or some dog food. I would have plenty of Pacifico, Lone Star, and a nice selection of merlots and pinot grigios, but alas, no case of energy bars..

I can't wait till XBOX 360...

I have been watching the Xbox 360 keynote broadcast live on the web for over and hour. (and it's still going) WOW. The games, the backwards compatibility, the new interface, what else can you say. They have a list of publishers for the newsest console that can't be touched. I am preordering one soon!!

An ice cold Lone Star and a cheesesteak...

I am sitting over at Texadelphia enjoying a cheeseteak and an ice cold Lone Star. Yum. I was very excited to see they have WiFi. I am spending more of my money in places that offer it than those that don't. Ok, time to order another Lone Star.

Wired News has this about Halo 2...

Its a story about the update and the cheating/glitching phenomenon of Halo 2.

I have to get one of these....

I saw this on Gizmodo and I must get one. The Scrolling Belt Buckle!!!

A laid back Sunday...

I went to Fry's after work with my friend Amy to look at laptop sleeves and such. What is up with the trailer park rejects for employees? In a tech oriented place like Fry's you would think that if you ask someone about WiFi items they would know. Nope. I like to shop there as long as the mormon-wear staff stays away from me. They are scarier than clowns. (not kidding.. I am planning to go to Fry's during Halloween instead of a haunted house)

Fry's had a sale on 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and as I love that movie it became mine. I will probably watch it befoe I go to sleep in a bit here.

After the horrifying journey to Fry's I just relaxed in the apartment. Mollie and I played outside for a little while and I took a nap on the front porch with my favorite iTunes playlist as the background.

Jinny always has my drinks ready for me. A shot of Tuaca and an ice cold Lone Star.

Sara is having a fun night.. Everyone loves Will Ferrell!!!

I just downloaded Firefox...

My first impression, is WOW. It actually works faster than Microsoft's Explorer. I have never been a fan of Netscape or third party browsers. I decided to give Firefox a try after IBM decided to allow its employees access and support for using it internally. Give it a wirl and kick the tires if you haven't already. I really like it.

(UPDATE)
After a few days I find myself migrating back to explorer. Sometimes Firefox is great, but posting on here made me wat to scream with it. It kept changing settings..

When did we need to have it with us at all times???

I was shopping at Best Buy today and was looking at backpacks to carry laptops and anything else I may want to have with me. What is the compulsion of never being 'without'. Would it kill me not to have my Audiovox 5600 pocket pc phone capable of playing video, mp3's, pictures, and internet? Is it that necessary to have my laptop incase I come across a WiFi hotspot so I can pop up my email and update my blog? I was looking at iPods, the difference in sizes, and what they can do. Can I get away with a 4 gig mini or do I need a 30 gig? How ridiculous is it for us to feel the need to carry 10,000 songs at all times.

Now don't misunderstand and think I am judging, as I want all that and anything else new that comes out. But, where did this compulsion begin? What made us decide that we have to have access all the time? There was a study in Britain that people who constantly check email on portable devices or on their computer actually lose intelligence. Is that the advancement of society? Are we becoming so reliable on technolgy that we can't live without it? I have been distracted in conversations with people by being preoccupied with the need to check email.

Where do we go from here? Is it time for us to draw limits or throw ourselves deeper into the bottomless pit of technological advancement?

This is something I will have to ponder after checking my email, calling friends on my cellphone, ordering my movie tickets online, all while playing Halo 2 and updating my blog at he same time.

Something really cool for you wax lovers...

Check out this new way to play vinyl without a scratch!

The NEW XBOX revealed!!

Ok, I decided to write this as it is being watched so my excitement shows. Elijah Wood is the host. He actually used to date a friend of mine from my SXSW days. He comes to Austin every so often, and from what friends of mine have told me he is pretty down to earth. Not bad for a kid who was part of one of the most watched movie series of all time.

I just saw the first glimpse of what is now officially XBOX 360. It is a gorgeous device in white. Looks like it can stand on end as well as horizontal.

Now the Killers are playing what was my summer anthem, "Mr. Brightside". Looks like MTV and Microsoft wanted to go all out on the special effects. Way to kill a live performance guys.

Funny skit with the West Coast Customs guys. They always crack me up.. Now its off to Seattle for a look at the new design. It is one hell of a sexy machine. Changeable faceplates.. Sexy. Wireless controllers. Sexy. Xbox Marketplace.. Well, its like having a cranky wife. (ie, costs you money, but necessary)

They have been showing all the new games. WOW. Is it graphics or is it real! Perfect Dark Zero looks awesome!!

Ugh.. AthenaPMS and her twin sister AthenaTwin. (Two real pains if they do not get their way) I was gaming against those two in the beginnings of Xbox Live. There is a PMS gamer named Trixie and that is her XBL gamertag (not to be confused with Xbox Live's TriXie, she is a nice person!!) who loves using racial slurs in games. If you beat her she calls you something that rhymes with Tigger. She needs to just go hide in the trailer park she came from.

Ok, so the XBOX 360 is definately on my must have list. Can't wait!

"Seth Cohen's a tool..."

Ok, a dilema on the show was do you take a girl you like to prom OR do you meet George Lucas because he likes your work and wants to make it his next project. Now that is some decision.

Another topic was alcoholism. They have been bringing this topic up for a season and a half.. very slowly. It has actually been told in a very realistic way. Just a little here and there.

Ok, hearing George Lucas talk about missing his prom was a bit weird. Funny, but a bit weird. I guess I have something in common with George Lucas. That isn't so bad.

And the title to this was something yelled during the show at one of he main characters. I almost had Diet Dr. Pepper squirt out my nose.

I also cannot believe Caleb died. Never would have thought that the show would off him.

Next week is the season finale. Can't wait to see it!

Tonite we finally see it...

Well the wait to see the new Xbox is over. The supposed Xbox 360 will be shown tonite on MTV with special guests at 9:30pm EST. Which is perfect for me as right after the OC I will be able to chill with new technology!! I am such a dork.

But let's talk about the OC for a moment. It is starting to get a little too much like Days of our Lives on me.. I know, I know, it is the OC and it is my own fault for getting hooked on it. Hey, we all have to have some cheezy entertainment in our lives. I just like it as they have characters that span all ages,pretty good music, and the dialogue has some great lines. Adam Brody's character has had some of the best lines you can have in a show. Christmakkah.. It has started a whole new phenomenom.

Bungie loses to Xbox Live Team...

Well, the challenge was made, and Bungie didn't win a game of Halo 2 against the hard working Xbox Live Team. Check out the game that they chose and you can see Bungie just didn't have what it takes to beat them. It is kind of sad when a game's creators can't beat the challengers. But if I would have been a betting man I would have taken Bungie. Good thing I didn't bet!!

Home Networking take 2...

Ok, so after playing and searching, I decided to go with the Linksys WRT-54G. Cheap, and t seems to have better range where I am at... Played with the DI-624 and it got so much interference from everywhere I decided to go with a different style. Time will tell. Gotta play with the position in the apartment so I can get a good bubble outside of it.

Annoyed...

I was supposed to get a tour of the Real World House Austin, but it has been veto'd by MTV. Not a big deal, but I hate being told no, especially when I was told no problem by the production coordinator for Bunim-Murray productions.

Ok, enough already..

I played Halo 2 tonite with the Xbox Live team. I have become the whipping boy. My latest skill has been the recurring theme of going the wrong way. It reminds me of the Schoolhouse Rock 'Interjections' video where the guy ran the wrong way with the football.. (I see that kid in glasses yelling "hooray, I'm for the other team!") There has been talk of changing my gamertag to reflect that.. (Wrong Way Japher..) Its been fun being the whipping boy also, as if I do something stupid its dismissed because who can expect more from Wrong Way.. Ha Ha!

Mollie loves to play Halo 2 on Xbox Live. She is sporting the Major Nelson headset. Good dog!

Blogging in the beautiful weather is fun. Doing power point slides for work not fun. Mollie always there to double check my work.

Approaching the halfway point...

2000+ songs and counting. This is starting to get tedious. Cheapo Records, here I come.

Impromptu Day Off...

Overtime. It is a '4 letter word' in the restaurant business. After a not so lucrative weekend I get the whole day off to clen up the apartment, which is really needed. My good old dog Mollie would probably love a bath while I am at it also. Yay me.

Moblogs.. Do we need even more blogs?

Ok, I decided to give moblogging a shot. I may end up on flickr, but for now I am here. If you don't know what a moblog is, in a nutshell, camera phone blogs. Should be fun.

Check out my new moblog..

The weather in Austin. Yeah, it is dark and not a good picture, but you can see the droplets in the air the flash caught. This is a sign. But I have never been one for signs.

Every day is like Sunday..

Another Sunday has come and will soon go. Been sitting at home procrastinating. Do I clean the apartment? (it could really use a bit of cleaning..) I could put the other couple hundred cd's on my laptop? There is the XBOX too... Noah and the Bar Austin crew are at Hula Hut right now and will probably head downtown, whichmeans heading to SOHO, Firehouse, Bar Austin, and whatever else seems to be the place for us. Should I have more adventures? Do I need to? Always hard to pass up an andventure. But, there is big storm going on. Staying home does seem the sensible thing to do..

What does his children think..

Leonard Nimoy sings.. How embarrassing for anyone who knew him then. I got to find some Bill Shatner videos.. I know he has to had done this also..

This cracks me up by the way.. Tears I tell you....

Cinco de Mayo in Austin..

I wasn't too into the celebration today. So much has been going on that has had me distracted from my normal routine. (A bit to do with some financial issues, but all is going to be fixed and worked out) Janni and Sonja kept handing me Cabo Wabo (aka Sammy Hagar crappy tequila) to get me in the mood. Kevin and Jennifer (not pictured) whom I haven't seen in awhile stopped by, and it is always a pleasure to see them. Best $3 I have spent all week.

A bonus was two new episodes of the OC. I get so much grief for watching this show. I don't care. It is a guilty pleasure for me. I like it. So sue me.

What I have been really excited to see more of is an event that was filmed in LA last night. Yes, you guessed it, the new Xbox unveiling. I went to Xbox Live's Major Nelson's blog and got the scoop on the to do over there. (Look on my links, it will take you there) I know what I have to get before it comes out so I am prepared. HDTV and a bad ass sound system.

I have not really touched my PSP in a bit. Definately not bored with it, but I have been all about the laptop lately. After having that Compaq POS, this Toshiba Satellite laptop is a dream. I have put about 100 cd's on it already. (300 more to go, but I am over 1600 songs so far.) I definately love it.

Ok, time to walk the dog.

Janni, Jinny, John, and Sonja at Dallas Nightclub last night. Jinny was bored so I showed up with laptop (look at the lower right corner), sat at the bar, and got some work done, They were able to see the pictures from the Envy partythat I am editing as my birthday gift to Jinny. It was a nice laid back Cinco de Mayo.

Do these women look devious? They should. The title of this picture is "Nurses Gone Bad". I met them while they were throwing straws into someones overteased hair. I couldn't stop laughing.

As you can see I made the right choice and went to Dallas NIghtclub. Sara is holding a Green Johnny shot. (dedicated to the one known as Green Johnny!)

Is it Wedensday already?

That being said, there are two choices for Wedensday night activities. One, Dallas Nightclub for 69 cent drinks, or two being Krunkeoke Night at Tambaleo (hip hop karaoke, which is a lot of fun, as it is old school). It is going to be one long week ahead of me. So much to do, so little time. I just wish I was at the taping for the debut of the new XBOX which is today. Killers performing, new gaming console, what more could you ask for.

Ever have a crazy neighbor?

I do, or seem to right now. Is it normal to stand in one spot and sweep for several minutes and whistle? I don't think it is.

Throw it in my face why don't you..

Last night I played some Halo 2 with friends online. I apparently have become the joke of the group as I have played horribly the last few times. I killed my whole team on accident and lost the game for us. Then, Rednex (his gamertag) who is the normal joke of the group beats me in one of my favorite game modes on Halo 2. Laugh it up guys.. I will have my revenge..

See my destruction...

Talli enjoying a Lone Star. Good Talli. Drinking and IM'ing can be fun!

What do you do when you find out the wireless router you just bought is defective and you have to replace it? You crack open a Lone Star..

I went with the D-Link 524..

I stopped by CompUSA and picked it up after work. It was cheap, Xbox Live compatible, and its working great out of the box as I post this.

Oh so sleepy...

I didn't get home from work till almost 2:30am. Back up at 8am, with a return to work by 9am. Will someone please, please, please bring me a red bull?

Plus I just found out my wireless router no longer comes with rebates. Ok, time to walk the dog.

Would you do this at a restaurant?

Propose that is. I never have understood why people will go to a popular eatery and pop the question. Maybe if it was your first date or something but I still don't get it. I can see it now, 'We will take the calamari, and oh, can I get a lemon for my water?(turns to potential fiance) Will you marry me?' I see a divorce after two years if the wedding actually happens.